Okay, I've been waiting and waiting. I found out last fall that there's a test to see if my body is truly metabolizing Tamoxifen, estrogen inhibitor drug. The test is fairly new. It was FDA approved in the fall of 2006. Apparently 7 to 10% of women that are ER positive are taking Tamoxifen and are not truly getting the true benefits of it. Our unique genetic makeup that causes our bodies to not properly metabolize it, and therefore we may have a higher risk of recurrence because we are "poor metabolizers". It seems as if certain drugs, Effexor, etc and cause us to metabolize it poorly too. Tamoxifen is activated by the CYP2D6. I spoke briefly to my nurse yesterday and they said everything came back fine. I was sent one sheet of my test today but it doesn't seem to have a clear answer. Granted I'm not a doctor and all the medical jargon can get overwhelming but it didn't seem to conclusive. (Not that that would surprise me since my genetic testing wasn't clear cut either.) It stated that I had one "non-functional" allele. Hmmm...that doesn't sound good. It goes on to talk about an intermediate metabolizer which is okay.
I guess my best bet is to call the testing center and pick their brain. I don't see my oncologist until mid-April so that's way too far off. The test is fairly new so my oncology nurse wasn't too sure how to read it.
I have heard that this test is 100% accurate, especially if you're on other drugs, etc. I still feel knowledge is power. I may have to take this drug for another 3 years but at least I will know whether it is working or not. I have most of the side effects so that typically mean its working.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
8th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by BC
I attended this conference in Jacksonville, Florida in February of 2008. Here are a few key items worth sharing:
Genetics
BRACAnalysis® Rearrangement Testing (BART) Testing for patients with negative BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
Good for those that are triple negative
Can identify the majority of the remaining BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes
PTEN tumor suppressor-active germline mutation can cause different cancers and are thought to cause breast cancer too
Fertility
Predictors of ovarian failure after chemo: type of chemo, cumulative dose, age and genetic of body to chemo
Those below 35 years have the best chance with frozen embryo
Ovary freezing has only 1.5% success rate; uncertain if cancer cell can be frozen too
Gender selection is possible but at an extra cost
Limited studies about future recurrence after pregnancy
Managing Weight
50-90% of women with BC will gain weight if not addressed proactively
Possible metabolic changes from menopause
14% increase in mortality with every extra pound
3-5 hours walk a week cuts death by half; those that exercised did better through treatment
Juicing: more than 80% of Americans are not getting enough nutrients
Physical activity is associated with decreased circulating estrogen levels
Complementary & Integrative Medicine
Low fat and high fiber may reduce estrogen
Soy is still questionable
Those with high estrogen had 3X mortality rate; focus on GI
Massage, acupressure, acupuncture will help alleviate side effects
Restriction of emotions and chronic anxiety shows an increase in mortality
Ginger and green tea help battle inflammation
Genetics
BRACAnalysis® Rearrangement Testing (BART) Testing for patients with negative BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
Good for those that are triple negative
Can identify the majority of the remaining BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes
PTEN tumor suppressor-active germline mutation can cause different cancers and are thought to cause breast cancer too
Fertility
Predictors of ovarian failure after chemo: type of chemo, cumulative dose, age and genetic of body to chemo
Those below 35 years have the best chance with frozen embryo
Ovary freezing has only 1.5% success rate; uncertain if cancer cell can be frozen too
Gender selection is possible but at an extra cost
Limited studies about future recurrence after pregnancy
Managing Weight
50-90% of women with BC will gain weight if not addressed proactively
Possible metabolic changes from menopause
14% increase in mortality with every extra pound
3-5 hours walk a week cuts death by half; those that exercised did better through treatment
Juicing: more than 80% of Americans are not getting enough nutrients
Physical activity is associated with decreased circulating estrogen levels
Complementary & Integrative Medicine
Low fat and high fiber may reduce estrogen
Soy is still questionable
Those with high estrogen had 3X mortality rate; focus on GI
Massage, acupressure, acupuncture will help alleviate side effects
Restriction of emotions and chronic anxiety shows an increase in mortality
Ginger and green tea help battle inflammation
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Graphic II
We're gearing up for Graphic II on April 26th at The Design Center at Penn Field. Graphic is a fun and hip event where we have live music, great food, drinks and art. We have a silent auction of art and art bras. Fellow Pink Ribbon Cowgirls will be modeling some art bras on the runway and a live auction will follow. Tickets are $30 a person and two level of sponsorships are available. $300 includes five tickets to the event and mentioning in the program. $500 includes five tickets, mentioning in the program and mentioning in our 2009 Graphic Art Bra Calendar. News 8 will be our TV sponsor this year and we have Senator Kirk Watson emceeing. For information or purchasing tickets go to www.bcrc.org. Tickets can be purchased through Pay Pal under the Gift Shop link.
