I read these statistics recently~
The American Cancer Society state that they estimate this year 745,000 men and 692,000 women will be diagnosed with cancer. They also stated that worldwide in 2007 12 million were diagnosed with cancer. And that 8 million died. If my math is correct only 33% survived.
Also, health care expenditures in the U.S. reached an astounding 16% of the gross national product - $2.39 trillion in 2006.
784,000 die each year from conventional medical mistakes.
106,000 die each year from pharmaceutical drugs taken as directed.
9 million each year are exposed to unnecessary hospitalizations.
We need to be aware and take responsibility for our own health. Some of you may think that I am really anti-medical. That is not true at all. I believe there is a time and place and I am very thankful for what is available when necessary. But I am not one who will blindly follow what is told to me as the only way. If a drug is recommended I want to know what the side effects are and what my options are. We know that 90% (give or take) of our health issues are brought on by our lifestyle (toxicity and deficiency) - poor nutrition, lack of exercise, etc. I plead with you to improve your nutritional habits. Exercise and get adequate rest.
I encourage every one to read and do research and have a plan as to what you would do if you received the dreaded diagnosis of cancer. Even better yet - educate yourself to avoid ever having to make that decision by living a lifestyle that will prevent cancer.
Books to read:
HEALING THE GERSON WAY by Charlotte Gerson
OUTSMART YOUR CANCER by Tanya Harter Pierce
GETTING STARTED ON GETTING WELL by Lorraine Day, M.D.
THE HALLELUJAH DIET by George Malkmus
I don't know who - if anyone - is reading my Blog. I hope you are finding it informative and helpful. Let me know ~
Be anxious for nothing ~ Philippians 4:6
Dianne
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Supplements
Merry Christmas to one and all!!
Martin and I have had a low key day at home. It has been a blustery day with a forcast of 6 -10 inches of snow by tomorrow.
We celebrated with Tawnya and Greg and kids Tuesday night with a nice dinner and exchanging gifts. Then Tawnya and Greg went to Pocatello to spend the holiday with Greg's parents.
I have had a number of people wanting more details on the specifics of what I am doing. Today I thought I would share with you the supplements I am taking and why I am taking them.
I want to make clear that I really believe the nutritional part of the program is most important and I will cover that in another post. But I decided to add the supplements that Dr. Gerson recommended. Over 60 years ago his scientific research led him to recommend the following supplements. These supplements have aided many in curing their cancer.
Max Gerson was one of the first medical doctors to use nutritional metabolic therapy. Records show many of his patients recovered from cancer and lived out long, healthy lives. His patients included Albert Schweitzer, the Nobel Prize-winning doctor. Schweitzer called Gerson "one of the most eminent medical geniuses in the history of medicine."
"There is no cancer in normal metabolism," Gerson wrote in a case study of 50 patients. He decided that a combination of degenerated liver and pancreatic functions, bad nutrition, and exposure to chemical fertilizers and pollutants causes the body's immune system to break down, giving cancer a foothold. Like other nutritional, metabolic cancer advocates, Gerson focuses on treating the whole person - not just the tumor - through detoxification, nutritional supplements and diet.
Gerson advocated a return to the earth and its processes, including a purification of soil and farmland.
Though Dr. Gerson is no longer alive, his therapy lives on through the many doctors who use his therapy and the many patioents who continue to recover from cancer. His daughter, Charlotte, runs the Gerson Institute in California.
Gerson Supplements:
POTASSIUM COMPOUND: The basic problem in all chronic degenerative diseases is the loss of postassium from, and the penetration of sodium into, the cells, now known as the tissue damage syndrome. The average diet contains far to much salt (sodium), which eventually causes the breakdown of the healthy balance within the body. Taking the potassium compound enables the sick body to release the excess sodium.
NIACIN: Niacin assists in the digestion of protein and helps to open capillary circulation, thus bringing freshly oxygenated blood (from the constant intake of fresh juices) to all body tissues. The dosage is a 50 mg. tablet 5-6 times daily.
PANCREATIN: This is an extract of various pancreatic digestive enzymes, normally needed to digest fats, proteins and sugar. Even though I am not eating fats, proteins or suar I need the pancreatin for the digestion and elimination of tumor tissue. I take 8 a day - .325 mg.
ACIDOL PEPSIN: The stomach needs help for the intake and digestion of food. I take 2 with each meal.
IODORAL: Iodoral is a high-potency iodine tablet supplying iodine/potassium iodide. Some researchers believe that iodine deficiency is a major cause of breast cancer and other diseases of the reproductive organs. Iodoral is taken up by almost every gland and organ in the body and it supports thyroid health. I take 3 a day.
On top of the Gerson supplements I am also taking:
CURCUMIN: Curcumin is a powerful anti-oxident and anti-inflammatory. It is also a great supporter of the immune system. I take 3 capsules a day.
VITAMIN D: It has been found that breast cancer patients usually have a deficiency of Vitamin D. It is wise to have a blood test to measure Vitamin D level. I take 5000 IU of Vitamin D a day.
SELENIUM: Studies have shown that cancer patients who take Selenium have a lower death rate from cancer. I take 200 mg. daily.
BARLEY MAX: Barley Max is a very nutrient-dense barley juice powder. Utah-grown organic barley is planted in volcanic lakebed soil and irrigated with deep source groundwater for maxiumum nutrient uptake. One of the most mineral-rich foods in the world - 20% volume of organic alfalfa is added. The roots grow as deep as 130 feet into the ground. Finely strained juice from these grasses is gently dehydrated at just 98 degree F to lock in nutritional potency and retain live enzymes.
I also take Essiac tea which has ingredients that are known to destroy cancer cells.
I take L-Methionine and L-Cysteine, Ambrotose and Coloidial Silver.
I have a schedule printed off that I check off as I take the supplements.
So now you know!!! I know it looks overwhelming, but I have a good routine now and it works well. I am sure this will bring questions to your mind. Give me a call! I will try to clarify what is not clear. I am not a biologist, but from my research I believe that these supplements will help.
Blessings! Dianne
Martin and I have had a low key day at home. It has been a blustery day with a forcast of 6 -10 inches of snow by tomorrow.
We celebrated with Tawnya and Greg and kids Tuesday night with a nice dinner and exchanging gifts. Then Tawnya and Greg went to Pocatello to spend the holiday with Greg's parents.
I have had a number of people wanting more details on the specifics of what I am doing. Today I thought I would share with you the supplements I am taking and why I am taking them.
I want to make clear that I really believe the nutritional part of the program is most important and I will cover that in another post. But I decided to add the supplements that Dr. Gerson recommended. Over 60 years ago his scientific research led him to recommend the following supplements. These supplements have aided many in curing their cancer.
Max Gerson was one of the first medical doctors to use nutritional metabolic therapy. Records show many of his patients recovered from cancer and lived out long, healthy lives. His patients included Albert Schweitzer, the Nobel Prize-winning doctor. Schweitzer called Gerson "one of the most eminent medical geniuses in the history of medicine."
"There is no cancer in normal metabolism," Gerson wrote in a case study of 50 patients. He decided that a combination of degenerated liver and pancreatic functions, bad nutrition, and exposure to chemical fertilizers and pollutants causes the body's immune system to break down, giving cancer a foothold. Like other nutritional, metabolic cancer advocates, Gerson focuses on treating the whole person - not just the tumor - through detoxification, nutritional supplements and diet.
Gerson advocated a return to the earth and its processes, including a purification of soil and farmland.
Though Dr. Gerson is no longer alive, his therapy lives on through the many doctors who use his therapy and the many patioents who continue to recover from cancer. His daughter, Charlotte, runs the Gerson Institute in California.
Gerson Supplements:
POTASSIUM COMPOUND: The basic problem in all chronic degenerative diseases is the loss of postassium from, and the penetration of sodium into, the cells, now known as the tissue damage syndrome. The average diet contains far to much salt (sodium), which eventually causes the breakdown of the healthy balance within the body. Taking the potassium compound enables the sick body to release the excess sodium.
