Iodine, thyroid, and breast cancer??
Comments
-
crunchy, I get iodoral from breastcancerchoices.org. I didn't know lef carries it also, but bcchoices ships very quickly, and if you can swing 3 bottles of supplements, you'll get free shipping. You can also participate in their iodine research project by getting a loading test done. That can come now or later. I did mine after 5 months of supplementing and learned my absorption rate is lousy.
For you, I'd suggest getting a test sooner to see where you're at. The research project will reimburse the cost of your test after you share your test results with them. If it turns out your absorption rate is lousy, you can take ATP cofactors (b2 and b3) to help heal the symporters that are failing to absorb the iodine. Jackie at bcc is very responsive and accommodating to get you free shipping with some combinations not listed on the shopping page.
I'd love so much for you to kick that cancer butt to the curb. There's just no way you'd ever want to take tamoxifen while trying to conceive.
0 -
Thank you so much, Althea!!
0 -
Deni and Anomdenet, thank you for the info. I have upped my dose to 50 mg - this is the second day. So far no signs of detox. I feel good.
Barry, I love reading that you feel the canSer is behind you. Good for you. I will be so happy when I have that peace of mind.
Julia, good luck with your iodine treatment. I hope it works for all of us.
0 -
Many of you know I'm recouping from my last *LAST* recon surgery. Anyway, I have one remaining "surgical drain". Dr. Flechas (the iodine expert, and when you do an iodine loading test you can get a free 15 min consult with him) said to start up with the Iodoral agian 2 weeks post op, that was yesterday. (He said to not take it a couple days prior to and 2 weeks after surgery as Iodine can interfere with the development of scar tissue).
OK so Yesterday I take 3 - 12.5 mg pills. This morning. I wake up, and my overnight output from the last (friggin!) drain is down to 7cc!! (Previous mornings 20cc!!!)
Now, it could be coincidence, or it could be the Iodine doing the job!!! I wanted to mention this as a follow on to Vivre who was explaining the "whole body" benefits.
Just thought I would mention. Today I am taking 62.5 to hopefully help this along.... When I get this last drain out, i will be a FREE WOMAN!!!
0 -
Amazing Spring! Glad to hear you are well down the road to recovery!
0 -
Spring, I'm so surprised you had drains with stage 2. Oh, how I hated those drains. So glad yours is about to be history.
0 -
Althea, most don't have drains, you're right! I'm just lucky. I had a lot of work done. I had an abdominal incision line very high up, and he lowered it very low down. But there as a price, DRAINS! I am sure I will be happy I did this once it is over. Right?????
0 -
I feel absolutely certain you'll be more than happy with your results when you've mended from all the surgery. My 4-year anniversary of stage 2 will be in March and I'm still so glad I went to new orleans for my surgery. I'd be even happier if I didn't have those darn keloids. I still have lumpy itchy scar tissue, but I expect they'll flatten and fade to near nothing like all the other places I've been stitched.
0 -
Say, crunchy, I was just remembering some things discussed in the iodine group. If you decide to get an iodine loading test, you can double dip from the same sample and get your bromide levels tested at the same time. It would be good for you to know where you stand because detoxing can take time. You're eating a pretty clean diet, but no one is impervious to the toxins of everyday life. Taking iodine at higher doses will prompt bromides to leave your system, and this isn't a process to begin while pregnant. Far better to start in advance.
0 -
Is it normal to have thyroid blood tests every six weeks? Is this something I will have to do the rest of my life? Thursday, I had a tsh test, and my doctor had me take a more sensitive thyroid test...not sure what it is. I am anxiously waiting on the results as this is the first test since being on the natural thyroid med's...as before I have been on Armour. I actually feel better on the T3 & T4 natural thyroid meds. The truth of the best for me will be in the results of the test I took December 24th.
0 -
Barry, when I was switching from Synthroid to NatureThroid, and also starting iodoral, I had them frequently for a while until they figured out the right dosage. every 6, every 2 (!!) Glad that part is OVER.
0 -
Springtime, I had my first blood workup since switching from Armour to Natue Thyroid. I am taking the time release ones with T3 and T4. For the first time since learning I have hypothyroid, taking med's, my tsh score is almost normal. The new Armour caused me problems. Actually, I think my immune system might had seen Armour as foreign, attacting my thyroid. Since dx I developed an autoimmune disease. My next blood test I am going to ask them to recheck my autoimmune thyroid problem...maybe with the Natures Thyroid it will disappear. Hope.
Do you think that taking iodine over a period of time will correct my thyroid problem? I hate the idea that I depend on a thyroid pill everyday.
