New to this network - Anyone using Alternative Medicine? Stage 4 Breast Cancer
Comments
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Hi!
Hi and Welcome Kasperdaisy. I am sorry to read of your diagnosis, sorry that anyone ever has to be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a club no one wants to join.
I am not Stage 4, so, I can't offer advice or information for you. There are many on here that are, and, I am sure will post to you.
You are now amongst a group of wonderful and kind sisters in pink that will offer you encouragement and support.
I am wishing you good luck in whatever treatment you choose to do. And, know that I am also sending you a prayer.
Sue
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Welcome
I too am sorry you have to face such a difficult diagnosis. Although I am not stage 4 and was stage 3 with cancer movement to lymphnodes. I have learned that there is so much more they don't seem to know than what actually they do. Sometimes complication can cause conflict and taking an easier route might be the thing to change your coarse for GOD only knows for sure...
I have seen the amazing stories first hand of people who survive incredibly long than ever thought possible and sometimes think this battle is more about the human spirit than the actual disease sometimes. Resigning and then fighting is all there is and HOPE is a four letter word too.
If I was stage four I would go back to spending a fortune on a health product but they can get costly as I found out. Quality to our lives is the most important thing and I have fight long and hard for that in mine.
Thinking of you,
Tara0 -
Kasperdaisy. I wanted to
Kasperdaisy. I wanted to welcome you to this site, too. I'm not sure if there are members here who have chosen the alternative route but I'm sure if there are, they will chime in. I occasionally visit the colorectal board and there is a gentleman on there by the name of John32 who has done just this type of therapy. He has a lot of information on his "about me" page. You might want to check that out and perhaps send him an email. He was not given a good prognosis either and he is still here to talk about it.
Is that a grandbaby in your arms? I am wishing you success in taming or better yet, killing the beast. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.0 -
I have some info.....
Hi Kasperdaisy,
I too am sorry to hear this news and it is very familiar to me. Although I am not the victim in this case....my best friend of 23 years is. Here is what she is doing, and her result thus far.
She is doing the Dr. Johanna Budwig diet which consists of having to eat flax seed oil in cottage cheese, this is a high quality protein (CC) which carries the oil to the cancer cells , coats them and slows down their growth. She makes it "better" with blueberries.
She is also using a Rife light? I believe is the name, I will google in a second and let you know for sure. She uses this daily, twice a day for an hour each time.
She also listens to a man named Bill Henderson who has given much support and advice on not just the diet but the supplements as well.
Her case....39, Stage 4, Grade 3....recurred after 9 months, they raised her aggressiveness on a scale of 1-10 a 9 this time....this may mean something more to you than to me....I tell you only because that is what it was at the time of recurrance and she had her latest PET scan done 2 weeks ago and it has shown that the growth has infact slowed.....one of these three , two or maybe only one is working....IT IS WORKING.
Let me know if I can help you find any of these things if you have trouble...I do have to say. I truly believe the Budwig diet is making a big difference for her. Even in how she feels. She is always commenting on how she can tell a difference when she cheats and that this diet makes her feel so good,she thinks I should go on it. : )
Good luck to you!! Your in my thoughts, prayers and heart!
http://www.rife.org/ this is the site for the light machine.
Sincerely,
Wendy0 -
Thank you all for your warm welcome!newlife2011 said:I have some info.....
Hi Kasperdaisy,
I too am sorry to hear this news and it is very familiar to me. Although I am not the victim in this case....my best friend of 23 years is. Here is what she is doing, and her result thus far.
She is doing the Dr. Johanna Budwig diet which consists of having to eat flax seed oil in cottage cheese, this is a high quality protein (CC) which carries the oil to the cancer cells , coats them and slows down their growth. She makes it "better" with blueberries.
She is also using a Rife light? I believe is the name, I will google in a second and let you know for sure. She uses this daily, twice a day for an hour each time.
She also listens to a man named Bill Henderson who has given much support and advice on not just the diet but the supplements as well.
