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About the book Fighting Cancer: A Survival Guide
conversations and correspondence
Resources: the start of an adventure
If you have cancer; if you're caring for someone who has it
Cancer Treatment: Personal Stories
Readings from the cancer literature
Other cancer books you might find useful
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Again, if you have any information that you think should be more widely known please send your information to me at jchamberlain@fightingcancer.com
More than 1,000 doctors in
Europe follow the medical principles developed by Rudolph Steiner ( a follower
of Goethe) known as Anthroposophical approach (literally the wisdom of
the human body). This approach is very firmly based on herbal and supplement
support. A recent article in the British press quoted the case of Mrs Pam
Evans, 54, who had breast cancer. She refused chemotherapy and instead
had mistletoe injections (iscador) directly into the tumour. The tumour
disappeared and lymph nodes cleared. The injections were supplemented by
a rigid vegan diet, vitamins, acupuncture and
Urine Tributyrin - A new cancer drug Some German clinics are treating cancer patients with Butyric acid, a substance that can be isolated from butter. Butyric acid has the interesting effect of normalising cancer cells . That is malignant cells change back into normal cells under the influence of butyric acid. (a demonstration perhaps that malignant cells are merely normal cells living under abnormal tissue conditions, as many alternatives have argued - and not an evil demented cell that has to be destroyed by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs). For more information see the Spring Cancer Chronicles at www.ralphmoss.com Sunlight can reduce breast cancer risk A study comparing the health habits of 133 breast cancer patients with women who did not have the disease found that exposure to sunlight lowered the risk of breast cancer by 30 to 40 percent or more (Cancer Weekly Plus, 11/17/97). This might explain why women who live in the southern states below Kansas tend to get breast cancer significantly less than those who live in the North, said Esther John, an epidemiologist from Northern California Cancer Center. Southern states bask in the sun longer than Northern states, so Southerners get more rays. It is suggested that winter sunlight is so weak in the North, she said, that people living at or above 40 degree north latitude do not get enough sun from November to February to make the required levels of vitamin D. Boston, for example, is at 42 degree north latitude. "It's possible that all it takes is 10 or 15 minutes outside in bright sunlight to get a benefit," she said. "And that's just casual exposure. The sunlight you get on your face and neck and arms and hands when you're regularly dressed." So while the exact dose of sunlight needed is not known, a brief outdoor stroll might do it. The amount needed to protect against breast cancer is probably not enough to cause skin damage, she added. Sunscreens that block ultraviolet rays would also block the formation of vitamin D. Dietary sources of vitamin D include milk, tuna, liver, egg yolk, salmon, eggs, margarine and cod liver oil. In addition to its preventive effects, vitamin D has been shown to increase survival chances in women with advanced breast cancer, according to British studies funded by the Association for International Cancer Research. "Thirteen women with normal or high levels of active vitamin D survived the six-month test period but, sadly, in those with low levels, five out of 13 died within six months," said professor Barbara Mawer of the Manchester Royal Infirmary in central England. However supplementing with vitamin D should not be overdone. As large doses of vitamin D cause excessive blood levels of calcium and potentially serious side effects such as kidney stones. You probably should not get more than 800 IU total daily. This information comes from Richard Harkness, a consultant pharmacist who writes nationally on health care topics e-mail is rharkn@aol.com. In Fighting Cancer - A Survival Guide, I list a range of supplements that are said to have protective value. In the book Double Vision by Alexandra Dundas Todd, about her son's fight with cancer using both chemotherapy and radiation, on the one hand, and eatern methods for coping with the side effects. She recommends a diet that is high in
Herbs
9840 Owensmouth, Chatsworth, CA91311, USA - vitamin E (2,400 iu per day for duration
of treatment) also helps prevent hairloss
ml
These substances may be the cure for cancer that we've all been waiting for - and a cure for heart disease at the same time - a miraculous 2-in-1 package. Originally used to lower cholesterol levels, they have also been found to be powerful anti-oxidants (60 times more powerful than vitamin E) and at the same time they interfere with inappropriate cell division. In effect they slow down and eventually stop the proliferation of tumours. They do not interfere with normal cell division. In addition they are, by all accounts, safe, having virtually no bad side-effects. The manufacturers tocotrienol formulas however are very cautious about making any anti-cancer claims for their product for legal reasons A tocotrienol formula is marketed under
the name Cardiem by Aspen Nutritional Products
It has been well-established that supplementation
with `good' bacteria is extremely beneficial for cancer patients - in theory.
The problem has not been with the bacteria - which are known to be
good - but with the supplements, which are extremely variable in quality.
