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.

Make Your Own Bath Salts: Happy Soaking

Turning bath time into spa time can be as easy as tossing a handful of salt and a handful of baking soda into a nice warm (hot) tub of water. Homemade bath salts are a perfect gift for the ones we love, or a perfect self-indulgence after a stressful day.

If you are like me you need a good reason to be self-indulgent. After spending the day in front of a computer, take a salt and baking soda bath for a calming, radiation detox.

I wrote an article on essential oils and their therapeutic qualities previously. If you intend to use essential oils in your bath salts creation, I recommend you review the article on essential oils.

How to create bath salts

1.     Start with a clutter free, clean work surface---a kitchen table covered with a plastic garbage bag works perfectly.

2.     Measure out sea salts, or Epsom salt, and pour into a large mixing bowl.

3.     Add essential or fragrance oil, colorant (optional), and mix the salts thoroughly with your hands. Use disposable gloves to protect your hands while blending. If your hands get too salted they may become very dry and irritated.

4.     Dendritic salt is a man-made salt, which absorbs carrier oils, essential oil, and colorant easily can be added to natural sea salt.  Mix Dendritic salt and sea salt completely. It takes some time for the scent and colorant to incorporate with the salts so be patient (see colorants below.)

5.     When the salts have been coated pour them out onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. Spread the salts out in a thin a layer as possible for a quicker drying time. Drying bath salts at least six hours before placing in a bottle to lessen the chance of clumping in the jar.

6.     Place dried salts into a glass jar with a tight closure. Seal scented bath salts as tightly as possible avoiding excessive air exposure, which may cause clumping from humid air, or premature scent fading.

7.     Let the sealed bath salts jar “age” or “ripen” for a few days. Stir, shake or mix every day, however a bath salt gift is likely sit a few days before it is used, which will allow the scent to blend well by the time it is used.

8.     Be sure to label the jars with a description of the salts, essential oils, and basic soaking instructions.

9.     Avoid using disposable plastic bags, which are made from a quickly deteriorating plastic and are easily broken down by the essential oils in the salt blend.

10.  Dendritic salt holds the scent last longer and effectively retains the original scents. This allows you to use less essential oil.

11.  Herbs are popular additions to bath salt recipes but can be messy in the tub so a good idea to include an organza bag with your bath salts to contain dried herbs. The salts melt and the herbs seep in the hot bath water. After the bag dries empty out the herbs and re-use the bag.

Essential Vocabulary

Aromatherapy--The practice of careful use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Aromatherapy is a preventative approach as well as an active therapy for illness.

Essential Oils are highly concentrated plant extracts distilled from plant material including leaves, flowers, needles, fruit peels, grasses, wood and roots. These oils should always be diluted in carrier oil before applying directly to the skin. However, lavender and tea tree oil can be used neat (undiluted in a carrier oil).

Dried Herbs tend to possess the same scent and therapeutic properties of their essential oil.

Carrier Oils are natural oils that are used to dilute and "carry" essential oils so they can be used on the skin. Carrier vegetable oils or fixed oils do not evaporate like some essential oils. Moisturizing oils, such as almond, olive, are commonly used as a "carrier" oils. Most essential oils should be diluted by the ratio of 12-30 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil. Carrier oils can also be combined with sea salts to create exfoliant salt scrubs.

Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) combined with equal parts sea salt assists detoxification from exposure to heavy metals and radiation.

Citric Acid is a colorless translucent crystalline acid derived by the fermentation of carbohydrates or from lemon, lime, and pineapple juices. Citric acid and baking soda create a fizzy, effervescent blend that helps to release the aroma of the essential oils into the air.

Colorants.

FD&C Liquid Dyes are available as water-based dye, which can be added one drop at a time, or mixed to create unique shades of color. FD&C Liquid Dyes tend to retain much of their translucent appearance. These dyes can bleed into one another when layered, and can lose potency and brightness over time. (Avoid the oil dispersible and powder form dyes, which are not suitable for making Bath Salts.

Pearlescent Micas are powdered, mineral based colorants that create a shimmering opaque color.  Use micas sparingly to provide intense color. Micas coat bath salts most evenly when added directly after a wet ingredient, such as fragrance oil, or essential Oil is added.   Start with 1/8 teaspoon per 1-2 cups of salt, and add more if needed.   

