anyone do chemo plus alternat. trmt. instead of hormone

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anyone do chemo plus alternat. trmt. instead of hormone

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  • mom2daughters
    mom2daughters Member Posts: 134
    edited April 2008

    Hi, I am 46 and have one more round of TC left.  I am er/pr+ and would like to go the alternative/holistic route when I am done with chemo instead of taxoxifen.  Anyone else choose this route.  Thanks.

  • erickcarpenter
    erickcarpenter Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2008

    My wife chose I3C at 400mg per day. So far, so good. She also chose not to do chemo or radiation. CT scan scheduled for later this year, but close to 2 years now, and all clear.

    There are other alternatives besides I3C, and some very well researched folks here that I am sure will be able to help you find an alternative to Tamoxifen.

  • rubytuesday
    rubytuesday Member Posts: 2,248
    edited April 2008

    Erick, Can I ask why she is having a CT scan??  There is a HUGE amount of radiation involved with a CT scan.  In the absence of symptoms, scans are unnecessary IMO and also in the opinion of the National Board of Oncologists.  Best wishes

  • erickcarpenter
    erickcarpenter Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2008

    We are making sure that we have all the bases covered, however, after this CT, there will be no more. and we may choose otherwise, as she too has the same concerns. I just don't want any "surprises" like John Edward's wife got. as with many metastisis, there is few, if any symptoms.... and an MRI is not possible, as she has an anyeurism clip in her head from when she blew one when she was 28. (lucky again, no damage from that either)... and it is unknown if it has magnetic properties or not. sooo. no MRI. So we go with the 2nd best tool.

    And thanks! all wishes greatfully accepted.

  • rubytuesday
    rubytuesday Member Posts: 2,248
    edited April 2008

    Hmmmm Erick, I'd really do some more research on that.  For one thing, just because nothing shows on a CT scan doesn't mean nothing is there so the reality is that it may just be unnecessary exposure to radiation which could be harmful and could actually cause cancer.  There was a HUGE article in LEF's magazine awhile back about how much cancer is caused by medical testing.  If you search their website you may be able to find it or just do a Google search.  The other question would be, IF something untoward shows on the CT scan what will your wife do about it since she isn't having any symptoms?  Will this change what she is doing??  To date, there is no 'cure' for metastatic cancer.   She could also hold off on scans until (and hopefully it will be NEVER), her tumor markers go bonkers.... Just some food for thought.  Best wishes to you and your wife and BTW, I don't think I ever told you just how awesome you are to support her and do research for her on her journey!!!!

    Just wanted to add that I don't want to sway your wife from what she feels is necessary to her health (both physical and mental)....just wanted to offer the flip side to ponder.  :) 

  • erickcarpenter
    erickcarpenter Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2008

    We have actually had that conversation last night. we are going to sit down and debate the idea of the CT scan. She made the comment, that even if they found something, she would do everything the same, just "bump it up a notch". So we appreciate the "flip side". keep that coming!

    Erick

  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited April 2008

    Erick,

    Good to have this discussion. If the CT shows something vague, and your wife is asymptomatic, the doctors will still push for more testing to get  good diagnosis. (It covers their butts.) But why do all the testing if there are no symptoms, and it doesn't change the outcome or your personal plan of care?

    That's the problem with screening post-cancer. You end up with lots of tests that are expensive or possibly harmful, and for what...

    Good luck,

    Anne

  • erickcarpenter
    erickcarpenter Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2008

    And that conversation went well. She has pretty much decided against the CT scan, will keep up with the blood markers, and the urine test that Bill Henderson reccomended. The point she agreed with is that she would do nothing different even if they did find something. So, thank you ladies, I appreciate your input.

  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited April 2008

    Try thermographic (spell) but make sure you get someone who knows how to use it.

    You also may want to read the just released book "The Breast Stays" I'm sorry I can not remember the author's name.  She healed herself with Protocel and goes into a lot about what to do to monitor your progress.  She did do CT Scan but ever little.

    Flalady

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