natural girls
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It's ok Joy, we really DO all need each other
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Maud, I actually feel the cure to cancer may be hidden in alternative therapies but the bias among academics won't allow them to study it or take it seriously. I feel very strongly that we need to give alternatives more credibility. However I am wary of some who really are out to scam people, and others who just don't make any sense and bring down the reputation of alternatives. I know there are controversies with Graviola but Paw Paw is good. I've never doubted that and probably should have said so.
I would probably use a heavy duty alternative if I had mets and that's why I research so avidly. Protocel? DCA? After all, conventional treatments are limited.
I'm confused about why you think I'm in any way critical of the amino acid protocol. I said at least twice that I'm extremely excited about it. I did read that it costs nearly $1,000 a month which is why I want to deconstruct it if that's possible so we can try to copy it.
As for the disclaimer, I intend to put that in now and then for those detractors who keep implying I'm trying to give medical advise.
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Hey Ladies
As you can see, we all will come up with different research and by trial and error, find what works for us. There is no one magic bullet. The trick is to find out what works for us. Sadly, we all need to play detective to wade through the sea of information and misinformation. It would be great if we had one answer, but it will never be that simple. Our bodies have different chemistries so what works for one, might not for another.
For instance, I know a couple of of women who got rid of their tumors with graviola. I also have a doctor blogging for me who got rid of her breast cancer with black salve, and I met another survivor who used immunotherapy. I talked with Dr. John Apsley this weekend about his work in regeneration of healthy cells. And I know a couple of bc survivors who go regularly to Sanoviv for holistic cancer care which includes all kinds of treatments. One was stage 3 and has been cancer free for over 10 years.There is no one size fits all! Explore them all.
There are lots of solutions. The trick is finding one that works! So let's just keep sharing and respect that fact that we are all in this together.
There are cures for breast cancer! There just is not, and never will be ONE magic bullet.
That said, I am not sold on the amino acid protocol.We know that B12, which comes from seeds like the apricot, has been proven to shrink tumors and that the B vitamins are especially important because they provide the energy to our cells. It does not make much sense to me to block them. I have also been doing some reading lately about trytophan and how this is essential to emotional health. In fact, it is a treatment for depression.
I also do not believe T Colin Campbell who insists that the only cure is a vegan diet. We are not all meant to be vegans. Some of us have metabolism that will suffer if we do not eat any meat or fish. My friend wrote about it in her book "Performance Without Pain". As a musician suffering from fibromyalgia, she was unable to perform. She tried a vegan diet, which at first seemed to improve her health tremendously. It is a great way to cleanse the body. But after a while, the pain returned. She has since adopted the Westin Price philosophy, and healed her gut with fermented foods and unpasteurized dairy. She also uses iodine.
Just keep searching. You will find your answer.
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vivre: Good post...thanks! I hate to start second guessing my supplementation program that has worked for me for the last 7 months.
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I don't think my whey protein has glycine. It is derived from cows that are grass-fed and graze year-round on natural pastures. It is free of genetically engineered materials, hormone-treatment=free, pesticide and chemical=free and undergoes minimal processing. I'm going to stick with it.
Because my financial status is about to take a sharp downward direction I will make B6 one of the supplements that I take every other week. B12 shows many studies that show it can help prevent breast cancer, so I will keep taking that. The one I take is supposed to be taken every 3 days or so. I was taking it every day because I did not notice that instruction.
It is interesting that the alternative type threads are more argumentative than the others. Sometimes this is due to mainstream people coming in to tell us how we're all going to die because we aren't doing it the "right" way. LOL. However, it could also be that we are independent thinkers. I'll admit to becoming upset by some posts. I'll also admit to being argumentative at times myself. Maybe our society has lost the ability to discuss conflicting ideas in a civil manner. Maybe we are too sensitive. I know I am. And being outside the mainstream (which is where all the support really is -- as long as you do it their way) can make us more sensitive. For me, it resulted in a nervous breakdown. That's how damned sensitive I became. I think I am starting to feel better, but I am still fragile. So, while I will try to avoid saying anything if I can't say something nice, please forgive me if I falter.