 Ultramarines and Oxides are mineral based colorants that provide opaque, matte color but can be tricky to use. To coat salt evenly you'll need to incorporate some kind of oil, however, do not make Bath Salts too slick by adding too much oil.  Mix the Ultramarine or Oxide in a small dish with a few drops of Carrier Oil to create a slurry. Then add Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil to the dish and stir again.  Pour the mixture into salt and stir well.  Start out with 1/8 teaspoon per 1-2 cups of salt, and add more if needed. Be careful not to add too much Oxide or Ultramarine colorant as it can leave the tub rather messy.

Simple Scented Bath Salt Recipe

• 16 ounces all-natural bath salt
• 15-30 drops of essential oil
• In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well. Store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a soothing, luxurious experience!

Salt/Essential oil Combinations

Salt/Lavender

·      16 ounces Dead Sea Salt

·      20 drops Lavender Oil (lavender essential oil include its ability to eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation)

Salt/Spearmint/Rosemary

·      16 ounces Himalayan Pink Salt

·      10 drops Spearmint Oil (cooling, energizes body system, revitalize your brain functions.

·      5 drops Rosemary Oil (improve memory, stimulate the adrenal glands and lymphatic system, condition your hair and even make it grow)

Salt/Sweet Orange Oil/Grapefruit Oil

·      16 ounces Pure Atlantic Sea Salt

·      20 drops Sweet Orange Oil (mood lifter, boosts the immune system, lymphatic stimulant, sedative and relaxant)

·      10 drops Grapefruit Oil (mood lifter, anti-cellulite, antioxidant)

Epsom Salt/Eucalyptus/Lavender
16 ounces Epsom Salt
5 drops Eucalyptus Oil (anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating)
15 drops Lavender Oil

Caution: Do not take hot baths and salt baths (including Epsom salt baths) if you have heart trouble, high blood pressure, or are diabetic. Use caution if pregnant.

http://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Detox-Bath

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/detox-baths.html#ixzz3IgrNwoY2

http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/si_MakingBathSalts.asp

http://healthylivinghowto.com/1/post/2012/01/detoxification-part-i-healing-waters.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/detox-baths.html#ixzz3IgrECG8z

http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2008/11/how-to-make-bat.html

Pineapple: The Excellent Fruit

For my gift to the hostess, I like taking a pineapple as a gift when I’m invited to dinner---forget the wine! Nothing tastes better than freshly juiced pineapple in the morning.

I love everything about pineapples. I love the look of pineapples with their geometric-patterned skin and spike-y, green leaves. The exotic smell—that makes me think of sunshine and blue sky. In the Colonial United States, families would set a fresh pineapple in the center of the table as a colorful, festive centerpiece. This symbolized the best in welcome and hospitality. Carvings of pineapples were put on doors as a welcoming symbol to visitors.

The scientific name of pineapple is Ananas comosus. Ananas, the original name of pineapple, comes from the Tupi (native people of the Brazilian coast) word nanas, meaning "excellent fruit." The natives of southern Brazil and Paraguay spread the pineapple throughout South America. Eventually it reached the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. The Maya, and the Aztec peoples cultivated pineapples. In 1493, Columbus found pineapple on the leeward island of Guadeloupe. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple)

In general, it is not a good idea to eat fruits with meat because they digest at different rates and this causes fermentation in the gut. However, fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is a fantastic digestive enzyme for proteins, meats.  Pineapple is an excellent paring with meats, as is the fruit papaya, which also contains enzymes.

Pineapple contains: B-complex; thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium and antioxidants and polyphenols, such as beta-carotene. One cup of pineapple has 70 to 85 calories. It is rich in fiber and is low in fat and cholesterol.

Pineapple benefits these health concerns: Digestion; Fertility; Inflammation; Heart health; Skin; Kidney stones; Strengthens bones; Gums; Lowers risk of macular degeneration; Intestinal parasites.

A local Osteopathic doctor always recommends his patience eat pineapple when they are fighting off viruses that cause cough and colds. The bromelain is effective in suppressing coughs and loosening mucus. Pineapple juice can be used as a facial peel—leave on the skin for two minutes then wash off.

