Decisions, Decisions

Wednesday Mark and I met with my medical oncologist to discuss my next phase of treatment. The standard course of treatment after radiation for someone with DCIS is 5 years on Tamoxifen. Dr. G explained the benefits and side effects of Tamoxifen and wrote me a prescription.

Benefits:

• Reduces chance of recurrence of breast cancer (14% chance instead of 20% chance)
  
• Increases bone density
  

Side effects:

• Hot flashes
  
• Mood swings
  
• Weight gain
  
• Depression/anxiety
  
• Cataracts
  
• Damage to the retina
  
• Increased stroke risk
  
• Blood clots
  
• Medically onset menopause
  

I do not want to take Tamoxifen. I have not completely closed the door to it, but I am close to that point. If the benefit is only a 6% reduction in my risk of recurrence, I would prefer to avoid all the side effects.

I have been researching natural alternatives. Tamoxifen is a low-dose estrogen that blocks the estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells. The goal of Tamoxifen is to reduce the amount of estrogen in your body so that the breast cancer cells cannot grow. Well, there are other ways to reduce estrogen in your body:

• moderate to strenuous exercise
  
• weight management
  
• diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
  
• little to no red meat
  

I prefer to take the natural route. Mark and I joined a health club yesterday, and I will be working with a personal trainer to develop an exercise and diet regimen that works for me.

I am also eliminating meat from my diet as much as possible. I will not eliminate it completely because I am not that disciplined. However, I will try to have it no more than once a week.

My dad has a friend whose son is an oncologist. He is going to give me a second opinion after he reviews the latest Tamoxifen studies this weekend. I will make my final decision after I hear from him.

In the meantime, I will do the lifestyle modifications and will focus on being the healthiest person I can be.

I'll keep you posted on my decision.