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When I first came to BCO soon after my BC DX I searched on many threads looking for suppport and info on alt treatments and I found so many intelligent and sensable answers. I must admit that I lost control on a thread where I was learning about both conv and alt, said what I was thinking when remarks were made about being crazy, irresponsible, and stupid. I was rude and a bit vulger.oops, sorry! I was ready to give up and walk away, but instead became a stalker, and I have learned sooo much about diet, supps, life style, and so much more.
You ladies here are exceptionable and I owe you all for my positve journey through this. Although it would have been a lot 'easier' to jump on the conv wagon. My body and mind would not let me. Your reseaarch (hard work) has been enlightening. Thank You.
Please don't stop posting your research and views. We NEED you.
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OK, I read that protocol and it seems off to me. I've been immersed in learning about nutrition for years, and it just didn't make sense. For one thing, how long are you supposed to deprive your body of these essential nutrients in order to starve your cancer of them? No idea from that link, I guess you find out when you sign up and pay the money.
Joylieswithin, thanks for your post. Thought I might be missing something important.
I do agree with the part where you should supplement with DIM(?), circumin, etc. and all of the above are in my list of things to eat/supplement with. In fact, I got the most gorgeous organic heirloom tomatoes at the growers market today! Will be getting some lycopene this week.
Funny what I get excited about these days.
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Diana, the protocol is only to be followed for 6 to 9 months and it's an extreme diet for those prepared to take extreme risks. The whole protocol needs to be followed including their amino acid supplement and the cost would preclude anyone who wasn't down to their last options. Anyone attempting part of the diet would fail as it depends on the right mix of amino acids in the supplement to starve the cancer. There must be an easier way for those of us who don't have mets.
I won't post about it again as too many are not understanding it's a protocol that can't be taken in part.
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Here are some little tidbits I learned at the Health Freedom Expo last weekend:
Take digestive enzymes probiotics and and vitamins with food, but before the meal. Take herbals between meals.
Love this comment from Dr. Caldwell, author of a great book called the Answer to Cancer:
"What is really alternative? Why is doing what the body wants naturally considered the alternative"
he also said "All cancers are curable, but not all people are". So true!
I got to meet Marilu Henner. I did not know that her husband was dx'd with colon cancer, with a poor prognosis, 2 months after they were married. She nursed him back to health with nutrition.
It was so inspiring to be around so many people fighting for health freedom. We must not stop demanding free choice! It was interesting that there were a lot of liberals and conservatives, and they all seem to agree that obamacare must go because it will limit choices even more. If the govt. is paying the bills, they will get to dictate, and since the FDA is already just an arm of Big Pharma, it will spell the end of so much of what we can still do here. It is almost impossible to get iodine in EU now and not easy to find here. We must keep fighting the bills that Durbin and Waxman keep pushing to put more regulations on supplements. Even though I only use pharma grade supplements (most are food grade), if they all are required to follow more regulations, they will cost a fortune. That is why big pharma continues to lobby for more regulation. Their business is down and they want it back.
The top three most essential minerals, iodine, magnesium and selenium.
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Dunesleeper, I keep meaning to look into B12 so thanks for the reminder. I agree we're all independent thinkers, and we should be mindful that others may be going through a crisis or depression and in a very delicate frame of mind.
My apologies to anyone who found my tone stressful earlier. I'd just returned from my first hair-raising driving lesson with my teenaged son. I think he was nervous as he's only been out for a couple of lessons with a driving instructor and wasn't sure how I'd be. He's starting in a geared car, or stick shift if your'e American. We did have a laugh at how close we got to the back of that parked truck
and those flooded ditches beside our country roads, and I'm extremely calm and patient with him. When I got back I needed to de-stress though. It can only get better.0 -
Vitamin B12 is a good one for the confused brain effect of most of our treatments. It helped me with my memory problems from chemical exposure and menopause. Sure hope it works with Femara. It also seems to help my daughter with her Aspergers and anxiety issues.
Make sure to get Methyl B12, not the usual kind (cobalamine, I think). I found a 5mg sublingual tab that we just take once a week, made by Jarrow. Started out taking it about 3 times a week.
