Saturday, November 15, 2014
HOPE 2--Brittany Maynard Had None
Brittany Maynard became famous for murdering herself on a self-appointed day and time rather than suffer through a process that she interpreted as inevitable and horrible and undignified--dying from a glioblastoma brain tumor. I could go on and on about the fact that there's nothing "brave" or "dignified" about suicide for any reason--assisted or not. God alone is the author of life and He alone has sovereignty over death. But that's not the focus of this post.
Brittany Maynard had no hope. She had no hope of surviving her brain tumor. She had no hope of avoiding the difficult process of her body succumbing to the cancer. She had no hope of any treatment being able to improve her odds or her quality of life. Instead of choosing to fight for her life, she not only chose to take it, she chose to publicize her decision and actively encourage others to follow her--to believe the lie that giving up and killing yourself is brave and dignified and honorable. To believe that there is no HOPE.
She didn't look hard enough. She gave up too soon. I agree that standard medical treatment most likely wouldn't have helped her. But standard treatment wasn't her only option. I just wrote a post on the Ketogenic diet and its efficacy in fighting cancer. This diet is even effective against brain tumors like Brittany's. The link at the bottom is research on this very topic. It's fascinating and filled with HOPE. But Brittany will never know now. She robbed her loved ones of knowing. She tried to convince countless others that it doesn't matter if there are answers out there somewhere.
By the way, my hope doesn't lie in a diet. My HOPE lies in the fact that I've personally placed my trust in Christ as my Savior. He placed his righteousness on me as he took my sin on himself. He loves me, and whatever he allows in my life will work out for good. Whenever I die--in God's perfect timing, not my own, I have HOPE (a confidence, not a wish) that I will be in the presence of God and His Son for eternity.
How dare I try to skip out on His refining process of my life because in my short-sighted, pitiful human mind, I decide I don't like His plan, and it's not worth it. How dare any of us. Instead of giving up, can I encourage you to put your HOPE in Christ and embrace His perfect plan for your life? As long as we draw breath, there is HOPE.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005272810006857/
Ketogenic Diet
**NOTE: Since I published this post, I have read more about the Ketogenic diet, and there may be some questions as to its efficacy in treating cancer. Apparently there isn't a lot of data regarding its success in actual cancer patients, and there is some evidence that it is effective in the short term, but not necessarily in the long term. The premise still has merit, but there are other natural, nutritional treatments for cancer that may be more effective.
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I regularly research cancer topics, and the "Ketogenic" diet has come up several times, so I started looking into it more in depth. A Ketogenic diet is a high fat, low-to-moderate protein, low carb diet, basically eliminating all carbs except those from non-starchy vegetables. This diet is very effective in treating cancer, epileptic seizures, Alzheimer's, autism, diabetes, and very effective for weight loss. Many professional athletes are also exchanging their typical carb-loading diets with a Ketogenic diet, because it provides better and more sustained energy, not to mention better overall health.
It is common knowledge that cancer cells feed on sugar, so, simply put, a Ketogenic diet starves cancer cells of their energy source, annihilating them. Additionally, low-protein consumption minimizes the mTor pathway--a pathway which is known to accelerate cell proliferation. (Most people consume too much protein. Half a gram of protein per pound of lean body mass--or 40-70g per day for most people--is the goal.) Cancer cells, specifically, have insufficient respiration, so they must obtain an alternate source of energy, which is fermentation--and the primary fuel for fermentation is glucose. Normal cells burn sugar, too, but when the sugar supply is inadequate, normal cells will switch to burning ketones, which are a product of fat metabolization. Cancer cells do not have this ability to adapt to using ketone bodies due to their respiration insufficiency, so they are placed under metabolic stress and starved. A Ketogenic diet lowers glucose levels and, when combined with intermittent fasting, changes the body's metabolic state from carb-burning mode to fat-burning mode.
Intermittent fasting can be worked up to gradually, starting by not eating within three hours of bedtime, then gradually extending the length of time before breakfast is eaten until the first meal isn't until lunch. The goal is to contain eating within a six- to eight-hour period. Intermittent fasting basically breaks the body's addiction to glucose.
One of the best sources of knowledge about the Ketogenic diet is Dr. Thomas Seyfried, who has published a groundbreaking book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer. Dr. Seyfried has been teaching at Yale University and Boston College for the past 25 years about neurogenetics and neurochemistry as they are related to cancer treatment, and he has written a significant amount of peer-reviewed scientific literature.
The anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting diet I have been following is very similar to the Ketogenic diet in that I have mostly eliminate refined/added sugars, but I still consume fruit and vegetables containing naturally-occurring sugars. I believe that the anti-oxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables outweigh the negative effects of the sugars.
Here is a link to one of Dr. Seyfried's papers:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1743-7075-7-7.pdf
Here are links to two other sources explaining the Ketogenic diet:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/16/ketogenic-diet-benefits.aspx
http://www.seasonjohnson.blogspot.com/2014/08/what-is-ketogenic-diet-where-do-i-begin.html (This blogger is using the Ketogenic diet to counteract the harmful effects of chemo and to fight cancer for her toddler who is fighting leukemia and must undergo chemo--or risk being taken away from his family if they refused chemo.)
*********************************************************************************
I regularly research cancer topics, and the "Ketogenic" diet has come up several times, so I started looking into it more in depth. A Ketogenic diet is a high fat, low-to-moderate protein, low carb diet, basically eliminating all carbs except those from non-starchy vegetables. This diet is very effective in treating cancer, epileptic seizures, Alzheimer's, autism, diabetes, and very effective for weight loss. Many professional athletes are also exchanging their typical carb-loading diets with a Ketogenic diet, because it provides better and more sustained energy, not to mention better overall health.
It is common knowledge that cancer cells feed on sugar, so, simply put, a Ketogenic diet starves cancer cells of their energy source, annihilating them. Additionally, low-protein consumption minimizes the mTor pathway--a pathway which is known to accelerate cell proliferation. (Most people consume too much protein. Half a gram of protein per pound of lean body mass--or 40-70g per day for most people--is the goal.) Cancer cells, specifically, have insufficient respiration, so they must obtain an alternate source of energy, which is fermentation--and the primary fuel for fermentation is glucose. Normal cells burn sugar, too, but when the sugar supply is inadequate, normal cells will switch to burning ketones, which are a product of fat metabolization. Cancer cells do not have this ability to adapt to using ketone bodies due to their respiration insufficiency, so they are placed under metabolic stress and starved. A Ketogenic diet lowers glucose levels and, when combined with intermittent fasting, changes the body's metabolic state from carb-burning mode to fat-burning mode.
Intermittent fasting can be worked up to gradually, starting by not eating within three hours of bedtime, then gradually extending the length of time before breakfast is eaten until the first meal isn't until lunch. The goal is to contain eating within a six- to eight-hour period. Intermittent fasting basically breaks the body's addiction to glucose.
One of the best sources of knowledge about the Ketogenic diet is Dr. Thomas Seyfried, who has published a groundbreaking book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer. Dr. Seyfried has been teaching at Yale University and Boston College for the past 25 years about neurogenetics and neurochemistry as they are related to cancer treatment, and he has written a significant amount of peer-reviewed scientific literature.
The anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting diet I have been following is very similar to the Ketogenic diet in that I have mostly eliminate refined/added sugars, but I still consume fruit and vegetables containing naturally-occurring sugars. I believe that the anti-oxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables outweigh the negative effects of the sugars.
Here is a link to one of Dr. Seyfried's papers:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1743-7075-7-7.pdf
Here are links to two other sources explaining the Ketogenic diet:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/16/ketogenic-diet-benefits.aspx
http://www.seasonjohnson.blogspot.com/2014/08/what-is-ketogenic-diet-where-do-i-begin.html (This blogger is using the Ketogenic diet to counteract the harmful effects of chemo and to fight cancer for her toddler who is fighting leukemia and must undergo chemo--or risk being taken away from his family if they refused chemo.)
HOPE!
After my first thermography scan in mid-July (just over one year past my diagnosis), the doctor who read the scan recommended that I have another scan in three months to establish a good baseline. The report from my first scan was that both breasts were at "low risk", and the lymph node areas near the arm pits looked good. I had the follow-up thermography done in mid-October, and not only did everything still look good (both breasts still "low risk"), it was even better than the July scan! Thermography gives a full-color image of the body, with yellow/orange/red indicating warmth and green/blue indicating coolness. Areas of inflammation and increased vascular activity (both signs of possible cancer as well as other health problems) will show up warm. My entire upper body was noticeably "cooler" than it had been in July, which was great news!
So, a year and a half after being diagnosed with Stage II, Grade 3 invasive breast cancer, there are no signs of cancer. I think it's likely that I would also have no signs of cancer at this point if I had undergone radiation and chemotherapy. The big difference is that instead of spending a good portion of that 18 months making regular visits to doctors and treatment facilities and experiencing the undesirable side effects of those treatments, I spent the time detoxing, strengthening my immune system, improving my health, and fighting the cancer cells through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Instead of feeling fatigued and sick, losing my hair, and having my immune system destroyed, I felt better than I had for years, was in better shape, and was experiencing true health.
