Radiation recovery
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Happy Halloween!
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Joan, my score was 16, and my MO described that as “low” and was emphatic about no chemo, especially at my age!
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Love that pumpkin! I think our trick or treaters are done for the night. Hope so because we are out of candy. There is a curfew until 8 so we lucked out. I never seem to get it right either but too much or not enough too generous with the helpings.
I love this holiday. Kids look so cute in their costumes. I was hoping to see my grandsons tonight but DS lives across town and works late. I told him he better take pics! They dressed as Super Mario brothers!
DH won the pumpkin carving contest at work. Won $100! Yea!
Diane
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Another Halloween behind us....love the pumpkin birth...I've seen it before and it is really funny.
Diane, so glad your DH won a cash prize. I do hope your DS and family can get out of that apartment. It sounds like it is problematic for the long term. Sorry to hear your friend got stung. Babysitting twins and 3 year old sounds like a lot of work!
Prayers for your son and his promotion opportunity.Chi Sandy, I am happy to hear your MO gave you sound advice. I was tormented by what my MO said. She was young and flipped her hair around all the time while I hung on each word...but I finally got the truth by calling around to experienced BS and MOs. When the last doc who also worked at Sloan, told me she would NOT recommend chemo for her patients with my score, I knew I could feel confident. This doc turned out to also work at Sloan and did not want to speak to me or go against what my MO said. But she did.
I hope everyone is doing well...so many ladies taking a hiatus....hope y'all come back!
Sleep calls...early wake up.
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Thanks Joan. I hope all our MIA ladies are okay!
Diane
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Halloween pics - twins dressed as Super Mario brothers! 
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cutie pies!
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nice pics!
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Thanks guys. Nana is definitely smitten! Going to the pumpkin patch with their Mom tomorrow.
Diane
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Anyone come up with thyroid problems after radiation that weren't there before?
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marijen, my good friend did. Her thyroid is completely gone due to her rads as they were high up near the chest wall and it did "fry" her thyroid. I have a different issue apparently. My blood work came back with elevated calcium (for the third time with one dipping in the normal range in the last 5 done) so they did a PTH test which shows I have something going on (likely it is a benign tumor) but it is likely to be the reason I am in so much pain on the AI (bone pain in particular) as this is a major cause of joint and bone pain. I have to have surgery if it stays elevated. We shall see how this new wrinkle unfolds.
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April, you need magnesium and K2 to get the calcium out of your blood and into your bones. There is a topic here for that and I also posted an article on magnesium to the Femara topic. I started taking Innovix ADvanced Magnesium (at AMzn) quick absorb two pills a day, one in the morningwith my Ultra Tums and one at night with my second Uta Tums and the AI pain improved greatly - Tums recommended by the bone density doc as the purest calcium supplement. He left out the Agnesiu and K2 though. Go to:
Topic: VITAMIN K2 combined with Vitamin D3 IMPROVES bone density
Forum: Bone Health and Bone Loss — Talk with others about bone density, osteopenia and osteoporosis, and ways to keep your bones strong
For more on K2. I've got a thyroid nodule after radiation that hasn't been evaluated yet. And I feel some pain there, TSH went up a little too. Did not get the PTH test but probably will now.
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Stop the Thyroid Madness
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/2010/05/19/ma....Magnesium for Joint Pain
How important is magnesium to bone health? Some experts say it is more important than calcium. Find out how this multifunctional mineral is relieves joint pain and improve joint health.
In This Article
2 Magnesium: Salts, Supplement and Safety
3 Magnesium, Bone Health and Arthritis
5 How to Take Magnesium for Joint Pain
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an abundant alkaline earth metal. It is easily found in the earth's crust and seawater as salts.
Magnesium is essential to living systems. It is incorporated into the chlorophyll of plants. In humans, magnesium is required by more than 300 different enzymes for their proper functioning. It is also important because of its roles in the formation and regulation of essential compounds such as the energy molecule, ATP, and genetic materials like DNA and RNA.
