Frequently Asked Questions

I have not had children yet or have children but planned more.  How is chemotherapy or any other treatment going to impact my fertility?

This is a very important quality of life issue which should not be overlooked. Some treatments will impact fertility for both men and women. Your doctor should discuss fertility with you and how your treatment may affect it. The good news is that, in many instances, there are options that will help maintain your fertility potential. Nothing is guaranteed, but it is an important conversation to have. If your doctor or team does not bring this up before you start treatment, you should bring up this topic yourself.

My doctor recommended that I freeze my eggs or embryos. I heard this is very expensive. Should I still consider this?

Many states have mandated that fertility preservation – e.g., freezing eggs, embryos, or sperm – must be covered by insurance companies for patients with cancer. For those without insurance, there are organizations that can help defray some of the costs. Your doctor’s office or a cancer survivorship program at the institution you are being treated at should be able to direct you.

I am taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer recurrence. I heard I have a high risk of developing uterine cancer. I cannot take having another cancer diagnosis. Should I continue?

There is a very, very small risk of uterine cancer for those taking tamoxifen, but the benefits of taking tamoxifen far outweigh this risk.  It is important to be aware of your body. If you notice unexpected bleeding or staining, even if it is a tiny bit of pink stain, tell your doctor. This could be the uterus warning you to take a closer look. The good news is that the vast majority of bleeding with tamoxifen is due to polyps –i.e., benign growths – rather than cancer. Cancer of the uterus does not develop overnight, and this tiny staining could be the beginning of the transition from normal to hyperplasia (a transformation which can later progress to cancer but is not cancer itself). Hyperplasia is kind of like having an abnormal pap smear. It is not cancer, but you need to follow it up.

I am on aromatase inhibitors to prevent breast cancer recurrence. I know this is bad for my bones, but I feel stuck in the middle. Do I take them and risk recurrence or risk osteoporosis?

Bone health is very important for all men and women. We know that many Americans, especially in the Northeast, have low vitamin D levels because we have many months of limited sun exposure. In addition, we know we should be using sunscreen. So, in an effort to prevent skin cancer, we limit our absorption of vitamin D. 

It is important to take Vitamin D and calcium to maintain bone health. There may be other health benefits to vitamin D too. Your doctor will likely test your level of vitamin D and order a bone density (an x-ray to see how dense your bones are) before you start the medication. Depending on the results, they will order follow up bone densities at specific intervals.

I feel so alone on this cancer journey. How can I receive support for this?

You are not alone.

There are many resources – groups, organizations, family, friends, your doctors, survivorship programs at the hospital you are being treated at. USE THEM. 

Can I do yoga during cancer treatment? Can I eat chocolate? Can I drink soy milk?

Generally, I like to say that anything in moderation is fine; except smoking and illicit drugs – HARD NO’s). But talk to your doctor about dos and don’ts. Alcohol is usually not advised during treatment for many reasons. Amongst them is that chemotherapy is often metabolized (or broken down) through the liver as is alcohol. So, it is best not to strain the liver too much. 

I take/heard vitamins can help with my cancer treatment. What should I take?

Vitamins and supplements are often not recommended during treatment as they can interact with chemotherapy. Some are metabolized (broke down) by the liver as are some other medications you may be treated with. Do not take any vitamins or supplements without first discussing with your oncology team. 

 Can I drink alcohol during chemotherapy? 

It is advised to abstain as alcohol and many medications are metabolized through the liver. You do not want to overwhelm the liver. 

 Can I exercise during cancer treatment?

Exercise is an excellent way to unwind and stay in shape. If you have undergone surgery, discuss what exercises and when you can start with your surgeon. You have to give your body time to heal too. 

If you were always active, bear in mind that you may have less energy so when you do restart, do so slowly to avoid injury and to see how much you can tolerate. Walking is always a good option. Remember to always hydrate, even if you’re not exercising. Water is important! Water is important! Water is important!