alternative medicine

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alternative medicine

by Critterlady on Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:46 PM

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I was diagnosed in March of 2009 with stage 3C ovarian cancer. Having been a nurse for over 30 years and with several of them hospice nursing ,I almost vomited when I heard the diagnosis.I know first hand ,the odds and all the nasty statistics.Then I had an epiphany right there and then in the hallway of the hospital. I walked out of there saying,well now its time to test your strength, your Faith and re-arrange your life.I was a chronic worrier.I would worry about every sad situation I encountered. No wonder my immune system was going haywire. I very kindly would tell people ,if you don't have any happy ending stories,don't tell me anything. Isn't it something how people can't wait to tell you how Aunt Sadie died from ovarian cancer?I threw myself into mind,body and soul medicine. I had an alternative Dr. follow me through surgery and 6 rounds of chemo.I had minimal chemo damage/side effects and actually felt better than I had in 10 years. You see,for 9 years I was having fibromyalgia so severe that I wound up going on disability for that and back pain which could not be diagnosed. My primary doctor knew I ovarian cysts which would grow and shrink.He knew I had missed periods and pain. Never did he suggest ovarian cancer and yet I presented every symptom.I had to get over the rage of being misdiagnosed for so long.I began identifying areas in my life where I had actually "set the stage" so to speak, for ovarian cancer to take root.I did much reading up on energy medicine and found that my personality was actually a prime profile for womans cancer.I fit the profile to a "T".Never saying"no",maintaing relationships with toxic people who drain the life out of you,enabling self created crisis in emotionally sick people and not taking care of myself.I began a reading of the TAO which I found and still find very helpful. I buried myself into reading and research and found that the enzyme theory in diet was the most beneficial for me. I wondered why all oncologists did not know all this stuff and found a simple answer.Becaus e they did not learn it!Thats why there are integrative Dr.s They are conventional doctors and branch out to incorporate holistic medicine in their practice.The integrative Doctor I was seeing ,studied with a well known Integrative Doctor in Arizona.Sleep ,most of us do not get enough sound refreshing sleep.Eat as if your life depends on it,because it does!Relaxing hobbies,fun people,interacting with Nature and a strong rooted belief in a Higher Creator are all healing as well.I do not watch T.V. unless it is non violent and interesting. I do not read the paper any more,I know whats going on in the world,I don;t need to dampen my day with the repetative ugliness in the world.Lots of vitamin C,sometimes I eat a whole bag of oranges,fresh!Stop with the chemical warfare put upon your body in the name of beauty and cosmetics!!Epsom salt baths are extremely beneficial for removing toxins.Read ,go online,research and talk to others with success stories!In March of 2011 I had a small grape size tumor on my colon,I let my oncologist remove that and decided not to have another round of carbo-taxol.Today as I write,I am strong, energetic and self proclaimed cancer free.I have excellent energy,color,and stamina. Great appetite, and its all good.This approach to cancer is not one that everyone is willing to try and thats ok.This is the basis for mind body and soul medicine. My attitude is this:we are all going to die someday.Is it scary? Its normal to be afraid of the unknown and thats ok too.Once you accept your own mortality you might find a strange but pleasant deep inner peace that makes you wake up and realize what is important and what is not.You start to enjoy the little things.Reach out for genuine love and friendships.For those of you who are considering an alternative approach to your cancer,I hope this is helpful.I'm going to go have breakfast now,and then go walk my dog "Skittles" who I love very much.Peace ,Love and Light. Anita

RE: alternative medicine

by allabove on Thu Feb 02, 2012 03:30 AM

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Dear Anita,  I found your post very enlighting, I also was a chronic worrier, but also had anxiety.  I realized after my diagnosis that there are so many other things to think about, like all the good things.  My faith strengthened and my priorities were put in place.  I now spend more time thinking about how I can be a better person, how I can take better care of myself and I try to laugh more then I did before.  I truely think that the positive thinking of the mind can help anyone get through this nasty disease.   I wish you the best.   

