natural girls
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This thread is huge and alot of information. Will try and read as much as I can. Oncologist is trying to scare me into reoccurance thinking and now I am in meditation of now and future. He is pushing me to chemo, but that's what allows his office pay the bills. Haven't even had any scans - just blood tests. I believe there are so many reasons blood tests are NOT the reason to try and start scaring a patient. Truly, been there and done that - don't want to do it again!!!
But in any case I am looking for alternative treatment sites. I have peace with God and my decision - it's in His hands. I am a supplement nut and will try and catch up to the knowledge this site has - which is intimidating! Wow you people are smart!
Going to my primary on the 16th - going to tell him I don't want any more treatments done to me and that's that. My husband is going with me in support. That should be an interesting visit.
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Just joined but have been lurking and learning from this thread for a couple of weeks. Finally got a diagnosis of ILC but now have to deal with medical and radiologic oncologists and don't know what that will bring. Whatever it is, I know I have to revamp my eating habits and eliminate the soda and candy in particular. So I am looking for a substitute since my comfort food of choice for many years has been Dr. Pepper. I am drinking much green tea and icing it as well but I stil need some sort of treat-type drink. Does anyone make a cola-like soda product which is safe? Maybe does a place like Whole Foods have a brand? Seems like a petty little thing with all the decisions facing me, but I keep thinking about it.
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DeeBee, I make smoothies with frozen organic fruit and Coconut milk. YUM!! BTW folks, I bought the so decadent coconut milk cookie dough ice cream (sweetened w/agave) and I had to put it away before I ate the whole container. Oh boy!
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I will look for those. Not sure if coconut is high in cholesterol which is another problem for me. Thanks.
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Hi Natural Pink Ladies,
Check out what this investigative health reporter says about this one particular Acai Berry product. I've gained 25 pounds in a year and a half - mainly in my gut. Hmmm, I'm thinking maybe I should check it out. http://consumertipsonline.net/health/us4.php?t=37
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Thanks for CAV1 info. Though I just read it on this thread, I forgot who posted and can't find you now by quickly scrolling up, so sorry I can't thank you by name (I will blame it on chemo brain!) I did read something about CAV1 before and now I'm gonna look into it further. Interesting.
Rachel
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Barbie3333: What is your diagnosis? I had a very agressive diagnosis of Triple Negative BC which means my only option was chemo. Natural and alternative DOES NOT CURE BC! It can help prevent a recurrence, but if it has already returned, it is not a cure all. Get your scans, get a second and third opinion. Don't wait until the BC has progressed so far that there isn't anything anyone can do. Hugs!!
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Having trouble with the page reverting to the beginning of the thread as well. There must be a problem wtih the BC board.
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Reporting problems with this page, as well. There is definitely a problem with the Board.
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Hi ladies. First, I want to give a shout out to barry and send healing thoughts in preparation for her surgery on Tuesday the 8th. I hope you get the best possible outcome. I hope you have smooth sailing the whole way and not one single thing to cause one moment of unnecessary stress.
I also want to let y'all know that it's my intent to post here less often in the weeks and months to come. I can't say I won't be visiting, because I can't seem to *not* come here. I think I'm addicted! I enrolled in some distance learning that starts this week. I've already been spending time in some orientation activities. I knew there would be optional lessons and reading materials. I've been poking around to see what's available, and there's a LOT. I have a good feeling about the school and the direction I'm going. ...I just hope I'm still saying that in 6 months!
re the navigation on this thread, I hope it gets fixed. It no longer takes me to the newest unread post, and it's hard to figure out where to start reading.
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althea good luck with your classes
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Want to double-check this with all of you ....
Evening Primrose Oil...I'm reading that it helps with cancer and high cholesterol. Is this true?
I bought some but then thought I ought to ask here to make sure.
Also, the capsules are really thick. Is it okay to apply to the skin and throw the capsule out?
I remember reading about evening primrose about a hundred years ago and that it cured upper arm bumps and that for children you could split the capsules and rub the oil on their feet....am I halucinating?
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ditto Althea...best of luck with your new endeavor!
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luna- Pre my diagnosis I took primrose oil., but stopped now. I read somewhere that BC women should not take it. I believe it is estrogenic, can't swear to that. I would check it out with someone knowledgeable before taking it.
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Best of luck, Althea.
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Hi Natural Girls,
Here's an article I just did on the first large scale study looking at antioxidant use during chemo ...New study results on antioxidants during chemo
When I asked my oncologist about doing high-dose antioxidants during chemo, she was honest; she said the research isn't there to say whether it would be a good or bad thing. My radiology oncologist, considered one of the best from Georgetown University's cancer center, was more blunt yet "I just don't know. I am ignorant."
I have heard a few of my pink sisters say their doctors cautioned them against supplements high in antioxidants during treatment, swayed by evidence suggesting they can interfere with the drugs' effectiveness. You may have heard the same, and the jury is still out, because the epidemiologic data is limited. But a study recently reported (Cancer Eipdemiol Biomarkers Prev Dec 21) indicates doing some antioxidants from the time of diagnosis can cut your chances for recurrence, even if you take the supplements during chemo. The study looked specifically at Vitamin E and Vitamin C.
