Anyone else out there choosing 100% Alternative?
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She hasn't signed on since last Sept. I hope she is well and happy!
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Lissee - how is the book?? Learning anything new?
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Anyone heard of Exparel for surgery? Someone on the exchange thread mentioned it helping with pain management for her exchange surgery and it sounds interesting.
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Not finished yet, but I can tell you it has the same theme as other books with the same logic. Its written to be an easy read, which I appreciate.
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thanks for the info !
I agree with the book! I will read it as well!
Regarding the "cancer personality" expression from that doctor... It pissed me. oooo much! He should be fired!
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@JunePing - Two books I recommend for you which I used to help myself release trapped emotions - The Emotion Code, & The Healing Codes. Both available on Amazon.
@PipersDream - I was concerned the same way you are regarding the actual turmors. I believe your holistic doc is not concerned so much for the lumps because they will resolve themselves (as mine did) when your body is in healing mode. They may increase slightly in size right before they start to resolve. This is a healing reaction. You don't want them to go away too fast because it will cause Herxheimers. You can check your progress of over-all cancer with the Navarro test with the Navarro HCG Test which is only 55 dollars or the Red Drop test which is 199.00. MRIs are great but these can help reassure you in the meantime and give you a baseline (assuming you hadn't taken them).
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what are these test please scandophile? Are they available outside the Uk?
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Scandophile, I will look into those tests you mentioned. I'm leaning against getting the MRI anyway b/c I've heard they still don't show up well with ILC and the contrast dye can be harmful--my holistic doc doesn't like them for that reason and I'm allergic to the dye besides, which means that I have to take steroids to get thru the whole experience. Does anyone know how useful the tumor markers test is for keeping track of things? None of my docs, conventional or holistic, ever mentioned this.
Also, I'd like to address the issue of the cancer personality, since that hits a nerve with many people with cancer. First of all, no one is saying that your cancer is your fault. I place over 80% of the blame on the toxins in our environment and the thoughtless way that we, as modern world citizens, place more value on security, comfort, and convenience than on the health of ourselves and our families. Most of this is something we have almost no personal control over, other than that of boycotting the myriad of products that will harm us and spending the countless hours of research to figure out what to boycott and no matter how thoroughly you do it, it's just a drop in the bucket. At this point I'm just talking about the companies releasing this into the environment--we do have more control over what we allow into our own lives and I'm slowly learning.
I place another big portion of the blame on our nutrition and the confusion that surrounds us about what we should eat. I've gotten much more aware and sensitive to the fact that most of what you get in a grocery store is pure crap. I think many of us here were already aware of that and trying to eat clean, but I'm guessing that many of you, like me, suffer from some kind of food addiction. Mine was sugar--OMG, I love the stuff. I'm like an alcoholic though--cannot touch it if I want to get thru this. Factor in various vitamin deficiencies due to poor soils and confusion about what to eat--I used to cook everything in canola oil though haven't done that in years--who knew about omega-3 in those days? Iodine? Wasn't until I got my dx that I learned that almost all of us are deficient. How many of you have seen an article in a popular magazine lately about how much your body needs sulfur for proper liver function? I'm guessing, none.
Compared to those two, genetics is probably low on the list of causes, and I say that as someone who has lost nearly every family member in recent memory, to cancer. Mom was found to be so full of cancer just before she died at 76 that we didn't know where it had started. Both maternal and paternal aunts had BC. One of them died from it--the other is still alive but had BC twice and colon cancer once.
So with all that, it seems presumptuous to say your personality caused your cancer, but think of it this way--why did we get BC and not some other ailment? We already are aware of type A personality and increased risk of heart attacks, so why not this? Of course it's not like literature where a character with a physical heart ailment also suffers from not caring enough--it's rarely that cut and dried in real life. But, what I have read is that cancer is often caused from a stagnation in your body--a cutoff of the normal flow of water, nutrients, and waste--a blockage, if you will. Holistic docs say it's possible we are also suffering from an emotional blockage and a repression of our true selves, for fear of offending those we care about or that it may be due to unresolved issues in our life, or stressful situations that were not dealt with in a stress reducing way. Loss is a big factor and sure enough, I lost my husband to divorce, and then mom and grandma died and all within 5 years. The only control I could have had there is how I dealt with the stress and if I remember I ate a lot of sweets during that time.