RE: alternative medicine

by Critterlady on Fri Feb 03, 2012 01:25 AM

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Dear Allabove, glad to have you share with me. It is comforting when we encourage one another and share any helpful tips.I am not a Saint nor all knowing ,but I found through all my searching, the mind does play an extremely powerful role in our recovery.I found a sight on E.F.T. If you get a chance ,it is interesting reading.It stands for emotional freedom technique. All the Best to you   Anita

RE: alternative medicine

by Seinfeldfan on Mon Feb 13, 2012 07:11 PM

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Dear Anita, I found your post to be extremely inspiring. I have just been diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer and so I am just beginning my journey. I have been reading a lot about alternative treatments that can be integrated with chemo. Would you detail what has worked for you? For instance, I know one of the major tumor feeders is sugar, but how do you eliminate it from your diet? I am not a dessert eater and seldom have random sweets, but it seems most foods contain some form of sugar. Any information that you are willing to share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

RE: alternative medicine

by Critterlady on Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:09 PM

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Dear Seinfeldfan,  When I was diagnosed with stage 3c O.C. I immediately called an Integrative Dr. in my area.I had him follow me through my surgery and chemo. We began alternative treatment right away. It started with some Reiki(laying on of hands,energy medicine),immune boosting diet and supplements, and involving myself with positive support and affirmations.I began relaxation,some simple yoga,spending time enjoying things,stopping the worry, and taking a long hard look at my life. In regards to your question about sugar,here is exactly what I did.I allowed myself raw honey and all the organic fruit I wanted to eat. I ate no added man made sugar,that is,sugar that was extracted from sugar beets or sugar cane.I craved cantelope so badly when I did my chemo, that I made sure I had one already prepared when I got home.As long as the food you are craving is natural,eat all you want,listen to your body.If you go online and google enzymes and cancer you will read much on the importance of enzymes on the cellular level and why you must eat as much fresh fruits and veges as possible.Also ,Believe me my friend,do your research and be an informed participant in your healing journey.It was a terrifying time for me. I cried much and prayed much.All of the conventional statistics and research I read were hopeless and troubling. When I flipped it over to alternative treatment,I was inspired.I had a reoccurance,a small grape size tumor on my colon.I had been cancer free for18 months. I let my oncologist remove the tumor,only because I was also having a small hernia repaired also.He suggested that he take a look around when the other doctor was repairing the hernia and he would remove the tumor.After I had that done,it was told to me that another round of big guns chemo would be neccessary.The carbo taxol was suggested again,another 6 rounds. Right then and there I said"NO!" I had just about enough.I said if I'm going to die,I'd rather it be from the disease and not the chemo. We are led to believe that when O.C. comes back,it is swift and with a vengeance.It has been exactly one full year,the tumor was seen on a cat scan in Feb.2011 and removed March 2011.I did nothing more than continue with diet and immune boosters.As I write,I am strong 148lbs.,eating drinking fine,sleeping well,much stamina and back working !!!The most important supplements I took were,Primal Defense probiotics,multiple and B complex,essiac,astagalus massive doses of vitaminC,raw ginger, raw honey,ate all fresh fruits and veges.Fresh shiitake mushrooms and a mushroom complex supplement.I increased my sleep,as my integrative Dr. had told me that you heal when you are sleeping. I had never had enough sleep previously. All of this healing requires a drastic lifestyle change.It is hard to go it alone,that is why an Integrative Dr. is helpful.I had to stop some of my supplements a few days before chemo and then resume a day after.He had it all mapped out for me. I hope this is helpful,and please ,if there is anything else I can share,let me know. It is helpful when we encourage one another. Blessings Anita

RE: alternative medicine

by Seinfeldfan on Thu Feb 16, 2012 05:11 AM

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On Feb 13, 2012 10:09 PM Critterlady wrote:

