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Comments

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited October 2009

    Fascinating Sea!!!,

    Imagine "Doctors could use it to see if BC therapy is working".... Vs. just taking these drugs and hoping for the friggin best!!! 

    Well, that does make more sense to me!! 

  • AllieM22
    AllieM22 Member Posts: 188
    edited October 2009

    Let-It-Be--welcome. Wanted you to know that there are at least some of us on here who are taking tamoxifen but also interested in health thru diet and better knowledge about diet. The two are not mutually exclusive... :) There is also a great, active thread called Bottle of Tamoxifen you might like.

    Deni--sending good thoughts for your husband...and you, in dealing with all that! 

    One thought on tumeric (curcumin)--I thought it had to be lightly cooked too--along with the oil and pepper...?

    Shepard--great food list and love the vinegar/lemon juice cleaning idea!

    That cosmetic database is great...I use it a lot. It's scary how many bad products there are out there! It's a great resource.

    Seaotter-great article! Really interesting... 

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited October 2009

    Any one know about dendritic vaccines?

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited October 2009

    http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/unmc-breast-cancer-vaccine-uses-dendritic-cells-1.1606599

  • Let-It-Be
    Let-It-Be Member Posts: 31
    edited October 2009

    AllieM22-Thanks I'll watch that thread too!

    For the turmeric, this is what I gleaned from Servan-Shrieber's book, I mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with almost half a teaspoon of black pepper.  I add a tablespoon of olive oil, and a squirt of agave honey to make it taste better.  Mix it up, the oil is to help emulsify.  I add it to dressings, hummus, whatever I can.

    So many things to read here! I need more time to catch up with everyone on this thread.  Have you girls thought of starting a Natural Girls Part Deux?  94 pages! 

    Have a good night Ladies!
    Christine

  • deni63
    deni63 Member Posts: 372
    edited October 2009

    We got some good news today. My husband had a cystoscopy today and from what the doctor can tell, it looks like the tumor is contained and nothing has spread. Huge relief! Although, he will have a PET scan next week to confirm that there is nothing else lurking. Maybe we can get a family discount on PET scans! DH is miserable right now. They put him under for the procedure and he is now feeling the pain. I can't imagine. YIKES!

    Let-It-Be - I read about the turmeric thing in Anticancer. I have learned so much from that book. It is such a great resource. We have the book on CD and my husband has been listening to it as well. It really has kept his spirits up while we wait for these tests and results. The info is so hopeful and encouraging.

    Just wanted to update you guys and share the good news. Who would have thought that having to loose a kidney would be good news. But, of course it is better thant he alternative. Hope every one has a great evening. I know we will be sleeping better this evening!

    Deni

  • Let-It-Be
    Let-It-Be Member Posts: 31
    edited October 2009

    Deni-So glad you have good news, sending positive vibes your way for more!

    Re: Anti-Cancer, I actually bought it before I was diagnosed and let it collect dust on the shelf all through chemo. Finally I poured through it and read it too many times until I finally dropped it in the bathtub.  It was a sign from above that I read it enough already!

    From his book, he mentions Dr. Beliveau's book which I also read too many times until the pages fell out. 

    Again, glad your husband is doing well.  Keep it up!

    And again, Good night Ladies

    Christine

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 2,701
    edited October 2009

    Oh, Deni, I can feel the relief in your post.  Thanks for letting us know about today's test.  I'm so glad the tumor appears to be contained.  I will continue to pray for good news from next week's scan.  Thinking of you ~  Deanna

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited October 2009

    I remember finding out my tumor was "contained" ... vs everywhere. not everyone is so lucky. 

    Praise God, Deni!!! 

  • deni63
    deni63 Member Posts: 372
    edited October 2009

    It is amazing how much more calm I have been in general about his dx. When we got my dx, I knew nothing about cancer or treatments or the fact that we can empower ourselves and our outcomes by educating ourselves. We were terrified. I feel so much more confident about my own health and the power that I have to turn it around. I feel so good about my future because I have learned enough to know that I can have a dramatic impact on my health by the choices I make everyday. My husband has been reading along with me and improving his lifestyle as well. So he is already feeling the effects. Who knows, since my dx he too has lost 40 lbs by going along with my regime for the most part. Maybe the news we got yesterday would not have been as good if he hadn't taken these steps. Now we are in this together, which makes it easier in a way to stay commited.

    I hope everyone has a great day. In everyday, there is always something to be grateful for. Enjoy!