Her case....39, Stage 4, Grade 3....recurred after 9 months, they raised her aggressiveness on a scale of 1-10 a 9 this time....this may mean something more to you than to me....I tell you only because that is what it was at the time of recurrance and she had her latest PET scan done 2 weeks ago and it has shown that the growth has infact slowed.....one of these three , two or maybe only one is working....IT IS WORKING.
Let me know if I can help you find any of these things if you have trouble...I do have to say. I truly believe the Budwig diet is making a big difference for her. Even in how she feels. She is always commenting on how she can tell a difference when she cheats and that this diet makes her feel so good,she thinks I should go on it. : )
Good luck to you!! Your in my thoughts, prayers and heart!
http://www.rife.org/ this is the site for the light machine.
Sincerely,
Wendy
I'd like to thank you all for your warm welcome!
Sue (Ritzy), I love your profile picture, he's fun and spunky looking.
Tara, thank you for your warm words. I think you are right, it is a battle of the human spirit, which I plan to win!
MyTurnNow, I did check on John32. I see I will have to look into his book. Thank you for the information.
I liked the picture picked for the profile - don't have many pictures - the baby is my God-Daughter/niece. She's 3 now and the apple of my eye.
Wendy, I hope your friend remains to do well. I really appreciate the information you provided as I haven't found many people doing alternative methods, just what I read on the internet. I've met one survivor of 11 years with no conventional methods but she did not have advanced cancer.
How long has your friend been using alternative methods?
Once I received my prognosis (end of October, 2010)I started a raw vegetable diet, bought a juicer and started shopping for organic food only. I lost 17 lbs in the first month. Some other minor health issues cleared up right a way. About a month later I started seeing an alternative medical doctor - he put me on 17 vitamins/supplements. I have read about the Budwig diet and have the cottage cheese ready to go. I tried it twice but have not started using it regularly as of yet.
I plan to start the diet mid this coming week as well as using apricot pits daily but I am waiting for my HCG urine test results first. I bought Bill Henderson's e-book and sent for the HCG urine test this past weekend - should have the results soon.
I did feel empowered when I learned of the HCG urine test as it appears to be a great way to have feedback on the progress I am making with the alternative methods. If the numbers go up, time to try something else. This test is suppose to be good for all types of cancer and gives an indicator of how you are doing without the scans. Currently I only have the alternative medical doctor, the breast surgeon as well as the oncologist are ready to support me with the alternative methods. My GP is also against it and treats me as though I'm almost out of here.
Thought starting the diet once my results come back gives me a good 6-8 weeks of doing the diet, then retest to see how I am doing.
I will look into the website you sent me Wendy. Haven't heard of this before.
Thank you all for keeping me in your prayers. I will pray for each of you as well.
Best,
Suzanne0 -
Have you....
Glad you found us...so sorry for the reason..I'm wondering if you are going to have "traditional"treatment...surgery, chemo, radiation...I know very little about the more alternative treatments..diet, etc. Have you talked to an oncologist about clinical trials or experimental drugs and treatment? Perhaps you would be eligible for this.....if it were me, I would explore ALL options..do you live near any large research/teaching hospitals ? There are women on this board with stage IV bc....I feel certain they will post to you.....I know a woman who was diagnosed, 7 years ago with stage IV bc...she had surgery, chemo and radiation....she's still as she says " alive and kicking!!!" have you considered a second, third opinion?
I wish you the very best in whatever avenue you choose.....and I offer my prayers for you.
Peace be with you
Nancy0 -
I'm not stage 4
but prior to being dx with bc I had been seeing a Naturopathic dr. After being dx I was told not to take any supplements or pills not approved by the FDA. My onc would not let me take Flaxseed because he said he wasn't sure how it would interact with chemo. I do take Fish Oil. I'm on my second week of rads and taking Arimidex since my cancer was estrogen related. Having a difficult time losing weight but not sticking with the basics. I do try to eat organic but have a snacking problem.
10 years ago my sister in law was given 6 months to live. She did not have bc but cancer in 3 other places. She went to a different dr out of state and he operated and gave her 5 years cancer free. Then she got C in other places and lived another 5 years.
