natural girls
Comments
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Fairy,
I used to get non infection" bladder infections. They could never find any bacteria in the urine but I kept complaining and my savvy gyn prescribed estriol vaginal cream.
That worked.
But then, okay, this is our secet, right?
My friend who looks 15 years younger than her real age, said, ask your doc if you can put some estriol on your face too because estriol makes collagen and your skin will tighten up.
Well it does something!0 -
Vivre,
What a good point that there isn't even a co-pay on this group! What I don't get is the docs don't really even know how to interpret the lab tests. All that is theoretical stuff too. For years I thought medicine was carved in stone and there were fundamental laws of physiology.
Who the flip told me that?
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I am back!!! Had to take a break from the packing!! I haven't had a period since March 26th, so I am kind of hoping that I am done........we shall see if the progesterone makes it start. I was peri before mastectomy. I have noticed a HUGE difference since the surgery, I am definately in meno, everything feels and is different. Before surgery I ran 3 miles a day and could pretty much eat as much as I wanted and stay a size 4, since surgery, I am back to my 3 miles a day 5 days a week, strict diet and I have gained 5 lbs!! what the heck!! urg!!!!
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I also haven't had a period since the 2 I had in Feb and 1 in March. Prior to that, had nothing since August. I also skipped months at a time a year before that. Fairy, I always thought I was finished, especially because I started with the night sweats and vaginal dryness and loss of sensation to that area as well. But more than once, I've been surprised after months of no period to suddenly get it again, so you may not be quite done yet.
I however, feel that this time I may actually be done for good, because my moods have remained stable for many weeks now, where before I was still feeling PMS mood swings even without the monthly period.
So, until a whole year passes, I still don't know if I'm pre or post menopausal. And I've talked to people who told me even after a year, their periods still came back! So I don't know with these natural supplements like DIM, 13C, or myomin that all you girls are discussing, which would be right for me?
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I hate to sound like a party pooper but isn't estradiol the "bad" estrogen? I thought that was the powerful one that can dominate and over stimulate breast tissue for those of us who are ER/PR+...
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Beofre my diagnosis it appeared from my blood work i have post mneopausal. anmd then after my surgery 6 mos later, i had a period. But none in the last 6 mos. I had been on Bio identicals for 6-7 years and had stopped about a year before my diagnosis as i had more of adrenal disfynctions goin on and the bio's were not effective for me at that time.Being triple negative, i am wondering what will be safe for me.
Any views on saliva testing? I have done that in the past too for that is what was part of what my compiund pharmacy sent before the creams were made up. Never did blood work other then goin thru my primary or gyno. My gyno is totally against Bio identicals and saliva testing..of course! SO have to figure what to do now that it is all done and what test is best for hormones?
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Have another question. Why after chemo do I have hot flashes and such crankiness. None of this was present before surgery or treatment. I am just so full of anxiety today and seems like I AM a different person now. Calling my gyne for blood work now seems too early since treatment just ended a month ago? Just wanted to get this out there.Thanks.
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Ivory and Allie, I also take Tamoxifen. I wish I had the guts to forgo it, like some ladies here, but I just would be a mess psychologically, I just could not do it and be at peace with myself, so I take it.
I was found to genetically be an "extreme metabolizer" of Tamoxifen, so I thought I'd have "extreme Side Effects", but I hardly have any. I get hot flashes, but these started during chemo when I was put into chemo-menopause. Same deal. I also get occasional vaginal discharge that seems to come and go. That's it.
DonnaDio, did you go into menopause during chemo too?
Spring.
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Fairy - the exact same for me! I have always done anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of cardio a day and weights 3X a week and never worried too much about my weight. Now, I am fighting an extra 5-8 pounds and it's so frustrating.
I went into menopause when I had chemo, and it stuck - 19 months now without a period. I keep blaming the weight on the tamoxifen, but maybe it's just menopause.
