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Old 06-10-2009, 07:17 AM   #1
Jean
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
supplements while on chemo?

This discussion come up often on the board...thought this was an interestin read.


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Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
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Old 06-10-2009, 07:40 AM   #2
Andrea Barnett Budin
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Location: LAND OF YES! w/home in Boca Raton, Florida Orig from L.I., N.Y. Ever hovering IN THE NOW...
Posts: 1,904
Supplements in large doses have helped save me

Yes, Jean, studies are needed on this.

My oncologicist/nutritionist/integrative medicine proponent, is Director of the Strang Cancer Prevention Center, a New York Hospital/Cornell affiliate -- has been a blessing in my life.

I have been seeing him since I recurred in '98, after reading his book HEALING ESSENCE. It wowed me!

He believes that supplements are needed ESPECIALLY while undergoing chemotherapy, when your body is under seige.

I take supplements in large dosages daily ever since. To boost my immune system. To fight off free radicals. To strengthen my heart. To give me energy. To detoxify my liver and keep bowel function balanced. I attribute my survival to the incorporation of these, along w/meditation and guided imagery (which he also teaches and advocates), certainly to Herceptin and to my other remarkable oncologists who each offer at times differing perspectives. It takes many disciplines I believe to heal and achieve wellness.

My belief in the mindbody connection is also key to my success.

I wish all my Sisters health and wellness, an open mind and the boldness to forge on, at times without studies.

Being HER2+, we are all making history, creating the statistics for tomorrow's patients. We are in uncharted waters, pioneers without a road map. We must be bold. AND THEY DON'T SEEM TO BE STUDYING US, which is appalling. We need someone to speak up for us. To organize and record our stories.
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Andi BB
'95 post-meno dx Invasive LOBULAR w/9cm tumor! YIKES + 2/21 nodes. Clear mammo 10 mnths earlier. Mastec/tram flap reconst/PORT/8 mnths chemo (4Adria/8CMF). Borderline ER/PR. Tamoxifen 2 yrs. Felt BLESSED. I could walk and talk, feed and bathe myself! I KNEW I would survive...

'98 -- multiple mets to liver. HER2+ 80%. ER/PR- Raging, highly aggressive tumors spreading fast. New PORT. 9 mnths Taxotere Fought fire w/fire! Pronounced in cautious remission 5/99. Taxotere weekly for 6 wks, 2 wks off -- for 9 mnths. TALK ABOUT GRUELING! (I believe they've altered that protocol since those days -- sure hope so!!)
+ good old Vit H wkly for 1st 3 yrs, then triple dosage ev 3 wks for 7 yrs more... The "easy" chemo, right?! Not a walk in the park, but not a freight train coming at 'ya either...

Added Herceptin Nov '98 (6 wks after FDA fast-tracked it for met bc). Stayed w/Vit H till July '08! Now I AM FREE! Humbly and eternally grateful for this life-saving drug! NED since '99 and planning on keeping it that way. To hell w/poor prognosis and nasty stats! STOPPED VIT H JULY '08...! REMAIN STABLE... Eternally grateful...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. Up to me and God now...
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Old 06-10-2009, 07:50 AM   #3
Jean
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
Hi Andi,
You are our Hero and your strength is so inspiring to all on the board.

I also take supplements and believe they are vital to us.
I think the article is wise in that we need more information and people who are trained in this field to advise us. You are fortunate to have the best advise from a leader. I am concerned for those who are just taking supplements without the knowledge.

As you Andi - many MD's and dr. do not even give the supplements much attenton, it is not even studied in med school...

I know I was very concerced during my chemo treatment as one dr. told me not to bother...the other told me it depends on what I am taking...much open terrority with this topic.

But the bottom line I think is getting a good dr. to advise
and guide, which you have done.

So happy you are well dear heart!
hugs,
Jean
__________________
Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
Jean is offline   Reply With Quote
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