NIACIN: Niacin assists in the digestion of protein and helps to open capillary circulation, thus bringing freshly oxygenated blood (from the constant intake of fresh juices) to all body tissues. The dosage is a 50 mg. tablet 5-6 times daily.
PANCREATIN: This is an extract of various pancreatic digestive enzymes, normally needed to digest fats, proteins and sugar. Even though I am not eating fats, proteins or suar I need the pancreatin for the digestion and elimination of tumor tissue. I take 8 a day - .325 mg.
ACIDOL PEPSIN: The stomach needs help for the intake and digestion of food. I take 2 with each meal.
IODORAL: Iodoral is a high-potency iodine tablet supplying iodine/potassium iodide. Some researchers believe that iodine deficiency is a major cause of breast cancer and other diseases of the reproductive organs. Iodoral is taken up by almost every gland and organ in the body and it supports thyroid health. I take 3 a day.
On top of the Gerson supplements I am also taking:
CURCUMIN: Curcumin is a powerful anti-oxident and anti-inflammatory. It is also a great supporter of the immune system. I take 3 capsules a day.
VITAMIN D: It has been found that breast cancer patients usually have a deficiency of Vitamin D. It is wise to have a blood test to measure Vitamin D level. I take 5000 IU of Vitamin D a day.
SELENIUM: Studies have shown that cancer patients who take Selenium have a lower death rate from cancer. I take 200 mg. daily.
BARLEY MAX: Barley Max is a very nutrient-dense barley juice powder. Utah-grown organic barley is planted in volcanic lakebed soil and irrigated with deep source groundwater for maxiumum nutrient uptake. One of the most mineral-rich foods in the world - 20% volume of organic alfalfa is added. The roots grow as deep as 130 feet into the ground. Finely strained juice from these grasses is gently dehydrated at just 98 degree F to lock in nutritional potency and retain live enzymes.
I also take Essiac tea which has ingredients that are known to destroy cancer cells.
I take L-Methionine and L-Cysteine, Ambrotose and Coloidial Silver.
I have a schedule printed off that I check off as I take the supplements.
So now you know!!! I know it looks overwhelming, but I have a good routine now and it works well. I am sure this will bring questions to your mind. Give me a call! I will try to clarify what is not clear. I am not a biologist, but from my research I believe that these supplements will help.
Blessings! Dianne
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Follow-up Ultra Sound
Yesterday I had the 4 month follow-up Ultra Sound. Even though it has been 4 months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer I have only been on the program I am currently following for about 6-8 weeks. So it was a little premature to do an ultra sound at this point. I was very nervous about it and was concerned about the outcome - hoping for the best, but trying to prepare myself for the worst. I knew from talking to others who have followed this path it takes up to a year for a tumor to dissolve and be absorbed and eliminated. But the good part of the test was that the tumor has not grown. It is the same size it was 4 months ago. At this point I have decided to wait another 3 months and do another Oncolab cancer test and see if the results will be similar to my baseline test that showed no cancer. As with all tests there are false negatives and/or false positives. So if the next test comes back similar to the first test it will mean that the test is 99% accurate. And, indeed, the cancer is gone.
I am such a "now" person and I have to remind myself that Alternative therapy takes time. I talked with Holly - the lady from Newport Beach, CA who reversed her cancer with the Gerson program - and she told me it took her 1 year to get rid of one of her tumors and 18 months for the other two. So I must be patient. It may take time, but well worth it to be cancer free without side affects or hurting my body. So I solicit your continued prayers as I travel down this journey.
It is certainly an emotional roller coaster. I want to be upbeat and joyful ALL the time, but I am all too human and hit rock bottom yesterday and was feeling pretty bad. I want this to work soooo bad and must give it time.
Yes, I could go in for a lumpectomy and have the tumor removed. I know there are many who wonder why I will not do that. I guess at this point all I can say is that I have my reasons. I will not try to defend myself on this site. I will just say that I believe very much in the program I am following. As of today I am a little more serious and making sure I do all I need to do for success.
I feel well and have been able to avoid colds or flu so far - even though the grandchildren have sneezed right in my face several times. I am doing all I can to keep my body in a "healing" mode and what a wonderful creation we are with "self-healing" properties in our body.
Wanted to give an update as I know some of you knew I was having the repeat ultra sound.
I am such a "now" person and I have to remind myself that Alternative therapy takes time. I talked with Holly - the lady from Newport Beach, CA who reversed her cancer with the Gerson program - and she told me it took her 1 year to get rid of one of her tumors and 18 months for the other two. So I must be patient. It may take time, but well worth it to be cancer free without side affects or hurting my body. So I solicit your continued prayers as I travel down this journey.
It is certainly an emotional roller coaster. I want to be upbeat and joyful ALL the time, but I am all too human and hit rock bottom yesterday and was feeling pretty bad. I want this to work soooo bad and must give it time.
Yes, I could go in for a lumpectomy and have the tumor removed. I know there are many who wonder why I will not do that. I guess at this point all I can say is that I have my reasons. I will not try to defend myself on this site. I will just say that I believe very much in the program I am following. As of today I am a little more serious and making sure I do all I need to do for success.
I feel well and have been able to avoid colds or flu so far - even though the grandchildren have sneezed right in my face several times. I am doing all I can to keep my body in a "healing" mode and what a wonderful creation we are with "self-healing" properties in our body.
Wanted to give an update as I know some of you knew I was having the repeat ultra sound.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Source of Healing
Today was a good day and I have bounced back after the encounter with the doctor on Thursday. I allow her a little slack as I know she is doing and saying what she was trained to do and say. And as she said she has seen people not make it when they try and go "natural".
I came across something in my reading that was a huge encouragement to me and I wanted to share it with you. It is in the little book, "Ministry of Healing". What a great book!
"The Saviour in His miracles revealed the power that is continually at work in man/woman's behalf, to sustain and to heal. Through the agencies of nature (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc), God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury (disease), a healing process is at once begun (immune system working), nature's agencies are set at work to restore soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God. All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God who restores him,
Sickness, suffering, and death are work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the restorer." pp.112-113 ( ( ) are my additions)
I believe my responsibility is to co-operate with God in the work of my body being restored to health and healing. During my 65 years of life my immune system has restored me to health from measles, mumps, chicken pox, MS, colds, flu and various other things. My Creator God placed that immune system within my body to prevent and to heal from sickness. And I believe He will continue to work through that immune system to bring healing.
Today Greg, Tawnya and kids were here for lunch. Had a great time with them. It is so nice being close to them and seeing the kids so excited to come to Ama and Papa's house!!
Our new puppy is doing well. She is 3 1/2 months old and weighs 42 pounds. We started Obedience Training with her last week! On the way I told her she needed to pay attention as I did not want her to flunk out of "Puppy Kindergarten"!! She did well and learned pretty fast some of the commands we are to teach her. We took her on her first long walk today - 1 mile. She came home and slept quite awhile! The Trainer said that a "tired puppy is a good puppy!" That is true!!
Good Night!
I came across something in my reading that was a huge encouragement to me and I wanted to share it with you. It is in the little book, "Ministry of Healing". What a great book!
"The Saviour in His miracles revealed the power that is continually at work in man/woman's behalf, to sustain and to heal. Through the agencies of nature (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc), God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury (disease), a healing process is at once begun (immune system working), nature's agencies are set at work to restore soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God. All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God who restores him,
Sickness, suffering, and death are work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the restorer." pp.112-113 ( ( ) are my additions)
I believe my responsibility is to co-operate with God in the work of my body being restored to health and healing. During my 65 years of life my immune system has restored me to health from measles, mumps, chicken pox, MS, colds, flu and various other things. My Creator God placed that immune system within my body to prevent and to heal from sickness. And I believe He will continue to work through that immune system to bring healing.
Today Greg, Tawnya and kids were here for lunch. Had a great time with them. It is so nice being close to them and seeing the kids so excited to come to Ama and Papa's house!!