I go back and forth on the tamoxifen thing. I'm once again taking it like I'm supposed to (I was doing half-dose for a while) because I have another lump. After a mammogram and ultrasound, the surgeon wants to cut it out. This will be my second excisional biopsy since my original lumpectomy. I'm now wishing that I had just had a bilateral mastectomy in the beginning so that I could just be done with this whole mess. I'm actually thinking about it. Does anyone know if I can still get reconstruction after I had rads??
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Spring--I am also a very good metabolizer of tamoxifen which I was happy to hear. My onc, with whom I met today, says that lack of symptoms do not mean that it's not working. People react differently and younger women seems to tolerate it better. Post-meno (including chemo-pause) women have more symptoms probably b/c overall estrogen is lower. Tamoxifen stops the estrogen receptors in the breast from absorbing the estrogen but for other estrogen receptors in areas like bones, uterine and ovaries, it actually stimulates them. This is good for bones but may not be for uterine--if you aren't having a period anymore the stimulation can cause excess lining to build up.
So in effect, tamox works like they think phytoestrogens work--I specifically asked this. However they are still wrapping their arms around how phytoestrogens work--initially they thought was that they were bad for ER+ women as just additional estrogen in the body, but now the thought is that they "dock" in the estrogen receptors and prevent stronger estrogens from docking there. Not enough study yet to make the switch to phytoestrogens rather than tamox...
Munchy--sorry to hear about an additional biopsy!!
Hope it all comes out well...0 -
Spring, you're right about peace of mind being the best medicine. You can't live in fear. I gave Tamox a lot of thought but different conclusions gave me peace of mind. I bet not one of us would feel safe with the same single set of choices.
That being said, what constitutes my sense of safety has evolved a lot since I was diagnosed. I'm not the same, scared person who didn't know what to read first, or whom to believe. There is a finite amount of information out there to read if a person is interested. I evolved while I was going thru every flippin study. I don't know where the turning points were.
Pretty soon I got "used to" having had cancer and relaxed. "Civilians" don't understand that people who've had cancer can just keep moving!
nom
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Spring.. I think I did go in to menopause after chemo. BUT.. blood work sdaid i was post menopause a few months prior to my DX. BUT.. still had periods here and there until after my surgery. Once chemo is done.. i am with hot flashes and feel crazy!!!!!Sleeping poorly is my main frustration!!
I go to Yoga twice a week and a low cardio impact class twice a week. May also be picking up a beginners spin class . DO walk also. I do not have a weight problem BUT am getting thick around the waist and tummy area and say it has to be menopausal results? EAT very carefully and always have!
I cannot imagine if i had to take Tamoxifen as i am just too senstive to drugs of anykind. Feel for anyone that is struggling and wish there was a simpler way to do this!!
Have a good day!
Donna
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I always like to keep up with what the mice are doing, and what they're eating. They seem to get all the cures and preventions, so I thought I'd share:
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20090421/walnuts-fight-breast-cancer
Rich in omega 3's, heart healthy too.
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Hey girls! Well I just found out that if I have my surgery (mast & recon) I will no longer have a job. I was told since I already took my vacation when I had my lumpectomy I have no other time coming to me. I'm not eligible for fmla because I'm part-time. Geeze, just when I am getting a handle on this bc crap I get slammed with something else.
Hey Fairy is your new house big enough for me to move in with you, lol.
Patty
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Patty.. Where do you work.. as isn't there some kind of law regarding this kind of issues. How uncaring!!! Maybe someone here knows on the legalities of things like this. Just so wrong!!!!
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Donna - I know!!!! I did call a legal department that deals with cancer and working. They said there is nothing that I can do.
I work at pnc (don't bank there). I am a part-time teller. I am hoping I can draw unemployment, at less until I find another job. I hate sitting at home on my duff !!!!!
Patty
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Patty, you'd have to sit around on your duff anyway for a while to recover from surgery. You could get some information from the unemployment agency to learn what you'd need to do to collect benefits while you're recovering from surgery. Since you're part time, it might provide some income that you wouldn't have otherwise while you recover. If your employer is really that much of a hardass, truly, you'd be better off somewhere else anyway. It could be they just have a strict policy on absence. If you like them and they like you, ask if you'd be eligible for rehire after recouping.
