Food Study at M D Anderson Cancer Center

norma2
norma2 Member Posts: 479
I just got a questionnare from U T MD Anderson in Houston where I am being treated. It looks like they are studying my entire food history. My experience there is they take alternative medicine seriously. This study is being done by their Department of Epidemiology. I am so glad they are focusing on this important aspect of cancer treatment and prevention.

Am not going to post my diagnosis and treatment there, it is in my bio if you want a peek.

At the prompting of you ladies (Claudia, Maggie,...you guys are such good role models) I changed my eating habits. Lots more veggies, less sugar, and less meats. I feel great and healthier than I did several decades ago. Been NED for the past several visits and graduated to going every 4 mos instead of 3 for check ups.

I would like to say that I eat an entirely healthy diet. But, then my nose would grow like Pinocchio. I do indulge occasionally in ice cream and the regional goodies that I was raised to enjoy. Folks like me from New Orleans crave the comfort foods from time to time. Gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalya and of course my favorite crawfish in all it's permutations. Have been steering clear of the King Cakes which are all around this time of year, too much sugar. I did add turmeric to my diet as well as buying organic goods whenever possible. I make sure and eat a huge salad at least 4 times a week with lots of raw veggies, drizzle some olive oil on it for a dressing.

I read the posts here daily. To those of you going through recurrances and treatments my heart is with you gals. {{{prayers and hugs}}}}} I think of you often and pray for you.
Your spirit and strength are an inspiration. When I read your posts I am in awe at how incredibly strong you are. What exceptional women!!!

To those newly diagnosed...hang in there. You can do it. Never, ever give up. Keep in touch here. So many women are touched by your journey.

Comments

  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    Norma
    Love to read this kinda stuff, as I have been NED for 1-1/2 yrs and have really revamped my eating as well. I look at the ANTICANCER book like my Bible and rely so much on it to redirect my new path in living. If you read the research from the author he's a 15 yr survivor of brain cancer, so he must know something.

    I've learned to love fresh fruits and vegetables (following the dirty dozen list for fruits/vegies which must be "organic"), no meats at all, grass-fed chicken, salmon, no artificial ingredients (as best I can avoid), lots of antioxidants daily such as turmeric, cinnamon, berries. I believe most of our issues can be attributed to the toxins loaded in our foods and the chemicals surrounding us daily.

    One thing that's not mentioned, exercise. Research shows less recurrence from cancer when one gets the daily recommendations of 30 minutes of exercise. Get out and walk and enjoy some vitamin d from the sunshine.

    Lastly, avoid the stress. I think Mary Ann is the top gal who's into all the destresser options such as reiki and yoga. Re-read some of her prior posts for ideas.

    Best to all of you ladies...keep trying to better your life!
    Jan

    P.S. Norma, did MD Anderson suggest some specifics for the alternative medicine?
  • hopeful girl 1
    hopeful girl 1 Member Posts: 454
    jazzy1 said:

    Norma
    Love to read this kinda stuff, as I have been NED for 1-1/2 yrs and have really revamped my eating as well. I look at the ANTICANCER book like my Bible and rely so much on it to redirect my new path in living. If you read the research from the author he's a 15 yr survivor of brain cancer, so he must know something.

    I've learned to love fresh fruits and vegetables (following the dirty dozen list for fruits/vegies which must be "organic"), no meats at all, grass-fed chicken, salmon, no artificial ingredients (as best I can avoid), lots of antioxidants daily such as turmeric, cinnamon, berries. I believe most of our issues can be attributed to the toxins loaded in our foods and the chemicals surrounding us daily.

    One thing that's not mentioned, exercise. Research shows less recurrence from cancer when one gets the daily recommendations of 30 minutes of exercise. Get out and walk and enjoy some vitamin d from the sunshine.

    Lastly, avoid the stress. I think Mary Ann is the top gal who's into all the destresser options such as reiki and yoga. Re-read some of her prior posts for ideas.

    Best to all of you ladies...keep trying to better your life!
    Jan

    P.S. Norma, did MD Anderson suggest some specifics for the alternative medicine?

    Jazzy
    Jan,

    Hi!

    Are you saying no meats, but you do eat grass fed chicken and salmon? I wasn't clear on that.
    I have been trying to eat more grains and veggies, but now fear I am not getting enough protein.

    Where do you get your protein sources?

    Also do you both avoid dairy?

    Also, what about coffee-do you both drink coffee or is that best to give up?

