natural girls
Comments
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sakura73... my fellow chemo sister! Good to "see" you here...0
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I thought this was the alternative, complementary and holistic thread. Am I in the wrong place?
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Meg ~ My rad onc said the same thing -- because women with very large breasts require higher doses of radiation to get through the breast tissue, depending on how close to the chest wall the lesion was.
lucy88 ~ Yes, alternatives thread. However, I think it's important to realize that you can be into natural healing can still be open to integrating some forms of traditional tx, especially when you're dealing with a form of bc that is aggressive and known to recur. Deanna
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I had a grade 3, ER-/PR-, HER2+ tumor. It was stage 1 with no lymph involvement. I have chosen not to do rads or chemo. The rads would have potentially caused residual damage to my heart because my tumor was so close to my chest wall in my left breast. I did not do chemo because the stats of how effective it would be vs. the side effects and quality of life issues did not sit well with me. My take on "aggressive" tumors, which I certainly had, and chemo is that chemo would not really work for me and that it may actually worsen my situation. I chose to attack full force by removing the tumor via surgery and boosting my immune system through a combo of IV vitamin C and many other supplements, optimal diet and exercise. Will this work? I do not know. Of course I hope so and I will let you all know if it doesn't. But, I feel better than ever in my life and have said goodbye to some chronic issues like stuffed sinuses, migraine headaches, and a general feeling of unwell. I dropped the 40+ lbs that had creeped up on my over the last few years. Everyone around me says I look better than ever. Everyone has to make their own decisions and chose a path that feels right to them so they can fight this disease with all that they've got. If this is not working for me, I sure do feel good in the meantime. It is no cakewalk, I work hard everyday and never have fallen off the wagon. But to me it is worth it. All recents tests have been clear and look real good. Time will tell.
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Good morning Sisters,
I guess I am confused because, I don't have breast anymore???? SO, what are they radiating???. I mean before my Bilate MX, I was small breasted to begin with, so I guess from what you guys are saying that is a good thing as it is. I don't know, I will talk with her within the next 3 weeks after my last round of poison and go from there. Thank you soooo much ladies, love ya'll
Jenny.
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Jenny,
I would have the very same question for my doctors - if the tumor is gone and the SITE of the tumor is gone, what are they radiating?
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Hi Deni63,
Exactly
. I have clear margins (Surgeons words to my DH and I were very clear margins after surgery), Double MX, no vascular invasion, 1/10 lymph involved, but all clear there after removal (ink) test. I did ask My Onc what are they Radiating and he stated any free cells thatcould have been missed after surgery. I asked him if the "ink" process that they perform during surgery would have detected any strays and he said, "They should have, but we still do not want to take any chances". HMMMM. I don't know, we'll see. I cannot wait to see what the RAD ONC has to say. Thanks ladies.Jenny.
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I have a question for you gals who have gone the "natural" route. I'm trying desperately to get a Naturopath MD in my area and am not having any great success. I made an appointment with my regular GP for Thursday this week and am hoping that he can maybe refer me to someone (but I'm not holding my breath). Can anyone please tell me what blood/ urine tests can be done by my GP in the meantime so I can get the ball rolling? I know I should have my Vit D level checked and I want to start taking DIM and iodine. Is there a test he can do for iodine or do I just start taking the recommended dosage (whatever that is) by myself. I also want him to check my thyroid (I'm hypothyroid and on Synthroid) and hormone levels.... am I asking too much of a GP? Will he even understand what the heck I'm asking him to do????? Please, I need to have him at least get the ball rolling by doing some tests.......... what are the most important and also which are realistic to ask for?
Terri
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Sorry, me again....I also noticed that the Nature's Way DIM has some Soy in it. I know that Fairy is using this brand so it must be ok???
Terri
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Jenny
They are radiating your chest wall, your armpit (lymph nodes) and your clavicle (lymph nodes) and any other surrounding tissue where a microscopic thing of cancer could be sitting. Chemo is systemic, this is localized.
