natural girls
Comments
-
For hot tubs: Wondering if there are ways to create a salt water environment in a hot tub? I have friends with a salt water pool, and it's such a pleasure to swim in, compared with chlorinated pools.
0 -
Hey Gals
I am going to be on the radio Saturday, talking about my passion-Preventing this Damn Disease!
I started listening to a wonderful local doctor on the radio when I was still walking my way to wellness. I met him at the Health Expo, and he is going to let me come on and promote my Think Beyond the Pink seminars. I think you can tune in online http://www.healthquestradio.com/our-show/how-to-listen/
I will probably sound like a bumbling fool.I have always been able to write better than I speak. I get so much of my Italian emotions into it when I talk. Speaking out like this is not something that I really wanted to do. I love my privacy. But it is something I feel compelled to do. This is a preventable disease, and we need to spread this message. And even if we have it once, we do not have to fear its return. I have no fear, and I do not take any of the drugs they told me would prevent a recurrance. There are other paths to wellness. I hope you will listen in and then do the same thing I am doing. Organize Think Beyond the Pink free seminars in your area. Get together doctors and authors like I have who will draw women (and men, this is BEYOND the pink) to them. Just as we have all helped each other tremendously here, we must broaden our efforts. There are too many sick people and they do not even understand why. We can help change it if we band together.
PS-In my blog "What's in Your water", I have some links to safer swimming pools.
Althea, I am so glad you found a thermographer. It will give you such peace of mind. Just make sure the tech is well trained. Thermography is one of the things we will be discussing on the radio show. The only way we will bring back the insurance codes for it is if women demand it. The insurance companies are not necesarily the culprit. It is the mammo industry who continuously uses all that money they are raking in to block any attempts to get the code reinstated. If there was a code, it would need to be covered by insurance. The FDA is not our friend. It was bought out long ago. Todays cameras are so techinically superior, they can detect 90% of tumors. Mammos have a 60% detection rating. Again, I have all the links to the evidence on my site if anyone wants to look it up.
0 -
Do any of you seasoned veterans have any tips about going through radiation? I will be starting 6 weeks worth this Monday. Of course I struggled with the decision, but do feel I need to do it. My RO says no supplements, no anything. I will probably be his rebellious patient as I don't buy that his paraben-laden creams are the best choice. I have made my own aromatherapy creams for decades and will likely use Essential Oils on my skin. I'm just wondering if there are any supplements or vitamins that will support matters while undergoing radiation. Any thoughts? I will push my RO to let me take them if it makes sense.
0 -
Interesting article that someone posted elsewhere today:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/204809.php
(vivre ~ Good stuff in that article you might be able to use on Saturday.)
DesignerMom, California docs seem to object less to supplements during rads. My wonderful UCLA-trained rad onc, whose Rancho Mirage facility is as state-of-the-art as they come, told me I could continue to take all of my supplements -- no exceptions. I also used emu oil, which I learned about after she'd recommended it to another patient who was extremely fair-skinned, and neither of us had any problems. (She'd started me out on pure aloe vera gel, then I'd switched to something else. But the emu oil was the best.)
Also, if they haven't done your little tattoos yet, see if they'll do something that's removable. I didn't know to ask, and I dislike having to see that permanent little black dot on my cleavage area every day. Deanna
0 -
DesignerMom,
At the very least, you need CoQ10 to protect your heart from the radiation. Oncologist Keith Block (The Block Center in Chicago) is a doctor who has researched taking supplements during treatment. He is very pro supplements-- specific ones. Google him and go to his website or read his book.
A lot of women from bcorg go to him.
Good luck!
0 -
vivre - I know you will do great on the radio. Since I have spoken to you many times I can tell you that!!!! Just don't be doing your power walk at the same time, lol. I will be praying for you! I hope I can listen.
Love, Patty
0 -
DesignerMom, I used emu oil and had a tan boob and nipple with red dots. I did not burn at all. The RO gave me cortisone creme for the dots which I tried for two days. My skin got redder so back on emu and the red was gone in a day. I applied it right after tx (7:45AM) then 4PM then after my sniwer before bed. The RO was amazed I didn't burn at all.
0 -
Dear DesignerMom,
There is a woman (Mainy), on the TNBC site who took 8000 iu's of D3 daily along with the magnesium, and never even had redness through radiation. Her onc was astounded, and I believe since her rads, has informed others of her regimen. My daughter (dx with TNBC in 2007), took supplements also, and had no redness/burning either. She had/has residual after effects of the rads, so do not let "them" tell you that rads are "a piece of cake" in comparrison to chemo. The effects last for years after. Just remember to not use anything on your skin before your radiation TX's.
edited to add...lucy is so right about the Q10!!
