I get a lot of questions about my choice not to take Tamoxifen. Every woman's approach to her breast cancer treatment is personal and individual, and my feeling regarding the "chemo pill" are somewhat controversial, I know.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Tamoxifen, it's an estrogen-blocking drug given to women who test positive for hormone-driven breast cancer. It is often called the "anti-estrogen." To put it simply, Tamoxifen attaches to the hormone receptor in the cancer cell, which blocks circulating estrogen from attaching to the receptor. This can interfere with the growth of the tumor by cutting off it's supply of estrogen, which it needs to grow. Most women take the pills daily for 5-10 years, with a host of side-effects and health risks in tow.

I do not feel that Tamoxifen is the right choice for me. I have chosen to deal with my excess estrogen through naturopathic methods of nutrition and supplementation. I found a fantastic Naturopath who is helping me balance my hormones and strengthen my immune system with clean eating and specific vitamins, minerals and enzymes. There is no guarantee that I will stay cancer-free with or without Tamoxifen. I just feel strongly that this is the best path for me. I feel fantastic, I have more energy, and my quality of life is optimal. How this all plays out remains to be seen.

The Naturopathic Doctor I'm using is Dr. Mark Carney at Thriveology in Denver, CO. Here's the link to his website: http://www.thriveology123.com/

To find an Naturopathic Doctor in your area, go to http://www.naturopathic.org/

I respect you and your choice to treat your cancer in the best ways you believe possible. Thank you for learning a little bit about my choices.

xoxo-- Stephenie