Why i take supplements

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

http://www.cancertutor.com/what_causes_cancer/
WHAT CAUSES CANCER AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL....


WHY I TAKE SUPPLEMENTS...!

What Causes Cancer At the Cellular Level? (the Cancer Tutor Website)

If you're interested, please check the SURVIVORS thread for my list of supplements I've been taking since October of '98, 2 mnths after my discovery of "very very slightly elevated liver enzymes".

One of my oncs is an integrative medicine specialist who is an expert on supplements, meditation and more. (In Manhattan.) He provided my annually tweaked supplement list -- tailored for me and my specific cancer.

My oncs were not concerned. Told me not to worry. 3 mnths later from regular blood work -- same scenario. 3 mnths later -- same same. My Inner Voice told me to be worried anyway.

My tumor markers were still within normal range. It was my insistence on a sonogram, that led to a CT scan, which led to a liver biopsy, followed by gripping fear and multiple opinions. Then my chosen chemotherapy.

(My metastasis throughout my liver occurred 3 yrs after my orig dx -- July '95 -- 4th stage bc, 9cm tumor in my left breast, 2 out of 21 lymph nodes effected.)

In Aug of '98 I asked to be tested for the HER2 gene, having read about it in the intervening yrs. I was 80% positive. Herceptin was still in clinical trials.

The demand was great. Women were being diagnosed w/4th stage bc
and given 3 mnths to live. THE FDA FAST-TRACKED HERCEPTIN ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1998, MAKING IT AVAILABLE TO ALL METASTATIC PATIENTS.

I was in the right place at the right time. (As you know, Vitamin H is now available to first liners!)

I bless Dennis Slamon all the time. I have met him, in an exam room, where I stood on the tables step, in my heels, and found him nose to nose, eye to eye with me. I threw my arms around him, and managed to say -- THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY LIFE!

That was around 5 yrs into being on Herceptin. I continued for another 5 yrs, and have been FREE and STABLE for nearly 5 years.

The above link I recently found summarizes to a large degree why I take supplements, religiously, every day, 2 x a day.

I believe we all can be miracle. We each can defy the odds. With a combination of approaches.

With all my love, compassion, dedication and gratitude,
Andi

[ElaineM]

Thanks for sharing this information.

[ElaineM]

I can't find you on the survivor's thread. Can you please provide a link to your list of supplements.
I also believe in integrative medicine.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Swallowing all these darn pills is a laborious task. One at a time. That's my method. My husband tosses a bunch of his pills in his mouth at one time. Misses a few on the way. I can't even entertain such an idea!

I put them all in the plastic lid of a 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 is compelling. 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 w/a banana -- 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 PUT YOU INTO A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. 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. 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 ever 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, said my onc. Your immune system is too compromised...

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 of necessity was 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 -- virtually unheard of. I was sitting on the examination table. My onc smiled and asked how I was doing. Good I reported, smiling back. Well, let's see. He was doubtful, skeptical. 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. I'll give you that. But, I KNOW 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 myself -- 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...


Andi

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

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.

LOVE...

[KayeR]

Thank you so much Andi for taking the time to share this with all of us! I appreciate the fact that you have lived 18 years past your stage 4 diagnosis, and you still take time to post to this forum. I always read with interest any ideas and strategies you may have for us. I hope that you will continue to stay in touch and continue to share. Thank you again for your time and interest!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

My amazing Sisters,

Please when you have some time, check out these threads. Their links are here for you to tap right in. I believe there's some really valuable information here!

MY PRAYER FOR SURVIVAL and what drove me to write it in 1998. Feels like a century ago...

My best advice when facing an adversity. We all have battles and challenges that hold us hostage. I surely had mine. And over the last few decades I've read voraciously, meditated daily, found mantras to live by and Lessons to enrich my life.

We must all feel joyful to offer our words to one another. To share ideas. (I learned a whole lot just hanging around chemo rooms in NY and Florida for 10+ years. The patients and the nurses were so full of wisdom, remedies, things my oncs never mentioned.)

Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Gary Zucav, Ken Wilber and more have led me and taught me amazing ways of seeing Life!

It is my honor to share it all with you. Truly.

So when you have a few minutes, please read and ponder. And, then please let me know what YOU think!! Please. We're all here on earth to love and help one another, aren't we?!

With Love and Light,
Andi


WHEN CANCER CELLS DIE -- HOW DOES IT FEEL...??
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...referrerid=338



SURVIVORS
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...4&goto=newpost


IDEAS TO LET PERCOLATE LIE WITHIN THESE PAGES...

[NEDenise]

Thanks, Andi!

You better believe I'll be reading and re-reading.

On my way to the store to get primrose oil and grape seed extract today...
Denise

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

BOOSTING MY IMMUNE SYSTEM IS ONE OF MY MANY REASONS FOR TAKING SUPPLEMENTS DAILY. WHICH KEEPS ME HEALTHY AND WELL AND HELPS ME FIGHT OFF CANCER.

7 easy ways to boost your immune system - TODAY Health - TODAY.com

HERE'S THE GIST: Get lots of sleep -- 7-9 hrs a night. (Like stress, fatigue can cause a rise in inflammation in the body, which is the source of all bodily dysfunction and illness.)

Do yoga or meditate -- for relaxation. Andreas Bocelli's Romanza gets me there every time. Music, so soothing.

Use olive oil, not canola. Take omega 3 or Krill oil. Move, exercise (10 minute walks sev x a day).

TakeVitamin D -- we're typically below normal (as we age our organs demand more). I take 10,000 mg 5 days a week and am within normal range but on the low side! Check what works best for you. Buy quality products, not the cheapest. I find Vitacost.com gives great value.

Vitamin C (1,000 w/bioflavinoids), E (400) x3, zinc 30, selenium (200).

Think colors of the rainbow. Eat a whole lot of veggies and fruits -- or take anti-oxidants to help your body fight off free radicals. Also eat protein (antibodies that fight off disease are actually made up of protein). Also protein has a lot of immune boosting nutrients.

Garlic and carrots and yams are especially good for you.

Watch sugar and fat intake! They hamper the ability of white blood cells to overpower and destroy bacteria.

Socialize, enjoy the company of people you love and like. Hug often. Laugh with exuberance throughout the day! Smile. Life is good. Be grateful for each day. Share your joy and serenity (from your enhanced immune system) with everyone you meet. Talk to strangers. (They carry message for me, and you for them...)

Echinacea w/astragalus 2x a day for 1 wk. Thymulus 2x a day for next wk. Then back again.

With love,

Andi

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Good for you Denise! Getting a rein on THE HOTNESS makes for a happier you.

Next, maybe you can begin to boost your immune system. Trying not to be pushy. But I do believe I am here today because of more than the surgery and the chemo.

Attended a lecture yrs back given by one of my oncs who is among the top 100 in the country, so some magazine says. Paul and I went for the 7:30 A.M. lecture. (For me that is a huge mountain, but I really wanted to hear him, despite my ready access to him every 3 wks.)

He spoke of Herceptin and 4th stage and from a researchers point from view where we stand. He mentioned in the lecture that one of his patients has had miraculous success w/H. Really astounding that she has survived as long as she has.

Paul turned to me and said, You know he's talking about YOU. OMG... Not the first onc, or nurse, to tell me I am a miracle. Elates and stuns me every time.

EVERY THOUGHT IS A PRAYER. EVERY PRAYER IS A POTENTIAL MIRACLE IN THE MAKING...

With love,
ANDI

[ElaineM]

Thank you so much for sharing. I take some of the same supplements as you do. I will discuss the ones I don't take with my naturopathic physician during my next appointment.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Please let us know what you learn, elaine.

We need to share information. Network. Expand our awareness.

Thanks,

andi

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I should have called this thread WHY WE SHOULD ALL TAKE SUPPLEMENTS. Sorry if I'm being pushy, but I believe they helped the surgery/chemo to get me to STABLE. And THAT is what I wish for all of you, my Sisters!!!!