If what you're doing now makes you feel good stay with it. Maybe you can beat the odds. Don't give up without talking to another dr. Wishing you well and welcome to the site.
{{hugs}} Char0 -
BFF has been usingkasperdaisy said:Thank you all for your warm welcome!
I'd like to thank you all for your warm welcome!
Sue (Ritzy), I love your profile picture, he's fun and spunky looking.
Tara, thank you for your warm words. I think you are right, it is a battle of the human spirit, which I plan to win!
MyTurnNow, I did check on John32. I see I will have to look into his book. Thank you for the information.
I liked the picture picked for the profile - don't have many pictures - the baby is my God-Daughter/niece. She's 3 now and the apple of my eye.
Wendy, I hope your friend remains to do well. I really appreciate the information you provided as I haven't found many people doing alternative methods, just what I read on the internet. I've met one survivor of 11 years with no conventional methods but she did not have advanced cancer.
How long has your friend been using alternative methods?
Once I received my prognosis (end of October, 2010)I started a raw vegetable diet, bought a juicer and started shopping for organic food only. I lost 17 lbs in the first month. Some other minor health issues cleared up right a way. About a month later I started seeing an alternative medical doctor - he put me on 17 vitamins/supplements. I have read about the Budwig diet and have the cottage cheese ready to go. I tried it twice but have not started using it regularly as of yet.
I plan to start the diet mid this coming week as well as using apricot pits daily but I am waiting for my HCG urine test results first. I bought Bill Henderson's e-book and sent for the HCG urine test this past weekend - should have the results soon.
I did feel empowered when I learned of the HCG urine test as it appears to be a great way to have feedback on the progress I am making with the alternative methods. If the numbers go up, time to try something else. This test is suppose to be good for all types of cancer and gives an indicator of how you are doing without the scans. Currently I only have the alternative medical doctor, the breast surgeon as well as the oncologist are ready to support me with the alternative methods. My GP is also against it and treats me as though I'm almost out of here.
Thought starting the diet once my results come back gives me a good 6-8 weeks of doing the diet, then retest to see how I am doing.
I will look into the website you sent me Wendy. Haven't heard of this before.
Thank you all for keeping me in your prayers. I will pray for each of you as well.
Best,
Suzanne
BFF has been using alternative methods for I believe about a year and a half. She began her supplement regimen slowly, because of cost, for close to a year. Right after her recurrence she picked up the pace on making the switch and as the outsider looking in, she has sounded better, her attitude is better, she says she feels so much better. Just two weeks ago I was talking to her on the phone and she had cheated the diet and said she could feel the difference.
BFF does the HCG test too, and I do know of another woman who was dx with stage 4 given no hope, that did all of this and she was also given 6 mths to live.....it's been 7 years and she has never had chemo or radiation....opposite of my BFF who was on a study. My BFF also has an aunt that had stage 4 bc everywhere but the breast (I know, odd, IDK) and used surgery as the only treatment. No chemo, no radiation. She is 22 years out from dx. I have to be honest...it makes me wonder about chemo and radiation. If I find a third with the same story...hands down!
My BFF was also told that she HAD to do radiation. That her chances of recurrence without it was 25%, having the radiation would decrease her chances of recurrance to 1%. Three weeks of radiation, three weeks after radiation.....recurred. What happened to that percentage and why?
I am one of those that believes that if modern medicine and alternative care along with holistic would all combine, we would probably find one whopper of a cure. My biggest motto in life has been, "We survive together or not at all"....I believe in my heart you are looking in the right direction. I have seen it slow my BFF's growth down and this is all she has done different. Her cancer is advanced. It's metzed to the bone in many places. Spine, sternum, ribs, hip, legs, neck......she has felt so much better since making this alternative change. Now to incorporate Reiki and we may be closer to healing her....I hope.
As I write this I feel I really need to put the two of you together to talk. If it is ok with you, I am headed there this weekend to spend with her. I was hoping to get her to look at this site and join. I truly think it would be a good place for her.
