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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Nutrition after Chemo and Tamoxifen
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Nutrition after Chemo and Tamoxifen
by marc, Sep 15, 2001 12:00AM
I have had my breast removed. I had four treatments of chemo over a three month period. I am presently taking 20mg of Tamoxifen daily. I also ride a stationary bike 20 miles each day, work full time and take care of a family. I have times where I feel depressed or anxious but have found I feel better when I eat things rich in potassium. I was wondering what nutrients the chemo or the tamoxifen could be robbing from my body? I was also wondering if you had any nutritional suggestions, vitamin suggestions or herbs? I would prefer to use natural methods of treatment if possible.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Sep 17, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Marc, I am from the school of maintaining a well balanced diet and taking a good multi-vitamin daily. Stay well hydrated drinking at least 6-8 (8 oz) glasses of water a day. I find it interesting that you feel better when you are eating foods rich in potassium you feel better. There are probably other nutrients in these foods that are beneficial to you also. Foods rich in potassium such as green leafy vegetables, potatoes and banana's are all pretty good food choices so I'd listen to what your body may be telling you. You usually can't go wrong when remembering moderation in terms of your choices of food and or vitamin supplementation.
Also remember your body has been through significant trauma in the past year, try to balance in some rest and relaxation for yourself. Relaxation takes different forms for us all, I might find reading a chapter in a book relaxing while five minutes cleaning out a drawer might be relaxing to another person (I think its the "accomplishing something" factor). Find what works for you.
Also remember your body has been through significant trauma in the past year, try to balance in some rest and relaxation for yourself. Relaxation takes different forms for us all, I might find reading a chapter in a book relaxing while five minutes cleaning out a drawer might be relaxing to another person (I think its the "accomplishing something" factor). Find what works for you.
