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Survivors
What do you consider to be your anniversary date? The day the beast was found? The day you were diagnosed?
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Re: Survivors
I date it from my date of surgery but think we're all different in this.
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Re: Survivors
I have always been told it is the date of surgery but I think it really is the date you start making all those appointments because you are not putting your head in the sand. You are doing something to survive and thrive again. You are preparing to kill the beast.
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Re: Survivors
For me I picked the day the cancer was successfully removed which was lumpectomy since they found no cancer at mastectomy. It was all pretty fast and close for me so either date is within a few weeks for me. I agree with Becky, we are survivors from day 1.
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Re: Survivors
I count the date I went to my dr, had the ultrasound & biopsy - cause I knew before the results came back. And then I also count the date of my surgery. They're both dates I won't forget. Count whatever makes sense to you!
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Re: Survivors
I try to use the diagnosis date but I sadly often refer to my little boys date of birth/age as my benchmark as it is easy - I never forget when he ws born and I always seem to relate treatment mlestones to how old he was...... Like scans when he was 2 days old as couldn't have them before!
Anyway Survivor from the off for me so diagnosis was when I started fighting back! |
Re: Survivors
I used the date my Dr told me.
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Re: Survivors
I use the whole month. And the year too. As in, march 2013 is 17 years since my dx, April is 6 years STAGEfour.
:-) |
Re: Survivors
I count from the day I was told..."you have breast cancer." It's been 7 years and 9 months ago. :-)
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Re: Survivors
Mastectomy date
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Re: Survivors
This is interesting...as I'm "new" to this and REALLY appreciate ALL you gals!!!
To Snolan, I noticed you dealt with an infection after a mastectomy, I recently did as well...being very small breasted a now about a month out...WHEW, was that an ordeal...now finally healing...and getting ready very soon to take on my next chapter of chemo! |
Re: Survivors
I use the date my dr told me my biopsy was positive for breast cancer. Not long after my diagnosis I was at our local American Cancer Society office looking at wigs. The wonderful lady who was helping me referred to me as a survivor and I said "I'm not a survivor yet - I haven't even started treatment." She replied - "The minute you decide to fight you are a survivor". And that's what I've used ever since. The minute that radiologist told me I had cancer, I was fighting. But the whole month of March is a struggle for me every year. 3/1-found a lump; 3/4 had biopsies and there were two lumps; 3/9-told I had cancer; 3/25-sentinel node biopsy all clear; 3/31-bilateral mastectomy. Dates I try to ignore but can't seem to stop letting them bother me. If it weren't for a couple of good dates in March -just celebrated our 42 wedding anniversary on 3/14 and a dear's friends birthday on the same day - I'd just hide under the bed the whole month.
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Re: Survivors
AMEN...way to persevere...congrats on 42 years!!
As to my port...praying I have a good go at it!! :) |
Re: Survivors
I don't use any date since I won't survive.
If anybody asks I might say "I've had cancer 4 years" but chemo brain keeps me from keeping track of these things anymore! :) |
Re: Survivors
Keeping you in my prayers, because I believe we have a Mighty Physician!! Sending you Huge hugs!!!
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Re: Survivors
For me it was when they performed my lumpectomy...11/11/11. :)
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Re: Survivors
I personally use around the date of initial diagnosis, but my onc uses the timing of when I finished rads and chemo - no more treatment, which is about six months after initial diagnosis.
