Ok....since my dcis was related to high estrogen(80) and progesterone(90) and because I am premenopausal, are there certain foods to be really careful about?  Before my diagnosis I was eating protein bars with lots of soy.  I have since learned that soy drives estrogen.
I would like to stary slowly lifting weights again....had my bilat mastect on 7/2/09 with expanders and lat dorsi reconstruction. 
I can't really do peanuts for protein because I have a hard time digestings them.  I had sun flower seeds and wound up in the hospital and had to have a colonoscopy SOOOO....
I am not taking tamoxifen at this time because my bs felt that once we took the breasts, there would be no need.  We are arguing with insurance right now to get the Bracc1 done so I can figure out if I need to get a hysterectomy/ooph.
Any suggestions? Thoughts?  Oh.....keep in my that we have 5 kids and though we do eat our share of fruits and veggies, we are also carnivores LOL!!!

Hi Newboobs,

5 kids, wow that is cool. 

Take a look at the other threads here in HL.  When you log in click on Healthful Living, at the bottom of the page that lists the Threads, is the "Time Filter,"set it for 90 days and look through the threads there. When I was the moderator here I started a number of threads that may be helpful and put me on the track to help you. 

EXERCISE:
First with exercise, did your doctors give you a list of exercises? Your surgery was not all that long ago. Let's start you slowly. Of course please discuss anything we all suggest to you with your doctor. 

I found slow movements at first best, esp. in the shower. Then with doctor's approval started yoga, not twisting into a pretzel slow stretching gradually increasing. It was not until at least a year that I could do a real sit-up. Weight baring exercises are good, but here start with a very light wt, to get the method correct, I don't want you to get hurt. 

When I started exercising & using wts, I realized that I had to train my other muscles to take over for the one that was removed with the breast. This will take time, please be patient with yourself, I promise this will work.

RECIPES & MEALS PREPARATION:
As far as preparing foods,  again look at some of those threads. Then come back and we'll work on some ideas for you. I believe a varied diet is the way for many people to go taking into consideration dietary restrictions, medications, chemo, radiation, time to prepare foods, work, & of course the pocket book (especially in the present economy). 

So look at the threads and then we will try to help you with ideas.

Hugs,
Marie

Joined 1.04

1953 Amputation below knee.  1995 Intraductial Carcinoma Biopsy (in-situ).  8.95 to 10.95 Radiation.  6.00 Rt breast Mastectomy.  6.26.00 to 9.14.00 Expansion injections.  9.00 Saline Implant.  12.28.00 Rt nipple & left lift. 1.01 Tattoo. 2002 Hasimoto's Thyroiditis.  7.02 Ablation for palpitations.  4.03 Osteoporsis. 2008 Cataracts. 

I am VERY INTERESTED in what foods increase Estrogen. I stay away from as much soy and flax as possible. Easier to avoid flax than soy because it seems there is soy in everything.
 
I have read that too many mushrooms increase estrogen. ?????????????
 
Perhaps we could start a list of foods (fit to eat, please) that have no soy.  I have tried the mayo, and I would just as soon do without.
 
Peter Pan Peanut butter has no soy.
Sun Chips have no soy.
Kens Steak House Raspberry/Pecan non fat dressing has no soy.
 
Are there foods that will LOWER THE ESTROGEN?  (FOODS, PLEASE, NOT SUPPLEMENTS - BECAUSE THEY SCARE ME!)
 
MJG

There is nothing, I know of, that one can eat to reduce Estrogen Levels, however there are the green leafy veg: Broccoli, Dark green Cabbage etc. that helps move Estrogen to it's right place.

The deal on beingover weight is this, Estrogen is produced, after menopause, and let's face it, most of us have been through Chemopause, through HIP FAT. The more hip fat you have the more Estrogen will be produced.

BTW I thought Peanuts might not be the best choice, Almonds are better?
Sharon

Non Hodgkins Lymphoma Extra Nodal (Stomach + BM)
Stage IV C. Survivor x 5 years
T/ment: 8 cycles Rituxan CVP x 8 + Rads. x 30
Friends affected by Breast Cancer

Sharon,
Well, I learned something new today! I did not know that about the hip fat! Hips are not too bad --- now how about abdominal  fat? Not huge but is the biggest part of me?  (I think apple shape is worst for heart problems) ** big sigh**
 
MJG 

MJG-Thank you for posting that....I am going to do a search on the internet about foods that do not contain soy as well foods that increase estogren.  I will also check this site because I am sure like Marie suggests, someone has already done this. 
Marie, thanks for the info and advice.  I really swelled up after I did the elliptical 2 days in a row for 30 minutes hard cardio with a 3 load so I need to start slower.  I did pilates/yoga yesterday for the abs and will do that again tomorrow.  I hate that I feel like I am starting over and am weak.
With all of these smart women here, has anyone thought to put out an exercise video for after a mastectomy and/or chemo?