I burned, at the end, a little, I got better fast. The skin dammage is NOT why I have some issues with having done rads. Rads has tightened the skin under my armpit and has really tightened my pec muscle. I feel this in some Yoga stretches/twists. and it just reminds me that my body was compromised, and I don't like it!!!
I would probably do it over again, bc for me, the "what if" would be hanging over my head driving me bats. This is such a personal decision. You need to figure out what is going to make you more crazy, doing it, or not doing it.!!!! Honestly. This is really what it boils down to....
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Ok ladies, having a bit of a meltdown, so I apologise in advance! I don't know if you all remember me telling you I had an ingrown hair in my armpit about 6 weeks ago, totally freaked me out, as there is NOTHING worse than feeling a lump after BC.........anyhoo it went away, but now I have another one! I KNOW its nothing, but its completely thrown me! I am having nip surgery tomorrow, so maybe I am a little jumpy, but shish!! The fact that I keep poking at it hasn't helped, now its all red! Sorry to vent, but this is the ONLY place where I know it will be understood, hubby just rolls his eyes!
L
ox
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Hi Spring,
I know, Radiating my HEALTHY lymphnodes, and HEALTHY skin is what I worry about. I am just going to ask the RAD ONC and see what she says and if it makes any sence. Thank you Spring for your response, you are awesome
.Poor Fairy, I would probably be doing the same. What is nip surgery? Could they maybe look at it tomorrow? I use to get ingrown hair and would put Tea Tree oil on it and it would go away VERY quickly. I love the stuff. I hope you feel better soon. Tell DH to stop rollong the eyes, that is not helping you
. Jenny.
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Fairy... It really sucks doesn't it, the worrying. Yes, it's probably nothing. You know it and I know it, BUT it still doesn't negate your feelings. I personally think one of the biggest challenges post-treatment is learning to live with some level of fear. And, we have to learn to do that or our lives will just pass us on by. You're a strong woman. You WILL be okay. I believe it and you should, too!!!0
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Hi Terri - a couple of things that I would ask to test are NK cells (natural killer) that can give an indication of how your immune system is doing. Also, c-reactive protein and albumin which are inflammation markers. You want these to be at the right levels so you can tell if you are fighting off inflammation adequately. Also, tumor markers (CA27.29). I'm sure the ladies here can help with others as well. I don't know that a GP would do all of this for you, but it can't hurt to ask!
Fairy - I so totally understand your anxiety! It sucks doesn't it. Repeat after me: I will be fine, I will be fine, I will be fine. Deep cleansing breath.....there, much better!
Good luck with your nip surgery! Sending supportive healing vibes....
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Ohhhhh Fairy I sooooo feel your worry. Yesterday I started thinking the what if"s: what if all this stuff I'm taking isn't working at all, what if I should have my boobs removed, what if all my breast friends here don't know what they are talking about, what if my faith won't get me were I want to be. In other words it was a panic day! I hate those days. They don't come near as often but when I do have them they are horrible. I did not sleep well last night. Today is so much better! I'm sitting here typing and eating chocolate!!!! So my advice is go eat some chocolate and be scared then pray and let it go!!!! You are strong! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Patty
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you guys rock!! Thank you so much!!
I will check in after surgery!L
ox
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Is nip surgery an outpatient procedure? Sounds like it shouldn't be...
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it is! I go in at 8:15am, surgery is at 9:45am, only takes about an hour or so, should be home by 2ish, they will make my nipples with whats called a modified CFlap, I will then get tattoos for the areolas when the nips are healed, quite excited to get cherries on the cupcakes!!
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Fairy: Sending healing warm vibes your way. And yes, I understand about the ingrown hair....I have all kinds of things I worry about that I never worried about before....it goes with the bc territory and should be considered a natural reaction in my opinion. ((((((((((hugs)))))))))))
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Amazing what they can do. Do you get to pick what they will look like? Very exciting indeed! I'll start sending my healing thoughts now so that there is plenty stocked up for tomorrow.
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I was annoyed at myself for getting so anxious, but it does go with the territory, I guess its the new normal......Thanks for all the warm vibes, I can already feel them!!! such a lovely feeling!
