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Say NO to Chemo?

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Poll Question: What have you tried outside of traditional treatment?
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tammyj44 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tammyj44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 02 2010 at 2:33pm
Juicing vegetables extracts all the nutrients from the fiber. So when drinking fresh vegetable juice the nutrients go straight in to your system without the body having to use energy to break down and seperate the nutrients from the fiber during digestion. For example an 8 oz glass of carrott juice equals approx. 5 lbs of carrotts. You're getting the nutrients in the 8 oz glass without having to sit and eat 5lbs! Of course our bodies still have to have fiber so you're suppose to eat fresh organic raw vegetables for meals but throughout the day juice as well. I never thought I'd like carrott juice but now I love the stuff! You can mix any greens with it and it still tastes like carrott juice. That's the only way I can juice greens is to do about 50% carrott with it! You have to get organic juicing carrotts to have the sweet flavor. Carrotts you by at the local grocery are bitter! I use to drive to St. Louis to Whole Foods Market to get them and then I came across a Mennonite man that runs an organic grocery locally and he orders them for me. God keeps putting the right people in my path. The Mennonite man is a nutritional practitioner and a wealth of information!
Tammy
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bratlee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 02 2010 at 2:49pm
Tammy, Thanks so much for the info.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote keepthefaith Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 1:40am
Hi all,
I thought I might join in on this discussion.  To update....I was diagnosed with TNBC tumor 3cm, 0 nodes in Nov. 06.  Bilat Mastectomy with reconstruction.  Did 4AC/4 Taxol.  Fine until Nov. 08 when recurrance was found in upper mediastinal area, supraclavical nodes and lower neck.  Abraxane/Avastin X 18, 35 Rads.  Clear scans til Nov. 09.  Recurrance in lower mediastinal and hilar region.  Ixempra/Avastin started.  I recieved one dose, got a wonderful (NOT) abcess in a bad area.  Had to stop chemo for 6 weeks due to surgical procedure to take care of the abcess.  So, now I had to wait with no chemo.  What to do?  Well, I read a lot and decided to do the "Budwig" protocol.  Flaxseed oil mixed with cottage cheese daily.  I juice carrots, celery and a green apple every day.  I eat no sugars, no white fours, no meat.  I only have fruits, veggies, legumes, some fish.  I went to my Dr. for a check-in Thursday.  He was surprised I had lost 16 pounds since Nov 18 (that is what eating right will do!).  I FEEL wonderful!  More energy than I have had in a while.  We scheduled chemo to start again on Jan. 20, Ixempra/Avastin every three weeks.  But, he wants to do a CT scan on Jan. 18th to see what has happened with 6 weeks off treatment.  Wouldn't it be just wonderful to see nothing!!??!!  I can hope and surely am praying for that.  My last two bouts have been found with NO SYMPTOMS....just a routine PET.  I was to have them once a year.  So I have been blessed you might say by finding it early before symptoms appear.  I will update for sure how the scans come out and how my health is different by staying on this "lifestyle change" during chemo.
 
Christine
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123Donna View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 123Donna Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 6:00am
Christine,

I'm so sorry to hear about your recurrence.  Please keep us posted on your progress and how your scans go.  It sounds like juicing is really helping you and giving you the energy you need. 

Donna
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mrsmurphy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 13 2010 at 10:50am
Wow Christine I am so impressed with you!  My husband got me a juicer for Christmas, its still in the box!  I need some motivation to get juicing....think I'll go to Costco after radiation today!
 
Mrs. Murphy
33yo mom to 6 dd, diag 6/09, while preg w twins! Grade 3, stage 2 tumor (4cm), 2 pos lymph, triple neg, dble mast 7/09, chemo done Nov 09, radiation done Feb 10! BRCA -, new boobs sched for July!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Karen W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 17 2010 at 12:18am

Hi Tammy.

I am in Brown County IN and shopped at Bloomingfoods. All Organic Grocery and I found the carrots with the greens still attached. Can't wait to get home and juice them.
 