    I have up for several months but then went back to it.

    Healing and peace to all!

    Cindy
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379

    Jazzy
    Jan,

    Hi!

    Are you saying no meats, but you do eat grass fed chicken and salmon? I wasn't clear on that.
    I have been trying to eat more grains and veggies, but now fear I am not getting enough protein.

    Where do you get your protein sources?

    Also do you both avoid dairy?

    Also, what about coffee-do you both drink coffee or is that best to give up?

    I have up for several months but then went back to it.

    Healing and peace to all!

    Cindy

    Cindy
    I don't eat meat, unless I have a desire and in that case,usually only 1 very small bite or two. Don't really go for the grass fed in the meats, but yes you can. I've NEVER loved meat and now thankfully I can avoid it easier. But...no go ahead and eat meat if you wish, but limit the amount and try for "grass fed".

    You know you can get protein from Whey protein powder,which I have 1 scoop twice per day. Also, brown rich is great one for protein.

    Dairy products? My nutritionist suggested NO DAIRY, due to the many hormones in the products and not good for us with uterine cancer. I do drink almond milk with NO SUGAR with my powder protein drinks per day. That's really all the dairy you could say I get in a day. Be sure to take your calcium supplements with your vitamin d.

    Soy is another option, but my nutritionist suggests to not go overboard as the jury is still out when have a female cancer. This is just my opinion after having taken it for 7 years loaded in my powder nutrients, and then diagnosed with this cancer. Don't know if this has a correlation, but I'm now overly cautious.

    Coffee? Well if you read the Anticancer book, so much is written about 4 cups of good quality green tea (Sencha is best as loaded with the good compound ECGC). I try for 4 but generally get 3 per day. Coffee has lots of acid in it and not too good for our tummies. I do have that occasional coffee, but try to avoid, and replace with tea.

    What type of vitamins do you take? Be sure to get the vitamin D as this time of year we're not in the sun, so need it more then ever.

    Hope I answered your questions...
    Jan
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    jazzy1 said:

    Cindy
    I don't eat meat, unless I have a desire and in that case,usually only 1 very small bite or two. Don't really go for the grass fed in the meats, but yes you can. I've NEVER loved meat and now thankfully I can avoid it easier. But...no go ahead and eat meat if you wish, but limit the amount and try for "grass fed".

    You know you can get protein from Whey protein powder,which I have 1 scoop twice per day. Also, brown rich is great one for protein.

    Dairy products? My nutritionist suggested NO DAIRY, due to the many hormones in the products and not good for us with uterine cancer. I do drink almond milk with NO SUGAR with my powder protein drinks per day. That's really all the dairy you could say I get in a day. Be sure to take your calcium supplements with your vitamin d.

    Soy is another option, but my nutritionist suggests to not go overboard as the jury is still out when have a female cancer. This is just my opinion after having taken it for 7 years loaded in my powder nutrients, and then diagnosed with this cancer. Don't know if this has a correlation, but I'm now overly cautious.

    Coffee? Well if you read the Anticancer book, so much is written about 4 cups of good quality green tea (Sencha is best as loaded with the good compound ECGC). I try for 4 but generally get 3 per day. Coffee has lots of acid in it and not too good for our tummies. I do have that occasional coffee, but try to avoid, and replace with tea.

    What type of vitamins do you take? Be sure to get the vitamin D as this time of year we're not in the sun, so need it more then ever.

    Hope I answered your questions...
    Jan

    Sencha
    Jan, two questions popped up when I read your last post:
    Where do you purchase Sencha tea?
    Sun? We haven't seen the sun in weeks here in northern California! Fog, fog, fog.
    Suzanne
  • hopeful girl 1
    hopeful girl 1 Member Posts: 454

    Sencha
    Jan, two questions popped up when I read your last post:
    Where do you purchase Sencha tea?
    Sun? We haven't seen the sun in weeks here in northern California! Fog, fog, fog.
    Suzanne

    Where to get Almond Milk with no sugar?
    Jan,

    Good info-yes.

    Interesting about the Sencha green tea-I believe this tea was just mentioned on Access Hollywood this morning when talking about green tea, and ways to use it other than just drinking as tea. Some suggestions were using as a rub on meat, putting in cookies, heating as tea and then substituting for water in soup etc.

    I should probably drop the coffee. You mentioned it being very acidic, and I think I have read cancer likes an acidic environment-isn't that correct?

