Lung Cancer

[livingwith]

I had a two inch blood clot in my coriod [carotid] artery in Sept 2007. They found lung cancer by accident. I started Chemo and radiation within a month. I had some shrinkage last p.e.t. scan. Stopped the treatment for a month and started again in Feb 2008. I did not lose my hair(everyone said I would) I did not get sick and lose weight. I have been pretty positive til this last chemo session. I had shaved my hair off(it was to my waist) wish I wouldn’t have listened to that.lol I have g...Read the full article

[bryan]

Dear Ruth,

I love your fighting spirit and that is what will help you beat 'your' cancer. I say 'your' because each person is unique and will react differently to cancer and any treatments. So it doesn't matter about what others did or did not experience because it is your body, your life and your cancer and you must fight it with everything 'you' can get your hands on. Cancer only gets into the ring with a tough opponent becaust this bad ass loves a good fight. Well, it's time for the gloves to come off, go bare knuckle and take this no good sucker down.

My beautiful sis-in-law has just been diagnosed with lung cancer and was told they couldn't do anything for her and then told they would do chemo but that it wouldn't be a cure. At this moment she is going through hell but it's the only way she's being told to go. Not once have I heard an oncologist mention 'alternative cancer treatment' (lets call it Mother Nature's Helping Hand because that is what it is). Thomas Edison said "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." I yearn for the day when the medical field lives up to the teaching of Hippocrates (The Oath of Hippocrates is what doctors take after all). He based his medical practice on observations and on the study of the human body. He held the belief that illness had a physical and a rational explanation. He believed in the natural healing process of rest, a good diet, fresh air and cleanliness. Is that not what 'alternative cancer treatments' are all about?

I have done so much research this past 2 weeks (that's how I came across your post) and have been shocked at the survival statistics of cancer and also the way most orthodox doctors treat their patients when it comes to dealing with cancer. They have forgotten their Hippocratic Oath and only concern themselves with the Big 3 (slash, burn and posion). Hippocrates also said, "I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel". Now, I'm not telling you to abondon your treatments because there is no reason why orthodox and alternative can't work hand in had and compliment one another. But oncologists have to begin see their patients as their spouse, partner, mother, father, child, sibling or best friend and ask themselves if the treatment they prescribe for others is the same as what they'd prescribe for all of the aforementioned or indeed for themselves.

Check out http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com and the following book: Dismantling Cancer (free to download form Oais of Hope Hosptial) and also check out an alternative cancer treatment specialist in your area. You won't lose anything by asking questions and seeking answers. It is your right to find out as much about 'your' cancer as you can because any fighter worth his or her salt won't get into a ring until they have first discovered their opponents weak spots...and cancer has them in abundance. I've purchased some of the stuff mentioned and sent it to my sis-in-law so I hope she at least looks at them. She's still at the disbelief stage as it has all happened so fast. Before I did this research I feared cancer, like everyone else, but I don't fear it anymore and I don't see it as the 'death sentence' that society has accepted it to be. I hope I never have to fight it but if I do I will be prepared to hit it with everything I've got. I've begun by changing my diet and taking supplements, but as I've never smoked or taking alcohol I thankfully don't have to worry about these.

I wish you all of life's blessings and will remember you in my visualizations (started doing them for my sis-in-law). No idea if it makes much difference but it's a positive thing to do and all things positive can only but help. We do whatever we can in the art of survival. I hope your family and friends are there to support you, and please don't shut anyone out. Everyone needs someone in their corner so if you don't have anyone then count me in coz I'll be there in spirit.

Bernadette

[asa]

Bryan, Just want to thank you for your reply. I did need a litle help pushing myself forward. Your words and thoughts have really helped. I do believe in alternatives and self healing. That is what I'm going to work on now. Again thank you.. Ruthie

[bryan]

Ruthie,

Thank you for taking the positives out of what I had to say and for using them in 'your' fight to beat 'your' cancer. Cancer cells grow and multiply in an weak immune system so keep yours in tip-top shape. Remember it doesn't have to be one treatment or the other because there are doctors out there who will combine both orthodox treatments 'specific' to the area/s where it is located and alternative ones. There are many 'quaks' out there so beware and check the credentials of everyone who claims to be 'specialist' and never be afraid to get a 2nd opinion on everything you're told because that is your right.