How to choose a pineapple:  Choose a fresh one with a firm, plump body, without bruising or soft spots, and green leaves at the crown. If the outer shell is green, this does not mean the pineapple is not ripe. Do not worry if the leaves pull from the crown easily. Pineapples should be picked at their peak ripeness. They do ripen once picked. Canned or packaged pineapple should be packed only in it’s own juice, not heavy (sugar) syrup. Whole or cut pineapple should be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days at most. However, some experts believe pineapple will be softer and juicier if kept at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before cutting.

Pineapple Chicken Tenders

 http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pineapple-Chicken-Tenders/

Original recipe makes 10 appetizer servings

•                
1 cup pineapple juice

•                
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

•                
1/3 cup Tamari, or soy sauce (choose low sodium)

•                2 pounds organic chicken breast tenderloins or strips

•                skewers

Both soy sauce and Tamari are byproducts of fermented soybeans. However, Tamari contains little to no wheat (always double-check if avoiding gluten)

Directions

•                In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Remove from heat just before the mixture comes to a boil.

•                Place chicken tenders in a medium bowl. Cover with the pineapple marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

•                Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread chicken lengthwise onto wooden skewers.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken tenders 5 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. They cook quickly, so watch them closely.

Other Great Uses for Pineapple:

1.      Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

2.      Grilled Pineapple

3.      Acorn Squash (and Pineapple)

4.      Pico De Gallo

5.      Pineapple Casserole

6.      Polynesian Chicken

7.      Pineapple Sorbet

8.      Pineapple Jam

9.      Pineapple Fudge

10.      Sweet and Sour Vegetables

11.      Hawaiian Pizza

12.      Kabobs

13.      Pineapple Popsicles

14.      Pineapple Cheese Ball

15.      Tropical Fruit Salad

16.      Pineapple Marshmallow Salad

17.      Squid With Garlic and Pineapple

18.      Pork and Pineapples

19.      Honey Roasted Pineapple

20.      Cocktails!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276903.php

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-healthy-facts-about-pineapple

http://www.wisebread.com/20-delicious-ways-to-use-pineapple

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html

Digestive Enzymes and Systemic Enzymes

Enzymes have always amazed me even before I knew what they were. As a child my mother would rinse my hair with vinegar—I had the shiniest hair in the third grade. As a teenager I happened upon a skin cleanser made with pineapple enzymes—it was fantastic for my teenage acne. In my herbal course I read a discussion of enzymes and that yogurt was excellent for getting rid of dandruff—yes, it does work. I began a whole food experimentation phase. I used apple cider vinegar for poison ivy, yogurt facial masks, and discovered papaya is great for gastritis. Of course in whole food there are other constituents at work beside the enzymes.

Enzymes have multiple functions in the body. They are key to the proper digestion of food so the body can assimilate nutrients from plants and meats. Recent research has investigated the use of systemic proteolytic enzymes to support the immune system and help the body normalize the inflammatory process.  

As we age, our enzymes become depleted. Bad diet, environmental toxins and general stress contribute to the destruction and depletion of enzymes. Chronic illness also tends to deplete the body’s enzymes. When foods are cooked the enzyme contents are greatly reduced, or destroyed. When foods are commercially processed, for example in canning, they lose their enzymes.

Meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables are perfect synergistic packages—complete with the enzymes needed to digest them. Also the body is capable of producing some enzymes in our intestines. The heat of cooking processes destroys enzymes. The pasteurization process where milk is heated to approximately 145 degrees destroys bacteria and microbes, however this heating process also destroys the needed digestive enzymes. The cooking, barbecuing, frying and drying of meat destroys enzymes and makes meat harder to digest putting extra stress on the stomach and intestines. To counter this enzyme depletion we need to eat more raw foods and be careful in our choice of cooking methods. Or we may choose enzyme supplements.

Enzymes are essential for all metabolic processes. Enzymes are proteins composed of amino acids however their function is to facilitate biochemical reactions in our cells.  There are an estimated 75,000 different enzymes in the body.