Have a great night and good luck with you treatment plan, BFF and I will be here for ya!
Night!0 -
There was a study comparing
There was a study comparing flax seed to arimidex that was looking for participants. I don't know if it ever got off the ground. It was to further a small study of women taking 25mg of flax in a muffin every day that saw their tumours decrease. But that is based on women who are ER+ as flax is a phytoestrogen. There are also quite a few studies on the benefits of olive oil on HER2. It can be found on Medline or PubMed. I have heard some good reports of alternative medicine and we used it first for my husbands colorectal cancer to no avail. But I also know of a stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient that lived for 15yrs after the medical community refused to treat him since he was so far advanced. I just scratch my head trying to figure it out, LOL.
I hope you find something that works for you and please let us know how you're doing. So sorry you're going through this. Oh another thing.... breastcancer.org has a forum for alternative medicine. Perhaps they can help you more. Best wishes,
jan0 -
Wishing you the best inMAJW said:Have you....
Glad you found us...so sorry for the reason..I'm wondering if you are going to have "traditional"treatment...surgery, chemo, radiation...I know very little about the more alternative treatments..diet, etc. Have you talked to an oncologist about clinical trials or experimental drugs and treatment? Perhaps you would be eligible for this.....if it were me, I would explore ALL options..do you live near any large research/teaching hospitals ? There are women on this board with stage IV bc....I feel certain they will post to you.....I know a woman who was diagnosed, 7 years ago with stage IV bc...she had surgery, chemo and radiation....she's still as she says " alive and kicking!!!" have you considered a second, third opinion?
I wish you the very best in whatever avenue you choose.....and I offer my prayers for you.
Peace be with you
Nancy
Wishing you the best in whatever treatments you decide are right for you.
♥ Noel0 -
So Sorry to Hear About Your Diagnosis...
Have you had a second opinion? I'd definately get one, because it can make all the difference in the world! If you're insurance allows it, I'd do it. You should go to a major cancer center and or teaching/research hospital.
Even when someone's prognosis is "poor", any good doctor would offer some kind of help. I know of several women who where diagnosed with state IV, some with mets, some without, and they were around 5,8, 12 years later! Don't EVER give up hope.
As for the Alternative medicine, I think it's great in addition to standard/traditional treatment, but I don't think I'd put much faith in it by itself. That's just me though. Do what feels right and comfortable for you. But I'd definately see another doctor. In this day and age, no doctor worth a darn would every say to a cancer patient "there's no hope"!!
My father was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer 10 months ago. The prognosis isn't "statistically" good for him either, but the doctor told him he would work with him and give him a chance at the best quality of life that he could give him. He's doing both alternative and standard treatment.
Blessings,
Sally0 -
We have to do whatever wecahjah75 said:I'm not stage 4
but prior to being dx with bc I had been seeing a Naturopathic dr. After being dx I was told not to take any supplements or pills not approved by the FDA. My onc would not let me take Flaxseed because he said he wasn't sure how it would interact with chemo. I do take Fish Oil. I'm on my second week of rads and taking Arimidex since my cancer was estrogen related. Having a difficult time losing weight but not sticking with the basics. I do try to eat organic but have a snacking problem.
10 years ago my sister in law was given 6 months to live. She did not have bc but cancer in 3 other places. She went to a different dr out of state and he operated and gave her 5 years cancer free. Then she got C in other places and lived another 5 years.
If what you're doing now makes you feel good stay with it. Maybe you can beat the odds. Don't give up without talking to another dr. Wishing you well and welcome to the site.
{{hugs}} Char
We have to do whatever we can to kill the beast. And, everyone needs to do what is best for them. I wish you good luck and also want to welcome you.
Hugs, Leeza0 -
I would love to benewlife2011 said:BFF has been using
BFF has been using alternative methods for I believe about a year and a half. She began her supplement regimen slowly, because of cost, for close to a year. Right after her recurrence she picked up the pace on making the switch and as the outsider looking in, she has sounded better, her attitude is better, she says she feels so much better. Just two weeks ago I was talking to her on the phone and she had cheated the diet and said she could feel the difference.
