When Cancer Returns

My breast cancer returned after 10 years. That is why I have been neglecting my blog. You might conclude it is because I am struggling physically and emotionally. This is not the case. (I am not claiming things are perfect but my life is very manageable.) 

I haven't been writing because as a person who lives what I advocate and l advocate for alternative, and healthy lifestyle interventions, I was torn mentally; I want to be a responsible person. Am I advocating to others interventions that don't work? I am now completely convinced that alternative interventions and healthy lifestyle are essential to successful healing and maintaining good health. So, I feel free to write again. 

Basically, I have learned that some types of cancer are a chronic disease and my health choices were working up to this point. The unfortunate truth is aging has a negative effect on the immune system, as does living in an increasingly polluted environment, and so do unresolved fears/angers (stress chemicals are released into the body.) I do not like the idea of describing myself as a person with a chronic disease because I view that as giving in, defeatist. Rather, I view myself as a person on a journey toward excellent health.

I had a consultation with an oncologist, he said in effect, after 10 years and cancer returns, this is just bad luck. He stated the seeds of cancer are always with us hiding in places that even chemotherapy can't get to. Some might find this a negative, fatalistic statement. But what it said to me was chemotherapy is not a cure for everything. And the body's immune system is everywhere so I need to put my focus there. I had gotten lax about following through with my healthy lifestyle and lazy about food choices. I need to be mindful and consistent in healthy living choices.

My functional medicine doctor said she found it impressive that after reading my case history I had no cancer reoccurrence for ten years. My personal belief system is to not over invest in the details of my diagnosis. Because I have studied psychology and hypnosis I know the power of the mind. In the end, it is the mind that heals, or the mind that kills. For the scientifically inclined we call it stress reaction. 

The stages of cancer are irrelevant to me. It's more important to know that refined sugar, dairy products, alcohol, and red meat are acidic, inflammatory foods that create a cancer prone environment in the body (blood). While vitamin C, iodine, turmeric, fresh fruit and vegetables, and managing your glucose levels through the day, along with good sleep create an anticancer environment in the body. 

I am very angry to have to deal with cancer again. I recently read a book where the author explained that individuals with chronic pain or chronic diseases feel betrayed by their bodies. I gave this a lot of thought and realized this was true for me. Accepting my anger is essential to the healing process. Most of the time I can move past it but sometimes not so much. It is important not to live in anger because it creates stress and the biochemical conditions of stress feed cancer cells. 

The doctors of 10 years ago treated cancer like an automatic death sentence. I am sure that is part of why I rejected the allopathic standard of care. Now the approach seems to be that cancer is a chronic disease that can be dealt with and lived with. The body's immune system always has had the ability to identify and destroy mutated cancer cells. Why does the body lose that ability? Many researchers think the problem is caused by viruses, or our polluted food and water. For example, sometimes the body can’t recognize virus mutated cells because they have the DNA of the body itself. When it comes to things like mercury (found in fish), the body has no process for eliminating it from the body so it accumulates in the organs.

I first started writing my blog in response to having breast cancer. I wanted to share what I had learned with others so they could make informed choices. I chose to do a mixture of interventions including surgery, as well as, complementary and alternative treatments. I did not do chemotherapy or radiation treatments. 

When I tell people my beliefs about chemotherapy I am always surprised how many get personally offended. I am not criticizing anyone; I'm talking about me. However, anyone who chooses chemotherapy should be honest enough with themselves to accept the fact that you are poisoning every cell in your body and will have future effects that doctors tend not to mention. Even surgery has long term after effects. 

For those who need to know specifically what my interventions are, I see an oncologist for hormone therapy. I work with a D.O. at a health and wellness clinic on stress and receive vitamin C infusions. I take a variety of researched supplements daily. I eat a diet I personalized for myself based on Anthony William's books...lots of fruit, and a potato and bone broth soup every day, also Reishi mushroom coffee. I get 8 hours of sleep, drink lots of water, avoid stress, and visit friends. I get massages, see a chiropractor, and have a body talk session (energy work) with a friend. I also try to swim often and am taking up an exercise program called MELT. I pray a lot, have my name on prayer lists, and have a bottle of sacred water from Lourdes. I feel very good now. I did not realize how bad I felt previous to my recent diagnosis. I just thought it was old age, extreme allergies, or maybe pneumonia. I've been on this healing program three months and I feel really good. Please do not think of me as “battling cancer.” I don’t like that mental approach; to me it implies winners and losers. I prefer to view myself on a life journey to reveal excellent health, Mind/Body and Spirit.

