Holly's Essay for a Scholarship Application

The Right Fuel

            Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases of our time. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments don’t seem to be doing their jobs, and if they do, it is almost never without horrible side-effects. But what if there was a way to treat cancer without side-effects that would work much better than these dangerous standard treatments? Rhio O’Conner found one, and it helped him live much longer than anyone thought he would with his cancer. O’Connor was a man who took an alternate route to treating his mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that primarily comes from exposure to asbestos. It attacks the membrane that lines the lungs and abdomen. There is no known cure for this cancer, but O’Connor found a treatment that worked very well. He decided to use things such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and a healthy, vegetarian diet to treat his cancer the natural way. 

            What causes cancer? We all have cancerous cells in our bodies, but we all don’t have cancer because our immune systems are doing their jobs eliminating them. When our immune systems are not working properly, the cancer cells start to multiply and grow. There are many “causes” of cancer, but it is the unhealthy environment of our bodies that allow it to get out of control and turn into a threat. Therefore, the question should not be “What causes cancer?”, but “What allows cancer to thrive?” Cancer grows in acidic environments, which are caused by poor nutrition, terrible diets, and exposure to toxins. Actual healthy diets will give the body its nutrition back and put the immune system back in business so it can function as it was designed to. 

            So what are the standard treatments for cancer? Radiation and Chemotherapy are the standard treatments that are recommended by doctors. Radiation treatment kills the cancer cells, but it also mutates regular, healthy cells so that they become cancerous. It has been proven that some patients who received radiation treatment would develop more cancer later in life that resulted directly from the treatment they received. Chemotherapy is toxic medicine that is injected into the patient’s body and destroys cancer cells. The problem is that it also destroys normal cells. Not every patient exhibits the same side-effects, but some of the ones that result from Chemotherapy are fatigue, memory loss, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and sores. Studies have been done that prove that Chemotherapy can actually cause cancer cells to spread and grow and become resistant to future Chemotherapy. Both of these treatments actually cause cancer to multiply instead of defeating it, and horrible side-effects go along with both of them. And doctors are actually forced to recommend these horrible treatments to patients, even if they don’t want to.

Doctors and patients should be able to choose to use whatever treatments they want to in  treating cancer. They should not be hindered by the Pharmaceutical Industry and the medical industrial complex which control the cancer industry and are always about the money. They do not make money off of curing cancer; they make money off of treating cancer. They control what kind of treatments are available to the doctors, and the doctors must recommend what they are told to, and if they don’t, they could get fired in some cases. If the Pharmaceutical Industry decided to use the treatments for cancer that were working, they would not be making all the money that they are now off of the drugs that they produce. They are greedy, and they want more money, even if it is literally costing lives along the way. They do not want a cure for cancer because it will not bring in good business.

There are a great number of alternative therapies that are a much better choice of treatment than the standard treatments. To name just a few, alternative treatment options include Oxygen therapies, IPTLD (“insulin-potentiated low dose chemotherapy”), Photodynamic Therapy, Sonophotodynamic Therapy, RIGVIR injections, high-dose intravenous vitamin C, Gerson Therapy, Dr. Burzynski’s treatments, Budwig protocol, and a good, nutritious diet.  A healthy, anti-inflammatory, and nutritious diet is the one treatment that everyone can start immediately, and it will be an enormous help to destroying the cancerous cells. Cancer can be successfully treated naturally with no side-effects by changing to a cancer-fighting, anti-inflammatory diet. By eliminating all refined and processed foods from your diet, including store-bought meat and dairy, you can build up your immune system so that it fights the cancer for you. Living and fresh foods are to replace refined grains and sugars, GMO foods, and processed junk food. By feeding our bodies the natural and organic food that God intended for us to eat, we can eliminate the diseases that so many people have been plagued with. There are absolutely no side-effects from this kind of natural treatment, except having a healthier lifestyle and probably losing weight.

People still want to use alternative treatments that are not approved by the FDA because the FDA can’t be trusted for the same reason the Pharmaceutical industry can’t be trusted. These two companies are working together and FDA doesn’t want to approve any new drug that would compete with the Pharmaceutical Industry. The health and well-being of people is not their priority; money is. Just because the FDA doesn’t approve a drug does not mean that it is harmful, and just because they do approve a drug does not mean that it is safe.

Having good nutrition is the first step to a healthy body and lifestyle, which is key to preventing and fighting cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation are toxic treatments that often make the cancer go away for a few months or even years, but it will come back even worse than before. And the side-effects are absolutely horrible, while with natural treatment, there are no negative side-effects. My mom is living proof that good nutrition and a healthy immune system will fight off cancer for good.