BFF does the HCG test too, and I do know of another woman who was dx with stage 4 given no hope, that did all of this and she was also given 6 mths to live.....it's been 7 years and she has never had chemo or radiation....opposite of my BFF who was on a study. My BFF also has an aunt that had stage 4 bc everywhere but the breast (I know, odd, IDK) and used surgery as the only treatment. No chemo, no radiation. She is 22 years out from dx. I have to be honest...it makes me wonder about chemo and radiation. If I find a third with the same story...hands down!
My BFF was also told that she HAD to do radiation. That her chances of recurrence without it was 25%, having the radiation would decrease her chances of recurrance to 1%. Three weeks of radiation, three weeks after radiation.....recurred. What happened to that percentage and why?
I am one of those that believes that if modern medicine and alternative care along with holistic would all combine, we would probably find one whopper of a cure. My biggest motto in life has been, "We survive together or not at all"....I believe in my heart you are looking in the right direction. I have seen it slow my BFF's growth down and this is all she has done different. Her cancer is advanced. It's metzed to the bone in many places. Spine, sternum, ribs, hip, legs, neck......she has felt so much better since making this alternative change. Now to incorporate Reiki and we may be closer to healing her....I hope.
As I write this I feel I really need to put the two of you together to talk. If it is ok with you, I am headed there this weekend to spend with her. I was hoping to get her to look at this site and join. I truly think it would be a good place for her.
Have a great night and good luck with you treatment plan, BFF and I will be here for ya!
Night!
I would love to be introduced to BFF . . . it's sounds like there are several similarities in our approach to dealing with this disease and I would love to communicate with someone on a similar path.
I am sorry to hear that BFF's had a recurrence shortly after having the radiation. I had 3 second opinions - one doctor felt I should do radiation but I chose not to. If my prognosis is so poor, I thought I better work on quality of life instead. From what you wrote it seems BFF's cancer has spread much further than mine at this point - not sure if I mentioned I have 3 lymph-nodes outside of what is considered local to the breast. One behind the breast bone, one a few inches away just in front of the lung where the bronchial tubes and arteries meet and one between the major and minor pects. They also suspect possible cancer in the opposite breast but since I am stage 4 they are not planning to do anything about it.
Question about the HCG urine test, did BFF do this test multiple times and if so has she seen her numbers change? Are they going down?
Thank you for the information on the other survivors. I really find that encouraging!!
I hope you enjoy your weekend! I'll be here when BFF is interested in connecting.
Once again thank you for all your information!
Wendy, my prayers are with you and BFF.
Suzanne0 -
Thank you for the welcomeMAJW said:Have you....
Glad you found us...so sorry for the reason..I'm wondering if you are going to have "traditional"treatment...surgery, chemo, radiation...I know very little about the more alternative treatments..diet, etc. Have you talked to an oncologist about clinical trials or experimental drugs and treatment? Perhaps you would be eligible for this.....if it were me, I would explore ALL options..do you live near any large research/teaching hospitals ? There are women on this board with stage IV bc....I feel certain they will post to you.....I know a woman who was diagnosed, 7 years ago with stage IV bc...she had surgery, chemo and radiation....she's still as she says " alive and kicking!!!" have you considered a second, third opinion?
I wish you the very best in whatever avenue you choose.....and I offer my prayers for you.
Peace be with you
Nancy
Thank you for the welcome Nancy.
I had surgery in September 2010 and was planning to go the "traditional" medical route (even had a port put in) until they did a pet scan (due to the size of the tumors once removed - one in the right breast of 4.5cm and one lymph-node in the armpit 3cm). The pet scan showed 3 lymph-nodes outside the local breast area - had one of the biopsied - positive for cancer - making it stage 4. I 've had 3 opinions, 2 from teaching hospitals in NYC. It was at one of these facilities I was told I'd have a 50% chance of making 3 years and if I passed that 5 yrs would be out of the question.