I want people to know that there are better ways to fight cancer. I want people to know that they don't have to accept standard medical treatment which can be so destructive and too often a failure. I want people to know that they can effectively fight cancer while maintaining--and even improving--their overall health. I want people to know that a cancer diagnosis doesn't have to invoke fear, stress, and physical suffering. I want people to know that there is real HOPE.
So, a year and a half after being diagnosed with Stage II, Grade 3 invasive breast cancer, there are no signs of cancer. I think it's likely that I would also have no signs of cancer at this point if I had undergone radiation and chemotherapy. The big difference is that instead of spending a good portion of that 18 months making regular visits to doctors and treatment facilities and experiencing the undesirable side effects of those treatments, I spent the time detoxing, strengthening my immune system, improving my health, and fighting the cancer cells through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Instead of feeling fatigued and sick, losing my hair, and having my immune system destroyed, I felt better than I had for years, was in better shape, and was experiencing true health.
I want people to know that there are better ways to fight cancer. I want people to know that they don't have to accept standard medical treatment which can be so destructive and too often a failure. I want people to know that they can effectively fight cancer while maintaining--and even improving--their overall health. I want people to know that a cancer diagnosis doesn't have to invoke fear, stress, and physical suffering. I want people to know that there is real HOPE.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Why I Don't Use Deoderant or Shampoo or Laundry Detergent or....
Fighting cancer is more than eating a cancer-fighting diet...it also includes eliminating or avoiding outside toxins. So many of the products we use daily contain toxic or carcinogenic substances, and I have taken steps to avoid some of them. It's just not possible to avoid all environmental toxins, but I am doing what I can right now.
Our skin is the largest organ of the body, and it absorbs everything we put on it.
Our skin is the largest organ of the body, and it absorbs everything we put on it.
- Deodorant--Antiperspirants contain aluminum which is a known carcinogen. I have known this for a long time, and I have tried "natural" deodorants in the past, but they never seemed to work very well. My breast cancer diagnosis motivated me to look into it again, and I found something very interesting. I came across a blog post in which the author experienced the same problems with natural deodorants "not working." She ended up solving that problem by detoxing her armpits. After she detoxed, the natural deodorants worked! The pores in our arm pits get clogged with build up and residue from dirt, sweat, deodorant, soap, lotion, etc., and the pores need to be cleansed and opened up. She described the process and her experiences in detail, so I decided to give it a try. I jumped right in, and stopped using deodorant--cold turkey during summer! To my amazement, I had no bad odor at all for a few days...but then it hit--whew! Actually, it wasn't any worse than I expected, but no one likes smelling their own body odor. It was like after a couple days, all the gunk built up in the pores of my pits started to release and come out. To combat the smell, I simply washed my arm pits with soap and water as often as necessary. After several days, it got better--way better!--and then I noticed that there wasn't any odor at all anymore. I was very surprised! Obviously, I did have body odor after exercising heavily, working up a sweat, or going too long without showering, but other than those expected situations, I did not have daily body odor. So I have continued not using deodorant of any kind. I have noticed that occasionally I experience arm pit odor, but I suspect it is occurring when I wear certain fabrics and/or at a certain point of my menstrual cycle, so I am monitoring it to determine if that is actually the case. I have seen a couple "recipes" for homemade natural deodorants, and I plan to try them soon.
- Shampoo/conditioner/body soap--Conventional hair and body products are full of harmful chemicals. There are an abundance of "natural" products out there, so with a little research, you could find whatever you like and works for you. I found lots of local people who make natural soaps and body butters just by attending local farmer's markets and craft sales. I buy my soap from a friend of mine, and I use it head-to-toe as my shampoo and body soap. I don't use conditioner at all. I also avoid hair gels and hair spray except for on rare occasion.
- Body lotion--There are numerous natural body butters available for purchase or recipes for them that you can make at home. I have used a couple different kinds of body butter made with goat milk and avocado, and I really liked them all. Coconut oil is a great product that has many, many uses including as an ingredient in hair and body products. I use straight coconut oil as an eye makeup remover (I haven't given up my eyeliner and mascara yet :) ) and a facial moisturizer. (I also use it many ways nutritionally in my diet, but that's another topic.)
- Showerhead filter--Chlorine is very toxic, so bathing or showering in chlorinated water (not to mention drinking it!) has long term negative effects on the body--again the largest organ, your skin, is absorbing it daily. I bought a chlorine-removing showerhead water filter to avoid the chlorine exposure.
- Laundry detergent/softener--Laundry detergents and softeners also contain many harmful, toxic ingredients. We launder our clothes and linens with these chemicals and the clothing and linens are against our skin 24/7. I now use "soap nuts" instead of laundry detergent. Soap nuts are a nut from an African tree that contain saponin (have you ever heard the term "saponified"?) which is a 100% natural soap. Four to six soap nuts are placed in a little drawstring muslin bag and thrown right in the washing machine. I use vinegar as a softener, and wool dryer balls in the dryer instead of liquid softener or softener sheets. All of our laundry appears to be just as clean as it ever was, and these natural alternatives are significantly less expensive!
- Cleaning products--These are full of toxic chemicals! I have been using a 50/50 mix of water and hydrogen peroxide for almost all my cleaning. I also use vinegar quite often. I know there are lots of other natural ingredients and recipes used for cleaning as well.
- Flouride, although purported to "strengthen teeth and fight tooth decay", is actually a toxic poison to be avoided. For years we have used fluoride-free toothpaste, and our dentist office knows to use fluoride-free pumice when polishing our teeth.
- I have recently learned about "oil pulling" to help fight cavities. I use coconut oil, and swish and squish it around in my mouth, "pulling" it between all my teeth for 10-20 minutes before spitting it out. This simple practice helps get rid of bacteria and food particles, etc., between teeth. I like the clean feeling of my mouth after doing it.
- Silver amalgam fillings are the most common type of fillings used for cavities. These fillings are actually composed of about 50% mercury! That mercury is constantly leaching into the body and contaminating it. Although they cost more, I have had the dentist use composite fillings lately.
- Through my research, I have also learned what a large part diet plays in preventing and healing cavities. Diet can actually cause decayed areas in teeth to remineralize and heal, stronger than ever.
- Plastic--Most people are now aware of the harmful chemicals in plastics that can leach into food and beverages. Buying BPA free plastics is good, but there are still other harmful chemicals in plastics, so avoiding plastic for food and beverages is best. Alternatives include glass, stainless steel, and ceramic. I use glass as often as I can for food storage and eating/drinking. I have looked into stainless steel containers, but they are pretty pricey. I would like to replace all the plastic containers in our house, but that will be a long process.
- Aluminum/non-stick cookware--Cooking with aluminum non-stick pots and pans is hazardous due to the aluminum content and because the non-stick coatings break down over time and flake off into the food and are ingested. Safe alternatives are glass, stainless steel, high quality ceramic, and cast iron.
- Microwaves--Using microwaves to cook or reheat food involves a couple of problems. First, if plastic containers are microwaved, the harmful chemicals are leached into the food. Secondly, the process of microwaving changes the molecular structure of the food, destroying nutrients and creating carcinogenic compounds. A toaster oven or toaster/convection oven work great for reheating leftovers and are a much healthier alternative to microwaves. Plus, there's the old-fashioned way of just using the stovetop. I stopped using a microwave after my cancer diagnosis, and I have not missed it! I have found that heating or reheating my food on the stove really doesn't take long at all. I think we have been spoiled by our "instant" society.
Monday, September 29, 2014
A Lonely Road
Fighting cancer through nutrition and lifestyle changes can be a lonely road in some ways. I need to be careful here not to be misunderstood, because I know there are lots and lots of people who care about me, are praying for me, and are concerned for my well-being. And I am truly grateful for them! But there aren't too many people who truly support what I'm doing. I tried counting the number of people who have actually verbalized to me that they agree with my approach and support what I'm doing, and I could only come up with about a dozen. Only 12-14 people who actually told me they think I'm doing the right thing. I have to admit that's a little disheartening--not surprising, really, but still disheartening. On the other hand, except for one person I can recall, no one has really given me any negative feedback, either. So at least I don't have to deal with people telling me I'm crazy and wrong--for which I'm also thankful! I think most people don't agree with what I'm doing, but they're too polite to say so, so they just don't say anything at all. It's true that silence can be deafening--silence is definitely better than constant criticism, though!
There are a few observations I've made over the past year--not necessarily good or bad, but just the way it is.
Not having any visible signs of fighting an illness doesn't garner much attention. Again, don't get me wrong--I am extremely happy not to be wasting away, sick from radiation and chemo, losing my hair, or recovering from life-changing surgery, and I wouldn't want it any other way! I understand that it's perfectly natural for people either to be unaware, or to forget that someone is battling a health condition when that person looks perfectly healthy. Also, I'm not saying that I want to constantly be asked how I'm doing or that I wish people would talk about it more often. Truthfully, I don't have much to report anyway, since I'm not going through standard courses of treatment.