    I should check into the Sencha.

    Where can you buy Almond Milk with no sugar? Everything I have seen has a lot of sugar in it.

    Hugs,
    Cindy
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member

    Where to get Almond Milk with no sugar?
    Jan,

    Good info-yes.

    Interesting about the Sencha green tea-I believe this tea was just mentioned on Access Hollywood this morning when talking about green tea, and ways to use it other than just drinking as tea. Some suggestions were using as a rub on meat, putting in cookies, heating as tea and then substituting for water in soup etc.

    I should probably drop the coffee. You mentioned it being very acidic, and I think I have read cancer likes an acidic environment-isn't that correct?

    I should check into the Sencha.

    Where can you buy Almond Milk with no sugar? Everything I have seen has a lot of sugar in it.

    Hugs,
    Cindy

    Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
    Cindy....I get mine at Whole Foods....the brand is Pacific.

    Good luck!!

    Karen
  • evertheoptimist
    evertheoptimist Member Posts: 140
    jazzy1 said:

    Cindy
    I don't eat meat, unless I have a desire and in that case,usually only 1 very small bite or two. Don't really go for the grass fed in the meats, but yes you can. I've NEVER loved meat and now thankfully I can avoid it easier. But...no go ahead and eat meat if you wish, but limit the amount and try for "grass fed".

    You know you can get protein from Whey protein powder,which I have 1 scoop twice per day. Also, brown rich is great one for protein.

    Dairy products? My nutritionist suggested NO DAIRY, due to the many hormones in the products and not good for us with uterine cancer. I do drink almond milk with NO SUGAR with my powder protein drinks per day. That's really all the dairy you could say I get in a day. Be sure to take your calcium supplements with your vitamin d.

    Soy is another option, but my nutritionist suggests to not go overboard as the jury is still out when have a female cancer. This is just my opinion after having taken it for 7 years loaded in my powder nutrients, and then diagnosed with this cancer. Don't know if this has a correlation, but I'm now overly cautious.

    Coffee? Well if you read the Anticancer book, so much is written about 4 cups of good quality green tea (Sencha is best as loaded with the good compound ECGC). I try for 4 but generally get 3 per day. Coffee has lots of acid in it and not too good for our tummies. I do have that occasional coffee, but try to avoid, and replace with tea.

    What type of vitamins do you take? Be sure to get the vitamin D as this time of year we're not in the sun, so need it more then ever.

    Hope I answered your questions...
    Jan

    Is "no diary" based on
    Is "no diary" based on various kinds of hormones etc? If so, buying organic yogurt or milk will solve the problem.

    Or, is it that diary even at its healthiest form (completely organic) has harmful stuff for UPSC? I would like to know, since I am a huge consumer of yogurt. I only buy organic yogurt.
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    jazzy1 said:

    Norma
    Love to read this kinda stuff, as I have been NED for 1-1/2 yrs and have really revamped my eating as well. I look at the ANTICANCER book like my Bible and rely so much on it to redirect my new path in living. If you read the research from the author he's a 15 yr survivor of brain cancer, so he must know something.

    I've learned to love fresh fruits and vegetables (following the dirty dozen list for fruits/vegies which must be "organic"), no meats at all, grass-fed chicken, salmon, no artificial ingredients (as best I can avoid), lots of antioxidants daily such as turmeric, cinnamon, berries. I believe most of our issues can be attributed to the toxins loaded in our foods and the chemicals surrounding us daily.

    One thing that's not mentioned, exercise. Research shows less recurrence from cancer when one gets the daily recommendations of 30 minutes of exercise. Get out and walk and enjoy some vitamin d from the sunshine.

    Lastly, avoid the stress. I think Mary Ann is the top gal who's into all the destresser options such as reiki and yoga. Re-read some of her prior posts for ideas.

    Best to all of you ladies...keep trying to better your life!
    Jan

    P.S. Norma, did MD Anderson suggest some specifics for the alternative medicine?

    Jan
    I am so glad you are NED, Jan. I love reading your posts. Here is the link for some information from M D Anderson about their alternative medicine approach:

    http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/resources-for-professionals/clinical-tools-and-resources/cimer/index.html

    My experience there is that they encourage each person to explore and experience their own level of personal treatment choice. I am questioned each visit on any supplemental vitamins, minerals, or foor supplements. I know they have clinical trials in many areas. I just am have not taken part first hand in them. Food and excercise are receiving a lot of focus lately. I signed up for this study and another one about bone density when diagnosed.

