View Single Post
Old 12-03-2006, 11:54 AM   #3
Val Pfeiffer
Senior Member
 
Val Pfeiffer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 159
I need to clarify what I am looking for

I probably need to explain myself better; here are some points of clarification about the information I am seeking:

* By alternative medicine, I mean mainly integrative medicine techniques practiced by MDs. For example, the health system for which I work employs an internist who practices solely integrative medicine out of one of our traditional clinic buildings. Her practice includes such things as acupuncture and recommending healthy approaches to diet and lifestyle (and possibly supplements that are NOT snake oil cures).

* This story will not be about uncovering scams. I don't want to draw attention to that sort of thing, at least not for this story.

* I am seeking information about the healthy approaches that people are taking to COMPLEMENT their traditional treatments, such as exercise, healthy eating, and proven supplements, if they exist. I don't plan to include anything about people who have discarded modern medicine and totally replaced it with something else.

* The focus isn't going to be only on breast cancer, it will be general wellness approaches that can positively impact all cancer patients in general. Since I have more knowledge of breast cancer, that is where my point of reference begins.

I would love to include stories about people who have survived cancer and have used a diet or exercise approach that has had a positive impact on their lives, and maybe even on the success of their treatment. For example, I know that positive attitude has a huge impact on treatment success, but that's hard to prove. But if there is someone out there who wants to tell his or her story, I want to hear it.

I hope this explains my intentions a little bit better; please ask me questions if you need clarification :-)

Thanks!
Val
__________________
BLOG:
http://valleygirlvnp.blogspot.com/
Dx 11/04, Age 42, ER-/PR-, HER2+++
3 months weekly Herceptin, Taxol. Carboplatin
Significant tumor shrinkage
Mastectomy 3/05; Stage 3b, 9 cm tumor, 5/8+ nodes
3 more months weekly Herceptin, Taxol. Carboplatin
7/05 30 radiation treatments, IMRT planning approach
Started 1 year of Herceptin 9/05
9/06 Began quarterly triple doses Herceptin. Brain & breast MRIs semi annually.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

6/08 Right breast, intraductal carcinoma, high nuclear grade associated with comedo necrosis; extensive diffusely involved the entire biopy specimen. ER+, PR-, Her2 unknown at this point, 07/08 mastectomy.
Val Pfeiffer is offline   Reply With Quote