So, finding out that I have cancer...seemed, first of all - unfair. Second, just plain mean. I have another "crunchy" friend who also went through breast cancer treatment. She told me when her brother found out that SHE had cancer, he said "If you got cancer, then the rest of us are DOOMED" (or something to that effect). That kind of gave me a chuckle. Because I have heard similar things from those that know me as well. Sometimes if you think you are doing everything right...you still get it (isn't that comforting?!?). That's one reason that I have to believe that there is a REASON that this is happening. There just has to be.
I have a tendency to explore alternative treatments for just about everything, prior to using "traditional" Western medicine. Of course, I looked into the types of alternative (or simultaneous) treatments that could be used for breast cancer. This ranged from things that claimed to "cure" cancer cells, or "stop the spread" of cancer cells, things used for pain or nausea management (as the result of traditional cancer treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy), and ways to keep healthy while undergoing treatment (to battle some side effects of traditional treatments, etc.). I thought I would create a post about some of the different treatments that I have found while doing my "research". I have had MANY people send me messages or talk to me about "things I should be taking, doing, etc." So, some of those I will list as well. Now, keep in mind - I am not a doctor. I do not claim that ANY of these things actually work, or if they DO work, to what extent. I have no idea. I think many of them are perhaps worth looking into, and, hey...if it can't hurt...
**A side note: Even though I have explored these "alternative treatments", I have decided that I am going to go along with my prescribed "traditional" treatment by my oncology team. I prefer a more holistic approach, so I will do my best to balance the two. They, after all ARE the experts. You know, if I were surrounded by people who had been "cured" from cancer by ONLY using natural/alternative treatments, I may be singing a different tune altogether. And, hey...maybe some day we will!
A friend of mine said something really profound (I can't remember if I mentioned it in another post, if I did - just pretend I didn't, K?). I was asking her if she explored any alternative treatments for her cancer, instead of automatically taking the Dr.'s recommendation for chemo. I mean, I have a hard time taking REGULAR meds, or exposing myself to chemicals of any sort. With chemo, I would be injecting POISON directly into my veins. Poison that will kill the cells in my body, will make my hair fall out, will kill my immune system, will probably make me really sick, could cause a heart condition (or other lovely side effects). It's not an easy "pill to swallow" (excuse the pun).
But, what my friend said that really stuck with me, was "Do you know the number one side effect of chemo?...It's LIFE."
Whoa. That was all I needed to hear. Although, if I could somehow make my body stronger, better able to cope with the surgery, chemo, etc. I was going to do that. If I could also try to slow the progression of the disease (or stop this cancer from spreading, even a little bit), then I had to at least give the "alternative treatments" a fair shot. This became even more important to me because I was having to wait for a while before my surgery...doing NOTHING else. I am not one to lie down and do nothing, in any situation. I am fighting for my life here, and lying down is not the best position for a fight after all. My gloves are on. Bring. It.
Alternative Treatment Ideas (As I have more time, and hear of more, I will continue to update this list - feel free to comment and add your own ideas too!)
Supplements & food - Getting the body in prime shape is important when you are going into battle. Getting the immune system as strong as possible is one important factor. Eating healthy is important. Drinking LOTS of water is key. It flushes toxins out of the body, nourishes the cells, all kinds of good stuff! There is something called "ionized water" out there (Kangen is one brand). The idea behind this is that cancer thrives in an acidic environment. Making your body more alkaline could possibly combat this. They sell ionizing water bottles on Amazon (I thought of getting one, haven't yet though), a local health food store near me has a machine that makes tap water more alkaline, and I have bought some of the water from them (I need to bring back the glass jug to get refilled for a couple of bucks).