Ever since my first chemo I have had a chronic case of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Was totally normal for the first 50 yrs of my life. My oncologist/nutritional expert in NYC told me to take 2 WOBENZYM 1/2 hr before meals.

WOBENZYM was/is a leading immune system booster in Germany, where it was developed in the '60s. I have read about it (googling) and find it is an anti-inflammatory!!!

Many yrs ago, I noted that Dr. Christiane Northrup (Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom) was on Oprah -- when Oprah was on Oprah on NBC. Remember?? Dr. Northrup is a leading doc who specializes in women's issues. I found her extremely bright, warm and full of information.

She commented that the cause of all bodily dysfunction is -- INFLAMMATION. That is the root cause. Since hearing that a decade ago, I take notice when people describe their ailment/illness. And I recall what she said. I do believe she is right on.

Womenzym helped my irritable bowel, which apparently stems from an inflammatory situation. I definitely know it helped me feel 90% better, with way more anxious races to the toilette...

Since then -- I've read that it is an enzyme containing plant-based enzymes BROMELAIN and PAPAIN -- both -- anti-inflammatories!!

Those are enzymes which help support a healthy immune system, which I believe from all I read is firmly is essential not only to wellness but in fighting off free radicals, or cancer cells.

I am not a medical person. Not a biology whiz, but this concept makes such sense to me.


Wobenzym Information Guide

So, it's good for muscle and joint pain (which come from inflammation). Good for preventing heart attacks and strokes. Good against chronic infection. Better than taking anti-inflammatory meds. NO NASTY SIDE EFFECTS.

It is known for benefiting viral injection treatments for herpes, cancer and Hepatitis C.

Lowers inflammation involved in allergies and allieviates the symptoms for the sufferer.


I now take 1 Wobenzym before each meal. Not sure if that is b/c I have a digestive tract issue or if it is best on an empty stomach. It says on the bottle that you should take 3 twice a day.

When things were acting up for me this past Sept/Oct (I was anxious and feeling stressed -- which causes flare ups) I upped my dosage to 3 twice a day.

Well, I don't recommend that. I started to shed. Losing lots of hair all over the bathroom floor. More than my usual shedding. After several months, I went to my trusty Google and asked it -- CAUSE OF HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN. I read for a while, then came upon -- too many anti-inflammatory meds!!!

So I have cut back to 2 and then 1.

BE WELL. FEEL GOOD. Supplement away, dear girl. I think it is key. Which no doubt you've heard me say. Repeatedly. Can't try to drive that point home enough.

I get most of my supplements from Vitacost.com. They have wide choices, excellent quality and discount all supplements.

I prefer capsules and softgels and avoid tablets whenever possible But Wobenzym only comes in tablets. HOWEVER, they are small round, coated and rather easy to swallow.

Garden of Life RM 10 Mushroom Blend vegetarian capsules have Selenium in them -- which Dr. Andrew Weill says is essential for all of us -- AND I SEE IT IS NOT ONLY AN IMMUNE BOOSTER BUT A DETOXIFER, ANTI-OXIDANT AND AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Expensive (but the least so among the Immune Boosters). I take 2 instead of the recommended 3 a day -- on an empty stomach. First thing in the AM, last thing at night.

Just suggestions.

Oh, and MORE EXCELLENT IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER --
Co Enzyme Q10 -- 150 mg x 2 is an anti-inflammatory. As are L-Carnitine 500 x 2 and Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 x 2.

IF YOU CHECK MY SUPPLEMENTS LIST IN PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS THREAD, PLEASE NOTE MY P.S. MENTIONING THE SUPPLEMENTS I FORGOT TO ADD TO BEGIN WITH.

Sorry about that...

Andi

[NEDenise]

Hi again...
Started grape seed extract, echinacea and evening primrose oil today! Sitting here...deep in the heart of a hot flash...reeeeaalllly hoping evening primrose is the bomb once my level build up!

Already take CoQ10 and fish oil because my cardiologist said, "every adult in the entire world should be taking those daily" but especially anyone who's worried about their ejection fraction....like me!

And I've been taking calcium and big doses of vitamin D for about a year at the suggestion of my onc.