Because magnesium ions dissolve easily in water, they are present in mineral water. Since it is sour to taste, magnesium gives mineral water a natural sour taste.
Although magnesium is easily obtained from diet and its deficiency is rare, more than half of the population never meets the recommended daily intake values. Magnesium can be obtained from green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereals, spices, coffee and tea.
Ideally, about 24 grams of magnesium is stored in the human body. Only 1% of this is found in extracellular spaces. 60% are found in the skeleton and 39% inside the cells with 20% of this found in the cells of the skeletal muscles.
Even when the serum levels of magnesium remain within the normal range, there can still be a deficiency of the mineral within cells.
Although magnesium deficiency may occur silently, its symptoms can be pronounced.
Magnesium deficiency and even chronic, low levels of magnesium can cause asthma, diabetes and osteoporosis. Adequate magnesium levels are also beneficial for reducing the risks of heart attack and stroke; for reducing migraine headaches and joint pain due to fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Low levels of magnesium can be due to reduced absorption due to phytate and fat. Phosphates can also compete with the absorption of magnesium.
However, magnesium improves the absorption of calcium.
Magnesium: Salts, Supplement and Safety
Magnesium is sold both as a dietary supplement and pharmaceutical preparation. Magnesium salts can be used to treat eclampsia, magnesium deficiency as well as to restore magnesium levels in people with hypomagnesemia.
Magnesium Salts and Their Uses - Magnesium sulfate or Epsom Salt – Laxative, bath salt, antiseptic and fertilizer
- Magnesium hydroxide – Laxative and antacid
- Magnesium borate & Magnesium salicylate – Antiseptics
- Magnesium bromide – Sedative
- Magnesium chloride, oxide, maleate, citrate, orotate, glycinate and gluconate – Supplements
- Magnesium stearate – Lubricant in pharmaceutical manufacturing
The bioavailabilities of magnesium from its salts vary.
For example, magnesium oxide is the most common type of magnesium supplement; it has the highest magnesium content by weight of all magnesium supplements but it is also the one with the least bioavailability. This means that the amount of magnesium released from it and available to cells for use is rather low.
The amino acid salts have a better absorption profile and of these, magnesium citrate is the best.
Magnesium is a safe mineral. It is easily excreted from the body since it is water-soluble. Magnesium obtained from dietary sources is mostly excreted through the kidneys with urine. Therefore, there is a very low chance of toxicity from dietary sources.
However, toxicity can occur from oral magnesium supplements and drugs especially when after the ingestion of large doses by people with poor renal function.
Magnesium, Bone Health and Arthritis
A 2004 paper published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry examines the scientific literature on the link between osteoporosis and magnesium deficiency both in clinical studies with human participants and laboratory studies using animal models.
Given that the reported magnesium intake for the average citizen is lower than the recommended intake, the study concluded that the risk and incidence of magnesium deficiency are far higher than currently believed.
This paper also identified the possible causes of bone loss in people with chronic magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium deficiency causes long-term changes in skeletal bones and hormonal balance in the body. It also influences the immune system.
The study specifically mentioned the release of inflammatory cytokines by Substance P due to magnesium deficiency.
In addition, magnesium deficiency increases the production of parathyroid hormone and reduces the production of vitamin D which functions as a hormone and is also needed for mineralization of the bones.
A third mechanism by which magnesium deficiency weakens the bones is through the depletion of calcium. Since magnesium improves the absorption of calcium, magnesium deficiency is almost always followed by calcium deficiency.
With low calcium levels, the body starts depleting the bones of calcium. This weakens the bones and the joints. In fact, where megadoses of calcium supplements are taken without also including magnesium, the result can be damaging.
Large doses of calcium in the absence of magnesium will cause the calcification of soft tissues and joints. Since calcium supplementation without magnesium can cause the deposition of calcium in the joints, it is not advisable since it does not properly mineralize the bone but cause joint pain.