The following is a chapter taken from the book Dismantling Cancer, which as I mentioned before can be found on the Oasis Of Hope Hospital website, I hope it further helps you:

Chapter 17: Take Charge
If you are a cancer patient, whether or not you are considering coming to the Oasis of Hope, I would encourage you to adopt these recommendations. They have helped patients experience victory over cancer.

First, prepare your mind for success. Be at peace with your choice of therapy. Even though wisdom is in the multitude of opinions, at the end of the day you must make your choice having weighed all options. Nine out of ten times, people will voice disapproval to your decision. They’ll say chemotherapy is toxic, alternative therapy is...well, alternative. Once all the cards are on the table let your gut or, better yet, your God guide your decision. Remember that nothing is written in stone. You can change your mind at any time. To every therapy you can say yes, no, maybe, or not yet. Your needs are the ones that have to be met not everybody else’s.

Second, accept the doctor’s prognosis as a professional opinion; not God’s truth. Most people are easily persuaded by an authority figure. Doctors are trained to give a statistical estimation of your personal condition. Remember, it’s only an estimate. If your doctor has sentenced you to death and attached a timetable to the rest of your life, you must process that prognosis with caution. Your doctor may be a medical authority figure, but he is not a prophet. Yes, statistics can be reliable sources of information but it is you who decides which group you want to identify with, the 70 percent chance group or the 30 percent chance group? Will Rogers said, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Never give up hope.

Third, prepare your body for success. Be diligent in your journey towards healing. Once you have chosen the therapy that’s best for you, change any area of your lifestyle that could compromise the
results. Make a commitment to stop smoking, drinking and eating
junk food. Start exercising more, drinking water more, resting more, and living more.

Fourth, eat foods that promote health. There is no controversy over the connection between diet and health. Start consuming organic vegetables and fruits on a daily basis. If you insist on eating meats, eat them in moderation and make sure it is free range, free of hormones and antibodies. Avoid dairy products as much as possible. Stay away from any type of processed food, especially fast foods.

Fifth, start supplementing your diet with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals,
enzymes, and amino acids. These are important resources that will enable your immune system to work better for you, some of them are even mild antitumor agents that will complement your therapy, be it alternative or orthodox.

Sixth, prepare your soul for success. Many of us rarely consider our spiritual status until we are faced with a crisis. The Chinese do not have a character for crisis; instead, they depict crisis by combining the character for danger with the one for opportunity. If you acknowledge that cancer not only presents a danger but an opportunity as well, you will be better equipped to come out on top. Patients who are able to put cancer in the “back seat” can go on with their lives without allowing the presence of a malignancy to consume them with fear.

Seventh, remember that God is in charge. Regardless of your personal beliefs, even if you are an agnostic, you recognize that a force greater than ours is at work in the universe. Some call it chance, but I like to call it God. If you allow God to help in your time of greatest need, I believe you will be spiritually healed, as well. Statistics show that spiritual fortitude helps cancer patients fare better.......................................................

I wish you all God's blessings Ruthie for a wonderful life. Please keep me informed of your progress.
Bernadette x

[asa]

Bernadettex, Just letting you know that for now I seem to be doing very good. I'm still do my two chemo's.. I've gained weight(20lbs) I was a little skinny at 124. Taking a week off the chemo because my white and red blood cells are low. So other than being a bit tired you would not know by looking at me that I was ill. It has been over 6months I'll try hard to keep it going....Ruthie

[bryan]