Coolbreeze - I think everyday we are alive we are surviving, and of course every single person in the world at some point is not going to survive - not just us Stage IV gals! When I read your blog from time to time, it definitely seems to me that you are surviving each day. xx Cheers Marie |
Re: Survivors
Bunty, of course, we all survive day-to-day and all of us will die. But, you don't ask people without cancer how long they've been a survivor, you ask them how old they are. :)
If you've read my blog, you know I don't like the term "survivor" (and many other cliches) when it comes to cancer as it ignores those of us who will die of the disease. It's part of the whole pinkwashing thing - those of us with mets are brushed away, ignored by the Pink Ribbon groups, because we are the ugly side of this disease, the failures. For them, it's all about survivorship, not women like me, who won't survive. You can't sell a pink flashlight if you put a dying woman on the packaging. Even counting survivorship this way leaves us out. So, I say how long I've been living with cancer, not how long I've been a survivor, because cancer will kill me. I am not a "survivor" even though I am alive today. I always look at that term in a political sense. :) Sorry, I know the question wasn't meant that way, just got on my pink horse for a minute. :) Anyway, I'll jump off that horse now. :) I think, for those of you who want to count it this way, you get to choose. I have heard that it starts officially from the mastectomy/lumpectomy, when the cancer was removed and you are hopefully, cancer-free forever. And, here's hoping everybody who reads this is cancer-free forever! |
Survivors CAN'T REMAIN MUTE
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past. You must fight just to keep them alive. It's "the eye of the tiger"...rising up to the challenge...The last known survivor stalks his prey in the night.
In the dark night of your fight you must never give up, my Sister. You have the skill to survive. Hold tight your will to survive. You are a Survivor. You've been through so much. I understand you feeling as you do. Still I applaud you. And urge you to not give up on Surviving. It can get better. I believe that. If you will begin to reach out and believe that! Have you ever considered seeking alternatives to add or integrate with conventional medicine? The key is in the secret recipe which goes beyond the doctors' standard of care. I wouldn't be here without it all! Supplements. Meditation. Trolling your thoughts for signs of negativity. I can see yours from here, Cool one. YOUR BODY LISTENS TO EVERYTHING YOU THINK, SAY OR WHISPER. IT'S JOB IS TO FOLLOW YOUR DIRECTIONS. IT HAS NO SENSE OF HUMOR. IT IS LITERAL. IF YOU SAY, I KNOW I AM GOING TO DIE, YOUR BODY WILL FULLFILL YOUR COMMAND. At the first sign of I'M JUST AFRAID THAT..., I JUST "KNOW" THAT... (or even declaring that I AM LIVING WITH CANCER) -- those are explicit invitations to cancer to stay with you. Those ideas are heavy with defeat! I may sound like a nut job to you, and that's fine if you think that, but I can't stop myself from trying to awaken you to what it is you are participating in (I believe completely unwittingly). So I wanted to alert you! Red flags are all over the place here. I feel compelled to point out to you that toxic thoughts and the images they evoke are full of energy. You may believe you are simply being a realist. I see a realist drenched in negativity. Thoughts can create realities you may not truly desire. Or --they have the potential to assist you and your miraculous body to heal. It isn't easy. Gosh, I KNOW this well. But once you form the habit of recognizing negativity lurking in you, you have the power to consciously choose to immediately reject it -- and then the responsibility to replace it with chosen outcomes. I've learned we must state what we want clearly and vividly. We must make our Intention and our Expectation completely clear. Because the energy of our thoughts and visions goes directly to our body as a distinct MESSAGE. And -- the vibrational quality of our thoughts and visions is sensed and also responded to by the Universe itself -- IN KIND. Negativity begets more of the same. Positivity calls positivity directly to you. What you give away returns to you. Love included. You can participate in your own wellness. You must. Without you, all the surgery and chemotherapies in the world, all the brilliant docs and top nurses can't make you well. I see you as a Survivor. I identify myself as a Survivor. Like any survivor of any great and mighty challenge, I can talk to a soldier or a Holocaust Survivor and we all but immediately find a bond. In 1995, I'd gone for a mammo because there was this weirdness about my left breast (not a lump, never had a lump, not a pea or a marble). I felt the urgent need to move my mammo up. I felt a hardness the size of the palm of my hand and I could move it. Instead of calling me in for additional pictures, as they sometimes did cause I had dense breasts, they said the Radiologist wanted me to have a sonogram. Right then. She came into the sono room obviously agitated. I didn't take it personally. She gooped the thing and ran it around and around, looking at the screen. Over and over and over. Very distressed. Still, I didn't get it. Thought she'd been having a bad day. Get dressed and see me in my office. And she left. I dressed and followed. In her office her chest was heaving. She locked eyes with mine and told me I needed a breast surgeon. I had hypothesized that it was probably a cyst and might need surgery. I offered that. Her eyes still locked in mine, hands clasped or more aptly clenched together on her desk, she