0 -
I didn't take supplements back in those days, so that wasn't an envelope I tried to push. I do think that a lot of doctors will say to stay away from supplements to reduce the number of variables that factor into treatment. Many doctors get through medical school without any training whatsoever in nutrition, and the 'trained' ones have maybe 6 hours -- hours in schools funded by pharmacuetical companies. They're not going to be very interested in what you're taking anyway. Later when I would go to my medical onc for followups, the nurse would ask about what supplements I take, but if I had more than one or two items to report, it apparently was wayyyy too much trouble to put into the records.
vivre, good luck with your radio debut tomorrow! You're fully committed to sharing this information, so that will make the words flow effortlessly out of your mouth! and btw, I really like your think beyond the pink shirts.
0 -
Designer Mom, I second the emu oil. I used it and had no issues during radiation except for in my armpiut area, which I forgot to always oil up. I am pink skinned and freckled and slathered that stuff on several times a day!! Look into iodine also for the radiation. I take iodoral tablets. I kept my supplements going...working with my naturopath.
Vivre - I laughed when I read about the writing better than you speak scenario. That describes me too, I get tongue tied often!! Deep breaths before your show. You have such wonderful things to share! We had spoken about far infra red sauna and lymphadema awhile ago. I looked further into it and was told it was WAY better than traditional sauna because the temp is so much lower...only gets to about 107 degrees F as opposed to around 130 degrees for a regular one. I was told that I would be quite able to handle the heat and not risk myself. I still remain wary however!
0 -
Thanks everyone for all the good advice. I'll go get some Emu oil tomorrow! I'll keep you all posted how things go. That's interesting about the vitamin D3. I am on high dose D3 and RO said I could stay on it. Hopefully it will help with rads too.
0 -
Hi DesignerMom,
I had read that antioxidants and in particular vitamins A,C,D and E...were a no-no. My radiotherapists also told me to avoid these - that wasn't going to stop me. Especially when I researched on how much radiation scattering my healthy organs were going to be exposed to. Scattering is something we need to drill our oncs about!!! We aren't given the whole picture. I told my onc that I WAS going to continue with my diet and supplementation as normal. I was taking high doses of just about everything! My cocky onc said "knock yourself out...it's ionized radiation, 50-60 gray of it and believe me it's going to do the job!"
My family have used this brand of emu oil for years
...and I did use a little on my scar, and some coconut oil...but what I mainly used all over several times a day was cold pressed organic rosehip oil. We've always used it for scars and burns...it was the first thing I thought of using before going through rads. I made sure I had my little bottle with me to rub on my breast in the changing room after I was zapped. I had no burning or blistering at all. The awful burning and tearing/bleedeng of the tissue I did see in the hospital was in other women using the sorbolene cream they were offered...followed by cortisone cream, that was doing more harm than good. I refused to use either of those. The rosehip worked wonders for me and two other grateful ladies that I passed it on to. I used up four little bottles during the course of treatment...with excellent results.
That little bottle of rosehip oil is like a compact medicine cabinet for my skin.
I use this brand of Rosehip oil
http://purist.com/product.php?product=161
And here's some info on this remarkable oil...
http://www.rosehipoil.com/r-scientific.htm
"Head of Radiology for the Chilean Air Force and Oncologist at Indisa clinic in Santiago, Dr. Hans Harbst said, "I work with many patients who have undergone surgery and therefore have scars, subsequent radiation causes secondary reactions to the skin such as inflammation, darkening and dermatitis. This presents an aesthetic problem for patients, but the application of Rosehip Oil has produced faster healing of these lesions." He continued, "We have achieved a loosening of the tension in the skin with Rosehip Oil, the results have been very good with some patients and spectacular with others. I have applied Rosehip Oil on all types of skin and on scars to reduce hyper-pigmentation, flattening hypertrophy (bulky scars), and loosening up fibrous chords. All these effects end up in a near complete attenuation of scars."
Vivre...I have no doubt you will be triumphant with your radio chat. I too loath the FDA...and am more than ready to think beyond the whole pink fiasco! I think that 11am your time converts to 3:30pm my time...I could be wrong. Anyway I'll try to tune in.
Have a great weekend ladies...xoxo
Victoria
0 -
Hello to all.
I am new to BCO and have been reading this thread. I am recouping from a BMX w/o recon on 6/21.
Have been working on eliminating refined sugars, white flours....and eating chicken and more fresh veggies, going low fat Exercising more. I am going to get a note book for all the great info in BCO.
I am an RN, Reiki Master...Treating our Spirit is a great part of healing. I have alot to learn about diet and supplements.
