I am hoping this will be a place where you will ALL share your tricks and plans, your hopes and goals for trying to be that little bit healthier each day. There is a lot of information available and it is daunting trying to sort through it.I am not only looking for guidelines and links but for your collective practical wisdom - for recipes, for places to source food, for what gets you out of bed and fed in the morning, for what makes you go to sleep at night, and alas the holy grail for what makes you hold it calmly together during the day, while juggling treatments and home and life. Nutritional Science here we come...seriously hoping we can put our heads together and support each other to be that little bit healthier each day.

Hi all - I have scanned the comments over time of this thread and have to wade in. I'm not going to be the peacemaker because as @Afraser says, we are all adults. But I will ask that we reboot the thinking to consider what makes this forum work best and the impact of the words we write.Here I see it's happened again: tone dominating content; misrepresentations and misinterpretations leading some to over reactions and then lashing out. 99% of the time this forum is positive, supportive, caring and a fabulous place for peers to share genuine wisdom through experience. We don't always have to have to last say. We don't always have to be right. We don't always have to agree. That's reality. That's the world we live in. Let's take it down a notch and think about how respectful interactions look and feel like and try to emulate that?Let's think about all the crap we have been forced to endure in this 'journey' and understand that really what unites us is far more amazing and profound than that which divides us!#justsaying :) :) :) :) :* :* :* :* :* :* Nikki

I for one, do not envy our hard working and dedicated moderators. They must sometimes feel as if they are trying to herd cats, or nail jelly to the wall...so difficult. In a group as diverse as ours, our only common ground being this wretched disease, opinions and personalities differ greatly. There has been discussion and difference of opinion on a number of matters, one of which is language. There are a number of us who are not averse to using very ripe language as a stress reducing tool, it is part of our normal vernacular. However, there are some, of a more delicate nature who are deeply offended by this. Balance has to be achieved. There are some who feel that more or less support in the way of separate groups for different demographics should be catered for...but where does it end? A group for younger folks (how about one for the oldies), those who feel there should be one for the childless, as they feel unincluded. One for Christians...how about the Muslims, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostics etc... There has been discussion about costs of tests, treatments and drugs...who gets what at what price. Some rather iffy comments there too. Sometimes a person can get very enthusiastic and keen to share on something in particular, but it can come across as being somewhat zealous, and this can offend. I have, over the years, been doorknocked by groups of very nice, very zealous groups of people of a particular religious persuasion. They are deeply sure that if I would only read what they have to offer, I will gain Eternal Life. They are convinced that they are right and that my ignorance will be a death sentence to me. I make my choice and they make theirs. I feel as a group, we are all probably more informed than Joe Public on various matters relating to breast cancer and all it entails. We can indeed all read, and are (for good and bad), fully able to access all sorts of information via google. I found this group by googling "support groups online...breast cancer..Australia". So, one score in the positive for the Big G. Others have conferred with Dr Google to their detriment. They have looked up side effects of every drug recommended to them by their oncologists, to then go on and cherry pick what they will and won't have. Some have declined treatment and have chosen to eat kale and hop on the treadmill (so to speak). Some are happy with their decision, others have regretted it. There is no 100% right for everybody and no 100% wrong. We are all intelligent beings, and we each have to find our own path through this nightmare. We should feel free to express our individual opinions, but sometimes it's not what is said, but how it is done. and the old adage of "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" can apply. Thank goodness we are all so very different...it makes for a diverse and dynamic group.