    Best to you, dear.
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379

    Sencha
    Jan, two questions popped up when I read your last post:
    Where do you purchase Sencha tea?
    Sun? We haven't seen the sun in weeks here in northern California! Fog, fog, fog.
    Suzanne

    suzanne
    The lady with the beautiful hair -- yes that's you.

    I purchase 1 lb. bulk Sencha tea (organic) from iHerb.com (PTC-00019), cost $19.20. They also have decaf variety in bags which after researching, find the regular Sencha doesn't have as much caffeine, but loaded with more of the good compounds we need daily. Goal is 4 cups of this tea per day.

    I agree about the sun, I'm in the midwest - St Louis and boy not much sun, but today it's bright and shinning so best to get out in it.

    Jan
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379

    Where to get Almond Milk with no sugar?
    Jan,

    Good info-yes.

    Interesting about the Sencha green tea-I believe this tea was just mentioned on Access Hollywood this morning when talking about green tea, and ways to use it other than just drinking as tea. Some suggestions were using as a rub on meat, putting in cookies, heating as tea and then substituting for water in soup etc.

    I should probably drop the coffee. You mentioned it being very acidic, and I think I have read cancer likes an acidic environment-isn't that correct?

    I should check into the Sencha.

    Where can you buy Almond Milk with no sugar? Everything I have seen has a lot of sugar in it.

    Hugs,
    Cindy

    Cindy
    Read the Anti Cancer Book and find on pg 113 a bar graph on the different EGCG content on teas and Japanese Sencha teas are the best. If I'm going this route, I'll spend the extra $$ for the best...wouldn't you? Get it from iHerb.com -- see post to Suzanne.

    You've got it, yes cancer thrives in acidic environments. Now I'll have to go back thru my books as there's a list out there with many acidic foods to avoid. Try to Google!

    Almond Milk I've purchased at Whole Foods and sometimes lucky to find at local grocery stores. I've also tried Coconut Milk organic at my local grocery store. Its great substitute as well as has some great sources which support our body's immune system.

    One book I purchased which is another great option.

    FOODS TO FIGHT CANCER, Richard Beliveau, and Denis Gingras, PhD's

    This book breaks down all the foods and has much research and scientific information. I purchased from Amazon.com

    Hugs to you,
    Jan
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379

    Is "no diary" based on
    Is "no diary" based on various kinds of hormones etc? If so, buying organic yogurt or milk will solve the problem.

    Or, is it that diary even at its healthiest form (completely organic) has harmful stuff for UPSC? I would like to know, since I am a huge consumer of yogurt. I only buy organic yogurt.

    Dairy
    I'll attach some information on dairy. You'll find no other living being continues ingesting dairy much past a very young age...we human are the only ones. Research shows much in allergies, heart disease, cancer, etc.

    When I first started with my nutritionist (knowing she's a breast cancer survivor) suggested only going with yogurt and best is GREEK type. Of course, all must be sugar and artificial additive free, as well.

    If I look in Whole Foods not sure they've got much in organic cheese...am I wrong as truly can't remember (chemo brain again)??? I get my "calcium" from vitamins and many foods. Google a list of foods loaded with calcium and you'll be surprised.

    To answer your question, I think yogurt is great, but I just don't eat it as not a fan of the stuff.

    What you'll find is most of the cows that produce our dairy are ingested with "hormones" and we with a uterine cancer don't need more hormones. One of the reason my OB won't start me on HRT, loaded with more hormones.

    Be interesting to see what others have to post on dairy as my nutritionist isn't the only say in this data. For me to avoid cheese, very easy. Now on occasion I will have that pizza slice or two, but generally I avoid it entirely.

    What do you all think?

    Jan

    http://www.healthproductssite.com/healthy-living/home/why-do-we-need-to-avoid-dairy-products/
  • evertheoptimist
    evertheoptimist Member Posts: 140
    jazzy1 said:

    Dairy
    I'll attach some information on dairy. You'll find no other living being continues ingesting dairy much past a very young age...we human are the only ones. Research shows much in allergies, heart disease, cancer, etc.

    When I first started with my nutritionist (knowing she's a breast cancer survivor) suggested only going with yogurt and best is GREEK type. Of course, all must be sugar and artificial additive free, as well.