said, No! What you have is -- a pause -- a solid mass. Hervoice quivered. That was 5 o'clock on the Friday of Fourth of July weekend. She called a breast surgeon she highly recommended. The office was closed till Tuesday. She had a thought, I have his home phone number, Do you want me to call him for you? I nodded, unable to speak. I heard her explain my 9 cm tumor and details. Did she say tumor? Couldn't that be benign, I thought. Stunned. The breast surgeon opened his darkened empty office on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. After some discussion with me and my husband I heard my DH ask, How certain are you? Good question I thought. The doc thought it was breast cancer! He paused, shook his head side to side, calculating, leaned forward and said slowly, 99.9% certain. Surgical biopsy confirmed that it was 100% malignant breast cancer, lobular. Mastectomy showed 2 out of 21 nodes involved. I had my mastectomy on July 14. So I go by July 14 as the day I began my trek from 4th stage breast cancer to survival. I note it on my calendar each year and I celebrate that I am still here. I've been doing that all along, through my metastasis and the discovery of my HER2+ gene which wasn't even tested for in '95. I did that when I had less than a 15% chance of surviving. Deep down I know it started the Friday of the 4th of July weekend. You are living with bc, Cool Lady but you are surviving with each day. And, with the help of your thinking, plus hopefully some serious meditation, the nurturing effect mantras have on your psyche and perhaps the addition of supplements you can take religiously as I do since '98 -- to get your immune system to kick into gear, to fight off, neutralize and down-regulate free radicals, to detoxify your liver, prevent cancer proliferation, rid your body of toxins, strengthen your heart and your bones -- you will come to see yourself and be a Survivor. You are already a Warrior, a Shero with a strong will. You're a vital spark, a life force. Get in touch with the Spirit at your core, Breezy, and I pray you will find miraculous results. YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SOUL. THE MASTER OF YOUR FATE. Take charge. Please. With much love, Andi P.S. I HATE PINK TOO... |
Re: Survivors
Hi Andi,
I have to say I think you rock!!! I so appreciate how you reach out to others with your wisdom and energy. I sincerely mean that. Have a most wonderful day to you and all the people on this board. Your words have particular meaning as you have "been there, done that" as you know first hand the emotional impact of having breast cancer that then spreads to your liver. I think you should write a book! Take good care, Jackie |
Re: Survivors
THANK YOU ANDI!!
I REALLY needed to read and REBUKE the NEGATIVE self talk..."I'm afraid, I wish it wasn't me...etc" talk....!!! I am the type of person who truly does have a positive outlook on life...I am very spiritual and cling to my faith!!! I was hit hard way back in Oct finding a small pea, 2 lumpectomies (same path report), then a mastectomy with a final DX of 1/4 postive lymph nodes, and a 2.7cm tumor...had an expander...week after mastectomy, incision infected, expander out...OH, also, during surgery, a lesion was found on my vocal chord, just this week, had ENT appt, THANK YOU LORD, NOTHING FOUND!!! Just had port placed, will start journey next week of TCH chemo as well as celebrate being 50!! Thanking God again that today, I woke up, could breathe, walk and talk...how I "used" to take everything for "granted" as I'm SURE I'm speaking for so many of us... Okay, I'm way too new to this group I love...just had to express myself... Can you please tell me some of the supplements and ANY of you that would be very helpful as I begin...I'm getting my list together... Thanking each and everyone of you... |
Re: Survivors
Hello Susan,
Here is the list of supplements that I take: COQ10 (said to help the heart especially if you are taking Herceptin), a multivitamin, Milk Thistle 240 mg (for the liver), Vitamin D3 2000, Cranberry-450 mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Glucosamine 2000, Calcium 1200 mg. Hope this helps. Drink LOTS of water through this; you can get pretty dehydrated. Take good care, Jackie |
Re: Survivors
Hey Cool Breeze,
You count with me and I have been blessed by "knowing" you through this site. Sometimes our purpose in this life is too difficult to discern, but trust me you affect many, inspire many, support many, bless many... I think you live large. You do do far more than just survive. |
Re: Survivors
Gosh, I've had so many surgeries, I don't 'commemerate' any of them... :)
Certain dates do bring back memories, especially the first diagnoses. But I think the surgery date is still the most significant because nobody can be certain until the patient wakes up from anesthesia ... (I had stayed in ICU for 10 days after my first [brain] surgery) |
Re: Survivors
Such an interesting thread, Ladies. How we define this disease and its effects on us is colored by so many different experiences and personalities. I, very personally, consider myself a "survivor" if I make it to the end of the day and get to say that last prayer of thankfulness for that day. I started looking at stats for "causes of death" once when I was doing chemo because I was so sure that cancer would be the death of me. I just sat and read and laughed - my chances were greater for dying in a car wreck, falling in the tub, and even dying from complications of the flu. So, I guess it's just perspective. I've lost two dear, and supposedly "healthy", friends since I was diagnosed with cancer. I survived today - and for that I'm grateful and eager for tomorrow.
