Alcohol : Ok ladies, how many if you... - SHARE Metastatic ...

SHARE Metastatic Breast Cancer

6,809 members8,426 posts

Alcohol

blms profile image
blms
59 Replies

Ok ladies, how many if you gave up drinking any form of alcohol or cut down drastically? If still having an occasional glass of wine or drink what do you notice? Do you only do this when counts are stronger or not at all?

Written by
blms profile image
blms
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
59 Replies
Tam-56 profile image
Tam-56

Blms, alcohol has always given me wicked hot flashes ... it never agreed with me but I did give up sugar, white flour, pasta, coffee, carbs, that has been most difficult... I miss my sugar high and coffee the most!

blms profile image
blms in reply toTam-56

Good for you!! I, as well, gave up those things but gave NEVER been a coffee drinker so that would nit have been a problem!! When I’m not on meds, I have an occasional glass of wine or similar. I know it’s not good and that adds sugar once again but I then feel like nothing is wrong fir a short time. And yes, I get hot flashes in the night when I drink which is a liver reaction. All wheat flours are bad and corn really not good. This leaves us now with mostly vegan diet. I eat only fresh wild fish, lamb, and never animals or cheeses feed corn or soy

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16 in reply toblms

God bless you Tam giving all of that up! I have reduced. Before my BC dx I’d stage 2, I easily ate white rice 5x per week. Now, maybe 4 times per month. I still have coffee although it’s organic. I’ve reduced sugar but it’s definitely my kryptonite. I try to do organic or dark chocolate though.

Tam-56 profile image
Tam-56 in reply toSnowcone16

Believe me, this has been the most challenging life change I have ever had to make. I love pasta and Dunkin Donuts lemon filled, please and baked potato! It’s all I can do to keep up drinking a gallon of water per day. I lost 30 pounds since my diagnosis in January 2018.

13plus profile image
13plus in reply toTam-56

In the past I have given up nearly all processed foods but the truth is I wouldn't keep enough weight on if I did all that now. In fact I had lost weight before the dx and sought to put it back on as I was concerned I was getting too thin. Can you tell me why you gave up so many carbs? (I know sugar is bad for us )

I mean we do need a certain amount for energy .

Bluebird77 profile image
Bluebird77

I enjoy a margarita or glass of wine occasionally...my oncologist said it was okay now and then. However, the last time I had a drink I felt dehydrated and ill so I haven't had one since...I've been having trouble staying hydrated in the summer heat so I will be staying away from the alcohol for now.

blms profile image
blms in reply toBluebird77

Ibrance s verily dehydrates you. Pfzier states one needs a gallon of water daily. I have found that to be accurate and when I’m lite on H2O my eyes dry out etc. I drink. 3/4 to a gdllon daily no matter what . I am 5’2” and weigh 120 so I think I can get by with 3/4

Bluebird77 profile image
Bluebird77 in reply toblms

Oh my goodness does Pfizer actually say one gallon is needed on Ibrance! I have been drinking a half gallon and I thought that was adequate!

blms profile image
blms in reply toBluebird77

They do state in ibrance literature 1 gallon. I figure there is some wiggle room snd I usually go a bit less to 3/4. But it does make a huge difference and if immeven a little lie my eyes dry etc.

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16 in reply toblms

I’m so behind on a gallon per day! I think I might get to 32 oz of water, green tea and juicing. But you’re right —need to drink more water!

13plus profile image
13plus in reply toSnowcone16

You definitely need to hydrate more. Even healthy people should be drinking 64 ounces a day!

nstonerocks profile image
nstonerocks

I drink alcohol occasionally. Some months not even a glass. On a recent vacation maybe once every other day. My problem is sweets and carbs. I know sugar is no good but it is hard to resist baked goods and chocolate tho I try. I fell out of the habit of green drinks but am getting back into it. I cannot bring sweets into the house because I have little self control. Thanks to the ladies who mentioned Ibrance and dehydration. Maybe that’s partly why my skin is so dry.

blms profile image
blms

Yep I am not the most disciplined person either. On mini vacation now and what I really want are croissants with whatever, chic chip cookies, etc. and yesterday I had two blueberry mojitos. I did forgo the other thing so far but a gelato is in the picture!! Yes it was me that told about the water volume. AND that is water not other drinks with water! I put lemo In mine frequently

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16

I don’t drink that often. Mainly at parties or holidays. But when I do, it’s usually a cosmopolitan. I also have primary biliary cholangitis (I suspect it’s the root cause of my MBC). My gastroenterologist told me “if you want a drink on Friday nights, one or two - go ahead”.

