Naturopathic Oncologist

Anonymous

Hi all,

I wanted to share some info. I was not aware, before my dx of bc, that these types of doctors existed. I have been lucky to find one that has over 22 yrs of experience. He's helped start me on alternatives to AI's and Tamoxifen, which have lowered my 'bad' estrogen. If you want to know where a naturopathic oncologist might be in your area, google:

Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians

I truly believe that treating cancer should be a holistic approach. That is where conventional medicine falls short. They treat the disease (not successfully either) and ignore the causes.

My naturopath has helped get my health back after chemo (never again!) . I buy the supplements wherever I can find the best price & quality. 

Blessings,

tucker

dlb823

I totally agree.  My ND also belongs to the OANP, and she's helped me balance my hormones, as well as figured out some key food sensitivities/allergies that were no doubt causing a lot of very unhealthy inflammation before I eliminated them from my diet.

At a recent 6 mos. visit, I shared my Complete Hormones Test results with my conventional onc. After some initial eye rolling, he was actually quite interested in the very complex hormones assessment, and pleased that my estrogen levels are extremely low without an A/I.    Deanna

Anonymous

Deanna,

That's awesome!!  Did you have problems finding info about the naturopathic onc after your dx?

Can you share some of the supplements you're taking?

tucker

Anonymous

Thank you so much for the tip Tuckertwo ! which has led me to a FABNO, 200 miles from where I live, but it will be worth it to me 

madpeacock

I'm thinking I want to investigate this further myself. I'm in the Atlanta area, so I'm sure there's one or more. I was seeing a naturopath pre BC. My onc is pretty open minded, so she at least listens if not agreeing 100%. She agrees with my supplement regimen. My integrative med doc just did a Complete Hormone assessment on me - still waiting for results - and I'll share that with my onc. I've had sky-high estrogen for the last few years (I'm 49) and dropping progesterone. He started me on DIM and iodine just recently as well as adrenal support. I stopped Tamox about two weeks ago because I seriously hated life - no hot flashes at ALL, but depression was overwhelming. Have onc appt in April. She's not going to be happy with me. 

 I also have thyroid issues/Hashimoto's and have battled high antibodies for the last several years. 

My supplements: Multi, C, D, E, selenium, Evening Primrose, Fish oil, green tea extract, curcumin, B12, iodine, DIM, Adrenal support... think that's it! 

Anonymous

Madpeacock, thanks for sharing - I hear you about Tamox, am seriously considering stopping it too, after results of brain MRI.  Have started DIM combo with grape seed extract, calcium D glucarate and others.

Just want to say: be careful with evening primrose = highly estrogenic (almost next to soy)

What do you take for adrenal support ?  Read recently adrenals are responsible for thyroid malfunction, can dig it up if you like, just let me know.  It's a good thing you're addressing that issue

Anonymous

Hi Maud,

Great!! Glad you found someone fairly close! Let me know how the visit goes!  What is this about the brain MRI?

madpeacock, thanks for the comments....have you asked about taking quercetin? Everyone is different but my naturopath prescribes 1500 mg a day.

What is so great about naturopathic onc physicians is that they know all about pharma drugs and also all about the vast array of naturopathic remedies, which MD's are clueless about. Too bad they cannot pool their knowledge. Many naturopathic remedies actually are synergestic with chemos if someone wants to go that route....the naturopath supps actually help support the body and make the chemo more effective, and with less toxic results. For example, women should take Co-enzyme 10 when doing herceptin and after as well.

Stay strong!

tucker

Anonymous

Exactly Tucker ! it's the best of both worlds really, although I will not give conventional med a second chance if I'm found with brain mets, kinda of getting nervous as the 27th is fast approaching

I won't be able to visit the FABNO for a few months yet, gotta get my budget together, but will certainly let you know about my visit which I am very confident will be the most constructive visit with a doc in a looong time  

AlaskaAngel

Where I live there is visiting onc service once a month, but it is tied to the only hospital  here(the hospital who failed me bigtime with the surgeon who didn't tell me my mammo & U/S showed BIRADS 4, twice, 3 months apart, telling me each time that they were "fine", and only biopsied upon the third BIRADS 4 mammo & ultrasound another 3 months later...)