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Re: Survivors
MY PRAYER FOR SURVIVAL I AM WOUNDED, BUT I WILL SURVIVE. I AM DEEP IN THE WOODS, BUT I AM NOT LOST. MY BODY ACHES WITH THE DEATH OF MY CANCER CELLS, BUT I AM STRONG, BRAVE AND DETERMINED. THE STORM WILL NOT TOUCH MY CORE. I WILL NOT LET IT! MY ESSENCE IS CALM AND POISED. MY WILL IS GREAT AND SHALL TRIUMPH. I WILL BE STEADFAST. THE BEST IS YET TO COME. DELAY IS NOT DENIAL. THOUGH MY DESIRED RESULTS ARE NOT NOW AT HAND, THAT DOES NOT MEAN I HAVE FAILED. I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED IN THIS STRUGGLE. THE TANGIBLE EVIDENCE OF MY EFFORTS LIES BEFORE ME. MY INNER “KNOWING” TRUSTS THAT THIS IS SO. IT WILL BE. AS I EXPECT THE BEST, SO IT WILL COME. IT IS A UNIVERSAL LAW. WHEN A GUSTY WIND BLOWS THROUGH MY LIFE, I WILL RETREAT TO MY CORE! I WILL NOT BREAK. MY SPIRIT WILL NOT BE BROKEN. THE CANCER IN MY BODY CANNOT TOUCH MY SOUL! I AM DILIGENTLY STANDING GUARD. I WILL NOT MISTAKE WHAT I KNOW FOR ALL THERE IS. I AM NOT IN COMPLETE CONTROL, AND THAT IS OKAY. WHAT I CAN CONTROL ARE MY THOUGHTS AND HOW I WILL VIEW AND FACE THIS BITTER LOT. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME DOES “NOT” DEFINE ME. IT IS HOW I RESPOND THAT WILL TELL WHO I TRULY AM. I AM A POSITIVE ENTITY. I WILL NOT ALTER MY BELIEF SYSTEM. I AM STRONG, BRAVE AND DETERMINED. I WILL SHOW OTHERS THE WAY. I WILL TEACH MY CHILDREN TO FACE ALL ADVERSITY WITH GRACE AND COURAGE. I WILL DO IT FOR MYSELF AND FOR THEM. THIS IS A CHOICE I CAN MAKE. THIS IS THE CHOICE I MUST MAKE. I WILL LEAD THE WAY, DIRECT MY STEPS, MY MANNER AND MY LIFE. WHEN I AM GRIPPED BY THE SORROW OF NOT BEING HERE ON EARTH WITH MY FAMILY, I MUST ERASE THAT NEGATIVITY. WHEN I CAN ONLY THINK HOW SAD IT WILL BE NOT TO BE HERE WITH THOSE I LOVE, I MUST REPLACE THOSE IMAGES WITH JOY-FILLED ONES. I VIVIDLY SEE MYSELF DANCING, SMILING AND LAUGHING JOYOUSLY AT MY TWO YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER’S WEDDING! I WILL TAKE ALL MY DREADFUL THOUGHTS AND FEARS AND TOSS THEM TO THE WINDS. CANCER IS NOT THE ENEMY. “FEAR” IS MY GREATEST FOE! THE RAVAGING EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY ARE NOT MY ENEMY. THE CHEMICAL DRUGS ARE MY LIFELINE PULLING ME THROUGH THE ROUGH WATERS. I WILL NOT DROWN. I WILL KEEP MY HEAD HIGH. I WILL KNOW AND ENRICH MY GRANDCHILDREN. I HAVE SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR, TO BE GRATEFUL FOR. I AM TRULY BLESSED. I AM SO LUCKY. I