The problem is that the bacteria are very sensitive and many if not most
of the bacteria originally present in any capsule may have been killed
before it is ingested. Now two researchers, Barry Goldin and Sherwood Gorbach
have found a Lactobaccillus (Lactobacillus GG) which is native to the human
gut and which has powerful health benefits. In the case of cancer, it interferes
with the development of intestinal tumours and it also stimulates the production
of immune system chemicals like tumour necrosis factor (TNF). They
have also developed a way of maintaining it in a stable state so that it
is guaranteed to be potent. It is available from under the trade name of
Culturelle (probiotic formula) from Vitamin Research Products
The work of this Italian doctor has recently hit the headlines in a big way. Unfortunately, although a large number of individuals are claiming his treatment methods have cured them of their cancers, trials currently underway do not appear to be supporting this. Professor Di Bella is shouting that medical researchers have falsified his protocols. The researchers are denying this. Certainly there have been cases of medical researchers sabotaging clinical trials: Vitamin C and Hydrazine Sulphate (Sulfate) being two cases in point - not to mention laetrile. For a description of these see Ralph Moss's book: The Cancer Industry. However, that doesn't mean that in this case these trials are being falsified. I think we need to be cautious in evaluating this therapy - especially as some of the drugs used are prohibitively expensive (some are as much as DM150 a vial) Here is an extract from an article by Margaret Straus on the Di Bella therapy It would take considerably more space than is available here to describe Professor Di Bella's "Multi-therapy" and the rationale behind it. The various elements, individually tailored to each patient, are according to Di Bella's claims, non-toxic, with an emphasis on the cell-growth control functions of melatonin, bromocryptin, and special slow-release injections of somatostatin. In addition, he uses prolactine inhibitors, and ACTH, a vitamin mix of retinoids, carotenoids, vitamins E and C, selenium, and in occasional cases very small doses of cyclophosphamide (a form of chemotherapy). His claims are of a "control" of cancer, a "return to normal life," and "tumor encapsulation." Many patients that have come forward to testify for his method would appear by most criteria to qualify as "cures". It is interesting to note that Di Bella's greatest successes are in areas where the Gerson Therapy has in recent years found results lacking: notably in leukemia's and brain metastasized breast cancer. However, the area where Di Bella admits he has most difficulty, is where Gerson has the greatest success rate: malignant melanoma. It would certainly be interesting for notes to be compared between exponents of the two methodologies. The parallels between the Di Bella story and Dr. Max Gerson's American experience were not lost on Giuliano Dego, Italian author of the biographical Gerson novel, Doctor Max. Dego began publishing a series of 15 articles in his regular newspaper column, warning the Italian public of the lengths to which the cancer establishment will go to in order to block intruders in their territory. His articles also tell the story of Dr. Gerson in detail. While the role of the press in this whole affair has been under attack by orthodox oncologists, it has at least demonstrated a freedom of public information that the U.S. could well envy. Meanwhile, experimentation has gotten underway, criticized by Professor and Dr. Di Bella and overshadowed by the government decree. In March, Professor Di Bella traveled to Argentina to explain his therapy to doctors there, but Italy's most powerful oncologist, Professor Umberto Veronesi mysteriously preceded him to meet with his Argentinian colleagues. Di Bella was snubbed by all but a host of journalists. Brazil and Canada, on the other hand, have offered him facilities for research and freedom to teach his method. The saga continues... A Note from Charlotte Gerson: It is interesting to notice that there has been almost no mention of this major event in the U.S. news media. With more Americans facing cancer than anywhere else in the world, it would seem the media have a responsibility to inform their U.S. public about such a thing. Not until April 18th of 1998, almost 6 months after the Di Bella affair began in Italy, did I see a small mention of it on the local TV news. For more information on doctors using the therapy
contact the following website http://microwebcom.com/melatonina/indexe.html
or write to AIAN - Associazione Italiana Assistenza Malati Neoplastici
Via Magna Grecia, 39 - ROMA
The enzymes contained in bean-sprouts have been claimed
by many to have powerful anti-cancer properties. However, not everyone
agrees. The Gerson Institute, for example, is opposed to the use of sprouts.
Here is a comment by a Gerson practitioner: There is no mention anywhere
in A Cancer Therapy of sprouts! It has also been proven by research and
in our own seriously negative experience, that sprouted alfalfa contains
precursor amino acids that have caused lupus in healthy monkeys, Unfortunately,
we do not have the funds nor research facilities to test other sprouts
for the possibly toxic precursor amino acid (l-canavanine, see Gerson Healing
Newsletter No. 11, Jan/Feb '86 ) Therefore, in order to avoid any possible
damage from immature proteins, we have prohibited all sprouts. For further
information on Gerson Therapy contact http://www.gerson.org.
Milk and the Cancer Connection With complete references for
researchers
On January 23, 1998 researchers at the Harvard Medical School released a major study providing conclusive evidence that IGF-1 is a potent risk factor for prostate cancer. Should you be concerned? Yes, you certainly should, particularly if you drink milk produced in the United States. IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor 1 is an important hormone which is produced in the liver and body tissues. It is a polypeptide and consists of 70 amino acids linked together. All mammals produce IGF-1 molecules very similar in structure and human and bovine IGF-1 are completely identical. IGF-1 acquired its name because it has insulin-like activity in fat (adipose) tissue and has a structure which is very similar to that of proinsulin. The body's production of IGF-1 is regulated by the human growth hormone and peaks at puberty. IGF-1 production declines with age and is only about half the adult value at the age of 70 years. IGF-1 is a very powerful hormone which has profound effects even though its concentration in the blood serum is only about 200 ng/mL or 0.2 millionth of a gram per milliliter(1-4). IGF-1 and cancer IGF-1 is known to stimulate the growth of both normal
and cancerous cells(2,5). In 1990 researchers at Stanford University reported
that IGF-1 promotes the growth of prostate cells(2). This was followed
by the discovery that IGF-1 accelerates the growth of breast cancer cells
(6-8). In 1995 researchers at the National Institutes of Health reported
that IGF-1 plays a central role in the progression of many childhood
cancers and in the growth of tumours in breast cancer, small cell
lung cancer, melanoma, and cancers of the pancreas and prostate(9). In
September 1997 an international team of researchers reported the first