I think the changes that should be made in our healthcare system and in the way we treat cancer in this country should first be to start promoting real nutrition. We constantly see advertisements about new drugs that are guaranteed to suppress symptoms, but with dozens of possible side-effects. By simply eating nutritiously, you can do much more than just “suppressing the symptoms”; you can completely get rid of your condition. It is the poor diets of people these days that are causing all the issues. A change that we should make in the healthcare system is that our healthcare should not be covering all the drug treatments that are recommended; instead, they should be promoting and covering the good, nutritious cures and treatments. We need to promote real nutrition and healthy lifestyles so we can focus on cancer prevention. We also need to better inform patients about the options for treatments that they have. We should change the way in which cancer is treated because the cancer industries do not focus on true cancer prevention, they focus on research for treatments. They don’t need to find more treatments because the cures already exist. They just need to find them and promote them.

So many people have died because of the money-making “treatments” for cancer, and most of it could be prevented if people were better informed of real nutrition and healthy lifestyles that they could apply to their lives that would prevent cancer. And those who have cancer need to be better informed of the treatment options that are not traditionally recommended. Our bodies were made to be able to fight off diseases themselves, but we constantly feed them food and drugs that prevent them from functioning properly. Our bodies were designed to fight off cancer cells, which they do, if we feed them the right fuel.

If you would like to learn more about Rhio O’Connor and mesothelioma, please visit this website: http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/

Cancer-Fighting Citrus

Many people are aware of the health benefits of citrus fruits due to their high vitamin C content, which is commonly taken to help prevent and treat colds and flu.  Besides being a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties which can ease arthritis pain and prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease, and stroke.  Furthermore, high dose intravenous Vitamin C therapy is a powerful alternative cancer treatment.

In addition to Vitamin C, citrus fruits contain powerful cancer-fighting compounds called limonoids.  Limonoids are chemicals found in the seeds, peel and pulp, and juice of citrus fruits, occurring more abundantly in the pulp and peel than in the juice; they are responsible for the bitter taste in the peel.  Orange juice contains 300 mg of limonoids per liter of juice; grapefruit juice contains 200 mg/l, and lemon/lime juice 90 mg/l.  The pulp/peel of citrus fruits contain 500 mg of limonoids per kilogram, so high-pulp juice would be much more beneficial than no-pulp juice.  Using zest from the peels of oranges, lemons and limes is another good way to get those limonoids.  I like to squeeze the juice from a fresh lime over my salad in lieu of salad dressing.

Research has shown that high levels of limonoids are capable of slowing the growth of cancer cells and causing cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death, or cell suicide) in lab studies.  Limonoids help fight lung, breast, stomach, colon, skin and mouth cancers.  Limonoids are natural aromatase inhibitors, depriving estrogen-positive breast cancer cells of estrogen.  They are directly toxic to colon, pancreatic, liver, neuroblastoma, leukemia and other types of cancer cells.  The most abundant and one of the most potent limonoids is limonin glucoside.  Limonin glucoside is an easily digested limonoid which attaches to sugar molecules, neutralizing the harmful effects of the sugar.  Limonin glucoside lasts up to 24 hours in the body; comparatively, the beneficial phenols in chocolate and green tea only last 4-6 hours in the body. 

Essential oil of lemon has been studied quite a bit in relation to cancer and shows much promise.  One review published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research in 2010, indicated its capability of stopping cervical cancer cells from spreading and of inhibiting free radicals from harming healthy cells.  Researchers have learned that lemon as well as other essential oils use multiple pathways to fight cancer, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, anti-metastasis (stopping cancer cells from spreading), and anti-angiogenesis (stopping cancer cells from growing more blood vessels).  Lemon and other essential oils can also provide relief for cancer patients from symptoms such as pain, anxiety, nausea and vomiting.

One fascinating aspect of the ability of citrus essential oils to combat cancer is that they can do this simply through being smelled!  In early 2015, a study published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics revealed that citronella terpenes in lemon essential oil stop the growth of cancer.  Terpenes activate certain olfactory (smell) receptors in the body to prevent the growth and spread of cancers.  Olfactory receptors are not only located in the nose--they are also located in the skin and in some other organs.  So, inhaling the scent of essential oils such as lemon and applying them to the skin as well as ingesting them can offer benefits.  As always, please get advice from a knowledgeable practitioner before using essential oils.

Adding citrus fruits to your diet on a regular basis will help you fight a lot more than the common cold!