Deni, I have some silicone fake stick on nips which I am taking tomorrow to show her where I want them placed, I like the size of them and the projection and she said she could replicate them, so that will be good! I understand they will be quite huge for a while until they shrink down, I have seen some wonderful ones on the picture forum, it is quite amazing what they can do now!
I will check in either tomorrow or Thursday, peace sisters!
L
ox
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Hi all, I walked about 10 miles with the kids yesterday, in the rain, but they are a wonderful group so far.
Fairy dear, I wonder if you are having detox symptoms? I thought I was getting posion ivy this summer in my yard since I do have it, and I had red, itchy blotches all over my hands and feet. Then I read on the iodine group that those are detox symptoms from the iodine. I did some salt loading, and no more problems. Think about, a lot of toxins get in through the skin, and out through the skin. What do you think causes pimples? Good luck on the nip/tuck!
Terri, as far as tests go: You can get the kit to do the urinalysis for iodine absorption at breastcancerchoices.org. They will send the results to your doctor, but your doc will probably have no clue how to read it, so tell your doc to get Dr. Brownstein's book and learn. When you do the test, the lab where it is done will give you a consult with Dr. Flechas who runs the lab, and he will interpret it. As far as hormone tests, keep looking for a doctor who understands them. If you cannot find a doc who does through a compounding pharmacy, try chiropractors. They are usually more up on preventative medicine and hormone analysis. My primary just shook her head at it, so I shook her off my list, even though I really liked her. I need doctors who know what to advise me, not vice versa. You can have your hormones tested by urine or saliva. The blood tests are not as detailed.
As far as the rads tangent goes, though we have been round and round it before, and had quite a heated discussion on another thread with our dear FlaLady, I will add, that I have always regretted it for my stage 1 tumor because I had wide margins and clear nodes. As Spring says, we are all different and it is a tough decision. I just had a hard time with it emotionally. I was so freaked by the whole thing, even though I had very minimal physical problems. I never got any fatigue because I took a long walk after every treatment (even in the dead of winter). I also ate an apple on my way and kept up a very healthy eating regime. I took a few supplements too. My rad onc said they were studying the benefits of exercise and that I was proof it was important. So if you go this route Jenni, get out and walk. I mostly did it to clear my head, but it had physical benefits too. I do think taking this time to wrap my head around the whole cancer thing, and detoxing my emotions helped me to get to where I am today. I literally walked away the anger.
Becky, glad to see a chiro in our club, even if it is too bad you had to find us. As a doc, you are probably way ahead of what we know. I have found that I just keep learning new things and tweaking it all as I go along. How wonderful that you will be able to help others some day with what you learn. You will honestly able to tell them that you know exactly how they feel. That is the one thing we do not get from our doctors. My chiro had a nutrition, detox program called Firstline Therapy or something. It was a real kick start for me. She is the first doctor that suggested I test vit d and hormones, that is why I will have so much respect for your profession. I also go to a chiro for my themography. Someone on this board made a crack onetime when I said that, as if having a chiro do my therms was asking a rookie. Well most mammos get read by techs, so at least mine are done by a doctor. I am so glad we can share what we know with each other. And welcome!
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Good luck to you tomorrow Fairy
now that I know now what you mean by "nip" surgery. Thank you Vivre, that is exactly what I am trying to do, "wrap my head" around this so that I can make a clear decision. Wow, walking 10 miles in the rain, with kids.... You are my hero. Peace out ya'll, got get the lil' ones fed, bathed and home worked. Love ya'llJenny.
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Hi all, thanks for the suggestions. I think I may have found an MD through the Suzanne Somers "Breakthrough" site. I say "I think" because when I called his office I was informed that he would be out until Nov 3rd. Seems every time I turn I hit a road block ! I'm going to hold off ordering the iodine loading test kit until I can have an app't with him. No sense in doing tests twice and I understand it has to be ordered through a physician anyway. I will get my GP to test my c-reactive protein and albumin though. My CA27.29 was done not too long ago by my ONC and everything was normal. I have to say I feel overwhelmed by all this but I know it'll be worth it in the long run. I guess there's no quick fixes to our health issues anymore....sad really, this new normal.............