Eating differently than everyone else can be difficult and isolating at times. Let's face it, eating my organic salad when everyone else is having a delicious meal isn't always very appealing. And it's definitely tough watching other people eat yummy desserts that I should not eat! Sometimes I wonder if others feel guilty about what they're eating or "judged" by me somehow simply by virtue of the fact that I'm not eating what they are eating. I hope not, because I certainly don't think that way! I am definitely guilty of cheating and eating things I know are bad for me, and there are a few reasons. 1. I'm running out of my "good" food, so I just eat what's available until I can buy more of my food. 2. I'm away from home at a restaurant, someone else's house, a party, etc.--somewhere where my "good" food isn't available--so I just choose the best options from what is available. 3. I simply give in to the desire to eat something yummy that I shouldn't eat. :) When we are on vacation or visiting family, I do take along my own food, but I can't take everything, so I still end up cheating here and there. It is also awkward knowing other people feel badly that they don't have or aren't serving food that I should eat. I always tell people who know my situation not to even worry about what I "can" and "can't" eat, and to just cook like they normally would, and I will adjust. In most cases it would be way too difficult to accommodate my diet requirements, and I certainly don't expect everyone else to have to change what they eat because of one person. I deal with these situations by understanding it is impossible for me to eat the right way 100% of the time, so I try to do the best I can within the limitations I have.
I think people assume that we don't have any cancer-related financial needs since I'm not going through expensive medical treatments and making constant trips to doctors and hospitals. Which is understandable. It's harder to see a financial need if you think that basically, only my grocery list changed. It's definitely more inspiring to contribute to a fundraiser or benefit when you see someone suffering from going through surgeries and treatments and tests and one appointment after another, or if you know someone is losing their fight against cancer. We did receive some financial help last summer after my diagnosis, which was definitely a blessing, but I think that was more because my husband needed surgery for a broken ankle and was off work for two months. I only missed one day of work due to my surgery, but we still owe thousands of dollars for that surgery. The other reality for me is that there is never enough money in the grocery budget for all the food or supplements that I should be buying. Since food is my medicine, basically I don't have enough money to pay for my cancer "treatments." I also have to pay out of pocket for my thermography scans. I would like to get some more blood work done, but I'm putting that off, too because I can't afford to have it done right now. I'm not trying to make people feel guilty, and I don't want it to seem that I'm complaining or begging for help, because I'm not. God sees my needs and supplies accordingly, and I don't doubt His faithfulness--He has proved it over and over in our lives! (I figure I must not really "need" the stuff I can't afford right now. :) )
So, although my road is lonely at times, I would still choose it over the alternative every time! :)
There are a few observations I've made over the past year--not necessarily good or bad, but just the way it is.
Not having any visible signs of fighting an illness doesn't garner much attention. Again, don't get me wrong--I am extremely happy not to be wasting away, sick from radiation and chemo, losing my hair, or recovering from life-changing surgery, and I wouldn't want it any other way! I understand that it's perfectly natural for people either to be unaware, or to forget that someone is battling a health condition when that person looks perfectly healthy. Also, I'm not saying that I want to constantly be asked how I'm doing or that I wish people would talk about it more often. Truthfully, I don't have much to report anyway, since I'm not going through standard courses of treatment.
Eating differently than everyone else can be difficult and isolating at times. Let's face it, eating my organic salad when everyone else is having a delicious meal isn't always very appealing. And it's definitely tough watching other people eat yummy desserts that I should not eat! Sometimes I wonder if others feel guilty about what they're eating or "judged" by me somehow simply by virtue of the fact that I'm not eating what they are eating. I hope not, because I certainly don't think that way! I am definitely guilty of cheating and eating things I know are bad for me, and there are a few reasons. 1. I'm running out of my "good" food, so I just eat what's available until I can buy more of my food. 2. I'm away from home at a restaurant, someone else's house, a party, etc.--somewhere where my "good" food isn't available--so I just choose the best options from what is available. 3. I simply give in to the desire to eat something yummy that I shouldn't eat. :) When we are on vacation or visiting family, I do take along my own food, but I can't take everything, so I still end up cheating here and there. It is also awkward knowing other people feel badly that they don't have or aren't serving food that I should eat. I always tell people who know my situation not to even worry about what I "can" and "can't" eat, and to just cook like they normally would, and I will adjust. In most cases it would be way too difficult to accommodate my diet requirements, and I certainly don't expect everyone else to have to change what they eat because of one person. I deal with these situations by understanding it is impossible for me to eat the right way 100% of the time, so I try to do the best I can within the limitations I have.
I think people assume that we don't have any cancer-related financial needs since I'm not going through expensive medical treatments and making constant trips to doctors and hospitals. Which is understandable. It's harder to see a financial need if you think that basically, only my grocery list changed. It's definitely more inspiring to contribute to a fundraiser or benefit when you see someone suffering from going through surgeries and treatments and tests and one appointment after another, or if you know someone is losing their fight against cancer. We did receive some financial help last summer after my diagnosis, which was definitely a blessing, but I think that was more because my husband needed surgery for a broken ankle and was off work for two months. I only missed one day of work due to my surgery, but we still owe thousands of dollars for that surgery. The other reality for me is that there is never enough money in the grocery budget for all the food or supplements that I should be buying. Since food is my medicine, basically I don't have enough money to pay for my cancer "treatments." I also have to pay out of pocket for my thermography scans. I would like to get some more blood work done, but I'm putting that off, too because I can't afford to have it done right now. I'm not trying to make people feel guilty, and I don't want it to seem that I'm complaining or begging for help, because I'm not. God sees my needs and supplies accordingly, and I don't doubt His faithfulness--He has proved it over and over in our lives! (I figure I must not really "need" the stuff I can't afford right now. :) )
So, although my road is lonely at times, I would still choose it over the alternative every time! :)
Friday, September 12, 2014
Good News!
I had a busy summer and didn't post, but there is lots to talk about! In an earlier post from May I discussed thermography vs. mammography for breast cancer screening. Well, in mid-July I had a full-body thermography scan done at Valley Thermography in Appleton, WI. Christine Haase is the technician, and she was super! The process was easy and totally non-invasive--it's basically getting pictures taken. For a couple of the breast images, I placed a sticker over the area where the tumor had been, so it was clearly marked. We viewed and discussed the full color thermographic images, and Chris explained that the images and my medical history would be sent to a doctor to be interpreted. That doctor would then issue a report with his findings. I had the results within a week.
I have to admit that I was convinced that something would show up just because of how poor the histology of the cancer was. I was also thinking that it was very likely that something would show up in my lymph nodes (up to this point it was unknown whether or not there was cancer in the lymph nodes). You can imagine the surprise and relief I felt when the report came back that everything was clear so far!
I have experienced what I call "dark days"--times when I was overwhelmed by negative feelings and thoughts. At times when things weren't going well, I would think that my kids would be better off if I died of cancer. (No, I don't really believe that! As I said, these were dark thoughts influenced by dark moods. I would overcome them by concentrating on what is true and right and good, etc.--choosing to think Godly thoughts instead.) I also had pessimistic thoughts that I was probably going to die of this cancer, and then all the people who think I'm a lunatic for not getting radiation and chemo would be able to say, "I told you so" and never believe in nutrition, and I would have accomplished nothing. Getting a clear scan definitely gave me hope that those scenarios wouldn't really happen.
The doctor who interpreted my scans recommended another breast scan in three months in order to establish good baseline images, so I will do that in October. Depending upon what the second scan shows, I may go another six months or a year after that before I have another scan.
I sent a letter to both my oncologist and my family doctor with a copy of the thermography report, an explanation of why I chose thermography over mammogram, and my plans to have another scan in October. I did not make an appointment to see my oncologist, but I will keep him updated and possibly get some more blood work done in the future.
In the meantime, I am continuing with my immune-strengthening, anti-cancer diet as well as reducing my exposure to outside toxins--which I will discuss in another post.
I have to admit that I was convinced that something would show up just because of how poor the histology of the cancer was. I was also thinking that it was very likely that something would show up in my lymph nodes (up to this point it was unknown whether or not there was cancer in the lymph nodes). You can imagine the surprise and relief I felt when the report came back that everything was clear so far!
I have experienced what I call "dark days"--times when I was overwhelmed by negative feelings and thoughts. At times when things weren't going well, I would think that my kids would be better off if I died of cancer. (No, I don't really believe that! As I said, these were dark thoughts influenced by dark moods. I would overcome them by concentrating on what is true and right and good, etc.--choosing to think Godly thoughts instead.) I also had pessimistic thoughts that I was probably going to die of this cancer, and then all the people who think I'm a lunatic for not getting radiation and chemo would be able to say, "I told you so" and never believe in nutrition, and I would have accomplished nothing. Getting a clear scan definitely gave me hope that those scenarios wouldn't really happen.
The doctor who interpreted my scans recommended another breast scan in three months in order to establish good baseline images, so I will do that in October. Depending upon what the second scan shows, I may go another six months or a year after that before I have another scan.
I sent a letter to both my oncologist and my family doctor with a copy of the thermography report, an explanation of why I chose thermography over mammogram, and my plans to have another scan in October. I did not make an appointment to see my oncologist, but I will keep him updated and possibly get some more blood work done in the future.
In the meantime, I am continuing with my immune-strengthening, anti-cancer diet as well as reducing my exposure to outside toxins--which I will discuss in another post.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
There's More Than One Way to Fight Cancer
While doing some online research, I came across the thoughts of someone who said that cancer patients who blindly follow standard medical treatment aren't truly fighting cancer; rather they are passive bystanders. This bothered me. While I am one of those who has decided that there are better options than standard medical cancer treatment, I do not agree with this sentiment. In fact, I find it insensitive. I don't know how anyone could tell a cancer patient who is actively engaged in using every medical weapon available against their cancer that they're not really fighting.