This will be my the second time I attend Graphic but my first time as an employee of the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas and that I have two bras made in honor of me. The top bra is made by Maria and it's called "Pink Gerber." One of my favorite flowers are gerbers! She used acrylic paint and it's so beautiful! Her husband, Berto, made the second one. There's a gold fish, pink ribbon and the word "Strength." The colors are just amazing and he used permanent markers. Their son, I call him Big D, will be very artistic! I feel so loved and appreciate their undying friendship.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Promising Article on Cancer Deaths
Non-Cancer Deaths More Common Among Breast Cancer Survivors
According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer survivors, particularly older women, are at greater risk of death from non-cancer causes than from breast cancer.
As breast cancer treatments improve, patients are surviving longer, and many are dying of causes unrelated to breast cancer. Judith-Anne Chapman, Ph.D., and colleagues with the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group investigated whether certain factors, such as pre-existing diseases, are associated with the risk of death from breast cancer, other cancers, or causes other than cancer. For about four years, the researchers followed over 5,000 women enrolled in a breast cancer trial.
During the follow-up, 256 participants died. Non-breast cancer deaths were more common than deaths from breast cancer, and older women, in particular, were more likely to die of other causes. While 60 percent of women in the trial died of causes not related to breast cancer, this figure jumped to 72 percent among women 70 years and older. Two factors were associated with cause of death. Women with pre-existing heart disease were more likely to die of non-cancer causes, and women with pre-existing osteoporosis were at greater risk of dying from cancers other than breast cancer. Women were more likely to die from breast cancer if cancer cells had spread to the lymph nodes.
“Routine use of screening mammography and improved therapeutic management of breast cancer…will mean that more women will survive breast cancer to older ages, at which they might have a higher risk of death from causes other than breast cancer,” the authors write.
In an accompanying editorial, Sharon Giordano, M.D., and Gabriel Hortobagyi, M.D., of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston discuss the need for oncologists to consider a patient’s pre-existing health problems when determining treatment options.
For example, “cardiovascular disease is of particular concern to breast cancer patients because of its prevalence and the reality that many therapies for breast cancer can cause cardiac dysfunction,” the editorialists write.
SOURCE: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, online edition, February 12, 2008
According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer survivors, particularly older women, are at greater risk of death from non-cancer causes than from breast cancer.
As breast cancer treatments improve, patients are surviving longer, and many are dying of causes unrelated to breast cancer. Judith-Anne Chapman, Ph.D., and colleagues with the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group investigated whether certain factors, such as pre-existing diseases, are associated with the risk of death from breast cancer, other cancers, or causes other than cancer. For about four years, the researchers followed over 5,000 women enrolled in a breast cancer trial.
During the follow-up, 256 participants died. Non-breast cancer deaths were more common than deaths from breast cancer, and older women, in particular, were more likely to die of other causes. While 60 percent of women in the trial died of causes not related to breast cancer, this figure jumped to 72 percent among women 70 years and older. Two factors were associated with cause of death. Women with pre-existing heart disease were more likely to die of non-cancer causes, and women with pre-existing osteoporosis were at greater risk of dying from cancers other than breast cancer. Women were more likely to die from breast cancer if cancer cells had spread to the lymph nodes.
“Routine use of screening mammography and improved therapeutic management of breast cancer…will mean that more women will survive breast cancer to older ages, at which they might have a higher risk of death from causes other than breast cancer,” the authors write.
In an accompanying editorial, Sharon Giordano, M.D., and Gabriel Hortobagyi, M.D., of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston discuss the need for oncologists to consider a patient’s pre-existing health problems when determining treatment options.