It is with this information I decided to go the alternative route using diet and supplements. I am also thinking of including the Silva Mind Control Healing exercises as well. I lost my father to cancer 3 1/2 yrs. ago and a brother-in-law at the age of 48 just 2 months ago after 1 year of battling the cancer. I saw what chemo and radiation can do to quality of life. If I don't have a fighting chance through traditional medicine, at least I can try the alternative methods and hopefully keep quality of life for as long as I can. In my particular case they are not even offering chemo, I was told they would use it as a last resort.
I do appreciate your prayers and your support, Nancy.
Best,
Suzanne0 -
Over the weekend will be aphoenixrising said:There was a study comparing
There was a study comparing flax seed to arimidex that was looking for participants. I don't know if it ever got off the ground. It was to further a small study of women taking 25mg of flax in a muffin every day that saw their tumours decrease. But that is based on women who are ER+ as flax is a phytoestrogen. There are also quite a few studies on the benefits of olive oil on HER2. It can be found on Medline or PubMed. I have heard some good reports of alternative medicine and we used it first for my husbands colorectal cancer to no avail. But I also know of a stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient that lived for 15yrs after the medical community refused to treat him since he was so far advanced. I just scratch my head trying to figure it out, LOL.
I hope you find something that works for you and please let us know how you're doing. So sorry you're going through this. Oh another thing.... breastcancer.org has a forum for alternative medicine. Perhaps they can help you more. Best wishes,
jan
Over the weekend will be a perfect time to see if I can find information on the studies you mentioned above. I am also looking forward to checking the forum at the breastcancer.org site. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
It's also very encouraging to hear of yet another survivor of many years.
I hesitate to ask but you mentioned your husband, is he doing OK right now? Not sure what alternative methods he used. There seem to be several/many - I understand not all work with all people, you have try then until one/or more fit.
Thank you once again Jan.
Best,
Suzanne0 -
Sally, My prayers are withsal314 said:So Sorry to Hear About Your Diagnosis...
Have you had a second opinion? I'd definately get one, because it can make all the difference in the world! If you're insurance allows it, I'd do it. You should go to a major cancer center and or teaching/research hospital.
Even when someone's prognosis is "poor", any good doctor would offer some kind of help. I know of several women who where diagnosed with state IV, some with mets, some without, and they were around 5,8, 12 years later! Don't EVER give up hope.
As for the Alternative medicine, I think it's great in addition to standard/traditional treatment, but I don't think I'd put much faith in it by itself. That's just me though. Do what feels right and comfortable for you. But I'd definately see another doctor. In this day and age, no doctor worth a darn would every say to a cancer patient "there's no hope"!!
My father was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer 10 months ago. The prognosis isn't "statistically" good for him either, but the doctor told him he would work with him and give him a chance at the best quality of life that he could give him. He's doing both alternative and standard treatment.
Blessings,
Sally
Sally, My prayers are with you and your father as he moves forward with his treatment. I'm happy to hear he is doing both traditional and alternative medicine. They should really support each other.
I had 3 opinions, 2 from teaching research hospitals here in NY. It was at one of these very hospitals that I was told no hope. Let me tell you I was devastated! I think I was beyond depression - I cried 23 out of 24 hours for 3 days, sick to my stomach. The only way I was able to restore my "HOPE" was to spend my waking hours on the internet researching. If I read it on one site, I had to find it on at least 15-20 other sites to back up the information I was reading (can't always trust what you read on the internet). The biggest link or help to me was finding an actual person who had a high risk for recurrence - they did alternative medicine and it's 11 years past and they've not had a reccurence. Then I found more and more stories of survivors and read what they've done. That has been extremely inspirational. I haven't cried over my health since those first few days back this past late October.
I know I have the option of going back to Traditional medicine at any time but I pray and hope that what I am doing works. That is why I am so excited about the HCG urine test - to give me feedback to know if I am heading in the correct direction.