I believe every person must choose a course of action that they believe in because the belief in one’s ability to heal is absolutely essential to the process. Every person is worthy of healing. If you don't know this to the core of your being, then you need to start there. The energy of the Spirit is the energy that empowers healing. Mind, Body and Spirit, it all works together.

Solvining The Mystery of Chronic Pain and Depression

Many of us do everything the medical establishment asks when we are faced with injury, pain and chronic disease. Yet we just can’t seem to get well. And we are left with the question: Why can’t I achieve total recovery?

Dr. Gary Kaplan, Doctor of Osteopathy, author of Total Recovery: Solving the Mystery of Chronic Pain and Depression tells us the medical establishment has been thinking about disease all wrong. Current research is revealing the neurological connection between physical pain and emotional pain as two sides of the same coin.

New research findings reveal that every injury, infection, toxin, and emotional assault we experience generates the same inflammation reaction in the brain. Inflammation activates tiny cells in the brain called microglia.

Inflammation is a normal, healthy response to injury or infection. Inflammation, which displays as localized heat, redness, swelling, and pain, increases nourishment and immune activity where healing is needed. But chronic inflammation can have devastating effects contributing to chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, or possibly cancer.

Microglia are small nonneural cells, rather immune cells that form part of the supporting structure of the central nervous system. These cells, found in all regions of the brain and spinal cord, help to defend and repair the brain from injuries.

When the microglia receive too many assaults, this creates a devastating cumulative effect of hyper-reactivity. This hyper-reactivity is a key to understanding the connection between chronic physical pain and depression. A body in constant stress cannot completely heal.

In Total Recovery, Dr. Gary Kaplan tells us conventional treatment for health conditions focuses on symptoms, not causes. This leaves patients locked into a lifetime of pain and suffering. Dr. Kaplan has a unified theory of chronic pain and depression, which helps us understand the cause of these conditions as well as the issues we must address to create a pathway to healing.

Mark Hyman, MD, author and chairman of the Institute for Functional Medicine, remarks with cutting edge science and clinical expertise, Kaplan has identified the source of the inflammation that has been keeping patients in an endless cycle of pain and depression. Kaplan offers excellent insight into the role our life experiences as they create a cumulative effect on our health.

Andrew Weil, MD, founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and author remarks Kaplan’s Total Recovery, has created potentially game-changing insight. The neurological key to the inflammation, which keeps patients in an endless cycle of pain and depression. This remarkable book may change your life.

Brian Berman, MD. Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine reports Dr. Kaplan’s book offers us paradigm-shifting insights into the causes of chronic pain.

Wayne B. Jonas, MD, Former Director (1995-1999), Office of Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health describes Gary Kaplan as the Sherlock Holmes of chronic pain. Total Recovery describes a method to uncover the underlying causes of chronic pain and how by correcting them patients can move toward health. Jonas describes it as a 'must read' at every pain center, by every pain physician and for every patient with chronic pain.

Kaplan sees the whole person. He views the seemingly disconnected events of the individuals life history and health issues as source information for the brain’s microglia hyper-activity. This life and health history predisposes patients’ bodies and emotions to over-react to seeming small new traumas.

Dr. Gary Kaplan’s website describes him as a pioneer of integrative medicine and board-certified in both family medicine and pain medicine. He is a clinical associate professor at Georgetown University, director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine, and serves as a consultant to the NIH.

Kaplan offers a free online Total Recovery Toolkit, which includes:

A 3-PART VIDEO SERIES ON THE GUT BRAIN CONNECTION

In this series, Dr. Kaplan discusses why people stay in pain, in spite of treatment, and how treatment strategies must change to become more effective. Topics include:

▪ The neuro-physiological connection between the human gut and brain.
▪ The gut’s role in mediating chronic pain conditions.
▪ The effect of pain medications and antibiotics on gut health.
▪ The problem of “leaky gut” and how this condition contributes to chronic pain, inflammation, obesity, fatigue, metabolic syndrome and depression.
▪ How to improve gut health through nutrition, exercise and stress management.