I met with Dr. George Sledge yesterday- He is considered "THE" TNBC- Internationallhy renowned specialist. He is awesome and I think every woman with this disease should see him.  He is so knowledgeable about the disease and different studies that have happened. He truly seems to understand this disease and best how it should be handled.   
DX July 07; lumpectomy,Chemo 4 sesions,36Rad; DX Oct 09;36 Rad;Metastatic Clavical lymph nodes in neck; chemo pending****CHEMO NO LONGER PENDING. DR SLEDGE SAYS NO CHEMO SHOULD BE USED (4 my case)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Karen W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 17 2010 at 12:21am
I have heard about the flax seed oil and cottage cheese but I don't know what it is for... Does anybody know?Smile
DX July 07; lumpectomy,Chemo 4 sesions,36Rad; DX Oct 09;36 Rad;Metastatic Clavical lymph nodes in neck; chemo pending****CHEMO NO LONGER PENDING. DR SLEDGE SAYS NO CHEMO SHOULD BE USED (4 my case)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bratlee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 17 2010 at 8:48am
http://home.online.no/~dusan/diseases/cancer/cancer_dr_budwig.html
Here is a link to explain the flax/cottage cheese.  Not sure what I think about this yet myself???  Good luck!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mrsmurphy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 17 2010 at 11:34am
Karen, thats so awesome that you found that Dr., I am looking forward to hearing what all he advises for you!  we are military, and so even though I have been dealing with this only since June, I am on my 5th oncologist.  Its really sad when you have to explain to the dr what you have.  REALLY sad.  But, it is what it is and I am in God's hands.

Have a great Sunday!
Mrs. Murphy
33yo mom to 6 dd, diag 6/09, while preg w twins! Grade 3, stage 2 tumor (4cm), 2 pos lymph, triple neg, dble mast 7/09, chemo done Nov 09, radiation done Feb 10! BRCA -, new boobs sched for July!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mrsmurphy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 17 2010 at 11:51am
Tammy, just rereading posts, wanted to let you know I am praying for you and your sister, identical twins are close to my heart, mine are nearly 7 months old!  Actually, I am praying for all of you!  Always, every day. 

Is there any dr who doesnt say, I think you will be fine??  I think they have to say that.  Yesterday I had a new idea, that we dont really have any cancer, and have been randomly picked to be test subjects for all these drugs and treatments.  What are the physical symptoms of cancer?  Ive had lumps and bumps and things that were "totally normal", and then this one lump is "fatal in months if not treated aggressively". 

sigh, its just my imagination, right?  If I just ignore it maybe it will go away?  LOL!!!

trying not to be cynical,
Mrs. Murphy
33yo mom to 6 dd, diag 6/09, while preg w twins! Grade 3, stage 2 tumor (4cm), 2 pos lymph, triple neg, dble mast 7/09, chemo done Nov 09, radiation done Feb 10! BRCA -, new boobs sched for July!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bratlee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 17 2010 at 12:36pm
Mrs. Murphy,  Interesting concept, test subjects, LOL.  You never know. Best of luck to you!
Kim
DX 06/02,ER,PR+,StageIIb Grade3 0/nodes Lumpectomy, Chemo A/C 4x, Rads 35 - DX New Primary, 08/09 TNBC Stage1, Grade3, 0/nodes, Bilateral Mastectomy,Tram Flap, Chemo C/T 1x,(allergic reactions)No Rad
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tammyj44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 18 2010 at 11:39pm
Mrs. Murphy,
Thanks for praying for my sister and I. She hasn't found out anything yet. She has an appt. in February. She didn't want it moved up because she just took out a health insurance policy at work that went in force Jan 1rst. She can't be diagnosed with anything in the first 30 days or the insurance won't cover it! Sucks that our lives lie in the hands of insurance companies! Or in my case praying that the "good" doctors will see me because I'm self employed and have no health insurance! Anyway, we're praying that her lump isn't cancer!
You are in my prayers as well as the other women on here! Wow! Cancer is such a devastating diagnosis, but to be pregnant with twins and find out on your birthday!!???
I also have some of the same thoughts as you that we're all ok and just guinea pigs for drug companies! My results from my biopsy were so messed up that I have thoughts sometimes that maybe I didn't really have cancer! Or even that mine could have been mixed up with someone elses! I guess we all have some of those thoughts!
I'm glad there's a place like this to chat with other women with the same feelings going through the same thing!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 20 2010 at 3:51pm
Tammy,
 
I sure hope your sister's lump is nothing.  The waiting sometimes is the worst and we do alot of that.
 