CAN WALK AND TALK. I CAN FEED AND BATHE MYSELF. I CAN THINK. THESE SIMPLE GIFTS BRING ENORMOUS QUALITY TO MY LIFE AND JOY TO MY WORLD. I MUST SEE THE SUBLIME IN THE ORDINARY ALL AROUND ME. AS I SEE THE RADIANCE OF LIFE, THE DARKNESS WITHIN DISSOLVES. WHAT ONE MAN HAS DONE, ANOTHER CAN DO. I CAN DO THIS! IT HAS BEEN DONE BY SOME. IT IS POSSIBLE. I WILL RELAX, BE STILL FROM DEEP WITHIN, THROUGHOUT MY ENTIRE BEING. THE QUIET MIND IS OPEN TO WISDOM AND TRUTH. I WILL TAKE A LONG, DEEP BREATH, HOLD IT, AND SLOWLY LET IT GO. AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. PEACE WILL OVERCOME ME. I WILL QUIETLY VISUALIZE. THE POTENCY OF MY IMAGERY WILL TURN MY HOPES INTO REALITY. MY THOUGHTS HAVE THE POWER TO CREATE MY DESIRED DESTINY. PERSISTENCE IS MY MANTRA. I WILL SURVIVE. FOCUS. ENDURE! I AM IN A PROCESS OF SPIRITUAL UNFOLDING. I MUST REMEMBER, WHEN ALL IS CALM, WE STAGNATE. I AM BECOMING MORE THAN I WAS, AND FOR THIS I AM GRATEFUL. THOUGH THIS WINDSTORM IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF MY LIFE, I WILL STARE IT DOWN. I WILL DO MY VERY BEST. I WILL NOT GIVE IN, NEVER GIVE UP. MY HEART “KNOWS” THE TRUTH OF MY FAITH AND IT WILL GUIDE ME THROUGH. I AM NOT BEING TESTED; I AM BEING FORTIFIED. THERE ARE GREAT LESSONS TO BE LEARNED. I MUST NOT LET MY ATTENTION BE DIVERTED. I MUST BE STRONG FOR THOSE WHO WILL COME AFTER ME AND WITH ME. I WILL MOVE AHEAD WITH MY HEART THOUGH MY HEAD SAYS IT CANNOT BE DONE. I AM HEALING BECAUSE I HAVE CHOSEN TO HEAL. LOVE FILLS MY SOUL. THE MORE I GIVE, THE MORE COMES BACK TO ME. THE POWER TO HEAL LIVES WITHIN ME. I MUST CHOOSE TO TAP INTO IT, NOT TO IGNORE ITS AWESOME FORCE, TO CONTINUALLY CALL UPON IT, TO FIGHT ON, EVERY HOUR OF EVERY DAY. I MUST REMAIN OPEN TO MIRACLES. THEY ARE THERE FOR THE ASKING! EVERY THOUGHT IS A PRAYER. EVERY PRAYER IS A POTENTIAL MIRACLE. I WILL BECOME A MIRACLE …… THIS I KNOW! ~ Written by me in December, 1998 ~ ~ ~ ~ My first grandchild was Bat Mitzvah (at the age of 13) in 2010! I was there! I lived a dream from many years ago. My second grandchild was Bar Mitzvah last October (2012). I now have 5 grandchildren. I lived to see my younger daughter married. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN. DESPITE WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY, WHAT THE ODDS DETERMINE. IF ONE HAS SURVIVED, SO TOO MAY YOU!!! I am saying this as a passionate prayer for each of my Sisters! With my Love to you all, Andi |
Survivors -- P.S.
