2nd diagnosis of stage IV - Looking for alternative solutions

J_Michele

I was diagnosed initially in '97 with a DCIS infiltration in my right breast. As a result, I underwent right breast mastectomy, 6 sessions of 3 chemicals all at once (Adriamycin, Cytoxin and Taxotere) followed by 5 yrs on Tamoxifen. In 2010 despite feeling great, I requested a CT only because I hadn't had one for 5 yr. They indicated 9 nodules in my lungs and recommended biopsy to know where they were malignant. The initial pathology report came back as 'normal lung tissue'. Then the radiologist challenged the pathologist who came back with an amended report of 'same chemical makeup of my original breast tumor'. I started on a regimen of Femara but stopped after 10 months because it caused too much physical pain. Within that time I also had a hysterectomy. In 2015 my insurance company declined the prescribed CT because my nodules had all continued to decrease in size or disappear. The scan did end up getting done but indicated 'no CT findings of recurrent or metastatic disease'. Blood work including tumor markers indicated the same.

Went on a diet in early November due to chronic heartburn issues, otherwise feeling good, which turned into extreme physical fatigue. Thinking it was my body making a change in sugar levels I pushed through until mid Dec. At that time went to a walk-in clinic thinking thyroid only to find that all my blood work was beautiful except for my liver enzymes. Alkaline Phosphatase = 589; AST = 399; ALT = 211. From there I went to my oncologist who tested tumor markers and my CA27.29 is 1700 (never been above 25) and CEA 34 (never been above 1.5). My CT reported low-density, ill-defined lesions throughout my liver and a plural effusion on my lower right lung where I had had the biopsy in 2010. With that, they've diagnosed me with a new metastasis. I've agreed to starting Faslodex (500 mg) scheduled for my 2nd dose 1/10/19. I've declined iBrance. I'm eating a whole food diet on a intermittent fasting schedule. Taking supplements as I learn what my body needs. Exercising daily to the extent I can. For the last 2 days I'm encouraged by a noticeable increase in energy.

Does anyone have experience with alternative/integrative care options?

vlnrph

Sorry, I do not have much faith or experience in substituting alternative care for evidence-based medicine but am curious about your decision to accept Faslodex therapy. You don't mention liver biopsy or pathology reports from these new areas of concern. How do you know that anti-estrogen treatment is warranted?

DivineMrsM

JM, wow, you've been through a lot dealing with bc. I, too, am a huge believer in conventional medicine. In addition, I also believe in complimentary approaches that can adopted to treat the whole person.

My suggestion is to read the book, “Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds" by Kelly-A.-Turner, PhD. It was very insightful. The author studied and researched and found nine different ways some terminally ill patients turned their life around. It's not to say everyone who follows these ways suddenly is no longer ill. But there are things you can do to benefit your life. Exercise, as you are doing, is one of them. Another is eliminating stress in all areas of life where yu can.

Best wishes to you.