I have avoided soy products as I was always told that it mimics or converts to estrogen. Has anybody’s oncologist told them to avoid all soy products? Mine has never said a word about it and he is very much against everything that is not textbook medicine. I’m struggling to find a protein powder that tastes good as I’m lactose intolerant. Any Info would be greatly appreciated.
Update: I had to go to ER yesterday as I was dehydrated from diarrhea (side effect of chemo). They did blood work and asked for a urine sample. I received an IV to stop the cramping and hopefully slow down the diarrhea plus IV fluids. I’m glad the doc asked for a urine sample as it came back with the beginning of a kidney infection. I don’t have a fever so I’m glad it got caught. Of course, what is the first and prominent side effect of the antibiotics? Diarrhea 😩. Otherwise I’m feeling great and my side effects from chemo are gone after 10 days. 👏🏻👏🏻
Sorry to hear you have had the diarrhea side effect with Abraxane, really glad you got help! I haven't had that but find the chemo makes me thirsty so I'm always walking around with my water bottle.
Regarding soy...I think you are wise to avoid a protein powder made from soy. I just googled "soy free protein powder" and there seem to be a lot of options, pea protein being most common. I'd also look at the other ingredients and get organic if possible and watch for sugar content.
While I don't eat soy burgers or other processed soy foods, I do eat tofu, tempeh, miso and soy sauce. I lived in Japan for years and love these foods. More importantly, many studies have actually shown whole soy products to have a preventive effect on breast cancer. My oncologist and ND oncologists concur: it's okay to enjoy whole soy foods (like everything else, in moderation of course), but avoid processed soy foods.
I hope the oncologists who say "no soy" are also telling their patients to choose organics, minimize sugars and avoid overly processed foods ....while they also lobby for stronger laws limiting the use of pesticides and herbicides on crops, toxic emissions from factories and vehicles and limits on plastic consumption. I think this is the elephant in the living room that our economies, politicians and many doctors refuse to recognize.
Okay, off my soapbox for now. Have a lovely weekend!
I see a team of doctors at my breast cancer care facility. My oncology pharmacist advised to stay away from soy as it could interfere with the effectiveness of Kisqali that I take.
That's interesting, because Kisquali actually contains soy lecithin. I'd heard to avoid grapefruit on it...but that seems to apply to so many of these drugs. Hope it is working well for you!
You are going through a lot of suffering lately Sarcie but you will get well. I believe that. You are a real fighter. Sorry that you have to struggle. You like the rest of us don't get much help from main stream medicine. They just give all of us treatments that damages our immune system and then don't tell us how to protect ourselves from the down sides of all of these treatments. I just told a friend if you don't go along with what your Oncologist tells you then you don't have any medical help at all. This is why we are all following modern medicine practices. But the scare about soy damaging women in relation to the estrogen is wrong. Soy, according to what I have been hearing, is healing and protects and even kills breast cancer cells even in very late stages. I have been watching Dr. Greger's videos and he says that soy products are super healthy and they do not have negative effects on women with hormone sensitive cancers. All the studies I have been reading say that soy is healing and protective. A local Chinese man who runs a local health food store in my neighbourhood told me years ago to eat soy every day. I didn't listen to him because I believed that soy was bad. I wish I had listened. I am now reading Dr. William Li's book "Eat to Beat Disease". He explains how certain foods react to in our gut to kill tumors. He explains scientifically how these foods work. He talks about how we can use simple every day vegetables, herbs, nuts and fruits to kill cancer cells. It is a fascinating book.
You can add soy to everything you cook or eat it raw. It is delicate and lovely and you can even make yummy chocolate pudding with it. People do get completely well following modern medical treatments and I hope we are all going to benefit from our current treatments. I just wish we had more than drugs. I feel there has to be more that all of us can do to get well and stay well. I hope that you benefit from your current treatment but I don't think it hurts to include alternative therapies. I am glad to hear that you seem to be feeling much better. Take care. Hugs Marlene
You are very right Marlene. If all the oncologists, naturopaths and pharmaceutical companies would sit down and work together I believe we would all love not only longer but healthier. There are so many side effects that each of us experience that are unnecessary is they would just help each other. It isn’t about being right it’s about help us!!! (I know pharmaceutical companies what to make money but maybe the researchers would be a better choice).
Agree - there is a place I have heard about in the Radical Remission series, The Block Integrative Cancer Center, in Chicago that seems to take this approach. They sell supplements etc too. They are not in-patient but seem to be a one time three day visit to get you on a comprehensive program. I am keeping them on a bookmark for later if need be.