Of course no one is judging me harshly or thinking I'm bad b/c of that tendency, but this BC is an opportunity to learn about that part of myself and work on it. And I think that's the main message I'm taking from this--that though much of what caused my cancer has been beyond my control, if I continue to believe that I still have no control or influence over this thing, it will swallow me up and make me so much less than I choose to be and the heart of holistic therapy, or any healing for that matter, is a belief that you can be healed. Lose that and lose your life. We were put in this time and place and given this challenge for a reason and can overcome but it will take a lot of physical and emotional work and if we lose the battle and die before our time, it does not mean we failed. It simply means our time was up and what's that saying about not mattering whether you won or lost but how you played the game? So true for what we're talking about here.
Anyway, doc and I had already had that conversation so it was fine for him to tease me that way--I understood exactly what he was trying to say. If an acquaintance had said it I might not have taken it so well, but this is the doctor--they are supposed to remind you when you're headed the wrong way healthwise--just as a good doc will tell you gently that you need to lose weight.
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On the Navarro HCG test--so a pregnancy test could give you a rough estimate? LOL. I will ask my doc about that though.
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Piper, the tumor markers, TMs, are somewhat controversial. You can get false positives, and you can also get patients who relapse, but maintain normal markers. My doc uses them, with caution. He figures it is one extra tool, even if it is imperfect.
As for the MRI, it is often better at seeing ILC than mammos. That said, I had one, which saw the tumor in the breast just fine, but failed to detect the cancerous nodes. Personally, I like ultrasound. If you have a skilled tech/doc using it and they use the latest technology, it can see a lot, while being minimally invasive.
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Hi Cindy. how are u
actually my mother now only take alternative medicine
My mother diagnosed with breast cancer stage 4, 4 years ago. she had mastectomy and chemo. but after having 1st chemo, she terribly in pain and she didn't take it anymore. the she search for alternative doctor, who only give herbal medicine and avoid surgery as long as possible. then she find a doctor who have many patients with same diagnose. after few months my mother feel much better and she made a mistake which is stop take regular control. she thinks that she already cured, because she feel healthy and can do her daily activities. and now after 4 years, she have cough that not stop for few months and getting worse. after take blood test, the ca result is 4 times normal. she go back to the alternative doctor, he was very up sad with my mother and ask her to be disciple in control and taking medicine. she have committed that she want 100% alternative. she's very very very trauma with surgery and chemo. after 2 months thank God her cough bit by bit getting less and less. but I'm so concern cause she gradually cant move her lags, now she can't move her lags, have trouble in digesting, always tired, and feel so much pain in her back. so most of the time she's laying on her bad. i know its not gonna take overnight but i don't know what else i could do to help her...
after taking ct scan of her lungs, it's found that my mother have metastatic breast cancer. its already spread to her lung and only God know where else. she still taking alternative only. and hoping it works... i hope so... and if it is, is it still possible she could walk again and do her daily things by her self? maybe someone there have an advice i really appreciate. thank you
i hope you will get well. may God be with you
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Kina, you say that your mother was stage 4 at diagnosis. Is that right?
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Breast Cancer supplement, vitamins, herbs information, diet, food, soy, natural ways to prevent and treat, alternative therapy, herbal remedy by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
It is estimated that about half of all breast cancer cases in the United States could be prevented or postponed if women kept a normal weight, ate healthy foods, drank less alcohol, exercised more, smoked fewer cigarettes or did not smoke at all, and breastfed their babies. Many doctors are quick to send a patient for a mammography, yet few take the time to explain or give out a handout sheet on ways a women can reduce her risk.
Exercise, physical activity
Risk of breast cancer decreases in women who are physically active. Even moderate physical activity -- for example brisk walking for 2 miles three times a week -- over the course of a lifetime can significantly reduce a woman's risk.Diet and breast cancer
The diet of preschoolers may influence the risk of breast cancer during adulthood which indicates that tumor formation is influenced by diet decades before it becomes clinically apparent.Brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage might be protective. Data on Chinese breast cancer survivors age 20-75 who were diagnosed with stage one to stage four breast cancer and who were part of the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival study indicates those who ate cabbage, broccoli and leafy greens saw improved survival rates.Women with early-stage breast cancer may live longer if they maintain a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and low-fat dairy, along with reduced intake of refined foods and sweets. Regularly eating oily fish such as salmon, tuna or sardines is suggested, 2013, BMJ, online.