Dear Seinfeldfan,  When I was diagnosed with stage 3c O.C. I immediately called an Integrative Dr. in my area.I had him follow me through my surgery and chemo. We began alternative treatment right away. It started with some Reiki(laying on of hands,energy medicine),immune boosting diet and supplements, and involving myself with positive support and affirmations.I began relaxation,some simple yoga,spending time enjoying things,stopping the worry, and taking a long hard look at my life. In regards to your question about sugar,here is exactly what I did.I allowed myself raw honey and all the organic fruit I wanted to eat. I ate no added man made sugar,that is,sugar that was extracted from sugar beets or sugar cane.I craved cantelope so badly when I did my chemo, that I made sure I had one already prepared when I got home.As "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://home.As " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">home.As long as the food you are craving is natural,eat all you want,listen to your body.If "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://body.If " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">body.If you go online and google enzymes and cancer you will read much on the importance of enzymes on the cellular level and why you must eat as much fresh fruits and veges as possible.Also "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://possible.Also " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">possible.Also ,Believe me my friend,do your research and be an informed participant in your healing journey.It "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://journey.It " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">journey.It was a terrifying time for me. I cried much and prayed much.All "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://much.All " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">much.All of the conventional statistics and research I read were hopeless and troubling. When I flipped it over to alternative treatment,I was inspired.I had a reoccurance,a small grape size tumor on my colon.I had been cancer free for18 months. I let my oncologist remove the tumor,only because I was also having a small hernia repaired also.He "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://also.He " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">also.He suggested that he take a look around when the other doctor was repairing the hernia and he would remove the tumor.After "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://tumor.After " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">tumor.After I had that done,it was told to me that another round of big guns chemo would be neccessary.The "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://neccessary.The " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">neccessary.The carbo taxol was suggested again,another 6 rounds. Right then and there I said"NO!" I had just about enough.I said if I'm going to die,I'd rather it be from the disease and not the chemo. We are led to believe that when O.C. comes back,it is swift and with a vengeance.It "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://vengeance.It " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">vengeance.It has been exactly one full year,the tumor was seen on a cat scan in Feb.2011 and removed March 2011.I did nothing more than continue with diet and immune boosters.As "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://boosters.As " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">boosters.As I write,I am strong 148lbs.,eating drinking fine,sleeping well,much stamina and back working !!!The most important supplements I took were,Primal Defense probiotics,multiple and B complex,essiac,astagalus massive doses of vitaminC,raw ginger, raw honey,ate all fresh fruits and veges.Fresh "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://veges.Fresh " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">veges.Fresh shiitake mushrooms and a mushroom complex supplement.I increased my sleep,as my integrative Dr. had told me that you heal when you are sleeping. I had never had enough sleep previously. All of this healing requires a drastic lifestyle change.It "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://change.It " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">change.It is hard to go it alone,that is why an Integrative Dr. is helpful.I had to stop some of my supplements a few days before chemo and then resume a day after.He "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://after.He " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">after.He had it all mapped out for me. I hope this is helpful,and please ,if there is anything else I can share,let me know. It is helpful when we encourage one another. Blessings Anita

Dear Anita...thank you so much for your response. Your info is very helpful. I am glad that you're doing so well. I start chemo a week from this Friday and hope that all goes well...I'm a little frightened. I hope God blesses you with good health. Thank you, Dorothy

RE: alternative medicine

by Critterlady on Thu Feb 16, 2012 01:02 PM

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Dear Dorothy, Try not to be too frightened,although I do understand. I am being upfront and honest when I say that I experienced no harsh side effects,just tired.A few other nuisance things like ringing ears and difficulty with sleeping at night. The steroids they give you keep you wired and awake sometimes.Try to picture all those little molecules of chemo as friendly soldiers. Send them all through your body seeking out cancer cells and zapping them.This is a powerful mind and body meditation. Don't forget old fashion epsom salts.Very beneficial.It helps pull old toxins from your body. I still take epsom salt baths weekly.I will be thinking of you Dorothy and sending you healing thoughts.    Anita

RE: alternative medicine

by Seinfeldfan on Thu Feb 16, 2012 09:06 PM

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On Feb 16, 2012 1:02 PM Critterlady wrote:

Dear Dorothy, Try not to be too frightened,although I do understand. I am being upfront and honest when I say that I experienced no harsh side effects,just tired.A few other nuisance things like ringing ears and difficulty with sleeping at night. The steroids they give you keep you wired and awake sometimes.Try "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://sometimes.Try " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">sometimes.Try to picture all those little molecules of chemo as friendly soldiers. Send them all through your body seeking out cancer cells and zapping them.This "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://them.This " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">them.This is a powerful mind and body meditation. Don't forget old fashion epsom salts.Very "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://salts.Very " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">salts.Very beneficial.It "" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://beneficial.It " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">beneficial.It helps pull old toxins from your body. I still take epsom salt baths weekly.I will be thinking of you Dorothy and sending you healing thoughts.    Anita

Thank you, Anita. I do believe in the mind/body connection and have been doing some visualization, picturing my "natural killer" cells emulsifying the evil cancer cells. I know it's important to keep a positive attitude and I think that for the most part I do. But I have to admit that I have my "moments" when I am overwhelmed by the turn my life has taken. Thank you for all your advice and support. Dorothy

RE: alternative medicine

by Harrietg on Fri Feb 17, 2012 11:02 AM

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hi girls! did all this, still had 2 recurrences tho minor! after 5 yrs had surgery debulking again last may followed by hipec, hoping to gain a few yrs without chemo: result, after 6 months had an intestinal blockage due to adhesions from the surgery! so now i may not eat : fibers, fresh fruit or veg, most cooked veg, nuts, dried fruit, bran, whole wheat bread......i feel as if everything i did to prevent a recurrence, now taboo, will bring the ovca back!!!

suffering harriet!

RE: alternative medicine

by allabove on Fri Feb 17, 2012 05:32 PM

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Can I ask how long you were in remission?  And what are the doctors doing for you now?

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