Alternative Treatment

pupmom

Caryn, on my previous list I forgot I take a daily multivitamin, CoQ10 and probiotics. I also try to get an hour of exercise in per day. Thanks to purple for reminding me about getting back on track with that one!

Honestly, I don't know if anything I mentioned is really alternative. I run everything by my MO. We're going to India in December and there are some recommended drugs, to prevent potential diseases, which I'm waiting for her to weigh in on. Fortunately, none of them are required, so if they interfere with my prescribed meds I can just skip them.

I do try to eat healthy. I watch carbs, eat berries, tomatoes, mushrooms, nuts, fresh salads and only fish (no meat). 

Tillycat

Hi ladies

Thank you for asking purple 32

I was NED for almost 5 years before my secondaries diagnosis - I think that was why I suddenly felt so cross. However, moving on .....

After my primary diagnosis I went on a strict dairy free diet, no meat, some oily fish. I felt a bit 'why bother' when it came back in my liver and ate really badly for a while. I have been trying much harder recently - I drink green juices (including wheat grass) and eat very little meat, some dairy, no soya (I'm hormone positive her2 -ve) I have upped my oily fish again. I have a home sauna which I use a lot, not sure if it slows cancer growth/ spread but it sure stops my bone aching and means I can take less morphine. I also run ozone into it - I have too be careful not to breathe it in but it was suggested to me by a naturopath as a way of alkalising my body. I also have Epsom salt baths which again are alkalising and help with aches.

I have read about the gerson and budwig protocols but not sure that I am up to doing either of those at the moment. I had vitamin c infusions for a while but they made me feels very unwell. I was taking loads of supplements but when the cancer spread to my brain I felt to unwell to continue taking so many tablets, I also felt that whatever I was taking was clearly not working for me. I could go and look them up if anyone is interested, I think there were about 20 different ones. I am currently trying to do some research to see if there are a few supplements that I could try that might be effective without me having to take many, many tablets every day.

I am interested in the red ans black rasberry seed powder, is the powder better than capsules? Does it taste of anything? I am also interested in the rife technology as its something that I think I could try. It doesn't sound like it can do any harm. I would like to find out more about protocel but at the moment I simply don't know much about it. I saw other people mention things I haven't even heard of - thats what interests me - finding out about other options. Although the complementary route hasn't completely worked for me I do think it has made me stronger and better able to cope with conventional treatments. It may also have slowed the spread of this horrid disease.

Cheers

Tillycatxx

208sandy

Thanks Natty.

kayfh

I just take potassium, calcium magnesium, Vitamin D in addition to my every three week herceptin (because no studies out there that tell me it's safe to stop) and daily amlodipine (high blood pressure med. high blood pressure as s/e of herceptin). Before BC I took zero medications. After, for two years, I took (letrozole, hydro morph, Effexor, bazillions of antinausea meds, anti constipation agents (pharm and herbal)). My brain felt like I was in a soup, the s/e from letrozole, life sucking pain in joins, urinary incontinence, feeling like I was an 80 year old who was in really rough shape, and any other side effect you might care to list. Stopped all of the meds in the brackets, cold turkey. It really sucked, but I survived. But I was able to get back to doing more walking, and twice weekly yoga, more being alive.

My point is I personally do not believe in better living through pharmacology or herbology. Breast cancer is just my body trying to heal itself (from what is open wide open since I don't know why I got BC in the first place, I have always exercised, eaten well, careful with chemical exposure). Trouble is my body didn't know when to stop healing.

So when I come to this thread. I am looking for information about how you lovely people take the supplements to a good diet, in the numbers that some of you do, and also eat food. Also how to prevent side effects or other supplement/supplement, pharmacological/supplement interactions that could be potentially adverse. There is a lot of wisdom on these boards.

exbrnxgrl

Yorkiemom ,

Oddly enough, almost all multi vitamins I've tried make me nauseous. I really have a hard time with tablets do it's amazing that I can manage taking so many now. I also juice leafy green veggies, my favorites being kale and bok choy with an apple and carrot thrown in for better flavor. I admit since school started I have been negligent about going to the gym but I suppose teaching first grade provides me with a good bit of exercise. When I get home, the first thing I do is walk my crazy dogs. The reality is that I am stage IV and for now there will be no cure, though I am currently NED. I am just hoping for more time where I can live as normal a life as possible.