I will keep you and your father in my thoughts.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Best,
Suzanne0 -
First of all, i am so, sokasperdaisy said:Sally, My prayers are with
Sally, My prayers are with you and your father as he moves forward with his treatment. I'm happy to hear he is doing both traditional and alternative medicine. They should really support each other.
I had 3 opinions, 2 from teaching research hospitals here in NY. It was at one of these very hospitals that I was told no hope. Let me tell you I was devastated! I think I was beyond depression - I cried 23 out of 24 hours for 3 days, sick to my stomach. The only way I was able to restore my "HOPE" was to spend my waking hours on the internet researching. If I read it on one site, I had to find it on at least 15-20 other sites to back up the information I was reading (can't always trust what you read on the internet). The biggest link or help to me was finding an actual person who had a high risk for recurrence - they did alternative medicine and it's 11 years past and they've not had a reccurence. Then I found more and more stories of survivors and read what they've done. That has been extremely inspirational. I haven't cried over my health since those first few days back this past late October.
I know I have the option of going back to Traditional medicine at any time but I pray and hope that what I am doing works. That is why I am so excited about the HCG urine test - to give me feedback to know if I am heading in the correct direction.
I will keep you and your father in my thoughts.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Best,
Suzanne
First of all, i am so, so sorry for your diagnosis, i know how devastating that is as I am also stage 4 and I know that I want to live and enjoy many more years. i was originally diagnosed July 7,2008 with Inflammatory Breast Cancer with mets to bone and liver. I went into remission and had a reoccurance on June 3, 2010 with a large tumor on my liver, the bones are stable. I am going the traditional route right now and they are trying to find a chemo drug that will reduce the tumors, i would compare it to a roller coater ride. I have read a lot about alternative treatments but have not used any because i have been told that they interact with many chemotherapy drugs, even green tea is bad for you if you are in chemo and could make the cancer cells stronger! I do however follow some food therapies. I ate asparagus every day, i cook with olive oil and garlic, i was using tumeric, which is an Indian spice that you mix in olive oil and black pepper. I also was into a book called "The Anti-Cancer Diet" which uses foods as a way to combat cancer. I have heard about the flax and cheese so I may try that one.
I am not sure if I understand something, did they tell you that no Chemotherapy will work on you? I am reading above that they gave you no hope. I have never been given any precentages or time frame but I have told that my cancer is very serious. I try to remain very positive and try to live my life as normal as possible. What the heck does 50% chance of living 3 years mean! What chemo drugs are they offering you? I personally would tell you to try any traditional treatment they are offering you and maybe use anti cancer foods, but do not give up on any of the chemo drugs that are available. They also say that walking or exercise (even through malls!!) helps breast cancer patients. i hope that you are not giving up on treatment. I go to a very large Cancer hospital in Philadelphia and i am very hopeful that i am going to get through this. i know that this may be hard, but think of positive things because the whole depression thing will only make you physically sicker.0 -
I too am stage VI mets to multiple bones
http://livingbeyondbc.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/living-through-my-breast-cancer-timeline/
Hi all,
I enjoyed Debra's "tips." She says:
Take control of your life! Here’s what I do…
Meditate ( highly recommended)
Pretend to exercise
Try to eat sort-of-kind-of healthfully
Appreciate pretty skies and happy days
Get aggravated about dumb things ( just like anyone else)
Feel thankful as often as I remember
Love my family and friends
Laugh a lot (mostly at me)
Remember to breathe and appreciate life minute by minute
That’s pretty much it. Not much different than what most people try to do, right? Even though breast cancer makes us different than most people, what we want in life is no different from what someone who doesn’t have breast cancer wants in life. We want to live our lives in peace and happiness. And it’s my responsibility to make sure that happens for me. [end]
You, go, Debra!
This I found on another site that I visit as these are all stage VI ladies and gents.
