Alternative treatment
I was diagnosided with stage 1 breast cancer 3 months ago after a supposedly non malignant cyst was removed (the biopsy had missed the cancer), had another operation during which more breast tissue wa...
Forum Discussion
Bricha I am taking diindolylmethane (also known as DIM) as well as tamoxifen. DIM is derived from cruciferous vegies like broccoli and is produced in the body from the break down of I3C. It is supposed to be a more bio-available form of the substance ie your body is better able to use DIM than the I3C. I did actually try I3C first but it made me a bit dizzy and, after further research, I learned about DIM being a better option.
The University of Arizona is currently doing a study into the whether taking tamoxifen in conjunction with DIM is more effective in preventing BC recurrance than taking tamoxifen alone. So I thought I would give it a try too. I was taking the DIM before I started the tamoxifen and didn't have any side-effects from it. I've been taking it for about 10 months I think and the tamoxifen for about 8 months.
The tamoxifen is not too bad. I think it does interfere with my sleep sometimes - I often wake up very eearly - and I've had hot flushes but they seem to be diminishing. I haven't gained any weight but I'm working bloody hard at that - exercising heaps and watching my diet very carefully.
I am too scared to rely on the DIM alone. My cancer was stage 2 and grade 3 so I feel like it is too much of a risk, especially as I'm not having major problms with the tamoxifen. But I guess I've always had that option in the back of mind if it turned out the tamoxifen was unbearable. Why don't you give it try first. It may not be as bad as you expect. Good luck, Janet.