In my mind, the only way a cancer patient is "not fighting" the cancer is if they truly ignore the fact that they have cancer, make absolutely no lifestyle changes, seek absolutely no treatment of any kind, and let the cancer take its course. There are people who choose that path. But to say that anyone who chooses a treatment path that differs from yours isn't really fighting cancer is ludicrous. There are many different methods and treatment options, all of which, I believe, qualify as "fighting cancer."
Just because not all cancer patients fight the same way, doesn't mean they aren't all fighting!
Having said that, I do understand that the person who made the comment was trying to get across the importance of not just blindly and passively doing whatever the doctors say. Doctors don't have all the answers, and, as in most medical issues, there are lots of doctors who disagree among themselves what is best! Doctors, the medical industry, pharmaceutical companies, and lobbyists on their behalf clearly have their own bottom lines as their foremost motivations rather than individual patient's best interests. I think most people would agree that the more knowledge one has on a subject, the more effectively one can fight. I believe it is vital to do one's own research and educate oneself thoroughly in order to make informed, intelligent decisions regarding one's own health. It is completely unnecessary, and I believe unwise, to blindly and passively accept treatment for any medical condition!
It comes down to each individual cancer patient being convinced and comfortable that the choices made are right for them, and then moving confidently forward with those decisions.
In my mind, the only way a cancer patient is "not fighting" the cancer is if they truly ignore the fact that they have cancer, make absolutely no lifestyle changes, seek absolutely no treatment of any kind, and let the cancer take its course. There are people who choose that path. But to say that anyone who chooses a treatment path that differs from yours isn't really fighting cancer is ludicrous. There are many different methods and treatment options, all of which, I believe, qualify as "fighting cancer."
Just because not all cancer patients fight the same way, doesn't mean they aren't all fighting!
Having said that, I do understand that the person who made the comment was trying to get across the importance of not just blindly and passively doing whatever the doctors say. Doctors don't have all the answers, and, as in most medical issues, there are lots of doctors who disagree among themselves what is best! Doctors, the medical industry, pharmaceutical companies, and lobbyists on their behalf clearly have their own bottom lines as their foremost motivations rather than individual patient's best interests. I think most people would agree that the more knowledge one has on a subject, the more effectively one can fight. I believe it is vital to do one's own research and educate oneself thoroughly in order to make informed, intelligent decisions regarding one's own health. It is completely unnecessary, and I believe unwise, to blindly and passively accept treatment for any medical condition!
It comes down to each individual cancer patient being convinced and comfortable that the choices made are right for them, and then moving confidently forward with those decisions.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
One Year Down...
One year ago today, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. It's hard to believe that it has already been a year, and it's weird how normal life has been for most of that year! I have experienced no physical hardships, and no one would know by looking at me that I had/have cancer. It is constantly on my mind--not in a bad way because I worry or stress about it, but because I am very aware of it, and its presence has affected choices I make in almost every area of my life.
There are many things for which I am thankful. I praise God for the people He used over the past year to bless me and my family. I'm thankful that I have experienced no physical suffering whatsoever, and the mental/emotional stress from having cancer has been minimal. I have gained a lot of knowledge that I may not otherwise have gained. Having cancer has deepened the meaning of self-control, God's grace, and His holiness.
I have been very encouraged by reading the Psalms. So many times David was under duress and expressed his feelings of despair and helplessness...but he always followed the indication of his emotional state with his belief in the unchanging attributes of God--His love, faithfulness, steadfastness, righteousness--and praised God despite his situation.
Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the
righteous to be moved.
Psalm 59:17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God
who shows me steadfast love.
Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
A common sentiment I've heard expressed to me by other people goes something like this, "I agree with what you're doing, and I know you're probably right, but I just don't know if I could do it!" On the one hand, I do understand because it can be intimidating to stand up to the medical establishment, plus choosing to eat healthy when constantly surrounded by the temptation of unhealthy foods is always a challenge. But on the other hand, I feel that it's not really as hard as people think. Educate yourself and then follow the best course--simple, really. It concerns me that so many people seem to think that I'm doing something that they would never be able to do! Really? Making healthy changes is harder than going through chemo and radiation and suffering all those nasty side effects for months on end? Not in my opinion! For me it comes down to self-control and God's grace--neither of which I possess in and of myself.
Choosing to eat healthy foods instead of unhealthy foods is no different than choosing to go to work or school when you'd rather stay in bed, or choosing to be pleasant to others even though you're grumpy, or choosing to do your work when you'd rather be doing something else. Obviously, some choices are easier than others, but making any good choice becomes easier the longer you do it. It's not like I have some super-human strength that the rest of you don't have. I have simply used the brain God gave me, educated myself, and chosen to follow the path I think is best.
It is also obvious and expected that none of us sin-depraved humans make the right or good choice every time. At times we give in to our sinful nature and rebelliously choose to indulge our flesh. We fall. We fail. But we don't give up. We repent, ask forgiveness, and get back on the right path. Which brings me to the second aspect, God's grace.
My pastor has long taught that God's grace is more than just His undeserved favor, especially in regards to salvation; it is God's enabling. Not only does God enable us to seek His salvation, His grace enables us to do what He calls us to do minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. He enables us with His strength to choose right over wrong, to get through difficult trials by trusting Him, to say no to sin and yes to Him, to put others before ourselves. Since we can trust God to enable us in the big things, than why do we think He won't enable us in the "little" things...like saying no to junk food and yes to fruits and vegetables; like refusing processed food and choosing to eat whole, raw, real food; like choosing to exercise instead of sitting in front of the TV or computer. After all, choosing to do what you know is best for your health really isn't a little thing at all. It is the huge responsibility to be a good steward of the body God gave you...and that makes your choices very important.
I also find it concerning that many believers would never think of drinking alcohol or using tobacco or drugs--after all, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit--but they see nothing wrong with consuming large amounts of caffeine (which is a drug) or sugar (also addicting), and demonstrate a complete lack of self-control where food is concerned--all of which can do significant damage to our temples. Pretty hypocritical, don't you think?
I have made my choices, and I am trusting in God's grace to help me follow through on them and to face whatever he allows in my life in the future--however many more years that may be.
There are many things for which I am thankful. I praise God for the people He used over the past year to bless me and my family. I'm thankful that I have experienced no physical suffering whatsoever, and the mental/emotional stress from having cancer has been minimal. I have gained a lot of knowledge that I may not otherwise have gained. Having cancer has deepened the meaning of self-control, God's grace, and His holiness.
I have been very encouraged by reading the Psalms. So many times David was under duress and expressed his feelings of despair and helplessness...but he always followed the indication of his emotional state with his belief in the unchanging attributes of God--His love, faithfulness, steadfastness, righteousness--and praised God despite his situation.
Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the
righteous to be moved.
Psalm 59:17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God
who shows me steadfast love.
Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
A common sentiment I've heard expressed to me by other people goes something like this, "I agree with what you're doing, and I know you're probably right, but I just don't know if I could do it!" On the one hand, I do understand because it can be intimidating to stand up to the medical establishment, plus choosing to eat healthy when constantly surrounded by the temptation of unhealthy foods is always a challenge. But on the other hand, I feel that it's not really as hard as people think. Educate yourself and then follow the best course--simple, really. It concerns me that so many people seem to think that I'm doing something that they would never be able to do! Really? Making healthy changes is harder than going through chemo and radiation and suffering all those nasty side effects for months on end? Not in my opinion! For me it comes down to self-control and God's grace--neither of which I possess in and of myself.
Choosing to eat healthy foods instead of unhealthy foods is no different than choosing to go to work or school when you'd rather stay in bed, or choosing to be pleasant to others even though you're grumpy, or choosing to do your work when you'd rather be doing something else. Obviously, some choices are easier than others, but making any good choice becomes easier the longer you do it. It's not like I have some super-human strength that the rest of you don't have. I have simply used the brain God gave me, educated myself, and chosen to follow the path I think is best.
It is also obvious and expected that none of us sin-depraved humans make the right or good choice every time. At times we give in to our sinful nature and rebelliously choose to indulge our flesh. We fall. We fail. But we don't give up. We repent, ask forgiveness, and get back on the right path. Which brings me to the second aspect, God's grace.
My pastor has long taught that God's grace is more than just His undeserved favor, especially in regards to salvation; it is God's enabling. Not only does God enable us to seek His salvation, His grace enables us to do what He calls us to do minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. He enables us with His strength to choose right over wrong, to get through difficult trials by trusting Him, to say no to sin and yes to Him, to put others before ourselves. Since we can trust God to enable us in the big things, than why do we think He won't enable us in the "little" things...like saying no to junk food and yes to fruits and vegetables; like refusing processed food and choosing to eat whole, raw, real food; like choosing to exercise instead of sitting in front of the TV or computer. After all, choosing to do what you know is best for your health really isn't a little thing at all. It is the huge responsibility to be a good steward of the body God gave you...and that makes your choices very important.
I also find it concerning that many believers would never think of drinking alcohol or using tobacco or drugs--after all, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit--but they see nothing wrong with consuming large amounts of caffeine (which is a drug) or sugar (also addicting), and demonstrate a complete lack of self-control where food is concerned--all of which can do significant damage to our temples. Pretty hypocritical, don't you think?
