natural girls
Comments
-
Hi ladies, I just finished reading Knockout. What a great read! I'm sure I won't remember even a fraction of what's in there, so I'm typing out some notes from the last chapter to solidify the information in my brain and give me a place to find it again.
Bill Faloon is the cofounder of Life Extension Foundation. He believes surgery gives rise to metastatic risk:
"During the surgical procedure, natural barriers that contain the tumor to a region on the body are breached, enabling cancer cells to escape their original confinement and spread to other parts of the body. Surgery also induces immune suppression while initiating an inflammatory cascade that provides cancer cells with biological fuel to propagate. Surgery inflicts a wound on the body that requires healing. The body secretes growth factors to facilitate healing. Unfortunately, these same growth factors also stimulate tumor cell growth. Unless the proper steps are taken before surgery, cancer cells can spill into the bloodstream from the surgical margins and establish metastatic colonies in other parts of the body."
He further explains that cancer cells must be able to clump together to form a metastatic tumor, and they do this by using adhesion molecules. A study that mimics the effects of surgery showed a 250 percent increase in the adhesion ability of these cells. Surgery also weakens our immune systems, and the use of morphine afterwards weakens it even further, which damages the population of 'natural killer' (NK) cells that we need at all times and even moreso after surgery.
Fortunately, there are things patients can do to counter these adverse effects of surgery. Modified citrus pectin will combat the cancer cell adhesion problem. To bolster NK activity, an extract of the Coriolus mushroom (aka PSK) is helpful. Other NK boosters: garlic, glutamine IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate), AHCC (active hexose correlated compound), and lactoferrin. Also, mistletoe extract has been studied and scientists concluded that it is helpful in preserving NK cell activity.
Another requirement for metastasis is new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The removal of the primary tumor can give rise to the formation of new tumors elsewhere. One factor that increases angiogensis is 'vascular endothelial growth factor' (VEGF).
Fortunately, again, there are nutrients available to counteract this growth factor. They include: soy isoflavones (genistein), silibinin (a component of milk thistle), green tea (EGCG), and curcumin.
----------------
It looks like much of this same information appeared in the december 2009 issue of life extension magazine at
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2009/dec2009_Preventing-Surgery-Induced-Cancer-Metastasis_01.htmI am so grateful that the book Knockout is available to us. It boggles my mind that so much of the information is shunned/overlooked/maligned/whatever by mainstream medicine. Geez, you'd think the doctors would be subject to malpractice suits for NOT making this information available to their patients. Getting cancer once is bad enough, getting mets is something we all fear, and here's some simple things anyone can do before and after surgery to reduce their risk of mets. ...where's the 'shaking head in disbelief' icon...
vivre, thank you for all the great information about hormones and supplements.
janet, I also have abnormal scar tissue. One benefit from radiation was my scar tissue behaving itself. I haven't tried rosehip oil, but I did try a bottle of calendula oil, which is supposed to be helpful for healing scar tissue. I've also used sesame oil and coconut oil. I have coconut oil on hand all the time, so that's what I use. I use it anywhere, head to toe, inside or out. It's a little bit messy, but as long as you're careful, it doesn't have to end up on your counters or floors. I love love love coconut oil, and I have faith my scars will eventually fade out to nearly nothing.
0 -
Thank you Althea for the great review of the book Knockout and that surgery information. I was hoping to hear other's take on the book other than my own. There was so much information, I found myself marking it up with a highlighter.
Were there any doctors whose interviews you particularly liked?
0 -
Is anyone familiar with Dr. Isaac Eliaz, an integrative holistic doctor? I forget how I found him, but I've been following him on FB, and he has a new Breast Care Formula supplement I'm thinking of trying.
Here's a link to his website. http://www.dreliaz.org/
And here's one of several links he's posted on FB about that breast care product: Indiana University Study Reports Breakthrough in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Does anyone know anything about him? (Lucy? Mollyann?) So far, I like what I've read, but I guess I'm a little suspicious of doctors who sell products, although his all seem to be extremely cutting edge formulations.
vivre, that hormone doctor sounds fascinating! I'll call or PM you to hear more! Sounds like you had a really exciting program! Deanna
0 -
Deanna-
My compound pharmacist is in NY - he is very integrative and works with a number of the hospitals as well as AIDS and BC volunteer organizations - he thinks the world of Dr. ELiaz and says he is one of the "good guys".