Like Daughter, Like Father

In early spring of this year (2015) my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer--it was almost exactly two years after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I asked my parents for the specifics and then did some research.  We had several conversations and discussed options--conventional options provided by Dad's doctor and natural alternatives--but I really didn't know which they would choose to pursue.  Of course I was hoping Dad would choose natural treatments over surgery and/or radiation which both had serious risks and side effects, but it wasn't my decision.  I also know how important it is for cancer patients to be confident in their treatments decisions, no matter what they choose, so I didn't want Dad to choose "my way" if he wasn't completely on board.  Needless to say I was very happy and relieved when he told me he wanted to try natural alternatives first!  He wasn't taking surgery/radiation completely off the table, because if the natural way "didn't work", and his cancer continued to worsen, he would revisit the standard treatment options.  After confirming that he wasn't vacillating between the two choices and that he and Mom were completely committed to a natural protocol, we started formulating the plan of attack. 

The most obvious, easiest, and arguably most important step was making immediate dietary changes.  He eliminated refined sugars and grains, all processed/refined oils and foods, conventional dairy and meats--which are all inflammatory (cancer thrives in that environment)--and replaced them with lots of raw, fresh, vegetables and fruits (organic if possible); healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocadoes, raw organic seeds & nuts that are soaked then dried); fermented foods like kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi; eggs from organic free-range chickens, and limited amounts of raw organic dairy products and meat from healthy grass-fed, pastured, organically-fed animals--living, real, natural, health-promoting, cancer-fighting foods.

Mom, Dad & I during my stay with them, May 2015.

Understandably, these were overwhelming changes for my parents.  I got lots of phone calls from them while they were in grocery stores asking me if different foods were "okay," so I would have them read the ingredient list over the phone.  :)  It didn't take too long before they knew what to look for and what to avoid.  I flew down to Florida in May and stayed with them for one week to help them find stores and resources where they could find the kinds of foods and supplements they needed.  Almost the entire week was spent shopping.  We also went through all of their food cupboards and the refrigerator/freezer, throwing out some things altogether, and donating several grocery bags of food.  That was a big deal, especially for my mom, who doesn't like to throw perfectly good things away--even more so when she paid good money for them!--but it was a testament to how committed she was to doing whatever it takes to help my dad.  Mom has become the researcher...reading articles and researching cancer websites, etc.  This is one of the coolest things about Dad's journey--he's not fighting on his own, because Mom is right there beside him every step of the way, and they both trust the outcome completely to God.

When Dad was diagnosed, it was a result of his PSA test rising two points in the past year.  His urologist did a physical exam of the prostate, which was enlarged, but the doc said it could just be due to an infection.  So a biopsy was done next, and it resulted in a diagnosis of prostate cancer.  The prostate is divided into six sections; one of the six sections was 70% cancerous.  So, it wasn't advanced cancer, by any means.  The urologist presented and explained the options of surgery or radiation, then told my parents to go home and think about it and then come back to see him in three weeks with their decision.  (I had immediate respect for the doc when I heard this, because he wasn't trying to rush Dad into a decision.)  I was in Florida during the time that next appointment was scheduled, so I was able to accompany them.  I liked the urologist, because he wasn't overbearing, pushy, or demeaning.  When Dad told him he was going to skip the surgery and radiation and pursue natural options first, he said that was fine--he would put Dad on what is called "active observation", and check on him again in three months time.

Three months later, Dad's PSA score had risen another point.  He was a bit discouraged, but we talked it over, and I told him I wasn't very concerned, because unlike my situation (having a lumpectomy to remove the cancer mass), his cancer hadn't been removed--it was all still there, and his body had a big job to do...one that wasn't going to be accomplished in a short amount of time.  We also reviewed his diet and nutrition, making adjustments and adding a lot of cancer-fighting supplements.  The good news was that despite the increased PSA score, Dad (along with Mom) was feeling great, losing weight, and experiencing other overall health improvements. 

My dad posted this on his Facebook page on Oct. 14, 2015:

Ok folks this is my big deal of the day. As some of you know Dorla and I have been going to Golds gym working out. We started back in March. To date Dorla has lost 33 lbs and I have lost 42 lbs. When I started out on the tread mill I could barely walk at a fast pace. I did hit a mile stone today. I am usually on the tread mill for 30 minutes. a couple of weeks ago I was finally able to run ONE MILE without stopping. I run at 4.7 mph on the treadmill. Today I ran 1.3 miles without stopping and I ran for 17 minutes straight. I ran for a total of 24 minutes of the thirty. My goal now is to get to two miles. When I get to 2 miles then I will worry how fast I can get it done. Dorla rides the stationary bike for 4 miles and we both do arm and leg workouts on several different machines. 4 1/2 years ago I weighed 275 lbs as of today I am down to 192lbs. Dorla is doing really well also. I am not going to say what her weight was as you never tell what a Ladies weight or age is, especially if she is your wife and the LOVE of your life.

