natural girls
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WELCOME, MANUELA!!! You've found an amazing group here!!
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Today I had my last drain pulled....Hopefully the last one of my life !!!
It was pulled at almost the exact minute of the same day one year later from the day I got the phone call saying Yes, it is cancer. April Fools Day is really not the best day for that info. When I asked, hopefully, if it was an April Fools joke...she said No.
And here I am one year later...same day...same time at the PSs office having my final drain pulled from my final exchange.
Thank you for all the prayers and healing vibes and good wishes through this looonng process.
3 D Tats can wait for a while. I would like to get to my exercise program which apparently I am allowed to do in a couple of weeks.
And, Yes..Manuela...Julia is so right...this is an amazing group here. I don't know how I could have made it this far without them.
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I read two books on the topic of divorce that I thought were pretty good. One is "Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay" and also "Crazy Times".
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Congrats Luna! May the healing forces be with you.
Welcome, Manuela. There's a lot to learn and unlearn here.
Deanna, I was tempted by the "team" approach at UCLA as was my friend who is a radiologist. After, all who wouldn't want a team working on their cancer strategy? But then I learned (A) the team concept was a "marketing tool." (2) It allowed a group of doctors to push their agenda, ganging up on the patient and (3) their are fewer lawsuits of "teams." So it's win win win for the hospital and not so good for the patient.
Once a patient gets into that team psychology thing it's hard to pull out. They begin identifying with the hospital as the "top" hospital and how they are "your team." It's very insidious. And patients will defend anything the team does.
Anyway, we both passed on the team offering and did our own "general contracting" of our cancer services. The doctors all communicate with each other but they are not afraid to say they disagree with one another because they are not in the same shop.. It keeps them honest.
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Happy Easter! Red Wine Helps Cardiovascular Health, But Is It the Alcohol or Something Else?Two studies show different results on the source of wine's heart health benefitsJacob Gaffney
Posted: March 31, 2010One of the longest-running debates on the potential health benefits of regular, moderate red wine consumption is whether the alcohol or the other components in wine are responsible for better health. A study from Italy claims that moderate consumption of alcohol, regardless of other compounds like polyphenols, can help prevent a repeat heart attack. But a new study from the U.K. suggests that the polyphenols found in red wine may help keep blood vessels in proper working order.Previous studies suggest that red wine is responsible for improved blood flow, which helps keep the heart and the body in better health, but whether that's due to polyphenols or alcohol, or both, is still unclear. A study from the Research Laboratories at the Catholic University of Campobasso, Italy, claims the alcohol, not the antioxidants, helps prevent another heart attack or stroke.Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study looked at 16,351 people from eight countries who had previously suffered a heart-related injury, usually a heart attack. When the researchers compared their drinking habits to the recurrence of strokes, heart attacks, or any other deadly cardiovascular event, they found that moderate drinkers of one to two servings of alcohol per day had a 20 percent lower risk of recurrence compared to nondrinkers and heavier drinkers."Our research highlights another crucial issue: Drinking has not only to be moderate, but also regular," said co-author and university epidemiologist Licia Iacoviello in a statement. "Moderate consumption spread along the week is positive. The same amount of weekly alcohol, concentrated in a couple of days, is definitely harmful."The director of research at Compobasso warned against using the study as an invitation to start drinking, however. In a press release, Giovanni de Gaetano said that the study dealt with previously ill people and, therefore, is not necessarily translatable to the general public.A study conducted at the University of Surrey, England, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, suggests that alcohol may not be the only factor, however. A research team found that people who drank a kind of simulated wine—alcohol mixed with red grape juice—during mealtime showed several markers of improved cardiovascular health. Those who drank just water did not see the same levels of improved blood flow. Those who drank just grape juice saw slightly lower benefits.To try to figure out the relationship between alcohol versus red wine compounds, the team had ten subjects consume a standard meal with a test drink on different occasions. The test drinks accompanying the meal were either water, red grape juice or red grape juice plus alcohol. Red wine itself was not used in any form, as de-alcoholized wine tends to still contain some level of alcohol, which might have marred the results. The simulated wine was red grape juice with alcohol added to create a 12 percent alcohol drink. Various measurements were taken to estimate blood flow.The flow-mediated dilation, a measure of the ease at which blood is pumped through the body, stood at 6 percent for those who only had water, 7 percent for those who had grape juice only and more than 8 percent for those who had the red grape juice/alcohol mixture.The scientists credit ingredients in the red grape juice for most of the benefits. "The conclusion drawn from this study was that non-alcoholic components present in alcoholic beverages have a potential benefit on vascular function—blood vessels," said Dr. Shelagh Hampton, senior research fellow on the faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.0 -
Anom...Fairy...where are you??? Miss hearing from you.
