just went away (so far)

I had my annual mamo 10/05, then an ultrasound, than a biopsy and there was positive small cancer estrogen/progesterine receptive.  The surgeon ordered a MRI to check the other breast.  They found another cancer in the same breast very small.  They suggested a mastectomy.  I went to the Norris Cancer at USC for a second opinon.  Took my slides, x-rays etc.  The surgeon there agreed.  They all said they were very small and I had time to think it over.  Also at USC they did a biopsy of another questionalbe spot on my other breast.  Found a small insitu spot and now suggested double mastectomy.  I had been a Prempro user for about 10 years to ease the symtoms of menopause.  I quit taking it immediately  after the first mamogram.  I then saw an oncologist, and he also said I had time to watch them if I was not ready to get the surgery.  So I waited 4 months and had another ultrasound.  They could see the same areas and they appeared to be much smaller.  They then ordered an MRI and the conclusion was that the lesions were in fact almost gone.  I have had three MRI since then and they can't find anything there.  They can see the markers that were placed there during my biopsies, but all clear.  I am very happy and feeling very good.  I have good medical care with the same oncologist.  He has tried to present my case at the tumor board, (which is made up of mostly surgeons) and they don't want to here my story.  Please give my your take on all this.

Spontaneous remission or even disappearance of cancer DOES happen, regardless of what drs would have us believe.  While we all wish it would happen a LOT more frequently, and TO US, we can still rejoice that your cancer is gone.

It sounds to me like the PremPro was feeding the cancer.  When that ready source of estrogen disappeared, it probably weakened the cancer spots enough that your own immune system/cancer-fighting components was then able to wipe it out.

I would be careful about eating foods/taking supplements that have very powerful phytoestrogens  e.g. soy.  If you want to use flax seed or oil for it's health benefits, might be wise to really limit your intake - maybe no more than 1 - 2 tsp ground flax seed or 2 or 3 tsp flax oil a day, if even that much. (Still a lot of controversy among researchers as to whether soy and flax act as estrogen blockers or estrogen replacers. As long as there is no concensus and questionable one way or another, I think might just be safer to avoid them all together.)

Any of the herbal and food remedies for menopause should be approached with caution.  Things like red clover flowers contain a lot of phytoestrogens, as do black cohosh and evening primrose.  Yams and sweet potatoes are also very replete with phytoestrogens.  The less supply you give your body, perhaps the less likely you will have a cancer situation arise again.   You can do a web search for foods containing strong and weak estrogens - I would emphasize the weak estrogens in diet more than the strong estrogens, as it does seem that weak phytoestrogens will act as estrogen-receptor blockers while strong  phytoestrogens will act as hormone replacement therapy.

Congrats on the good news!!!  I wish you many years of happy wellness!!

Sincerely,

Tre