Choose Your Treatment Carefully Part 2

In Part 1's blog post I discussed snake oil salesmen who peddle miracle cancer cures via the Internet. I want to discuss on this post my thoughts about alternative cancer treatments, mainly sites who offer raw food cures, oxygen cures and the like. Many of them are outside the U.S. because they are not approved by the FDA.


One of the blogs I followed when I was getting treatment was Green Smoothie Girl   and Kris Carr. They both advocate for alternative treatments. Kris Carr is a cancer survivor and  her cancer was not treatable the traditional way. Her cancer remains dormant after 10 years of changing her lifestyle. I think they both offer sound advice and they are the ones who got me on the 'vegan' wagon. I also learned about juicing and green smoothies from these gals. I see them as credible to get information on fighting cancer, however I still chose the slash, burn and poison route for my treatment as well.


I was at Stage 4 when I was diagnosed. It spread to my liver and the surgeon at UCI Medical cut the tumor off my liver, since it was located at the tip. He is one of the few in the U.S. that will perform liver surgery on a Stage 4 colorectal cancer patient. After the cancer was removed from my liver, I opted for chemo and radiation to make sure the cancer didn't have time to travel anywhere else in my body. Like I mentioned in my last post, we all have different medical histories and we are treated individually. I was lucky to be in excellent health, except for that nasty cancer. I opted to get my "ass kicked' (pun intended). I had an excellent support system and a great team of doctors at UCI who had no problems with me using alternative care as well.



My radiation doctor did ask me to refrain from using herbs while in treatment, which I honored. So in a nutshell the treatment I went with was; liver surgery, chemo, radiation, meditation, juicing, green smoothies, no refined sugar, vegan diet and a huge positive attitude. I still have my colon and I have a permanent colostomy bag because the cancer destroyed my sphincter muscles. The chemo/radiation combo killed the cancer, much to the happy surprise of all involved. The original game plan was to shrink the tumor and then remove my colon.  I believe it was the alternative treatment that  helped me keep my colon. As of today I am cancer free 20 months. I get monthly bloodwork done and a full body scan every six months.



Now, let's say my cancer was not treatable the traditional way, you better believe I would have sought out alternative treatments that were credible. The only downside is -- actual treatment centers are located outside the U.S. and they are not cheap.  Many of the alternative treatments require a health providers supervision.  Reading about, let's say, the benefits of vitamin C on the Internet leads you to believe that taking large doses of the vitamin will cure cancer. It isn't that simple. Further research reveals that the vitamin must be given intravenously and it's still too early to tell if it works.


I strongly suggest cancer patients do their homework before starting any treatment program and have all the facts. Like I said not all cancers are treated the same way. Your life is too important to follow the advice from someone who has a website and doesn't have credible evidence to back up his/her claims.


xo   Inge

Choose Your Treatment Carefully Part 1

Lately, I have been contacted by a few people recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer. They are in shock, confused and scared. All these feelings are normal reactions to a cancer diagnosis. God knows, the medical profession does not deliver such news delicately. I first heard about my cancer right after my colonoscopy test; I was still drugged up and a woman came up to me and very matter-of-factly said, "Mrs. Scott, you have rectal cancer" and abruptly left. My husband and son were right next to me and you can imagine their reaction. I don't know if it was because I was loopy from sedation or what, but I consoled my loved ones and told them it would be ok. But still, it would be nice if there was an easier way to deliver bad news.


I know the Internet has made access to information much easier and with that comes a great deal of misinformation. I am all for patients looking for information to help them fight cancer; I did the same thing when I was going through treatment. There are also different ideas how to fight this disease including traditional methods and alternative care. I believe its up to each individual to choose their treatment. Its our bodies and we have the right to choose what does and does not happen to it. That being said, there a certain questions I ask to those I coach, especially those newly diagnosed and who are confused which treatment is best for them.


The first line of questions are...

Do you know what kind of cancer it is?
Has it spread?
Do you have a team of doctors yet?
Is there a treatment plan?
How do you feel about your doctor?
What treatment do you want? and why?
Have you discussed this with loved ones?
Do you have a support system?


I take notes and ask some deeper questions depending on the answers. I do run into those who refuse western medicine because they are afraid of it. I completely understand their fear. I felt that way too, until my diagnosis, then I chose western medicine along with alternative care, but I made sure the alternative care did not nullify my traditional treatment. Everyone's cancer is different because we are all different -- we each bring with us our own medical histories and that means everyone's cancer treatment is different.


Like I mentioned earlier the Internet is a wealth of information but at the same time it is ripe with snake oil salesmen who claim to have "miracle" cures and charge a lot of money to buy their products. Personally, I think these salesmen need to be removed from the Internet, but I know...it's their first Amendment right to Free Speech. So I ask the patient to dig deeper into their claims. Are there actual  people cured by their product? What about references? Are there any complaints against them? Why do they think this person is credible? Why do they believe this alternative cure is better than western medicine?