Avoiding bad food (processed, junk food, fried stuff, SUGAR) is another tool. Turns out, cancer just LOVES sugar. I am not one to eat a ton of regular sugar even before cancer. I have tried to use healthier forms of sweeteners (honey especially, whenever possible). Eating lots of fruit and veggies (organic if they are part of the "dirty dozen"), especially foods that are high in antioxidants. Things such as berries, mangosteen, flax, nuts (esp. almonds and walnuts), cocao (yes, that's chocolate! - but you have to find some without so much sugar, and dark is best). Oh, and did I mention WINE? Seriously, it's a scientific fact. ;)
Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Kale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones–important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Sweet potatoes contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane. Others mentioned are carrots, avocados, grapes, mushrooms, chili peppers, oranges and lemons. Some spices are wonderful for their cancer-fighting properties as well - garlic, rosemary, turmeric are among the best. Green tea is great too.
(I found some of the above info at: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/27-top-cancer-fighting-foods.html)
Additional supplements: WOW - there are a ton. I caution anyone who is thinking of taking supplements to check with their doc, nutritionist, naturopath, etc. These supplements can be very concentrated, and some have precautions that you need to be aware of prior to taking (or mixing and matching). I also found that you have to be careful when taking certain supplements prior to surgery (as they have a blood thinning effect and can make you "extra bleedy" (yes, I made that up) during an operation. Other supplements should not be used while getting chemo, because they can block the chemo from doing its job most effectively. Things like antioxidants, which are typically a good thing, are NOT while having chemo.
SOME of the supplements that I have heard about (at least a few times):
Probiotics. These are the good bugs, needed for a healthy immune system. Plain and simple - they are good. Go and get your self some.
Reishi Mushroom and Coriolus PSP from the brand "Mushroom Science": anti-tumor properties.
Flora Flor-Essence: detox blood lymph
Pure Essence Breast-D: breast tissue restoration
anti-tumorCat's Claw: anti-tumor
Quality of Life Kinoko Gold AHCC: anti-tumor increases white blood cells and NK cells
Enzymatic Therapy IP-6 & Inositol: Boosts NK cell activity
Europharma Tumeric Curamed 750mg: anti-tumor chemo-protective
Astragalus Supreme: helps immune system
Hoxsey Red Clover
Caisse's Tea (an herbal detox tea)
N-A-C Sustain: antioxidant, supports liver and lung function
Soursop (also called graviola): A fruit, grown in very warm regions, but can be found in pill form. It states it has the ability to target the damaged cells and kill them causing a balance in the cycle of cell growth and development. Side effects that I have seen are the possible development of a movement disorder (perhaps in higher quantities?).
Medical Marijuana. Yep, I said it. Interesting how this plant can often stir up emotions in people so readily. BUT, I can't NOT mention it. As it has been mentioned to me OFTEN since my diagnosis. "Hey, do you smoke? - cause you should look into medical marijuana" or "Hey, you should get your medical marijuana card. With cancer, you're a shoe in!...Hey, there are not many perks to having cancer - this is one of them!"
Medical marijuana is often used as a pain reliever for folks who have pain associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Sometimes, people have a reaction to traditional pain meds (nausea, vomiting), and MM (that's Medical Marijuana to those "in the know") does not have those side effects. I have heard it is also an effective anti-nausea med and can assist with appetite issues for those that are not able to eat appropriately due to cancer or cancer treatment (the munchies!! - Ha, makes sense). I think there is such a stigma for this particular "alternative treatment", partly because many folks think that people who use MM are only doing it to "get high". Yes, there is that (but not always, actually). There are forms of MM that have less THC (the part of MM that creates the "high" feeling), and some that have none at all. There are some pretty recent studies looking at the cancer-fighting properties of MM. Specifically a component of cannabis called "cannabinoids", that have been shown to possibly stop or slow the progression of breast cancer cells. I wish there were larger scale studies looking more into this. I also think that there should be better regulation on MM. More specifics as to proper dosage, types, more stringent screenings prior to being able to give someone their MM "card". It's pretty easy to get here in Michigan, and I don't think it should be. I think the people that are scamming an ailment just to get high, make a bad name for something that could be really helpful for some people.
Accupuncture, Reiki, Massage, Yoga, Meditation, etc....things I will explore later. I need to get off of this computer and get some things done! :)
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