AUTOGENIC MEDITATION INSTRUCTION

The Total Recovery Toolkit also includes an 8-minute autogenic meditation instruction MP3 to guide you in exploring several relaxation techniques to help regulate physiological variables such as body temperature and blood pressure. Say ah…

A WEEKLY HEALTH DIARY

Keeping a current health diary assists with identifying any problem aspects to your diet. The toolkit includes a template for your diary with tips for getting started.

A HEALTH TIMELINE

Maintaining a health timeline helps you to see if/when a cumulative problematic health pattern has emerged. If you’re dealing with an illness, it will help you to find evidence of how your illness has evolved over the years. The toolkit includes a health timeline template to effectively track and chart your health history. You might be surprised at what you’ll find!

CONSUMER GUIDE TO CHOOSING A DOCTOR TO TREAT YOUR CHRONIC PAIN

medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Microglial cells

http://www.kaplanclinic.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Total-Recovery-Solving-Mystery-Depression/

Do Mutated Genes Create a Life of Chronic Disease?

Genes are protein sequences in the body’s cells that are a biological code, set of directions, for your hereditary life plan. Will you have blue eyes or brown? Your DNA, your cellular code, holds this genetic information.

DNA isn’t everything according to emerging research in the science of Epigenetics. I firmly believe it is the synergy of Mind, Body, and Spirit that allows us to create and maintain the physical body. Mind, Body and Spirit are interactive in creating vibrant health and wellness.

If mom had breast cancer and dad had high blood pressure, is it inevitable that you're headed for both? A layperson’s understanding of genome mapping might lead us to think so and to take drastic action.

Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy and her ovaries removed because she carries a gene mutation linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Was this choice extreme? Ms. Jolie has a right to personal choice. Hopefully the choice was not based on fear and a misunderstanding of gene mutation.

Amy Norton, HealthDay Reporter for medicinenet.com reported the average U.S. woman has a 12 percent chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer and only a 1.4 percent risk of ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Norton states most breast cancers are not inherited, and gene mutations, primarily of the BRCA genes, account for only 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers. Only 1 in 500 women manifest breast cancer due to a BRCA gene mutation.

The body has within it processes for eliminating mutated genes. In a 2008 issue of Nature Education, Suzanne Clancy, Ph.D., reports mutations in an organism's DNA are a part of life. Our genetic code is exposed to a variety of insults that threaten its integrity. But, a rigorous system of checks and balances is in place through the DNA repair machinery.

Should you care about your genetic make up? Yes and no. What is important is to have the knowledge that allows you to make informed choices. Two important pieces of information are 1.) Not all genes express themselves (become active) in your life, and 2.) Epigenetic research shows we switch genes off and on (or create gene mutation) based on the biochemical environment within the body. (This does not have to be Darwinian evolution over eons.)(Gene mutation may be useful as a process for adapting to environmental change)

C. H. Waddington coined the word epigenetics in 1942 as a conceptual model of how genes might interact with their surroundings (environment) to produce a set of expressed physical traits and biological development. Currently, Epigenetics is the study of molecular mechanisms by which our environment controls or initiates gene activity.

I recently read the book The Genie in Your Genes by Dawson Church, Ph.D. This book is grounded in research and discusses the exciting possibilities of a medical model that links soul to body and mind. Church uses insights from the science of Epigenetics and applies these to healing. He cites hundreds of scientific studies that demonstrate how beliefs and emotions can trigger the expression of DNA strands.

He has created the idea of  "Epigenetic Medicine" to describe healing techniques, which will heal us at the cellular level. The book also discusses the science behind Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine.

Epigenetic science examines the factors and patterns that influence whether our genes are turned on or off, are active or dormant. Signals come from inside the cell, from neighboring cells or from the outside world. These signals come from environmental factors like diet, stress and prenatal nutrition. While we are made up of a unique, unchangeable genetic code, it is epigenetic factors such as lifestyle and diet that can radically change what our genes do.