Of course, much of their success was due to the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory diet they had embraced as well as their diligence in working out at the gym.

Dad's Nov. 30, 2015, Facebook post:

HAAAAAA, I did it, I did it!!!!!! I just ran around the perimeter of maranatha village (the retirement village where they live) . It is 2 miles. It took me 27 minutes. Now that is NOT a 5 minute mile it is 13 1/2 minutes but I got it done. Then I walked 1 1/4 miles to cool down.

How cool is that?!  :)  At 71 years old, Dad can run 2 miles without stopping!  I can say that most of his kids and grandkids are not able to do that!  Dad likes to comment to the effect that he is the healthiest cancer patient he knows.  :)

Here is a post from Dec. 17, 2015:

Thanks to God for answered prayers. Tom learned today that his PSA test showed his PSA count had gone down. It was good news but we knew whatever God's will was for him, we would be happy about the outcome. Thanks to all of you who are praying for him. Even though he has been eating right and taking supplements to fight the cancer, it is the prayers that do the most good. Keep praying as he needs the cancer to be gone............but at least his count did not go up! We continue to trust God for the future.

Praise God, indeed!  Dad's score actually went down one point, which is really a two-point swing when taking into consideration the rising trend it had previously shown.  Dad now weighs 180 pounds, and Mom is down to 145.  Mom had her annual physical recently, and her overall health has also improved.  They are both looking and feeling great and are even more motivated to stay focused on the diet and other lifestyle changes that are responsible not only for their improved general health, but also for successfully fighting cancer.

I am proud of my parents for how far they have come in the past six months, for their dedication, and their support of each other.  They are shining examples of how cancer can be beaten naturally, and of unshakeable faith in the Heavenly Father and his sovereignty over our lives.

I am definitely proud to be my father's daughter!  :)

Dad & Mom, June, 2014

June, 2016

Gifts of the Magi: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrhh

Wise men from the East are among the favorite Christmas story characters along with the angels, shepherds, and, of course, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.  Tradition says there were three wise men, but the truth is that the exact number of wise men is unknown.  The Bible does not say how many wise men there were, but Scripture does specifically list three gifts brought by the wise men to present to the Christ child, resulting in the usual depiction of three wise men--one carrying each gift.  The gifts they brought to the newborn King were highly valued and worthy of royalty:  gold, frankincense, and myrhh.  Although these items don't usually make the top of our Christmas wish lists, we would be wise to learn about their uses and health benefits.

FRANKINCENSE essential oil is made by steam-distilling the raw resin of Boswellia trees, which grow in regions of Africa and Arabia.  It is traditionally burned as incense and has been revered in the Middle East for thousands of years as an anointing oil. 

Frankincense essential oil has been called the King of Oils, and is one of the top essential oils used for health today.  Inhaled or diffused, Frankincense oil is used in aromatherapy for its comforting and sedative properties.  It promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, and satisfaction while reducing feelings of anger, anxiety, and stress.  Frankincense essential oil (not fragrance oil) is considered a tonic since it benefits all of the body's operating systems, including the digestive, excretory, nervous, and respiratory systems.  It promotes healthy cell regeneration and keeps existing cells and tissues healthy.  It strengthens the immune system and aids in the absorption of nutrients.  Frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, disinfectant, digestive, diuretic, and expectorant properties, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier.  It can be used to treat many conditions, including the following:

• Skin health (dry skin, scars and stretch marks, signs of aging, acne, insect bites, boils)
• Oral health (treats bad breath, mouth sores, cavities, tooth aches, infections; strengthens gums)
• Wound care (stops bleeding, speeds healing)
• Colds/respiratory conditions (breaks up phlegm, relieves bronchial-related congestion)
• Digestive disorders (speeds up secretion of gastric juices, bile, and acids; stimulates proper food movement through the intestines)
• Uterine health (regulates estrogen production, regulates the menstrual cycle of premenopausal women; reduces formation of post-menopause cysts and tumors, reducing the risk of uterine cancer)
• Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis (inhibits  production of key inflammatory molecules, helping prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue; used topically as an effective natural painkiller)
• Cancer (an agent in this oil stops cancer from spreading and also induces cancerous cells to self-destruct).  I know of a young lady who cured her brain stem tumor by taking Frankincense oil drops on the roof of her mouth!