I have made my choices, and I am trusting in God's grace to help me follow through on them and to face whatever he allows in my life in the future--however many more years that may be.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Posting Your Bra Color Doesn't Help Me Fight Breast Cancer
"Post your bra color as your Facebook status for Breast Cancer Awareness." "Take a 'no make up selfie' for Breast Cancer Awareness." " 'Like' this picture to support Breast Cancer Awareness." "Share this on your Facebook page to promote Breast Cancer Awareness." Take this quiz. It goes on and on.
I don't think any more "awareness" that breast cancer exists needs to be brought to the forefront--that has already been accomplished by years of pink marketing and the fact that since 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, just about everyone knows someone who has or has had breast cancer.
I have long wondered how participating in these activities helps in any way. Unless money is being raised directly as a result of the activity, I don't see any benefit. How does knowing YOUR bra color help me? How does a photo of YOU sans makeup help me? It seems to me that more attention is drawn to the person participating than to the actual patients or the cause--not always, but most of the time.
Raising money that goes to a cancer or medical organization is mostly a waste of time, too. Very little of that money actually goes to research or helps real patients in any tangible way. In my opinion, it's better to raise money for an actual cancer patient and their family and give it to them directly.
And why is it always for "breast cancer"? Why not prostate cancer? Or bone cancer? Or pancreatic cancer? Or leukemia? Or lung cancer? Or childhood cancer? All of those cancers involve agonizing battles and take lives, too. Is it because our society is so infatuated with women's breasts, and they are so much more appealing and marketable than someone's prostate, lung, or bones?
I'm not saying it's wrong to post your bra color or take a quiz with a bunch of mind-numbingly stupid questions--I just think it's silly, pointless, and a waste of time. So why do people do it? Maybe it's their way of "doing something." One small thing to show they care. I get that. I don't want to minimize people's concern and genuine sympathy for those fighting cancer--and I can't tell you how much it means to know so many people are supporting me in my fight! But there has to be a more impactful way to help.
"Ok, since you're so critical of our meager efforts to show support, what do you suggest?"
Since you asked, I'll share a few ideas--most of which I and my family have been recipients. :)
1. Pray. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools at a human's disposal. Never underestimate it.
Prayer is communicating with the almighty sovereign God who is in ultimate control.
2. Be deliberate. Rather than using two or three clicks of your mouse to help you feel like you're
making a difference, take the time to consider someone who is actually battling a disease, find
out their specific needs, and make a plan to do something for them--something that helps them in a
tangible way without just drawing attention to yourself. If you don't know anyone personally to
help, then find someone! Visit the cancer ward at a children's hospital, or a nursing home.
3. Be creative. You might be gifted at organizing a benefit. It may be money to help pay for
medical expenses, providing a meal, a gas card, gift cards, free babysitting, a ride to an
appointment, a card or flowers for encouragement, lawn work, house work...you get the idea.
4. Be anonymous. Obviously this isn't always possible or necessary, but I know for myself that not
knowing whom to thank ensures that God rightfully gets all the glory!
5. Pray. Pray for God's leading. Pray through each step of the process, no matter what you decide
to do. Pray that God will use it to bless that person.
I don't think any more "awareness" that breast cancer exists needs to be brought to the forefront--that has already been accomplished by years of pink marketing and the fact that since 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, just about everyone knows someone who has or has had breast cancer.
I have long wondered how participating in these activities helps in any way. Unless money is being raised directly as a result of the activity, I don't see any benefit. How does knowing YOUR bra color help me? How does a photo of YOU sans makeup help me? It seems to me that more attention is drawn to the person participating than to the actual patients or the cause--not always, but most of the time.
Raising money that goes to a cancer or medical organization is mostly a waste of time, too. Very little of that money actually goes to research or helps real patients in any tangible way. In my opinion, it's better to raise money for an actual cancer patient and their family and give it to them directly.
And why is it always for "breast cancer"? Why not prostate cancer? Or bone cancer? Or pancreatic cancer? Or leukemia? Or lung cancer? Or childhood cancer? All of those cancers involve agonizing battles and take lives, too. Is it because our society is so infatuated with women's breasts, and they are so much more appealing and marketable than someone's prostate, lung, or bones?
I'm not saying it's wrong to post your bra color or take a quiz with a bunch of mind-numbingly stupid questions--I just think it's silly, pointless, and a waste of time. So why do people do it? Maybe it's their way of "doing something." One small thing to show they care. I get that. I don't want to minimize people's concern and genuine sympathy for those fighting cancer--and I can't tell you how much it means to know so many people are supporting me in my fight! But there has to be a more impactful way to help.
"Ok, since you're so critical of our meager efforts to show support, what do you suggest?"
Since you asked, I'll share a few ideas--most of which I and my family have been recipients. :)
1. Pray. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools at a human's disposal. Never underestimate it.
Prayer is communicating with the almighty sovereign God who is in ultimate control.
2. Be deliberate. Rather than using two or three clicks of your mouse to help you feel like you're
making a difference, take the time to consider someone who is actually battling a disease, find
out their specific needs, and make a plan to do something for them--something that helps them in a
tangible way without just drawing attention to yourself. If you don't know anyone personally to
help, then find someone! Visit the cancer ward at a children's hospital, or a nursing home.
3. Be creative. You might be gifted at organizing a benefit. It may be money to help pay for
medical expenses, providing a meal, a gas card, gift cards, free babysitting, a ride to an
appointment, a card or flowers for encouragement, lawn work, house work...you get the idea.
4. Be anonymous. Obviously this isn't always possible or necessary, but I know for myself that not
knowing whom to thank ensures that God rightfully gets all the glory!
5. Pray. Pray for God's leading. Pray through each step of the process, no matter what you decide
to do. Pray that God will use it to bless that person.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Thermography vs. Mammography--I choose Thermography!
Let's compare thermography and mammography in relation to detecting breast cancer:
Neither thermography nor mammography can diagnose breast cancer--only a biopsy can do that--but they are both used as early detection methods.
Thermography is a completely safe, non-invasive procedure using infrared sensors to produce a thermal image of the body; biochemical processes (those indicating cancerous activity) produce heat which appears clearly on the thermograph. Mammography uses ionizing radiation, which increases one's risk of future cancer, and compression which can spread cancer cells.
Thermography is unaffected by hormone use or large, dense, or fibrocystic breasts, all of which can cause reading difficulties for mammography.
Thermography can detect forming breast cancers 10 years before mammography would detect them, and is often the first sign that a problem may be developing.
Thermography can detect inflammatory breast cancer which is undetectable by mammography.
An abnormal thermograph is the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer--it is 10 times more significant than a family history of breast cancer, and a persistent abnormal scan carries a 22x higher risk of future breast cancer.
Thermography has an average 90% sensitivity in all age groups (10% of cancers may go undetected); mammography has an 80% average sensitivity in women ages 50+, but the sensitivity decreases in younger women.
When used as part of a multimodal approach (clinical examination + mammography + thermography) 95% of early stage cancers will be detected.
Based on extensive clinical trials, thermography significantly augments the long-term survival rates of its recipients by as much as 61%.
*********
Based on the facts above, any woman desiring routine early breast cancer screening, ESPECIALLY younger women, should go with thermography first. Then if there are suspicious areas, get an ultrasound, and only after that, if indicated, get a mammogram. It is unconscionable to me that doctors and breast cancer/medical organizations still recommend regular mammograms when there is a completely safe and significantly more accurate alternative available! The technology has been around since the 1950s, and it was approved by the FDA in the 1980s.
I am due for my six month re-evaluation next month, and I plan to get a thermograph done which I will show to my oncologist when I meet with him. If needed, I will have another ultrasound, not a mammogram. Since we don't know if I have cancer in my lymph nodes, I am very interested to see what the thermograph shows. It should show any areas of concern, including the lymph nodes. According to my oncologist, he will only order further scans like an MRI if I develop symptoms or my blood work indicates that cancer is growing. I think it would be very beneficial to know about any suspicious areas before the cancer has grown to the point where it is causing physical symptoms! On the other hand, if the scan shows a bunch of suspicious areas, that would be scary. I guess I'm prepared to deal with that since my pathology wasn't the best and I'm betting that surgery did not eliminate every cancer cell from my body.
Note: I did find an article in which the FDA warns that thermography should not be used to replace mammography. I'm not surprised since I wouldn't trust the FDA as far as I could throw it, and mammograms are one of the cash cows of the cancer industry, so they're not going to throw them over easily.
Note: I did find an article in which the FDA warns that thermography should not be used to replace mammography. I'm not surprised since I wouldn't trust the FDA as far as I could throw it, and mammograms are one of the cash cows of the cancer industry, so they're not going to throw them over easily.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Sugar Feeds Cancer--But Maybe Not ALL Sugar
I first wrote this post one year ago, but I have learned more about sugar and cancer since that time. Cancer cells are "obligate glucose metabolizers," which means that the source of their energy is sugar. One of the most common questions I get asked goes something like this, "If sugar feeds cancer, then we shouldn't eat fruit, right?" My standard answer used to be that any harm from naturally occurring sugars in fruit is balanced by all the beneficial cancer-fighting nutrients in fruit.