epidemiological evidence that high IGF-1 concentrations are closely linked
to an increased risk of prostate cancer(10). Other researchers provided
evidence of IGF-1's link to breast and colon cancers(10,11). The
January 1998 report by the Harvard researchers confirmed the link between
IGF-1 levels in the blood and the risk of prostate cancer. The effects
of IGF-1 concentrations on prostate cancer risk were found to be astoundingly
large - much higher than for any other known risk factor. Men having an
IGF-1 level between approximately 300 and 500 ng/mL were found to have
more than four times the risk of developing prostate cancer than did men
with a level between 100 and 185 ng/mL. The detrimental effect of high
IGF-1 levels was particularly pronounced in men over 60 years of age. In
this age group men with the highest levels of IGF-1 were eight times more
likely to develop prostate cancer than men with low levels. The elevated
IGF-1 levels were found to be present several years before an actual diagnosis
of prostate cancer was made(12).\\ (reprinted with permission)
Letter from Sharon S. Cocanour: Navaho Indians and Cancer While scanning your reviews of cancer books, I was stunned to see a book based on the premise that Navaho Indians rarely get cancer. (Cancerproof Your Body by Ross Horne) While on a recent trip to Logan, Utah, I picked up an obscure book in a used bookstore entitled, `Their Secrets: Why the Navaho Indians Never Get Cancer', written by a medical doc, DeLamar Gibbons M.D., who tended some 5000 Navahos for more than 30 years in San Juan County Utah! In all that time, only one of his patients developed cancer (prostate), and that was a man who violated the chicken "taboos". Essentially, the Navahos don't (or at least didn't, as this book is now ten years old) consume chicken, eggs or milk...the author goes into impressive scientific detail about how these items transmit cancer viruses to humans... another factor he cites is the fact that the Navaho have a much less intimate relationship with their pets than we do, meaning they don't allow them indoors or allow them so physically close. Basically, the idea is that chicken/eggs/fresh milk can and DO transmit cancer viruses to humans... most chickens have cancer before they are slaughtered/ die, even the young birds. And the viral component in eggs isn't destroyed unless cooked at high temps, such as when hard-boiled. (The man who got the cancer kept, and ate, eggs and chickens.) Dr. Gibbons felt the Navaho's didn't really connect these practices with their low-incidence of cancer, it was just the result of their particular cultural traditions. Sorry this is so jumbled and that I'm can't give you a more concise summation of the book. I've only just skimmed the surface, but instinctively felt that I was really onto something, so you can see why I'm anxious to share it immediately with you! Dr. Gibbons cites an impressive list of credible,
scientific references to support these theories, by the way, on both avian
and bovine viral disease and their transmission to humans. SOMETHING TO
THINK ABOUT..... Thanks for the great website; it is so needed!
Side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy as provided by members of the Sapient Health Network Copyright (c) 1998 by Sapient Health Network, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.shn.net -- Sign up for a free membership today! Sapient Health Network's Question of the Week provides members of the Breast cancer community an opportunity to share their opinions on a variety of issues relevant to that community. Question: Treatment Side Effects Have you, or someone you love, undergone chemotherapy or radiation for breast cancer? What, if any, side effects did you experience? Carrie Sue, Kansas. Hair loss, vomiting, severe weakness, used Neupogen and with that had bone pain. RO_13, California I begin radiation next week. Currently I have a friend going through it and her biggest compliant is the "burn" feeling and itching. She is a little tired, but that might have to do with the distance she has to travel for the treatment. Her only real compliant is the uncomfortableness of the breast being radiated - skin discomfort, and she uses a cream twice a day. maebird_99, Illinois Taxol = severe numbness in hands and feet. Major swelling feet and ankles. reepy Treatment was CAF -- at different times I experienced burning in esophagus, mouth, stomach and rectum. Naseua, headache, fatigue, overwhelming at times, and inflammation of the hair follicles. patimer About 1-2 months after radiation I seemed to be very tired all the time. How long did this last- less than a month and it was never awful, just for awhile I needed to sit when I usually would stand & walk when I used to run. djaskela, British Columbia Canada Radiation in 1980 after modified radical mastectomy and then radiation in l996 when discovered that back pain was mets in pelvic area both sides and also lower spin and radiation in1998 to left ribs for further mets. Some discomfort and redness which was helped by liberal applications of Aloe Vera (from live plant). Definite decrease of pain after radiation but comes back in a couple of years but grateful for any time frame with little pain. sukeyQ, New York I'm in the middle of CMf chemo now; except for a few days of nausea which can be controlled with Tigan, I'm doing very well;1/3 hair loss; some GERD controlled with Prilosec and some constipation aided with Metamucil. No energy loss; minimal fatigue; working full time; exercising @ the gym 3 days a week. trace_48, United Kingdom After 4 days, started with sores in the head and glands in head swelled. Carried on for over a week, 8 pain killers a day, just to put head on pillow because of antibiotics and my chemotherapy put on hold. I am awaiting review next week, more antibiotics for 10 days, just got the marks where the sores were now 3 weeks later. Alatanu, Washington I have undergone 35 sessions of radiation and am now on tamoxifen. I am African American and of course I started "tanning" right away. I had a real dry skin problem. So I used pure aloe AFTER treatment. I also used a natural deodorant AFTER treatments because going without did not work for me. Eventually, the entire aerola and nipple were so dry and damaged from the radiation, that the skin was cracking. I could not wear a bra the entire time I was undergoing radiation. Besides that, I was extremely tired. And was able to only work part time. I had no other side effects that were directly related to the radiation. Except that I went into a severe depression once I completed radiation (for 2 - 3 weeks). tghall, Illinois Numb fingertips and toes. DAPPLE My breast that I had the radiation treatment on is still sore. It will be 5 years in December of this year. I do not know of any other side effects. How do we really know though? saysay97 I will not ever subject my body to the effect of CHEMO again. The surgery (bilateral mast), hair loss and emotional trauma were nothing compared with the side affects of chemo. Severe nausea uncontrolled by none of the new drugs. Vomit every third week as leaving the MD's from treatment, vomit for 3 more day after that. Go home to bed and not be able to get up for 4 days. On 4th day I could crawl on hands and knees to kitchen -- was too weak to walk. 5th day post-treatment I could walk to kitchen and sit. Experienced