  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 881
    edited October 2009

    Deni-I am so glad that you now "get it". It is so true that when we are dx, we feel so helpless. I remember feeling like my mind body and soul were totally disconnected. It was so weird. I felt like my mind was not even inside my body anymore. And I hated the way the doctors kept patting me on the back, telling me they would take care of everything, yet they could not answer half of my questions. That is when I started my own research. The more I learned, the more I realized that doctors could only do so much. To become whole again, and to really heal, was up to me. Only I could make myself whole again. Only a strong and healthy mind, body, and soul can truly prevent cancer. When I stopped relying on the Doctors for everything and started doing what I needed to do to heal myself, did I start to believe that cancer was not going to get me. Yes, empowering is the right word. We have to decide if we are going to be a victim or fight with every gun in our arsenal. So everyday I take my ammo out and attack! It feels great! The best defense is a great offense!

  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2009

    Deni... wonderful news!  Have a GREAT weekend!!!

  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 171
    edited October 2009

    Deni, Im so happy to hear that it is contained.  Phew.  Im sending virtual ((((hugs)))) to your dh.

    ...agree about the empowering.  I say it often but want to say it again, thank you to the intelligent women on this board who have opened my eyes. 

  • deni63
    deni63 Member Posts: 372
    edited October 2009

    I agree. These threads are such a wealth of information and fun. We can laugh together, learn together and support one another. It is just wonderful!

    One good thing about feeling empowered is that I can walk out of a doctor's office whom I feel doesn't "get it" as Viv put it and not feel like I have no where to turn. I know enough now to move on. I have the power to find another doctor who does get it. I have the power to research and find the information I need on my own. I have the power of you guys behind me who are living this too, when I don't quite understand or need another perspective.

    I have the power to say "Cancer Schmanser"! as Fran Drescher put it!  Yep, knowledge is power.

    Enjoy ladies!

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited October 2009

    Deni, that is wonderful news for your husband. I am so glad for you.  But I suspect he is in a lot of pain. My hubby had that test once and he is not a complainer but said he could not have imagined the pain.

    I also had good news---I had had a chest xray a while back and the radiologist thought she saw a cancerous nodule in my lungs. So I had the follow up cat scan this week---and the good news is that I have a lung infection.   So antibiotics, here I come.  This cancer business sure does change our concept of what is good news.  

    Wishing you all a good weekend.

  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 171
    edited October 2009

    Mandee- that must have been so scary!  I agree - to a non BC person, that would be bad news but congrats hon 

    just some info for anybody still looking for a compounding pharmacy.  this is what I found - give them your town and they tell you where to find a compounder.

    Professional Compounding Centers of America, Inc. (PCCA)
    TEL: 1 800 331 2498
    http://www.pccarx.com/

    International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP)
    TEL: 1 800 927 4227
    http://www.iacprx.org/
    http://www.iacprx.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lookup_survey

  • deni63
    deni63 Member Posts: 372
    edited October 2009

    Mandy - congratulations! That is great news. And yes, funny how that is great news! We learn to appreciate things so much more...

  • seaotter
    seaotter Member Posts: 642
    edited October 2009

    deni - Wonderful news!!!!!

    Mandy - Wonderful news!!!!

    I just love wonderful news Smile!!!!!

    I learned a few things about the swine flu vaccine on Glenn Beck last night. Two drs were on, one for the vac and one against. An endo was the one against it. He said it contains something that can mess with hormones Yell. He also said it is made in China, WTF!!!!!! He said the mist up the nose is much safer if you feel the need to do anything and it is made here (if that makes you feel any better, lol.

    Patty

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 2,701
    edited October 2009

    Great news, Mandy... but I can imagine what you were feeling waiting for the test results.  I guess this is part of the "new normal" for us, but at least we can share a smile about our altered perspective, where being dx'd with a lung infection is good news!     D.   

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited October 2009

    Deni, I have be thinking about you and your husband all week, hoping and praying that all would be ok. I know all the ladies here were doing the same, the power of prayer! My heart was aching for you, to have to go through more worry after everything you have been through, was just too much to think about.  I hope you both enjoy your weekend together with the knowledge that all will be well.

    Mandy, I can't imagine how scary that must have been for you, having had a bump in my armpit recently (ingrown hair!) shish! the terror that comes with any type of scare after BC is unimaginable, others don't get it, but we do...... hugs to you!

    L

    ox

  • deni63
    deni63 Member Posts: 372
    edited October 2009

    Thanks Fairy and all of you! The power of all of your thoughts and prayers has come through loud and clear. I told my husband about everyone's well wishes on the threads here and he was so appreciative. I have said this before. This is the only place that I can come where everyone truly understands what we are going through. Our friends and family here at home are wonderful, no doubt, but you guys REALLY understand. It feels so good to come here and vent. I have come here to just get some of my thoughts and reactions out, not really expecting a response - just sort of cathartic. Then, I look back later and so many wonderful, hopeful responses are waiting for me. I love it!