Since then I have become aware of some brand new research (it hasn't even been published yet) being done by Dr. Tony Jimenez and his colleagues at the Hope for Cancer Center. They have discovered that natural sugar molecules are "levorotatory" (they spin to the left) while sugar molecules from processed, refined, man-made sugars spin to the right. Guess what? Their research shows that cancer cells only process right-spinning sugar molecules! When I first heard this, I was so excited that I was practically jumping up and down, because it is so cool! It appears that while all bad sugars feed cancer, naturally occurring good sugars do not.
All this time that I've been saying that ALL sugar feeds cancer, I may very well have been wrong--and that is a very good thing! This discovery fits right in with my belief that all naturally-occurring, God-created foods are beneficial and necessary for keeping our bodies healthy. It had always kind of bothered me to think that the sugar in fruit may be causing people to avoid it, when there are so many important nutrients in fruit.
Fruit, especially dark-colored berries, contains many of the nutrients that are most effective against cancer. Black raspberries, blackberries, acai berries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, sour cherries, and pomegranates are packed full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and anti-oxidants such as ellagic acid, quercetin, fisetin, and resveratrol. Pineapple core contains the enzyme bromelain, which has proven more powerful than one chemo drug in animal studies. Apples are high in pectin, which has been shown to eliminate cancer cells and prevent them from growing and spreading. These are just a few examples.
The compounds in God-given fruits and vegetables that fight and kill cancer cells do so without harming normal cells, and this "selective cytotoxicity" ability is only found in natural compounds. There is not a single man-made chemotherapy drug available that is capable of having that effect--chemo drugs are indiscriminate in their cell destruction. Again, man has been unable to improve upon what God has already provided. Everything I read continues to reinforce this truth, subsequently reinforcing trust in my all-knowing, loving God, whose ways are far above man's ways!
Following is my original post on sugar and cancer:
Sugar feeds cancer. ALL forms of sugar. But not all types of sugar affect cancer cells in the same way.
Fructose is the worst offender in regard to cancer. Cancer cells specifically use fructose for cell division--which means that fructose causes proliferation (growth and spread) of cancerous cells. Fructose is found naturally in fruit and has a low glycemic index--which leads many people to think it is a healthy sugar. Fructose in fresh fruit is accompanied by high levels of antioxidants and many other nutrients contained in the fruit which mitigate the harmful effects of fructose. Fructose from refined sugars and processed foods is much different. Plus, most Americans consume 300-600% more fructose than is needed--and those excessive amounts of fructose are not due to eating extremely large amounts of fresh fruit! Excessive amounts of fructose cause it to be toxic to the body. Fructose is present in one form or another in at least half--and maybe all--of the top 10 sources of calories in America. (The top calorie sources are 1. Grain-based desserts 2. Yeast breads 3. Chicken/chicken mixed dishes 4. Soda/energy drinks/sports drinks 5. Pizza 6. Alcoholic drinks 7. Pasta/pasta dishes 8. Mexican dishes 9. Beef/beef dishes 10. Dairy desserts.)
Glucose is used as fuel by cancer cells, producing lactic acid as a byproduct. The large amounts of lactic acid produced by this fermentation process is transported to the liver. The conversion of glucose to lactic acid, which is a very inefficient waste of energy, and the resulting build-up of lactic acid results in the creation of an acidic pH in cancerous tissues as well as general physical fatigue. Cancer patients become tired and undernourished, and the cycle continues, causing the body wasting which is common among cancer patients.
The idea that sugar feeds cancer has been around for 80 years, and there have been many tests and experiments over time that prove it. So why don't doctors and oncologists inform their patients of this crucial bit of information? Again, it seems that most doctors have little knowledge or interest in how nutrition and diet affect health.
The following article explains the connection between sugar and cancer in detail with many cited sources as well as further advice for preventing and fighting cancer:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/29/is-this-simple-sugar-a-major-factor-in-the-failure-of-the-war-on-cancer.aspx
A video presentation:
http://draxe.com/how-sugar-can-cause-cancer/
Another article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130916103646.htm
Since then I have become aware of some brand new research (it hasn't even been published yet) being done by Dr. Tony Jimenez and his colleagues at the Hope for Cancer Center. They have discovered that natural sugar molecules are "levorotatory" (they spin to the left) while sugar molecules from processed, refined, man-made sugars spin to the right. Guess what? Their research shows that cancer cells only process right-spinning sugar molecules! When I first heard this, I was so excited that I was practically jumping up and down, because it is so cool! It appears that while all bad sugars feed cancer, naturally occurring good sugars do not.
All this time that I've been saying that ALL sugar feeds cancer, I may very well have been wrong--and that is a very good thing! This discovery fits right in with my belief that all naturally-occurring, God-created foods are beneficial and necessary for keeping our bodies healthy. It had always kind of bothered me to think that the sugar in fruit may be causing people to avoid it, when there are so many important nutrients in fruit.
Fruit, especially dark-colored berries, contains many of the nutrients that are most effective against cancer. Black raspberries, blackberries, acai berries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, sour cherries, and pomegranates are packed full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and anti-oxidants such as ellagic acid, quercetin, fisetin, and resveratrol. Pineapple core contains the enzyme bromelain, which has proven more powerful than one chemo drug in animal studies. Apples are high in pectin, which has been shown to eliminate cancer cells and prevent them from growing and spreading. These are just a few examples.
The compounds in God-given fruits and vegetables that fight and kill cancer cells do so without harming normal cells, and this "selective cytotoxicity" ability is only found in natural compounds. There is not a single man-made chemotherapy drug available that is capable of having that effect--chemo drugs are indiscriminate in their cell destruction. Again, man has been unable to improve upon what God has already provided. Everything I read continues to reinforce this truth, subsequently reinforcing trust in my all-knowing, loving God, whose ways are far above man's ways!
Following is my original post on sugar and cancer:
Sugar feeds cancer. ALL forms of sugar. But not all types of sugar affect cancer cells in the same way.
Fructose is the worst offender in regard to cancer. Cancer cells specifically use fructose for cell division--which means that fructose causes proliferation (growth and spread) of cancerous cells. Fructose is found naturally in fruit and has a low glycemic index--which leads many people to think it is a healthy sugar. Fructose in fresh fruit is accompanied by high levels of antioxidants and many other nutrients contained in the fruit which mitigate the harmful effects of fructose. Fructose from refined sugars and processed foods is much different. Plus, most Americans consume 300-600% more fructose than is needed--and those excessive amounts of fructose are not due to eating extremely large amounts of fresh fruit! Excessive amounts of fructose cause it to be toxic to the body. Fructose is present in one form or another in at least half--and maybe all--of the top 10 sources of calories in America. (The top calorie sources are 1. Grain-based desserts 2. Yeast breads 3. Chicken/chicken mixed dishes 4. Soda/energy drinks/sports drinks 5. Pizza 6. Alcoholic drinks 7. Pasta/pasta dishes 8. Mexican dishes 9. Beef/beef dishes 10. Dairy desserts.)
Glucose is used as fuel by cancer cells, producing lactic acid as a byproduct. The large amounts of lactic acid produced by this fermentation process is transported to the liver. The conversion of glucose to lactic acid, which is a very inefficient waste of energy, and the resulting build-up of lactic acid results in the creation of an acidic pH in cancerous tissues as well as general physical fatigue. Cancer patients become tired and undernourished, and the cycle continues, causing the body wasting which is common among cancer patients.
The idea that sugar feeds cancer has been around for 80 years, and there have been many tests and experiments over time that prove it. So why don't doctors and oncologists inform their patients of this crucial bit of information? Again, it seems that most doctors have little knowledge or interest in how nutrition and diet affect health.
The following article explains the connection between sugar and cancer in detail with many cited sources as well as further advice for preventing and fighting cancer:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/29/is-this-simple-sugar-a-major-factor-in-the-failure-of-the-war-on-cancer.aspx
A video presentation:
http://draxe.com/how-sugar-can-cause-cancer/
Another article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130916103646.htm
Sunday, April 27, 2014
"Weeds" or Cancer Fighting Herbs?
Rather than relying on chemotherapy drugs, which are toxic to the entire body, to kill cancer cells, why not rely on common herbs that also kill cancer cells without damaging other cells? Many herbs which are regularly destroyed and regarded as weeds have proven to be lethal to cancer!
Plantain, burdock, red clover, dandelion, yellow dock, violet, and honeysuckle are seven herbs traditionally known and used as cancer preventatives and cancer fighters. Here is an article specifically about these seven herbs: http://www.matrifocus.com/BEL09/wisewoman.htm
Here is another article about dandelion root research actually being funded to study its effect on cancer cells: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/cancer-killing-dandelion-tea-gets-157k-research-grant-1.1248382
More info on dandelions: http://foodfacts.mercola.com/dandelion-greens.html
Following is a fascinating article and interview by Dr. Mercola with Donald Yance, a highly trained herbalist and nutritionist who also studies current drug therapies. Throughout the interview, Donald not only discusses herbs and cancer, but also the reasons why traditional drug/chemotherapy methods don't work based on faulty premises and applications and lack of proper research and understanding of individual patients' conditions. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/30/interview-donnie-yance.aspx
Essiac tea is a blend of four herbs (burdock root, sheep's sorrel, slippery elm, and Indian rhubarb root) based on a recipe used by Native Americans. I have a book about Essiac tea entitled ESSIAC A Native Herbal Cancer Remedy by Cynthia Olsen.
