Rejecting Biopsy

Technodeb

I found a breast lump a few weeks ago and had a diagnostic mammogram as well as an ultrasound. The doctor found a 7mm solid breast mass (fairly small, all things considered) and wanted me to have an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. After much research, I decided NOT to have that procedure and, instead, to pursue alternative methods to handle my breast health issues. I have been a proponent for natural health for many years and have had much success, including assisting an employee's sister who was diagnosed with a breast lump as well. We put together an extensive protocol, and she returned to the doctor after six months with no sign of the breast lump. He categorized her as "low risk" for cancer.

I am not speaking for anyone else but myself, but it would be great to find some like-minded people who are pursuing alternative avenues to discuss things that work.

I am focusing on clean diet / juicing as well as pancreatic enzymes, herbs, teas and oils that are all scientifically proven to halt or kill cancer cells (each of the items below links to a corresponding scientific study when this is viewed on my own web page, but I wasn't allowed to post that version here...they don't allow outside links...however, I would be happy to share the science behind any of these items).

I have scoured the Internet, and people using alternative methods NEVER share enough details to make it viable for anyone else. So, I am sharing my protocol in great detail so that it might be helpful to others:

8:00 am

Warm water w/ lemon (4 oz)
Pancreatin Enzyme

8:15 am

Rotate these supplements (take a different one each morning):
Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
Ashwagandha
Fucoidan

8:30 am

Breakfast (see recommended foods)
Drink Concord Grape Juice

9:30 am

Rotate these teas:
Pau D'arco (Taheebo) Tea
Matcha Green Tea
Oolong Tea

11:00 am

8 oz Sweet Juice (see recipes)
Vitamin K

12:30 pm

Lunch (see recommended foods)
Probiotic

2:00 pm

CoQ10

2:30 pm

Rotate these teas:
Pau D'arco (Taheebo) Tea
Matcha Green Tea
Oolong Tea

3:30 pm

Afternoon Snack (Nut, Fruit, and Dark Chocolate Mix)
Max3 IP6 & Inositol Plus Maitake & Cat's Claw

5:30 pm

Pancreatin Enzyme

6:00 pm

Dinner (see recommended foods)
Curcumin

8:00 pm

8 oz Green Juice (see recipes)
Rotate adding these powders to the drinks:
Raw Organic Perfect Food (Garden of Life)
Ultra Juice Green Powder (NaturesPlus)
Rotate:
1/2 tsp Manuka honey w/ 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Aloe Arborescens

10:30 pm

Eat a snack (orange, a bowl of bran cereal, etc.)
Fish Oil (Omega-3, Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
Moringa Oleifera

Bed Time

Mix 1 teaspoon Pomegranate Seed Oil with five to eight
drops of one or more of the following essential oils:
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis)
Rose (Rose Centifolia)
Cinnamon
Jasmine (Jasminum Grandiflora)
Lemon
Curry Leaf Oil
Bergamot

Apply the mixture to breasts, neck, and wrists.

Every day:

• Drink 32-64 ounces of water.
• Sit in the sun.
• Exercise (arm lifts, etc.).
• Soak your feet or take a bath in Epsom salt.
• If possible, eat a single helping of the original Budgwig recipe.

I personally do not believe that some of the alternative protocols being touted on the Internet are powerful enough to turn the tide on cancer; but, in combination, there is much promise. I have seen it first-hand. Pancreatic enzymes, matcha green tea, carrot juice, Fucoidan, flax oil, etc. are each powerful components...

I have been on my protocol for nearly one week, and my horrific breast inflammation (could barely touch either breast even lightly without pain) has subsided. The hard, palpable lump is now a soft, palpable lump, and I have already seen a dramatic change in my body. I intend to follow this protocol for six months, altering it as I research and learn more.

Beesie

Most breast lumps - about 95% - are not cancer. In fact only 20% of breast lumps that warrant a biopsy turn out to be cancer.

It sounds like your lump and inflammation might be an infection, and hopefully your regimen is successful at clearing it up. Good luck to you.

Technodeb

Exactly! This is one of the reasons I rejected the biopsy. If it's not cancer, the doctors may or may not remove the lump based on its type, how quickly it might grow, etc. If it IS cancer, they will either attempt to eradicate it with chemotherapy and/or radiation, or they will perform a lumpectomy. However, they will most likely insist on a round of chemotherapy and/or radiation after the lumpectomy. Why? To clean up the seeding that has a 94% chance of occurring in the days or weeks following the biopsy (this forum doesn't allow me to link to scientific studies, or I would share the link to the study that confirms this).