Caryn

HLB

Hi Tilly, its frustrating to have tried so many things and seems not to work, although like you said, maybe it did work as far as slowing the spread and the SEs. But really, we want rid of this effing cancer! Well, fwiw, here is what I am doing at the moment:

Modified citrus pectin

Maitake d fraction, 30 drops a day

Turmeric capsules 1800 mg per day but I think I'm going to double that

Vit D 10,000 IU per day

I agree with the pweson who said the most important thing is exercise. I think the herbs, supplements, and healthy eating are defintley important, but I think exercise the MOST important. I notice that some people who have been NED for long periods are big time exercisers. I also think its extremely important to not get constipated. Some people say that all cancer starts with the bowel. Don't know if that's true but it certainly can't hurt to make sure we are eliminating regularly. Lorraine Day says if you are not going 3 times a day, you are in trouble. Not interested in debating about Lorraine Day. I know she's controversial.

I have gotten useful and interesting info on this thread from Abigail. Yes, its sometimes hard to read due to typos or fast typing or whatever, but its easy to skip over. Its annoying to scroll through a whole page of posts about being offended, or about whether its really cancer, or criticizing the word trouble. That doesn't have anything to do with alt treatment and isn't helping anyone. At least she talks about foods and blenders and such. I hope she has not quit posting. About the blenders that were being mentioned a few pages back, I have a nutribullet and I highly recommend it. Its super easy to clean. It pulverizes everything so you don't lose the fiber. I have heard that there are benefits to concord grapes, including the seeds and skins. That's just an example of how you wouldn't normally eat seeds but I throw them in the bullet and they get pulverized. Another thing would be pineapple. The most bromelaine (good for bones) is in the core, so while its hard to eat, you could just throw it in the bullet.

About the exercise, I always think of Lance Armstrong. I think his cancer was testicular, but it was everywhere, including the brain. I saw a show about him and he was going through treatments and feeling terrible, but rose stationary bike religiously. I think he had one brought in to the hospital. Pretty amazing. I hope this wasn't too long and tedious. I tend to think of more things as I'm typing. Good luck to everyone.

HLB

Also, Tilly you look absolutely beautiful in your picture!

pupmom

Caryn, I have not started juicing, although I definitely should. I don't know if vitamins or healthy eating actually prevent cancer's spread, but it sure makes us stronger and that's got to be a good thing. We all need to hang onto the hope for a cure. CNN had a special yesterday and today about a breakthrough possible (probable?) cure being currently researched at MD Anderson and hopefully ready for the public in a few years. I think the research is in it's final stage of development. Everything crossed that this is the one!

purple32

Interesting, yorkiemom...pls share with us what you learn in India - and enjoy your trip.

I see, Caryn. Thank you.

exbrnxgrl

Yorkiemom ,

Forgot to say that India is one of my favorite places in the world. Traveled there for vacations when I was in the Peace Corps and then many times when I flew for Pan Am. Are you just going for vacation?

Caryn

exbrnxgrl

HLB,

I think bowel regularity is different for everyone. I don't know anything about Lorraine Day nor do I want to debate it either but I don't think you're in trouble if you don't poop 3x a day.

As for Abigail, she finally did get to the point where she demeaned those of us who really are battling bc. It took me a long time to see that.

Caryn

Ang7

Caryn~

I think that is because you are such a nice person...

you seem to see the best in people.  I would love to be that way.

