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Weight Gain and Tamoxifen Dear Natural Choice Journal I am on Tamoxifen, a drug for breast cancer. I gained about 30 pounds since I''ve been on it. Do you have any suggestions as to how to regain control of my weight? I do not eat deep fried anything. I eat lots of fresh vegetables and very small amounts of red meat. I take supplements including an essential fatty acid and avoid white sugar and white flour products. Response from, Sat Dharam Kaur, N.D., a naturopath doctor practicing in Toronto Ontario and author of the book, ‘A Call to Women, the Healthy Breast Programme and Workbook: A Naturopath's Guide to Preventing Breast cancer.' Women on Tamoxifen commonly experience weight gain. I would suggest the following: 1) increase the amount of fibre in your diet by using legumes (lentils, chick peas, mung beans, kidney beans) and bran daily. Aim for a cup of beans and 2 tbsp of bran (wheat bran, oat bran, rice bran). Increased fibre reduces risk of breast cancer recurrence, decreases a rise in blood sugar which can cause weight gain and suppresses appetite. Include 2 tbsp of ground flax seeds in your daily diet to protect from a recurrence as well. 2) Exercise for 35 minutes 2-3 times daily. This may include rebounding in the morning and a brisk walk in the afternoon and evening. Frequent bursts of exercise will help to turn up your metabolic rate. 3) Be sure your essential oil supplement contains primarily flaxseed oil with very little Omega 6 fatty acids such as evening primrose oil. I usually recommend only flaxseed oil to women with a history of breast cancer. The Omega 6 fatty acids may promote the growth of an already existing cancer while the Omega 3 (flax and fish oils) family will inhibit tumour growth. 4) Help boost the thyroid by taking 500 mg of L-tyrosine 2X daily and 1 kelp tablet daily. 5) Assist the liver in metabolizing fat by using 500 mg of L-carnitine daily and a supplement which contains inositol, choline, methionine and the herbs turmeric, dandelion and globe artichoke. 6) Use chromium 200 mg. day and alpha lipoic acid 100 mg 2x daily to regulate blood sugar levels and decease fat deposition.
Dear Natural Choice Journal Ten years ago I had breast cancer surgery which included having five lymph nodes under the arm removed. Several years later, I now have lymphedema (swelling of the arm) which always turns into cellulitis (an infection of the lymphatic system in that arm). My infections seem to most often be severe (temperature of 104 degrees for a number of days, the arm feels like some one has it in a vice grip and is crushing every bone in the arm) and literally incapacitate me for any where from 2 to 4 days with another three weeks of getting over it and the antibiotics. The problem is compounded by a mild case of psoriasis on my hands. The psoriasis develops paper cut like openings, allowing infection to get in. I have consulted Naturopaths, Massage therapist (MLD), dermatologists as well as my family doctor, surgeon and oncologist. The crux of the problem as I see it is that the psoriasis opens the door for infection. If I could control the psoriasis (which seems to be worse at work where the ai r seems to affect it negatively), I feel I would reduce the number of infections. Have you any suggestions? Response from Sandra MacDonald, Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Vodder Maanual Lymph Drainage Therapist: Yes, cellulitis can result from lymphoedema, it is a local infection not controlled by the body that spreads to the connective tissues progressing quickly and may affect large areas. Skin care, preventing injury, cuts, etc. to the affected limb is a component of lymphoedema management and helps prevent cellulitis, this makes your psoriasis a major problem. However, having lymphoedema may also be a barrier to controlling the psoriasis due to a general decrease in tissue health and decreased micro-circulation which slows healing and immune system function. Unfortunately, both these conditions are chronic with no cure, yet both are manageable with appropriate support. A co-ordinated effort between all the practitioners you mentioned, MD, Oncologist, MLD therapist, Dermatologist and Naturopath would be the best approach. CompleteDecongestive Therapy is effective in the management of lymphoedema. Dermatologists in some cities run psoriasis clinics that use UV light therapy, stress control and diet in their treatment regime. Consult your oncologist in regards to the light therapy as there may be concerns with previous radiation therapy or medications. If these factors can be managed the cellulitis will be of less concern. |