Now this is what the Forum in all the time I've been here is about, @tonyaM @Deanne @Romla @Molly001 @Afraser @primek @Zoffiel @iserbrown and everyone else who have added in a very loving way here. I couldnt have said it better the way Marg @Zoffiel just posted and I completely reiterate this...for me I hate seeing people killing themselves believing IF they had just exercised more, ate differently or did things differently they wouldnt be on this bus. The truth is none of that is true...I also get for many it is a sense of control so doing all those things that THEY say to prevent makes them feel much more in control. Experience and not just my own has taught me that its just not true. My point was and still is just do the things that matter to you. All studies are just that minority, thats why there are sooo many things we can't have? or contribute lol. Hmmm Green Tea whoa!!!! I have drank that all my life, so I shouldnt have gotten it once let alone twice??I do share the thoughts of @zoffiel very much, I eat so well and on the days when my compromised body from chemo and meds allows me I will ride my exercise bike or go for a walk. I walk 10,000 everyday in my job. So for a treat last night I had icecream and chocolate woo hoo hahaha!!! because I deserved it and enjoyed it and its about living. Exercise is mandatory in this life for well being period...nothing to do with BC and Professionals will tell you that. Ladies I love a good recipe and have done a heap of things spent with my exercise physiologist for over a year. Ive done it all and Im in a great place....am I naive to think I wont fall 3rd time...hell no...Live the good life, it comes back to self....nurturing and loving who you are however that looks to you. Anyone who knows me here knows my comments come from a heartfelt and honest place. Ive spent many nights offering a kind word to help others through what is an extremely difficult journey...all because I know what those moments feel like. Much love everyone! Melinda xo@Molly001 I just wanted to say, you are an absolute love!! biggest of hugs to you sweet..I hope you are doing OK!

It has been very interesting reading everyone's posts.There is so much care for others displayed even though most of us are strangers to each other.My husband asked me to mention Kerryn McCann, the dual Commonwealth Games marathon runner who died from breast cancer nearly 10 years ago aged 41. How much more exercise could a person do? How much fitter could you be?

Diet, exercise, lifestyle to decrease the risk of BC recurrence

109 Replies

Artferret
Member
8 years ago
HI Wildplaces
Yummy recipe coming up. Found this one on the back of oregano mountain bread. It's pizza but healthy (good if you are following a low cholesterol diet...like me...letrozole has a lot to ans and very yum.

Four pieces of mountain bread, brush with water to stick together
Spread with 1 cup of your favourite pasta sauce (i used my homemade tomato sauce)
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, can use low fat cheese if needed
Slice up finely whatever veggies you want, capsicum, mushroom, zucchini, eggplant (sprinkle this with a little salt), sweet potato and spread on top
Slice up half a dozen baby bocconcini and place in between veggies, can spread more mozzarella on top if you wish
Place in a hot oven 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes
If you want you can add some semi cooked sliced chicken on top (it will finish cooking and therefore not be so dry) if you don't want the vegetarian version. Enjoy!
This is the second recipe I've tried using a mountain bread recipe. The first one i did was ravioli using the bread. It was great too.
Wildplaces
Member
8 years ago
Ok, Patty and Iserbrown - I have to thank you both.
It has just clicked with ME! Oh well better late then never - so AGAIN thank you for that lesson.
Language matters.

I got it wrong - I meant to say " Diet, Exercise, lifestyle to DECREASE the risk of BC recurrence ".
I will try and contact BCNA on Monday and see if it can be edited.
If not it will be part of the thread's journeys and lessons.

(())
Wildplaces
Member
8 years ago
Crickey... I am not bright enough for tongue and cheek. Really concrete here so please never take offence - it's always from the heart. And if you wanna have some fun I probably would not notice so just go ahead we can all use a laugh!

I really wanted to know if anyone has modified some of their recipes to a more healthier alternative and have had goofs results. I did ask for recipes on opening commmet.

I love my home when the oven is on with something in it.
I know you guys might feel I live under a rock ( and sometimes I wish I could hide a little) but I just discovered there was such a thing as Kamut flour - apparently better for you - I am going to try it when I do muffins.
I bake bread - well the machine does - I will try adding some fine semolina to it and see what happens.
And I have been thinking about using polenta for pizza bases.
What do you like to bake??
iserbrown
Member
8 years ago

Wildplaces said:

And no healthy yummy baking recipes that include abundant fruit and vegetables - no one bakes ??
Seriously....