Indeed, the medical community is aware of this seeding dilemma. Sure, they take precautions. They mark the biopsy needle pathway with a titanium marker so that the follow-up surgeon has a better chance to "clean up" that mess, referred to as "prophylactic surgical removal of the needle track". And, there are many articles that explain the extremely low probability that these rogue cancer cells will remain viable and implant themselves elsewhere in the body. But I wasn't willing to take that risk, which is why I rejected the biopsy and am proceeding with a cautionary alternative protocol.

pupmom

I had a lumpectomy with 2 positive nodes, and did not get chemo. My OncotypeDX score indicated I was more likely to die from chemo than no-chemo. Of course I followed the standard of care by taking Aromasin. Almost all doctors follow the guidelines mine did. It's a complete myth that a positive bc dx leads immediately to chemo.

Technodeb

That's great. I'm glad you were happy with your options!

pupmom

Yes, I am! Almost 8 years out and living large! Best wishes to you!

Beesie

Technodeb, the other way to look at it is that if you have the biopsy and the finding is benign, then you know that you don't have breast cancer and you can move on.

If the biopsy shows cancer and you know that you don't want rads, you can tell the surgeon performing the lumpectomy that you want the biopsy track removed. Frankly, that's good advice even for those who do plan to have rads.

Surgery alone is thought to 'cure' approx. 70% of early stage breast cancers. Other treatments such as rads (for those who have a lumpectomy), chemo (when warranted, which is not the case for many early stage cancers) and endocrine therapy and/or Herceptin (as appropriate based on the hormone status of the cancer) provide an insurance policy for some, and are life-saving for others - the problem unfortunately is that there is no way to know who will fall into each category. But surgery is the one single treatment that by far has the greatest success rate and on it's own provides the greatest payback in terms of survival rates.

That's not to convince you to change your mind - odds are that you don't have cancer anyway - but just to provide facts so that you make an informed decision

Mavericksmom

I think you are making a mistake. While I respect your right to make choices, the biopsy is not a big deal, especially an ultrasound guided biopsy and it would give you answers. I almost didn’t have a biopsy in 2003 because of something a friend said. Good thing I had it done, I had early stage IDC. You can’t cleanse that away.

You are foolish if you don’t have the biopsy. There are all kinds of “healthy” alternatives once you know what you are dealing with. Most likely it is benign, but a biopsy is the ONLY way to know for sure.

It’s your body, do what you want, if you have nobody, husband, partner, child depending on you, but if you have people close in your life, know that what you decide will not simply effect you, but all those who love you!

I’m refusing the AI for reasons that only apply to me, and its an agonizing choice for me. I discussed my decision with my husband and grown children, but it still isn’t easy. I understand wanting to go the natural route, but please do that after the biopsy when you know exactly what you are dealing with!

As someone who had breast cancer twice, do yourself a favor and get the biopsy

Technodeb

I guess I should have read some of the other posts here on the Alternative Medicine area before posting. I have taken the time to do that now, and I realize that this is not a supportive or safe space. Instead, it's dominated by those who are against alternative medicine. I get it. You all oppose this idea strongly and insist on making your arguments. Sorry...wasn't what I was seeking. I assumed that this area was created FOR people who were investigating or pursuing alternatives, and I was hoping to find some like-minded women. My mistake...I'm out. God bless.

Trishyla

I'm always surprised by the defensive attitude of those who post that they are foregoing conventional treatment, and relying only on alternative methods. Even though this has been posted on an alternative treatment thread, it is still on Brestcancer.org, which is committed to providing the most accurate and up to date information on breast cancer screening and treatment.

The women (and men) who reply to posts usually have one aim: to provide information and support to others going through breast cancer. They are not necessarily trying to dissuade you from your choice, rather most want to make sure you are making a truly informed decision, based on provable facts, not wild, improbable claims. They really do care.

The one thought I have when I see posters "pick up their ball and go home", simply because someone questions their choice is if you can't stand up to the scrutiny of strangers on an imternet forum, are you really that confident in your decision? This is your life you're talking about here. You better be 1000% certain that this is the choice that's right for you.

When you are completely confident in the path you've chosen to walk, you can simply thank the poster for their concern and continue on your way.

I wish you all the best in your treatment and recovery.

Trish

LoriCA

Technodeb, with all respect it's not that people don't support your position, it's that you haven't even been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Cancer can only be diagnosed with a biopsy. It's disrespectful to the people here, some of whom are fighting for their lives, when you talk about how you are going to treat something that you likely don't even have (I say "likely" because there are a e few clues in your posts that would lead one to think it is likely benign, plus the fact that 80% of biopsy findings are benign), and then tell us that you see signs that it's already working to "cure" you. Lumps can be from several benign things, usually a cyst or a fibroadenoma, You don't say how old/young you are but if you still get menstrual periods your hormones can cause lumps to fluctuate.