I start my day off like that but by the evening it is not possible.

exbrnxgrl

Just read about Lorraine Day, both her site and those of critics. Not impressed and being Jewish, the whole Christian aspect is lost on me. Nothing wrong with a decent diet in any event.

Caryn

pupmom

Caryn, my husband is attending a conference there. I'm "just" tagging along!  How awesome that you've been there! We'll be stationed in Delhi.

Hubby was raised Jewish, but is agnostic regarding religion. I'm a New Age gal. 

Purple, I'll try to learn something! Will definitely relate anything interesting I discover. Being mainly a vegetarian, except for fish a couple of times a week, I think I'll really enjoy the food. No need to demand they leave out chicken stock, don't grill where meat was cooked etc. Of course I've eaten Indian food for ages, but it will be nice having an extended period of time not having to worry about junk being in my food.

HLB

Caryn I see what you are saying. However it was just a remark that I don't think came out the way it was supposed to. And only after being attacked relentlessly for no good reason. We are all different and some are a bit more eccentric than others. At worst her info useless but not huting anyone. Sorry I shouldn't be bringing it up again. Just bothers me to see her treated that way. Won't talk about it again. Thanks

gentianviolet

I am so delighted that this thread has resumed the original intent.  I had a lumpectomy, radiation, no chemo (oncotype 11), and have been on tamoxifen for almost three years.  I have tried various supplements to deal with the hip/knee pain from tamoxifen and feel it is partially under control with 3 grams of fish oil a day. 

Nattygroves, thank you for putting this back on track.  

208sandy, I believe you were the one that stopped taking metformin.  Why?

Exbrnxgrl, in reading your bio I see you were a Peace Corps member.  I, too, spent two years in the Corps.  I served in Colombia; an interesting time in my life.  Where did you serve?

Tillycat, I initially took so many supplements that I almost felt that I didn't need food, I simply was not that hungry after downing a handful before every meal.  Now the only pills I take are, calcium, magnesium, K2, CoQ10, fish oil, fiber pills,and B6, melatonin, metformin, and tamoxifen.  Beyond that I eat Kombu, Brazil nuts, V-8 juice, and lots of salmon.

I read everything I can get my hands on about alternatives.  I do want to believe that the supplements, exercise, and meditation are preventing a recurrence. Sending good thoughts to everyone.

exbrnxgrl

Barbara,

Afghanistan 1977-79. We were the last PCV's to serve there.

Caryn

208sandy

Gentian - I didn't stop taking metformin - I never took it - I am curious to see if it really works - I work as a volunteer in a diabetic outpatient clinic the nurses there suggested I wait till there are definitive studies published before I start taking it as it causes some pretty bad se's at first - neither of my docs (PCP or onc) will prescribe it at present.

abigail48

I think many here don't read carefully:  I mean no disrespect to anyone.

I take mega green tea, 45 minutes a week of castor oil packs, 2 kinds of homeopathic remedies

to me ignore doesn't mean blocked.  I wouldn't block anyone

gary said recently that red onions help with inflamation.  he eats an onion a day, rinces it first to take out some of the heat.

I listen to his broadcast when I'm here, & repdort on anything relevant, I've not heard that anyone else here does that, perhaps many who do not post do so.  we're many thousands of sufferers, & most people arn't writers.

(Following posts deleted by Mods to remove duplicates)

abigail48

I think many here don't read carefully:  I mean no disrespect to anyone.

I take mega green tea, 45 minutes a week of castor oil packs, 2 kinds of homeopathic remedies

to me ignore doesn't mean blocked.  I wouldn't block anyone

gary said recently that red onions help with inflamation.  he eats an onion a day, rinces it first to take out some of the heat.

I listen to his broadcast when I'm here, & repdort on anything relevant, I've not heard that anyone else here does that, perhaps many who do not post do so.  we're many thousands of sufferers, & most people arn't writers.

abigail48

I think many here don't read carefully:  I mean no disrespect to anyone.

