[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Hi Kelly,

I hear you. Only did 2 yrs of Tamoxifen but didn't have those side effects. HOWEVER, did 8 mnths of Taxotere and found I had to sit to brush my teeth. It was an energy thing.

But I also had constant, horrid, deep pain throughout my arms and legs, kept stumbling on my toes when I tried to walk.

I used to hold on to the nearest wall when I walked. Walked on all fours up stairs! Sat if possible wherever I went. Rather pathetic. I know.

Yrs later I mentioned yrs later that I occasionally felt that same horrid pain and I know it sounds crazy. He said, No that's not crazy at all. He had several patients w/ the same complaint. Weird how chemo strikes us.

I take Omega 3 twice a day and I swear at 67 I am rather spry, bend and stretch, lift and move, shuffle cards and type -- all free of any pain. I swear I think it's the Omega 3's, which have multiple benefits. RB has posted extensively on the subject.

I also take energy boosters and immune system boosters daily, which also contribute.

Still, gotta laugh, I put my underwear on by bending to the floor and lifting my toes, then sliding the pants under. One foot at a time. Seems to be a balance thing.

BTW, I've been hanging out in chemo rooms for over a decade. Seen many a doc and nurse over time. Mainstream docs, no matter how brilliant, just don't get supplements. Don't know about them. Don't trust them.

When I recurred ('98) -- you can check my story below -- I saw an oncological integrative medicine guy in Manhattan. He specializes in supplements. Also meditation, guided imagery, sound therapy. He gave me a long list of supplements to take daily.

My reg oncs said wait till after chemo. I didn't feel right about that. I was quickly in such bad shape on Taxotere. Developed shingles, they had to stop tx. I was a 4th stage invasive lobular carcinoma, 80% HER2 + and sinking fast. My NY onc said with passion -- DURING CHEMO IS WHEN YOU ARE MOST IN NEED OF THESE SUPPLEMENTS.

I went with my gut, my Inner Voice. It took a bunch of courage, which I didn't feel too confident that I had, but I went w/the supplements. Honestly, I don't think I'd still be here had I not helped my body withstand the toxins it was getting (of necessity, of course) and the awful side effects (pleural effusion, peri-cardial effusion). But, I made it!

Did the meditation and guided imagery too. Talked to my body. And to the Universe. Daily. And still do -- to this day!

Do everything you possibly can to feel better. Healing can be a slow process, and tenacity is key. Believe in your powers, Kelly! You're on your medical team. In fact -- you are in charge...

Love,
Andi