Any other major anti-inflammatories or brain swelling supps anyone's heard of?

Pro-actively, Pro-biotically Yours
Denise
(who is so sick of having moon face she'll try whatever it takes!)

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Just another example of my human fallibility --

ECHINACEA W/GOLDENSEAL -- one wk on / 1 wk off

interchanged w/THYMULUS W/ASTRAGALUS -- 1 wk on / 1 wk off

when i do my mnthly pills i have 4 huge pill holders for AM and 4 for PM... and it takes over an hr to get all the guys into the right slot S/M/T/W/T/F/S.

please note these changes for yourself.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

My dear NEDenise! (love that name)

Are you take 1,300 of Evening Primrose Oil AM -- AND PM?

I keep a few 500 mg ones w/me at all x, just in case I hit a rough patch.

It started working pretty soon for me, and of course better and better as time goes by. Been on it forever.

Met a lady/bcer decades ago and we were shvitzing away and noted one another. She said she is much better on EPO, which I'd dabbled in. She said it really worked. I think I was taking 500 x 2. I asked her, How much do you take?????!!!!!

She looked me in the eyes and said -- WHATEVER IT TAKES!!!!!!!! So, I upped my dosage to 1,300 x 2. And keep the 500 for emergencies, which rarely occur.

I suffered since my 40s with major all day hotness. Carried a Brookstone 4 large battery fan with me everywhere I went. Restaurants, weddings. My dghtrs were horrified. I don't care. I have a condition. I need intervention, I'd explain.

I am not a drama queen.

Denise, you have such smart docs. Very impressive. Co-Enzyme for sure! As your doc said. And Omega 3 -- essential. Everyone on the planet should be taking these. You are right on, as is your doc, Denise. And all the experts I hear and read on and in the news!!!!!!!!!

Also, my onc/nutritional maven put me on PERFUSIA (Thorne) to help my Ejection Fraction out. Ejection Fraction elevator and heart strengthens. I took at first once a day, then he upped me to 2x a day.

Also, I discovered (through Dr. Oz of all people) COLEUS FORSKOLI 125 mg w/20% forskolii.

Check that out -- google it. It's been around for decades and studied. It helps your body in myriad ways. I swear it has helped by triglycerides get normal readings. It has helped elevated my EF, to the point I thought the reading was a typo or something.

Did I list all the immune boosters in this thread? I think so. Though I added a few after my initial list I know.

Pro-active, pro-biotic Denise, I just love your attitude and wisdom!!!!!!!!! We must advocate for ourselves. Cause no one cares about us more than we do. And docs are busy. Spouses don't know what to do but to love us, which is essential. So as my fav dentist once told me (she was a bc survivor) YOU MUST PARTICIPATE IN YOUR OWN WELLNESS.

BTW, I didn't even know I had moonface yrs ago. But now when I look back at pictures, I am astonished. Melon-head. Some was steroids which I took the day before and the day of chemo -- for yrs. Not sure what it's all about.

But I do know, Denise, you are beautiful inside and out
-- you sparkle. Love your posts. Love you...

ANDI

[NEDenise]

Hola!
I could only find EPO in 1000mg gels, so I'm doing 1000 AM and PM.

When I restock, I'm going to check online...so I can up it then. Believe it or not, last night was the first time in over a year that I DIDN'T have my own personal fan blowing on me!! Oh, how I hope this is q harbinger of good (non-sweaty) days ahead!

I'm wondering...why do you alternate the echinacea with the other supplement?

And...about my name...I'm sooooooo hoping to live up to the NED part again one of these days!!

Thanks again for sharing all your wisdom and light!
Denise

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Hello there NEDenise! I understand. My mantra is -- I AM STRONG, BRAVE AND DETERMINED. Even though when I started (in '98) I wasn't so sure on the brave part. I was trying my darnedest but it was -- a goal. NED is always our goal. Though in '99 what I got from my 3rd opinion and 4th opinion's radiologists who didn't know each other -- CAUTIOUS REMISSION. I grabbed it. And remain STABLE.