Therefore, the overall results of magnesium deficiency are osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain.
In a 2009 study published in the journal, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, the efficacy of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis and joint pain was accessed in rats.
In that study, the rats were injected with collagenase in the knees. Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen. In this case, it weakened the cartilage and induced arthritis symptoms.
After 1 week, the rats were divided into 2 groups. The first group was injected with magnesium sulfate in the same knee while the other group only got a placebo in the form of normal saline.
Both groups were then observed and regularly examined for 8 weeks.
The results showed that magnesium sulfate was effective in reducing the inflammation of the synovial membrane. Also, there was less swelling and cartilage degeneration in the rats receiving the magnesium salt compared to those who got normal table salt.
Magnesium sulfate also increased the metabolism of the cells making up the cartilage while reducing their rate of dying. Finally, magnesium was able to reduce pain transmission and the perception of joint pain in the rats.
Magnesium and Joint Pain
Magnesium is needed for the mineralization of the bone. In fact, some experts argue that it is more important than calcium for this purpose.
When calcium is present without equal or even greater amounts of magnesium, the body switches on the parathyroid hormone to start removing calcium from the bones.
While this is a corrective feedback mechanism to prevent the overcalcification of the bones, the high levels of calcium cannot mineralize the bone without magnesium. Therefore, this results in the removal of calcium from the bones even though it was never added in the first place.
When the parathyroid hormone removes calcium from the bone, it deposits it in soft tissues and joints.
When calcium builds up in the joints, it reduces the articulation of those joints and causes joint pain. Therefore, magnesium is needed to reduce the activity of the parathyroid hormone, to prevent the deposition of calcium in the joints and to prevent the demineralization of the bones.
For these reasons, magnesium supplements are needed to prevent joint pain. To do this, magnesium has to balance out calcium. It will improve calcium absorption as well as promote the proper use of calcium to help rebuild the bones.
Magnesium also prevents the activation of parathyroid hormone and the chain reaction it triggers.
However, the parathyroid hormone is not the only important endogenous compound affected by magnesium levels. Another important compound that is increasingly active during magnesium deficiency is Substance P.
Substance P is a neuropeptide with different functions. It can act as a neurotransmitter and also as a modulator of other neurotransmitters. It is involved in the transmission of pain from the peripheral nerves to the central nervous system. Therefore, Substance P is important to the perception of joint pain.
The effect of Substance P becomes more pronounced when there is a deficiency of magnesium.
This neuropeptide is also involved in the formation of edematous swelling which can occur at the joint to worsen pain. Swelling makes the joint tender and painful to touch.
In addition, the accumulation of fluid develops a pressure that presses on pain nerves. The sensation of joint pain is them amplified by Substance P on its way to the brain.
Therefore, magnesium is needed to reduce the ability of Substance P to amplify and transmit joint pain. In this way, magnesium behaves very much like painkillers.
How to Take Magnesium for Joint Pain
Make sure to consult your doctor before starting on magnesium supplementation. This is necessary especially if you are also taking other drugs to manage your joint pain or other diseases.
People with kidney or heart problems should only take magnesium supplements under the supervision of their prescribing physicians. This is because kidney problems reduce the excretion of magnesium and can cause toxicity. In addition, high doses of magnesium can dramatically slow down heart rate and cause hypotension.
Ideally, you should reduce your calcium intake if you are already taking calcium supplements. This will help you regain a good calcium-magnesium balance while preventing the worsening of your joint pain due to calcium deposition in the joints.
In the US, the calcium-magnesium ratio is usually 10:1 in the diet. The ideal ratio should be 1:1 and magnesium supplements can be used to achieve this.
The recommended dose of magnesium supplements for adults is 300 – 400 mg per day. However, this can be increased to 600 mg per day to produce faster results. Furthermore, vitamin B complex is recommended to be taken along with magnesium. This is because vitamin B6 controls the amount of magnesium taken up by the cells.