I think everyone has the right to choose what's best for them but they also have a responsibilty to themselves to make an informed decision.


xo      Inge

I went to Costco today and found some unrefined, organic coconut oil. They had a huge container of it for $17. That does sound like alot but it was 54 oz., compared to Sprouts brand 16 oz for $8. I stir fried some veggies in my wok, using 2 tblsps of the oil. Yum! I sprinkled my special anti-oxident (tumeric, garlic powder, black pepper) spice blend over them as well.

I scooped some out and put them in one of my empty skin care bottles. I will use that coconut oil for my face moisturizer. Oh and you don't have to keep it in the refrigerator.  You can learn more about the benefits of virgin coconut oil here: http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/coconut_oil.htm

A patient told me about a delicious protein drink that she drinks daily. She is still getting chemo and has the same taste issues most people do who are in treatment. Meaning - everything tastes awful, except this drink. You can buy it online or at Mothers Market. If you don't live near a Mothers, ask the manager at your healthfood store and see if he can special order it. I will buy some for myself  as a fast meal when I am on the run. Oh and it was created by a doctor who is also a cancer survivor.

http://www.drinkorgain.com/

How much processed food do you and your family eat? Do you believe that if its for sale in your local grocery store it good for you? Do you believe that our goverment agencies like the FDA have your best interest at heart? Think again! Buyer beware! The reason these foods can sit in your pantry for years is because they contain additives that may make food stay fresh longer, but they do nothing for your body. Meaning, there is little to zero nutrition. You are better off eating the box it comes in.

This is nothing new. I remember hearing Suzanne Sommers telling people to only shop the perimeter of grocery stores and stay away from the processed food section. That was back in the early 90s.

"Global diets are increasingly facing the dual challenge of undernourishment and obesity. UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier de Schutter, has released a new report calling for a reassessment of unhealthy food systems in both rich and poor countries. Both are increasingly characterized by an abundance of low nutrition, high calorie, processed foods."
http://michaelprager.com/content/globesity-malnutrition-and-other-joys-processed-food


If you want to stay as healthy as possible you have to eat healthy. No ifs ands or buts! We live in a toxic environment and our immune systems work overtime to keep us healthy. The very least we can do is to feed it good food.

I talk with so many people everyday who are fighting cancer or have just completed treatment, eating food that is total crap! And don't get me started with the nurses! They should know better. I believe that alot of the diseases today are caused by mal-nutrition. All the good nutrients have been removed and replaced with chemicals made in a laboratory. If you can't pronounce the ingredients, put it back on the shelf.


My cancer diagnosis was a major wake up call for me. I considered myself mostly vegetarian although I did eat chicken about once a week. When I tried going strictly vegetarian my hair statred falling out after a few months. I was told at the time I needed protein. But I have been vegan for over a year and I haven't lost anymore hair. I believe its because I eat better. I was eating way too much processed food loaded with gmos, antibiotics and growth hormones; combine that with stress and bamm! I am the perfect for environment for cancer!


If you have been diagnosed or are in remmission, I strongly suggest you change your diet. For example, dieting. Most people regain all the weight they lost while dieting because when they lost the weight they wanted, they started eating the same foods that made them fat in the first place. They have to change their eating habits for life to keep the weight off.  Its the same with cancer patients. If they want to have the best chance of success (no more cancer) they have to change their lifestyle and eating habits for life.


Yes, serious illnesses can be pre-determined, but thats a small percentage. Studies show that most cancers are from the environment. Our environment isn't changing anytime soon but you can strengthen your immune system by eating healthy foods, getting plenty of rest and exercising. http://www.organicconsumers.org/foodsafety/cancer070104.cfm


Have you heard about Meatless Monday lately? Thats a good way to begin to eat more healthy.

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/why-meatless/

 I changed my diet immediately but you can start slowly. Like I mentioned in an earlier blog, its all about keeping our bodies alkaline. Protein is acid, so are medications. Fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes are all alkaline. Change your diet, change your life for the better.

xo   Inge

It's been hot and humid lately in beautiful Southern California ( I know we live in a desert). My feet are definitely unhappy. (It's residual effects from the chemotherapy) They feel like I am wearing tight wool socks and my feet want me to take them off!

xo  Inge

I have been quite busy lately and since I am away from home longer, I bring my own food. I get up 15 minutes earlier so I chop all the veggies I will be eating and adding to my green smoothies for the day. Today I tried out the new vegan c...ole slaw recipe I found on the web. It's super easy; just use prepackaged cole slaw; mix in Veganese Mayo and organic raisins. I ususally pack a peanut butter sandwich as well and of course a delicious smoothie. Oh, and an organic apple.