Ruthie,

I'm so glad to hear from you. I have been thinking of you and praying for you. You are not alone...ever. Did you try 'visualization' yet? Some people might think it a bit 'weird' but that's their problem. Get yourself a pair of night shades (like the ones given on airplanes) and lie down in a darkened room wherever you are most at peace then imagine you are looking inside yourself at your cancer (it takes a while to get the hang of it so don't worry). You can have some calming music in the background (without words) if you like. Now imagine whatever method you would like to use to remove your cancer from your body. It might be a suction machine, a scraper, a laser beam (one of the most popular) or anything that you think would be the most effective. Some people even talk nicely to their cancer and ask it to leave. Do whatever you are most comfortable with...this is your cancer remember. My son (24) suffered terribly from anxiety disorder. He had been to see several specialists and wasn't improving (if anything was getting worse) and his attacks were so bad he thought he was going to die. He decided, one day, to confront his fear and whenever an attack occurred he observed it , grew to understand it, and in a way made friends with it. As a result he was now in control and he was the more powerful one so now his attacks are few and far between and when they happen he lets them wash over him. He is now the most sociable young man you're ever likely to meet (a long way from being afraid to leave the house). So maybe if the fear was taking out of cancer it might help people. It's certainly worth a try...everything is.

Keep your immune system healthy. Make sure you body is getting rid of all the toxins by flushing them out by drinking plenty of water or by colonic irrigation or reflexology. Get rid of pesticides and nasty chemical products from your house. Check it for radon. Detox yourself and detox your house. Remember cancer is a wake-up call for us to take stock of our lifestyle, our eating habits, and even our emotional and spiritual well-being. It was hardly heard of before the 'industrial revolution' and the age of processed and fast foods, tobacco and a hectic lifestyle so there are lots of changes that must take place in peoples lives to keep the malignancy of cancer at bay.

Anyway dear Ruthie enough out of me. You go forward with your head held high and your spirits higher and let your positive attitude help carry you across the winning line. Don't even mind if it's a draw because you can share life with your cancer so long as you keep a good eye on it and keep it under control. Enjoy life because its for the living...and you are very much alive.

Keep in touch,
Bernadette x

[asa]

Thanks again ,I have done some visualization but I need to get a little more aggressive with it. You help push me forward Ruthie

[bryan]

Ruthie,

I'm so pleased that what I say is helping you and I'm really pleased you are putting on weight. I've checked out where you can locate 'sound therapy eye masks'. My sister-in-law that also has lung cancer uses it and it really helps her to focus and also relax, it was very therapeutic. It was bought here in Ireland.

You can check out [moderator note: website address has been removed] and this should give you a list of states where it is available. This plush mask (how it describes it on the website) features five tranquil sounds and allows you to listen to your favorite CDs. Soft, high-density foam cushions your eyes, blocking light to promote better rest. Five built-in sounds ease stress and help lull you to sleep. Sounds include a country evening, babbling brook, chirping songbirds, ocean surf and soothing white noise. Audio input jack lets you access music from your portable CD player/radio or home stereo. 30-minute automatic shutoff. Soft velour covering (though not washable, which is the only negative thing about it but the newer versions may be washable). It uses an AC adapter (included) or 3 AAA batteries (not included). He loved it and it helped put him to sleep. It can also help with your visualization when you choose the type of music you want to meditate to.

With regards your visualization, you don't need to be aggressive but do be consistent and firmly in control. But most of all...enjoy it because it is very liberating (I do it for you and for my sister-in-law) and it is also very tiring, which should help you to sleep too (though you may get a headache after an intense session but don't worry about that).

I'm here cheering you on every step of the way and don't ever lose sight of that.

In my thought and prayers +
Bernadette x

[bryan]

Ruthie, always thinking of you and wondering how you are doing. You're probably grabbing life by the tail and giving it a good old swing...lol! Forever in my thoughts and prayers, Bernadette (my login name is the first initial plus my surname...hence bryan) x

[asa]

Bernadette, I'm still getting treatments. I have no white cell count so I've been down a bit. Well I had to stop running around so much lol..Last report was the tumors were still shrinking..Alot of changes in my life. I moved in with my daughter and her 3 children. I will be filing for a divorce shortly..I'm planning on living for a while and I am starting over in a way . Thanks for thinking of me.. Ruth Peterson