Digestive enzymes have benefits for these health issues

Gas and Bloating

Heartburn/Indigestion

Constipation

Lactose Intolerance

Acid Reflux

Food Allergies/Food Intolerance

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Pancreatic Disorders

Crohn’s Disease

Cardiovascular problems

Hypertension/high blood pressure

Weight Gain

Slow Healing

Inflammation

Fibromyalgia

Fatigue/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/CFS

Arthritis

Asthma/Allergies & Hay Fever

Sinusitis

Tendonitis

Thrombophlebitis

Digestive Enzymes

If you have ever wondered why you feel bloated and constipated after eating the same food several days—it is because you have depleted the enzymes for digesting that type of food. If you have a tendency to over eat during family holidays, enzyme supplements can make up for over eating. 

Although the body produces digestive enzymes, there may not be enough to completely break down cooked or processed foods. The role of digestive enzymes is to break down food-derived fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into smaller substances that our bodies can use. More complete digestion results in fewer digestive problems. 

Digestion initiates when the enzyme amylase is in our saliva begins the break down of carbohydrates through chewing. Chewing food slowly and thoroughly improves digestion.The pancreas produces and secrets the enzymes ptyalin, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, and protease into the gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine itself also creates enzymes.

Systemic Enzymes

Why should we take systemic enzymes? Systemic enzymes have these functions:

·      Break down plaque in the blood veins

·      Break down fibrin that has spider webbed its way inside internal organs reducing their size and function over time

·      Moderates immune function

·      Cleans excess fibrin from the blood and reduces blood cells stickiness (fibrin and sticky blood cells are leading causes of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack)

·      Break down dead materials small enough to immediately pass into the bowel

Clean the receptors on white blood cells to improve their ability to fight off infection

Fibrin is a blood protein that aids in tissue formation. However, fibrin and fibrinogen can become problematic. Fibrins and sticky blood platelets can end up as blood clots and debris in the circulatory system. Systemic enzymes dissolve excess fibrin; remove metabolic waste produced by inflammation, while delivering nutrients and oxygen-rich blood. Therapeutic enzymes have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of various types of inflammation and cleaning the bloodstream of debris.

Enzymes have been used to treat issues caused by excessive or insufficient bacterial growth in the gut and breaking down fats.  Lipase is known to enhance mental capacity. Nattokinase is used for the prevention of inappropriate blood clotting. Serrapeptase has been used for the treatment of conditions like chronic sinusitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. To have a systemic effect, proteolytic enzymes need be taken on an empty taken on an empty stomach. They pass through the stomach or intestine lining and enter the circulatory system where they circulate throughout the body.

Enhance Your Digestion

Sprouted seeds and vegetables are exceptionally high in enzymes.  Pineapple and papayas contain large amounts of the enzymes papain and bromelain. Apples, pears, and citrus fruits are also high in enzymes. Nuts and grains such as barley, wheat and corn contain enzymes, which support metabolic functions. Raw meats contain several kinds of enzymes, including catalase and lipase. Stomach acid is important for digestive enzymes to function properly. Too little stomach acid can impair the action of digestive enzymes.

Raw foods are healthful. However, some individuals may have a weaker digestive function and have trouble assimilating raw or high fiber foods. These individuals would benefit by enzyme supplements. Grains, beans, nuts and seeds are foods that contain enzyme inhibitors.  These enzyme inhibitors can be deactivated by germinating or sprouting, which enlivens the enzymes allowing the food’s nutrients to be more available.

Fibrous foods high in cellulose are difficult to digest when eaten raw. Cooking and fermentation soften and pre-digest cellulose for easier digestion.

Drinking too much liquid with meals dilutes the concentration of hydrochloric acid and enzymes needed for proper digestion. For symptoms of indigestion drinking one teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar, which is loaded with enzymes, in 2-4 ounces of water with your meals. To get the most out of the foods you eat avoid drinking lots of liquids 20-30 minutes before and after your meals. If you take supplements or any other pills with food, try to use no more than 4-6 ounces of water to swallow them.

http://www.deerland-enzymes.com/about_enzymes

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-therapeutic-enzymes.htm

http://www.enzymestuff.com/

http://www.westonaprice.org/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/550910-what-is-a-fibrin-protein/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/384304-list-of-foods-containing-enzymes/#ixzz2M2rva1Mr

www.zymessence.com/why_systemic_enzymes.html