I take mega green tea, 45 minutes a week of castor oil packs, 2 kinds of homeopathic remedies

to me ignore doesn't mean blocked.  I wouldn't block anyone

gary said recently that red onions help with inflamation.  he eats an onion a day, rinces it first to take out some of the heat.

I listen to his broadcast when I'm here, & repdort on anything relevant, I've not heard that anyone else here does that, perhaps many who do not post do so.  we're many thousands of sufferers, & most people arn't writers.

abigail48

I think many here don't read carefully:  I mean no disrespect to anyone.

I take mega green tea, 45 minutes a week of castor oil packs, 2 kinds of homeopathic remedies

to me ignore doesn't mean blocked.  I wouldn't block anyone

gary said recently that red onions help with inflamation.  he eats an onion a day, rinces it first to take out some of the heat.

I listen to his broadcast when I'm here, & repdort on anything relevant, I've not heard that anyone else here does that, perhaps many who do not post do so.  we're many thousands of sufferers, & most people arn't writers.

abigail48

I think many here don't read carefully:  I mean no disrespect to anyone.

I take mega green tea, 45 minutes a week of castor oil packs, 2 kinds of homeopathic remedies

to me ignore doesn't mean blocked.  I wouldn't block anyone

gary said recently that red onions help with inflamation.  he eats an onion a day, rinces it first to take out some of the heat.

I listen to his broadcast when I'm here, & repdort on anything relevant, I've not heard that anyone else here does that, perhaps many who do not post do so.  we're many thousands of sufferers, & most people arn't writers.

abigail48

yes:  olive leaf decoction, but all that is here above somewhere.  yes not to get constipated, I learned that in the addiction years.  & yes:  curry, I make myself with LOTS of black pepper.  & YES excercise!!  I walk I guess 3 miles a week now, carrying a packd,  carrying endough food for several days at times from there to here. yes broccoli.  Yes juicing!!! I've sent for one of those special blenders, forgot already the name....it should be here anytime, I'll still juice, but blending grapeseed etc etc, apple peel, should be a new help for whatever........

Anonymous

Hi - coming back to edit my post on what I am / have done / will do. See above...

I don't that that many capsules, a lot of my supplements are powders that go in juice or food, the extracts that I take a droper of, the oils and creams that go on my skin for absorption.  But really, the main complaint I have is that there are so many to coordinate and so little time to do anything else if I do this alternative thing right.  I don't do it justice at all.  But I am stage II and am really ridiculously stupid to push it, so I need to do better.

As far as questions.  The best way to get info on the red and black Meeker raspberry and anything else I have mentioned is go to search in left colum, and type in what you want to know more about then my name Diane Essa.  All the posts will come up on each subject, read to your heart's content, then ask more questions here.  Since I joined I have considered and shared about all of them to some degree. Also, anyone is welcome to PM me with specific questions, I am here to share what I know to whatever degree you need.

About the red and black reaspberry - I was really not feeling well until I started that.  I was frightened.  I still get frightened.  I know that added to my protocol made a difference.  I also know the Laetrile did too.    

I always feel there must be something, each of us being individual cases, there still must be something that will work, if only it is found for us.  There are dozens and dozens of books where people come off their death beds to live full lives and I want to believe it is possible. 

Beyond exercise, I think hope and peace are the most important. That and doing something we really love each and every day.

As far as exercise, I think it is so important because it keeps up the oxygen level and the body temperature.  Research and a book I read recently about how cancer patients and people who are dying have low body temperatures. Was eye-opener, bcz the hypothyroid is also low body temp (me for decades).

I think it should be manadatory for anyone who is dx w breast cancer to have a good endocrinologist pd for by ins, medi-whatever or somehow pd for, one who rx's only alternative and natural to get our hormones in balance, use those hormones to our good health --- from thyroid to low Vit D, to melatonin and more, the hormones need to be where they should be or we will struggle to the end.  Seriously wish I had known a year ago what I know now.  omg, a year without what could have been helping me survive.