If and when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, by all means share your treatment approach.

hapa

What LoriCA said is exactly why I don't trust anecdotal evidence of alternative cures.

Meow13

I am pretty sure technodeb has left BCO. I think she was hoping to share her treatment approach, she may or may not have cancer.

L-O-R-I

A biopsy doesn't always tell the story about what is going on.  I had a biopsy and was told I had a small ductal papilloma.  I chose to have it removed, as I had had a couple removed in my past.  It wasn't until 3 weeks later that I found out it was DCIS.  Quite a shock!  So even if Technodeb has a biopsy, and it comes back benign, she may still have breast cancer.  I say good for you, Technodeb!!  You should be treating it like it is cancer, just in case it is.  Why is this an "Alternative Medicine" forum if people come on here criticize people that chose the option of "Alternative Treatment"?  And before anyone thinks of saying that Technodeb wasn't criticized and demeaned for her posts, re-read the above posts that followed hers.  Very sad that most people weren't appreciative of her sharing from her heart, what she believes, and maybe taking something from it that could be helpful.  Thanks Technodeb, for the encouragement to be healthier by exercising more and drinking plenty of water every day.  Hopefully you will find a more friendly forum to share in.      Lori

Mavericksmom

L-O-R-I, WOW, you really don’t get it do you? I can see why you agreed with TechnoDeb

exbrnxgrl

Though I fully endorse everyone's right to make their own tx choices, whether I agree with them or not, the header for the alternative forum contains this sentence:

“Breastcancer.org does NOT recommend or endorse alternative medicine.“

If I were looking for a supportive site/community for alternative tx, I would think that sentence speaks volumes, but that's just me.

Additionally, I do feel it's a bit disingenuous to talk about treating a disease that you are not even sure you have. But again, that's just me

Beesie

I think my previous posts were self-explanatory, but in case not:

1. Given that 80% of biopsies are benign, given the description of her breast problem and given that the condition has already started to subside, I'd say the odds are very high that Technodeb does not have breast cancer. So there is probably little risk to Technodeb passing on having a biopsy.

2. That said, personally I think that even if someone is certain that they will pursue alternate treatment, it is helpful and important to know what condition you are dealing with. What is it that you trying to cure with the alternate treatment? Breast cancer? An infection? A breast cyst? Wouldn't it be helpful to know?

3. I also think that even if someone wants to pass on conventional treatment, it is still wise to consider at least having surgery to remove any cancerous tissue that is in the body. That single procedure will tremendously increase the odds of survival, whether the patient continues with conventional treatment, alternate treatment, or no treatment.

4. I do have a concern with those who have a health condition (a breast lump, for example) but do not have a diagnosis of cancer (either because they refuse to see a doctor or refuse to have a biopsy), and who then claim to be "cured" of cancer by alternate treatment. The internet is full of these stories yet more likely than not, the original condition was not cancer and there has been no cure. This would be the situation that Technodeb would be in, should she proceed with no biopsy (and therefore no diagnosis of cancer) but continue with her alternate treatments to address her breast health issues.

5. My objective in commenting in this thread was to provide factual information relevant to Technodeb's situation, to help ensure that whatever decision she makes, she is making it with good information. Some of the points she made in her original post with regard to conventional treatments were not fully accurate and I thought it was important that she have the fact. As per points 2 and 3 above, I don't agree with the choice to not have a biopsy or not have surgery, but everyone has the right to make her own decision.

6. I hope that Technodeb rejoins the discussion or at least is still visiting the site. I think her idea to share the specific protocol that she is following is fabulous, and I wish others who pursued alternate treatment did the same.

7. I wish Technodeb well and I hope that she does not have breast cancer and resolves whatever health issue she does have quickly and easily.

DivineMrsM

I have to side with those who make the point that technoDeb hasn't even been diagnosed with bc so why come to a bc forum and start a thread.

It doesn't sit well with some members when a person comes to the forum new and thinks they are going to make a big splash trying to dole out information like we haven't already heard it before. Come on, this is the internet. I am always suspicious with newbies who think they have all the answers. Usually a person joins this forum to gain insight, information and support. Technodeb wants to be an immediate authority. It really doesn't work like that around here. You gotta prove yourself and become better known by other members.Every once in awhile, a newbie comes on and thinks she's got all the answers and we are just gonna be easily led and that's simply not the case. As was stated, the moment the op was challenged, she left.