0 -
Has anyone been diagnosed with parathyroid problems? I was recently tested and told everything is normal. I have had Hashimoto's thyroiditis with multinodular goiters for over 10 years. Go to an endocrinologist to be tested every year and everything is normal. Post BC 5+ years. Hair is still thin; skin is dry in spots like psoriasis; feel angry/crabby;restless leg syndrome;big problems with memory issues and depression. Also have lost desire for sex. I have a lot of the symptoms of parathyroid but am told again that everything is normal. Feeling frustrated and angry. Anyone have any suggestions as to how I should proceed going forward? try naturopathic medicine? Has anyone head if Body Logic MD, which I am thinking of trying next. I want to take estrogen but am afraid to do so because of the BC. Thanks.
0 -
Nomore-have you looked into the iodine yahoo group? I do not post there, but read it a lot and a lot of great people there have talked about their problems with Hashimoto's. If you are not on the iodine therapy, you need to check it out. My hormone doc is part of the body logic group. I am happy with her so far, she is very knowlegable about hormones, but she is not a big proponent of iodine so I am not happy about that. I think there are a lot of doctors who still are learning their way around this. It is not taught in med school, and the doctors who are leaning in this direction tend to have as many questions as we do.
0 -
Hi, I just got my loading results. Can
someone tell me what they mean?Loading: 34L >44
Saturation 67L >90Also, any questions I should ask Dr. Flechas?
Thank you,
Angee0 -
I had my consult with Dr. Fletchas last week.
He told me that I could take the Iodoral with any supplements. I remember someone posting that they thought they couldn't take it with resveratrol, but he said it was OK.
He did tell me to split my dose and take it twice a day - breakfast and 3:00 p.m.
I had been on Iodoral for 18 months prior to my diagnosis(went on for hypothyroid benefits and fibrocystic breasts) but had never re-tested and had only been taking 25mg a day. When I was diagnosed in July I upped it to 50mg - but since my Iodine test last month still showed me at only 74% - he told me to up it to a total of 100mg a day. 50mg, twice a day and to add the ATP co-factors. He said that 80% of breast cancers are sensitive to Iodine and that most breast cancer patients have problems with organification with Iodine and that is why my levels did not go up enough and so he suggested the increase in dose and the ATP co-factors.
0 -
Looks like this thread has been quiet for a bit, so I'll add something I've noticed in recent days. I have been on Iodoral for a little while now, and two interesting things have happened that I'm attributing to it. First, I had a small growth -- like a pimple, but nothing in it -- on my neck, near my collarbone -- and it has slowly decreased to something smaller than a pinhead. But even more surprising, I've recently noticed how significantly the brown age/sun spots on my hands have faded. They were getting to the point where I was self-conscious about them, and now the backs of my hands are almost spot-free again. Does anyone else think it's the Iodoral, as I do? Of course, I take several antioxidants and such, so I suppose it could be just the total combination of things, too. Deanna
0 -
Deanna, do you read the iodine group? I know there was a discussion of this. People were actually using lugols on age spots, and they were falling off! I have started putting it on a couple of moles to experiment. Supposedly it takes a while, I do not always remember to use it. We shall see! I do know that a plantars wart I have been fighting for years dried up after a few weeks on iodine. It is an antifungal. Too bad it is not taken more seriously by regular docs any more. Of course, that might put drug companies out of business.
Angee, what did Dr. F say to you? Sorry we all missed your post.
hlth-let us know if you notice any effects when you up your dose. I am going to retest soon too.
0 -
Deanna - I have a brown spot on the side of my face that has been shrinking away over the past several months. I don't know if it is the Iodoral - I noticed it was getting smaller when I overhauled my diet. Now it is almost gone. Whatever is making it disappear - I am thankful it is going!
0 -
Vivre-
I noticed the other day that a keloid scar I have had on my back for several years seems to be fading...I hadn't considered tha tit could be the increase in my Iodoral that was responsible..
I did want to ask if anyone experienced mild nausea when they added the ATP factors. I can't figure out what is causing my nausea, amd wondered if that could possibly be a cause?
Thanks!
Beth
0 -
Beth, I think I reported before, but if you did not catch it, I noted that my breast tissue really changed. The thick scar from rads is finally fading and my long scar is almost disappeared. Also, the lumps are gone. ;
Here is some more news. I have been getting my friends on my bandwagon too. I have been taking my dear friend with me for thermographs. She had a suspicious mammo and wanted to get another opinion so she had a therm. Our doc said lets watch it. Last week she had another one, and he asked her what she was doing because her therm was looking clear! She thought it was just her diet change too, until I reminded her last night that she was taking iodine. I am getting another one too in the next couple of weeks. Each of my last three therms have shown that the radiation was going away slowly, but it was still bugging me that my breast was red, two years later! I just know that the next one is going to be a huge difference. I am going to tell my doc to contact Dr. B and see if they can start doing a study using thermography and iodine.