I have been given another woman's mammo report once.  Always good to read everything, it even had my name but I knew when it said one breast had been removed there was trouble in the pot since then I had both!  We have to stay on top of everything along with all that we go thru, it's horrible we have to deal with the extra double checking of everything and yes, insurance is another mess.
Let us know about your sister,
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dawnmarie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 29 2010 at 3:29pm
Today I went to see oncologist for first time. As noted below I had a bilat. Mastectomy in Dec. 09 with 26 neg. lymph nods. My right breast was not infected with any cancer whatsoever but removed as a precautionary measure (Did feel a lump in right breast - but it was negative) No history of breast cancer in family.
My general surgeon who I really like and trust tells me I am cancer free at this point with no further treatment needed, my oncologist recommends 4 chemo treatments to lower my risks.....is it worth it? I am already fatigued and I hate being sick. Most treatments start within 6 weeks of surgery and I am already 8 weeks past surgery. I am single and live alone......
Any suggestions???
10/09 lumpectomy - L. breast. 12/04/09 Bilat. Mastectomy w/tissue expanders. Stage 1, Grade 3 - 26 lymph nodes neg. E/T/HER2 - All Neg. Jan. 10 refused chemo,5/10 Recur. Now 4XAC:(
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mrsmurphy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 29 2010 at 3:40pm
Dawnmarie, I have to say I am pro-doing anything and everything to keep on living.  4 Chemo treatments is not so bad, and it is TEMPORARY.  They have amazing nausea drugs, immunity boosters, great advice on this forum on nutrition...there is so much available. 

Because you live alone does not mean there should be no support system available to you.  Check with your oncology team to see what kind of social services are available.  If you work, talk to the people you work with and let them know you need help.  Go to your church, let them know you need help.  Let your family know, maybe someone can come stay with you.  I have found when people know help is needed, it comes flooding in.  Let them help you.  Dont deny yourself the best treatments to keep you alive and cancer free just because you feel you dont want to impose on anyone, people like to help.

God bless you and I pray you take time and make the right decision in your heart,
Mrs. Murphy
33yo mom to 6 dd, diag 6/09, while preg w twins! Grade 3, stage 2 tumor (4cm), 2 pos lymph, triple neg, dble mast 7/09, chemo done Nov 09, radiation done Feb 10! BRCA -, new boobs sched for July!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Karen W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 29 2010 at 5:55pm
Dawn Marie,
Good for you for asking the question. There is a cure for cancer that does not involve Chemo.  Check out Allen Chips book; PHD; Dr. Susan Day; Bill Hendrickson... to name a few.  These people actually cured their cancers without any traditional medicine. If you are so inclined, you can do it. 
 
I met with Dr. George Sledge (Indianapolis) and he is considered one of the best for TNBC in this country. I live in a medium size city, but their thinking is still conventional.  My biggest concern for you is if you are getting good information.  Your surgery seems pretty radical, especially since the one breast was healthy. Did they take out the 29 lymph nodes to test?  That is very extreme as well and all the surgery depletes your immune system.  You need a strong immune system to fight the free radicals that are in our body.
 
Sledge said the most important 3 things to do now is go on a low-fat diet (under 30 grams of fat per day), excersize 3 hours per week (suggested 1/2 hour per day for 5 days) and not to drink alcohol. This is something you will need to maintain for 5-10 years.  He said there have been studies to show this is effective treatment.
 