The role of fats is controversial and still being evaluated, but it is a good idea to consume a higher proportion of good fats rather than bad ones. Good fats are found in raw nuts and seeds, fish, olive oil, flax oil, hemp oil, coconut oil, and dark leafy greens. Less desirable fats are found in lard, meats and high-fat dairy products. Bad fats are formed when vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated to make them more stable and solid. They are usually found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, etc.
Eating beans or lentils at least twice a week may reduce the risk. Women are recommended to eat healthy amounts of plant foods rich in lignans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 12, 2010. A high-fiber diet is of benefit.
Eating mushrooms may lower the risk. A study of more than 2,000 Chinese women found that the more fresh and dried mushrooms the women ate, the lower was their breast cancer risk. The risk was lower still among those who also drank green tea everyday. Mushroom extracts have anti-tumor properties and can stimulate the immune system's cancer defenses.
Green tea contains antioxidant compounds called polyphenols that have been shown to fight breast tumors in animals. Dry green tea leaves, which are about 40% polyphenols by weight, may also reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas. One or two cups a day is fine, drinking more may cause shallow sleep. Or you can take a green tea extract pill. International Journal of Cancer, March 15, 2009.
Eat more garlic and other culinary herbs and spices. The benefits of garlic are underestimated by physicians in the United States.
Soy products - I know there are many people out there who have a negative viewpoint regarding soy products, often due to reading articles on the internet that blast soy and unfairly blame all kinds of health issues as a consequence of its ingestion, but I think we should take a reasoned and balanced approach. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that some people are sensitive or are allergic to it and do not tolerate it well and thus should not consume it. However, most women benefit from organic fermented soy consumption (non-GMO), at least in small amounts, as part of a diet that has a variety of foods and there is no reason for women who have had breast cancer to avoid it completely. .
High dietary intake of soy isoflavones was associated with lower risk of recurrence among post-menopausal patients with breast cancer positive for estrogen and progesterone receptor and those who were receiving anastrozole as endocrine therapy. CMAJ. 2010. Effect of soy isoflavones on breast cancer recurrence and death for patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
Lifetime soy consumption at a moderate level may prevent breast cancer recurrence through mechanisms that change the biology of tumors; e.g. women who consumed soy during childhood develop breast cancers that express significantly reduced Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 levels. More research is needed to understand why soy intake during early life may both reduce breast cancer risk and risk of recurrence. Is soy consumption good or bad for the breast? J Nutr. 2010; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
Eating soy regularly as a young girl may help protect against the development of breast cancer later on in life due to the presence of phytoestrogens. Scientists at Hanyang University in Korea compared 362 women diagnosed with breast cancer with an equal number of healthy women matched for age and menopausal status. Individuals were interviewed concerning their diets, which included tofu, soybean paste, and soy milk. Among premenopausal women whose intake of soy protein was among the top 20% of participants, there was a lower risk of breast cancer compared with those in the lowest 20%. Nutrition Cancer. 2008. Among more than 500 women in China whose breast cancer was driven by the hormones estrogen or progesterone (or both), those who had gone through menopause and ate the most soy were less likely to experience a recurrence of their disease over about 5 years. Canadian Medical Association Journal, online October 18, 2010.Premenopausal women who eat large amounts of red meat appear to have an increased risk of developing breast cancer with receptors that are positive for estrogen and progesterone. Post-menopausal Chinese women who eat a Western-style diet heavy in meat and sweets face a higher risk of breast cancer than their counterparts who stick to a typical Chinese diet loaded with vegetables and soy.
High-carb diets (with a high intake of simple carbohydrates) increase the risk. The amount of carbohydrates a woman eats, as well as the overall "glycemic load" of her diet, impact her chances of developing breast cancer. The concept of glycemic load is based on the fact that different carbohydrates have different effects on blood sugar. White bread and potatoes have a high glycemic index, which means they tend to cause a rapid surge in blood sugar. Other carbs, such as high-fiber cereals or beans, create a more gradual change and are considered to have a low glycemic index. International Journal of Cancer, July 2009.