severe constipation. Red and white blood counts constantly low so always on procrit and Neupogen. Mouth sores, bone pain from Neupogen. I was too weak to drive for the entire 6 treatments. Became nearly housebound. I have now developed myelodysplastic anemia. Looks like the supposed chemo cure will now by my killer. joanne_14 I have survived breast cancer twice. The first time in 1985 at age 35 I underwent surgery, chemo CAF, and radiation. During that course of treatment I kept a journal which highlights the usual side effects - nausea, hair loss, body sores - the worst, and mental distress. On a scale of 1 to 10 - 10 the worst - I would say for the most part the experience of chemo rated at a 10. The radiation for the most part wore on me making me tired. I did end up with severe sun burn as well. The second breast cancer came in 1997. This time I went through CA and Taxol. The side effects were basically the same - nausea, hair loss, body sores - worse than the first time, and mental distress. However this time used both conventional and homeopathic medicine to make it through. I also kept a detailed journal. It would be difficult to put all of my journey into this short essay. gahoy, Wyoming I have had 6 treatments of chemo with 6 more to go. Side effects have been constipation, heartburn, hair loss, weakness and aches & pains. Have also been given medicines which have helped a lot. LizaJ, Saskatchewan Canada Chemo (ACx4) rads (25) side effects: nausau, fatigue, blackened finger nails, total hair lose, aching joints - hips back, stiff cramping sore hands, depression, fear, anxiety, and of course brain damage (unable to remember what else I suffered!! #1mouse, Washington Both breasts, (only had surgery on right side) swollen and very painful. Cannot sleep on stomach, hurts to wear a bra or hurts not to. Blistered and suffered from fatigue during treatments. I am very worried now about what the side effects long-term may be in store for myself and others. jbughall, North Carolina I have had 3 cycles of adriamycin. So far, side effects have been minimal. I am given zytril, Decadron, and Compazine 30 minutes before my chemo. Then I take compazine every 12 hours for the next 3 days. I rest a lot those three days and eat small meals. I will take short walks, and get outside as much as possible. I am more tired but that is about all. pata2ne After three weeks of radiation, I had a skin reaction. With an intervening long weekend and about three days off, I resumed tx. Boosters gave me a ring of pimples which are disappearing. trishJ, Nevada I received chemo (CMF) and radiation treatments for breast cancer in 1994. Side effects from chemo were: yeast infections, thrush, instant menopause, hair loss (not all, just a lot of thinning). Side effects from radiation were irritated red skin like sunburn and tiredness. Of course the other side effect from both treatments was periods of depression. chuey, California I had 6 cycles of CMF and the only side effects I had were hair loss and fatigue. The fatigue was not bad in the beginning but towards the last session I found myself getting pretty tired after working all day. All in all It was not a bad experience you just have to remember that the chemo is helping you. trudsif, Oregon I went through 6 weeks of radiation therapy after a lumpectomy almost 4 years ago. My only side effect was a "sunburn" on my breast. This was toward the end of my treatments. At present, my breast is still very tender to the touch, the tissue composition has changed (a tender ridge of tissue around the perimeter of the breast) and my nipple's sensitivity has changed from stimulating to irritating. pam_04, New Hampshire I have undergone radiation therapy for breast cancer (2 1/2 yrs ago), I experienced some pain in the treated breast, extreme fatigue, I got skin desquimation really bad, so bad that when I accidentally touched that area (under the breast) it bled. These side effects were nothing compared to the lack of compassion by my radiation oncologist and some of the radiation technologists. The worst was the feelings of dehumanization. I now suffer from PTSD due to severe emotional traumas I experienced. If I had to do it over I would not do it again. pepper1, Wisconsin I underwent both. The worst side effects of chemo were caused by the neupogen injections that I had to give myself. Back spasms and bone aches were sometimes almost unbearable. Radiation caused a third degree burn under my arm. Silvadene and a week off of work helped it to heal nicely but it was really painful for awhile. Even though I had some bad experiences, I would still go through the clinical study that I did. JBW_56, Georgia My mother experienced sharp, shooting pains during and after her radiation therapy. She is 2 weeks out from completing her radiation tx and continues to have those pains. JoanneK, North Carolina Chemo: sleepiness and oddness from the anti-nausea medications (Kytril first day, then Compazine, Decadron, and Reglan) (and the chemo?). I'd be out of it for 3 to 5 days. I couldn't walk far unassisted (balance out of whack and weakness). Lost hair by end of third week after first treatment (CA). Radiation: light sunburn effect. Loss of hair in target zone; underarm hair came back after a few months. Some fatigue; needed about 2 hours of nap by Friday each week. Lorenak, California Hair loss, nausea, fatigue, 3rd degree burns, finger & toe nail problems, finger and toe tingling, aching body, etc. LINSKY, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada I had 8 months of chemo and 6 weeks (every day except Saturday and Sunday) of radiation. Radiation was not bad except toward the end I did experience radiation burns. Chemo was not fun!!! I lost all my hair (and I mean ALL my hair, everywhere on my body). My eyelashes did not grow back as long as they were. Too bad. During chemo I experience, in addition to nausea, weight loss, very dry skin, and my treatments were very often postponed because of low white cells. I took 10 months off work and was very bored when I was not throwing up. That was almost 3 years ago. My hair has grown back, and I have my life back again. In August of this year they found another lump in my breast, the same breast that I had the lumpectomy on. I underwent another biopsy (which really was a lumpectomy) and much to my relief, it was nothing. At least that is what the surgeon said. When I had my stitches removed he did not have the results from the lab but he said "no news is good news" which at the time sounded very good however I still do not know exactly what they found. I go for a check up in November to my oncologist and hopefully he will tell me more. Spiga, California While I did not have to undergo chemotherapy for my breast cancer, I did receive radiation therapy. The major side effect I experienced was a very severe burn. The providers needed to place a "second skin" on my breast area. This was the only problem I had. I did not experience any tiredness. I consider myself very lucky, indeed. Anja_75, Sweden I have gone through radiation treatment and got very tired from it. Also my skin got very sore at the end of the treatment. After the treatment it took me about three weeks to recover. whamdiddle, Maryland I went through radiation for breast cancer nearly two years ago and am still experiencing effects from it. I was exhausted before the first week of treatment in a 7 