He said there is tremendous research being done and if the cancer does come back then they will be better suited to treat it with something more effective.  Taking chemo now could hurt your chances later.  If you are from a relatively small town, then you should definitely have a Doctor with more knowledge to discuss options with.
He recommended for me to NOT take Chemo at this time. I too am currently Cancer free.
Oncologist are only trained to know Chemo. So that is the answer they give; but I wouldn't necessarily trust the surgeon to know the best answer either because that is not his field.
 
what I have come to learn... Surgery really upsets your immune system.  Think about what you can afford to do to help re-build your immune system. Read what some of the other women are doing on this site. Juicing carrots and greens daily. Think in terms of not adding any more toxins or carcinogins to your body. Chemo can actually cause you to get cancer again later. And it often is not effective in killing cancer, which is why so many women have it return.  If they killed it completely, it would not be returning.  When it returns it is often much worse. I did take Chemo 2 years ago and my cancer returned one and a half years later.  I had help and it was still an awful, awful thing.
 
There are choices on this earth to help you.  God has provided us with healthy options, but the medical world has not studied them because pharmaceutical companies pay for the studies.
 
Off the shelf meds are not very effective.  My supplements are in vegetarian capsules and the body can better absorb them.  I am also taking enzymes & minerals. there is information on this site about Vitamin D, and I plan to check those levels on my supplements next.  If you think in terms of creating the healthiest body you can, you will be amazed.  Look at definitions of an Alkaline diet.  That is what I try to follow. so many people are getting sick because of the food currently available to us.  It is sprayed with insecticide and then we eat it.  Animals are injected with hormones and they eat sprayed food. I try to stay away from anything white, except cauliflower. I buy all Organic and since I am not buying pre-packaged foods, the cost is affordable. Stay away from anything with preservatives in it. Send me a note if you want more information and i will be happy to share.  Since I have changed my diet people are constantly commenting on how much better my complexion looks.  They say I am vibrant now and have great color.
 
Also, radiation ruins your skin.  If you want to have reconstructive surgery later, you are better off without radiation.
 
Lastly, when I prayed with my "whole heart" to the Lord is when I started doing my best.  Please let me know what you decide is best for you. One thing for sure, this is a great couragous group of women.
Love to You!
 
 
DX July 07; lumpectomy,Chemo 4 sesions,36Rad; DX Oct 09;36 Rad;Metastatic Clavical lymph nodes in neck; chemo pending****CHEMO NO LONGER PENDING. DR SLEDGE SAYS NO CHEMO SHOULD BE USED (4 my case)
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123Donna View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 123Donna Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 29 2010 at 8:00pm
Dawnmarie,

I'd suggest getting a second opinion with an onc associated with a teaching hospital.  I believe you're from Southern California.  Are there any such facilities close to you?

How large was your tumor?  Your signature says T2.  Did they get clear margins during the surgery?  How close to your chest wall?

Best wishes in making your decision.


Edited by 123Donna - Jan 29 2010 at 8:02pm
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 29 2010 at 9:04pm
Dawnmarie hello,
 
I agree with Donna, a second opinion would be an excellent idea.
I have some info for you regarding why chemotherapy is best for TNBC.  It is the only thing we have in our arsenal besides surgery and radation which it appears you may not need.
 
I too am confused on your tumor size although that doesn't really factor either because even small tumors can be deadly.  Was you cancer invasive?  I have read recently that they think TNBC may travel more thru the blood system as opposed to er+ women.
 
 
 
 
 
Best of luck with your decisions and we hope you will keep us updated on your progress.
Surgeons have their field but an Oncologist would be best in advising you on any treatments unless they are working as a team in a large treatment center.
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
BRCA 1+
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 29 2010 at 9:37pm
I cannot post in polls, website quirk but for me surgery, chemo, rads, anything they want to throw my way is my way of fighting to rid my body of this disease best I can.  Then I can look back and know I've done all that I could at the time.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Karen W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 30 2010 at 2:42pm
Hi Donna,
Why do you ask about the closeness to the chest wall? Mine was on my chest wall above my breast.
DX July 07; lumpectomy,Chemo 4 sesions,36Rad; DX Oct 09;36 Rad;Metastatic Clavical lymph nodes in neck; chemo pending****CHEMO NO LONGER PENDING. DR SLEDGE SAYS NO CHEMO SHOULD BE USED (4 my case)
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