Plantain, burdock, red clover, dandelion, yellow dock, violet, and honeysuckle are seven herbs traditionally known and used as cancer preventatives and cancer fighters. Here is an article specifically about these seven herbs: http://www.matrifocus.com/BEL09/wisewoman.htm
Here is another article about dandelion root research actually being funded to study its effect on cancer cells: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/cancer-killing-dandelion-tea-gets-157k-research-grant-1.1248382
More info on dandelions: http://foodfacts.mercola.com/dandelion-greens.html
Following is a fascinating article and interview by Dr. Mercola with Donald Yance, a highly trained herbalist and nutritionist who also studies current drug therapies. Throughout the interview, Donald not only discusses herbs and cancer, but also the reasons why traditional drug/chemotherapy methods don't work based on faulty premises and applications and lack of proper research and understanding of individual patients' conditions. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/30/interview-donnie-yance.aspx
Essiac tea is a blend of four herbs (burdock root, sheep's sorrel, slippery elm, and Indian rhubarb root) based on a recipe used by Native Americans. I have a book about Essiac tea entitled ESSIAC A Native Herbal Cancer Remedy by Cynthia Olsen.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
The Mammogram Myth
The link below is a very good recent article covering the studies showing that mammograms really provide no benefit in reducing or preventing breast cancer. In fact, quite the opposite is true: regular mammograms actually increase the risk and incidence of breast cancer!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/26/mammograms.aspx
Another article on the same topic:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/04/30/mammography-screening-programs.aspx?x_cid=20140430_nonlead_facebookdoc&utm_source=facebookdoc&utm_medium=social&utm_content=nonlead&utm_campaign=20140430
Mammogram imaging uses ionizing radiation, which undeniably causes cancer, and continued exposure over time increases the risk of developing breast cancer, especially in those women who carry the "breast cancer gene." The newest type of mammogram, touted as the best yet, which provides 3-D imaging of the breast, uses three times the amount of radiation in a regular mammogram, thus increasing the risk of causing cancer!
Although mammograms can and do detect breast cancers, there is a sobering false positive rate as well as a false negative rate. On top of that, doctors are realizing that a significant number of in situ cancers found by mammogram, if left alone, could exist in the breast harmlessly for many years, if not the entire lifetime. But once they are "found," doctors insist on treating them with invasive treatments that serve to weaken the body's own defenses against cancer and even cause more cancer.
There are other harmless imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and thermography to detect breast cancer which should be considered before mammograms.
Mammograms have been one of the cash cows of the cancer industry for years, and I doubt they will be given up any time soon, despite concrete scientific proof of the complete lack of benefit.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/26/mammograms.aspx
Another article on the same topic:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/04/30/mammography-screening-programs.aspx?x_cid=20140430_nonlead_facebookdoc&utm_source=facebookdoc&utm_medium=social&utm_content=nonlead&utm_campaign=20140430
Mammogram imaging uses ionizing radiation, which undeniably causes cancer, and continued exposure over time increases the risk of developing breast cancer, especially in those women who carry the "breast cancer gene." The newest type of mammogram, touted as the best yet, which provides 3-D imaging of the breast, uses three times the amount of radiation in a regular mammogram, thus increasing the risk of causing cancer!
Although mammograms can and do detect breast cancers, there is a sobering false positive rate as well as a false negative rate. On top of that, doctors are realizing that a significant number of in situ cancers found by mammogram, if left alone, could exist in the breast harmlessly for many years, if not the entire lifetime. But once they are "found," doctors insist on treating them with invasive treatments that serve to weaken the body's own defenses against cancer and even cause more cancer.
There are other harmless imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and thermography to detect breast cancer which should be considered before mammograms.
Mammograms have been one of the cash cows of the cancer industry for years, and I doubt they will be given up any time soon, despite concrete scientific proof of the complete lack of benefit.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Setting the Record Straight
A couple weeks ago, I ran into an acquaintance in a parking lot. We made some small talk and talked about cancer (he is an older gentleman with cancer), and at one point he said, "You aren't going to the doctor, though, are you?" I corrected him because that isn't true, but it made me wonder how many other people who know me or know of me think that I am not seeing a doctor. Are people assuming that because I am not having radiation or chemo that means I am not seeing a doctor?
Just to clear the record, I am seeing a doctor. I have an oncologist with whom I have met three times now. I had a six-month follow-up in December with him following an ultrasound scan of my right breast (which was clear). He also did more blood work. Sometime in June, I will be due to see him again for another follow-up.
My oncologist told me that he doesn't routinely do MRI, PET scans, etc., unless there is a reason to think the cancer has spread. He said that he has found those tests to be unhelpful unless there is enough cancer to detect. When I asked him about checking 'tumor markers', he basically said the same thing. He did have them checked in December just to have a baseline with which to compare future levels. So unless I start experiencing symptoms which may indicate that the cancer has recurred or spread, I won't be having much done.
A note on having ultrasound on my breast instead of a mammogram: mammograms use radiation which accumulates in the body and increases the risk of cancer. The more mammograms one has, the more the risk increases. This is why I chose to have an ultrasound. Ultrasound can't pick up micro-calcifications, which can be cancerous, but I'm not concerned about finding those. I just want to be aware of any masses or lumps that may be forming.
Just to clear the record, I am seeing a doctor. I have an oncologist with whom I have met three times now. I had a six-month follow-up in December with him following an ultrasound scan of my right breast (which was clear). He also did more blood work. Sometime in June, I will be due to see him again for another follow-up.
My oncologist told me that he doesn't routinely do MRI, PET scans, etc., unless there is a reason to think the cancer has spread. He said that he has found those tests to be unhelpful unless there is enough cancer to detect. When I asked him about checking 'tumor markers', he basically said the same thing. He did have them checked in December just to have a baseline with which to compare future levels. So unless I start experiencing symptoms which may indicate that the cancer has recurred or spread, I won't be having much done.
A note on having ultrasound on my breast instead of a mammogram: mammograms use radiation which accumulates in the body and increases the risk of cancer. The more mammograms one has, the more the risk increases. This is why I chose to have an ultrasound. Ultrasound can't pick up micro-calcifications, which can be cancerous, but I'm not concerned about finding those. I just want to be aware of any masses or lumps that may be forming.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Mixed Feelings
I am definitely experiencing mixed feelings and mixed thoughts about having breast cancer. The biggest contributor to this is the fact that I am not pursuing standard treatment.
I am not a typical cancer patient.
I don't look like a typical cancer patient. I don't have the telltale bald head covered by a scarf or hat; I still have both breasts intact. I don't know what it's like to be fatigued, nauseous, sick, or feel any of the other unpleasant side effects of treatment. I really cannot relate very well to typical cancer patients, because even though I have cancer, I have not experienced what they experience. To be honest, I don't feel like a "legitimate" cancer patient.
It's odd, because I still think about the cancer every day. But I'm not reminded that I have cancer by the symptoms and side effects of treatment; I am reminded of it every time I eat--or want to eat. Since I am pursuing a cancer-fighting diet, I am very conscious of everything I put in my mouth. Praying, "Lord, bless this food to my body," before meals has taken on a whole new meaning. Every food I eat is either helping my body fight cancer or helping the cancer grow.
I don't feel like a cancer patient. I look better than I have since before I got married 20 years ago, and I feel better--and healthier--than I ever have. But I have cancer.
Which brings me to another conundrum: is it accurate to say that I have cancer? Do I say, "I have cancer," or "I had cancer," or...what? I guess I have taken to saying, "I was diagnosed with cancer..." The margins were clear from the lumpectomy, so it appears that the surgeon successfully removed all of the cancerous mass that was there. But there is no way of knowing definitively whether or not any cancerous cells were left behind. Since I chose not to have the lymph node biopsy, it is also unknown at this point if the cancer spread. Whenever anyone asks how I'm doing, I usually say something like, "I feel fine...I don't know if I am fine, but I feel great." Unless/until the cancer manifests itself again somewhere, I won't know if it's still lurking in my body or not.
It's a waiting game.
I am not a typical cancer patient.
I don't look like a typical cancer patient. I don't have the telltale bald head covered by a scarf or hat; I still have both breasts intact. I don't know what it's like to be fatigued, nauseous, sick, or feel any of the other unpleasant side effects of treatment. I really cannot relate very well to typical cancer patients, because even though I have cancer, I have not experienced what they experience. To be honest, I don't feel like a "legitimate" cancer patient.
It's odd, because I still think about the cancer every day. But I'm not reminded that I have cancer by the symptoms and side effects of treatment; I am reminded of it every time I eat--or want to eat. Since I am pursuing a cancer-fighting diet, I am very conscious of everything I put in my mouth. Praying, "Lord, bless this food to my body," before meals has taken on a whole new meaning. Every food I eat is either helping my body fight cancer or helping the cancer grow.
I don't feel like a cancer patient. I look better than I have since before I got married 20 years ago, and I feel better--and healthier--than I ever have. But I have cancer.