New boob,

We can talk tomorrow. I do Winsor Pilates, a lot of her tapes are mat exercises. Be sure to talk to doctor before you do Pilates, some exercises are pretty hard, may be too much pulling right now. 

I Like yoga & there are some good yoga tapes. Check in w/ your doctor to let him know you had swelling. Where did you have swelling? 

I know you want to get your life back & you will.  Yoga is really good to start with and gradually build from there. 

I usually check in everyday. We will help you, I promise!!

Marie

Joined 1.04

1953 Amputation below knee.  1995 Intraductial Carcinoma Biopsy (in-situ).  8.95 to 10.95 Radiation.  6.00 Rt breast Mastectomy.  6.26.00 to 9.14.00 Expansion injections.  9.00 Saline Implant.  12.28.00 Rt nipple & left lift. 1.01 Tattoo. 2002 Hasimoto's Thyroiditis.  7.02 Ablation for palpitations.  4.03 Osteoporsis. 2008 Cataracts. 

This was a list from a Komen thread dated 9.25.08

Foods rich in phytoestrogens, a natural estrogen: 

Soy. 

Millet. 

Barley. 

Flax seed. 

Lentils. 

Kidney beans. 

Lima beans. 

Rye. 

Clover. 

Fennel. 

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans). 

Other foods containing the estrogen compound phytoestrogen include: 

Apples. 

Alfalfa sprouts. 

Celery. 

Parsley. 

Beets. 

Bok choy. 

Broccoli. 

Cauliflower. 

Carrots. 

Cucumbers. 

Mushrooms. 

Brussel sprouts. 

Seaweeds. 

Squash. 

Pumpkin seeds. 

Sunflower seeds. 

Cherries. 

Olives. 

Pears. 

Plums. 

Tomatoes. 

Prunes. 

Barley. 

Oats. 

Brown rice. 

Wheat germ. 

Bulgur. 

Brewer’s Yeast. 

Black-eye peas. 

Mung bean sprouts. 

Navy beans. 

Red beans. 

Split peas. 

Spices; cloves, ginger, hops, oregano, red raspberry, sage tea, thyme, turmeric. 

<message edited by MarieR on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 10:49 PM>

Joined 1.04

1953 Amputation below knee.  1995 Intraductial Carcinoma Biopsy (in-situ).  8.95 to 10.95 Radiation.  6.00 Rt breast Mastectomy.  6.26.00 to 9.14.00 Expansion injections.  9.00 Saline Implant.  12.28.00 Rt nipple & left lift. 1.01 Tattoo. 2002 Hasimoto's Thyroiditis.  7.02 Ablation for palpitations.  4.03 Osteoporsis. 2008 Cataracts. 

Estrogen & food links.

1. Environmental Health Science report 3.27.09 "Food may contain environmental estrogens
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/estrogenic-food-additives


2.http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/Hrt/hrt_food_and_estrogen.htm

3. Women to Women Breast health- causes of BC- the estrogen controversy 
http://www.womentowomen.com/breasthealth/estrogenbreastcancer.aspx

4. Cornell University study this is a little old but I included both
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/General/fs10.estrogen.cfm


5. Also Cornell U
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/General/fs9.estrogen.cfm


6. Breast Cancer.org "What role do hormones play in BC Treatment?"
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/what_is_it/hormone_role.jsp

7.Nat'l Cancer Institute   BC Prevention
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/breast/Patient/page3


There are many studies  lots of data, this is only the tip of the iceburg.

Joined 1.04

1953 Amputation below knee.  1995 Intraductial Carcinoma Biopsy (in-situ).  8.95 to 10.95 Radiation.  6.00 Rt breast Mastectomy.  6.26.00 to 9.14.00 Expansion injections.  9.00 Saline Implant.  12.28.00 Rt nipple & left lift. 1.01 Tattoo. 2002 Hasimoto's Thyroiditis.  7.02 Ablation for palpitations.  4.03 Osteoporsis. 2008 Cataracts. 

For crying out loud.....everything seems to cause hormonal issues or raises estrogen......even bottled water according to the Enviromental health report.  What are we supposed to do? Live on air? 
Of course when I turned 44 I was working out a lot and eating protein bars every morning(containing soy and whey), I was eating MUFA(mono unsaturated fatty acids) which was a lot of olives, nuts, beans, etc.....everything on the naughty list!
I know everything in moderation is probably safe but what is moderation? GRRRRRR!!!