A set of risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, known as the metabolic syndrome x, increases the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. People with the syndrome have excess fat around their middle, high levels of glucose in their blood, resistance to the blood-glucose-lowering hormone insulin, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.Natural supplements for breast cancer prevention or treatment
Research in the field of prevention or treatment of breast cancer with supplements, vitamins, herbs or alternative methods is very early and no firm answers can be given at this time. However I wanted to mention a few compounds that have been studied. These supplements have not been extensively tested in humans and at this point it is best to use conventional breast cancer treatment and use these herbs only as a supplement, not as a complete alternative. Discuss with your doctor before use. Click each link for more information and research studies. They are listed in alphabetical order.
Black cohosh herb has certain compounds that kill estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 as well as estrogen receptor negative MDA-MB231 cells by activation of caspases and induction of apoptosis.
Bitter melon extract has been shown in lab studies to fight breast cancer cells in vitro.
Cat's claw herb has anticancer properties.
Curcumin is extracted from the spice turmeric, often found in the mixed spice blend curry.
Fish oil supplement use may be of benefit. In a study of more than 35,000 postmenopausal women, those who regularly used fish oil supplements were one-third less likely than non-users to develop breast cancer over the next six years. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, July 2010.
Genistein, one of the isoflavones, has weak estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties. It may be one of the the components in the soy-based Asian diet that helps prevent breast cancer by its effects on biochemistry early in life. Reduced caloric consumption by Asians may be another reason for the lower rate. Soy isoflavone genistein induces cell death in breast cancer cells. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh, India. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010 Dec.
Indole-3-Carbinol has been studied as a possible treatment for breast cancer, it is found in cabbage.
IP6 has in vivo and in vitro anti- cancer activity. Patients receiving chemotherapy, along with IP6 and Inositol have better quality of life and functional status and are able to perform their daily activities. Mangosteen fruit and rind has xanthones that have strong antiproliferation effects and can induce apoptosis.
Melatonin is a hormone supplement used for sleep.
Reishi is a mushroom that may be helpful.Resveratrol has been found helpful in mouse studies.Resveratrol is an interesting molecule that has a lot of potential. Saw palmetto may slow the growth of breast cancer cells.
Sulforaphane, found in broccoli and Brussels sprouts, hinders the growth of human breast cancer cells in the lab. It does so by apparently disrupting the action of protein microtubules within the cells, which are vital for the success of cell division. A study in rats showed that oral sulforaphane blocked the formation of breast tumors, and scientists have found that the chemical can push colon cancer cells to commit suicide.
Vitamin D may reduce breast cancer risk. In vitro studies indicate that it can inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis and cell differentiation in breast tumor tissue. Results from analytic studies of sunlight exposure and dietary intake generally support a modestly protective role of vitamin D, at least in some population subgroups. My suggestion is to take between 400 and 2000 iu a day depending on how much sun you get on a regular basis.
Post breast cancer nutritional treatment and natural therapyBreast cancer survivors who stay lean are less likely to die from this condition than those who gain a lot of weight. Pumping iron may help survivors improve the quality of their lives, as well as strengthen their bodies. Women who lift weights report feeling more self-confident and stronger, sleeping better and have more energy. Physical activity increases a woman's chances of surviving breast cancer -- regardless of her level of physical activity before the diagnosis.CoQ10 may be helpful in breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen therapy. Ameliorating effect of coenzyme Q10, riboflavin and niacin in tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal breast cancer patients with special reference to lipids and lipoproteins. Clin Biochem. 2007.
Cordyceps sinensis, in a study, was found to reduce lung metastases after surgical excision of the primary tumor.
This study included 524 women who were followed for an average of 5 years. High dietary intake of soy isoflavones was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrence in post-menopausal women with estrogen and progesterone receptor positive breast cancer and those who were receiving hormone therapy. Effect of soy isoflavones on breast cancer recurrence and death for patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. CMAJ. Nov 2010.
Ginseng has been associated with longer survival in women with breast cancer and leads to a better quality of life after treatment. Use low amounts to avoid insomnia.
Vanillin extract is beginning to be studied.
Yoga is valuable in helping to achieve relaxation and diminish stress, improve performance of daily activities, and increase the quality of life in cancer patients.