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althea - I did ask those questions. They are making cuts so I am an easy cut. I could be rehired but there has to be an opening and with all the cuts there just might not be an opening. They do have a very strict policy of absences. I know I will survive, I just hate the thought of "beating the pavement" for another job. If I can get unemployment it would be better than nothing!!!!! I really need the job to pay for all my supplements!!!!!!!!
Thanks for caring and the ideas!
Patty
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Patty!!! are you flippin kidding me!!!!!!! I can't believe employers would be so heartless, well karma is a bitch baby and I hate to say it but what goes around comes around!! You can for sure get unemployment, if they lay you off you qualify for unemployement!
Munchy!! prayers are with you sister, please let us know how you are doing! You can for sure get reconstruction after rads, go to the breast reconstruction thread, especially exchange city, you will get some great info there! I have to tell you my new foobies are much prettier than my old ones LOL!! there HAS to be an upside to this whole thing right?? I get my nips on Aug 11th, just in time for the big 50!!! aaaahhhh!!!!
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Patty that is totally crazy. Even with strict rules for absences I can't believe they couldn't make an exception! Hang in there...
I too am starting to look for a job--hate the prospect! Also would like to find something that isn't so stressful, 9-10 hr days, workplace drama, etc. We'll see...
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Allie, thanks for that info, I take many phytoestrogens, and that just reassures me that it's not so risky. From everything I've been reading about them, I was coming to the same conclusion, that what they are doing sounds so similar to what the tamoxifen is doing.
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Hello,
I was diagnosed back in March with Stage 1, ER/PR-, HER2+, grade 3 breast cancer in my left breast. I was shocked, terrified and did not know where to turn or what to do. My gyno, when she told me the news, simply said, "well, this isn't good. you have cancer." She gave me no support, no encouragement and no where to turn. I was devastated and thought that I was going to die. As soon as I got my head around the fact that I was sick, I started diving into research. I knew nothing about chemo, radiation or cancer. In the meantime, I went to a few doctors for their opinions. After doing extensive research online, I decided the best thing for me to do would be to change my diet - completely. And I did just that. I cut out refined foods, sugar and dairy and began to consume a mostly raw, plant based diet - with occassional fish and grains. By the time I went in for my lumpectomy, the radiologist who was wiring the lump for surgery was having a difficult time identifying the lump because it was "less conspicuous" than it had been in my previous slides. This told me that I was on the right track! My diet was having an effect on my cancer. I have since had the lumpectomy and 2 re-excisions. My last re-excision showed completely clear margins. I have been going for vitamin c drips and laetrile treatments and taking supplements along with my lifestyle change. I feel great, have lost weight and am commited to my lifestyle. I am at the point where my surgeon and oncologist are strongly recommending chemo and radiation -- and are even recommending Tamoxifan - which is not effective for ER/PR- cancer! They know nothing about diet or nutrition and don't believe in what I am doing. I have been doing regular screenings and to date show no signs of recurrance. Why would I put my body through toxic chemical treatments and radiation if what I am doing is working? There are certainly those who are against alternatives in favor of poisonous chemicals that may or may not work. I think that people should really do their research before they bash! Most bashers will claim there is not enough "research to support" these treatments. Really?? Look at the thousands of people on this thread alone who have at least considered alternatives and the thousands more who have had great success. To me, that is proof enough. There is so much big money in pharma and cancer treatments it has been difficult for alternatives to gain mainstream credibility because there is too much at stake. I would to love hear from anyone who is on a similar path. But please, no negative comments (unless alternative treatments have not worked for you). It is up to each and every one of us to make our own decisions about our treatments and our future. This is what is working for me. And I feel better than ever before in my life.