I would be interested in any of your thoughts on taking Soy Isoflavones Sups for hot flashts for perimenopaus....
Namaste
0 -
Welcome Brazos,
I lot of us avoid soy products because it suppresses the thyroid and that's related to breast cancer.
If you're taking fermented soy as the Asians eat it in Miso soup or Tempeh--that's fine.
0 -
I am struggling with iron deficient anemia. Last blood count came in pretty low for the RBC, MCV and HG.
I am vegetarian, and have not read good things about iron supplements and cancer. I am juicing lots of spinach and kale. Anyone have any suggestions?
0 -
geewhiz - Have you looked into Spirulina?
0 -
I don't know if many people still use them, but isn't cooking in a cast iron skillet supposed to be a source of iron? Does anyone know if this is safe or recommended? It's just the first thought that came to mind when I read geewhiz' question. Deanna
0 -
geewhiz - figs and beans are also good sources of iron. And blackstrap molasses, although I have never really found a way to use that in real life LOL. Vitamin C helps increase your absorption of iron so be sure to get plenty.
0 -
My iron levels have been really low with all the SE I've had from the chemo. I've been eating lots of oysters. Aserving size gives 70% of the daily needs.
My husband has had to take iron suppliments for years. He gets them from GNC. If using suppliments your blood needs to be checked frequently.
0 -
Has anyone here used Maca? I noticed this supplement in the gluten free area at Whole Foods, and it states that it helps to promote hormone balance. Wondering if it's used at all in the BC community.....
Thanks in advance
0 -
I TOTALLY forgot about spirulina, seaotter!! Sea Vegetables are the number one source of iron. My greens powder tastes like pond scum and I have been avoiding it for a few weeks. Bingo.
I bought some clams and mussels to make a stew with tonight. I forgot blackstrap too!! I think I can add that in muffins.
Thanks guys!!
0 -
I wanted to add...dulse flakes is another I came across high in iron. I bought some at the health food store today. You can add to your green juices, smoothies etc. It's another dried seaweed thing I believe.
My grandmother's cast iron skillet she was given as a wedding present in the 20's sits on my stove. I'm always afraid I will wreck it. I am sure she would want me to use it, so I will see what I can not burn up in it! (no tomatoes, acids, metals, nor soaps to clean....ugh)
0 -
What is blackstrap?
I have a cast iron skillet that I use all the time. My hubby and I fight about washing it. He says never use soap to clean it. i just can't do that, it gets washed everytime I use it.
On another note, how do I check my iodine levels?
0 -
Black strap molasses...and it is wonderful in so many recipes! When I was a little girl this was a staple in our kitchen. Of course that was a long time ago
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=118&tname=foodspice
cleaning cast iron cookware
checking iodine levels...Hmmmm? You ask your doctor to test for this.
0 -
Nan, thanks for how to test myself. My insurance would never cover holistic medicine, and to say the least my hubby and I are note in aplace these days to pay for the extras.
0 -
Marianna, I asked that same question many months ago about the maca and got almost no responses, so I would say not much is known about it here. I did try it for over a month. I bought the gelatinized powder on Amazon, the same as what is sold at Whole Foods. It gave me a revved up feeling, sort of like an engine purring along, not too hyper, kind of low key energy. I didn't feel any different with it as far as hot flashes or other menopause symptoms go and I didn't feel that it changed anything about my libido, which was the main reason I wanted to take it. In the beginning it gave me gas pains that also seemed to interfere with my sleeping well through the night. But my belly reacts the same way to any new substance until my body gets used to it. A coworker of mine tried it and from the first time said that it gave her so much energy, so she bought her own bag. Since everybody reacts differently to things, maybe you would get some of the positive benefits of it. You may want to do a search on here for maca to see what people have said about it.
Brazos, just prior to my breast cancer diagnosis, I had started using soy isoflavone supplements from GNC, which also contained black cohosh, magnesium, Evening primrose oil , and some vitamins. They worked wonders for all my perimenopause symptoms.(Mainly hot flashes and sexual difficulties). Once I was diagnosed with BC, I stopped taking them because I read so much about how soy supplements are contraindicated. At one point about a year ago, I did take them again for a few weeks, because at that point I felt that I wanted to feel good again, and I really didn't buy that taking some soy is going to bring back a BC reoccurrence. I had been on tamoxifen for a good year at that point and this time the supplements had no effect. I think tamoxifen might possibly be blocking the effects of many natural supplements that I try, so have thought frequently about quitting it after 2 years, which will be in November.
I've always heard that cooking with a cast iron skillet is recommended as a natural way to help with iron intake.