Our new puppy is doing well. She is 3 1/2 months old and weighs 42 pounds. We started Obedience Training with her last week! On the way I told her she needed to pay attention as I did not want her to flunk out of "Puppy Kindergarten"!! She did well and learned pretty fast some of the commands we are to teach her. We took her on her first long walk today - 1 mile. She came home and slept quite awhile! The Trainer said that a "tired puppy is a good puppy!" That is true!!
Good Night!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Doctor's Appointment
Today I had an appointment to see my Primary Care doctor. I had seen her one time before and liked her and was eager to go back for follow-up. I wanted to have some blood work done and to have an ultra sound ordered to see if the tumor is shrinking. I was not prepared at all for the way she responded to me. When she realized I was doing Alternative therapy she became angry, rude, disrespectful and demeaning. I was so glad Martin was with me. I did not go in with a "chip-on-my-shoulder." I was low key and not defensive. When I tried to tell her about the cancer test I had and the results she actually sneered at me. I mentioned that Oncolab was FDA approved and Medicare covered the test. She told me that was not true and all they wanted was my money. She had no interest in what I was doing. She finally just got up and left the room. I do not expect medical people who are only trained in allopathic medicine to agree with what I am doing, but they can at least be respectful and not rude.
So, to say the least it was very stressful and very different from what I expected. However, I have talked to others doing Alternative therapy and they have had doctors just walk out of the room and not see them anymore.
I saw a doctor up at the University hospital about 4-5 years ago and I liked him. Tawnya is going to talk to him and see if he will follow me. It is recommended when one is going Alternative to try and find a doctor who will order the tests and monitor how you are doing.
After Dr. Joseph left the room today she sent her nurse back in with a note saying she wants to see me in 3 months~~~~I don't think so~~~~~
In spite of today my courage is good and I feel well.
Tomorrow I get to go care for the grandchildren!! I haven't seen them for 2 weeks. That is way too long to go without seeing them.
I do have an appointment for an ultra sound next Wednesday morning.
So, to say the least it was very stressful and very different from what I expected. However, I have talked to others doing Alternative therapy and they have had doctors just walk out of the room and not see them anymore.
I saw a doctor up at the University hospital about 4-5 years ago and I liked him. Tawnya is going to talk to him and see if he will follow me. It is recommended when one is going Alternative to try and find a doctor who will order the tests and monitor how you are doing.
After Dr. Joseph left the room today she sent her nurse back in with a note saying she wants to see me in 3 months~~~~I don't think so~~~~~
In spite of today my courage is good and I feel well.
Tomorrow I get to go care for the grandchildren!! I haven't seen them for 2 weeks. That is way too long to go without seeing them.
I do have an appointment for an ultra sound next Wednesday morning.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
A Blessed Thanksgiving
How blessed we are! Kevin, Anneliese and Toren spent Thanksgiving with us and what a delight it was to have them here. Toren is 5 1/2 and such a joy to all of us. Thanksgiving morning we went to an outdoor ice rink in downtown Salt Lake and Kevin, Anneliese and Toren skated for about an hour. The weather cooperated and they had a fun time while "Grandpa" and I watched and took pictures! Then we came home and Kevin made a pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin that they brought with them. I fixed the rest of the dinner and we enjoyed a most healthy Thanksgiving dinner.
Tawnya and family spent Thanksgiving with Greg's family in Pocatello.
Tiffany spent Thanksgiving with friends in St. George. She will be by to visit tomorrow on her way home from St. George.
I am eager for this week - December 4th - as I will be seeing my Primary Care doctor and will be having an ultra sound. I pray that the ultra sound will back up the cancer blood test - that came back as "normal."
Being diagnosed with cancer certainly puts one on an emotional rollercoaster. My faith in God is strong and I continue to pray for "wisdom" to do the right thing and feel positive about what I am doing. But I would be lying if I said I didn't have my difficult times too. Sometimes all kinds of thoughts and questions fly through my mind. Sometimes there are intense feelings of fear and panic. If I allow myself there may be thoughts of, "what if what I am doing does not work?" I believe we can control our thoughts and I do not allow myself to dwell on the negatives that sometimes threaten to overtake me. Instead I like to do visualization and visualize in my mind the white blood cells destroying the cancer cells. I visualize the tumor being completely gone. This goes along with the understanding of the mind/body connection.
I continue to feel well and have no pain or discomfort. My energy level is good. Sometimes I get tired ~ but then at 65 I have the "right" to get tired after a day of activity!
An interesting website: http://www.thebreaststaysput.com/
I really appreciate those of you who are remembering me in prayer and are being supportive of my choice of treatment. It is not easy to go against "mainstream" medical treatment, but every time I even allow myself to think about going that way it makes me feel nauseous. I know there are success stories and I praise God for those, but I also know that there are many who have not lived after their extensive medical treatment. And of course there are those who did not die from their cancer, but died instead from the treatment that devastated their body.
I thank God every day for the healing that is taking place in my body.
Blessings to each of you reading this Post~~
Tawnya and family spent Thanksgiving with Greg's family in Pocatello.
Tiffany spent Thanksgiving with friends in St. George. She will be by to visit tomorrow on her way home from St. George.
I am eager for this week - December 4th - as I will be seeing my Primary Care doctor and will be having an ultra sound. I pray that the ultra sound will back up the cancer blood test - that came back as "normal."
Being diagnosed with cancer certainly puts one on an emotional rollercoaster. My faith in God is strong and I continue to pray for "wisdom" to do the right thing and feel positive about what I am doing. But I would be lying if I said I didn't have my difficult times too. Sometimes all kinds of thoughts and questions fly through my mind. Sometimes there are intense feelings of fear and panic. If I allow myself there may be thoughts of, "what if what I am doing does not work?" I believe we can control our thoughts and I do not allow myself to dwell on the negatives that sometimes threaten to overtake me. Instead I like to do visualization and visualize in my mind the white blood cells destroying the cancer cells. I visualize the tumor being completely gone. This goes along with the understanding of the mind/body connection.
I continue to feel well and have no pain or discomfort. My energy level is good. Sometimes I get tired ~ but then at 65 I have the "right" to get tired after a day of activity!
An interesting website: http://www.thebreaststaysput.com/
I really appreciate those of you who are remembering me in prayer and are being supportive of my choice of treatment. It is not easy to go against "mainstream" medical treatment, but every time I even allow myself to think about going that way it makes me feel nauseous. I know there are success stories and I praise God for those, but I also know that there are many who have not lived after their extensive medical treatment. And of course there are those who did not die from their cancer, but died instead from the treatment that devastated their body.
I thank God every day for the healing that is taking place in my body.
Blessings to each of you reading this Post~~
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Tests Results
It has been awhile since I have posted so decided it was time to catch up on the latest happening in my life.
Because I have decided to use an alternative plan to reverse the breast cancer I was eager to talk with someone who also used this plan to reverse their cancer. I was led to a lady in southern California who had breast cancer 21 years ago and healed her cancer with the plan that I am using. She was so helpful and encouraging when I called her. She told me about a cancer blood test called the AMAS Test that is done out of Oncolab in Boston, MA. www.oncolabinc.com
The AMAS Cancer Test measures serum levels of AMA, an antibody found to be elevated in most patients with a wide range of active non-terminal malignancies. All the data from Oncolab and from the independent study performed by SmithKline Laboratories support the fact the the AMA (Anti-Malignin Antibody) is elevated almost regardless of the site or cell type of the malignancy; that is, AMA is a general transformation antibody, not just for one particular kind of cancer. Medicare covers the cost of this test.
So I ordered the "kit" from Oncolab. Tawnya signed the requistion for the blood draw. I went to Quest Diagnotics Lab for the blood draw and shipped the blood sample on dry ice, overnite to Oncolab in Boston. Tawnya received the results one week later - last Monday, November 17th.
I was prepared for the test score to be high as I was diagnosed only 3 months ago. The score could be anywhere from 0 - 700. Anything under 134 is considered "normal" - no cancer cells.
I had seen some graphs where invasive ductal carcinoma scored over 300.
But when my test results were sent to Tawnya she called me and told me my score was "36" ~ normal!!