Which brings me to another conundrum: is it accurate to say that I have cancer? Do I say, "I have cancer," or "I had cancer," or...what? I guess I have taken to saying, "I was diagnosed with cancer..." The margins were clear from the lumpectomy, so it appears that the surgeon successfully removed all of the cancerous mass that was there. But there is no way of knowing definitively whether or not any cancerous cells were left behind. Since I chose not to have the lymph node biopsy, it is also unknown at this point if the cancer spread. Whenever anyone asks how I'm doing, I usually say something like, "I feel fine...I don't know if I am fine, but I feel great." Unless/until the cancer manifests itself again somewhere, I won't know if it's still lurking in my body or not.
It's a waiting game.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Stress!
There are many facets of good health beyond diet and nutrition, one of which is avoiding as much stress as possible. It's proven that excessive stress has adverse effects on physical health, and I have been taking that to heart. Obviously, it is impossible to avoid all stress--and all stress isn't necessarily "bad." Good things like getting married or having a baby or getting a new job all involve some amount of stress even though they are positive life changes. One of the keys is recognizing which situations I have control over and which I don't. What I can't control, I try to leave in God's hands. What I can control, I try to deal with wisely. And I try to avoid worrying about any of it--whether I can control it or not. Worry is a sinful lack of trust in God.
Having said that, lately it seems that the harder I try not to be stressed, the more stress I have in my life--stress at church, stress at work, financial stress. This is frustrating for me. But frustration causes more stress, so I can't allow myself to be frustrated! HA!
The finances are a BIG issue. My husband and I like to avoid unnecessary debt, and we do pretty well at not carrying credit card balances or other debt besides our home mortgage. We also maintain a savings account with designated funds and some emergency money. But 2013 was not a good year. It started off with some large dental bills, even after what insurance covered. A few months later our refrigerator died and had to be replaced. We didn't buy a fancy stainless steel model or anything--just plain white with no add-ons like ice makers or water-in-the-door--but it was still $1500. Okay. We thought, "This isn't horrible; it's manageable. We'll be able to take care of it with some time." A couple months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two weeks after my diagnosis, my husband broke both bones in his ankle. He ended up having surgery before I did. Insurance ended up covering most of it, but we had to meet our high deductible first, which was several thousand dollars. Plus my husband was off work for two months; he received some disability pay, but it's not enough to pay the bills. I didn't miss much work, but it ended up being at least one day per pay period for a couple months. God sustained us through the pay we did receive and through generous gifts from a lot of people who blessed us. The final straw was having to replace our furnace during the very cold winter--a few thousand more dollars that we don't have. A list of unforeseen events that have left us roughly $10,000 in debt. Sigh. We aren't freaking out or worrying, but we do have to deal with it. So we tighten our belts in every area and come up with a plan to chip away at it. We aren't destitute by any means--still wealthy, in fact, compared to the majority of the world's population--so we keep things in perspective, count our blessings, and realize things could always be a lot worse than they are!
God is still in control--and He never promised life would be without difficulty. We do our best to make wise decisions, be good stewards of what He has given us, and trust Him to work all things out for His glory!
Having said that, lately it seems that the harder I try not to be stressed, the more stress I have in my life--stress at church, stress at work, financial stress. This is frustrating for me. But frustration causes more stress, so I can't allow myself to be frustrated! HA!
The finances are a BIG issue. My husband and I like to avoid unnecessary debt, and we do pretty well at not carrying credit card balances or other debt besides our home mortgage. We also maintain a savings account with designated funds and some emergency money. But 2013 was not a good year. It started off with some large dental bills, even after what insurance covered. A few months later our refrigerator died and had to be replaced. We didn't buy a fancy stainless steel model or anything--just plain white with no add-ons like ice makers or water-in-the-door--but it was still $1500. Okay. We thought, "This isn't horrible; it's manageable. We'll be able to take care of it with some time." A couple months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two weeks after my diagnosis, my husband broke both bones in his ankle. He ended up having surgery before I did. Insurance ended up covering most of it, but we had to meet our high deductible first, which was several thousand dollars. Plus my husband was off work for two months; he received some disability pay, but it's not enough to pay the bills. I didn't miss much work, but it ended up being at least one day per pay period for a couple months. God sustained us through the pay we did receive and through generous gifts from a lot of people who blessed us. The final straw was having to replace our furnace during the very cold winter--a few thousand more dollars that we don't have. A list of unforeseen events that have left us roughly $10,000 in debt. Sigh. We aren't freaking out or worrying, but we do have to deal with it. So we tighten our belts in every area and come up with a plan to chip away at it. We aren't destitute by any means--still wealthy, in fact, compared to the majority of the world's population--so we keep things in perspective, count our blessings, and realize things could always be a lot worse than they are!
God is still in control--and He never promised life would be without difficulty. We do our best to make wise decisions, be good stewards of what He has given us, and trust Him to work all things out for His glory!
What Do I Eat?
I eat fresh, raw fruits, vegetables, and greens--some organic, some not. Organic is best, but I frankly can't afford to buy everything organic. I have learned that cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, etc.) should actually be cooked--long enough to remove harmful compounds that, in a nutshell, contribute to goiters. I drink juices with combinations of lots of fruits and vegetables in them.
I have a source where I can get fresh, organic shiitake mushrooms which are known for their cancer-fighting nutrients.
I drink raw milk and kefir from organic, pastured cows, as well as eating their cottage cheese and ghee (like butter, but with most of the lactose cooked out). I mostly avoid butter and cheese.
I eat eggs from organic, free-range chickens. Sometimes I mix a raw egg into my raw milk and drink it--with some other stuff added in. :)
I eat beef and chicken from the good animals mentioned above as well as using their bones/carcasses to make bone broth. To the broth I add organic lentils, garlic and onions, oregano and turmeric (curcumin), sea salt, as well as whatever vegetables I have on hand--like celery, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, etc.
I eat wild Alaskan salmon--not Atlantic.
I eat fermented foods like sauerkraut (a good, organic source) and miso. Fermented foods are key for gut health--and the majority of the immune system stems from the gut. Probiotics (found in kefir) are also key nutrients for the gut, and apple cider vinegar is beneficial for the gut as well. I will make a hot tea with water, apple cider vinegar, honey, and cinnamon.
I eat raw, organic walnuts, almonds, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) which are soaked to remove the phytates then dried. I want to try Brazil nuts, too. I love pistachios, but I haven't found an organic source yet. I am avoiding cashews (which I love!) and peanuts since they can contain fungus--I will look into that more. I also mix raw organic cacao nibs (the natural form of chocolate) with nuts, seeds, and raisins or cranberries for a snack mix.
I eat chia seeds, freshly ground flax seed, and milk thistle--all organic. I mix them into my juice, milk, kefir, or cottage cheese. I often sprinkle organic ground ginger and cinnamon on my fresh fruit. I am learning more about other herbs, too.
I avoid most grains, but I have occasionally had some quinoa (the only grain that is a complete protein) waffles, and I'll make myself some organic popcorn for a snack, using coconut oil or ghee for the oil. Again, I use sea salt instead of table salt.
I drink purified water.
I have a source where I can get fresh, organic shiitake mushrooms which are known for their cancer-fighting nutrients.
I drink raw milk and kefir from organic, pastured cows, as well as eating their cottage cheese and ghee (like butter, but with most of the lactose cooked out). I mostly avoid butter and cheese.
I eat eggs from organic, free-range chickens. Sometimes I mix a raw egg into my raw milk and drink it--with some other stuff added in. :)
I eat beef and chicken from the good animals mentioned above as well as using their bones/carcasses to make bone broth. To the broth I add organic lentils, garlic and onions, oregano and turmeric (curcumin), sea salt, as well as whatever vegetables I have on hand--like celery, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, etc.
I eat wild Alaskan salmon--not Atlantic.
I eat fermented foods like sauerkraut (a good, organic source) and miso. Fermented foods are key for gut health--and the majority of the immune system stems from the gut. Probiotics (found in kefir) are also key nutrients for the gut, and apple cider vinegar is beneficial for the gut as well. I will make a hot tea with water, apple cider vinegar, honey, and cinnamon.
I eat raw, organic walnuts, almonds, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) which are soaked to remove the phytates then dried. I want to try Brazil nuts, too. I love pistachios, but I haven't found an organic source yet. I am avoiding cashews (which I love!) and peanuts since they can contain fungus--I will look into that more. I also mix raw organic cacao nibs (the natural form of chocolate) with nuts, seeds, and raisins or cranberries for a snack mix.
I eat chia seeds, freshly ground flax seed, and milk thistle--all organic. I mix them into my juice, milk, kefir, or cottage cheese. I often sprinkle organic ground ginger and cinnamon on my fresh fruit. I am learning more about other herbs, too.
I avoid most grains, but I have occasionally had some quinoa (the only grain that is a complete protein) waffles, and I'll make myself some organic popcorn for a snack, using coconut oil or ghee for the oil. Again, I use sea salt instead of table salt.
I drink purified water.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Links
http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/rr.html This link explains the difference between relative and absolute statistics.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/conditions/cancer/tamoxifen-what-difference-does-it-really-make Relative vs. absolute rates for Tamoxifren.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/13/radiation-heart-breast-cancer/1980735/
Radiation causes increased risk in heart problems.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/conditions/cancer/tamoxifen-what-difference-does-it-really-make Relative vs. absolute rates for Tamoxifren.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/13/radiation-heart-breast-cancer/1980735/
Radiation causes increased risk in heart problems.
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