Coffee
Women with BRCA1 gene mutations, which confer a high risk, might decrease their risk by drinking coffee, which may be due to antioxidants present in coffee. It is likely that certain teas would also be helpful in reducing the risk.Alcohol
Moderate or heavy alcohol consumption raises the risk among postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy.Young women who drink alcohol frequently put themselves at higher risk of developing breast disease that is a known risk factor for cancer.
Hormone levels
Elevated levels of hormones increase risk in postmenopausal women, and as the number of different elevated hormones rises. These include estrogens (estrone and estrogen), prolactin, and androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA, or DHEA-sulfate).Stress
Young women who experience more than one stressful life event are at greater risk, but a general feeling of happiness and optimism may reduce the risk. BMC Cancer, August 21, 2008.Implants
Women with cosmetic breast implants do not appear to have a higher-than-average risk of any cancer years after having the surgery. International Journal of Cancer, January 15, 2009.Estrogen and breast cancerFollowing reports that the use of estrogen hormone replacement after menopause could perhaps increase the incidence, the reduction in the use of estrogen hormone (such as Premarin) by post menopausal women will lead to fewer cases of breast cancer being diagnosed.
Women who take birth control pills could increase their risk of cervical and breast cancer.
As little as 3 years of using combined estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone therapy substantially increases the risk of developing lobular breast carcinoma.
Detecting breast cancer with mammography and biopsy is more difficult in women who use estrogen and progestin hormone therapy.
Breast cancer rates among postmenopausal women in Canada dropped after news of a big study in 2002 that found taking hormone replacement therapy could increase the risk.
Androgens
High levels of 'male' hormones, or androgens, in young women apparently raise their risk. Androgens are normally present in women, albeit at much lower levels than in men. Elevated androgen levels have been linked with breast cancer in studies of postmenopausal women, but it was unclear if this also applied to premenopausal women. In the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Rudolf Kaaks, from the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, and colleagues compared androgen levels in 370 premenopausal women who were later diagnosed with breast cancer with levels found in 726 similar women without breast cancer. The likelihood of developing of breast increased significantly as levels of testosterone and androstenedione rose. The absolute risks of women younger than 40 years developing breast cancer over a 10-year period ranged from 2.6 percent for those with the highest testosterone levels to 1.5 percent among those with the lowest levels. The study "provides strong evidence that the risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women is directly related to circulating levels of testosterone and androstenedione," Kaaks' team concludes.
Dr. Sahelian says: It would be prudent for women who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors to avoid the use of androgens, including DHEA, or to use them for only brief periods.Underarm antiperspirants, metals
Underarm antiperspirants may contribute to the risk because they contain aluminum salts with metal ions that mimic the effect of estrogen.
Metals including aluminum salts and cadmium have been shown to exert estrogen-like effects, while some also promote the growth of breast cancer cells in the laboratory. Given the wide variety of other substances that can mimic estrogen, including certain pesticides, cosmetics and detergents, it is possible that aluminum salts and other inorganic estrogen-related compounds called "metalloestrogens" can further disrupt normal hormonal signaling within the breast. What is particularly concerning about aluminium is the fact that it is applied to the underarm, close to the breast, and left on the skin. Deodorants also are frequently used after shaving, making it easier for aluminium salts to enter the blood stream. Studies also have demonstrated that aluminium salts can penetrate human underarm skin even if it is unbroken. People can reduce their exposure to cadmium by quitting smoking. Journal of Applied Toxicology, March, 2006.Risk factors for breast cancer
Many risk factors cannot be controlled -- such as genetic mutations, age, and family history -- others are associated with lifestyle choices. The following lifestyle factors may increase a woman's risk: Having no children, using oral contraceptives, using post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), overuse of alcohol, being obese, eating an unhealthy diet, and getting inadequate physical activity.
Use of the heart drug digoxin appears to increase the risk in postmenopausal women. Digoxin helps the heart pump stronger and is used to treat heart failure.
There is a higher risk with early menarche and late menopause. The more a woman breast feeds, the more she is protected. There is also a higher risk with the long term use of androstenedione, dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. Women who already have breast cancer should not take additional hormone replacement, particularly estrogens.
Women who work night shifts have a higher rater.