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That's what I take Diana!
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I am posting twice now - CAAT .... then my questions which I will crosspost.
CAAT - I would like to see if there is a way to use this treatment without the clinic that sells it. They have sent negligible info that only included links to back where I read everything, then a little info on how to purcuase but not the price. Then I wrote for price and got the $900 and a credit card form, little else. I am unimpressed. I want discussion, I want to know who is having a positive result and more. But the therapy, I do understand it has to be as is, for the duration. I think it could be for anyone who can afford it, no matter the stage. Perhaps I would choose it but do not know which one I will chose yet.
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PET/CT scan results. NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING.
A few questions, if you know, please answer.
1) Does the scan show infections, anyone have this happen? A PET/CT scan show malignancy then they find an infection or benign in biopsy? Or a thermogram show different results?
2) If the report impression states "Abnormal examination indicative of malignant-viable neoplasm." ...... then is this 100% cancer?
Seriously, the onc who is not the one of my dreams said.
They don't know what the lymph node on the left side is... either infection or cancer.... so he needs a biopsy. It is a SUV (light) of 4.5x
But he is pretty sure of cancer for the area in mid-right axilla where there are two swollen nodes. These ended up in result of malignant viable neoplasm for certain. He did not tell me it said malignant on my report but I got to read that after I picked it up at the front desk. Those two nodes are where first cancer node was, so wouldn't doubt it but I second-guess this due to the one on left neck. The SUV (light) of axilla is 9x He said this can go up to 30x so I figure the 4x is on the low side.
Seriously.
My US guided biopsies of each is Thursday. But if this could be infection it could be cleared up before tomorrow. I am torn, awaiting call back on getting thermogram. Invasive tetsting is not my thing and would rather spend cash on life saving treatments that are always out-of-pocket anyway than on tests which we pay 10% all the time.
What else I learned.
The receptors can change, ER+ can change to another receptor. So in the biopsies, he would be checking those. I was shocked that they could change.
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So my report.
Breasts clear. US and PET/CT showed nothing in breasts even though GP and onc said a mass was above the scar.
Entire body scanned clear, nothing nowhere.
Except the questionable nodes in right axilla where the cancer node was an 10 more removed at BC surgery.
Also quesionable node on left side near ear, which could be infection or cancer.
Brain fine, had brain MRI no contrast.
WBC and CA 27.29 ok. 17.50 on later.
My lymph system is acting up daily, like pebbles beneaath skin on left forearm, swollen axillas, esp surgery side, a huge node on r abdomen. I am using the massage now and dry brushing. Getting the rebounder too.
So that's the verdict so far but more tests Thursday. And will not know until 7-10. Augh. They kill us w the waiting.
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Diane: Good news that you are getting mostly clear scans..so does that mean that even if the right axilla shows cancer, that it hasn't spread? The waiting is hard to be sure, but you just take it a day at a time. BTW a thermogram is not invasive...you just stand in front of a camera, then dip your hands in cold water, then back in front of the camera. It's much less invasive than a mammo...no pain or manipulation of the breasts. However, if you had the MRI already, it might not be necessary.
Sending you positive energy!
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The thermogram is not, I know. But I had the PET/CT which left confusion. No MRI of breasts or nodes but I did have US of axilla and breast which shows nothing amiss so more confusion.
Am hoping for them to call me back for the thermogram soon. It could settle the questions of infection or not.
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Good luck Essa. You sure are getting some contradictory reports. That in itself seems scary. I know I read that the receptor status could change, and I found that confusing too. Well, I was going to blow off doing my MLD tonight, but after reading your messages, I think I need to pay more attention to my healing.
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Still waiting for the call back to get thermogram, called 3 x w message. All during office hours. bleh Wanted to get that before the biopsy tomorrow which I may decide to forego.
Spent 5 hrs yesterday digging into details on PET CT, have some answers but it seems taht this could very well BOTH be inflammation or infection. EDT both means right and left side neoplasms.