Using essential oils:  essential oils are very powerful, concentrated substances, and are best used under the guidance of a qualified health practitioner.  Both Frankincense and Myrhh oils may be inhaled (diffused or used in a vaporizer), and applied topically--either alone or with a carrier oil (People with skin sensitivities may want to test a small area of skin first.).  Frankincense oil may be ingested in very small amounts (a drop or two under the tongue/on the roof of the mouth, or one drop in an edible carrier oil such as coconut oil, with a teaspoon of honey, or in purified water).  For internal use, check the label to ensure the oil being used is made for internal use, as not all brands are.  Myrhh oil is approved by the FDA as a food additive and flavoring agent, but it is still recommended to get advice from a health professional.

Contraindications:  Neither oil is recommended internally for children ages six and under.  They can both have 

blood-thinning effects, so are not indicated for those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants.  

Neither is recommended for pregnant or nursing women. 

MYRHH essential oil is made from the bark of the Commiphora myrrha tree, which is the same plant family as the Boswellia tree.  Myrhh has enjoyed popularity among ancient cultures:  the Chinese used it medicinally; ancient Egyptians used it medicinally, as an embalming agent for their pharoahs, and in the heavy kohl eyeliner worn by their women; ancient Greek soldiers took myrhh resin into battle to help stop bleeding wounds.  It has been used for thousands of years as an incense and as a holy oil in religious ceremonies. 

Myrhh oil is commonly used today in skin care products and fragrances, as a natural ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste, in food as flavoring, and in embalming.  Myrhh oil contains compounds that can affect the hypothalamus, amygdala, and pituitary--specific parts of the brain which control emotions and produce many important hormones.  These compounds are largely responsible for its calming effects on the mind and body.  Myrrh oil is valuable as an aromatherapy oil that can be used for massages, mixed in bathwater, or simply applied on the skin.

Myrhh oil is antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, expectorant, and antispasmodic.  It strengthens and activates your immune system to prevents infection and putrefaction, which helps clear toxins and promote tissue repair.  Myrhh oil can be beneficial for many health conditions, including the following:

• Skin infections (athlete's foot, ringworm, weeping eczema, bedsores, boils, carbuncles, acne)
• Skin care (prevents the signs of aging and soothes cracked or chapped skin, relieves sores and wounds)
• Oral diseases (eliminates dental infections, relieves toothache, gingivitis, mouth ulcers; freshens breath)
• Respiratory problems (relieves congestion and expels phlegm; works well against coughs, colds, and sore throats)
• Digestive ailments (helps cure upset stomach, diarrhea, dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence and hemorrhoids; promotes digestive health)
• Cancer (effective against prostate and other  reproductive organ cancers)

GOLD  You might wonder what health benefits gold can offer.  Well, it has been suggested that the wise men's gift of gold may not have been the precious metal but rather a powerful golden spice.  Tumeric is a common spice used in Indian cooking and is a bright golden-yellow color.  It has a lengthy history of medicinal uses, and its bioactive ingredient, CURCUMIN, is one of the most well-studied nutrients in the world.

Curcumin's anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties are among its 150-plus potentially therapeutic activities.  Curcumin has a vast array of mechanisms using numerous pathways to affect many different cells, hormones, and molecules in the body, allowing it to have multiple health benefits and to prevent multiple diseases.  Curcumin can be therapeutic for lung and liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases.  It supports brain, heart, and digestive health; promotes wound healing and relieves pain; suppresses rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and relieves osteoarthritis pain; protects against cataracts.  

Curcumin is able to pass the blood-brain barrier, and it, along with another nutrient in turmeric, has shown great promise in combatting neurological conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimers. 

Curcumin is also a super-hero nutrient in the cancer-fighting realm, which is how I first learned of it.  There is more evidence-based literature supporting the use of curcumin against cancer than for any other nutrient.  It is also unique in the fact that it is effective against any and all types of cancer due to its ability to affect more than 100 different intra-cellular molecular pathways.  Curcumin suppresses the formation, growth, and spread of tumors.  Research has also shown that curcumin can work in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy, making it more targeted and effective.  Unlike chemotherapy, however, curcumin has zero side effects and targets only the cancer cells, leaving normal cells unharmed.

Considering its abundance of health benefits, it should be a no-brainer to add the spice turmeric to your cooking.  It can also be taken in supplement form--just be sure you purchase a high-quality supplement (third party verified and satisfaction guaranteed) with at least 95% curcumin content and no fillers or unnecessary added ingredients.

Hopefully the next time you see or hear the Christmas nativity story with the wise men and their gifts to the Savior, you will think of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrhh in a whole new way!