So I went to a major cancer center in the Lower 48 for my surgeon and onc, both not naturopathic.

I don't have any onc. I did see a general naturopathic physician through the cancer center, but the primary one was not available and the back-up guy that I saw was not at all impressive. There are some non-physician trained health care providers here who offer some limited naturopathic assistance.

I focus on putting my money where my mouth is, and buy organic foods to the degree they are available. Food costs more here to begin with and organic is even spendier but I think it pays off as preventive care.

A.A.

Anonymous

Maud,

Oh, I didn't know you were having the MRI for that purpose. What symptoms are you having? I will definitely pray for you (if you don't mind ::) that it is nothing to worry about.

Yes, a visit with a naturopath is eye opening. They know so much. It's not like they get their license to practice from a cracker jack box like some think They have training for 4-5 years in a clinic. Most have a BS in science. My naturopath is Neil McKinney in Victoria. He has a website and is just a terrific person. He has written a great book that covers just about everything. I was very impressed with the knowledge level, compared to my onc MD who has a narrow approach to cancer and no knowledge of supporting the immune system (duh) before, during or after the poisoning. Had I known about the naturopath before chemo I would never have gone that route.

This naturopath has balanced my estrogens w/o the use of AI's or Tamoxifen. I had my regular MD do an estrogen test and they were curious to know how I balanced it w/o their so called first line drugs. Of course, there is a big disconnect between MD's and the natural, as opposed to unnatural remedies, which only make us sicker. But my MD is beginning to be very skeptical of drugs and more interested in natural remedies since she has seen the change for the better in me.

You're on the right track, Maud. 

tucker

dogsandjogs

Thanks so much for this link!  I will look for one immediately--

Anonymous

That's why AA, to make my trips worthwhile, I'm gonna insist on seeing THE primary guy who has a fellowship, very impressive background.  So sorry about this absolute mess you had to go through, woushhhh !  I just received copies of my whole file since dx which I asked for and found that one of the scans detected a dark area, possibly mets, and the onc never ever told me about this!!!!!  Am gonna confront him about it when I see him early April.  Kinda glad that a neuro took over; he has ordered the series of MRIs and he appears to be extremely competent.

Tucker, scary neurological symptoms, too many to list.  That's why I'm hoping the MRI shows I had a Tamox stroke, not mets  Thanks for praying for me, hugs sister  

dogsandjogs

I found one close to me!  Does insurance pay for a naturopathic physician?

dlb823

tucker, I've been a natural supplement user for almost 30 years, and have always taken things like B-Complex, C, E, calcium, EPA, CoQ10 and a few more. Post bc dx I've added lodoral, natural thyroid (TSH), D3, I3C, curcumin, green tea extract, testosterone cream, DHEA, and a mineral compound for osteopenia.  While my PCP and the integrative specialist @ UCLA were both supportive re. supplements in general and had already added the curcumin, green tea extract, D3 (even though I tested at 72 prior to any D3 supplement) and a mushroom extract to my regimen, my ND was the first to do the really indepth hormone testing and RX the low dose hormones.  I'm presently awaiting the results of the 2nd Complete Hormones Test I just did last week, and hoping those added hormones will result in improved numbers.

