MBC and diet

[CalGal56]

Hi everyone

I was first diagnosed with BC in 2000. I had a recurrence (2nd primary) 17 years later. 6 years later I was diagnosed with MBC. I had a small tumor present in my dermis at the masectomy scar sight. They followed with surgery (a lumpectomy to the reconstructed breast and targeted radiation to the dermis only. I am now on Ibrance and Letrozole 18 months in NED.

I am curious about how you have or have not dealt with alcohol, how many of you completely gave up alcohol if you drank, of course and how many of you have continued to imbibe. If you are enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail, how often?

There is so much literature around alcohol and breast cancer. I read wine stimulates estrogen production. I read alcohol lowers the immune system. I read alcohol literally causes cell mutations. There has been “a lot” more I have read.

I have continued to have a glass of wine or cocktail every evening while on vacation. When home maybe once or twice a week. I get different feedback from different oncologists. Generally the response is we know it is harmful so we recommend you abstain or have a drink on special occasions only or switch to mocktails. .A few docs have said live your life, enjoy your life, be mindful exercise and eat healthy. They are not particularly adamant about not drinking.

Your thoughts? This has been weighing on me, but I am very social, live in wine country and love to entertain!

Thanks!

[Pbsoup]

I too live in wine country! When I was diagnosed every doctor I spoke to said alcohol was not good for breast cancer patients. This is rather boringly proven in studies. I allow myself a glass of this or that once in a while, but really think it may not be worth the risk.

Over the years I’ve lost my taste for it. So that helps. And when I do drink I make sure it’s the best wine or cocktail possible so it’s worth the splurge.

[CalGal56 in reply to Pbsoup]

Thank you Pbsoup! It is so helpful to hear other people’s perspectives and ideas. I have been thinking a lot about changing up my relationship with alcohol and make it a special occasion only treat and always have the best of the best - what a great idea.

I have a good friend who said you can always have a glass poured take a sip and no more or no sip at all - but have it there as a reminder of how you are taking care of yourself by not drinking it. I liked that approach too!

[Nocillo]

I’ve really lost my interest in drinking. Occasionally I’ll have a sip of something that sounds good if my husband is drinking it. My daughter recently introduced me to a non alcoholic Riesling that is quite good. But, mostly I try to find things that quench my frequent thirst.

[HelenWi]

I don’t think having a glass once a week is going to make a difference. A few weeks ago I went to Monterey for three days with my college roommate (we’re 72 now! ) and i had wine with my meal twice. I think you need to live your best life. But like the others, I miss wine less and less, and yes, it has to be good!

[Discocat]

Hi

I can only comment from my own perspective. I've had issues with my liver function when I reacted to my first medication when diagnosed de novo 3 years ago. The reaction was to Kisqali...it took some months to get the liver enzymes back in check...I'm now on ibrance with no issues.

On the back of this I'm very careful. My oncologist has warned me to limit all extra loads on my system. So no supplements, OTC medications/painkillers and no alcohol....plus I drink a tonne of water.

[fancydog]

After reading that alcohol increases estrogen for a while I decided no more for me, but if I find myself in a situation where there is a good Merlot I might have a few sips!

[Suite1000]

I was never a big drinker but have still cut back. A glass or two of wine at a nice restaurant or social occasion . Unfortunately, I do love wine. Going to a winery next week.

A cocktail on vacation. I know it would be better to give it up totally, but I feel that the limited amount I drink outweighs the pleasure I get from it.

I can go weeks without any alcohol.

I also know your not supposed to drink when you are pregnant. I would still on rare occasions have a glass of wine.

I know that total abstinence is the safest, but I feel a little isn't the end of the world. It seems people can do everything right and things still go wrong,

so for me it is worth a small risk.

[Liessie2014]

hi , I do drink lager quite a lot , I drink a 3.5 alcohol content now , I used to drink a stronger one , I did try and stop , I was eating a lot of sweet things and feeling really low , I decided to drink again , i am not saying it’s a good thing to drink regularly, but for me , I enjoy a drink and if for any reason my health becomes affected because of it I would stop , luckily up to now I have been lucky for 4 years of treatment with no problems because of alcohol, I do look forward to my few lagers on a night , but like I say , I am not saying it’s a good thing , ❤️