I think that if there are amalgam fillings or root canals, they have to go.  Do or die.  

I have a lot of strong opinions but am still learning too.  Seen a lot of death.  Seen recoveries.  And now here I am, doing it for me.  Only can hope I figure out my needs soon enough too.

About the Rife - that too I have posted on in other places.  But I use the JWLabs technology, updated and improved on Rife's original work which he spent a lifetime of passion improving on all his ideas.  The one I have gets the frequencies needed, easy to use for me.  I have not been disappointed, the path report showed unnatural death of cancer cells.  Cool, right were I used it over the mass.  Of course had my mass and some nodes removed bcz back then I got afraid and my family was saying, don''t tya think you should maybe now do this.  Today, I would not do so.  I would do what I am doing, only even more stingently.  About Rife ----  There are many machines, I do not trust most of them at all.  We are dealing with life and death and people are out there in their garages putting together 'rife' technology for $50 and selling it for $350.  Not a chance.  

I think that when we become real to one another by sharing what we are doing, how we feel, what we hope for, then this thread is strong and viable as our support.

I also think no post is too long, the more info the better.  

Thank you Natty for pushing this back to the central focus.  The courage is needed to do so on all threads and forums.  Lives need saving,  the very least prolonging for a long time more.......... anything but info and support is a detriment to the group and all who read silently.

LOVEEssa

purple32

208sandy

I am on metformin.  It is said to be a fairly ' benign drug' actually. I am taking it for the BC.  My endo dr ( reluctantly ) gave it to me, but my PCP later told me he would have as he sees no harm'.  It's $4.00 at Walmat so I didnt go thru ins. because I am not DX with diabetes.

The only SE I had was some stomach issues the first week or so , and they tamed  down.  I will say it's important to take with food.

Take Care!

abigail48

I'm still on about the non-electric rife project.  have the flashlight, the yellow glass, the magenta glass is still a problem then to try it.  no doubt a fantasy, (I write that word here with trepidation), but can't hurt!!  & what if it helps?

gentianviolet

208sandy - I am sorry I mixed you up with another poster that said she had discontinued metformin.  My onco would not write a script however my PCP did and is happy to monitor me.  I started on 500mg/day (took 250 in the AM with breakfast and 250 in the PM with dinner) and I have had no side effects.  I see my PCP in a week and he may up the dose, so I am hoping that there still will not be any se's.  Metformin is free to all at our pharmacy.

Caryn - I served from 1963-65.  My husband and I were in training in New York City (Columbia University) when Kennedy was assassinated.

The one supplement that I forgot to add but never forget to take is D3.  When my BS discussed my path report with me she told me that I needed to take at least 2,000 units of D3 a day.  Shortly after diagnosis I enrolled at a breast cancer conference and a lecturer there stressed this same information. 

Sending good thoughts........

graced

In addition to supplements, I have read that sandalwood oil is one of the number one oils for cancer.  I use it topically - directly on my breast. I think it can be taken orally too but I have not looked into that yet.  Pure sandalwood has become very rare and valuable thus very expensive.  Watch out for diluted versions or sandalwood fragranced oils - that is not the same as real sandalwood oil.  Anyone who is interested can google sandalwood oil and cancer and you can see the research.  I bought Young Living brand.  A 5 ml bottle was $85.  I know that many have mixed opinions on YL - regardless, they have high quality oil products.  There are probably others out there - I am just not familiar with them because I happen to use a lot of YL oils. A friend of mine sells them so I buy them from her but they are available online too.

I am also going to purchase Cell Guardian and Vital Adept, both from the Mederi Clinic/Donnie Yance.  Cell Guardian was specifically developed for cancer I think.

http://www.naturahealthproducts.com/product/cell-guardian-formerly-estroclear-35.cfm

http://www.naturahealthproducts.com/product/vital-adapt-14.cfm

abigail48

great information about sandalwood.

been good here not talking about abigail.as natty & others have said it's important to stay on top of alternate treatments

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