So -- Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) 1,000 AM & PM is starting to kick in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is soooo thrilling. Truly.

I recall during my 27 yrs of being clammy, feeling like I was in a sauna, flinching inside whenever someone hugged me, cause they'd notice I was damp, shaking hands w/someone I'd dry my hand on my pants first -- and then the relief. I too have retired my personal fan.

Remember, I keep 500 mg of EPO w/me @ all x. When a sudden flash hits I wait 5 min. If it doesn't dissipate, I pop 500 and amazingly I am good.

I get most of my supplements from VITACOST.COM. Excellent quality, many choices, discounted prices across the board, easy website, fast service, free shipping w/$50 order. That's where I get my 1,300 mg EPO. $24 for #300 of 1,300. (I checked -- $6 for #60 of 1,100.)

If 1,000 is working for you -- great.

We can build up a tolerance to any pills. It has been suggested that switching on one wk and off one wk and then back on means Echinacea/goldenseal gives me full benefits and all the efficacy I could want.

In between (on the off wks -- I take Thymulus w/astragalus, which is well known for its immune boosting properties. (When my rescue Maltese came to me he had mange which is tiny mites attacking the immune system. He wouldn't eat or drink. He was 4 mnths old and had been stuffed in a cat carrier all day while it's owner went to work. All the hair on his face and neck fell out. When I looked at him all I saw was something like a burn victim. Red, raw skin. I was sooo scared. Filled with fear.

The rescue lady gave me a book by a Cornell trained vet who after 10 yrs of practicing conventional medicine, discovered the power of supplements. In desperation, I skipped the food nutrition section and found myself in The Spiritual Realm!

The doc mentioned lots of supplements he used for various conditions and for a compromised immune system he used "astragalus". So I gave some to my boy, along w/the prescription meds that previously didn't seem to be working. I added lots of love, tender loving care, just sitting and petting him and transmitting positive healing energy. When I looked at him I said out loud YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE YOU. I AM GOING TO HELP YOU GET WELL. WE'LL DO THIS TOGETHER vs thinking OMG he's going to die...

He is now 10 yrs old and healthy and well.

Always love your posts, Denise.

You've been through so much. Guess we all have. But the stress of it can show itself in lingering fear that puts our back in jeopardy. I've been there. It is totally painful and effects our every move, including brushing our teeth. The more pain we feel, the more fear we feel, which causes our bodies to imperceptibly tighten up and squeeze on nerve endings which causes -- more pain. Thus, we get stuck in a cycle of PAIN -- FEAR -- PAIN -- FEAR and we become trapped.

When you feel an especially gasping moment of pain -- try STOPPING EVERYTHING AND GO BACK. It is difficult, but try. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING AT THAT PRECISE MOMENT???

For me, it was always something that was tension producing (including what am I going to make for dinner). Once I proved that to myself, I SAW the connection of my thoughts to my pain
-- and the pain had encompassed my life for 2 yrs slowly dissipated in 2 wks...

Something to think about and give a whirl...

Sorry once again for my long posts -- guess I feel I have soooo much I want to tell you all.

Always With Love and Light,

Andi

[jacqueline1102]

Hello all,

I, too, take many supplements which has been discussed in another post. What I would love to comment on today is our wonderful Andi. Andi, you may not realize it, but you are implementing and living the practice of visualization. I am a clinical psychologist working in a family medicine residency clinice alongside doctors and nurses and I am also a patient. Your suggestions have proven validity. We are learning much in the field of medicine and mental health the power of the mind's ability to harness health. And the health care world is just now getting it. You may read about terms such as integrative health care, biopsychosocial approach, etc... Fortunately, my team is coming around to this. The nurses were already on board. Anyway, my point to this post is our Andi comes from a spirit of knowing.

Take care,

Jackie

If anyone is interested in research along these lines please let me know. I still work fulltime and hubby and I are busy trying to just do life. Please PM me if you want or if you feel this information would be appropriate to pass along to everyone.

[europa]

Anyone know how to find a good integrative medical professional with oncology experience? I feel like this is a field that is a bit mysterious.