Having an abortion or miscarriage does not increase a woman's risk of suffering from breast cancer later in life.
Exposure to the environmental estrogen 4-nonylphenol increases the risk of breast cancer in mice. Estrogen-like chemicals in the environment have the ability to cause cancer. Many environmental factors increase a woman's level of the female hormone estrogen, which is thought to be a major contributing factor to the disease. 4-nonylphenol is released from cleaning agents, textiles, paper, plastic, personal care products and agricultural chemicals. BBP (n-butyl benzyl phthalate), a chemical additive used in pipes, vinyl floor tiles, carpet-backing, and other household items, may affect mammary gland development and perhaps may increase susceptibility. See parabens for another source of concern.
There is no good evidence at this time that wearing bras compromises the lymphatic system and thus has any influence.
Having multiple cardiac and chest CT scans may increase the chances.Statin drugs
Statins and Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women without Hormone Therap; Anticancer Research (2009).
A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Fargo, ND, USA. This observational study found an increased risk of breast cancer related to duration of statins use and progesterone receptor-negative among postmenopausal women.Routine breast examinations by your doctor
Having a doctor examine the breasts for potential signs of cancer may add little to the benefits of mammography screening. Researchers found that among nearly 62,000 women age 40 or older, the combination of mammography and a clinical breast exam detected only a small number of additional breast cancers compared with mammography alone. Although the clinical exam did help catch cancers in women with dense breast tissue, in particular, it also put these women at greater risk of being told they might have cancer when they did not. Dr. Nina Oestreicher, a researcher at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California, says, "It's really up to women and their doctors to make the decision," noting that many factors, including a woman's personal risk of breast cancer and her degree of concern about the disease, could influence the choice to have regular clinical breast exams in addition to mammography.Breast self-exam -- is it worth the trouble?
Breast self-exams have not been found to be definitively helpful. They increase the number of false positive results. These may result in follow-up testing or invasive procedures such as biopsies, leading to anxiety, inconvenience, discomfort, and additional medical expenses.Breast cancer post surgical survival and treatment
Younger breast cancer patients seem to suffer more serious side effects from chemotherapy than previously thought. Roughly one in six of those women wind up at the emergency room or hospitalized because of such side effects as infection, low blood counts, dehydration or nausea. Postmenopausal women who have survived early breast cancer face a higher than average risk of osteoporosis. Aromatase inhibitors -- Arimidex (anastrozole), Femara (letrozole), and (Aromasin) exemestane, which are used to suppress estrogen in women whose tumors are hormone driven -- have been associated with changes in bone mineral density. Hot flashes and other unpleasant side effects are a major reason many patients do not start or do not complete their recommended hormone-blocking therapy.
Women who survive a bout with breast cancer are at increased risk of developing cancers of the lung, stomach, and colon, among several others. The elevated risk of other cancers could be due to the treatment given to fight the breast cancer, or perhaps to a genetic predisposition. They are also at a higher risk for heart disease or failure. Women who are treated with the cancer drug Herceptin have more long-term cardiac problems.
Women who develop arm swelling following surgery for breast cancer -- a bothersome condition known as lymphedema -- derive significant benefits from participating in a slowly progressive weight lifting program.
Women seeking help from menopausal symptoms and diminished sex drive by taking testosterone as well as estrogen face a higher risk of breast cancer than with estrogen alone.
Approximately one third of women treated for breast cancer experience fatigue for the first five years after treatment, and for about two thirds of those, the fatigue will persist.
Survivors who take aspirin regularly may live longer and be less likely to see their disease return. Journal of Clinical Oncology, online February 16, 2010.Drug therapy and prevention
Tamoxifen and other drugs used to help prevent breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease carry their own potential health risks. For women with a close family history of the disease, doctors sometimes prescribe tamoxifen, raloxifene or tibolone to help reduce their risk of getting the condition. These drugs are effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Relative to placebo, tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone reduce the risk by 30 percent, 56 percent, and 68 percent, respectively. This equates to 7 to 10 fewer cases of breast cancer per 1,000 women per year. However, tamoxifen and raloxifene increase the risk of blood clots, tamoxifen ups the risk of endometrial cancer, and tibolone raises the risk of stroke.