Less than 2 percent of our genetic makeup cannot be modified. Research shows we have more control over our health than we realize. For better or worse, research shows that lifestyle changes can cause changes in gene expression. Factors such as stress, diet, behavior, and environmental toxins activate chemical switches to turn genes on or off regulating gene expression. Genetic codes may predispose us to certain chronic disease but this is not fate or destiny.

Epigenetic changes can be passed down for many generations. The lifestyle choices we make affect our present wellbeing, our children, and grandchildren. It is unlikely a mutated gene will revert back to normal. However defective epigenetic coding, created by environmental stresses, may be reprogrammed reestablishing a healthy pattern and function.

Dr. Frank Lipman, expert in Integrative Medicine, has developed the concept of sustainable wellness utilizing a customized blend of Western medicine, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, vitamins and herbs, relaxation techniques, physical therapy and bodywork. A holistic, Mind, Body, Spirit approach is the future of health medicine.

Church in his book, The Genie in Your Genes, tells us when we take control of our consciousness and thoughts we can influence our genetic expression. He discusses techniques and strategies that sometimes bypass years of therapy, harmful drugs, and invasive surgeries to affect genetic engineering in our own bodies. We can create immediate relief from long-standing anxieties and neuroses, as well as "miraculous" healing of chronic health conditions-- especially autoimmune diseases.

The research is in. We are shaping our brains and genetic expression by the nature of our thoughts. We can improve emotional and physical health as well as chronic health issues. Epigenetic science offers us hope, knowledge and insight into the healing power of Mind, Body, Spirit synergy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-frank-lipman/epigenetics-research_b_862022.html

http://genieinyourgenes.com

http://dawsonchurch.com/vitae/

http://niih.org

http://www.eftuniverse.com

Father Zago's Aloe Isn't Medicine, And Yet It Cures!

One of the many injustices allopathic medicine has perpetrated is to label cancer a terminal disease. Popular culture has accepted the concept “cancer as death sentence” and constantly puts forth hypnotic suggestions to this end. This creates within us a self-fulfilling scenario. The very real power of the mind and a broken spirit can sabotage one’s healing process.

After cancer surgery, I felt like a victim of random life experience and this eroded my sense of self and confidence. I know one’s thinking, as well as the chronic diseases, can be corrosive to mind, body, and spirit. But after reading Father Romano’s book, one feels empowered and hopeful. His Aloe recipe can be utilized as therapeutic, preventative, or adjunctive.

Aloe Isn't Medicine, And Yet It Cures! (1997), written by Father Romano Zago, OFM, gives the reader a sense of empowerment. Chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, or heart and kidney issues can make us feel helpless, out of control.

Father Romano Zago, who also wrote Cancer Can Be Cured, included within the appendix a scientific monographic including a history of Aloe Vera and Aloe Arborescens. Father Zago's books have received acclaim in the field of alternative medicine on five continents. In Aloe Isn't Medicine, And Yet It Cures! he presents the curative properties of Aloe. The book describes a recipe and plan for curing over 100 types of illnesses.

Father Zago’s recipe for preparing Aloe juice medicinally and treatment plans are clearly explained in his books and are relatively simple. Although Zago describes a process where one grows the plant and processes it at home, he does explain how to use commercially produced Aloe juice in the recipe. It is essential to buy good quality juice that comes in a dark bottle.

The Aloe Vera plant has been used by many civilizations medicinally for thousands of years. The Sumerians were first to document the medicinal properties of the plant. Ancient Egyptian papyrus documents have been found noting at least 12 Aloe Vera formulas treating everything from skin disorders to the internal workings of the body. Aloe Vera was widely used in India, 375 B.C. The powers of Aloe Vera are mentioned in the Bible. Aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines during the 18th and 19th centuries. It continues to be one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States

The Aloe Vera plant is a succulent belonging in the genus of aloes and the tall, spiky leaves grow like long rosettes. Aloe prefers dry, warm conditions but is basically pretty hardy. Many of us have grown this plant for it’s essential beauty relatively unaware of its true healing power. As a child I knew it and used it as “the burn plant.”