I’m sorry you have been ill and hope you are feeling better soon. My doc says to eat a balanced diet. I don’t have dairy or beef and avoid sugar. I drink almond milk and do have goat cheese sometimes. Mostly fish, chicken thighs and legumes for protein. I like Dr William Li book “Eat to Beat Disease.” I eat lots of garlic, mushrooms, vegetables and fruits. Contrary to what I’ve heard about soy, Dr Li recommends soy as it contains antiangiogenic bioactives that good for us and does recommend soybeans, soy milk and tofu. I haven’t gone there yet...but keeping an open mind.
Haven't heard about the estrogen...but a bit of advice on the diarrhoea I take probiotics as had a similar problem and they seem to keep the problem abay.
Thank you. I will ensure I’m taking them on the day chemo is and continue with them for the first two weeks. When it’s your first time having chemo you don’t know what to expect. I will be a bit better protected next round.
Hi there, Dr Kristi Funk, author of Breasts: an owner's manual, and breast surgeon to the stars, recommends 3 cups of organic, unrefined soy products a day for its protective impact on the body. It's so hard, all the contradictory advice!
Three cups of soy is a bit hard to get into the diet. But I do agree that soy is likely a very protective food for women with breast cancers. It is probably used in many Asian diets to replace meat and that is also why it might be so protective. Many meats are not healthy although I think modest amounts are okay. Many cultures that are healthy eat modest amounts of protein from animals. I know we are all hearing contradictory advice so it is up to us to decide what path we want to follow. We can help each other by sharing information. I have just started introducing lots of soy so will report my experiences in a few months. There should be some evidence by that time. Take care. Hugs Marlene
Glad you are feeling better Sarah. Not a nice experience but at least you are prepared for the next treatment. Can't offer any advice about Soy or Lactose intolerant. Keep up the water intake. Flush out the infection and keep you hydrated. But you know that!
I see my oncologist tomorrow and start Ibrance/Faslodex. Hope it all goes well. The Ibrance is a lowered dose. I had no problems with the Fasoldex.
So sorry Sarah that you had to go to the ER. It is great news that they will be able to ward off the infection. I'm still waiting for my first chemo treatment . I called in last week to bc cancer and asked them why so long to start . They told me my doctor told them no rush I could start 2 to 3 weeks. Thanks for all of the information you gave us Regarding getting dehydrated
Good luck Shelby. Don’t you hate when they say no rush? To me it should all be a rush, to important to us. We may have different chemo drugs but if I can help In any way doesn’t hesitate to message me. ❤️
When I first had bc in 2000, there was a lot of talk about soy. It was decided eating a normal amount was ok. I haven't heard anything about it 20 years later. Blessings Hannah
I try to follow the evidence from small studies in the natural world. Soy has been studied in animals, now that we KNOW going organic for any soy product is the ONLY way to eat it, things have changed. Soy among other natural estrogenics, is known to be able to occupy the same receptors as tamoxifen. (with no adverse effects). Tofu, tempeh, soy milk are acceptable. Soy oil is the worse aspect, an avoid. You can see studies at pubmed.gov the online Library of Medicine. Or on my nonprofit website annieappleseeproject.org I eat soy weekly. Few doctors know much about nutrition and mostly they 'guess'.
Thank you. It makes my head spin with the conflicting reports. If I’m doubt I won’t eat it but I have had tofu in a few dishes. Some things you can’t avoid completely
But it really MUST be organic, otherwise it is GMO (extra pesticide sprayed). That does matter. The chemicals in our environment are KNOWN to affect our hormones.
My onc has never mentioned not to eat soy either. I am lactose intolerant also, but I take lactaid chewables before I eat or drink anything with dairy. It really helps.
I carry those with me always. I buy lactose free as much as possible. Protein mixes are so gross I find. They say the isolates are broken down so should make me sick but they do. 😩
Not that I know what I'm talking about but my Oncologist did say not much soy. I recently read an article about McDonalds new meat free sandwich. It said that if a man ate three burgers a week for 6 months they would grow breasts because the soy has so much Estrogen in it. I dont know how true that is. It was from a legitimate source but I wont eat anything with soy in it, I also don't eat meat or dairy.
I think the difference is that Japanese eat whole soy products (tofu, soy sauce, miso) as part of a balanced diet...not soy protein mixed up with with a lot of other ingredients. Japan regularly tops the list of countries with the longest life expectancy. I'm sure their health care system makes a difference too.