I was so surprised! Even though I religiously had been following my anti-cancer program and I had read of others who had reversed their cancer in as little as 6-8 weeks I did not expect those kinds of results this soon. Usually it takes 8-12 months to reverse cancer with alternative therapy.
As Tawnya and I visited later that day we decided we could have "cautious optimisn". I will see my primary care doctor December 4th and will follow up with an ultra sound to check on the status of the tumor. If the tumor is gone or nearly gone then that will match the blood work and we will be praising the Lord and dancing in the streets!!!
I continue to receive e-mail and letters from those who are very concerned about what I am doing - or not doing. I know these people care and are concerned for my future. It is always nice to know that one is loved and cared for. But I want so much for them to understand that Martin and I have researched the path we are taking. When I see the statistics that 1500 people die every day from cancer in the U.S. and I realized that that equals 10 September 11th every month in the U.S. it did not give me confidence that going the medical way was the best way for me to go. Those statistics did not assure me that the big "3" really work.
There are some books I would like to recommend to you to read. Statistics tell us that 1 out of 2-3 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer. I suggest that everyone do research and have a plan if that were to happen to you. When one receives that diagnosis they are immediately encouraged to begin a treatment plan. It is sooooo scary being told you have cancer and our first inclination is to just do whatever is told to us. You must realize that your doctor is trained only in the "medical" route. He/she does care and wants to help you, but this is all they know. So the book I would recommend everyone read is: Outsmart Your Cancer by Tanya Harter Pierce. This author did a fantastic job on this book and will give you a lot of information that will help you make an informed decision on what you should do.
Other books that will be helpful are:
HEALING the Gerson Way by Charlotte Gerson
The Breast Stays Put (No Chemo-No Radiation-No Lumpectomy-No Thank You)
by Pamela Hoeppner
Getting Started on Getting Well by Lorraine Day
Living Proof by Michael Gearin-Tosh
Websites to check out are:
www.gerson.org
www.hacres.com
www.drday.com
I have done quite well during the last 3 months. My head was not buried in the sand!! I know I am on a life or death journey. 99% of the time I have been upbeat and positive and believe I am on the right path. Sometimes when I am tired or someone writes to me trying to change my mind I find myself getting a little "down". But I do not allow myself to "go there" and realize that I can be in control of my emotions. I believe God is with me and guiding me on this journey.
Because I have decided to use an alternative plan to reverse the breast cancer I was eager to talk with someone who also used this plan to reverse their cancer. I was led to a lady in southern California who had breast cancer 21 years ago and healed her cancer with the plan that I am using. She was so helpful and encouraging when I called her. She told me about a cancer blood test called the AMAS Test that is done out of Oncolab in Boston, MA. www.oncolabinc.com
The AMAS Cancer Test measures serum levels of AMA, an antibody found to be elevated in most patients with a wide range of active non-terminal malignancies. All the data from Oncolab and from the independent study performed by SmithKline Laboratories support the fact the the AMA (Anti-Malignin Antibody) is elevated almost regardless of the site or cell type of the malignancy; that is, AMA is a general transformation antibody, not just for one particular kind of cancer. Medicare covers the cost of this test.
So I ordered the "kit" from Oncolab. Tawnya signed the requistion for the blood draw. I went to Quest Diagnotics Lab for the blood draw and shipped the blood sample on dry ice, overnite to Oncolab in Boston. Tawnya received the results one week later - last Monday, November 17th.
I was prepared for the test score to be high as I was diagnosed only 3 months ago. The score could be anywhere from 0 - 700. Anything under 134 is considered "normal" - no cancer cells.
I had seen some graphs where invasive ductal carcinoma scored over 300.
But when my test results were sent to Tawnya she called me and told me my score was "36" ~ normal!!
I was so surprised! Even though I religiously had been following my anti-cancer program and I had read of others who had reversed their cancer in as little as 6-8 weeks I did not expect those kinds of results this soon. Usually it takes 8-12 months to reverse cancer with alternative therapy.
As Tawnya and I visited later that day we decided we could have "cautious optimisn". I will see my primary care doctor December 4th and will follow up with an ultra sound to check on the status of the tumor. If the tumor is gone or nearly gone then that will match the blood work and we will be praising the Lord and dancing in the streets!!!
I continue to receive e-mail and letters from those who are very concerned about what I am doing - or not doing. I know these people care and are concerned for my future. It is always nice to know that one is loved and cared for. But I want so much for them to understand that Martin and I have researched the path we are taking. When I see the statistics that 1500 people die every day from cancer in the U.S. and I realized that that equals 10 September 11th every month in the U.S. it did not give me confidence that going the medical way was the best way for me to go. Those statistics did not assure me that the big "3" really work.
There are some books I would like to recommend to you to read. Statistics tell us that 1 out of 2-3 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer. I suggest that everyone do research and have a plan if that were to happen to you. When one receives that diagnosis they are immediately encouraged to begin a treatment plan. It is sooooo scary being told you have cancer and our first inclination is to just do whatever is told to us. You must realize that your doctor is trained only in the "medical" route. He/she does care and wants to help you, but this is all they know. So the book I would recommend everyone read is: Outsmart Your Cancer by Tanya Harter Pierce. This author did a fantastic job on this book and will give you a lot of information that will help you make an informed decision on what you should do.
Other books that will be helpful are:
HEALING the Gerson Way by Charlotte Gerson
The Breast Stays Put (No Chemo-No Radiation-No Lumpectomy-No Thank You)
by Pamela Hoeppner
Getting Started on Getting Well by Lorraine Day
Living Proof by Michael Gearin-Tosh
Websites to check out are:
www.gerson.org
www.hacres.com
www.drday.com
I have done quite well during the last 3 months. My head was not buried in the sand!! I know I am on a life or death journey. 99% of the time I have been upbeat and positive and believe I am on the right path. Sometimes when I am tired or someone writes to me trying to change my mind I find myself getting a little "down". But I do not allow myself to "go there" and realize that I can be in control of my emotions. I believe God is with me and guiding me on this journey.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
"Blessed Assurance...."
Music is so much a part of me. Music with a message especially "feeds" me.
As I am on a journey to healing my trust and faith in God is strong. He created me and knows the workings of my body. He and I "walk" together. My greatest desire right now is to co-operate with Jesus in the healing process. I believe I need to do all I can or know how to do to regain my health. I want to completely submit to His will nutritionally for me.
The consequence of complete submission is "delight" and "rest". Yes, in Jesus Christ I am "happy" and "blest".
Yes, I am "praising my Jesus all the day long...."
A song that is very dear to me is:
As I am on a journey to healing my trust and faith in God is strong. He created me and knows the workings of my body. He and I "walk" together. My greatest desire right now is to co-operate with Jesus in the healing process. I believe I need to do all I can or know how to do to regain my health. I want to completely submit to His will nutritionally for me.
The consequence of complete submission is "delight" and "rest". Yes, in Jesus Christ I am "happy" and "blest".
Yes, I am "praising my Jesus all the day long...."
A song that is very dear to me is:
Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine
Blessed Assurance , Jesus is mine!
O, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight.
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Fanny Crosby
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Daily Steps to Wellness
Here we are into November (5th) already. Time does fly!
Up until now I have not talked about the 10 Step Plan to Health that I am following.
I want to share with you what I have chosen to do to build up my immune system.
Someone said to me: "you think all that carrot juice will get rid of your cancer?" And I responded to them that it is not the carrot juice that will get rid of the cancer, but the carrot and green juices are full of minerals and vitamins that will boost my immune system. It is the immune system (which includes the lymph system) that will get rid of the cancer.
Because I have chosen to not have the lumpectomy or the mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation or take the Tamoxifen I knew I needed to follow very carefully an alternative method of treatment.
For many years we have been very interested in healthful living so have accumulated many books, videos, and DVD's over the years. We have attended Health Ministry training at Hallelujah Acres twice http://www.hacres.com/ and have taught their ministry to others. We have nearly all of Dr. Lorraine Day's video's and DVD's and her excellent manual. http://www.drday.com/
Years ago Martin had ordered Dr. Gerson's books and set of video's. So we have a library full of information. http://www.gerson.org/ All three of these websites have links to testimonials of those who have reversed cancer or other diseases by following the plans presented in their material. (On the Gerson website click on "Resources" and then click on "case studies.")
