My experiences with medical marijuana / cannabis
Comments
-
Hi roxyandtaze123, my dx is in my signature - IDC, Left, 3cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2+. Some research has shown cannabis causes tumor shrinkage, programmed cell death and reduced cases of metastasis, so I initially started taking it to see if it would have any effect on the size of the tumor. It did not. Scans showed it at approx 2.4cm, surgery proved it to be 3.2cm. I started taking cannabis March 14, surgery was Apr 27, so it wasn't really enough time (generally people report seeing shrinkage, or reduced markers with other types of cancers, after 6-8 weeks).
Now I'm taking it mainly for sleeping, nausea and pain relief, and it works incredibly well for those three things for me. If it also keeps mets away (I have an unidentified 7mm spot on my liver we're watching) then I'm very happy.
-
As I've now completed my second round of chemo, I thought I'd update this post. Chemo definitely interferes with medical cannabis.
The cannabis used to reliably "hit" about an hour or 90 minutes after I swallowed the capsule. (I put 1/4" of THC extract and 1/4" of CBD extract into half of an open, empty supplement capsule and swallow with a full glass of water, either on a full or empty stomach.) It would peak in 2-3 hours and last as much as 12 hours, which took care of any nausea and pain and allowed me to sleep very soundly through the night.
Now that chemo is affecting my digestion, ingesting cannabis is completely unreliable. It can take as much as 5-6 hours to feel any affect from the exact same amount of cannabis, and the effect is milder and shorter. This has gotten progressively worse the further into chemo I've gotten. If using it for somewhat immediate relief, this is very frustrating!
Now I have to smoke a little for the immediate effect, and consider the extract as a "timed release" that will help me sleep through the night. I've had some success with this but I hate smoking. I'm planning to gradually increase the dosage of extract to see if that improves things at all.
-
Cheesequake, that's exactly what I found, except I didn't start using g mmj until after chemo started. I hate smoking, but it is what works best! Hope you are having a reletivly smooth ride with chemo
-
Cheesequake, are you still having pain from the lumpectomy?
-
Hi Cheesequake
How are you doing? I appreciate all of the info you are providing on MM. I am wondering where you are and where you obtained your oil?
Thank you!
-
Momine, no the lumpectomy scars are healing just fine. MMJ provides pain relief when I have headaches (at least once a week since chemo started) and I still have minor pain and discomfort from my port. If I'm tired I'll find that my port and catheter get "tired" too, and if I sleep too long in one position it'll be sore and stiff for a couple hours. The MMJ really helps with that.
gaia032, I'm in Southern California. I got the extract from the California branch of Realm of Caring, which is in Los Angeles.
-
I was diagnosed with lobular cancer, stage one, in my right breast, in late Dec., 2014. I am 73 years old. the tumor was her+. I had a lumpectomy, then pneumonia from the tube down my throat. I also have CHF with an implanted pacemaker/defibrillator, high blood pressure (treated), Parkinsonism, fibromyalgia, IBS, osteoarthritis,, have had both knees replaced. Had 28 radiation treatments to right breast. Now they want me to take hormone therapy. I just discovered that an aspirin-sized piece of marijuana candy taken when I get up in the morning, keeps me out of pain for hours. I don't want any more treatment from the oncologists. I have had enough, and seek only to spend any remaining years pain free. Am I nuts, or has anyone else my age felt like this?
-
exactly. though I've had no conventional treatments, I use primarily essential oils topically, I'm now 78 & intend to remain u ndiagnosed unless I somehow lose my mind
-
Mags314, I'm not your age - as a matter of fact I only just turned 42 ten days ago - and haven't been through anywhere near what you've been through, and sometimes I STILL feel that I've had enough of conventional treatment. I had a lumpectomy and just had my 4th of 6 chemo treatments. I learned after the lumpectomy that I have a genetic disorder that makes it likely I'll deal with several cancers in my lifetime, and radiation increases those chances further, so I've been recommended a mastectomy after chemo. I am spending a lot of time thinking about what I want for my future. Quality of life vs quantity of life is a huge decision for all of us. Being pain free is an incredibly important part of that. I wish you all the best in deciding how to move forward.