For example, “cardiovascular disease is of particular concern to breast cancer patients because of its prevalence and the reality that many therapies for breast cancer can cause cardiac dysfunction,” the editorialists write.
SOURCE: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, online edition, February 12, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Raw Foods
I took an Introduction to Raw Foods class back in the fall of 2007. The concept was still new to me but I happily accepted the idea of making my desserts raw so I wouldn't feel as bad if I indulged.
There are many benefits to eating raw. Raw foodist believes that eating food cooked over 114 degrees, I think, kills off important enzymes our body needs. Cooked food forces our body to create its own enzymes which requires more work from our body.
I dabbled in raw foods much more from the very start of 2008. I started juicing on the weekends. I made nut "pates." I've tried my hardest to eat raw until dinner time. I'm successful at times but I allow myself to still enjoy life and eating out.
I know that my weight is much easier to maintain when I'm eating raw. I tend to crave less sweets and salty items. I feel hydrated because most foods I am eating are either fruits or vegetables. I traveled a bit in February and it wasn't too difficult to eat raw for the bulk of the day.
Raw eating requires some prep time. A few basic tools are helpful. I love my mandoline, colander, blender, juicer and food processor. Raw snacks are helpful to have on hand. I love LaraBars. They are wonderful for snacking and traveling. They are made from primarily dates and nuts. It's high in fat and calories but good fat and calories.
My new love is the Manna bread. The carrot raisin is my favorite kind. It makes me think I'm having a carrot cake without feeling guilty! A small seven serving loaf of Manna costs between $3.65 to $4.56 at Central Market, Sunharvest and Wild Oats. I used to think they were too expensive but they are delicious and healthy. Eating healthy can be expensive but we're worth it!
I like to juice cucumber, kale, parsley, celery, carrots and half an apple. I sometimes throw in a lemon and ginger too. The greener the better! Remember to go organic when possible because all the above items are high in pesticides.
My favorite raw salad dressing is EVOO, garlic, maple syrup, lemon and Braggs. I ate this on my salad for two weeks straight. I may need to take a break from it before I get sick of it. :) I sometimes cheat and use garlic powder so I don't have to clean the blender. I shake everything up in a jar instead.
I also like making raw sushi. I slice up my favorite veggies like cucumber, celery, avacado and carrots and top it with some sprout on my nori. Roll it up and you have a nice meal.
I don't always eat like this. I did not tonight. I had a slice of Manna bread but proceeded to have some baked tortilla chips with my version of a seven layer bean dip. Everything in moderation is the key.
I am taking tomorrow off from work and I am looking forward to relaxing.
There are many benefits to eating raw. Raw foodist believes that eating food cooked over 114 degrees, I think, kills off important enzymes our body needs. Cooked food forces our body to create its own enzymes which requires more work from our body.
I dabbled in raw foods much more from the very start of 2008. I started juicing on the weekends. I made nut "pates." I've tried my hardest to eat raw until dinner time. I'm successful at times but I allow myself to still enjoy life and eating out.
I know that my weight is much easier to maintain when I'm eating raw. I tend to crave less sweets and salty items. I feel hydrated because most foods I am eating are either fruits or vegetables. I traveled a bit in February and it wasn't too difficult to eat raw for the bulk of the day.
Raw eating requires some prep time. A few basic tools are helpful. I love my mandoline, colander, blender, juicer and food processor. Raw snacks are helpful to have on hand. I love LaraBars. They are wonderful for snacking and traveling. They are made from primarily dates and nuts. It's high in fat and calories but good fat and calories.
My new love is the Manna bread. The carrot raisin is my favorite kind. It makes me think I'm having a carrot cake without feeling guilty! A small seven serving loaf of Manna costs between $3.65 to $4.56 at Central Market, Sunharvest and Wild Oats. I used to think they were too expensive but they are delicious and healthy. Eating healthy can be expensive but we're worth it!
I like to juice cucumber, kale, parsley, celery, carrots and half an apple. I sometimes throw in a lemon and ginger too. The greener the better! Remember to go organic when possible because all the above items are high in pesticides.
My favorite raw salad dressing is EVOO, garlic, maple syrup, lemon and Braggs. I ate this on my salad for two weeks straight. I may need to take a break from it before I get sick of it. :) I sometimes cheat and use garlic powder so I don't have to clean the blender. I shake everything up in a jar instead.