What is the research saying these days about resveratrol?
I was taking it and then quit months ago as conflicting reports whether it reversed or proliferated BC emerged.
Has anyone heard anything definitive about this???
Also...what about L-Arginine?
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Deanna, I'm talking about the ACAM and A4M conferences and others. You seem to call the conferences you mention "top" as if prestige mattered over substance. A "top" conference would have people organizing it who got their facts straight. The functional medicine conference you mention has two of the worst oncologists around making presentations. Anyone can call themselves an integrative oncologist by saying, sure take yoga, it won't hurt.
I wish you the best of luck in your researching a competent partner your complementary journey.
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hi girls. just checking in. exchange surgery is done and im doing ok. i was really sore, awful because my nerves are regenerating and i felt the exchange vs the mx since i was numb for that. allergic to pain meds. oh well. moving on.
just wanted to say hi. looks like you all have been busy.
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Congrats, PS73 and Luna. Welcome, Manuela.
Deanna: Thank you for the update. It is interesting what your doctor said about Iodoral: I had to stop taking it, because apparently my body does not react well to it (nausea, etc....).
Crunchy: I am so sorry for your disappointment. But I am with whoever said above that we will be celebrating for you one of these days. Two kids: even better!
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Deanna- I concur with what Mollyann said exactly. I wish I could put into words what she did, but now i don't have to
I haven't checked in here in a while. And I'm always so damned tired that when I do that I can't think straight. Crunchy- I'm tracking my friend down on facebook. Hopefully I'll have some news shortly.
Yay! Luna- You're done! Now just time for healing. I wish you a quick and painless recovery.
Fairy-Where....... are ........you.....................?
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How often should I be having the CA 27.29 Blood Test and the Cancer Antigen 15.3 Blood Test and there is a third one but I can't remember the number ???
Thanks
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Hello, Natural Gurlz!
Luna, Congrats on the drain removal. Upward and onward. I don't think there is any set time to have these tests. If you are being treated and the numbers start out way above normal then some docs will put stock in them. But the tests don't seem to "read" everybody accurately. I think the third test you are thinking of is the CEA.
PS73, you will feel improvement. Chin up, sweetie.
Crunch, we are rooting for you, honey. Let us know your thoughts.
Yazmin, if the iodine tablets don't agree with you, then get some Lugol's Iodine from the Internet and paint it on your skin every day. It will absorb into your bloodstream. Iodine is absolutely essential along with D3, melatonin and curcumin.
Makingway, good to see your little veggie face here again.
Fairy, check in and tell us of your latest adventures.
Spring, where are you?
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Since an abrupt start with a lot of iodine can cause detox symptoms......
Could some people's headache, nausea, etc. following surgery really be detox symptoms from all the betadine they slather all over the chest for surgeries like Bi Lat Mast ?????
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HELLO ladies!!!!
Gosh, thank you all so much for the emails to check up on me!! I haven't been online much as its wedding season and I have sooooo many weddings this month!! Mother's of the bride are driving me insane, but after 12 years doing this, I am pretty much used to it, but.......it can get a little crazy!! Thank goodness for my BHRT!!!
they are keeping me pretty mellow and lubed LOL!!! I am LOVING the vaginal estriol I simply can't say enough good things about it, my "you know where" has gone from being drier than the flippin Sahara, to plump and, well, lubed.....sorry for the TMI, but you simply have to know!!!! Had my areolas tattooed on last week, I must say they look quite lovely and so real!! So, I am officially DONE!!! So OVER all the surgeries, etc etc. Congrats to LUNA and PS73 on their exchanges!! yay!!! no more drains!!! I will try to check in as much as I can, feel free to PM me with anything or email me at lorraine@weddingfairy.net I get that quicker!Love you all so very much!!!
L
OX
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I have been adding iodine to my diet by adding at least a teaspoon of wakame (seaweed) flakes to my bowl of soup or to my salad. I make sure that I do this every day. There are 240 mcg of iodine per each teaspoon. I don't know if that is enough, but it certainly does not bother me in any way.
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Sorry to bother you ladies but can anyone give me some great links for progesterone usage for breast cancer patients. My new MD is a non believer for PR+ BC but was willing to read some articles if I send them to him and of course, now that I'm looking I can't find any of the great ones I've read in the past!
Terri
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Dear Terri,
Just get the book by Dr. John Lee..."What your doctor may (not) tell you about breast cancer", and get a copy for your doctor also! (i got the books on Amazon for $5.00 each).
I am sending 4 of my daughters and a dear friend a copy of this book, and just today I got the 6 tubes of progesterone cream (from Lee's site), which I am also sending to those 4 daughters, and my friend.