I am going for the biopsy though, cannot take the chance. The 10% copay is $220 which is a hunk of alternative treatments. Darn. And I had to give up my supplemental hospital ins which was $110 a month, and now this outpatient surgery (biopsy) which they would have paid $250 to Hubby just for being there for me, but it has now lapsed. eh! EH.
When it is let go and let god, do we ever know when we have let go and let it happen. Seems there are so many challenges in getting anyone's answers or attention and I just flow w/ not enough info my whole life. Tired of it.
Biopsy tomorrow noon. Perhaps this is just shoving me to disability income through SS if it comes back stage IV???? Don't know why I cannot get anywhere with info though.
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Good question Essa. I do know that I feel brief periods of peace when I consciously let go. I think, gradually, I try to take control again and then I get anxious. So then I let myself go again and I feel peaceful. Now . . . if only that would translate into being able to sleep. I've been taking medication to sleep for at least a decade I'm sure. Now I am needing like 4 xanax, 1 melatonin, and 1 seroquel to get to sleep. Next week, since I will no longer have to go to work, I will probably have some sleepless nights because I am going to get off those pills. I think I ought to go talk to a pharmacist.
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Hello Natural Girls,
Is anyone able to give me some links / references on reasons NOT to take Aromitase Inhibitors? Not surprisingly, Googling this is just giving me all the data in support of AIs. I did see some references to bone loss and heart disease, but low occurances.
I know many of you may have opted out for good reasons. I would like to see the other side of the argument. If you have any references, would you please share? Thanks.
Springtime
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dunesleeper: If you have been taking that much sleep medication, do not try to go off of it cold turkey. Please talk to a doctor about how to transition in a safe manner. All of these meds are addicitive and can cause withdrawal issues when stopped.
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Springtime I think the best arguments for not taking an AI come from reports of ladies right here on breastcancer.org. I am taking Chrysin, prescribed by a ND. You can google that and see if you want to try it. And I will not eat any meat or eggs that may have elevated levels of estrogen. It has to be humanely raised, free range, and organic. I do eat butter. Occasionally I have some milk in a cappuccino, but lately I have been using almond milk for that. I stopped eating cheese until I can find it unprocessed and from non-hormone-injected cows milk. I also avoid canned foods, except that the coconut milk I use in my green smoothie is canned. I avoid cans because of BPA. So I am avoiding exposure to as many external estrogenics as possible and hopefully the Chrysin takes care of enough of the rest.
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Right, my reasons/excuses not to take the Femara have come from this forum. Some of the side effects happening are downright scary.
That said, if my estradiole test results don't show an improvement in a month from what I'm doing, it's on to Femara for me. I'm taking DIM, Activin, and Curcumin among others. But those are the main ones that are supposed to act as AIs.
I need a kick in the pants, though. Not eating as well as I should, drinking a bit too much wine. But I am taking my supplements!
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Diana, thanks for pointing out those other supplements that act as AIs. I'm taking DIM and Curcumin in addition to the Chrysin.
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Springtime - the reading I did in the threads specifically for these drugs was the info I needed to choose my other path. I use DIM-type supplements. Chrysin oil. I also eat twice each day, 1/2 c of organic black beans cooked in truly pure organic seaweed or nori which soaks up estrogens. And I avoid all estrogens possible, from phyto (plant) to xeno (pollutants) and between.
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CROSSPOSTING from another thread, my own post.....
Today i am freaking out.
Biopsy freak out.....
Brain mri - good
cbc - seems fine but onc did not discuss it Mon.
US - nothing in either axilla or breast even though the GP and onc said there was a mass 5x larger than the first mass in the affected side. But onc did not discuss the mass he pointed out before.
BUT, regardless of US in axilla....
PET/CT scan revealed two spots that seem active cancer. One is in right axilla where the first cancer lymph node and 10 others were removed during bc surgery, the ten clear. Now two seem cancer, one moreso, was a 9x out of 30. The other spot is a node on right side, neck by ear. Small and a questionable level at 4.5 out of 30. Biopsies were needed by onc to know what he would be treating.