These 3 programs have somewhat similar nutritional plans - with slight variations.
I am following a 10 Step Plan to Health
N = Nutrition
E = Exercise
W = Adequate Pure Water
S = Sunshine
T = Temperance
A = Fresh Air
R = Adequate Rest
T = Trust in God
Plus:
Attitude of Gratitude
Benevolence
So it is called New Start plus 2
As we look over these 10 areas we see that they are things that we should all be doing in our everyday life.
Let's look at NUTRITION
What do I eat??
It is recommended that I have 8 - 12 fresh juices each day. We usually make 4 green leafy vegetable juices each day and 5 carrot/apple juices a day.
I also use the Hallelujah Acres Barley Max 1-4 times a day.
My goal is to have 12 juices and that includes the Barley Max.
So I watch the clock and have one each hour.
In the morning it is recommended to have an 8 oz glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and that is part of my menu too.
For breakfast I usually have hot cereal or museli. I use Almond milk on the cereal and add a few raisins.
For lunch I have a big salad or I make a green salad smoothie! It is soo good!
Then for supper we have baked potatoes, baked yam, baked squash, or cooked vegetables.
There is more, but these are just ideas.
So my eating pattern is pretty simple.
The day I received the diagnosis of a malignancy I instantly became very strict in what I put in my mouth and have not waivered in the nearly 3 months since my diagnosis. (since August 12th)
I do not eat salt, white flour, fat, processed, canned, in a jar~
I have added some supplements and will discuss those later.
Rest is very important and I sleep well at night and get 8-9 hours sleep each night. I am usually in bed by 9 p.m.
Exercise it important also. I try to walk 1/2 hour each day and jump on the mini trampoline 30 minutes each day.
My time with God is very important. That is where my strength comes for this journey. I am currently on the "90 Day Challenge". I am attempting to read the Bible through in 90 days! I have to be honest and say I am behind, but that is okay!
I am feeling well and would never know I had cancer if it had not shown up on the mammogram and ultra sound and then the needle biopsy.
I would encourage you to check out the 3 websites I mentioned in this Post. They are all very interesting with many ideas for healthy living.
Blessings to you!
Up until now I have not talked about the 10 Step Plan to Health that I am following.
I want to share with you what I have chosen to do to build up my immune system.
Someone said to me: "you think all that carrot juice will get rid of your cancer?" And I responded to them that it is not the carrot juice that will get rid of the cancer, but the carrot and green juices are full of minerals and vitamins that will boost my immune system. It is the immune system (which includes the lymph system) that will get rid of the cancer.
Because I have chosen to not have the lumpectomy or the mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation or take the Tamoxifen I knew I needed to follow very carefully an alternative method of treatment.
For many years we have been very interested in healthful living so have accumulated many books, videos, and DVD's over the years. We have attended Health Ministry training at Hallelujah Acres twice http://www.hacres.com/ and have taught their ministry to others. We have nearly all of Dr. Lorraine Day's video's and DVD's and her excellent manual. http://www.drday.com/
Years ago Martin had ordered Dr. Gerson's books and set of video's. So we have a library full of information. http://www.gerson.org/ All three of these websites have links to testimonials of those who have reversed cancer or other diseases by following the plans presented in their material. (On the Gerson website click on "Resources" and then click on "case studies.")
These 3 programs have somewhat similar nutritional plans - with slight variations.
I am following a 10 Step Plan to Health
N = Nutrition
E = Exercise
W = Adequate Pure Water
S = Sunshine
T = Temperance
A = Fresh Air
R = Adequate Rest
T = Trust in God
Plus:
Attitude of Gratitude
Benevolence
So it is called New Start plus 2
As we look over these 10 areas we see that they are things that we should all be doing in our everyday life.
Let's look at NUTRITION
What do I eat??
It is recommended that I have 8 - 12 fresh juices each day. We usually make 4 green leafy vegetable juices each day and 5 carrot/apple juices a day.
I also use the Hallelujah Acres Barley Max 1-4 times a day.
My goal is to have 12 juices and that includes the Barley Max.
So I watch the clock and have one each hour.
In the morning it is recommended to have an 8 oz glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and that is part of my menu too.
For breakfast I usually have hot cereal or museli. I use Almond milk on the cereal and add a few raisins.
For lunch I have a big salad or I make a green salad smoothie! It is soo good!
Then for supper we have baked potatoes, baked yam, baked squash, or cooked vegetables.
There is more, but these are just ideas.
So my eating pattern is pretty simple.
The day I received the diagnosis of a malignancy I instantly became very strict in what I put in my mouth and have not waivered in the nearly 3 months since my diagnosis. (since August 12th)
I do not eat salt, white flour, fat, processed, canned, in a jar~
I have added some supplements and will discuss those later.
Rest is very important and I sleep well at night and get 8-9 hours sleep each night. I am usually in bed by 9 p.m.
Exercise it important also. I try to walk 1/2 hour each day and jump on the mini trampoline 30 minutes each day.
My time with God is very important. That is where my strength comes for this journey. I am currently on the "90 Day Challenge". I am attempting to read the Bible through in 90 days! I have to be honest and say I am behind, but that is okay!
I am feeling well and would never know I had cancer if it had not shown up on the mammogram and ultra sound and then the needle biopsy.
I would encourage you to check out the 3 websites I mentioned in this Post. They are all very interesting with many ideas for healthy living.
Blessings to you!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Faith~Belief~Trust
It has been a few days since I have written. But this evening I wanted to share a little concerning my faith~belief and trust. Right now I am on an adventure like nothing I have ever experienced. Sometimes I get discouraged and frustrated and frightened of the unknown. But I pick myself up and keep pushing forward. Do I believe that God will be with me each step of the way? Yes, I do. Do I believe it is God's will that I have cancer? No, I do not. There are many healing promises in the Bible that makes it clear to me that God doesn't want any of His "kids" sick. I love Psalm 103:1-4: "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases; He redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion."
I have had to make some serious decisions since I was diagnosed with cancer. It is such a frightful position to be in that one is inclined to jump on the bandwagon and do what most everyone else chooses to do. It is basically all we know....surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and finally Tamoxifen. I want to say right here that I am not judgemental of anyone who chooses to go the medical route. It is a very personal decision and we each have the right to do what seems right to us. For me, it was choosing to go man's way or God's way. Now I know many believe that God works through science and has given us medical science. I, too, believe there are many blessings in the health care field, but we have to choose and it depends on what our need is. For me personally, it was trusting God and following His health plan for healing. (In my next Post I will talk specifically about the plan I am following.)
"I am the Lord who heals you." Exodus 15:26
"And the fruit shall be for food and the leaves for medicine (healing)". Ezekiel 47:12
"Follow the commands, decrees & laws (health laws) I give you - and I (the Lord) will keep you free from disease." Deuteronomy 7:11-15
These are just a few of the many promises that have been an encouragement to me.
Does my God care about me? Yes He does.
Do I believe His promises? Yes, I do.
Do I have a part to play? Yes, I do. I must do everything I know to take care of this body temple that my Creator created.
Has God given us a health plan? Yes He did.
Did I always follow it? No, I didn't.
I am so committed to following His plan and I fully believe that by putting only those things God created for us to use for food my immune system will be strong and will be able to destroy the cancer that is in my body.
Yes, my faith is strong ~ my belief in God is strong ~ and I have trust that His ways will bring health and healing.
I have had to make some serious decisions since I was diagnosed with cancer. It is such a frightful position to be in that one is inclined to jump on the bandwagon and do what most everyone else chooses to do. It is basically all we know....surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and finally Tamoxifen. I want to say right here that I am not judgemental of anyone who chooses to go the medical route. It is a very personal decision and we each have the right to do what seems right to us. For me, it was choosing to go man's way or God's way. Now I know many believe that God works through science and has given us medical science. I, too, believe there are many blessings in the health care field, but we have to choose and it depends on what our need is. For me personally, it was trusting God and following His health plan for healing. (In my next Post I will talk specifically about the plan I am following.)