Expecting the Unexpected

For the past week or so, I have been navigating the emotional spectrum of being 46 years old...and pregnant.  Yes, you read that correctly, and no, I wasn't experiencing the emotions you would probably expect. 

You see, my hubby has not had a vasectomy, so even though we haven't planned a baby for the past 13 years (Our fifth child, who is 9, was "unplanned by us, but planned by God"--we thought four was good, but God thought five was better!), we are fully aware that pregnancy is possible.  In fact, I have regularly said, "We are going to be that couple in their fifties who suddenly gets a...Surprise!"  :)  I am always very literally "expecting the unexpected" when it comes to pregnancy, so I was not at all shocked or dismayed.  We have chosen to "plan" our family using the natural cycles that God designed in a woman's body, while leaving the door open for God to perform His will.  I have never been comfortable with "telling God" how many children we will have.  Admittedly, this has been made easier by the fact that I have been blessed with a very regular cycle--which also allows me to know very quickly if I am pregnant.  I have never had to use a pregnancy test.  I know, I know--I am now at the age where menopause can begin, and being a little late could just mean my body is changing, but there have been no significant signs of that time of life beginning yet.

So, once I was more than three days "late", I immediately began paying close attention.  And as more and more days passed, I began contemplating the reality of being pregnant at 46.  I would be giving birth at age 47...my oldest and youngest children would be 20 years apart...the baby's next oldest sibling would be 10 years older...Bob and I would be in our late sixties by the time this baby graduates high school.  I'm also aware of the reality of how pregnancy affects cancer--my body which had had a hormone-receptive cancer would be raging with hormones.  I will have to be vigilant and diligent.  But there was still excitement.  When should I tell Bob?  This could be the healthiest pregnancy and baby I've ever had!  I already know several things I'll do differently...  This is another opportunity to share the importance, hope, and benefits of a healthy lifestyle...and another opportunity to point people to God!  Rather than viewing another baby as a hindrance, an inconvenience, or a hardship at our age, I viewed this baby as a precious blessing from God--whose timing and plan are always perfect.  I wasn't upset or worried...I was happy! 

That is, until thoughts and doubts planted by the Enemy started to creep in.  Oh, boy, what are people going to think?  What are my KIDS going to say?  Are they going to be embarrassed?  What will our relatives say--I mean, our nieces and nephews have just started having babies!  Are they going to think I'm stealing their thunder--grabbing limelight when I'm supposed to have already had my turn?  Are they going to be critical...think we're stupid and crazy and irresponsible to let this happen?  Is this going to rub unfairness in the faces of young couples who haven't been able to bear children yet?  I could already hear the shocked comments and responses from family and friends, most of whom would view a baby at our age as a definite negative.  I considered how to best convey my joy in a situation which most people were going to view as awkward, at best.   I began dreading having to tell people.  I started planning how I would delay telling people as long as possible and make sure to keep it very low-key to avoid appearing like I want undue attention.  I didn't want to deal with the drama.  I started feeling embarrassed and somewhat shameful just anticipating others' reactions.  I allowed it to steal my joy. 

I quickly realized this was wrong.  First of all, I was borrowing trouble--none of this had happened yet, and I didn't even know for sure that it would happen.  I don't think my concerns were unfounded, because in the past I have heard negative comments and people's negative views about pregnancy at what was considered to be "too old."  But, although my concerns were based in real experience, it still didn't necessarily mean I would be directly faced with it.  I was sinfully worrying about something that hadn't yet occurred.  Secondly, I couldn't allow my joy to be dependent upon the reactions of others.  As long as I am comfortable and happy with what God allows in my life and am able to glorify Him and thank Him for it, then that is what matters.  I am responsible for my responses only--not the responses of other people.

Almost as soon as I processed all this, it all came to naught.  I started bleeding.  I was miscarrying.  No, I don't have a doctor's confirmation that this is the case, but I know my body, and I've experienced early miscarriages like this before between the births of my children--when I've been a few weeks late for my cycle, and then have had a very heavy period.  Not to be too graphic, but when the bleeding is heavier than normal and it's more clotty with what appears to be tissue-like substances passing, it's kind of obvious. 

Am I crushed, heartbroken?  No, because it was in the very early stages, and I was just getting accustomed to it.  But I definitely have a sense of disappointment--of loss, because I was just to the point of getting excited about having another child.  Obviously there are pros and cons--blessings and challenges--involved in being pregnant at my age.  But in the ending of the pregnancy, too, I know God's timing is perfect, and His plan is best.  It has been another lesson in trusting my Father completely, no matter what scenario plays out.