Rainbobaggins profile image
Rainbobaggins in reply toSnowcone16

Hi Snowcone, I also have PBC! Curious to know why you think it might be the root cause of MBC? I have often considered the relationship.

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16 in reply toRainbobaggins

I just think it’s because the liver is responsible for detoxification. Any defect in its operation, increases toxicity. A general practitioner dr told me they thought it could be root cause too. My original BC stage 2 dx was April 2016. PBC was confirmed by ultrasound and liver biopsy after elevated liver enzymes on my presurgery labs in June 2016. In pulling out my last blood work labs pre cancer dx, I had elevated liver enzymes about 18 months prior in 2015.

I take ursodiol and ocaliva since 2016. My stage 4 dx was Jan 30 2018.

🤗

Clair19 profile image
Clair19 in reply toSnowcone16

My liver enzymes also went high in January 2017. Had ultrasound showed nothing so I had another blood test and it went back to normal. Then 6 months later I have stage 4. I do believe my resection in 16 started everything. Everything was fine that April 2016, and next April I’m stage 4. So some people do believe that, and I’m starting to. Oncologist says no that it was there just didn’t show on lung x-rays. So maybe I’m crazy for thinking that. Thanks

blms profile image
blms in reply toSnowcone16

Of course, drinking liquor is about the liver, no question. But, I want to think an occasional glass of wine and extra milk thistle might be okay!! I do take milk thistle twice daily and have for years. I would like to think that has helped protect my liver. I also read more of the Knockout book over my Florida trip this week. There is some VERY interesting info from various famous doctors. I highlighted several things and will make an appointment with my naturopath to see what she says after I take NOTES!!

13plus profile image
13plus in reply toblms

The book sounds interesting I'll have to look that one up !

blms profile image
blms

Well that’s encouraging! I’m on vacation!!

Selmac profile image
Selmac

No sugar for me. The only thing I drink is water. I try to buy everything in organic. I may have meat once a month or so. I do get carbs because I eat tons of fruits and vegetables.

blms profile image
blms

Truthfully none of us should ever drink any alcohol but we are not perfect!! All fruits are also sugar- let’s not forget that.! Alcohol turns into sugar and if you are drinking a mixed drink you are really screwed. All flour turns to sugar as well. I do eat only organic everything when at home. On vacation your just stuck with what you can find that isn’t too awful for you. Eat mostly vegs, mainly green leafy and cabbage type foods and small amounts of wild fish nit farm raised- too much iron. Over 80% dark chocolate. This goes on and on. But when we don’t want to think about cancer, we occasionally have to say— WTF and eat or drink what we want and live life- if only for a few hours, then back to helping the body heal!!

Hbryan profile image
Hbryan

I gave up all alcohol and sugar. No white bread, rice, or pasta. I do occasionally have whole grain pasta or rice. Not sure if it is doing anything other than I did lose 20 pounds. I have some more weight to take off to get to my target BMI but I am on the right track. I have heard an occasional drink is ok I just no longer have the desire to drink.

blms profile image
blms

Don’t be fooled thinking whole wheat bread is any better! It all turns to sugar just some quicker than another

After dealing with Stage IV cancer for 6 years I would occassionally have a margarita but recently gave it up completely. I recently started a low carb diet so I have cut out all sugars and flours- and drinking only water. It was difficult but I lost 10 lbs in 10 days- I think the sweet tea was my weakness but also the culprit for some of the weight gain.

I stay in a chronic state of dehydration no matter how much I drink. I have terrible muscle cramps in my legs and feet at night. Magnesium and potassiasm suuppliments haven't seemed to help. Even trying the old wives tails of drinking pickle juice and putting the bar of soap under my sheets. I am up to about 56 ounces of water per day but nothing seems to help.

But my ONC said that an alcoholic beverage every now and then would not hurt.

blms profile image
blms in reply toPickedTheWrongChick

Check the tyke if magnesium maybe thstveill help if your taking wrong formula

PickedTheWrongChick profile image
PickedTheWrongChick in reply toblms

You are correct, I had increased my intake of magnesium a couple of days ago and the cramps have stopped. Thank you.

blms profile image
blms in reply toPickedTheWrongChick

Sorry for the crazy misspellings or whatever you may call the above text. I was text talking to my phone and one never knows what is going to come out!