Ever get a new co-worker, new neighbor or someone new marry into your family and right out of the gate they think they're the ones with all answers? Not my favorite type of personality.

wrenn

I’m curious to know (genuine interest not snark) why you chose to have an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram? I think it is great to pursue a healthy lifestyle cancer or not but assuming I had cancer would increase my stress level which would tax my system

Ghofer

You are very wise. Had my biopsy on both breasts in August. 2018 it’s now April 25, 2019 tremendous amount of pain no one will call me back from HonorHealth. Was bruised for weeks and weeks. The pain is horrible and constant burning. I’m not sure what to do. I wish I would have never done it.

Ghofer

Regarding biopsy I am new at this website I'm not sure if I'm on the right page. I wanted to reply to the few people that are having the same problem after 6+ months. I read on the Internet from someone that's a member here. Regarding having the biopsy's. I come from a family of breast cancer. At the age of 40 I do not recommend it. I'm very tuff and in constant pain.

gb2115

Hi Ghofer, sorry you are in constant pain from your biopsies. Have you tried to seek a second opinion from another doctor? Most women do not get chronic problems from breast biopsies!

exbrnxgrl

ghofer,

I am sorry for the pain you experienced. This is uncommon and while most of those who have biopsies may experience some discomfort, great pain is rare. That being said, biopsy is the defining moment in a bc diagnosis (yes, things can change after the surgical pathology report). The op was hoping to treat her “condition “, which may or may not be bc, vía alternative medicine. Now, everyone has the right to choose any treatment they wish, but at the very least I think everyone should know exactly what they are treating.

Babsinbloom68

Gohfer...this is my first post on this Forum. I'm sorry you are still in so much pain and I'm wondering if maybe you might have a staph infection, etc. in the breast they biopsied. I'm also wondering why you never heard anything back from the place where you did the biopsy? 

Please see a Doctor about your pain...it is not normal for you to be in such pain for this long. I'm praying you may find the answer and have some relief from that pain real soon.

1redgirl

I have a friend with bc. She refuses to even have surgery. She can feel the tumor which after a year is still the same size. She does alternative therapies. She is a very serious person. I would never try to change her mind. We share info. We wish each other well in our journey. She does what she thinks will help and I do what I think will help me.

There is no cure for breast cancer at this time. I read every single day about cancer. People that know me laugh at how serious I am about looking for answers. To look for answers is to be open minded. Something is trying to kill many of us. Often our life stories are very different and so hard to find any correlations. I do not dismiss any possibilities. Even one successful story bears scrutiny. Leave no stone unturned. All the books I have read have been valuable. I love the research and acquiring knowledge. Don’t be so quick to dismiss.

AliceBastable

1redgirl, did your friend have a biopsy? If not, she could just have a cyst or a lipoma or some other benign growth. And I'm one person who does not buy into the "no cure for breast cancer." For some types of breast cancer, unfortunately, there is no cure, but the condition can be managed for years for some of those patients. And for many others, especially those with with lower grades and stages, surgery and/or chemo and/or radiation and/or anti-hormonal drugs does get rid of it - which is a cure. I consider myself cured until and unless tests show otherwise. I know a lot of women in their 60s and 70s who had breast cancer years ago and have not had a recurrence. It's like having a broken arm. You can have one, get it set, let it heal, then you're cured. It doesn't mean you'll never break it again or that you won't break the other one, but until and unless that happens, you are not a broken arm patient for the rest of your life.

gb2115

I think the saying there's no cure thing is because of breast cancer's tendency to lay dormant. You can think it's gone (cured) but cells hang out until they decide to grow again. It can be many years later but still be metastatic cells from the original tumor. Doctors are going to hesitate to use the word cure because of that. Tell someone they are cured and 10 years later surprise the cancer is back, but it never really left. In this litigious society it's professionally safer for them to use NED than call someone cured and have them get mad later when it shows up in their bones.

MarciaM

Hello Ladies ;

So Im a real believer in alternatives and remain NED after 8 years following Mets to teh brain. I currently do a whole gamut of healthy foods, vegan diet primarily, and exercise as well as lots of supplements.

I do try to help those who are interested to learn the vegan lifestyle and as well the essentials oils, the many supplements that worked for me and were recommended to me by Alternative cancer doctors.

Ive written teh vegan healthy diet cookbook and if you'd like a copy I have them in pdf . it includes some but not all of the alternatives that I know. its my own recipes which are plant based.

If you want to contact me you can. Im amazed myself that I am still here although the brain tumor was not caught in tie to save my right hand. i am an artist and writer, it was that hand.

Ive had a very hard life now with permanent disability. doing daily tasks and even dressing is difficult. I will over all count my blessings . If I had it again I would not do surgery chemo or radiation now. I might do brain radiation because that was the only thing that worked alongside brain surgery. So far so good!

Marcia .