This experience, though brief, carried me through a lot of different emotions, which has been a little trying.  I kept debating whether or not to even share it, because it was basically my own private, secret, short-lived struggle.  But I think there could be value in sharing this brief joy-turned-to-heartache experience if only to encourage someone else who may be experiencing it at any age, and to encourage everyone to value the precious gift of life at any age.  God is the Author of Life, and I wonder if believers are too comfortable trying to control that aspect without considering that the Father may have a perfect plan that we don't allow Him to accomplish, because it doesn't fit with our own plans.  Just something to think about. 

Although this current "surprise" won't come to fruition, I will continue to expect the unexpected.  :)

The Importance of Iodine

Iodine is one of the most important elements necessary for the optimum health and wellness of our bodies.  Iodine is responsible for the production of almost every hormone in the body, and iodine is found at high levels in the thyroid, breasts, liver, lungs, heart, and adrenal glands.  Iodine deficiency leads to endocrine system cancers (breast, prostate, ovaries, uterus, thyroid), infertility, and also mental retardation.  Iodine is effective in treating goiter, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

The thyroid depends upon iodine to create the thyroid hormone thyroxin, and the thyroid gland has a specialized system to concentrate a large amount of iodine relative to its size.  In the absence of iodine, thyroid hormones have been found to produce abnormalities in breast cells--more often than estrogen-produced abnormalities.  Breasts are one of the body's main storage and utilization sites for iodine, and adequate iodine levels are vital for the development and maintenance of "normal breast architecture."  It has been reported that Vitamin D deficiency and iodine deficiency are two of the biggest causes of breast cancer.  This is good news, because these two deficiencies are easy to fix!

Following are more important benefits of iodine:

• Eliminates heavy metals like lead and mercury from the body
• Has anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties.
• Improves breast health and prevents fibrocystic breast disease.
• Improves thyroid function.
• Provides for optimal functioning of the entire endocrine system.
• Increases energy levels, body temperatures, and improves circulation.
• Stops cancer cell reproduction and may kill cancer cells (apoptosis).
• Protects from radiation exposure.
• Assists in detoxification.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Lowers the risk of diabetes and helps control weight.  (Dr. Daniel Nuzum claims that it is impossible for Type 2 Diabetes to exist if there is adequate iodine.)
• Essential during pregnancy for proper brain development of the baby.

Do we get enough iodine from our diets?  No; it is reported that today, 96% of Americans are deficient.  We need 12-25 mg of iodine per day; the U.S. recommended amount of iodine is only in micrograms not milligrams--and that is only enough to prevent goiter.  

Iodized table salt is a poor source of iodine.  First of all, we would need about 20 teaspoons of it per day!  Secondly, table salt in the U.S. contains only iodide not iodine, and our bodies require both iodide and iodine in combination.  While all tissues and organs utilize iodine, they don't necessarily utilize the same form of it.  Thirdly, if you recall, I wrote a previous article on how toxic and nutrient-deficient table salt is.  In that article, I also shared how salt is required for proper use of iodine and recommended natural salts such as sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and Real Salt brand salt.  (Selenium is also necessary for iodine to work properly.)

In America's past, iodine was actually added to bread and other baked goods, but in the 1970s, iodine was replaced with bromine.  Bromine, chlorine, fluorine, and iodine are from the same family of elements, so they can all fill the iodine receptors in our cells, pushing out what little iodine may be present.  Americans are ingesting large amounts of these toxic chemicals while getting very little of the vital iodine.  Think about all the brominated baked goods we consume, the chlorinated water which we drink and use for bathing and swimming, the chlorinated "bleached" products we use and ingest, and the fluoridated water supply.  It would be wise to decrease or eliminate our use, consumption, and exposure to bromine, chlorine, and fluoride.  Admittedly, this may be a difficult task, but adequate levels of iodine will push these other chemicals out, helping the body detoxify from them.

Seaweed and kelp are excellent sources of iodine, but the Fukushima fallout in Japan has irradiated the oceans, contaminating nature's best sources.  There are some foods known to contain iodine, but the amount is directly dependent upon the iodine levels of the soil in which they are grown.  Since most soil is depleted of many nutrients, including iodine, again, these food sources would not provide sufficient iodine.

So, how do we get enough iodine?  I suggest purchasing iodine supplements such as Ioderal (tablets) or Lugol's Solution (liquid drops). 

While some express concern that excessive amounts of iodine may have adverse effects on the thyroid, if one takes into consideration the iodine deficiency epidemic in America and the prevalence of thyroid conditions and diseases in America due to iodine deficiency, it seems unlikely that overdosing is an urgent problem.  Once iodine sufficiency is achieved in the body, the amount of iodine absorbed is quantitatively excreted in the urine as iodide--protecting the body against iodine overload.