Toomanyquestions profile image
Toomanyquestions in reply toPickedTheWrongChick

Please share any tips for making it to 6yrs!

Esl2008 profile image
Esl2008

I would occasionally have a drink or two at parties before all of this. I asked my oncologist her thoughts on the connection between alcohol and bc. She felt that drinking in moderation is okay, but I have no desire to drink anymore. My issue is that I got down to 100lbs and I am 5' 7" when I was diagnosed, so the nutritionist didn't care what I ate/drank as long as it was something. One cannot fight cancer at such a low weight. I am up to 112 with her advice and some medical marijuana (still underweight, tho), but I have not cut out sugars completely. Tbh I have no idea what caused this, and if I turn to a 100% vegetarian/vegan diet, I will disappear. I've given up so much as a result of my constant low wbc that an occasional cookie isn't going to cut my life any shorter than it already will be.

Esl2008 profile image
Esl2008 in reply toEsl2008

What burns me up is that we eat primarily organic foods, choose "green" products, don't fertilize the yard, etc., etc. Yet I still ended up with early stage bc twice and now stage 4. So frustrating.

13plus profile image
13plus in reply toEsl2008

I'm just like you exactly!!

blms profile image
blms in reply toEsl2008

OK, fascinated by cannibis. Just watched season 2 of the Sacred plant! Do you use tinctures? Which ones? What state do you live in?

Esl2008 profile image
Esl2008 in reply toblms

I use CBD oil daily. I occasionally smoke a cbd vape. Both help with pain and anxiety. I was using thc liquid before bed but then I read all sorts of stuff about the causing cancer to grow. Ugh. I can't win. The gave me the best sleep, too. I live I Maryland. CBD oil is legal everywhere...no need for a license.

blms profile image
blms in reply toEsl2008

Hey, so do I. I am in Betheda and have been thinking of looking for a doctor that prescribed to get more info.??!!

Esl2008 profile image
Esl2008 in reply toblms

My old oncologist recommended a pain doctor in Columbia who would prescribe and approve my license. You pay $300 and have to go in quarterly for a urine test. It's been very helpful to me. Just do a search. I guarantee there are docs near you who will prescribe it.

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16 in reply toEsl2008

What’s the quarterly urine test? AZ had legalized MMJ but it was $150 for appointment. Then I think $100 state fee for a year. MMJ is typically cheaper then recreational (ie colorado offers both). Although with the $250 in fees, I guess that offsets savings.

Helps with pain, nausea, overthinking and appetite.

After the card expires, you paid renewal and another appointment.

Esl2008 profile image
Esl2008 in reply toSnowcone16

You go to the pain Dr for the test. It's part of the process here...to make sure you're actually using it. Otherwise your license is revoked.

blms profile image
blms in reply toEsl2008

Maybe your blood type diet will help!!

Teddielottie profile image
Teddielottie

I opted not to drink alcohol when I started my Ibrance / letrozole treatment over 7 months ago due to hot flushes ( which have reduced significantly ) but really don’t miss it now . I drink decaf tea and decaf coffee occasionally and mainly red Bush tea and green tea , and water ( but not as much as others on here ). I have been vegetarian for 30 years so no meat or fish ,but I do eat dairy ( mainly milk and cheese) . I eat a lot of nuts seeds and berries and peanut butter ( no added sugar variety ) , but I do have a weakness for fancy ice creams and cheese and biscuits ! I have gained a stone in weight in 10 months but I am still within BMI health targets , though would like to lose a bit ! I walk daily with my dogs which helps, as I can get a bit of stiffness in joints when rising out of a chair ( which I believe is caused by the letrozole ) . But generally feel well and bloods have been good so far ! x

blms profile image
blms in reply toTeddielottie

My suggestion is to STOP eating peanuts! Change to almond butter! Then if you can find good sheep cheeses or different goat cheeses, you can then get off cows milk dairy which US cows are feed corn and soy- not healthy . Try almond milk or my personal favorite coconut milk instead of regular milk. All if these will also help with weight. But when you buy the milk products make sure they have no sugar

in reply toblms

British cows are mostly grass-fed though, Blms (Teddielottie sounds British!) I lived in America for 7 years and noticed that the meat tasted a lot different. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it was probably down to what the cattle were fed over there. I agree with trying different milks. I also like almond milk. I buy the unsweetened variety.

