Letrozole and phytoestrogens

Hi there,  congrats on finishing up all your treatments except for  the hormone blockers.  I have sent you a link from Dr Li, MD and his book Eat to beat Disease is great.  You can see him on YouTube too and he discusses soy etc.  Here is the link https://drwilliamli.com/cancer-fighting-foods-overturning-the-soy-myth/

I eat plant based so soy products are a big part of my diet, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, miso etc

He explains the difference in the pathway etc  This urban myth has been around for a long time and still floating around.  
Hope you feel well and stay healthy.

Barbara

I think I read somewhere that eating phytoestrogens in food is OK, but taking supplements is not. I blame taking soya isoflavones to counteract perimenopause symptoms in part for my breast cancer.

Thanks for the article, it does provide interesting data. I might try soy milk again. I wasn't over keen on the taste before. I think the main thing in this is moderation.  

Hi SwimSwim , welcome to the hormonally deranged club! (I’m on Anastrozole which has similar side effects). As mentioned above, research seems to show that soy is fine and even potentially protective. I stick to the ‘simple’ versions like edamame beans, soya ‘milk’, tofu, tempeh, miso etc. I try to avoid foods with soy protein isolate as it’s probably ultra processed which is bad in itself. This approach was confirmed at a talk by a dietitian last autumn, which I attended at Future Dreams in Kings Cross. Worth a google even if you’re nowhere near as they do online stuff too. It’s a charity for people affected by breast cancer. The dietitian seemed very knowledgeable and had specialised in oncology for most of her career. 
Re dairy substitutes I prefer soya in drinks but oat in porridge. Definitely different tastes. 
Wishing you well, I agree the hormone therapy side effects are a challenge! My sanity saver is walking. Love and hugs, HFxx

PS I found acupuncture helpful - had a 6 week course of ear acupuncture at the Maggie’s centre at Addenbrookes 

I think if soy in foods was the  problem the Japanese women would have high rates if BC and they don’t.  I agree no supplements with soy.  Real food for real women!!

Barbara

Totally agree about soy protein isolates as it is too processed.  Almost in every frozen plant based item so I always read labels.  
I love soy products and eat it often as main stay of my plant based diet.  
Exercise makes my day too. So happy that we are feeling up to enjoying ourselves again.  For so many it is a long hard road that takes time and patience.  
I am on anastrazole too and for me my dry mouth at night is the worst side effect.  I wake up in the night and my mouth feels like cotton  and my lips are stuck together.  Other side effects too but I keep on moving forward.  
Barbara