In other news, I'm updating this thread to mention that I found yet another benefit of cannabis extract before bedtime. After my third chemo treatment, the night sweats started. If I have enough extract to put me to sleep, it keeps me asleep all night and I sleep though any hot flashes or night sweats - this is a godsend. Sleep is so important in the healing process, if I was dealing with insomnia and constantly being awakened by night sweats I don't know what I'd do. It is notable however that simply smoking marijuana isn't enough to keep me asleep all night - it definitely helps me get to sleep, but invariably I wake up around 2am and can't fall back to sleep. Extract is the only thing that's powerful enough to let me sleep though the night. Eating the leaves cooked in food or having an edible might have a similar effect but I'm not excited about experimenting with it in the event that it doesn't work as well.
I did find a very interesting article about marijuana and it's effects on REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Text below:
Marijuana, REM Sleep, and Dreams
People who smoke marijuana before bed often struggle to recall their dreams the next morning. Yet, when these individuals stop smoking, they tend to experience more vivid dreams than before.
Marijuana is known to affect various aspects of sleep, including activities that are not involved with dreaming. But there's a simple reason why marijuana users tend to have less dreams.
This phenomenon can be explained by how marijuana affects the sleep cycle, specifically a stage known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Marijuana and REM Sleep
The brain is most active during REM sleep and most dreaming is thought to occur during this stage. Numerous studies have shown that using marijuana before bed reduces REM sleep. Researchers believe this is why marijuana users report fewer dreams.
During the night, the brain cycles through 4 different stages of sleep, spending the most time in deep sleep (or slow-wave sleep) and REM sleep. The amount of time spent in these two stages is closely related. In fact, studies show that marijuana lengthens the time the brain spends in deep sleep, which leads to less REM sleep.
Ingesting THC or marijuana before bed also appears to reduce the density of rapid eye movements during REM sleep. Interestingly, less REM density has been linked to more restful sleep.
Most studies on marijuana and REM sleep have looked at the effects of THC. However, other compounds in marijuana may interfere with THC's effect on sleep. For example, CBD has been found to promote wakefulness compared to taking THC alone.
What Happens When Quitting
Regular users of cannabis experience an abnormal increase in REM sleep when use is stopped. This is called the REM rebound effect, which leads to longer and denser periods of REM sleep. The REM rebound explains why cannabis users often experience highly vivid dreaming when trying to quit.
The sleep disturbances that occur during cannabis withdrawal usually begin 24-72 hours after quitting and can persist for up to 6-7 weeks.
Interestingly, the REM rebound is not unique to cannabis use. Other substances that interfere with sleep, such as alcohol and sleep medications, can cause REM rebound too. What's more, people who are sleep deprived often undergo a rebound in non-REM sleep.
The rebound effect appears to be the body's way of coping with being deprived of certain stages of sleep.
The Importance of REM Sleep
While healthy people should avoid taking substances that alter their sleep, it's not clear whether the effect of marijuana on REM sleep is actually harmful. In fact, experts are still not sure why we need REM sleep.
On the other hand, deep sleep is believed to be the most important sleep stage for repairing and restoring the body. Likewise, studies show that when deprived of sleep, the brain prioritizes deep sleep over REM sleep.
While more research is needed, it's possible that the ability of marijuana to increase deep sleep, even at the expense of REM sleep, might turn out to be a good thing.
-
Mags, with a stage 1 cancer at 73 years old, I don't think that is nuts at all.
-
Smoking dope to break my Ativan habit. Valid strategy?? MJ keeps me asleep until about 4 am, which is about what Ativan bought me. And it helps with the anxiety. What do you ladies think?
-
I live in a state that mm is not legal.