I finally became reconnected with my Spirit! We are each a Spirit -- with a mind and body. I was misidentifying myself, as I did prior to July '95, when initially dx. PLEASE SEE MY POST BELOW FROM 7/20/12 for further explanation on this. Now when feeling undone, I read my prayer -- to reawaken my personal power. May my words help you reconnect, and become personally empowered. This is your birthright. Claim it!
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Re: Survivors
Thank you Jackie for your input, I really appreciate it!! :)
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Re: Survivors
for me.........the day i pretty much knew (confirmed "officially" the next day). but my radiologist was beyond blunt.
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Survivors
Yes is a world & in this world of yes live (skillfully curled) all worlds ... (e e cummings)
EVERY DAY I BEAT MY PREVIOUS RECORD FOR # OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS I'VE STAYED ALIVE. Smile KNOWING you too can be a miracle. KEEP BREAKING RECORDS, ONE DAY AT A TIME. HOPE YOU'LL READ MY PRAYER FOR SURVIVAL ( A B O V E ). IT CAME FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY BEING. I explain my path in my P. S.-- also above... We each need to share you highs and our lows. We're all here to love and help one another. It is my honor to support YOU! ANDI |
Re: Survivors
I use the date I was diagnosed.
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Re: Survivors
Andi, your words are inspiring, encouraging and uplifting. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope they touch all that read them as they have me. You are an incredible woman!
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Re: Survivors
Date of diagnosis.
Wow some of you sisters are taking lots of suplements.I will be happy if one of you can give me a tip as to how to make Hema swallow instead if :Chewing the cud"Allthe best |
Survivors
Swallowing all those darn pills is a laborious task. One at a time. I put them in the plastic lid of container (so they won't roll away), situate myself in front of them and the TV and try not to think about anything other than what I'm captivated with on the screen.
I find swallowing pills difficult to say the least. I BUY ONLY CAPSULES, OR SOFTGELS. NO TABLETS! Impossible for my throat. I think of peristalsis which I learned about in high school. The power of the natural wave like muscles in our throats to move food or pills to their destination. The key is to relax and not over think... My longggg list of supplements come from my oncological integrative doc in Manhattan, who helped save my life in 1998 when I metastatisized with tumors throughout my liver. I will share the key ones for those who are interested. (I purchase through Vitacost.com, as their quality is excellent and their prices can't be beat.) Devoting the time in the AM with a meal, and again at 4 o'clock -- every single day takes tenacity to be sure. But I feel I am worth it. So are you! The investment is serious. To me, it's a matter of Life and Death. I DRINK WATER (FOR ME -- ROOM TEMP IS BEST). I DRINK 10 8-OZ GLASSES OF WATER A DAY. BOTTLED, FILTERED WATER. EVERY SINGLE DAY. YOUR ORGANS WILL THANK YOU. SO WILL YOUR SKIN. YOU WILL STAY HYDRATED. I HAVE SEEN WHAT DEHYDRATION CAN DO TO A PERSON. IT CAN LITERALLY BE LIFE-THREATENING. IT IS YOUR JOB TO STAY HYDRATED, THROUGH NAUSEA AND FEELING LIKE YOU HAVE THE WORST FLU EVER. I AM NOT A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. I AM A SURVIVOR. I HAVE GOOGLED EACH AND EVERY SUPPLEMENT I TAKE AND I TRY ONE FOR 3 DAYS, LISTEN TO MY BODY'S SIGNALS, AND THEN PROCEED TO THE NEXT SUPPLEMENT. Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 AM/PM -- detoxifies liver, antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals, protects cells from damage -- AND RELIEVES MUSCLE PAIN -- IN COMBINATION WITH THE NEXT 2: Co-Enzyme Q10 -- 150 AM/PM -- which also enhances immune system, prevents cancer cell proliferation, energizes, healthy heart, good gums -- RELIEVES MUSCLE PAIN -- IN COMBINATION WITH Alpha Lipoic Acid and L-Carnitine 500 AM/PM L- Carnitine 500 AM/PM -- assists gastric absorption, energizes, heart healthy, immune booster -- RELIEVES MUSCLE PAIN B-6 50 AM, heart healthy, energizes, helps repair nerve damage, good for skin B-12 sublingual (3,000) -- energy WHEN I HAVE MY COMPREHENSIVE BLOOD WORK DONE I ASK THAT B-12 AND D