0 -
Vivre, I just got done writing on another post about my thick scars This sounds promising to me. I also looked up a website about iodine and fibromyalgia which I suffer with, also. Where do I get this lodoral? Do I have to be under a dr's care when taking it? I seem to have some of the symtoms of hypothroidism, also. I know I've had my thyroid checked and the test always comes back normal. I live in the great lakes region where they say people are lacking iodine. I know that I am. Can I take this when I'm on chemo? How can I afford all this stuff on such a limited income? Is there help for that out there? Its too bad the alternatives aren't covered through insurance and people don't have that option because of that reason. Are your treatments covered by insurance? This is one source of stress for me...I feel sometimes that I don't have options. I am really interested in this, tho. I feel I need to take the iodine.
0 -
Dear annettie,
In Suzanne Somer's book Ageless, she writes this...
"When TSH is measured, most doctors consider normal to be in the 0.2 to 5.5 range. However, the normal range is no longer considered optimal by antiaging doctors. Optimal is between 1.0 and 2.0. Higher than this , and you can experience premature aging and an increased risk of heart disease. Writing in his book Life Extension Revolution, Dr. Phillip Lee Miller says, "If your thyroid levels are above 4.0 (still well within the considered 'normal range), you are at an increased risk of heart disease."
In this same chapter...
"If you suspect that you have an underactive thyroid, blood tests should not be limited to the "faithful" TSH test. This method happens to be scientifically outdated, and not all doctors are up-to-date with this fact. To get an accurate picture of what your thyroid hormones are doing, you need to work with a physician who understands thyroid problems. Demand a full panel of tests, including TSH, free T4, free T3, and possibly thyroid antibodies. Together, these are considered a complete battery of thyroid function tests."
My daughter Lori and I agree with you 100% as to the expense of alternative medicines. While the BHRT is not extremely expensive, (some only $30.00 per month), the initial consults/appointments are. There are many who simply cannot afford the consults, and continue to struggle with many illnesses, and are taking drugs which only compound the problems, or simply doesn't even address the problem.
0 -
Annette, I posted a great site link on natural girls about the link with bc, thyroid, iodine, and fibromyalgia. I know it gets confusing going back and forth. I know that iodine is one of the most important preventative things I am doing. It gives me as much peace of mind as I suppose tamox does for those who go that route. I could go on and on about how many changes I have seen, and how many things I can look back on that prove I was very iodine deficient. It is good to take the iodine loading test at breastcancerchoices. But you do not have to do that in order to start. You know you are deficient, so just save some money and take the iodine for a few months and then check to see how you are absorbing it. You must get brownsteins book to explain everything, including salt loading, because it is so important that you do not let toxins back up. Iodoral is name brand of iodine supplement sold through bcchoices and optimox. It is based on lugol's formula, which you can also use, it is cheaper, and more available. I get my iodine from my local compounding pharmacist. They can usually help recommend doctors in your area who can help with natural thyroid balance.
Nan, I am right there with you on the cost of alternatives. It really saddens me that people who cannot afford them have to opt for the drugs, which are so much more expensive in the long run. My insurance will pay $300 a month for arimidex, but not $30 a month for iodine. This is an issue that I plan to really advocate for when I get my own website up an running, which I am working on. We need to all join forces to demand we get to choose. That is why I am so against what the Congress is doing now. They are being heavily backed by big Pharma because these companies will be able to get more control, since they also fund most of the FDA. They have been able to outlaw iodine in Europe! If we have govt. control, these special interests will be able to lobby and buy their way into our health care protocols even more. Right now, they are pouring millions into the campaign of the woman running for Ted Kennedy's seat because if the dems lose their 60th vote, hellcare will be out. Don't get me wrong, I think we need a lot of changes made in healthcare, but it is not just about insurance, it is about cost cutting. What better way to cut costs than to bring back alternatives. But they do not want to cut costs. They want to keep the gravy train going. We have an option to pay a low premium in exchange for a high deductable. I like it this way because I can buy my supplements and still end up paying less in the long run. I can choose my own options. Our health insurance just would cover us for major expenses. That is how it use to be, and that is how I wish it would go back to. When my kids were young, we paid $20 for them to see the doctor. No insurance involved. Now we would pay $250, which is covered when we reach our deductible, but I would rather just pay up front, and pay less. The doctor who I linked about fibromyalgia on the natural girls thread, did a great job of explaining it all from a doctors prespective. Too bad the the idiots in congress are not talking to the doctors. We might actually have solutions and national support for reform.
Sorry about the rant! I just feel so passionate about this. We should all have the right to choose.
Here are some links that we have put up on this thread before, but I post again for those who missed them. We have been accused of linking to these sites because we are selling something. I can tell you, I have NO association with any of these links. I just put them here because I have learned a lot from them, and I hope others will too. I especially like the yahoo group that steph has set up. I read it, but do not post there. I learn something new there all the time. If you join the group, make sure you determine how you want to have emails sent or you will get tons of email. These people are chatty.