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I haven't started chemo yet, but have been surfing around trying to get as much info as possible to help me on this long journey. I have been looking at various sites and see that a lot of onc and/or onc nurses suggest no fresh fruit or veg because of the bacteria. I've also read that it is suggested peeling fruit or veg to avoid bacteria. I will admit that I am not the healthiest person - as I have a terrible sweet tooth. However, I LOVE frest fruit and try to eat a few servings of vegetables each day. Right now my favorite tomatoes are in season (creole), strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and melons are a must for me. Oh... I can't forget advocados. I love all of it. I am a little bit of a germ freak and use the washes sold at the market because I don't know who has touched the food. Have I been falsely believing it kills germs? Do these washes work? Suggestions on cleaning the fruit and veg if these aren't what work?
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Welcome Deni,
I'm interested in why your Docs are recommending tamoxifen? Is there something new going on out there? You're er/pr negative, yet they are suggesting it. Interesting. I can guess why, but they must have a reason. What did they say?
You sound very positive in your self-imposed therapy. I believe that's the key to continued success. Believe in your own choices and therapy once you've made the decision to go your own route.
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Jenn,
Wash your organic veggies and fruits in vinegar. Make a solution of vinegar and filtered water, dip in and rinse. Voila, no bacteria:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/vinegar-kills-bacteria-mold-germs.html
I think they worry about eating raw foods if your white cell count goes down. I didn't do chemo, so I might have the wrong color.
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Rosemary44- THANKS for the website - it looks like it'll have information I can use for various things. I had been reading that I need to stay away from harsh cleansers because of the risk of lymphedema and knew that I would need to research other ways of cleaning.
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Welcome Deni and good for you. It's so encouraging to hear a story like yours. I wish there were more like this.
As for the chemo, being a nurse I can tell you that the worry of fresh fruits and veggies is for whatever bacteria, such as E. coli, that they may potentially carry. Chemo patients are immunosuppressed, so can be more susceptible to intestinal infections and in infection in an immunosuppressed person can much more easily become systemic.
However, I know nothing about the washes that kill bacteria, so if they work, that is a great thing and should then make the fruits and veggies safe for chemo pts.
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Hello Deni63, You are a very brave girl. My story is almost like yours. Dx in March of this year,stage 1 ER positive.Had mast. before I had a chance to think about it, but glad that I did. My doctors are jerks. I told my surgeon, that I wanted to go natural, instead of taking the chemo drug, thats so hard on the body. He thought that it was funny that I wanted to try exercise and diet, instead of the pill. Said that it would not help at all.But I have research this like you, and found alot of evidence that it will help. Look how Vivi, lost estrogen, from taking 13c dim all natural drug. I really need someone not to mock me and stand up with me and help me fight the natural way. I no longer have a doctor, nor can afford a naturalist. What kind of doctor can I go to that will work with me? My doctors were cold blooded when they gave me the C word. They must have to make themselves hard to the core. God Bless all of us.
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Rosemary-thanks for the link of vinegar. I guess that means that when we use it on our salads it is doing double duty. V/O is the only salad dressing I ever ues, and I make it myself. I don't trust any of the stuff in bottles anymore.
Deni- thanks for sharing your story. We all hear you here. Small world, Jenn and Deni-we are here for you. The only reason I still hang around is the hope that others will know they are not alone. We are the pioneers who will be living proof that changes need to made to the one sizefits all business of cancer.
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Deni and all of you who have chosen the natural path instead of the chemical road I applaud your bravery and dedication. I did do the chemical road. Mostly because I was uneducated and scared. Everything moved very quickly for me. Also, I'm not very self disciplined. I don't know that I would actually make the changes and not cheat at my diet and exercise plan. Well, I know I would cheat at it. I am better than I was and I do take some supplements now that I never would have before BC and exercise 3-4 times a week instead of, well, never. I don't think I'm a good candidate for a totally natural approach. I have learned so much from this thread tho and I thank all of you for sharing here.
My doc was pretty cold too telling me bx came back pos. He said just that. When I asked him, Now what? He said, surgery, chemo, radiation. That was it. Hello??? Is there someone I should call? I don't know any breast surgeons or oncs. I had to call back three days later to get some referrals.
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