And I had the same thought you did after my last onc appt -- too bad our Western med and Eastern med docs can't pool their knowledge!  I know some integrative docs really do draw on both, but they're few and far between. 

dogs, coverage for NDs varies.  My insurance covers a lot of the cost of the tests, but not the actual visits.   Deanna

madpeacock

Maud: I'll have to research the EVening Primrose. I am very soy conscious, so I can't believe I would have missed that one. I'll doublecheck, but thanks for the heads up. I just started AdrenaVive, which is prescribed through my integrative med doc. I've done some adrenal support in the past through my naturopath, but I feel like this one is working better, i.e., I'm not waking up WIDE awake at 4 a.m. anymore. I think I am just having vivid dreams and maybe waking up, but going right back to sleep. I can do that. My cortisol tested super high in the a.m., so not unexpected that I was waking up early. 

tucker: I have looked at quercetin, but am trying to add only one-two things at a time to see what is working, or not. I have it on my list to research.  

Like I said before, I had super high estrogen. My doc prescribed progesterone cream which helped with the estrogen dominance symptoms. I started this in Dec 2009. That year my mammo was clear. Missed fall 2010 for partial hysterectomy. Had mammo in late July 2011 - remember, now been on progesterone cream for approx 18 months - 1.7 cm tumor. Hmmm.  Yep - ER/PR+ at 88/81%...

My insurance did not cover my naturopath, and my integrative doc was out of network, but all in all I had plenty of $$ after BC to qualify for tax break. And yes, I add in my supplements! Why not - I certainly spend enough..; ) 

AlaskaAngel

Tuckertwo, is the book title available through Amazon?

Thanks, Maud. One thing about the comparison of doctors is that when we go to a naturopath they pretty much know that we are interested in that approach from the getgo, whereas when a person sees a non-naturopath, those providers can't assume anything about our personal approach or preferences. While I don't agree with leaving it at that, I do have a huge amount of sympathy for conventional practitioners who face so many interactions with humans who actively consistently practice poor habits and yet want doctors to fix it so they can continue to practice poor habits. Even in my own family I have one close relative with a history of cancer x 2 over the last 13 years, and who still is choosing not to improve her health practices, doctor or no doctor.

A.A.

P.S. My health insurance covers naturopathic visits.

Anonymous

AA, don't know if your know about this center or if it is anywhere near where you are, did you say you were in Alaska, not sure, anyhow, take a look at this.  

http://www.avantemedicalcenter.com/ 

AlaskaAngel

Thanks, Maud. I am in Alaska, but distant enough from those sites that Seattle works best for me. I will try again there when I get the chance to go to the Lower 48 again.

Iamstronger

I see a naturopathic onc and a regular onc and my insurance pays for both. I live in a suburb of seaatle and my naturopath onc is Dr Reilly at Seattle Cancer tratment and wellness center. I had to wait a few months to get an appt with him, but so glad that i did. I love him.



I think combining eastern and western medicine is The way to go.



v

Quaatsi

Hi all,

i just wanted to post here a few questions. I am a bit confused with what is being said in these posts.  I am still doing chemo (Navalbine) and will finish soon but will have ongoing Herceptin.  I am expecting my Med Onc to prescribe Tamoxifen.  

I went to a NatOnc-- only one in town but there are so very few of them- specifically to ask about Tamoxifen and natural alternatives.  He said that he would not comment of taking Tamoxifen..or at least that is what I heard him say.   Is there or is there not alternative(s) to Hormone Suppression therapy.  And if so, could anyone outline them for me?  

My approach is and always has been -- as natural as possible.   I am NOT feeling all warm and cozy with the idea of Tamoxifen.... thank you so much!! Q 

Anonymous

Hi Quaatsi, I'm on Tamox and like you must have read about it, it's a very difficult drug to be on.  After two years, I'm tapering it off and replacing with DIM (if you type in DIM in the search function, you'll find tons of info from many many sisters using it instead of Tamox),  My combo supplement includes calcium D glucarate, I3C, green tea extract, turmeric, DIM, rosemary all really effective against bc.  Don't hesitate to ask questions, there will always be sisters to help you out.  

PS: if your naturopath did not want to comment on Tamox it's probably because he does not agree with the med but does not want to tell you to stop using it either, just a thought.... 

