Tamoxifen and Alchohol

I’ve become t total,never knew alcohol was a class 1 carcinogenic like smoking, don’t miss it too much, I do wonder if my occasional drink led to my breast cancer.  Definitely personal choice, I still eat small amounts of red meat and processed meat, and that is also carcinogenic.

Hi CER , I’m surprised that your GP recommended a ketogenic diet for cancer patients. I went to a dietitian talk/ group discussion at a lovely place in London called Future Dreams. It’s for anyone affected by breast cancer, and has online stuff as well as face to face. The dietitian specialised in oncology, and certainly didn’t advocate keto diets. She emphasised much of what has been mentioned already ie lots of plant based, unprocessed foods and whole grains. Meat in moderation (I’m vegetarian myself) but not processed. She did also emphasise getting enough protein. And she recommended an overnight fast of 12 hours minimum, ideally 13-14. I had already been doing a 13 hour fast for a couple of years, having read a study posted on a thread here, so was pleased to hear it endorsed by her! Fermented foods also recommended, I’m a fan of kimchi myself and also like kombucha, which is a nice replacement for a glass of wine! Like some other posters here I’ve also gone teetotal as I don’t think there’s a ‘safe’ level of alcohol. For myself, it’s not worth the risk, but I can appreciate that others may feel it’s too much to give up. Also I feel pretty rubbish at times on Anastrozole, especially first thing in the morning, so definitely couldn’t face a hangover on top! 
Will try to post a link to Future Dreams separately as it seems a really lovely resource, both in person if you’re anywhere near London or online. The other place that I’d recommend looking at is the Penny Brohn centre - I’ve never been as I’m not near Bristol but have done some online stuff. Lots on diet there too. 
Love and hugs, HFxx 

Me again! This is the Future Dreams link, I hope….

futuredreams.org.uk/.../

The alcohol free drinks industry is really developing at the moment - certainly the beer/lager/cider/spirits side, not so sure about wine.  Just a thought.

He sounds like a crap GP. I agree with whoever said it's not recommended for cancer patients. A ketogenic diet is so high in fats it's unhealthy. It can't be sustained for very long and when you come off said diet one hasn't got a clue what to eat. 

I did lots of duets short term when I was younger. A cancer patient needs to eat healthily and reduce some animal fats, I have stopped eating beef because if what I read. Your normal duet sounds much healthier. Tell him to stuff his bad advice where the sun doesn't shine. Sorry but it makes me see red. Ps I was a health professional all my working life. 

Hope that helps. 

I like zero alcohol beer. It's as good as the ones with alcohol now. 

HI Fizzler 

I was 51 when diagnosed (my first ever mammogram) and I was on Anastrozole as I'd gone through the menopause.  I must admit I had your thoughts about alcohol and was worried about drinking it as I was convinced the cancer would return and almost stopped drinking completely. 

Then I looked at everyone else enjoying drinks etc and realised - they are ok!  I do drink less than I used to, but if we go out for a meal and I'm not driving then yes, I will certainly enjoy a good glass of wine or 2. At the weekends my OH and I share a bottle of wine if we stay in.  During the week, I do have a can of non alcoholic lager as, as has already been said, it tastes just as good.

If I'm on holiday then I drink more as you are out and about every evening at restaurants- so again, I will enjoy my wine - there's no point being alive if you can't do the things that you enjoy, that's what I have told myself and the key is what everyone else says - in moderation.

I did improve my diet and I eat more vegetables rather than processed foods now and I drink green tea.  I have actually got to really like green tea.

I am now over 6 years post diagnosis, don't take my tablets any more and had my last all clear in June - the next one is 3 years time.  

When we are initially diagnosed, we tend to panic and overthink everything we eat and drink and the fear of it returning is immense - almost every day it was the first thing I thought about.  Each year, I found that it gradually lessened - until now, I barely think about it from one month to the next.  It's only the scar on my breast that reminds me

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Makes a lot of sense. My 1 yr mammogram is in Dec. I did used to like a glass or 2 of wine. Not gone back on it yet except for rare spec occasions. X