I can get a joint, no problem, and I am going to try to get one. Only problem is I don't smoke and I am not sure how to do it. Maybe 1 or 2 puffs to start but can I just puff it in and puff it out with putting it thru my nose. Sorry if this sounds so stupid, just don't know.
One of the other wonderful ladies on one of these boards told me you can buy those vapor cigarettes. I will also look into that. I am hoping that this will help me with se's.
Rosieo
-
that's not a bad question! You have to suck the smoke down into your lungs and hold it for as long as possible. You will probably cough like crazy!
-
Hallocheesecake I'm new to this thread as I have been looking for some information on this subject. I was newly diagnosed in June of this year and have been on Pheonix tears since. In case anyone is unsure that is the name for the highly concentrated pot oil that is now being haled as a cure. It all gets pretty complicated but from what I've learned that the cannabinods in pot are extremely beneficial. Besides getting an appetite back and sleeping better and pain management . It's such a shame that the stigma surrounding this plant stops so many from enjoying it's benefits.
-
Rosieo what about ediblesI don't like smoking it but brownies I like.
-
hello Wendy
My wife is stage 4 breast cancer . Yestarday we were at PMH and got the news that the Exemestane was not doing the job and she would have to go on full chemo again. She is 91 lbs and not sure how full chemo will be tolerated. I'm very interested in the oil I'm sure it would help her appetite! If you can tell me your source it would be greatly appreciated!
Ti
-
Hi Timbo, welcome to Breastcancer.org! So sorry about your wife's diagnosis and problems with treatment, but you've come to the right place for information and support.
Besides this, there are other forums that you may be interested in, too:
- For Family and Caregivers of Members with STAGE IV Diagnosis
- The Husbands Corner(for family, friends, boyfriends, ect.)
Hope this helps,
The Mods
-
hallo Ti sorry about taking so long to get back to the thread I lost the thread for a bit because didn't seem anyone had been listening .. I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. The oil is very easy to take taste pretty crappy but it does increase your appetite substanctionally . I live in Vancouver Canada and it is legal here to purchase medical,marajauana .my husband is in Oregon and he said it is also available there. Check out the thread "life does not end with stage IV diagnosis (really)". We are discussing this subject there as well. Tons of great links and information there on where to get it in the USA. Take care and I wish your wife and you the very best.
-
Hi Cheesecake
Thanks for your great research for all of us newbies to CBD and cannabis in general. i've used cBD in dropper form since late October after getting my Med cannabis license. However the "realm of caring" sent me the CBD and it not illegal expect in state where it is. It has no psychoactive effects. I have/ had brain Mets that are gone surgically and with rads. they have a lot of good information on line, but they wanted me to little to no use of my hands- pardon typos. I have ER positive stage 4 metastatic diagnosis. I would like a definite answer on wither the CBD oil binds to estrogen receptors and appreciate your sharing links. ! I am happy its helping your chemo and sex drive since mien is down to 0.
AS to the vapes Ive not got one yet. I may but I want something to relieve pain as well because the THC will help with that . I tried a chocolate bar of sativa 10 mg THC. It ate it before bed, woke up two hour later feeling stoned. but since the brain tumor i have lost use of my right hand and right arm, and i hurt all night long. So I tried that THC and it worked t o keep me asleep all night. As to in day use I dont think I want that. With regard to healing brain mets that CBD oil is the Rick Simpson recipe. I have no idea how to do that I am assuming it takes loads of it-to make. I got a good report just yesterday on the brain, but the met was so large it knocked my hand and speech off lien a bit. the chronic pain is the one thing I needed relief from in the atrophied arm and hand. But I think you might want to watch " Forks Over Knives". There is information about the china study and cancer . Ive been clear of Mets now over 4 years due in part I think to vegan diet and juicing with vegetables. Each component of the holistic approach plus the medial model give us greater power to fight this dreadful disease.