The popular antidepressant drug Paxil may interfere with breast cancer treatments, making patients more likely to relapse and die. Women who took GlaxoSmithKline's Paxil while taking tamoxifen at the same time were more likely to die of their breast cancer.Radiation therapy
This is a treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types: External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.
Cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment may want to sip some red wine before treatment. Drinking red wine can help limit the toxic effects of radiation therapy. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology and Physics, 2009.
Women who have breast cancer on the left side of the body and who are treated with radiation therapy have a higher risk of developing narrowing of the arteries that lead to the heart thus raising the risk for heart disease.Breast cancer treatment
Four types of standard surgical treatment are used:
Surgery - Most patients with breast cancer have surgery to remove the cancer from the breast. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm are usually taken out and looked at under a microscope to see if they contain cancer cells. Breast-conserving surgery, an operation to remove the cancer but not the breast itself, includes the following:
* Lumpectomy: A surgical procedure to remove a tumor (lump) and a small amount of normal tissue around it.
* Partial mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the part of the breast that contains cancer and some normal tissue around it. Patients who are treated with breast-conserving surgery may also have some of the lymph nodes under the arm removed for biopsy. This procedure is called lymph node dissection. It may be done at the same time as the breast-conserving surgery or after.
* Total mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the whole breast that contains cancer. This procedure is also called a simple mastectomy. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may be removed for biopsy at the same time as the breast surgery or after.
* Modified radical mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the whole breast that contains cancer, many of the lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over the chest muscles, and sometimes, part of the chest wall muscles.
Hormone therapy for breast cancer
Hormone therapy is a treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Hormones are substances produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. The presence of some hormones can cause certain cancers to grow. If tests show that the cancer cells have places where hormones can attach (receptors), drugs, surgery, or radiation therapy are used to reduce the production of hormones or block them from working. Hormone therapy with tamoxifen is often given to patients with early stages of breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). Hormone therapy with tamoxifen or estrogens can act on cells all over the body and may increase the chance of developing endometrial cancer. Women taking tamoxifen should have a pelvic examination every year to look for any signs of cancer.Emails
I read with interest your supplement research update newsletter - vol. 2, issue 7 - in which you voice your concerns about elevated androgens in women's breast cancer. I hope that much more research continues into the lives of us "old geezers" (I'm 69) who fight the good fight against andropause! Very depressing, that. (I'm currently and happily taking point-5 mg of Arimidex three times a week - BIG improvement! smile serum estradiol levels have gone from 43 to 26 and free testosterone has risen from 102 to 169 after six weeks of use). I find on your web site and in your newsletters many interesting and mind-expanding ideas, many of which lead me to even further study and thought.
We appreciate the feedback. We suspect both estrogen and androgens have an influence on breast cancer.Additional articles or notes of interest
Amentoflavone induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells via mitochondria-dependent pathway. Department of Pediatrics, TaoYuan General Hospital, Department of Health, Taiwan, TaoYuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.. Amentoflavone, isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of the whole plant of Selaginella tamariscina, a traditional herb, may exhibit antitumor activity. In Vivo. 2012.
Breast enhancement web page
Murraya koenigii leaf extract inhibits proteasome activity and induces cell death in breast cancer cells. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013.
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Thanks Salina for the info! It is very useful! As a matter of fact I am following part of what you have explained! Will talk with my naturopath about it.
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My pleasure, that's what we are all here for!
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That is why Vitamin A is so important. It helps your body recognize cancer cells for what they are. If its orange and grows in the ground eat it!
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the other element i couldn't remember in gary nulls treating breastcancer natura breast cancer a natural approach was one of the a vitamins
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I am lost in this recent conversation but speaking of Vit A - I took Vit. A and C prior to both my recent surgeries to help with healing. When I mentioned this on another thread there someone seemed to think these particular vitamins "fueled" the cancer. I agreed to disagreed and just suggested people ask their Dr. about taking them prior to surgery. My Dr. was fine with it.