I very recently had my iodine and heavy metals levels tested.  As expected, my iodine was low (70% saturation when 90% saturation is the goal), and I had a slightly elevated mercury level.  The doctor who reviewed the results with me recommended I take 23-25 mg of iodine per day for three months and then re-test.  He also said that as my iodine levels increased, the iodine would push out the mercury--but that would take a full year, so I should retest the heavy metals in one year.

Dr. David Brownstein and Dr. George Flechas are two of the leading researchers on iodine, and I would highly recommend looking up their work.  Also, the organization I used to do my testing is www.breastcancerchoices.org

They offer free iodine testing to breast cancer patients who are willing to be part of their study, and they raise funds to do that by selling iodine supplements, other supplements, and books and publications on the research.  Their website is a wealth of information on thyroid issues, breast cancer, and more.

Cancer Cell Tidbits

Free Radicals

A "free radical" is an oxygen molecule which is missing an electron, so it steals an electron from another cell.  Cells cannot function properly without their electrons--which could cause them to become cancerous cells.

Antioxidants

"Antioxidants" are molecules with extra electrons which they donate to free radicals--keeping them functioning normally and preventing them from becoming cancerous.  Many fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices contain anti-oxidants, which is one reason why a raw, organic, whole-food diet is so important.  (*Side note:  many doctors tell their cancer patients to avoid consuming antioxidants while taking chemotherapy, because they believe the nutrients interfere with the chemo.  Not only has this been proven false through scientific testing [in fact the opposite has been shown:  antioxidants help chemo work better], it just plain doesn't make sense--"Don't consume healthy nutrients when your body is fighting a disease, because that healthy stuff will interfere with the toxic poisons we're pumping into your body to 'cure' that disease."  Really?!)

Sugar

Cancer cells are "obligate glucose metabolizers"--they must have sugar as their energy and fuel source.  SUGAR FEEDS CANCER.  (I have written previous articles on this subject.)  Yet what does one find in conventional oncology

offices?  Dishes of candy for the patients.  What types of food are served to children in pediatric cancer wards?  Sugary desserts and junk food, because "a calorie is a calorie--we just want them to eat."  Conventional medical staffs feed the very disease they are supposedly treating!

Anaerobic

Cancer cells are "anaerobic" which means they thrive in a low-oxygen or no-oxygen environment.  A nutrient-rich diet aids in getting adequate amounts of oxygen to the cells, and some alternative cancer treatments incorporate oxygen therapies which kill cancer cells by introducing oxygen into them.

Electrical Charge 

Cancer cells have the opposite electrical charge as normal cells.  Pancreatic enzymes chew up the proteins in the cell membranes of cancer cells, but the enzymes don't harm normal cells, because their electrical charge repels the enzymes.  

Cancer cells also have a protein coating which serves as a "cloaking device" against the body's immune cells that are supposed to identify and eliminate the enemy cancer cells.  The protein coating has a negative electrostatic charge just like immune cells, causing them to be repelled by cancer cells.  (70%-80% of immune cells are made up of "neutrophils" which can't "see" the cancer cells due to their cloaking device.  "Natural Killer Cells" make up a small percentage of immune cells, and they are the only immune cells that are not fooled by the cloaking device and can still identify the invaders.)  Pancreatic enzymes expose cancer cells to the body's immune cells by chewing through that protective protein coating, making pancreatic enzymes an important supplementation to the diet.

Cancer cells have very low electric activity; delivering electric energy to cancer cells kills them.  Interestingly, every cancer patient known to have been struck by lightning had no evidence of cancer following the lightning strike!  Fulvic acid is a substance that delivers that electric energy to cancer cells. 

Phases

Cancer cells go through four phases; chemotherapy only works during one of those four phases:  the synthesis phase.  Therefore, chemo only has a 25% chance of working.  "Insulin Potentiated Targeted Low Dose" chemotherapy (IPTLD) is an alternative treatment that changes chemo from a "hand grenade" (wide spread destruction) to a "sniper rifle" (narrowly focused targeting).  Patients are administered insulin in order to significantly lower blood sugar levels, causing cancer cells to "starve."  This puts cancer cells in the synthesis stage which is when chemo works.  IPTLD makes chemo 20 times more effective with 1/10 of the dose.

The more I learn about cancer, the body, cells, and how everything works, the more fascinated I am--and the more confident I am that conventional cancer treatments are not the answer!