BE INCLUDED SO I CAN KEEP TABS ON BEING IN THE NORMAL RANGE. I save every report every written about me and keep them in a NO MORE CANCER file at home. I compare the new with the last, line by line. That is how I -- yes "I" -- found my metastases. Asked for abdominal sono, which led to CT which led to biopsy. My tumor markers were still within normal range. But my liver enzymes were ever so slightly different from MY USUAL. Doc kept saying, I wouldn't worry about it. It is very very slight. Well, YOUR #s generally follow a trend. If they vary, I see red flags. Just saying... C-1,000 w/bioflavonoids 1,000 -- enhances immune system, reduces recurrence of cancer D-3 -- 50,000 a week. I take 10,000 over 5 days a week. For healthy bones, blocks breast cancer cell growth, meets your body's organs increasing need for D as we age. BE KIND TO YOUR ORGANS. THEY DEPEND ON YOU. DL-Phenalalanine 500 AM empty stomach -- mood enhancer Evening Primrose Oil 1,300 AM/PM -- relieves hot flashing, down-regulates HER2 by binding to extra cellular HER@ receptor, down regulates internal proliferation Folic Acid 100 AM -- red cell booster, heart healthy Gingko Biloba Extract 60 AM/PM -- mental alertness Grapeseed Extract 150 AM -- anti-oxidant, can cross blood-brain barrier and protect brain and spinal nerves against free radical damage, enhances anti-tumor effect, protects liver, strengthen connective tissue, including heart system, supports immune system and slows aging Resveratrol 250 AM/PM -- anti-oxidant, heart healthy, anti-cancer, HER2 blocker NAC (N-Acetyle Cysteine) 600 AM -- supports healthy liver function, rids body of toxins NADH -5Co Engzyme 1 (AM/PM) 1/2 hr before eating -- relieves chronic fatigue, boosts mental acuity Omega 3 - 2,126 -- suppresses tumors, inhibits their growth, may slow or prevent recurrence of cancer, improves blood glucose, good for muscle/joint pain, anti-inflammatory, down regulates HER2 receptor Phyto Formula -- 1 scoop w/OJ -- promotes energy BIG TIME, reduces chronic fatigue, boosts immune system and increases mental clarity + 1 banana a day! Potassium Citrate 99 AM/PM -- bone healthy, energizes, healthy heart, prevents stroke RM-10 Garden of Life Immune System Mushroom Blend VEGETARIAN CAPSULES -- AM/PM on empty stomach -- I take 2 instead of 3 a day because it's expensive but powerful in regulating and stimulating the immune system, anti-oxidant, detoxifier, reduces recurrence of bc ZINC 30 anti-cancer yes, there are studies and experts who disagree w/the findings above. i could have waited for more studies in '98, but my Inner Voice guided me to not go with mainstream conservative western medicine on this. I began my '98 chemo regimen in September. In Oct I developed Shingles. Excruciatingly painful but the worst of it was -- no more chemo. Not till the Shingles is gone. I "knew" I was 4th stage metastatic bc, now w/new information that I was HER2+... Highly aggressive form of cancer. Without the chemo, I feared I would die. My need was urgent, and put on hold. So I took all my supplements, used multiple bottles of calamine lotion and pain meds and in 10 days returned to my onc. I was on the examination table. He smiled and asked how I was doing. Good I reported, smiling back. Well, let's see. I lifted my shirt. He walked around me in utter amazement. YOU'RE RIGHT. ALL THE PUSTULES HAVE DRIED UP! YOU CAN HAVE CHEMO!! Hurray!! I am happy with my bold decision to this day. I continue on my supplements. It is grueling. It is my job to be healthy and well. I take that responsibility very seriously. I chase away all negativity! I go through inscanity when I am due, same as always, but I tell me -- this is yet another opportunity for me to see the fruit of all my hardwork. I try my best to hold my panic in check, along w/my husband's which is greater than mine. I get same day reports. And, I remain STABLE. No evidence of disease. 15 years from my metastasis. Almost 5 years off of Herceptin (after 10 years on). 18 years since my original 4 stage dx. I have taken the time to share all this, because I believe in YOU. I support you with all my heart, my Sisters. With love always... |
Survivors
In my personal experience, I have learned that when facing adversity, I can consciously choose to go to my core, to my Essence, my Truest Self. And there I find Belief and Knowing. Beyond reason. This grants me strength, courage and determination. In turn, I find joy and serenity.