Sources
http://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(09)00141-1/abstract
http://www.jnutbio.com/article/S0955-2863(04)00157-3/abstract
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/magnesium-000313.htm
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Thanks for the magnesium info. Have tried this but it did not help with the calcium or bone/joint pain but it did help with some of my charley horse issues. http://www.parathyroid.com/ This is what I am dealing with most likely according to all of the tests I have had. I more than likely have a benign tumor on one (or more we have 4 of them) of my parathyroids. I have had elevated calcium for the last 3 years with only one time not being up above normal levels .(which can happen they tell me) and they have checked it 5 or 6 times in three years. My PTH level is well above the normal limit.
They will recheck that once more in another month and then recommend surgery (which sucks but I am looking forward to NOT having so many side effects from this tumor so I will gladly have the surgery) Here is the link for the side effects of which I have MOSt of them...it really stinks. http://www.parathyroid.com/parathyroid-symptoms.htm
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So the first and second Magnesium I bought didn't work. One from the market - like Nature Made, then Kirkland, it wasn't until the third try - Innovix Advanced Quick Absorb I noticed an immediate difference. Wouldn't hurt to get your level checked anyways since you are having all those other tests done? Good luck with the PTH.
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Stayed up late to watch the election results. Gotta admit I was stunned like most of America was. No matter which side you were on I am hoping and praying we can come together as a nation.
Diane
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Me too Diane. Me too...sigh
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Kids at the pumpkin patch! They had fun. They each got a white pumpkin. They remained in one piece until they got home.
Diane
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In love with that picture! How stinking cute are they?? Kids and Holidays are the best. They make them fun again.
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Haven't been posting much , been really busy. therefore tired. Took all the boards off the car hauler, pressure treated the new 2 x 8x 16 boards. Sanded down the frame, hubby painted it. Turned out good. Just have the front left to do. Also been working on the 73 charger, getting stripped down to go to the body shop. Finished putting some new bushings in the suspension yesterday. Going to get parts today, 2 hr drive. Might get to see 2 daughters along the way. Had a tiny tiny kitten show up yesterday. Thank God I found a rescue to take it. it was just learning to lap from a saucer. Really need to get started on xmas stuff. I'm usually finished by now, really behind this yr. Just can't get into it. I'll try to post more often.
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Wow Fran...am tired just reading all of that. What a cute kitty!!
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Me too April and I don't even understand most of of what she is doing.Kitty is cute.
Diane
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Hello everyone!! Sorry I've been absent lately. I've been busy with a very depressed 13 yr old and getting used to my new job. I've been really depressed but am now coming out of it. Friday night I came home from work to another dead cat.☹️ My daughter looked everywhere for the cats before she left her dogs but he was sleeping behind the couch.I was so upset.Diane your Grandbabies are getting so big and boy are they cute.!!
Fran, wow you're busy!!! Cute kitty to needed to see that.
This is my Stryper he was 10 1/2 yrs old.
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So very sorry, Josie. I'm sure your daughter loved that cat as much as you did. Both of you must be absolutely beside yourselves. I wish I could make it better.
I hope things soon start to look sunnier for your younger child. A boy, if I remember correctly? I wish I could make it better for him too!
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Thanks Brookside and KB82 .
Brookside this is my youngest daughter I'm speaking of she's 13 and it's all over a former boyfriend and how he treated her.
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Josie,
I'm so sorry you've lost yet another beloved family member. Perhaps your daughter needs to find another place to keep her dogs. And I'm sure this hasn't helped either your depression or that of your youngest daughter. Ah, the trials of been a teenager. Glad you're settling in in your new job.
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Brookside,
I know you take (or used to take ) a PPI like I now do. Have you read the new research that says there's a higher chance of stroke when taking the higher doses of this stuff? The worst is Protonix, at 73% more chance, and of course that's what I take. Seems the Doc and I are going to need to re-figure this out. Maybe I can get by with a lower dose, I know they make one. A stroke is definitely not on my list of things to get!
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