"I am the Lord who heals you." Exodus 15:26
"And the fruit shall be for food and the leaves for medicine (healing)". Ezekiel 47:12
"Follow the commands, decrees & laws (health laws) I give you - and I (the Lord) will keep you free from disease." Deuteronomy 7:11-15
These are just a few of the many promises that have been an encouragement to me.
Does my God care about me? Yes He does.
Do I believe His promises? Yes, I do.
Do I have a part to play? Yes, I do. I must do everything I know to take care of this body temple that my Creator created.
Has God given us a health plan? Yes He did.
Did I always follow it? No, I didn't.
I am so committed to following His plan and I fully believe that by putting only those things God created for us to use for food my immune system will be strong and will be able to destroy the cancer that is in my body.
Yes, my faith is strong ~ my belief in God is strong ~ and I have trust that His ways will bring health and healing.
Monday, October 27, 2008
New Nanny
Tawnya hired a new nanny and September 8, 2008 was my last day. She hired Miss Kate to work Monday through Thursday and I would still work on Friday.
Now I would begin my treatment plan in earnest....
Now I would begin my treatment plan in earnest....
Surprise Visit!
August 30, 2008 we were eating lunch when we received a call from Kevin. He just chatted a bit and then asked what we were doing over the weekend. I told him we were just going to hang out at home and didn't really have any plans.
That evening about 6 the phone rang and it was Kevin again. He asked if I had received the package that he had send overnite express and it should have arrived that afternoon. I told him I hadn't seen it but as I talked I was walking to the front door to check to see if it was on the front porch. When I opened the door there stood little miss Toren on the from porch and Kevin was hiding around the corner of the garage and Anneliese was hiding behind the car!
What a wonderful surprise!!! We had a delightful weekend with them. Family is so special and we love each one so much.
That evening about 6 the phone rang and it was Kevin again. He asked if I had received the package that he had send overnite express and it should have arrived that afternoon. I told him I hadn't seen it but as I talked I was walking to the front door to check to see if it was on the front porch. When I opened the door there stood little miss Toren on the from porch and Kevin was hiding around the corner of the garage and Anneliese was hiding behind the car!
What a wonderful surprise!!! We had a delightful weekend with them. Family is so special and we love each one so much.
Therapy Decisions
I arrived home from the school reunion on August 26th. Tawnya was still interviewing applicants for the nanny position, but had not hired anyone yet so I was still working full time.
Treatment decisions were constantly on my mind. The first major choice I needed to make was whether to have a lumpectomy or not. For days I kept going back and forth. One minute I would decide to have the surgery and then I would decide not too.
I was praying constantly for wisdom to make the correct decision. When I would decide to have surgery it made me feel very troubled. And of course there was pressure from others to continue on with medical treatment. But this was a decision only God and I could make. I was constantly reading and doing research.
I know that from this point on I will share things that many will not be in agreement with. I knew that when I began this Blog. But I want to share from my heart and pray that you will give me the space to say what I need to say. Yes, the treatment plan I am choosing to take is not the treatment plan that most people take. There are thousands who have gone natural, but we don't hear much about them.
I finally made the decision to not have surgery, chemotherapy (if suggested) radiation or take Tamoxifen. Once I made that decision I felt complete peace.
Treatment decisions were constantly on my mind. The first major choice I needed to make was whether to have a lumpectomy or not. For days I kept going back and forth. One minute I would decide to have the surgery and then I would decide not too.
I was praying constantly for wisdom to make the correct decision. When I would decide to have surgery it made me feel very troubled. And of course there was pressure from others to continue on with medical treatment. But this was a decision only God and I could make. I was constantly reading and doing research.
I know that from this point on I will share things that many will not be in agreement with. I knew that when I began this Blog. But I want to share from my heart and pray that you will give me the space to say what I need to say. Yes, the treatment plan I am choosing to take is not the treatment plan that most people take. There are thousands who have gone natural, but we don't hear much about them.
I finally made the decision to not have surgery, chemotherapy (if suggested) radiation or take Tamoxifen. Once I made that decision I felt complete peace.
School Reunion
I was scheduled to fly from Salt Lake City to Portland, OR the day after I saw the surgeon. The timing was wonderful as it gave me a diversion and some time to think about the healing plan I needed to follow. I graduated from Myrtle Point, OR high school in 1961. The school was having a 1960's reunion and myself and several girlfriends had planned to meet and spend that time together. Emily Yellot, Joan Crawford, Avis Spires and myself had been friends all through high school. We had graduated 47 years ago!! During that time I had seen Emily 3 times, Avis 1 time and Joan 2 times. We had not kept in touch real well, but when we did it was like we picked up where we had left off. Emily, Joan and I flew into the Portland airport about the same time and took a shuttle to my mom's in Newberg, OR. Mom let us borrow her car to drive the 4 hours on down to Myrtle Point for the reunion. Avis had graciously invited us to stay at her home for the weekend. Oh, my, did we have a good time!!!
After the reunion Emily, Joan and I drove up the Oregon Coast and stayed at a motel on the beach at Lincoln City. We had beautiful weather and lots of "talk" time! Then we returned mom's car and we all flew out of Portland to our various homes.
During our time together we talked about my new diagnosis of breast cancer. It was nice to have the distraction and yet I knew I had some major decisions to make concerning my treatment. The 5 days away went all too fast.
After the reunion Emily, Joan and I drove up the Oregon Coast and stayed at a motel on the beach at Lincoln City. We had beautiful weather and lots of "talk" time! Then we returned mom's car and we all flew out of Portland to our various homes.
During our time together we talked about my new diagnosis of breast cancer. It was nice to have the distraction and yet I knew I had some major decisions to make concerning my treatment. The 5 days away went all too fast.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
AN EMOTIONAL DAY
I checked in at the main desk, filled out the paper work and waited in the waiting room to see the surgeon. Tawnya, Martin and I chatted while we waited. I felt pretty much at peace. Since my diagnosis on August 12th I had done bunches of research on my options. I had come to several conclusions on certain issues, but was still not sure on other issues. Tawnya had talked to me and was afraid I was going in to see the surgeon with preconceived ideas and would not be open to his suggestions. I assured her I would listen carefully and weigh my decisions carefully. We are talking life or death. I wanted to choose life.
We were called into the doctor's examining room and he soon came in. I felt pretty numb. It was like I couldn't grasp where I was ~ and yet I knew very well where I was. The doctor did a manual breast exam to see if he could feel the tumor. Since it is small he couldn't feel it.
At the top of a paper he wrote: Breast Cancer
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ~ 80%
Lobular Carcinoma~ 10-15%
I had the most common kind of breast cancer.
He also explained that the cancer Estrogen Receptor Assay (ER) was positive.
The Progesterone Receptor Assay (PR) was negative.
HER2 Assay by Herceptest was positive (3+).
He went on to say that this is not the kind of breast cancer they like to see.
Then he then went on to explain my options:
He made 2 columns. The first column he listed:
BREAST PRESERVATION:
Lumpectomy and sampling of armpit lymph nodes
-Clear margins
"get it all out"
-Radiation is REQUIRED!!!
5 days a week for 6 weeks
30 treatments
-Chemotherapy-?
Based on surgical patholgy report
-Tamoxifen - yes
1 pill a day for 5 years
The second column on the paper said:
Modified Radical Mastectomy
-Remove entire breast amd sample armpit lymph nodes
"Get it all out"
Radiation recommended in special cases
-Chemotherapy-?
Same
-Tamoxifen - Same
Yes
-Reconstruction
Implants
Own tissue
Then he explained about the Sentinel Lymph Node~
He would take out 3-6 lymph nodes - the ones that drain that area of the breast.
If negative for tumor would stop
If positive for tumor he would do an Auxilliary Discection
Now, I have to tell you that sitting there and listening to all that was not the greatest thing I have ever done in my life!! (Tawnya told me later that I looked white as a sheet and she was afraid I was going to faint.)