I also like making raw sushi. I slice up my favorite veggies like cucumber, celery, avacado and carrots and top it with some sprout on my nori. Roll it up and you have a nice meal.
I don't always eat like this. I did not tonight. I had a slice of Manna bread but proceeded to have some baked tortilla chips with my version of a seven layer bean dip. Everything in moderation is the key.
I am taking tomorrow off from work and I am looking forward to relaxing.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Cancer never goes away
Back in January a test showed a cyst within my right ovary. The cyst was almost the same size as my ovary. Not always a reliable test, my CA125 test came back normal. Normal...what an interesting word. What is normal now? The term "The New Normal" is always thrown around. I guess I'm finally starting to understand that term.
Of course, the first thing that popped into my mind was that it was ovarian cancer. Why not? I am BRCA 1 possible variant. BRCA 1 people usually have a 40 to 60% chance of getting ovarian cancer.
The waiting game. Cysts are fairly common. It only become scary if it grows too large or if it is malignant. They tend to come and go with a woman's cycle. I had my follow up test this week. It appears that it has gotten smaller...in some respect. What does this leave me? I'm uncertain. I'm guessing more waiting.
Cancer never really goes away. My hair is growing back. I can pull up the sides and I no longer have to flat iron my hair unless I choose to do so. My weight is become more manageable. With a great deal of hard work at the gym and watchful eating, I have lost about 12 of the 20 pounds I put on from the alteration of my body due to chemotherapy and Tamoxifen. My sense of urgency to give up my coffee cold turkey is slipping. I've allowed myself more and more coffee, especially decaf. All this and my cancer diagnoses back in November of 2005 is very much a part of my life.
To this day, I am still waiting for confirmation on my bilateral mastectomy. Hopefully everything will work out and my body will look somewhat "normal again." Either way, there will be physical scars.
Of course, my emotional scars are still around. I read a fellow cancer survivor's blog today. She's stage IV and she's younger than I am. They gave her one to two years to live. No, life isn't fair. She's one of the sweetest and upbeat person that I have ever met. I guess I sometimes forget how bad her prognosis really is because of her warrior spirit.
My mood matches our horrid cold front today but it wasn't until I read her blog that I cried for her and all the cancer survivors out there. I typically write when I'm sad. I'm not always sad; I promise. I guess I need to keep working that that "new normal." Maybe it's time to see a therapist. Maybe I just need a vacation.
Of course, the first thing that popped into my mind was that it was ovarian cancer. Why not? I am BRCA 1 possible variant. BRCA 1 people usually have a 40 to 60% chance of getting ovarian cancer.
The waiting game. Cysts are fairly common. It only become scary if it grows too large or if it is malignant. They tend to come and go with a woman's cycle. I had my follow up test this week. It appears that it has gotten smaller...in some respect. What does this leave me? I'm uncertain. I'm guessing more waiting.
Cancer never really goes away. My hair is growing back. I can pull up the sides and I no longer have to flat iron my hair unless I choose to do so. My weight is become more manageable. With a great deal of hard work at the gym and watchful eating, I have lost about 12 of the 20 pounds I put on from the alteration of my body due to chemotherapy and Tamoxifen. My sense of urgency to give up my coffee cold turkey is slipping. I've allowed myself more and more coffee, especially decaf. All this and my cancer diagnoses back in November of 2005 is very much a part of my life.
To this day, I am still waiting for confirmation on my bilateral mastectomy. Hopefully everything will work out and my body will look somewhat "normal again." Either way, there will be physical scars.
Of course, my emotional scars are still around. I read a fellow cancer survivor's blog today. She's stage IV and she's younger than I am. They gave her one to two years to live. No, life isn't fair. She's one of the sweetest and upbeat person that I have ever met. I guess I sometimes forget how bad her prognosis really is because of her warrior spirit.
My mood matches our horrid cold front today but it wasn't until I read her blog that I cried for her and all the cancer survivors out there. I typically write when I'm sad. I'm not always sad; I promise. I guess I need to keep working that that "new normal." Maybe it's time to see a therapist. Maybe I just need a vacation.
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