?? No one bakes ?? What are you trying to say here? Or is this a tongue in cheek comment? I bake!
Wildplaces
Member
8 years ago
Kiwi Angel,
I had to scroll up and read your post again - ok, it will get a little bumpy aka rough before it gets better but I am hoping I can say we all here for you. Ask us anything you need.
I love morning walks when I can fit them in!
Wildplaces
Member
8 years ago
Wow, I am so grateful for each and everyone of your responses. Chuffed to bits. Thank you ALL!!

I meant to put this on the opening note but here it goes - I wish everyone who comes here to feel free to tell their story or plan - no judgments, please ONLY support. If nothing happens in terms of cancer recurrence AT LEAST we would be a little healthier in the rest of us and a little wiser in what we pass on to our families.

I have a 5 cm tumour 1 node positive and I have had the treatment package of Mastectomy,chemo,rads and AI and I would honestly like to engage freely in talks about how to manage diet, exercise, time, and stress. I work and have an 8 year old son.

Patty I am deeply sorry you had a recurrence - no one has the book on this.
I have a friend in BC, Canada who had a recurrence - bone, pleura after 16 years, she is now 54 - still with the same oncologist and currently doing very well. She is one of the gutsiest ladies I know. About to take a cruise of the British Isles. May I ask do you have a local recurrence??

Kmakm - you are spot on about exercise - the evidence is more then Dr Google. It is robust.
I will post on it over the w/end. Well done on losing weight!! Please keep posting. We met over a Plastics thread so you know I can speak my mind. The stuff on alcohol is more complex and nowhere near as solid so I will leave that for later. Plus I can't part with my glass of wine for dinner - not everyday, but I grew up surrounded by grapes.

Deanne I love your post!! Stay with us please. I am on the GC. We are down at Kingscliff for end school holidays and I just visited Tropical world - apparently pineapple is great for coughs, about to dive into that.

zoffitel - I heard of Tai Chi on YouTube - don't laugh but I am not sure I can classes time wise now and I would like to try it - any advice??

And no healthy yummy baking recipes that include abundant fruit and vegetables - no one bakes ??
Seriously....
iserbrown
Member
8 years ago

Patti J said:

Hi,
Eat more vegetables. That is what my dietitian told me to do.
Stress less.
Exercise.
Have little nap during the day.
Try to do everything you have always done.
There is nothing you can do to prevent a recurrence.
You just have to live your life.

I thought it was worth quoting your post as it is so apt

It really should be "No to Dr google" - we are all different in the way our bodies react, metabolise treatment et cetera Who'd thought after 15 years! My heart goes out to you!
When I was diagnosed I had confided in a male mate and sent him a text that said "Shite happens", he has been my best support ever!
Not sure where you are in the course of it all but hopefully you are beating it again!
Take care and sending you a virtual hug
Deanne
Member
8 years ago
Make small changes.
Set achievable goals.
Reward those achievements.
Eat healthy food you actually LIKE and ENJOY eating. (This may change and expand as your tastebuds adjust to less sugar etc)
Exercise consistently even if it is just a little at first. (Something little everyday is better than exhausting yourself and not being able to do anything for the next few days)
Find exercise that you ENJOY so it becomes a reward not a chore.
Compare only with your current self and celebrate any improvements. (Don’t keep knocking yourself by comparing to others or your pre-BC self).
Be kind to yourself.
It takes TIME.
It’s worth the effort.

I found my lump 5 years ago on the 29th of this month. I had a mastectomy, partial axillary clearance, chemo, radio and hormone therapy (Tamoxifen, then ovary removal and Femara on-going). Those small changes and efforts have given me a life I am proud of. In many ways I am an improved version of the pre-bc me. It did not happen overnight and there have been some backward movements at times. But even now I am seeing small improvements in my quality of life. Keep moving, keep trying and recognise every achievement no matter how small. :)
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
Oh @PattiJ I am SO sorry! I didn't mean to upset you, or anyone. I know lots of people have recurrences no matter what they do or don't do. I was just trying to contriute to the discussion. I do apologise.
Patti_J
Member
8 years ago
I am so angry. I am shaking!!!

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Diet, exercise, lifestyle to decrease the risk of BC recurrence

109 Replies

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