Background and concerns: Radiation and certain chemotherapies produce free radicals, ultimately causing oxidative damage which kills cancer cells. There is widespread concern that antioxidant supplements interfere with the drugs' effectiveness by not only protecting healthy cells, but shielding cancerous ones, too.
The Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study. This study followed 4,877 women aged 20 to 75 diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in China between 2002 and 2006. At a mean four years after diagnosis findings were: 18 percent fewer deaths and 22 percent fewer recurrences in women who used Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and multivitamins. This was regardless of whether they did chemo and after adjustment for lifestyle factors, socio-demographics, and known clinical prognostic factors.
What does the data mean? In the words of Xiao-Ou Shu, MD Phd MPH, lead investigator of the study: "Our results do not support current guidelines that all supplements should be avoided during cancer treatments. The results actually suggest that vitamin supplement use in the first six months after breast cancer diagnosis may be associated with reduced risk of mortality and recurrence. To my knowledge, this study is the first large prospective study among breast cancer survivors to investigate the association of vitamin use during cancer treatment and breast cancer recurrence and mortality. The results highlight the need for more research."
Shu suggests future studies focus on variable settings and populations, and consider factors like appropriate dosages as dose information was not available on participants in the Shanghai Study, though the majority was taking recommended over the counter dosages.
Contact information:
Xiao-OuShu, MD, PhD, MPH Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Xiao-ou.shu@vanderbilt.edu
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DesignerMom...I would very much like to have a definitive answer re Evening Primrose Oil.
Does anyone know for sure if it is estrogenic? I was reading that the GLA in it could really help those with HER 2 + ....but am hoping the experts will chime in.
Also, is it okay to drink all my green tea at once? I really don't like it well enough to drink it throughout the day so am hoping my guzzling it all at once is okay. I do know that once it steeps you have to drink it within the hour for the benefits.
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Thanks for sharing this info!!!
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Rachel thanks for the info. I have really been trying to get more info on this topic
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RachelKa: this information is very useful, indeed.....Thanks.
Luna 5: here is what I was able to find on Evening Primrose Oil (on the Sloan Kettering website):
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69216.cfm
".......Although EPO does not have intrinsic estrogenic properties, some commercial products combine EPO with phytoestrogens. Patients with hormone-sensitive cancer should use EPO products with caution......"
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THANK YOU Yazmin! I will look at mine and see it it has other ingredients.
RachelK...your link about losing the 25 pounds....I read the fine print on one of the products and it says if you don't return the free sample within 14 days...they start sending you new product every month for $65.99 plus shipping and handling. Sounds like those book clubs that say you can cancel anytime but they never stop. Didn't find the fine print on the other.
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RachelKa: The weight gain in just the belly is hormonal imbalances and you should read about this on www.drlam.com. He answers your email for free and for more complicated issues, there is a number you can call for a free over the phone consult. I have the weight gain only in the belly too, and it is from adrenal fatigue/exhaustion (chronic fatigue).0
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Oh, no, we can't lose our Althea! Will you check in once in a while and let us know what school is like? We will live through you.
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There's so much information here to read. Thank you to all who contribute. I have learned a great deal. I would like to ask if any of you taking supplements only, no estrogen inhibitor drugs, have ever just had to quit!! I did not start Tamox or AIs after my MammoSite radiation therapy, but have been on a very long list of supplements. Recently I have been very, very SICK...upset stomach, no appetite, no energy, muscle aches all over...the list goes on. I decided to stop everything except my liposomal Vit C, 5000 IU of Vit D3, my B-100 capsules and my low dose Naltrexone 4.5mg. I'm feeling almost human again after 5 days. Still not a lot of energy or stamina, but at least I can eat. Any input from anyone who may have experienced the same problems would be much appreciated. I'm adding my B12 injections back this next week and then thought I'd add some others slowly to see what may be causing my symptoms.
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IrishInNC...sorry about your predicament. I have never felt sick on my supplements. Wish I could help.
I'm not familiar with Liposomal Vitamin C. I have been taking Ester C or Life Extension Ascorbic Acid powder. Is Liposomal Vitamin C better? I've been confused about what is the best Vitamin C..both kind and brand.
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Luna5, Thank you for your input. I'm not sure why I feel the way I do either. Something is not in balance. To answer the Vit C question...liposomal Vit C is a liquid form that I make. It's encapsulated and allows you to take mega doses like an IV without the bowel upset. 2oz is like having a 16oz IV (24,000mg absorbable Vit C). I did weekly IV right after my radiation therapy, but not only were they expensive but with only one arm to work with, they became almost impossible to do. www.pdazzler.com is where I found the instructions. The cost is minimal, the taste, not too bad, and the benefits are great!! You can purchase ready made, but it is much more expensive and I don't mind making my own. Hope this helps you.0
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Irish-
WHat a great website - Thanks for the link!
Beth
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Awesome website!! I have been on it an hour so far....
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IrishInNC: have you considered finding a Naturopathic Doctor in your area, to help you sort through all those supplements (and especially review the brands that you've been using) to see if, perhaps, you could adjust your dosage, switch brands, etc.... to fix this situation?
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