The medicine is extracted from the plant leaves. Cut off the leaf removing the thin outside layer of green flesh from one side exposing the gel-like interior. The gel-like substance contains the healing constituents.

Until the 1940’s the healing power of Aloe Vera was anecdotally established, not based on scientific evidence. However since then, there are a growing number of rigorous scientific studies and evidence that proves the benefits of Aloe Vera. The top benefits of Aloe Vera:

High in Vitamins & Minerals: including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6, one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12; some of the 20 minerals found in include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

Aloe Vera is high in amino acids and fatty acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein include18-20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids.

Aloe Vera is an adaptogen. It has the ability to boost the body's natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness stimulating the body’s defense and adaptive mechanisms to cope with stress (physical, emotional and environmental stress like pollution.)

Aloe helps with digestion issues, which are related to many disease states. It soothes and cleanses the digestive tract improving digestion. As an adaptogen, it helps with either constipation or diarrhea to regulate your elimination cycles. It can be a remedy for irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux.

Aloe helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and in the gut keeping healthy intestinal flora in balance. As a vermifuge, it helps to rid the body of intestinal worms.

Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food. The benefit eating gelatinous plant foods is that as the gel moves through the intestinal tract, it absorbs toxins along the way to be eliminated.

Aloe alkalizes the body. Disease cannot manifest in an alkaline environment. It is recommended the diet be 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic. As an alkaline forming food, it helps to balance overly acidic dietary habits.

Some research demonstrates that Aloe Vera extract injected into the blood multiplies the oxygen transportation and diffusion capabilities of red blood cells. A study published in the British Medical Journal (2000), beta sitosterol, found in Aloe Vera, helps to lower cholesterol.

The Aloe Vera polysaccharides stimulate the white blood cells enhancing the immune system’s fight against viruses. Aloe has a high level of anti-oxidants, which help combat the unstable compounds known as free radicals, contributing to the aging process.

Aloe is used to reduce or prevent fever.

Aloe Vera has many benefits for the skin: burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites; helps relieve pain of wounds; relieves or prevents itching; disinfectant, anti-biotic, anti-microbial, germicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and also helps to treat fungal and viral infections.

Aloe reduces inflammation, which helps with painful joints due to stiffness and helps improve joint flexibility.

TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRA-INDICATIONS: No known toxicity. However, Aloe is not recommended for use internally for more than 10 days, as it can cause laxative dependency (this refers to ingestion of pure aloe, not to Zago's Aloe recipe.) Long-term use of aloe latex may cause potassium deficiency and result in irregular heartbeat and weakness (Perhaps potassium supplementation would be appropriate.) Potential Drug Interactions: Aloe should not be taken internally if you are taking the following drugs: digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics, steroids, drugs for irregular heartbeat, and drugs that cause potassium loss. It may cause blood sugar levels to become too low, especially if combined with blood sugar medications.

Although I have not tried Father Zago’s recipe, my Alternative physician, who also has MD credentials in allopathic medicine, suggested that I drink Aloe Vera. The gelatinous texture was not palatable to me. Perhaps Zago’s recipe would be different—I intend to try creating it.

However, I did find a dried form of Aloe that I was willing to try. It is somewhat difficult to digest but by mixing it into Kefir milk (a yogurt drink), I found the Aloe easily digested.

The corrosive nature of chronic diseases, to mind, body, and spirit, and the hypnotic suggestions of powerlessness, looming misery, pain and death fostered by our current culture can be countermanded.  Father Zago’s book, Aloe Isn't Medicine, And Yet It Cures! empowers us to heal ourselves. I believe part of the strength of the treatment plan lies in taking self-responsible action. Aloe seems to be a wonderful adjunctive therapy if you choose not view it as primary treatment.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Aloe.htm

http://www.ehow.com/about_4762069_medicinal-uses-aloe-vera.html#ixzz2sCP88sjo

umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/aloe

http://www.thealoeinstitute.org

 Zago, Romano. Aloe Isn't Medicine, And Yet It Cures!, (March 13, 2009) iUniverse Publishing. ISBN-10: 1440125767, ISBN-13: 978-1440125768

http://www.herbalist.com/articles/details/21/ALOE+VERA