Here is a link from Lee's site, and a few more.
What I cannot comprehend is why women will not even try BHRT, and especially those who have gone through 4-6 chemo treaments, and rads. Hell, that gives you cancer...BHRT will protect you.My daughter Lori took chemo and rads, (dx with TNBC), and wanted her life back...she has gotten that with BHRT.She says this book by Lee is the best ever, and since I am almost finished reading it, I can definitely say the same. It is amazing!!
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C8779.html
http://www.npis.info/wddty.htm
http://www.yourlifesource.com/progesterone-breast-cancer.htm
Oh...and you need to have the saliva testing...not the blood work to determine your hormone levels.
edited to add this link
http://www.health-science.com/breast_cancer.html
edited again to add this link
http://www.project-aware.org/Health/BreastCancer/ivy-progest.shtml
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Nan, thanks so much for the links - I'll forward them to him ASAP. I do have Dr Lee's book and I will get a copy for my Dr. I was in to see him yesterday and he approved of all of my supplements but told me to stop the progesterone cream! He said to me, "why would you take progesterone cream when you have PR+ BC?" I was speachless because of course it doesn't make any sense at first glance but once you've read about the benefits for BC survivors and Dr Lee's book, it's perfectly evident why. I guess I'm just so tired of always having to justify my position with these Dr's!
Terri
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I also want to mention that I'm so excited I finally found and MD /ND! I had my appointment yesterday and he went over all my supplements and also prescribed natural thyroid for me! I've been trying to find a Dr to do this for the longest time. I was on .137 synthroid and he prescribed 90mg of dessicated thyroid. I also picked up some Iodoral (12.5mg) at the compounding pharmacy. In the past I've been taking my Synthroid in the evening only because I take so many supplements in the morning I thought it would be better to take it by itself. I now learn that it's best to take it in the morning...GEESH! Should I take the iodine with all my other supplements in the am or is it best to take it alone? I'll start with the lower dose 12.5mg of Iodoral and work my way up slowly to 50mg. I understand that at some point I'll I'll need less thyroid meds. This new MD/ND has asked me to go for a baseline blood test for my thyroid and then every 2 weeks for the next 6 weeks so that we can tweak the dosage.
He also has the saliva kit for the 2:16 hormone ratio but I'm going to have to wait a bit for that, it's $250. BTW, this is the same new MD/ND that told me to stop the progesterone cream...I'll get him straightened out soon enough....lol
When I see my ONC in May I'm going to ask if he can do the saliva test at the hospital since it'll be covered under our Medicare.....I know he doesn't believe in all this stuff so the answer is probably going to be no but no harm in asking...lol
Any thoughts?
Terri
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Dear Terri,
Does the hospital even do saliva testing? Lori's philosophy with her rad and med onc and for that matter any doctor, is that she is paying them...not the other way around, and if they do not know of the benefits of BHRT, it is not her responsibilty to educate them. She will do whatever she wants...and if they don't like it...tough!! That is my philosophy also...in fact our entire family's.
Oh and ask this doctor for me how many scripts he has written in the past few years for synthetic HRT and birth control. Then ask him for me how he feels for being resposible for these women developing breast cancer and uterine cancer and dying. Or ask him how many scripts he writes for anti-depressants/anxiety meds. Yeah those are big money makers for Pharma, and those are two diagnosis which are due to hormonal imbalance.
Sweetie, why would you feel that you have to justify your position, when it is quite evident that you know far more about this than them? This is the 21st Century and there are millions of people going to naturopaths, and anti-aging doctors, because they do not want to take prescription drugs. Neither my husband nor I take any prescription drugs. We feel very fortunate, but it would be wonderful if we could get the insurance companies to cover testing for BHRT and the doctor's visits. Financially we just cannot swing that.
Women...especially women.. need to become much more empowered in every aspect of their life, and especially when it comes to their health.
Years ago they would institutionalize women when they went through menopause, and it was all because of hormonal imbalance. We have been pushed into a corner far too long, and it is time we all refused the treatment they give us, as much of it is quite barbaric. They take all our womanly body parts, and then just expect us to go on with our every day life! Ask a male doctor how he would like to have his penis and testicles removed at age 30, because he carries the BRCA gene mutation, and that is the way to stop the mutation. I bet he would sputter and spit at that!! You have to know me Terri, to know that I don't mince words!!
Our five daughters are exactly the same!! 0 -
Clean your computer screen the Natural way
www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf
enjoy!
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OOOOOOh, so cute (this way of cleaning the computer screen naturally).
Anon: Thanks a lot for the iodine tip. I am going to get started on Lugol (I had no idea this existed, so thanks again).