In my personal opinion whatever you decide is the best for you. I did go the medicinal direction as I was just dx'd in May of 2010 with stage VI from the get go. However I have a sister that is 11 years cancer free when dx'd at 32 pancreatic cancer. I felt that if the docs saved her surely they would help me as well. I have not had sugery due to the fact that my cancer had also already spread. I have done chemo and I am getting ready to start Al's as far as diet is concerned I always eaten a very healthy diet, never been over weight and exercised pretty reguarly. I have heard of folks doing the macrobitic diet and living many years after stage VI diaganosis.
I'm not a doctor and I would never suggest that my way is the right way. I am actually amazed that the doc's would give you such a grim prognosis. I've been told that i'm not curable but treat as a chronic illness.
My best to you in what ever you decide.
Peace and Love,
Edie0 -
Hi Meena...meena1 said:First of all, i am so, so
First of all, i am so, so sorry for your diagnosis, i know how devastating that is as I am also stage 4 and I know that I want to live and enjoy many more years. i was originally diagnosed July 7,2008 with Inflammatory Breast Cancer with mets to bone and liver. I went into remission and had a reoccurance on June 3, 2010 with a large tumor on my liver, the bones are stable. I am going the traditional route right now and they are trying to find a chemo drug that will reduce the tumors, i would compare it to a roller coater ride. I have read a lot about alternative treatments but have not used any because i have been told that they interact with many chemotherapy drugs, even green tea is bad for you if you are in chemo and could make the cancer cells stronger! I do however follow some food therapies. I ate asparagus every day, i cook with olive oil and garlic, i was using tumeric, which is an Indian spice that you mix in olive oil and black pepper. I also was into a book called "The Anti-Cancer Diet" which uses foods as a way to combat cancer. I have heard about the flax and cheese so I may try that one.
I am not sure if I understand something, did they tell you that no Chemotherapy will work on you? I am reading above that they gave you no hope. I have never been given any precentages or time frame but I have told that my cancer is very serious. I try to remain very positive and try to live my life as normal as possible. What the heck does 50% chance of living 3 years mean! What chemo drugs are they offering you? I personally would tell you to try any traditional treatment they are offering you and maybe use anti cancer foods, but do not give up on any of the chemo drugs that are available. They also say that walking or exercise (even through malls!!) helps breast cancer patients. i hope that you are not giving up on treatment. I go to a very large Cancer hospital in Philadelphia and i am very hopeful that i am going to get through this. i know that this may be hard, but think of positive things because the whole depression thing will only make you physically sicker.
I read your reply and was just wondering if you've looked into "TheraSphere" radiation therapy for your liver mets? It's not readily available, but several teaching hospitals are doing it across the country.
You can find more information about it by just googling "TheraSpheres". I know a couple of people who have stage IV esophageal cancer with liver mets. They did it and it worked. No cancer in the liver!!
From what I understand the side effects are minimal and it's an outpatient procedure. The research is coming out as very promising.
Just thought I'd pass the info. along in case you aren't familiar with it.
Blessings,
Sally0 -
Praying your treatment workskasperdaisy said:Sally, My prayers are with
Sally, My prayers are with you and your father as he moves forward with his treatment. I'm happy to hear he is doing both traditional and alternative medicine. They should really support each other.
I had 3 opinions, 2 from teaching research hospitals here in NY. It was at one of these very hospitals that I was told no hope. Let me tell you I was devastated! I think I was beyond depression - I cried 23 out of 24 hours for 3 days, sick to my stomach. The only way I was able to restore my "HOPE" was to spend my waking hours on the internet researching. If I read it on one site, I had to find it on at least 15-20 other sites to back up the information I was reading (can't always trust what you read on the internet). The biggest link or help to me was finding an actual person who had a high risk for recurrence - they did alternative medicine and it's 11 years past and they've not had a reccurence. Then I found more and more stories of survivors and read what they've done. That has been extremely inspirational. I haven't cried over my health since those first few days back this past late October.
I know I have the option of going back to Traditional medicine at any time but I pray and hope that what I am doing works. That is why I am so excited about the HCG urine test - to give me feedback to know if I am heading in the correct direction.
I will keep you and your father in my thoughts.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Best,
Suzanne
Praying your treatment works for you Suzanne.
Hugs, Diane0
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