    If I look in Whole Foods not sure they've got much in organic cheese...am I wrong as truly can't remember (chemo brain again)??? I get my "calcium" from vitamins and many foods. Google a list of foods loaded with calcium and you'll be surprised.

    To answer your question, I think yogurt is great, but I just don't eat it as not a fan of the stuff.

    What you'll find is most of the cows that produce our dairy are ingested with "hormones" and we with a uterine cancer don't need more hormones. One of the reason my OB won't start me on HRT, loaded with more hormones.

    Be interesting to see what others have to post on dairy as my nutritionist isn't the only say in this data. For me to avoid cheese, very easy. Now on occasion I will have that pizza slice or two, but generally I avoid it entirely.

    What do you all think?

    Jan

    http://www.healthproductssite.com/healthy-living/home/why-do-we-need-to-avoid-dairy-products/

    I don't eat much cheese.
    I don't eat much cheese. Too much cholrestrol and salt. Now that I am only eating organic and avoiding table talk like a plague, I cut cheese out completely since I have yet to find organic cheese.

    On the other hand, I found plenty variety of plain, non fat organic yogurt at whole food. And, even the organic greek variety. That's was a great find! Since I don't eat meat, and I need to up the protein intake while on chemo, Greek yogurt loaded with protein is a great source (much higher protein content than ordinary version).

    These days, I am eating organic only, and Whole Food became my grocery shopping mecca.
  • RoseyR
    RoseyR Member Posts: 471 Member

    I don't eat much cheese.
    I don't eat much cheese. Too much cholrestrol and salt. Now that I am only eating organic and avoiding table talk like a plague, I cut cheese out completely since I have yet to find organic cheese.

    On the other hand, I found plenty variety of plain, non fat organic yogurt at whole food. And, even the organic greek variety. That's was a great find! Since I don't eat meat, and I need to up the protein intake while on chemo, Greek yogurt loaded with protein is a great source (much higher protein content than ordinary version).

    These days, I am eating organic only, and Whole Food became my grocery shopping mecca.

    Are Cheese and Yogurt OK? Several Considerations.


    Having given up all meat except organic chicken and turkey with no big sense os sacrifice, I've found cheese the hardest food to give up: I love it.

    But agree that most cheese is loaded with hormones we should avoid.

    Whole Foods does, however, carry a few select organic goat and feta cheeses. So when I want to indulge (rarely), I'll have a little organic feta on whole-grain seeded crackers (Dr. Cracker is the best: no sugar whatoever, available at Whole Foods.)

    The question of yogurt is more troubling. I often have half a cup of it (plain lowfat, Stonyfield) to my whey protein shake at night.

    But then I read that even this brand has way too much sugar (total carbohydrate per serving, I read, shouldn't exceed 17 grams) and was shocked when I saw the label: yes, too much sugar.

    The same source said that Stonyfield makes a brand of yogurt called "Probiotic" that's lower in sugar and total carbs. But I've never seen it. Has anyone else?

    Rosey R
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
    norma2 said:

    Jan
    I am so glad you are NED, Jan. I love reading your posts. Here is the link for some information from M D Anderson about their alternative medicine approach:

    http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/resources-for-professionals/clinical-tools-and-resources/cimer/index.html

    My experience there is that they encourage each person to explore and experience their own level of personal treatment choice. I am questioned each visit on any supplemental vitamins, minerals, or foor supplements. I know they have clinical trials in many areas. I just am have not taken part first hand in them. Food and excercise are receiving a lot of focus lately. I signed up for this study and another one about bone density when diagnosed.

    Best to you, dear.

    What about if your assay shows you ER- and PR- ??
    Tell me if I'm thinking incorrectly here, but if you've had a tissue assay that show you as estrogen receptor negative and progesterone receptive negative (which is very likely if you have UPSC or any of the rarer and more aggressive endometrial cancers), is there any reason to forego foods that may have hormones in them?
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member

    What about if your assay shows you ER- and PR- ??
    Tell me if I'm thinking incorrectly here, but if you've had a tissue assay that show you as estrogen receptor negative and progesterone receptive negative (which is very likely if you have UPSC or any of the rarer and more aggressive endometrial cancers), is there any reason to forego foods that may have hormones in them?

    good point
    I have the same question. My doc has consistently told me that I can eat whatever I want - but he doesn't put much stock in the food theory, anyway. I know I should know this, but I can't remember if I'm ER + or neg. Shame on me. I will check when I see doc next week.

    Anyway, thanks Linda for bringing this up.