Thank you. Most of those meat free options are all soy which people don’t understand. I would rather the meat free products if given an option myself as I don’t like the texture of hamburger. I swear we each need a dietitian to help is
Did anyone try or look into fasting before chemo treatments. I only started reading about it. The theory was that it could seriously reduce side effects....I wonder if that includes diaherrea. Feel better soon ,looking forward to you sharing good news of successful treatment
Have you tried pumpkin seed protein? That might be an option.
As for the soy, I've seen all the conflicting studies and opinions. Fearing that it may increase my estrogen levels, I gave up anything with a concentrated amount of soy - veggie 'meat' products, soy milk, soy cheese, soy ice cream, soy protein shakes/bars, etc. I do use organic soy sauce, on occasion. I read that fermented soy (soy sauce) is OK.
My doctor/oncologist has never said anything about soy. That is to say that she has never discussed nutrition with me, unless I ask her a question.
Hope you are feeling better.
I also use probiotics.
I have heard that fasting ( and drinking plenty of H2O) the day before chemo helps minimize side effects. Also, drinking green juices the day before.
Thank you. I don’t know if I could fast but you are right about getting the extra water in. I said next round I will load up on fluids and electrolytes before. I guess it’s all a learning curve. They do try to help but they don’t know the way we feel.
I always have lactose free milk, cheese and cream. It’s really the cream that affects me the most.
in reply to
My fridge and freezer are full of lactose free products. They even make lactose free butter now so that is a big plus.
Don’t you find it tastes gross? I’m like a 4 year old when it comes to strange tastes. Lol
I am er/pr pos and at the 24 year mark. Years ago people said... eat soy ... my onc said it’s ok to have some but in general avoid it .in other words Don’t eat the full soy products. Despite 2 recurrences and 4 years now with MBC I’m still hanging in despite my original odds. For me, I’m glad I took his advice. You always need to feel confident in your decisions and move forward.. that is most important! Blessings as you navigate these confusing decisions!!
My medical Dr.'s who were not knowledgeable about Soy intake told me years ago not to ingest any Soy products, even though my cancer diagnosis was Triple Negative. Well I consulted with my Integrative Dr.s, and they have no problem with my intake of unprocessed non GMO Soy. They don't wan't me to ingest more than 24 grams a day. I only ingest around 4-6 grams a day. As for your question on Protein powder. I use plain unsweetened Vitacost Vanilla Pea Protein Powder from Vitacost.com They also sell chocolate, and strawberry flavors. You should add your favorite fruits/vegetables, and lemon/lime or unsweetened cold pressed cranberry juice to add a little tartness. I also add a natural berry flavored fruit/vegatable powder to my pea protein shakes. Make sure you do not buy the protein powders that use Xylitol, I purchased one by mistake a couple of years ago. and the Xylitol caused terrible stomach cramping, and excessive gas. I really hope all of this information helps you.
Yes I was told the first time I had breast cancer and especially now from the oncologist. Sorry to hear about your situation. Have you been taking probiotics? I don’t know if I’m just lucky or if it’s the probiotics but since I have been on them no stomach issues.
There is also something I take from my acupuncturist called “Quiet digestion”. I’m taking Piqray and it has lots of side effects— vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps etc. knock on wood... none since I upped my probiotics to two a day and quiet stomach before eating.
I take a Prebiotic/Probiotic combo capsule daily, and also a digestive enzyme. Digestive enzymes break down fats, carbs, and protein so that the body can fully absorb the vitamins, and nutrients . These (2) supplements are so important to gut health, especially as we advance in age. D3 is also important , especially since we can't get the sun's natural form of D3 because we are indoors self isolating. Sorry I could go on forever, but I take 32 supplements daily, after having extensive blood work done years ago. The blood work showed all of my low/flag nutrient/vitamin levels. I take 16 in the morning, and 16 at night.
Yes - pretty much since day one my oncologist had me cut soy out of my diet as much as I can. I had been on a pretty high soy diet prior to getting breast cancer while I was alkalizing, so I feel it has some merit.
after the initial diagnosis in 2011, steared clear of soy (products). with the mets dx in 2015, per my friend and doctor, Dr. Kristi Funk, slowly added soy back in to diet. she covered soy in her book, Breasts: The Owner's manual. per the research, she states, "it's time to set the record straight on this healing ingredient..." (p55) further, i follow Dr. Neal Barnard. he states "soy is beneficial to health and can fight breast cancer." it's about the quality of the soy, soybeans, edamame; fermented tofu products: natto, tempeh, miso, are best.
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Peripheral neuropathy
What’s next after Piqray?
Doing ok so far on taxol 
May be doing IV chemo for the first time. Need tips - really freaked out!