    This is the first day we are home and can feel relieved in a while. It is a rainy day here in good old NJ and we are exhausted. I am making some vegetable soup and still in my jammies. It feels so good! I'll keep you guys posted with what's next!

    Enjoy. Happy weekend to all.

  • anondenet
    anondenet Member Posts: 261
    edited October 2009

    Deni,

    Sweetie, tell hubbie you both are getting all our healing vibes. You have a great advantage in your strategic attitude. A lot of people would not be as empowered as you. We are there for you.

    I wish I had a support team when I was first diagnosed. I was wandering around in a fog. I did not know how to think about being diagnosed with cancer. I didn't know you could learn how to think about cancer. I didn't know Sh*t.

    One of the things the last 15 years have taught me is that you can get experienced at navigating this cancer thing wisely. It becomes a "skill set." You learn how to put together a plan and ask questions. You learn how to firecely track down resources.

    And there are lots of others out there who you can brainstorm with. Um, :) like us.

    You go, girl!

    xo

    anom

  • Calypso
    Calypso Member Posts: 132
    edited October 2009

    That cosmetics database was fantastic.  Thanks all!   I'm bummed that Origins makeup turns out to be not-so-good.  But that's what I needed to find out.  I'm out to find coconut oil now. 

    Great good news all around this board this week.  Whew!  What makes a hair decide to grow inward...I wonder... 

  • deni63
    deni63 Member Posts: 372
    edited October 2009

    I feel like some of you guys are such amazing resources having had so much research experience under your belt. Thanks for helping us newbies to navigate this terrifying journey and make us feel like we have a place to go. Amazing women, really.

    Calypso - you can find coconut oil in any health food store. And, whole foods has it for certain. Even Amazon has it I am pretty sure. Just make sure you get Virgin or Extra Virgin and organic.

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited October 2009
    What baffles me is that AVON and REVLON have the most toxic ingredients on the cosmetics database, yet these are the companies who do so much for BC research?????? hello!!!??Yell
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 2,701
    edited October 2009

    Yes, I've always thought The Revlon Breast Center at UCLA and the safety ratings of their products seem totally contradictory.  But I have a feeling the benefactor arm of Revlon has nothing to do with product development.  But I've actually justified (in my own mind, at least) buying an Avon product I liked but knew had a lousy safety rating, because Avon gives so much to bc research.  Screwy logic, but a testament to the power of PR!

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited October 2009

    I am now reading Dr. Lee's book: "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer" - everyone here recommended it. I devoured the first two chapters last night.

    I AM SO PISSED OFF!!! This book has so far encapsulated and crystallized my feelings about the way our society deals with cancer patients. BUT, alas,

    • KNOWLEDGE
    • IS
    • POWER...
  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 171
    edited October 2009

    Springtime, I know!  I have been reading Dr. Platt's, The Miracle of Bioidentical Hormones, and the one excerpt about how your Onc spends on average 4 minutes with you blew me away.  Its so true...  I have Lee's BC book too, I am about to start it!

    Avon triesat least.  They have brand positioning for all types - the fragrance free, preservative free, 95% natural but then there is a drive from the market for cheap so as long as the market is there and demanding all of the inexpensive stuff, it will be always be there.  It is very cyclic. They started the paraben free and I trust they do their research and development. 

    My skin is so dry right now, my shae butter isn't penetrating.  Any recs?

  • blaircoff
    blaircoff Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2009

    Hi Ladies! I have a question about cancer markers that I hope someone can help me with. I have just had a blood test to check my breast cancer marker (can't remember the number CA?). It came back at 16 and apparently the normal range is below 30. Should it not be zero if there is no cancer there or am I just confused as to how they measure it? It's probably a silly question but hopefully someone can explain how it all works! Thanks!

  • liz135
    liz135 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2009

    Hi girls,

    Have you heard of Aloe Vera , a 'miracle plant' used in complimentary medicine from the time of Cleopatra and before.

    I came across this scientific study published this year.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19368145?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

    If it works for lung , colon and gastric cancers, won't it work for breast cancer also? It is time tested in numerous conditions like colitis, burns, skin , joint problems and has hardly any significant side effect though tastes like lemon concentrate.

    See these videos if you believe in miracles.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2dx0NKP8y8

    This one mentions benefits in breast cancer also.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHlCvBQj_LE&feature=related  

     Read about the Brazilian monk who treats cancer with his aloe Vera formulation http://bellatryx.blogs.ie/2006/05/29/cure-for-cancer-brazilian-medicinal-plants/

    Feed backs by private email welcome.

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