Unique situation, tough spot. Long read. Sorry

Amyadipose

My 72 yr old mother has practiced and researched natural hygiene for over 30 years, we're non vaccinating (mostly) vegetarian family. I'm 49, and diagnosed with idc yesterday, consultation Friday for more info. I found lump and didn't do a thing for a couple months, but it was in the back of my mind daily, so I figured I'd get it checked out. My issue is my stepfather died of cancer less than 2 years ago. He was diagnosed with colon cancer and opted out of surgery and was doing fantastic for almost a year, felt better than he had in years following all the natural methods and regimens we've read so much about. But then started having physical issues. So he opted to go back to dr and found cancer had spread throughout his body. He decided to go traditional treatment too late, and it wasn't long before the chemo and radiation sped up his deterioration and he passed away. We will never know if he'd had surgery in the beginning if he'd be alive today. Id never ever bring that up to her. But now I'm in a position where I absolutely cannot tell my mother about my diagnosis, the one person I want with me through this. as shes still mourning his loss, it might kill her. Shes very fragile and in denial about her own declining health, and we're all recovering from my brother struggling with addiction issues. And she will be disappointed and angry that I got a biopsy and go into militant savior mode, which will not help my stress levels. If I opt out of traditional treatment and it doesn't end well, she will blame herself. If I go for treatment I will never hear the end of it, and the stress alone might kill me. So I've opted not to mention it at all. My plan is surgery and maybe some radiation and nothing more. I truly 100% believe that you can be cured naturally, but I also feel that in order to do so, you must be in a financial and emotional position to do so. I can't hop on a plane to Mexico, or go to spas or juice daily, or rest for that matter. I have to work. Also though it's not ideal, I personally know more women who have had this, gone through standard treatments and are fine. I do not want to experiment on myself out of spite for the medical establishment I guess. (Which I sometimes wonder about my mother, who is very outspoken and angry about modern medicine) I wish I could. Im cautious by nature and unless I had 10 close friends who healed themselves I'd go for it, but I'm in a small town where its unheard of. But realistically I'm not in a good place to harness my inner strength and my only quiet place to meditate is in my car in a grocery store parking lot. my homelife is stressful, from outside influences that I dont have the means of removing myself from right now, (aka crappy marriage, blended family stuff) so I feel that If I were to forgo traditional treatment I would have a similar outcome as my stepfather. The light of my life is my 19 year old daughter and she's incredible and supportive but I do not want to place any burden of responsibility on her. Seeing her live her life is what will get get me through this. I sort of regret even getting these tests, but don't want to regret letting it go. Does this make sense? Dear lord, I never knew what a mess my family was until I saw it in writing!! Part of the problem I think is that our family has NEVER had any health crisis or tragedy for 40+ years and now we're taking it in one lump sum (pun intended) and we don't know how to handle it. Couldn't find much help for this situation on Google, lol. Sorry for the novel.

voraciousreader

you are posting on the alternative thread, so you will get lots of support here if that is the route you choose. If you post on a just diagnosed on the “regular” threads, you will find equal support there as well. I think your issue right now is not so much about choosing what route is right for you, but how you will justify your treatment decision to your loved ones. It isn’t easy. So, my best advise is to treat yourself gently. Make as many doctor appointments as you can and then make your decision. Frankly, I shared my diagnosis with few people and my treatment decision with even fewer people. In fact, my mother was in her 80’s when I was diagnosed and I never told her about my diagnosis. She died recently at 93 never knowing about my illness and i was fine with that. I told my siblings and they never told our mom either.

I wish you well

wrenn

Aorry you have been diagnosed.Having the tumour removed will decrease the burden on your system and then you can decide if you want to do further conventional treatment or alternative.

Do what you can to minimize stress. You can deal with your mother or other family later. I would focus on getting the cancer out and getting as much information as you can. Be good to yourself.

Bornfighting

I am considering acupuncture to help me with the side effects of Arimidex generic. Has anyone tried the brand name? I am having problems swallowing the tablet. It is making my entire mouth sore. The brand name may be coated. Tonight I used whipped cream to help me swallow the tablet. Any advice would be appreciated. Has anyone else used acupuncture + Arimidex?

Bornfightin

Moderators

Bornfighting, welcome to Breastcancer.org! You'll find our community a very supportive and helpful place full of knowledge and great advice.

If you have questions about acupuncture sounds like it is probably best to to start your own new topic under the Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment. Let us know if you need help with that!

Best wishes,

From the Mods

LinnyG

Bornfighting - I just hung up from an acupuncturist. I'm taking anastrozole, 6 months into it. The hot flashes are dreadful but what's really getting me down is lack of sleep. Some nights ZERO sleep but mostly I fall asleep, then wake up a couple of hours later and up for remainder of the night (and day). Tried Benadryl, melatonin, Sleepytime tea. I am extremely active. Onc suggested Neurontin (gabapentin), but I just do not want another med. Soooo....leads me to acupuncture. I have an appointment on 5/20! I'll let you know how it works out.

chantoosy

LinnyG, I'm brand new here on this forum but I saw your difficulty with getting enough sleep, which is crucial, and I have couple of suggestions: A few months ago I bought pure CBD capsules--these are expensive (about $90. for 30) and you can't buy them in every state, but i'm in CA and here there are dispensaries--I started taking one 45mg capsule of a product called "Fiori Ease" about a half hour before bedtime and it gave a much more restful sleep from the first night, and got better with repetition. I haven't taken it now for a month or two and still sleep well. Another thing I have done is locating a hypnosis offering on Youtube that I like and play it in the afternoon, during or after which I experience a very restful nap; there are many on there to choose from and repetition is key for good results. Even though I'm a hypnotherapist, I find that someone else's voice works better for me than my own, or than self-hypnosis does. Most of my life I've never had a hard time falling asleep, but for many years now, even before the bc, I've used an antacid (Zantac or Pepcid) when I'm very restless and my body and/or mind won't relax and settle--I think being too acidic causes this kind of sleeplessness. Hope some of this can help you.