Breast Cancer Choices:
http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/
Vitamin Research Products:
Dr. David Brownstein:
www.drbrownstein.com
Dr. Jorge D. Flechas
Iodine Research & Products (Dr. Guy Abraham)
The Iodine Group
To join the iodine news group
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/iodine/ Flechas:
https://www.drbrownstein.com/video_MandJshow2.php arguing for bioidentical hormones
http://fibromyalgia-thecure.blogspot.com/ great summary on how to fix healthcare.
0 -
annettie, I also believe I'm hypothyroid and I haven't found anyone who's helpful on this topic. It's as if thyroids are the ugly stepchildren in the medical world and no one wants to claim them. I finished rads 4 years ago and 2 years ago my fatigue was still very much with me. I had blamed all the treatments initially, but as time passes, you suspect other things. My learning curve about thyroid issues began in January 2008. I quickly learned that my physicians were still using the 'normal' ranges that had become outdated in 2002.
Within a few weeks, iodine was on my radar, and my head was swimming. In particular, many sources say iodine starts being toxic at 1100 mcg per day. Well, Japanese people routinely consume 13 MILLIGRAMS per day. Clearly the 1100-mcg-per-day-is-toxic mantra that keeps getting repeated is a lie, and the RDA of 150 mcg is woefully inadequate, as most RDA's are.
There's not much point in even asking your onc about taking iodine during chemo. They hesitate to even recommend vitamin C. Alternative methods of healing are typically a polar opposite of allopathic medicine. Allopathic doctors get all the way through medical school without any required courses in nutritional medicine. Only 6% have ANY training at all in nutrition. I would hestitate to recommend iodine during chemo mainly because it can cause stomach upset for some people, and that's the last thing you need right now. It'll be there for you when you're done and you can ramp up your knowledge on the subject in the meantime.
0 -
Thank you ladies, for all your suggestions and advice. I don't have a computer all the time so I try to get on here when I can. I will consider everything you have told me. I just got my appointments pushed up to the Mayo next week. This has been a hellish week for me. A lady that I knew that had lung cancer just passed away last nite. I was looking to her as a source of strength and courage. She lost her battle. And I just fell apart realizing the reality of all this. I thought I could handle it but totally lost it today out of fear. Very drained right now...I guess I needed the good cry. Tomorrow is a new day and I hope a better one. I think I will sleep really good tonite after releasing alot of fear and tension today. My heart goes out to anyone struggling with this dreaded disease right now. I really can't find the right words to express the pain I feel for everyone. But I pray things will get better for everyone.
Nettie
0 -
Question.
I have no family history of BC and no BRCA gene.
I have Grave's Disease. I have been diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis, goiter and severe hyper-thyroidism in September 2003.. Around May 2007 finally my anti-thyroid medication has started to have a better effect on my thyroid levels, so I was just slightly hyperthyroid and my gointer started to shrink. I had to wait until June 2009 to have radioactive iodine treatment done to my thyroid - they were afraid to do it before I was "stable normal" for at least 3 months, due to the possibility of a thyroid storm (I had had two significant ones that I had survived, the worst in September 2005). My goiter was inoperable due to the fact that it was very "bloody" and very wrapped around my vocal box, so it presented a significant risk of hemorrhage and vocal chords damage. Even after the RAI in June 2009 I still had to take anti-thyroid medication and even now, my thyroid is still active (slightly overactive - TSH and free T4 are within normal limits, free T3 is slightly elevated).
My BC diagnosis was in August 2009. The oncology surgeon said that my DCIS was probably present for years before being visible on the mammogram.
What I have been reading here is that HYPO-thyroid presents an increased risk of BC. Then why did I get BC?
On the other hand, I had the iodine intake suppressed from my diet due to the fact that iodine puts the thyroid in "high gear".
0 -
According to the experts, hyperthyroidism/Graves and hypothyroidism/Hashis are different sides to the same coin. Have you read Dr. Brownstein's book? You must get on the Yahoo Iodine Group which has 3500? members. Tell them your story. They have seen every kind of thyroid problem and the owner helped edit Dr. Brownstein's book so she knows a lot.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/iodine/
A lot of members of this thread lurk on the Iodine group.
0 -
LOL Lucy, I am guilty! I always lurk on the iodine thread. I rarely respond because they know more that I do. I sure have learned a lot from this group!
0 -
I don't know, Lucy. What I see is that it's mostly a matter of hypo-not enough iodine that is discussed.
If I have any iodine in my diet, my thyroid starts going nuts again and I have to double my beta-blocker - and that happens even if I dare to have seafood. After the last thyroid storm when I got to the ER with a 204 bpm heartrate and they were freaking out when after an hour my heart rate wouldn't go down - and after 4 induced heart attacks to restart my heart and get a normal rythm - I am definitely not very open to experimenting with iodine.
0