blms profile image
blms in reply to

Didn’t realize you were UK. Yes I know most European cows are much better than ours because of no corn and soy!! Lucky you! I seek thst out here but not easy!!

in reply toblms

Yes, I'm in the UK. I hope you can pick up some better quality dairy products and meat. Do you have any places near you where you can buy more organic products? Or how about trying to buy directly from a farm? That's what my sister-in-law and brother-in-law in Colorado do. They belong to a local co-op and it works out well for them. Thanks for your suggestion about trying almond butter. I normally buy organic peanut butter, but I am open to new ideas if it means being healthier. Maybe I can look into making my own. I was just looking into making my own kombucha, as my local health food shop doesn't stock it! They said that they don't have a supplier for it, so I'll either have to head over to another town or make my own.

blms profile image
blms in reply to

We have a couple of really good farmers markets near by and I shop there for most products. And they are a controlled market so that’s good. I just eat lamb and only wild fish when I want meat. At least with sheep and goat they cannot feed them corn and soy

in reply toblms

That's good you have some options so you can make healthier choices.

Toomanyquestions profile image
Toomanyquestions in reply toblms

Please can you bring tell me why not to eat peanuts?

Toomanyquestions profile image
Toomanyquestions in reply toblms

I’ve heard peanuts are bad but not sure why? Please can you explain?

blms profile image
blms in reply toToomanyquestions

One thing they are high in lectins which are terrible for your gut, which is the MAIN source of our immune system.

MMMP profile image
MMMP

Omg!!! I have a drink almost everyday-in fact I take my xeloda with a drink in the evening- live and enjoy- I'm a nurse and working 3 days a week- my doctor had never said not to drink!!! I'm in control of my life.

blms profile image
blms in reply toMMMP

I agree!! I am in control of my life! And I’ll be darn if I’m giving it to any doctor!!!

Debdavenpo profile image
Debdavenpo in reply toMMMP

I agree we are living to live our lives and enjoy.

Jerseygirl45 profile image
Jerseygirl45

My oncologist still says the same thing whenever I ask. It's quality of life and a glass of wine or a drink is not going to kill me. I do enjoy a glass of wine with my dinner.

Clair19 profile image
Clair19

My stomach gets so upset, I would love a nice glass of wine 🍷.

Crazydentist profile image
Crazydentist

Hiya

I still have the occasional glass of wine and eat healthily

I’m not going to obsess about everything I eat and drink!!

I still want some enjoyment out of life

B x

blms profile image
blms

Totally agree. I call I cheating on my diet and I do that just about every weekend. Screw cancer.

Crazydentist profile image
Crazydentist in reply toblms

Well said!!

Barb x

I have always been a very occasional drinker. Even when I turned 18 and could legally drink, I was not interested in alcohol. Since my diagnosis back in March I have probably had less than a bottle of wine to drink. I am just not really interested in alcohol, and if there is an easy way I can improve my health, such as giving up alcohol, then I am happy to do it. If there are any concerns over alcohol and how it may interfere with your treatment then I would bring it up with your GP, oncologist or oncology nurse. But I don't see how an occasional drink would hurt.

mjmom profile image
mjmom

I gave up drinking completely, right before my DX I went to a winery. I had 3 glasses of wine. I noticed a pain on my right side that didn’t go away. I believe I did have cancer at the time but the alcohol triggered the pain.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Wine and other alcohol interaction

I love a glass of white or red wine. Is it true I have to stop if I start Ibrance?

Alcohol and Ibrance/Letrozole

I’ve heard that you should not drink alcohol at all. Is this true? I know someone through a friend...

took my Letrozole 2.5mg twice this morning!

I'm not having any negative symptoms -- I'm assuming that some of you have accidentally taken their...
TwithBC profile image

MBC and work/life changes

Good day everyone! I have a few question about lifestyle changes and MBC. I am working through so...
CalGal56 profile image

treatment change

For those of you that have lobular, what was your second line treatment after ibrance/letrezole or...

Moderation team

See all
Jslanovich profile image
JslanovichAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.