Terri
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It is the new "normal" isn't it? And I too feel so overwhelmed at times. But you know what, I have those feelings less and less. Many thanks to the intelligent, progressive ladies who post here.
I think one day I will wake up and it will all just fall into place and make perfect sense. It won't be such an effort anymore. It will just be a day like any other day but I will be doing all that I can to keep myself healthy and it will all just be easy. I look forward to that day!
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Hey natural girls, I've always been known as a natural girl myself, though since BC, it's been more of a tightrope balancing act between 2 worlds. I really hate it sometimes...really most days. I've been on tamox and now am told I should switch to an AI and as scary as tamox is, AIs are really frightening me. I thopught I was ok about them but turns out I'm not. So...I have noticed that some of you don't take tamox or AIs. What do you take?
Here's my basic supplements:
DIM plus
curcumin
vitamin D--4000-8000 IUs daily (and I still test too low!)
lots of fish oil
Used to take calcium d glucarate(maybe I would need to start it again if I stopped tamox/AI?)
baby aspirin
probiotics
B vits plus a sublingual b12 since I'm low
I also take various enzymes for different reasons
I don't have a good mutli, just take a generic centrum silver
I know I'm leaving some out..I'm not near them to check right now. I try to eat a large bunch of some kind of greens each day, kale and spinach and swiss chard being my favorites. I need to get back into pilates and exercise but I'm so tired all the time.
I see my onc in a week or so and will discuss all this. Going on AIs, quitting it all, or at the least taking a vacation and see if there's a difference in my mood, energy and dry skin. I'd appreciate opinions on this if you've done this and were successful or not. Thanks!
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I was just looking for the link for my bio doctor for my girlfriend and I came across this link. She is part of this network of doctors:
http://www.bodylogicmd.com/anti-aging-physician-locations
Terri-it takes a while to get test results back, so it is good to get the test submitted as soon as you can, even if you do not have a doc appt. yet. You do not need a doctor scrip to get the test okayed.
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Lorraine ~ I'll be thinking about you tomorrow morning. I'm sure everything will go beautifully. It sounds like you're having anesthesia. Is that because you're having 2 done, or does your PS always do it that way? Also, do you know who will do your tattoos yet? Be sure to let me know who you use, and I can also let you know who UCLA recommends if you're interested. I think they give us a list of recommended artists. And sorry about the panic you were feeling over the mystery bump this morning. Hopefully, you were able to run across the street to your doctor today and be reassured.
Sending you strong positive vibes (can you feel them?) for restful sleep tonight and beautiful new nips tomorrow ~ Deanna
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Fairy - I know you'll do great in your nip surgery! Even though you can be anxious about the ingrown hair, you must be excited to end the surgery carousel!
I find myself feeling the foob area all of the time. Even in public. I'm sure people think I'm a bald pervert. There is a little bump that is probably the tissue expander, but I'm going to make WonderDoc (my PS) feel me up tomorrow!
Lots of questions for my onc tomorrow - going to ask him about DIM, progesterone cream, iodine. I am, so far, committed to the chemo route, but not so sure about the Tamoxifen. How effective will it be for me, given that my cancer is "only" 50% ER+? I also want to see if he will put me on, or get me into, the Zometa trial. Hmmmm . . . he has no idea what's in store for him! I am also going to talk to him about green tea and alkalyzing supplements. I don't want to undo the effectiveness of my chemo, I want to COMPLEMENT it. Does that make sense? And certainly, when all of this is done, I want to do whatever I can to make sure it never comes back. As long as that doesn't involve giving up my wine! Haha. No, actually, quite serious. But I heard that I can offset the drinking risk with Folic Acid!! Another question for the onc!
Thank you All for the stimulating conversation. People do get heated, but I think important things are learned through heated debate!
Laura
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Here is a song I love to listen to when I am low: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36V7ByKaGvg
Patty
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