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Nan, thanks for the advice. I know I have to start stepping up to the plate more and speaking my peace. I just get so intimidated when I'm sitting in front of my Dr's. Just wait until May when I have to tell my ONC that I haven't restarted my Tamoxifen since that incident where the side of my neck swelled to the size of an orange after being on it for 2 months. Quite frankly, I find it exhausting trying to get them to see my point. I guess somehow I'm still waiting for their approval but it isn't going to come is it....
We don't pay for medical services here in Canada unless we go to a private clinic so I can't use the "I'm paying you" theory....and as far as doing saliva testing in the hospital I'm not sure they do that but I will ask. If not, then I will get it done through my ND and pay $250 for it. Money is a little tight at the moment, we just got back from a cruise and so I'll have to wait a bit before getting that done.
For the moment I'm winging it, taking my supplements, thinking positively and trying to get on with my life...my new life, my changed and better life. This whole BC thing has opened my eyes wider than they've been for the past 50 years. Now if I could just get my husband off his Lipitor !
Thanks again,
Terri
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Dear Terri,
Here is a link for saliva testing, and is what my daughter Lori just had done. She should have her results sometime next week, and then will work with a new compounding pharmacist, who is an advocate for women and is all about empowering women. If your doctor actually takes the time to read Dr. Lee's book, he will have his eyes opened on Tamoxifen. However, I believe their egos get in the way and they are not open to any information, unless it comes from the pharmaceutical companies.
http://www.hormoneprofile.com/saliva.htm
on Lipitor...and BTW...this cholesterol "thing" is so way over rated. In David Servan-Schreiber's book, Anticancer a New Way of Life, there was a foot note which states.."The drug Lipitor is the pharmaceutical industry's biggest money maker. At it's sales peak, it brought in a million dollars an hour, 365 days a year (nine billion dollars a year)".
http://public-healthcare-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_dangers_of_statin_drug_use
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I haven't posted for a while. Just wanted to let you know that I am still doing well.. My last chemo is a week from Thursday. I have made a date to start my reconstruction on June 7th.
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Aiaieai, Merilee: keep up the good work.
Terri: I know it is hard not to be intimidated by the white coat professionals, but you are definitely on the right track. I mean: your doctor has GOT to be able to see that you need to be doing this another way (than Tamoxifen) after such a bad reaction to it.....Hang on.
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Hi everyone,
Terri, I was also told by my integrative doctor that I should not be taking progesterone cream be cause I was PR+. I then asked her the question that nobody seems to know the answer to. I explained that I understood exactly how estrogen affects breast cancer cells but could she please explain the exact way that progesterone affects breast cancer cells negatively and what studies had been done to support this. She became a wee bit flustered and said she didn't know the answer to that but would try and find out for me. I have asked my breast surgeon, oncologist and now this doctor and NO-ONE can give me an answer.They just say that if we are PR+ then progesterone has obviously got to be bad for you! That seems to be enough for them! It's not enough for me though and I will continue to take progesterone cream until I am convinced otherwise! Have any of you ladies found the answer to this question? If so, I would love to hear it. Thanks!
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Nan: Thanks for your support and also for the cholesterol links. I've forwarded them to my husband and hopefully he'll take the time to read them. If not, I've read them and will "try" to enlighten him..lol
Merilee: YAYYYY!!! for your last chemo day coming up soon and congrats on getting a date for your recon! June 7th!
Yazmin: I started getting worrie dwhen my ONC told me not to restart the Tamoxifen until after I got back from vacation...what's that supposed to mean!! Was he afraid I'd have another reaction somewhere out in the middle of the ocean??? That's comforting......
Blaircoff: If you get and answer to your question please share because none of us here have ever gotten one!
Quick question, I read on the vitamin D thread that it's better to take it in the evening with some food...anybody else doing that? I just take mine in the morning with my 9 other supplements.
Terri
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Terri-
I take my Vit D at night with my Magnesium and a few raw nuts - it helps to eat with a little fat, as they are fat soluble vitamins.
Merilee- I'm so glad your chemo is ending and you can look forward to reconstruction.
Beth
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Dear Terri,
Beth has it right...take the D3, Magnesium and if you take Calcium...all at night with a snack. They are all fat soluble, and when taken at night they help you sleep more soundly. All of you should be taking Melatonin!! All of you!!
Blaircoff...oh now is when I wish I would have taken typing in school! lol!! Just get Dr. John Lee's book, "What your doctor may (not) tell you about breast cancer". It explains everything. (Amazon..was $5.00 a copy) Do you really think your doctor will know the answer? NOT!! After you read the book, then you can tell her why you CAN take progesterone. Now, if she is referring to Progestin...you know.. the mares urine...then I understand why she would say no to that.
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