I take modified citrus pectin that he developed - unfortunately, I am allergic to mushrooms, so I can't take his Breast Care product.
BTW - you might want to check and see of LIfe Extension carreis his Breast Care formula - they carry his PEcta-Sol modified citrus Pectin and they had the best price by far.
Beth
0 -
I also read that book "Knockout"...there was so much good information...it really blew my mind! It was the whole reason I got my hormone levels checked and found out the ratios were way out of whack which could have been a contributing factor to my cancer. There are also some great resources to finding a doctor in your area who are knowledgeable in homeopathic treatment. I think it is a must read for everyone!
0 -
I did the modified citrus pectin prior to all surgery and afterwards as followup care. I also take iscador shots every 3 days. I put garlic raw into a food processor with grapeseed oil and whip into a butter and spread onto whole wheat pita....delicious!! Hope it all helps! Keeping up with everything feels like a fulltime job!
Looks like the low iron is possibly a result of super low b levels..I eat no animal protein. So I made some mollusc stew, got the spirulina going as seaotter mentioned and will get some shots so I hopefully will pop back up. I know it takes awhile, but I want it addressed as something is throwing my wbc count up a bit, as well as my mcv. It might all be a result of chemo, since I am only a few months out, but needs addressing nonetheless. I read that the mcv index can be a predictor of recurrence. The studies focused on myeloma patients, but the theories are that there is a measurable marker there. I am barely high on the index...but still want to be on the better side of that fence.
0 -
geewhiz...how much grapeseed oil and garlic do you use to make the butter. I don't have a food processor...would a blender work? That sounds really good...
0 -
Thanks to another BCO member (DiamondGirl) for sharing this incredible video presentation from a recent TED conference on another thread! http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/william_li.html
I almost didn't take the 20 minutes you need to watch it, but once I started it, I couldn't stop. I've already sent it to everyone I know, posted it on FB, etc.
This is the kind of stuff we need to hear more about and where all those research donations need to go. I hope you all can make the time to watch it and get as excited about it as I am.
I also keep forgetting to comment on where to find Grape Seed Oil, which I use a lot. It's kind of pricey in natural foods markets, but I've found it at a great price at Marshall's, TJMaxx and HomeGoods. It's packaged in a cylinder shaped tin, from France, and is 1/2 the price it is elsewhere -- even less if you're lucky enough to find it on sale. Deanna
0 -
Thanks, Deanna: Very interesting video......
0 -
Deanna, thanks to you and DiamondGirl for posting that...great presentation and some of the comments on that page are informative too! LOVE this stuff.
Just a tip for all the cast iron users... get a big box of kosher salt and use that to scrub it out if food gets burned on. Then, rinse in hot water, dry with a towel, put on the hot stove for a few minutes (to evaporate any remaining water), and swipe with a little oil or whatever you like to use to season it, to keep that sealed-off, non-stick finish. The kosher salt works like a charm -- it scrubs the food off without damaging the seasoning.
0 -
If anyone's interested, here's the list of angiogenics foods slide from Dr. Li's presentation (posted about above):
0 -
Thanks, Deanna! I enjoyed the video and appreciate the food list.
Beth
0 -
Great video, Deanna! I especially liked the results they obtained with the animals and liked the chart comparing foods with drugs and although it was a little hard to read, I think I saw tamoxifen near the bottom of the chart.
0 -
Some of you have probably already seen this, but in case you haven't...
http://www.naturalnews.com/030144_pinkwashing_breast_cancer.html
Sometimes Mike Adams is a bit over zealous for me about things he may not be an expert on, like the information here about black women and Vitamin D (is this evidenced-based????), but I'm happy to see another editor speaking out about pink-washing. Deanna
0 -
Hi Everyone: I don't usually post here, but this seems to be the one stop place to go to talk all things natural when it comes to BC.
Deanna: I am actually offended when I go to the store and I am confronted with the thousands of "pink" products and to add insult to innjury, my Vons grocery store at check out asks me if I want to donate to BC and I really just wanted to say, "no thank you I already had breast cancer". I just really feel like people are jumping on the BC band wagon to make $$$ and it has nothing to do with helping anyone with BC. Also, thank you for the Ted post: I am already doing alot of this but it's a great reminder to keep on adding these foods to our diets for additional prevention.