Then the surgeon told me there was no other option and he wanted to know what I thought.
I thought for a moment and I said: "Do you really want to know what I think?" He said he did. And I said: "This is way to overwhelming and I can not make a decision today."
We were called into the doctor's examining room and he soon came in. I felt pretty numb. It was like I couldn't grasp where I was ~ and yet I knew very well where I was. The doctor did a manual breast exam to see if he could feel the tumor. Since it is small he couldn't feel it.
At the top of a paper he wrote: Breast Cancer
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ~ 80%
Lobular Carcinoma~ 10-15%
I had the most common kind of breast cancer.
He also explained that the cancer Estrogen Receptor Assay (ER) was positive.
The Progesterone Receptor Assay (PR) was negative.
HER2 Assay by Herceptest was positive (3+).
He went on to say that this is not the kind of breast cancer they like to see.
Then he then went on to explain my options:
He made 2 columns. The first column he listed:
BREAST PRESERVATION:
Lumpectomy and sampling of armpit lymph nodes
-Clear margins
"get it all out"
-Radiation is REQUIRED!!!
5 days a week for 6 weeks
30 treatments
-Chemotherapy-?
Based on surgical patholgy report
-Tamoxifen - yes
1 pill a day for 5 years
The second column on the paper said:
Modified Radical Mastectomy
-Remove entire breast amd sample armpit lymph nodes
"Get it all out"
Radiation recommended in special cases
-Chemotherapy-?
Same
-Tamoxifen - Same
Yes
-Reconstruction
Implants
Own tissue
Then he explained about the Sentinel Lymph Node~
He would take out 3-6 lymph nodes - the ones that drain that area of the breast.
If negative for tumor would stop
If positive for tumor he would do an Auxilliary Discection
Now, I have to tell you that sitting there and listening to all that was not the greatest thing I have ever done in my life!! (Tawnya told me later that I looked white as a sheet and she was afraid I was going to faint.)
Then the surgeon told me there was no other option and he wanted to know what I thought.
I thought for a moment and I said: "Do you really want to know what I think?" He said he did. And I said: "This is way to overwhelming and I can not make a decision today."
Visit to the Surgeon - 8/21/2008
I continued to work as a nanny for our grandchildren after I received the diagnosis of malignacy. But in the next couple of days I knew I would need to quit. I so much wanted to keep caring for the children and I did not want to tell our daughter that she needed to find another nanny. Even though I knew she knew I could not keep working.
I wanted to talk with Tawnya alone, but with her heavy schedule that was difficult to do. When she got home at night the children were so excited to see her and that would not be the time to talk to her. So as the weekend approached I prayed that someway I would be able to talk with her.
Sunday morning (8/17/08), bright and early, guess who was at our door? Tawnya was preparing for a marathon and had run the 6 1/2 miles to our house! So we sat and visited a bit and then I began to cry and told her she would have to find a new nanny. I knew I needed to quit work to get well. She knew that too.
So she began advertising and interviewing different ones for the position.
In the meantime I kept working. It was a very difficult time. I was going through lots of emotions at the time and yet I needed to be able to care adequately for the children. I was emotinally spent.
At first I just couldn't grasp the magnitude of the diagnosis. I felt good. I had no symptons. How could this be true. And then I felt so angry. I had been a vegetarian for 42 years and a (almost) vegan for around 10 years. We were vegans at home, but not necessarily if we were at someones home or eating out. There were no women in my family with breast cancer so there wasn't that genetic factor. How could this happen? I never did say, "why me?" I guess I didn't feel that anyone else deserved this diagnosis anymore than I did, but I had been kind of a "health nut" and I guess I thought that would protect me. The Loma Linda Health Study even reports that if you are vegetarian and or vegan your risk in nearly nil. But as we know statistics are only statistics. There are always the exceptions.
My appointment with the surgeon was August 21, 2008. Tawnya met Martin and me at the doctor's office.
I wanted to talk with Tawnya alone, but with her heavy schedule that was difficult to do. When she got home at night the children were so excited to see her and that would not be the time to talk to her. So as the weekend approached I prayed that someway I would be able to talk with her.
Sunday morning (8/17/08), bright and early, guess who was at our door? Tawnya was preparing for a marathon and had run the 6 1/2 miles to our house! So we sat and visited a bit and then I began to cry and told her she would have to find a new nanny. I knew I needed to quit work to get well. She knew that too.
So she began advertising and interviewing different ones for the position.
In the meantime I kept working. It was a very difficult time. I was going through lots of emotions at the time and yet I needed to be able to care adequately for the children. I was emotinally spent.
At first I just couldn't grasp the magnitude of the diagnosis. I felt good. I had no symptons. How could this be true. And then I felt so angry. I had been a vegetarian for 42 years and a (almost) vegan for around 10 years. We were vegans at home, but not necessarily if we were at someones home or eating out. There were no women in my family with breast cancer so there wasn't that genetic factor. How could this happen? I never did say, "why me?" I guess I didn't feel that anyone else deserved this diagnosis anymore than I did, but I had been kind of a "health nut" and I guess I thought that would protect me. The Loma Linda Health Study even reports that if you are vegetarian and or vegan your risk in nearly nil. But as we know statistics are only statistics. There are always the exceptions.
My appointment with the surgeon was August 21, 2008. Tawnya met Martin and me at the doctor's office.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Breast Cancer Diagnosis ~ Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I woke up this morning knowing that by the end of the day I would know whether I was a breast cancer patient or not. I got up at the usual time of 5 a.m. to prepare for work and left home around 7 a.m. I was eager to hear from the doctor and yet fear would set in from time to time wondering what the results would be. The morning was routine in care for the children. We read books, played with play dough and watched "Einsteins" on TV. The Radiologist had told me to call him Tuesday afternoon. I was also given another number for a Care Coordinator. I waited until 1 p.m. and I called the Care Coordinator to see if they had the results. She told me they had not received the pathology report yet and told me to call back in an hour. My heart is pounding and I am wanting to know and yet I don't want to know....I call back at 2 p.m. and there are still no results. I call at 3 p.m. and the Care Coordinator puts me on hold and immeditely transfers me to the Radiologist. He picks up the phone and says he is sorry to inform me that the needle biopsy showed a malignancy.
The children were still napping and I was alone. My knees felt weak and I felt like someone had kicked me in the pit of the stomach. I tried to call my husband, Martin, and could not reach him. My mind was racing a million miles a minute..........women die every day from breast cancer....how can this be?.........none of my relatives have had breast cancer.......I have lived a fairly healthy lifestyle......no smoking......no alcohol......no meat.....and my thoughts just raced. I was too numb to cry at that time. It did not seem like a reality. I wondered how I would get through the rest of the day.
I finally reached Martin and our daughter, Tawnya. I wanted to let Tawnya know before she got home as once she gets home the 4 children are so excited to see her it is difficult to talk. Martin and Tawnya had not been concerned as they felt my lifestyle would have protected me from breast cancer. They were both surprised and pretty somber when I told them.
The Radiologist gave me the name of a Surgeon to make an appointment with. Tawnya did some research and found out he had a good reputation so I made an appointment to go in and see him on August 21, 2008.
The children were still napping and I was alone. My knees felt weak and I felt like someone had kicked me in the pit of the stomach. I tried to call my husband, Martin, and could not reach him. My mind was racing a million miles a minute..........women die every day from breast cancer....how can this be?.........none of my relatives have had breast cancer.......I have lived a fairly healthy lifestyle......no smoking......no alcohol......no meat.....and my thoughts just raced. I was too numb to cry at that time. It did not seem like a reality. I wondered how I would get through the rest of the day.
I finally reached Martin and our daughter, Tawnya. I wanted to let Tawnya know before she got home as once she gets home the 4 children are so excited to see her it is difficult to talk. Martin and Tawnya had not been concerned as they felt my lifestyle would have protected me from breast cancer. They were both surprised and pretty somber when I told them.
The Radiologist gave me the name of a Surgeon to make an appointment with. Tawnya did some research and found out he had a good reputation so I made an appointment to go in and see him on August 21, 2008.