week course. Not just tired, but sleeping 11 – 12 hours at night, napping for 1/2 hour at lunch, sleeping most of Saturday afternoon. I still get a little overtired sometimes. My white blood count was low for about 1 1/2 years. My skin still peels occasionally. And, although I can not get medical verification, I am definitely weaker on my right side, especially when I get tired. iwillsurvive, Indiana I have undergone chemotherapy. My hair thinned, I lost weight, had bouts of painful colicky diarrhea, couldn't drink the Diet Coke (which I previously practically "lived on"(didn't taste good; caused alot of heartburn), had altered sense of taste for food in general, but most of all, I was extremely tired and weak, lost a certain part of my memory functioning after my 3rd chemo and I have, since chemo, put on an enormous amount of weight (weigh a little more than 150% of what I did prior to chemo) which I seem to be unable to take back off. EILEEN1 Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, made me feel old before my time. Memory loss and general aging. beezay, Mexico My mother had breast cancer and underwent radiation and then chemo. From the radiation, she suffered pain in her ribs. From the chemo, she felt as if she had the flu real bad and lost her hair and lost her appetite. rotorup, Florida Severe nausea, tired, bruising, mood swings, loss of appetite, loss of hair, depression, agitation. grammy_sam, Ohio I had radiation therapy and got so burned that I had to take tome off three times. A week each time which lengthened my treatment. I was in total misery and no one could tell me what may help. My mother finally told me to use ice cold cloths and put them on the breast. I would take a bowl full of ice and water into my bedroom and put the cloths on my breast. I was so burned and hot that in a matter of seconds the cloth would be hot and dry. I got so burned toward the end of treatment that I would dip my breast right into the bowl for some relief. I was also very tired, but I had no help at the time with taking care of my house or my 2 year old grandson. My husband and my daughter were not supportive at all so that added to the misery of the burns. Rudi_23, Oregon I experienced the following side effects as a result of chemotheraphy with Adriamycin, Cytoxin and Taxol: Weight loss/weight gain (with Tamoxifen and Taxol); complete hair loss (head, facial and body); vomiting, nausea and fatigue; mouth sores; joint pain and stiffness; constipation; anxiety/depression; visual auras (Taxol); hot flashes. JudithF, Illinois I am now undergoing chemo. I am taking taxol and experience, nausea, numbness in the fingers and toes. Pain for the first 3 days in my joints. Have lost my hair. eheh, New Jersey I have one more chemo treatment (8 total) and am just starting my third week of radiation. The main problems I have encountered have been about two days after chemo. Just tired, and as I describe it feel like I was hit by a truck. The radiation is not bad just with the two I am tired. lumpless, Delaware There were many besides the usual: nausea, hair loss. I had lots of indigestion and constipation, bad taste in mouth, fatigue. The worst was just a general bad feeling that stayed the whole six months of chemotherapy. Kathann Some tiredness. Increase in weight. bunny_97 Intensified blood levels of medicines I needed to take to control my epilepsy, thus poisoning my system. Drug levels were almost 2 x the top of the range for AED drugs. Otherwise, I had experienced extremely severe mouth sores that I could not difficulty swallowing even soft food through my mouth nausea, extremely high fever. I found it very disheartening that in bringing some of this to the doctor's attention they had no clue that it would have an effect. I would be interested in knowing if there were many more people that have had the same problems, such as having a preexisting illness of epilepsy and also having breast cancer. kbcoop5, California I am currently receiving CMF x 6 mos. The chemo has caused me to have blurred vision. The Eye Dr. said it was muscle spasms behind the eye. I now have to wear glasses. My other side effects are the usual, tiredness, headaches and backaches. JoniJ While on chemotherapy, I experienced nausea, loss of hair, went through menopause, was hospitalized for a high fever and low white cell count. Radiation caused some fatigue, itchy skin blisters, red skin which turned tan eventually and then went back to almost normal a month after finishing. Radiation caused my reconstructive surgery to tighten and caused the new nipple to shrink. The American Cancer Society stated that immediate reconstructive surgery wouldn't affect chemotherapy or radiation(it didn't), but they neglect to say that radiation affects reconstruction. Lorilu I experienced nausea after the first 3-4 treatments. Zofran gave me headaches so my doctor narrowed the treatment field to avoid my stomach, nausea slowly resolved over next week. heff, Pennsylvania I had radiation treatments. My breast became red, swollen and I had shooting pains. I was pretty sore for several months and probably still having pain 1 year later. It's been 2 1/2 years and my breast is still tender. I also hated the odor from that arm pit. I became very tired after about 2-3 weeks of treatment and left work early every day. Scarlettangel, Arizona I had six cycles of CMF and the main side effect I had was fatigue. I have never been so tired in my life as I was during treatment. My onc seemed to think this was abnormal though everything I read says that is a common side effect. She wanted me to see a counselor cause she thought I was tired because I was depressed, when actually I did get a little depressed cause I was so tired! I also had a few mouth sores, diarrhea, nausea, and I was anemic by the time it was over with and it lasted about six months after treatment. glory, Florida Taxotere caused neuromotor problems (went away after treatment ended). Also, my nails are separating from the nailbed. pooh_74 Chemo: hair loss, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, fatigue. Radiation: some fatigue, although since this was after chemo, it seemed like a walk in the park. LouJ, Ontario Canada Nausea, burns (open weeping sores), and extreme fatigue from radiation treatment. paintedwoman, Florida Neutropenia, anemia, fatigue, dry skin & mucous membranes, no libido, darkening of the skin that was irradiated, as well as other non-related areas, sebaceous cysts on labia, nausea, some hair thinning, dry eyes, "burned" metallic taste, anorexia, depression, fear, brittle nails, weight loss, sensitivity to sunlight and heat, esophagitis, skin loss during radiation, lymphedema, isolation, pneumonia, pleuresy on the radiation side, hot flashes with extreme night sweats, cold when not "flashing". Beckyhl, Canada I had radiation and 7 cycles of CAF. Radiation was no problem with just a "sunburn" toward the end. No other side effects. I was one of the lucky ones where chemo was concerned. I was tired, tired, tired but was not sick. I worked throughout my treatment, having my chemo on Friday afternoons and back to work on Monday. dubiedoo, New York I have had chemo therapy, short term side effects included mouth sores, hot flashes, reflux, fatigue. Long term effects are memory problems and neuropathy. Bobsy, Ohio Fatigue and burns under the arm and under the breast were the only side