How grand Life is! How awesome is the world. How self-empowered we each are. How precious is our freedom... Belief is so much deeper than just truth. Because truth is just things that we know, things that we can figure out, things that can be understood and proven. But that sort of thing is so limited; and that’s where faith begins. It begins where knowing the truth leaves off. Belief is so much deeper - I can’t prove it, but I KNOW it’s the truth. It’s an extension, it goes past what knowledge can do. Beyond what I can tell you lies so much more -- look deep within yourself and listen to your Inner Voice. Not the voice in your head, that is your logical, rational brain. Turn instead to your Soul for words of wisdom and Knowing. With belief in our innate power we can survive all the tornadoes of the world. In the deepest, most inside part of us, what we KNOW will come to pass... Andi |
Re: Survivors
Andi BB, In a word, LOVE!!! Ceesun
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Survivors -- OOPS. I FORGOT...
In my supplement list, I forgot to add:
Vitamin E 400 (2AM/1PM) Selenium 200-- WHICH IN WITHIN THE RM-10 ULTRA IMMUNE BOOSTER I LISTED ABOVE IN PREVIOUS POST HERE + Echinacea w/astragalus 2x a day for a wk -- then Thymulus 2x a day for a wk -- then switch back to echinacea w/astrag. Supports the IMMUNE SYSTEM, which is so key! This alternating way -- ON 1 wk and OFF the next w/substitute -- helps you not build up a tolerance to the immune booster. Ceesan -- LOVE right back at you my SWEET! And to all... |
Re: Survivors
I COULDN'T FIND THIS SURVIVORS THREAD NO MATTER HOW MUCH I LOOKED.
AT THIS POINT, TODAY, JANUARY 18, 2016, I DECIDED ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I SPENT A GOOD HALF HOUR -- AND LOOK WHAT I FOUND... MY PRAYER FOR SURVIVAL IS IN HERE. MY OLD SUPPLEMENTS LIST IS IN HERE. AND MY NEW SUPPLEMENTS LIST IS IN A WHOLE NEW THREAD -- 2016 UPDATED SUPPLEMENT LIST must read Tenacity and determination, resolve -- wins the day. Ask any Olympic champion... Stay -- STRONG, BRAVE and DETERMINED... |
Re: Survivors
I COULDN'T FIND THIS SURVIVORS THREAD NO MATTER HOW MUCH I LOOKED.
AT THIS POINT, TODAY, JANUARY 18, 2016, I DECIDED ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I SPENT A GOOD HALF HOUR -- AND LOOK WHAT I FOUND... MY PRAYER FOR SURVIVAL IS IN HERE. MY OLD SUPPLEMENTS LIST IS IN HERE. AND MY NEW SUPPLEMENTS LIST IS IN A WHOLE NEW THREAD -- 2016 UPDATED SUPPLEMENT LIST must read Tenacity and determination, resolve -- wins the day. Ask any Olympic champion... Stay -- STRONG, BRAVE and DETERMINED... |
Re: Survivors
My onc at Rush University in Chicago says the day of diagnosis. My onc at Mayo that oversaw the clinical trial I participated in says the day treatment ended. Mayo admits they are conservative regarding this issue.
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