 

eat your fruits & veggies!    xo  Inge

Sometimes my legs and feet drive me up a wall! They are not painful (thank goodness) They just feel like I put my big toe in a live wall socket. I was snooping around the web to see if other people had these type of issues caused from chemotherapy and I found a site on the American Cancer Society page. My chemo 5fu and Myocitin is not on the list but my symptoms are similar.
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002908-pdf.pdf

eat your fruits & veggies!
xo   Inge

BREAKING NEWS!!!

I just got the call from my oncology doctor...PetScan results are in...no sign of disease anywhere in my body!   10 months cancer free!!!


eat your fruits & veggies!    xo   Inge

I was looking for a non-dairy beverage to add to my smoothie today and I found Silk among the almond drinks on the shelf. Their label claimed to be part of the non-gmo project, so when I got home I looked it up. Sure enough Silk is on the list as certified by the non-gmo project to be in fact gmo free. Well slap my face and call me happy! I can buy Silk again!

http://www.nongmoproject.org/take-action/search-participating-products/search/?brandId=389

My story is published in American Cancer Society website!!!!

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SurvivorshipDuringandAfterTreatment/StoriesofHope/rectal-cancer-survivor-looks-on-the-positive-side

I met someone the other day who is receiving treatment for cancer. He told me that he still enjoys his evening beers to help him relax. He is getting chemotherapy. I wish I had the information in front of me at the time that shows cancer LOVES sugar and beer is made up of sugar. Alcohol is also acidic and cancer needs an acidic environment to survive. I don't know if he told his doctors about his evening relaxation routine, or if he did, his doctors may not see anything wrong with that as long as it's in moderation. But I disagree completely!

From my research, food plays a HUGE part in our getting and staying well. Even my doctors told me to eat anything I want. Now, I know, I didn't go to medical school, but I did lots of research about this...we cannot just go out and eat anything we want and expect to remain healthy. Yes, the chemo killed the cancer, but it's up to me to maintain a healthy, alkaline environment that will keep any cancer cells from growing back.

Here is a link that supports my theory...http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=1025


eat your fruits & veggies!   xo  Inge

Its Colon Cancer Awareness Month

 I was more concerned how my family would react when they found out. I knew I would be ok...I had to convince them I would and not to worry.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlKheTCyThM&feature=youtu.be

The other day someone who have known since last year was wearing a different shirt and a hat...I didn't recognize him. Last week I tried to put a harness on the cat, thinking he was the dog. There are days I can't remember an everyday word like gas station. Now I am a pretty smart person and I am ablr to pay attention to detail but lately there are times I turn into Mrs. Magoo. I discussed this problem with the guy I didn't recognize who is also a cancer survivor...it's called chemo-brain and it has been scientifically documented. Chemo-brain...that's what I have and I'm sticking to that story!


http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/PhysicalSideEffects/ChemotherapyEffects/chemo-brain

eat your fruits & veggies!   xo  Inge

I have been looking back on different "anniversaries" from last year and really thinking about where I was mentally at that time. Sometimes it's hard because I don't remember things as clearly as I would like because of the pain killers and treatments (chemo and radiation). I do remember though that I was adamant about not hearing or saying the cancer word and instead called it the c-word. I refused to let cancer define who I was. I also wanted to keep things as normal as possible. Someone recommended I go to a support group, but I was never a support group kinda gal, even when I was having trouble keeping -my-shit-together when my dad died over 20 years ago. I preferred talking with someone alone or just looking for self-help books and journaling my thoughts. I wanted to remain as positive as I could. Like I said before, I knew even when I got the news, I knew I would be ok. I have to be honest though, there were times I felt frustrated at my situation, but I still didn't let myself hang around that pity zone for long. Instead I focused on what I was grateful for.

John and I watched 50-50 last night. In case you never heard of it, it's about a 27 year old man who gets cancer. The official name is too long for me to remember but in my book cancer is cancer...they all suck! The movie was pretty good and was a good depiction of what someone goes through while in treatment. I recommend it. It is uplifting.

eat your fruits & veggies!   xo    Inge

I saw the neurologist today and that only thing that an be confirmed is that my left leg is definitely screwed. I had a nerve test done back in September 2011; doc read me the results...finally. This my 3rd visit to see a neurologist and each time I see a different doc. I don't know what's going on in that department but hopefully the doc I saw today will be my permanent one...at least until she ...graduates. The Neurology Dept. is made up of mainly residents who report to one main doc, and there have been major changes going on with the staff so it has been inconsitent and frustrating for me to find out what's going on with my legs and feet...mainly my balance issues. I would LOVE to walk without a walker but for now I will need it for awhile longer.

They are pretty certain that my problems are a result of the chemo...thank the goddess I only had 2 cycles. I can't imagine what my legs would be like if I had more. For now I will get a referral to go back for physical therapy and see the neurologist in 3 months. Oh well...there are people who have it worse than me so I won't complain.

 

Eat your fruits & veggies!   xo Inge