SelenaWolf

I have had few problems on tamoxifen; a few mild side effects in the beginning - which have tapered off the longer I have been on it - some weight loss issues and some residual moodiness, although my husband tells me the "mood swings" do not last as long as PMS, for which he is, eternally, grateful.

Although my MO is not really open to alternative remedies, both my GP and my pharmacist are and have been very good resources.  My pharmacist, especially, is up-to-date with many recent studies and can advise me what will complement my current meds and what I should stay away from.  He's invaluable; plus, he tracks all my meds and supplements via database, which keeps him completely informed about what I'm taking.

Anonymous

What a full circle, read these posts, decided to finally find an endocronologist that I would relate to, one who respects my beliefs, found on in Valparaiso, a family practice osteopath who deals with thyroid and all the bellss and whistles, was so very happy that he is accepting new patients, called and no he is not accepting new patients for 2+ mo -

WALL > MY HEAD > BAM BAM BAM

Same old same old.

But I did get an appt for consult, free w acupunturist at Eastwind in Chesterton.  Now to get ins to pay so we can afford to move.

So I come back to bco an find the pg that inspired me so long ago this morn.  hi all!  read every word,  and about the pms, i used to turn around after 3 days of evil or more much more evil and say WHAT THE H HAPPENED, WHO WAS THAT?  I'm glad those days are over now w the menopause taken, good thing. 

Anonymous

Essa, glad you found someone awesome, family practice osteopath specializing in thyroid issues, you lucky woman !  I love osteopaths ! and you're going for acupuncture, you'll be feeling like a million bucks woman  

Sure glad the pms days are over also, what a relief !!

nikibird

tucker, are you here in victoria too?

debuncktious

Hi dlb823,

I've been trying to stay on Raloxefene, but I have so many side effects.  I want to try a NP who can measurably reduce my estrogen.  Would you mind sharing your NP's name?  For me, the hormone therapy has been the most difficult part...I've had a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation but this part is just unbearable!!  Hope an NP can help...

Thanks 

Anonymous

Hi debuncktious,

I have been on supplements to lower the bad estrogen, and it's working. I don't take Tamoxifen or AI's. They made me sick. A good naturopathic oncologist physician will prescribe a formula for you, based on blood or saliva tests of your estrogen levels. I take grapeseed, quercetin, I3C (or DIM which is $$ and does the same thing as I3C) as well as green tea capsules - 700 mg day, much more than you'd get in several cups of green tea.

 I highly recommend an onc naturopath. I have had no SE's from these supplements - only good ones of less of the bad estrogens!! I am weakly ER+, BTW.

Good luck ~

tucker

Hipline

Deanna,

Can I ask who you see at UCLA?  Thanks. 

Anonymous

Hi Hadley ! are you still taking Tamox despite the endometrial pre cancerous cells ?  You see, this is one example of how helpful alt health practitioners can be and how much they are willing to extend themselves, i.e. for this nat onc to find a med onc for you in your city, that's awesome ! Keeping my fingers crossed that you will end up with both a nat onc and a med onc who care about you 

MsBliss

dbl, what type of hormone analysis is a good thorough one? 

MsBliss

Hipline, I can't answer for Deanna, but I saw Mary Hardy MD at the Simms Mann Center.  I think she is very smart, and I am glad that her services are available, however, I found most of what she told me to be already widely available info; she gave me an internet print out from a separate food and diet website.  The most interesting advice I got was about using something called Avemar, which later was reformulated and called Avemar Ultra.  She did not tell me about some of the fantastic mushroom compounds that are helpful for bc; both Avemar and AHCC are immune modulators.  She advised me to take a multi vitamin, which I later learned was not the best way to go because of the added copper in most of them.  I was a little disappointed in that my consult was cut short because of an outside issue, and they did not offer to make up the lost time.  It cost $350 for the visit which was three years ago.