effects. Had to stop for 1 week till healed. suemin, Ontario Canada I have experienced hair loss, extreme fatigue, mouth sores, dry mouth, aches in my leg bones, nose bleeds, nausea and vomiting.... It's all worth it because I'm going to beat this horrible disease, even though I was told I'm terminal! Connie_E, Alabama I have had both the chemo and radiation and was left totally drained. With chemo, I was nauseated and scared. Simple smells would make me sick. I would come home after chemo and not move for the next two days because I felt so weak then the nausea and vomiting set in. I was told I had a very easy time with it though. Radiation started two weeks after chemo ended. I was so tired after the first week that it was very hard to function. I was so susceptible to every but that my kids and husband brought home, I had pneumonia three time in about a two month period. lmta, Wisconsin I had six weeks of radiation this past February-March and I guess I must be one of the lucky ones who did not experience any uncomfortable side effects. My "suntan" was minimal and I had very little dryness/peeling. beezay, New Mexico My mother had breast cancer and underwent radiation and then chemo. From the radiation, she suffered pain in her ribs. From the chemo, she felt as if she had the flu real bad and lost her hair and lost her appetite. toniaburk, Alabama My mother has COMPLETELY lost feeling in her hand, onset 6-8 years after mastectomy and radiation treatment. kj-98, California I received radiation to my right breast for 6 weeks. I had mild pinkness to my breast area around 5 weeks and perhaps very mild itching (not bad enough to recall). I continued my usual 30-35 miles a week of running. I think that a positive attitude doesn't hurt either. Stitches-El, North Dakota When I had chemo, I was sick to my stomach for several days and I had a salty taste in my mouth and I just generally didn't feel good. The radiation was a lot easier. The only side effect I got from that was the burns on my breast area. sfarquhar, Washington I have undergone extensive chemo. My last two chemo treatments were high dose CEP without SCR in Sept and Nov 97. As a result and previous regimens, I have developed peripheral neuropathy in both my hands and feet. The worst damage is in my feet. I have also had radiation treatment for IBC, but appear to have no side effects from it. wai, Hawaii Yes. 3 Hawaiian women whom I love and was very close to passed on within 6 months of each other. One battled breast cancer for over 10 years the other two less than one year each. The most obvious side effects of chemo and radiation were the loss of appetite and nausea with their equilibrium being affected. ctaylor_50, Oregon I had 33 Radiation treatments ending on June 8, 1998. I had all the standard side effects, fatigue, sunburn, peeling skin, etc. In September I started getting rib pain. After 2 MRI's and a full Neurological workup, they have determined that the radiation did so much damage to the small nerves under my arm that control pain sensation and heat and cold sensation, that those nerves are now dying. They have put me on a low dose of Elavil to help control the discomfort. denise_89, Massachusetts I went through chemo and was lucky to not have lost all of my hair. Maybe 35%, never had to wear a wig. The chemo made me very tired and depressed. I spend months on the couch doing nothing, caring about nothing. I also experience hot flashes that were incredible. I would wake up soaked in the middle of the night all of the time. About a month after chemo stopped hot flashes stopped too. I am now on tamoxifen and have been for 4 months now. No side affects from that at all. Faye53, Ohio The first two weeks of treatments I thought there would be no side effects as I had been told. I thought maybe I was different. But after two weeks the side effects started. That was burning of the skin in the area of treatment. It was like a severe sunburn day after day with some relief on the weekends. Another side effect is tiredness. I was working full time. I went to the cancer center for radiation treatments on my lunch hour. But by around 2:00 I became so tired. I could barely drive home after work. Now it's been seven months since the treatments. My breast is very lumpy feeling and there is some pain which I guess I will always have. I had a lumpectomy and I still have my breast although it doesn't quite match the other one. No one can tell and my husband doesn't mind at all. He still has me. keak, Pennsylvania Extreme fatigue throughout radiation. Food cravings. Very bad burns. Jeri_84, Arkansas The only side effects I had to chemotherapy (Adriamycin & cytoxan) was hair loss (on my head). I had very little nausea or other symptoms. slo_28, Georgia I received radiation therapy last spring and I experienced a lot of fatigue by the end of the cycle of treatments. Maggie_O, Ohio Had four treatments of Cytoxin and adriamycin, had nausea once but with change of medication didn't have it again, but the increase in zofran made my head feel strange. Did have phlebitis, heartburn, and pneumonia. Also got tired with legs that felt very heavy, but could control that by pacing myself and stopping to rest when walking up hill or climbing steps. I also required a lot more sleep. The arm on the side of the lymph node removal also would swell a bit but I don't have any remaining lymphodemia. My taste and smell was affected, and I gained 8 lbs. in one week because food didn't satisfy me. But I learned my lesson for the remaining treatments. My mouth didn't get very sore, no real problem. My blood counts got low enough that twice the treatment had to be postponed for a week or two, but never low enough that I needed the neupogen shots. I'm a year and four months after my last chemo, and I still haven't been able to walk on the treadmill as fast or as long as I had before, but otherwise I do feel really good now. If I am cured it was all well worth it. Dawn_evelyn I had a lumpectomy with 6 weeks of radiation in 1996. I experienced blisters that oozed during the radiation boost. I originally had shooting pain in my breast but that has gone away almost completely. My breast is extremely sensitive, I have hand numbness, joint pain and stiffness. I also experienced another lump that I located in a self-check in June that was located under the original cancer but that was benign. 