0 -
(( Everyone))
RoseG, ty for your info on the soy supp( just plain soy isoflavones). I have been in the throes of evil periMENTAL pause....I do think they take the edge off the flash's. This summer I was not on them and I was in Status Hotflash all day....and night. Then Bmx in 6/10.... My RadOnc said they were fine.... but of course I still question it. So thats why I am here.....I did read up on the fermented soy issues and wonder if I should just live with the flashs.
Thank you ALL!
0 -
Yep! Cooking with iron skillets and unsurpled molasses are two things the mid wife would always suggest when I'd become anemic when pregnant.
What always worked like a charm for me (and I still take it on occasion) is liquid vitamin called Floradix with iron.. It's non constipating
You can find it at Whole Foods...it's not cheap but really is the only thing that always works for me.Good luck and let us know how you turn out.
0 -
The hormone doc who spoke this weekend was so incredible. You all must check out her book, Hormones Explained by Dr. Selma Rashid. She explained why doctors still refuse to accept the molecular difference in HRT and BHRT. She also said all hormone replacement should be monitored every few months. If the proper balance is not kept, it can cause problems. This woman went to NU and Harvard so she is no lightweight. She talked about how discouraged she has become with traditional medicine in this country and how it is no longer based on unbiased studies. She also mentioned putting BHRT on the inside of the lower arm instead of fatty areas, as progesterone sometimes collects in fatty areas and can revert to estrogen. She also said it should be compounded by a Pharmacist. We are going to get her to come and speak again in a couple of months.
Here is an experiment with your supplements:
Put them in a glass of water. If they do not dissolve within 20 minutes. Toss them out!
Put your antioxidants or multis in a glass of water with an apple slice. If the apple does not still look good in 2 days, the stuff is useless. Do you know many of them use petroleum for a binder and the water/apple test will actually turn the fruit black. Might as well drink motor oil!
Here are some ratings from the Comparitive Guide to Nutritional Supplements by Lyle MacWilliam:
(on a scale 0-5, rated on 18 criteria)
Biotics Bio Multi Plus--1
Carlson Super 1 daily-1 1/2
Centrum--0
Curves Complete-1 1/2
CVS Mega Multi--2
Douglas Labs Essentials-3
Flora Multi-2
Garden of Life Multi-2
GNC Ultra Mega- 2
Megafood Essentials-1 1/2
Members Mark (Sam's Club) Multi-0
Metagenics Multi-3
Nature Made Multi-0
Nature's Sunshine-2
Nature's way-2
NOW Daily Vits-1
Pure Women's Multi-2
Reliv_1
Shaklee- Vita Gold-1 1/2
Swanson High Potency Multi-2 1/2
Twinlab Daily- 2 1/2
Usana Essentials- 5 gold
Vitamin Shoppe-Mega Multi-2
Walgreens Ultra- 1/2
One A Day Max-0
Ortho Molecular-4 1/2
Now do you see why I no longer shop around? It took me two years of messing around with different brands and seeing my tests go up and down. Now I know why I am sticking to Usana!
Seems to me I read somewhere that low iron is a result of low adrenal function so supplementing with iron, will probably be useless. Adrenals will not get repaired without improving the digestive system, and that means adding lots of healthy fats. We had a nutritionist speak too, and she reinterated the importance of fats. I know that my cholesterol has gone up 75 points since I started eating better. This is actually good. It has revved my metabolism. I only use olive oil and coconut oil, and I use organic butter. This nutritionist explained why so many vegans have health problems. They are getting too many grains, and not enough fats.
Rose-black cohash is estrogenic and should not be used long term. Dr. Rashid said the best way to get rid of hot flashes is to balance estrogen and progesterone.
0 -
Someone mentioned, I think it was Victoria, about rosehip oil for scarring and redness from radiation. When I had radiation treatment 14 years ago I had no side effects or redness from trestment. They really were not too concerned about what supplements you were taking back then, so I probably was just taking my usual multi-vitamin at the time. I have heard that CoEnzymeQ10 was good to take during chemo treatment and am guessing would be good for radiation treatment also. Anyways, back to the rosehip oil...I had surgery a year ago...mastectomy on one side followed by reconstruction to both sides. I seem to have trouble with scarring and some of my scars are "ropey" and even hurt. The cosmetic surgeon has been injecting kenalog into the scars to help and "ouch" does that hurt! Scars still are lumpy in some parts and wondering if the rosehip oil would help? I tried vitamin e oil, but no help at all. It's funny, the scars on my radiated/mastectomy breast healed much better than the other breast that just had reconstruction. So should I try rosehip oil or is there anything else that could help that doesn't hurt so much? Thanx! -Janet
0