0 -
BTW: Anyone know of foods that boost WBC count? Mine has been so low since chemo.
0 -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnN6FFjZBZQ
Maybe the soy that's gone bad for us has been modified as many other foods that we assume are good. Check out this video...be interested in knowing your thoughts
E B0 -
Deanna: I think you were talking about the permanent black tattoo (but I've been reading and reading, so my apologises if it was someone else). I had that top one removed. My dermatologist removed it with a punch biopsy procedure. She told me that this area could scar badly, but mine is wonderful. Smooth, no sign of the scar--and I don't have to look at it anymore! Ask if it's covered by insurance.0
-
OK girls I need whipped into shape hahaha! I totally agree with clean living and eating. I also agree that it is crucial for fighting cancer. I have taken nutrition classes in college but if I really think about it I am a total loser when it comes to using natural foods, herbs and vitamens to fight cancer! Give it your best shot ladies what can I do to start adding things to my diet that will help reduce the chance of recurrence! Really looking forward to your responses.
0 -
Hi Tiffany, welcome to the natural girls. First, I suggest you ditch any notion that you're a loser! I've been cleaning up my diet for years now, and I started with a quest to figure out which 'plan' will bring the best health. There's vegan, raw vegan, vegetarian with or without eggs, vegetarian with or without dairy, gluten-free, paleo, mediterranean, the list seems to be endless. There's a lot of very smart people who have widely differing opinions on what serves us best at the table. The common thread I see amongst them all is to focus on fresh food made from scratch. Michael Pollan says it best imo. "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."
What kinds of things do you typically eat now? I tend to tweak one ingredient at a time. I started with high fructose corn syrup. My favorite juices were loaded with them, and I scoured labels to seek out options without hfcs. I used to have a big sweet tooth. Now I don't. Making these changes are a process, not an event.
0 -
althea-Well said! Small changes add up. We are all a work in progress, aren't we?0
-
Vivre, that info on vitamins and supplements is very helpful. lol on the motor oil....also i am enlightened on the low Iron, I struggle with keeping my serum iron up...I am definitely going to look into the adrenal issue. I drink coffee....and I know that it hurts the adrenal function...
0 -
Amberyba,
I take isocort for the adrenals. My Alt dr had me do a test because I was always tired. It showed that I would "crash" at 10 AM and then start going back up on the chart after lunch when I take the supplements. It has made a huge difference in how I feel. I also take a 30 rest during lunch where I don't do anything.... no reading, running errands, etc. It's me time and I know I do better if I take this short break. My acupuncture md says he always takes a 15-30 min break at noon. He thinks everyone should... Great two dr opinions on rest! I love it!0 -
thanks Samsue, i will look into isocort
0 -
I'm sure many of you have already seen the Sheryl Crow episode on Dr Oz - we only just recently got to see it here in Australia. For those of you that haven't, here is Dr Oz's ultimate guide to preventing Breast Cancer and also the list of things Sheryl Crow takes to keep cancer at bay. It was also very nice to see Dr Dennis Slamon (UCLA Medical Centre, Stand up To Cancer) and leading oncologist Dr Kristie Funk, backing up these alternatives, and explaining how they help prevent cancer - something I have yet to see with any oncologists I have encountered.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrjW_6ecTAc
"Foods
Dr Oz says it over and over again: the foods you eat have incredible power to heal - or harm - your body. Below are the top super foods that have been shown to protect you from breast cancer. Incorporate them as much as you can into your daily diet.
Green tea : 3 cups of green tea a day can prevent breast cancer by as much as 50% because of its high EGCG antioxidant content. Squeeze a little lemon into your cup and increase the antioxidant power 10 times.
Garlic : A good immunity booster that also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive oil : This monounsaturated fat can help suppress tumor activity.
Turmeric : This spice known for its beautiful orange color also helps decrease estrogen. As little as 1 teaspoon a day has been shown to reduce tumor growth. Get your daily dose by mixing it into salad dressings, rice or vegetable dishes.
Cruciferous vegetables : Leafy greens like kale, bok choy and Swiss chard bind estrogen in your GI tract and reduce tumor stimulation. They also detoxify the liver, so you don't have toxins flowing through your body that can irritate cells and turn them into early cancers.