The dispensary called to tell me they have vape pens in. i really dont know about all this yet. couple that with all the insurance problems from Met Life- denied my claim for home care for two years now- and I am totally disabled from stage 4 with seizures and all.It seems like all uphill battles alone.
My doc said yesterday he never had the pleasure of meeting anyone still well after a large brain met and so well informed about cancer alternatives. I figure they have no training ( or little) in nutrition because they are not taught that in school. What we need is to let Dr.s decide rather than the FDA what they want to use and give us choices.
lets hope we all benefits from the Cannabis oil and see some cured people in here! I wish you well.
thanks
Marcia
-
i am lucky that I moved to Arizona right before being dx again. I have been taking cbd oil capsules for 3 weeks. Didn't want to stay off with the rso yet. After doing some research I may try it. I have 6 more treatments left and I feel terrible! Ugh. Not sure if the capsules have helped my body. I do smoke it and that helps me feel better. I think the Rick Simpson oil is worth trying after watching you tube videos of people who used it. Can't hurt I guess I would try anything at this point.
-
Livin
What is rso?
Thanks
Rosieo
-
New York City has one dispensary open they have tincture only. NY will never offer leaf, edibles etc. My script is for 2:1, 1:1, 20:1 so i tried them all. The 2:1 did not do to well for my nerve pain but I was clear headed. The 1:1 worked best pain relief, not to loopy. 20:1 did nothing for me, no pain reduction, no better sleep, no high. I will keep some 2:1 around but primarily use the 1:1, the pharmacist said that works the best for most people. I bought a couple 20:1 to fiddle mixing for different ratios but I doubt I will bother.
-
I have been an advocate and spokesperson for legalizing medical marijuana in Florida. My story has been covered quite a bit and proud to say I was published in the Huffington Post:
It literally saved my life.
-
Beautifully written! I also live in a state where it is still illegal and am furious over the exact issues you address. My hope is that this can be changed sooner rather than later. We need it.
-
jbokland, I "enjoyed" your article, though it made me really mad! I have a person for you to hate: BILLIONAIRE WHO HATES MARIJUANA ENDORSES DONALD TRUMP
"The 82-year-old Adelson also vehemently opposes cannabis legalization and single-handedly defeated Florida's medical marijuana bill two years ago. With legal marijuana very much on the nation's (and Nevada's) agenda this fall, Adelson just gave Donal Trump his firm endorsement."
-
Hi
I am looking for a reliable high CBD strain cannabis (not hemp), in oil form, for my mother who has cancer. I am not picky about the state (it can be California, Colarado, Washington or Oregon) as long as there is a reliable brand. Any recommendations? -
Hi all.
I am new to your community. I have been diagnosed with Stage 2 ER+ PR+ HER2- breast cancer in April 2016. I didn't go for operation, chemo and radiation and went alternative way. So far it keeps the tumor stable. I now want to include cannabis oil into my protocol. I have read few articles and watched Christina Sanchez videos on youtube saying that for ER positive breast cancers high THC can cause tumor to grow. I would like to hear from anyone who has similar oncotype what ratio do you use and is it helping? Any comments would be appreciated. Still trying to figure out the ratio.
-
Rainbow~ I am looking for a thorough medical study on the use of MMJ by women with EST+ BC. I have yet to find one. My understanding is that the jury is still out on this one. Dana Farber cautioned me on this.
I think that CBD oil is becoming more widely accepted.
I have heard that Dr. Brian Lawonda and Aunt Zelda are two good online consultants.
If you find any information, please post here.
All the best to you,
GG
-
Alternative medicine are more accepted now a days due to it's promising results unlike pharmaceutical medicine, alternative medicine don't give negative effect such as kidney and liver problems when it comes to long term use. As for my alternative medicine usage, I use medical marijuana. Different strain has a variety of uses and effect depending on your needs. Like this marijuana strain bonzaseeds,com/blog/orange-crush/. This strain has a very potent effect on chronic pains like back pain and joint pain and a lot more.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team