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My apologizes hipz, I am new to the forum and I assumed when I replied to someone's comment others would be aware and able to follow,
I was reading through the previous comments and was commenting on
"Mar 19, 2014 06:27PM bluepearl wrote:
Cancer tricks the immune system so that it is not recognized by
said immune system. This is one of the reasons people still get cancer
who are at the peak of good health."Which inspired me to comment about vitamin A because I have read how it is the deficiency in vitamin A that allows cancer to go unnoticed in our bodies, thus eating food sources high in vitamin a (cayenne peppers, sweet potatoes, fish liver) enabled the body to better fight off the cancer naturally.
As far as the someone who "seemed to think these particular vitamins "fueled" the cancer", my research and first hand experiences are more in line with the conclusions you have draw. My mother went through a 3 month IV nutrient infusion which base was vitamin C and sodium bicarbonate (it also had other herbs and vitamins such as A and D) after which the cancer was completely gone. The clinic itself has administer tens of thousands of these IV's with extremely high success rates. I imagine this wouldn't be the case if these particular vitamins fed cancer. Just my two cents.
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the nutrient I couldn't remember from gary nulls breast cancer a natural approach was a variety of vitamin A
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retinoic acid
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Welcome Scotch! Thanks for your thoughts. The reason I like this thread is because I can mention things like taking Vit A before surgery and people don't freak out
I often forget the general threads here often have survivors who only covet conventional treatments but am soon reminded when I mention anything out of the "norm". It makes me sad. 0 -
"The Return of the Revenge of High Dose Vit C for CAncer" by David Gorski.
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"Vitamin A, Retinoids & Provitamin A Carotenoids" from American Cancer Society.
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Again with Gorski. His quote "it’s the quackery espoused by Linus Pauling".
You know you're an ass when........you insinuate Linus Pauling is a quack.
Seriously, jealous much "orac"? I don't see any Nobel prizes in your future, let alone two. Awww.
This clown really has to learn to chose his words more carefully if he wants to garner any sense of credibility.
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Leggo, in all fairness, the statement: "quakery espoused by Linus Pauling" does not call Pauling a quack, it says that Pauling is pushing a specific treatment that has been found to be quackery.
Long before I got cancer, I had read articles about Pauling going off the deep end with his belief in vitamin C as a wonder remedy. Even if someone has had a brilliant insight/breakthrough that doesn't mean the person can't also take a wrong intellectual turn somewhere.
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as with traditional medicine there is a huge difference between adMINISTRATION via IV and orally where vitamin C is concerned
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Point well taken Momine, but I will have to respectfully disagree with you on the merits of this man. He happens to embody every one of my pet peeves. I think he thinks he's the smartest person in the room and lacks the self -awareness to know when he's not. He's apathetic, vacuous and dogmatic. Don't get me wrong, I despise people who try to rip off cancer patients and anyone who brings such scum to light is great in my book. Been there, done that trying to get my hands on legit DCA. He however, is not one of those people. I think he just likes to hear himself talk. Admittedly, there was even a point in time I read his blog to keep up with things. Very soon it became clear though, that he had nothing important to say other than "quack, quackery, quackademic, quackademia". Not unlike one of those pull string talking dolls. Didn't take long to get sick of it. Now I just feel sorry for anyone that actually had him as their oncologist. I can't imagine the experience would have been anything but unpleasant having to deal with an omnipotent dictor. At this point, it's actually comical to watch him try to hang on to his 15 minutes by regurgitating the same stuff over and over again. I think he wants badly to pervade everything medical, but just lacks the knowledge and credentials to back it up.
With all his "quacking", there comes a time when you just have to think.....if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck......
To each his own. I think he's an arrogant ass....and I know how wrong it is to judge a book by its cover, but this is the one solitary instance where I did it, and his smug face matches perfectly to the pretentiousness of his blog.
Others can certainly feel free to disagree with me.
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While I was rambling on, I forgot to even mention what bugs me about him the most....the fact that he hid behind that douchey name "ORAC" until he was outed. That's sooooo skeezy. I'm still in awe that he got to keep his job. Must have some pull or dirt on someone, or something.
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Yes, leggo, he has a cult following of crazy people, all pompously pretending to be the sheriffs of medicine. They pretend to be scientific but they're really just a mob trying to ram the status quo down everybody's throats. They have zero knowledge of the history of cancer treatments failing and then being replaced.
I always wonder about the upbringing of people who invest so desperately in authority. Classically, there's usually a history of child abuse going on there, wanting to identify with a domineering parent figure to survive.
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