Monday, October 20, 2008
My Journey to Health, continued
July 17, 2008 I prepare to go in for an annual physical. It had been 2 1/2 years since I had seen a doctor. I have been so healthy and considered myself low risk for any major illness. I had been a vegetarian for 42 years and a vegan for the last 10 years. Martin and I were "Health Mnisters" and had gone through the training at Hallelujah Acres in South Carolina twice and had attended the CHIP (Coronary Health Improvement Project) training also. We followed a very healthy nutritional program. Even so, I had struggled with obesity most of my life. I also was not one to exercise. I certainly was not a "couch potato" but did not do intentional exercise. When we retired in December of 2006 we moved from Pocatello, ID to Salt Lake City, UT so I could be Nanny to our grandchildren. Our daughter, a physician and her attorney husband had 2 girls ages 5 and 8. They were in the process of adopting 2 children from an orphanage in Haiti. The little boy came home in January of 2007 and the little girl came home in June of 2007. They were 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 when they came home. I worked 10 1/2 hours a day 5 days a week. I cherished every moment with the grandchildren and felt so blessed to be able to care for them and love them like only a grandma could. I am a hard worker and worked hard caring for the children and doing some housework and some cooking.
When I went in to see the doctor she asked if I had brought in my prescription bottles - remember she is a doctor who only sees senior citizens and she is used to them being on many medications. I told her I was not taking any medications and that I was very healthy. Then she asked me if I had any pain anyplace - joint pain, etc. I told her I had no pain. That I felt very well and that I had just come in because I needed to have a doctor just in case of an emergency and that medicare covered one physical. I shared with her my lifestyle and that I was very healthy for a 65 year old woman. She did a simple exam and also a manual breast exam. She felt a "pea"size lump on the left breast and so she wanted me to go to the "diagnostic" mammogram cancer center for a mammogram.
The day after I saw Dr. Joseph we headed for the Oregon Coast for a weeks vacation at the beach and a family reunion. I couldn't even feel what Dr. Joseph felt in my breast so I wasn't very concerned.
I made the appointment for the mammogram on August 8, 2008. We were planning to leave in the afternoon for a weekend trip to Bear Lake to meet with some friends from Pocatello for a weekend campout.
I arrived early for the mammogram and at that time did not realize the difference between a "diagnostic" mammogram and a "routine" mammogram. As I sat in the waiting room with probably about 8 -10 other women I realized that each of them there had been called back in as something had shown on their "regular" mammogram. I must say it was a very depressing place to be as everyone had fear in their eyes and voices.
I was called in for the mammogram and the technician was great. She was communicative about what she was doing and let me look at the digital pictures of my breast on the computer screen. There was nothing where Dr. Joseph had felt the pea size lump, but there was something that was of concern in another part of the same breast. It showed up very clearly and even so I wasn't real concerned as I have always had fibrocystic breast and just figured it was a benign lump. I had had to breast biopsy's in the past and they were just fine.
The radiologist was concerned enough that he called Dr. Joseph and requested permission to go ahead and do an ultra sound immediately. So I waited a bit until they could work me in and do the ultra sound. He again found the suspicious spot and told me he wanted me to come back the first of the week for a needle biopsy. I told him I would let him know when I could come as my schedule was busy and I would need to take some time off to have the biopsy. I told him I was a nanny for our daughter and she was a doctor and would want me to get in as soon as possible so I would call and let him know when I could come. Then he said, no, I want to do the biopsy NOW. So I waited a while longer and he then did the biopsy. He told me he was 95% sure it was a malignancy. It concerned me some, but I was still so sure I was low risk I didn't think too much of it. The Radiologist said they would have the results the next Tuesday - August 12th.
When I left the hospital I went home and we then headed to Bear Lake for the weekend. I have to admit that it was on my mind most of the weekend. I only told one person that weekend about my concern.
When one is facing a potential malignancy it is easy to be overcome with fear. Even so I had a great weekend with great people and I did not allow myself to dwell on what may be down the road for me.
When I went in to see the doctor she asked if I had brought in my prescription bottles - remember she is a doctor who only sees senior citizens and she is used to them being on many medications. I told her I was not taking any medications and that I was very healthy. Then she asked me if I had any pain anyplace - joint pain, etc. I told her I had no pain. That I felt very well and that I had just come in because I needed to have a doctor just in case of an emergency and that medicare covered one physical. I shared with her my lifestyle and that I was very healthy for a 65 year old woman. She did a simple exam and also a manual breast exam. She felt a "pea"size lump on the left breast and so she wanted me to go to the "diagnostic" mammogram cancer center for a mammogram.
The day after I saw Dr. Joseph we headed for the Oregon Coast for a weeks vacation at the beach and a family reunion. I couldn't even feel what Dr. Joseph felt in my breast so I wasn't very concerned.
I made the appointment for the mammogram on August 8, 2008. We were planning to leave in the afternoon for a weekend trip to Bear Lake to meet with some friends from Pocatello for a weekend campout.
I arrived early for the mammogram and at that time did not realize the difference between a "diagnostic" mammogram and a "routine" mammogram. As I sat in the waiting room with probably about 8 -10 other women I realized that each of them there had been called back in as something had shown on their "regular" mammogram. I must say it was a very depressing place to be as everyone had fear in their eyes and voices.
I was called in for the mammogram and the technician was great. She was communicative about what she was doing and let me look at the digital pictures of my breast on the computer screen. There was nothing where Dr. Joseph had felt the pea size lump, but there was something that was of concern in another part of the same breast. It showed up very clearly and even so I wasn't real concerned as I have always had fibrocystic breast and just figured it was a benign lump. I had had to breast biopsy's in the past and they were just fine.
The radiologist was concerned enough that he called Dr. Joseph and requested permission to go ahead and do an ultra sound immediately. So I waited a bit until they could work me in and do the ultra sound. He again found the suspicious spot and told me he wanted me to come back the first of the week for a needle biopsy. I told him I would let him know when I could come as my schedule was busy and I would need to take some time off to have the biopsy. I told him I was a nanny for our daughter and she was a doctor and would want me to get in as soon as possible so I would call and let him know when I could come. Then he said, no, I want to do the biopsy NOW. So I waited a while longer and he then did the biopsy. He told me he was 95% sure it was a malignancy. It concerned me some, but I was still so sure I was low risk I didn't think too much of it. The Radiologist said they would have the results the next Tuesday - August 12th.
When I left the hospital I went home and we then headed to Bear Lake for the weekend. I have to admit that it was on my mind most of the weekend. I only told one person that weekend about my concern.
When one is facing a potential malignancy it is easy to be overcome with fear. Even so I had a great weekend with great people and I did not allow myself to dwell on what may be down the road for me.
65 ~ AND PROUD OF IT!!
May 30, 2008 - My 65th birthday! Wow! How did I get here?? Where did the years go? In the mail there was a letter from Medicare with a medicare card. I looked at that letter and told my husband that that letter had gone to the wrong address ~ it should have gone to the "old lady" up the street. He calmly told me that my name was on the medicare card! So we chuckled together over my new status of being 65 and on medicare.
The next day we received a letter from medicare saying that when one first qualifies for medicare that a one and only one time physical is available free if taken advantage of within the first 90 days after turning 65.
We had recently received a advertising brochure from a near by hospital telling of a new Senior clinic opening and available to those over 55. So I decided to make an apointment and go in to get established with a doctor. We had moved to Salt Lake City a year and a half ago and had not yet seen a doctor.
So in the next few weeks I called and made an appointment for July 17th at 1:30 p.m. to see Dr. Laurene Joseph.
The next day we received a letter from medicare saying that when one first qualifies for medicare that a one and only one time physical is available free if taken advantage of within the first 90 days after turning 65.
We had recently received a advertising brochure from a near by hospital telling of a new Senior clinic opening and available to those over 55. So I decided to make an apointment and go in to get established with a doctor. We had moved to Salt Lake City a year and a half ago and had not yet seen a doctor.
So in the next few weeks I called and made an appointment for July 17th at 1:30 p.m. to see Dr. Laurene Joseph.
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