4katz I experienced being sick at my stomach and not being able to eat much of anything. I also was so weak that I could barely walk from my bed to the kitchen and back. I also suffered from dehydration due to not drinking enough water. I ended up in the hospital for four days after my first treatment. The doctor prescribed Neupogen injections from then on. This helped build up my white count. I think the worst part was feeling sick and really tired. Cela I am a breast cancer survivor who had a simple mastectomy in February 1996, followed by 12 sessions of chemotherapy over a period of six months, followed by a course of tamoxifen, which I am still taking. In December 1997 I developed a full-blown cataract in my left eye and the beginnings of one in my right. My ophthalmologist associates this condition with the chemo I have received. My oncologist is non-commital about this outcome. A secondary result of my taking tamoxifen is frequent hot flashes, 8-10x per day, lasting 10 minutes or so each. My oncologist recommended upping my intake of Vitamin E to 1200 mg per day (I had been taking 800 mg) and this has decreased the frequency of hot flashes to 3-4x per day. The anti-nausea medicine that I received during the chemotherapy prevented me from experiencing the nausea many women report. Smells, on the other hand, were enhanced or altered to be very disagreeable, e.g., the smell of brown rice cooking. This effect was not a major problem or unendurable. My hair also thinned considerably, although I did not lose it all. Sue_09 I had radiation only after breast cancer. The treatments were for six weeks Feb-Mar 1998. Near the end of the radiation treatment program and for quite an extended time thereafter, I had limited use of my shoulder on the affected side. I believe that I had hyper-extended my arm when I had to raise it over my head for treatment. I am short (4'10"), and the handle that I had to hold on to is a non-movable handle which does not accommodate short people. The pain continued until such time as I ceased doing my exercises which were required after surgery. My breast is still somewhat hard but is beginning to soften. My suntan is slowly dissipating also. Other than what I mentioned two paragraphs above, my most discomfort was from the area in which the nodes were removed, not the breast area itself. El.M I had side effects from radiation which consisted mostly of fatigue. However, chemo caused the following problems - anemia, mouth sores, anorexia, peripheral neuropathy, various aches and pains, loss of 20 lbs, various bowel problems, fatigue, low white counts, and a few others I may have forgotten. I finished chemo last February and[Back to top] Green tea really does protect against cancer and
retards cancer spread, according to Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute. The
reason is that it contains a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate
(EGCG for short) which blocks an enzyme needed for angiogenesis - the creation
of blood supply. Without this blood supply , solid cancer tumours cannot
grow. For this reason drinking green tea during pregnancy is a definite
no-no. The recommended dose for cancer treatment is three or four cups
a day, everyday.
This is a patented product which according to the manufacturer rebuilds everyones immune system and can be of great help to people with MS, CFS, Arthritis, AIDS, cancer, and over 50 other Chronic Degenerative Diseases. This is the sales blurb that I have received. It sounds interesting and if I had cancer I would certainly use it: "Immunocal is the result of 18 years of research and development at McGill University, led by one of the preeminent research physicians in the field of medical nutrition in the world", Dr. Gustavo Bounous. Dr. Bounous has been awarded the Medal of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and has been named as one of the top 30 medical researchers in the history of Canada! "Immunocal has 7 "Method of Use Patents". These are very rarely issued for natural products because it is necessary to prove the effectiveness of the treatment. Two of these patents are for the treatment of Cancer and for the treatment of HIV and AIDs!! "Immunocal is the only Neutraceutical that has received approval from the US gov't. for reimbursement by both Medicaid and Medicare! "Immunocal is a uniquely formulated whey protein isolate, whose primary protein constituents are identical to the primary protein constituents of Mothers Milk!! It is Mothers Milk for adults!! It is completely different to other commercially available whey protein product and is the only whey protein that is documented to stimulate the immune system by enhancing the levels of Glutathione. "All the benefits to be derived from Immunocal are the benefits that come from maintaining optimal Glutathione levels intracellularly over a lifetime. "There are more research papers published on Glutathione than any other single subject in Medicine over the last 10 years....35-40,000 peer reviewed papers!! "Glutathione is naturally present in every cell in our body! It is now understood what the 3 Major Functions of Glutathione are: 1- "Master Anti-Oxidant"....GSH(Glutathione) protects every cell by neutralizing free radicals that are created in the cell in the course of normal metabolism (the conversion of food to energy in the cell in the presence of oxygen). GSH also regulates and recycles all the other antioxidants such as Vit. C, E selenium etc. 2- Major Detoxifier.... Carcinogens(cancer causing chemicals), pollutants, other toxic chemicals must be neutralized and removed from the body. The major pathway for this detoxification is Glutathione. 30 or 40 Carcinogens have been identified as being removed through the Glutathione pathway. 3- Immune Activity....When the Immune System is challenged by a Virus or Bacteria or Tumor cell, it must respond by increasing the numbers of White Blood Cells and make Antibodies to attack and destroy the offender. For this process to occur, it is dependent on the level of GSH in the White Blood Cells. "Glutathione is the single most important substance in our body for the health and maintenance of our cells. One can clearly see that if our cells are healthy than so will be our tissues, organs, organ-systems and our whole person!!! Dr Bounous's research has opened the door to a new way of looking at the Immune System... CELL DEFENSE!!!! "We are on the verge of the next major treatment principle in the history of Medicine!! The medicine of the 21st Century will incorporate the principle of Glutathione enhancement as a major modality of both Prevention and Treatment of every disease condition. Immunocal truly is "A Vaccination for the Immune System" "Immunocal will be the Centerpiece of this Glutathione Revolution because it is proven to be the most effective method of maintaining optimal Glutathione levels over the longterm (lifetime). None of the drugs currently available for raising Glutathione is suited for longterm use. The patents that Immunotec hold are strong method of use and preclude any competitive product. They are good for another 15 years!" For further details go to www.immunocal.com
Lyprinol is the brand name of a marine extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel manufactured by McLab (distributed internationally by Pharmalink). Lyprinol was brought to the market as a treatment for asthma and rheumatism. It works as a lipoxygenase inhibitor – which was very interesting for prostate cancer researchers because that is exactly what they were looking for. Trials are now starting to determine whether or not it does have the hoped for effect on prostate cancer. It will be years before the result is known. Unfortunately, it appears McLab have taken the product off the shelves because once news leaked out in Australia and New Zealand, many cancer patients quite understandably decided not to wait for science to deliberate. There was a run on the product and the medical establishment reacted accordingly. However, it may find its way back on the shelves so prostate cancer patients should keep an eye on the situation. There are other products claiming to contain the
active ingredients found in green lip mussel extract. The problem is that
the active ingredients are highly unstable and only McLab have the process
needed to stabilise them – a process developed by Professor Kosuge of Shizouka
University in Japan.
