Benefits of Green Tea

Hi, I have recently started to drink green tea after hearing so much about the amazing benefits.  I have totally given up coffee which has not been easy. My question is for someone who has already had breast cancer such as myself, can drinking green tea help reduce the risk of reoccurrence?  Thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Rosa, There is much interest in the prevention of breast cancer, as well as reducing the risk of recurrence of disease. Various substances are being studied.  Scientists are researching the properties of green tea and the active ingredients of the tea.  I looked for studies that may have addressed the question of green tea and breast cancer recurrence.  I did find one study from Japan in which women with invasive breast cancer were followed after surgery.  They reviewed records and questionnaires that asked about green tea usage.  After following the women

[Sha Sha]

I've just had a mastecomy three weeks ago and now I have the option to take four treatments of Chemo or just take Tamoxifen.  I am undecided which way to go.  I'm afraid of taking Chemo because of all the sickness it gives you.  I'm hoping someone out there can give me advise as to whether or not to take Chemo.  Thanks for your input.

[lisac]

Hi Sha Sha,

There are several medications that can prevent nausea - I have spoke to several people who breezed through chemo because of the new medications.  I am starting chemo this Friday.
The medications are Zofran, Prochlorperazine and Lorazep.

Hope this helps.

Lisa

[Ernestine]

Hi Sha Sha.  Lisa is right.  There are so many things that can be done to alleviate the immediate side effect of chemo.  Another breast cancer survivor I know had chemo and radiation 15 years ago and says that is the reason she survived.  She is an amazing, dynamic and vital career woman today.  I can tell you that compazine (for nausea) is very effective.  If one of the drugs in your chemo is Taxol, the amino acid L-Glutamine is very effective in controlling the tingling in the hands and feet as well as helping keep the aches and pains under better control.  Best wishes to you.