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Aug 24, 2019 10:08PM
KeepingitSimple
wrote:
Olma61. You said you were HER2+, were you triple positive? DCIS or IDC? What grade? Any heart conditions? How was your blood count? White Cell count? Pre or diabetic? Hypertension? What meds were you on? How were your liver, kidney, pancreas, functions? any chronic issues? Osteoporosis? All these things can influence a patients chances of getting through chemo and herceptin.
Each patient is different and entitled to make their own choices; clearly you support mainstream treatments. I respect that, but this post was in the alternative medicine forum, please don't post if you are trying to hijack the topic or dispute opposite views.
Respectfully, you weren't there by my side, so your unfounded statement seem to be an attempt to validate your views. I did not tell a "story", I shared facts. A close friend was with me during many of my appointments, and was equally alarmed at the detached replies given to many of our questions.
My oncologist did indeed tell me that heart attacks usually happen within two hours of receiving herceptin, therefore I would be kept to monitor for at least 2 hours. She also said not to worry, a team would be available to revive. I remember this specifically because I asked what happens if a heart attack occured later, at home, when I was 60 minutes from the nearest hospital? (no reply) And how much heart function could be left after 27 treatments? (no answer). It is well noted that heart failure is realistic side effect of herceptin, which may take time to develop, and if caught early can be reversed with discontinuation. But heart attacks are not uncommon either, especially with pre-existing heart conditions.
The same doctor also told me 5 years would be what she could give me with chemo. Perhaps she considered all my health conditions and knew more than what she cared to reveal? A second oncologist told me I'd have 18-24 months without chemo. You state surgery was the treatment, what I chose was simply complementary. I disagree. If I could survive on surgery only plus what you consider complimentary treatment alone, why did my oncologist ever recommend chemo, rads, drugs, and the other give me such a dismal outlook in the first place?
Let me also clarify, it was not fear of chemo or herceptin that influenced me. I wanted the best chance at life. PERIOD. Initially, I considered chemo and traditional treatment fiercely. But the more research I did, and the more I spoke to doctors, the more I learned of short term possibilities, the lingering side effects, and the long term trade offs.
A substantial influence was when I met with a retired oncologist who told me "the treatment is sometimes worse than the disease". His words, not mine. It was after his review of my medical history, he honestly stated that doctors, while actively practicing, cannot discuss certain things with patients. His honesty and advice was paramount, and I respect him immensely. Another factor, I also consulted with a close friends oncologist nurse, who said if she ever got cancer, she would take GcMAF, not chemo. All the homework and information I gathered ultimately led to my decision to only have surgery and decline the rest.
There are no regrets except that I'm tired of defending my choices to close minded individuals. I'm alive and well, that's all that matters to me.
Either way, I will not be posting anymore. Everything I posted is factual. What I'd hope would help women seeking information on GcMAF, somehow turned into a religious debate, a conventional medicine defense forum, and self justifying accusations. I've been through enough. Don't need this!
For the silent women out there considering Integrative treatment, I hope you keep an open mind, do your own research and find the courage to make the right decisions for YOU - whatever that may be!