Some useful health suggestions 1. Snow Fungus [Tin Shan Suet Lin]= Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus Snow Fungus from Tibet is used in milk to create a yogurt-like product. Taken on a daily basis it is claimed to help healing. Apparently it is one of the cures that ancient Chinese and modern Kung Fu guys swear by. I don't have any further info on it. Have you heard of it? Please email any information to me at jchamberlain@fightingcancer.com Magnesium citrate for Liver Cleansing A Canadian reader gives this advice: I have found liver cleanses to be very rejuvenating and purifying… but I have some advice to those who are doing liver cleanses - don't use EPSOM SALTS, which in most cases are available in only the "for external use only" grade. buy a bottle of magnesium citrate, 300 ml size, glass, used by internists/radiologists as purge before exploratory radiography! It costs only $3, tastes really good (like a citrus pop), and does not give nausea like the epsom salts. There is 15 grams of mg in that bottle, more than enough to force open all the bile ducts. I know, I use it in Canada - it is called citro-mag, available in any pharmacy. 3. Coriander Herb (Chinese parsley) and heavy metal poisoning: mercury, aluminium etc Here is an extract from a book entitled The Poor Man's Chelation Therapy by David G. Williams (Mountain Home Publishing 1998) on the subject of how to clear your body of mercury (from tooth fillings) and other heavy metals: "There's nothing I like more than learning about inexpensive, common herbs or spices that exhibit unusual healing properties. Historically, the use of herbs and spices in cooking evolved as a method to preserve foods and make them safer to store and eat. While we've grown accustomed to using these items to enhanced or accentuate flavors of food, researchers continue to discover that they have much more to offer than just good taste. A recent example involves the work of Dr. Yoshiaki Omura. "Dr. Omura recently informed us that he discovered almost by accident, that the leaves of the coriander plant can accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminum from the body. He had been treating several patients for an eye infection called trachoma (granular conjunctivitis), which is caused by the micro-organism Chlamydia trachomatis. Following the standard treatment with antibiotics. Dr. Omura found that the patients' symptoms would clear up initially, then recur within a few months. He experienced similar difficulties in treating viral related problems like Herpes Simplex types I & II and Cytomegalovirus infection. "After taking a closer look, Dr. Omura found those organisms seemed to hide and flourish in area of the body where there were concentrations of heavy metals like mercury, lead and aluminium. Somehow the organisms were able to use the toxic metals to protect themselves from the antibiotics. "It just so happens that while he was testing for those metals, Dr. Omura noticed the mercury level in the urine increased after one consumed a healthy serving of Vietnamese soup. The soup contains Chinese parsley, or it is better known in this country, cilantro. (Some of you may also know it as coriander, since it comes from the leaves of the Coriander plant.) "Further testing revealed that eating cilantro also increased urinary excretion of lead and aluminium. And when cilantro was used concurrently with antibiotics or natural anti-viral agents and/or fatty acids like EPA with D.A., the above infection could be eliminated for good. (Acupnct Electrother Res. 95:20 (3-4): 195-229.) "Dr. Omura has made a remarkable discovery. He's found a novel technique which greatly increases our ability to clear up recurring infections both viral and bacterial. And perhaps more exciting, he's discovered an inexpensive, easy way to remove (or "chelate") toxic metals from the nervous system and body tissue - one that anybody can use. This is Great News for Amalgam Sufferers "Chelation therapy using chemicals like EDTA has long been used to help remove these heavy metals, but cilantro is the only natural substance I'm aware of that has demonstrated this ability. This will become news for people suffering from the ill effect of amalgam dental fillings, which contains approximately 50% mercury. "Dr. Omura recently performed another study in which three amalgam filling where removed from an individual using all of the precautions available to prevent absorption of the mercury from the amalgam. Even with strong air and water suction, water rinses, and a rubber dental dam, significant amounts of mercury were later found in the individual's lungs, kidneys, endocrine organs, liver and heart. There was no mercury in these tissue prior to the amalgam removal. Remarkably, without the help of any chelation agents, cilantro was able to remove the mercury in two to three weeks. (Acupunct Electrother Res 96;21 (2): 133-60.) "In light of the ever-worsening quality of our water
and soil and the widespread use of metals in everyday items like deodorant
and cans, I would seriously suspect that all of us have some toxic metals
in our body. And unless they are carried out by a chelating agent, things
like lead, aluminium and mercury remain in the body forever. Besides associated
with arthritic condition, depression, muscle pain and weakness, memory
loss and deterioration, and maybe even Alzheimer's disease."
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