Seaweed : High in iodine, this is another estrogen reducer.
Vitamin D : A daily supplement of vitamin D (1200 IUs) can prevent tumor metastasis, reduce cancer cells and help with estrogen inhibitors. Be sure to get dietary sources of calcium, too, such as sardines, salmon and some dairy like milk and cheese. And don't forget to soak up 15-20 minutes of sunshine everyday. All of these combined can decrease your breast cancer risk by 50%.
Aspirin or Ibuprofe. : Recent studies show that the inflammatory process plays a role in causing malignancies in several different organs, including the breast. By taking 2 aspirin or ibuprofen a week, you'll reduce your chance of breast cancer between 21% and 28%. The anti-inflammatory properties in these drugs are also excellent for heart health."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
I do realize that for many out there, Dr Oz is an easy target. But thank goodness there is someone sooo high profile that can educate the masses on an alternative healing path. My mother who has always been a pharmaceutical junkie...has finally seen the light, and dropped many unnecessary poisons she had been consuming ( to no avail) for years. She's finally becoming healthier and happier than she's ever been, thanks to his show. Her beloved GP would only ever prescribe her poisons...and totally trash natural alternatives, and there was no way she would listen to anyone other than a DR. So thanks to Dr Oz's show...she has changed her ways.
I take all of the above except for aspirin and Ibuprofen. I tried taking aspirin for 5 years to avoid developing BC after being diagnosed with ADH.........only to end up with invasive cancer. Damn! I think perhaps it may be good for preventing heart disease and stroke.....but for me personally, it did not prevent me from developing cancer. But what does not work for me, may very well work for someone else.
I have to wonder if most of the above foods reduce and bind estrogen, and suppress tumour activity...do we still need to take i3c or DIM? ‘Cause I've run out...and I'm kind of scratching my head as to whether or not I should run out and buy another bottle?
Victoria
0 -
Anyone else ticked with Breastcancer.org for promoting Cheryl Crow? Didn't she wear the ridiculous milk moustache? I haven't touched cow' s milk or any dairy products because of the natural and artificial growth hormones since I was diagnosed and treated over 9 years ago.
Sorry for all the negativity, but I think the mice living under our cabinets for the second year in a row is finally getting to me.
0 -
Milk? I steer clear away from dairy products too - unless of course I manage to occasionally buy products from King Island that are grass fed. I'm not sure about any promoting of Ms Crow on this forum...or the moustache incident, but it's nice to see some of our natural protocols being recognized around the globe.
And to be honest, I couldn't give a rat's a** if it's Cherryl Crow, the Pope, or an Elvis impersonator promoting the healing properties of Tumeric, Vitamin D, cruciferous vegetables...etc, for cancer. I mean that's what the thread "Natural Girls" is all about.
I personally felt quite chuffed and found it refreshing watching the above show with family members who have been a tad sceptical that I decided to consume most of these natural alternatives...rather than take tamoxifen.
Victoria
0 -
Deanna - thank you for posting those sites. Very interesting and encouraging stuff!!!
Victoria - same to you, lol!!!!! I have been thinking the same thing about taking dim, do I really need it or maybe not as much.
Now for my problem and I hope you ladies can help. I went to my gyno yesterday for the yearly stuff. The exam hurt really bad
. She said I have vaginal atrophy (spelling?) due to lack of estrogen. She prescribe premarin cream which I will not do. I'm going through a divorce right now and have not had sex in quite some time so I did not know this was going on. Now I feel like I will never have sex again. Oh, all this crap just gets better and better. HELP!!!!!!!Peace, Love and Blessings, Patty
0 -
Patty, I've been using coconut oil (Yes, I picked this up on the "Natural Girls." Love 'um.) I bought certified organic coconut oil in softgels. When these are gone, I'm going to try olive oil in softgels. (Olive oil has been discussed on, ahem, Dr. Oz, who I like pretty well.) Haven't been back to the GYN yet, but for the last several years I've been using 4 or 5 estrogen tabs right before the exam. Worked quite well. Ask for a sample box from your doc.
0 -
Thanks Maya! You mean you put the softgels up there? Why do you use the estrogen tabs right before the exam?
Patty
0