I succumbed to core needle biopsies yesterday. Was sedated and drug for pain, so consciously dozing. The neck biopsy was easy enough for dr, used needle. The right, he tried needle. Then without asking me, telling me, nothing, he used a punch to biopsy. I was so out of it that I didn't even register what was happening or that I would not want it to be done and soon he used punch six times to get this one biopsy, enough substance from this little engorged node in my severe lymphedema arm that was marked LIMB ALERT and that is already two sizes larger than the other arm and always numb like a hunk of foot fallen asleep. It was not until I was on the way home that thelevity hit me, for both my arm and for exploding the node instead of not poking the bear. I would have preferred a surgery to remove node instead if a needle could ot be used.
Now I am supposed to wait until July 10 to even know if it is cancer. Really. Don't they just know yes or no within the hour, my DSIL's onc knew, not all details, but he knew it was a yes. Hubby called onc's office already this morn to get me in to see him, I have not been so freaked out once since this started, as to have the node punched open several times and now possibly cancer cells circulating all through me. I am blown away by the lack of thinking that goes on by the medical pros all along the way.
Last night DSIL who is a survivor for one year so knows her stuff said that these nodes could have been removed and checked since I would not have chemo anyway, they would be better off just removed, in her opinion and now I think about it, in mine too. But my onc had told me if the one on left is cancer then the cancer is moved to other side of body and it is now Stage IV, so there is no point of surgery or radiation anywhere at all, chemo only to save my life. Like I said, I want another onc. Don't know what to do, no matter where I go I get screwed with. Victim stamp on forehead it seems.
I chose to have biopsies to see if I am stage IV bcz I was told that if so I would stand the better chance of getting disability income through SS, but on ride home the attorney finally called me back and said I will not be able to collect at all with me owning my business which only brings in $75 ave / mo on autopilot. I have to sign it away or close it. Worked 20 yrs on this. Want to make it work, need the income to build for our retirement. But was told that even if I closed it, I would have to prove financial need to collect since I have not pd into SS - I was self-employed and needed 3 more credits before I lost my memory and everything in my business came to screeching halt. Try to work w no memory of your products, how to do or even drive or get home.
So, I went through the biopsies for nada, imo.
I am going to be treating myself for stage iv anyway, w or wo biopsies. Have been all along, taking this serious. But the disability was so I could afford to purchase the treatments I need to buy for myself. I have nowhere left to turn, nowhere.
Somebody talk me down, please. But be gentle, I am more fragile than I have been in my life.
example --- Yesterday the milkers or land owner of the organic dairy herd we partly own stuck a note on our jars saying the get confused when jars are not marked and to mark lids, jars, both ends of totes.... ours ARE all marked and very well. I cried then left a note saying they are marked. I felt devastated.
Yes, I need talked down. Hubby has called onc's office to get me in today to discuss this but I presume beforehand that onc will to be thrilled that I am upset at all. But it is holiday weekend coming up, if I even get an infection in this arm - omg. Let alone exploding cancer cells all through my body.
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Diane, sorry to hear this. I think it helps to have hubby get involved. Especially sorry about the punch biopsy, had not even heard of that. Thought the regular one was bad enough.
Got a copy of my blood tests today. Doctor didn't do any cancer marker tests, just CBC, Liver, electorolytes, and immunoassay. My D3 was 84! Maybe I should slow down a bit on those drops.
And here's the kicker, my Estradiole is 3.9. And I haven't started Femara yet. Not sure it would do me any good, and may do more harm. What do you guys think?
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Diane: I'm so sorry to hear about the biopsy and caner dx. I guess you have to cover all the options and "what ifs" before you go under or the doctor just does what he feels right doing. The good news is your D3 is 84! It could be as high as 100 in order to fight off breast cancer in the body. I think it's imperative to keep those levels high right now. What drops are you taking? My pills are not working.
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Kaara, we have a Diane and Diana on this thread. Confusing, I know. Sorry I just threw away my bottle of D3 drops because it was empty, my new ones are Vitacost that have 2000 ius per drop. DD and I use it, put 3-4 drops under the tongue.
The drops work better than the pills for D3, obviously. I had heard that a while back.
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