Health Update #18 12.16.09

Hi!

December is already 1/2 gone, we are in the midst of truly arctic weather here. Things around me feel a bit scattered because of end of year, Christmas, harsh weather, hustle and bustle is in the air, hospice being called in for my high school friend Jane, so it’s a constant refocusing

Just wanted to check in to say how great I’m feeling. Calm, sleeping well, thinking clearer. I am so grateful for my spiritual mentor, Connie. In our study this past Monday night I latched onto the reflections we had on hope, peace, and love. 

Tonight, I also felt extra blessed as Dr. Jamie, whose GP background and head of Shaklee’s Health Sciences took 45 minutes of her time to talk with me about some of the questions I’ve had. I asked her about Rimidex, about vitamin D, about scoliosis connection with the movement inhibition following the cancer surgery, my life long history of inflammation. I asked Teresa to listen with me. 

Dr. Jamie agreed that with the clear node, clear tissue, small size of the cancer and both breasts removed, that doing Rimidex wasn’t a “need to do” circumstance.  That was the estrogen receptor inhibitor recommended by the oncologist.

I learned from her that anyone who doesn’t have a BMI of 25 or lower might be more prone to breast cancer. Mine came in at 22 last week as I did my first wii fit trial that James bought me for my birthday.

Also, taking 6-9 Omegaguard is not a choice with my amount of inflammation. Vivix also helps. Although Dr. J. said that 1 tsp of VIVIX is what should be taken, there just aren’t enough studies to know if more helps.  Dr. J said that if I wanted to experiment over a 3 month period with different amounts to see how I feel, especially with energy and the achyness if I do better on more. Right now, I am feeling less achy, and I’ve dropped about 2 lbs. that I needed to.

The soy protein has a protective effect against cancer which is NOT what the media is saying (except I did hear on GMorning America last week a medical doctor saying that).  I have stepped up to larger amounts, but we never addressed that except to say she recommended 2 CINCH protein shakes a day and I explained that I feel better on the Energizing Soy and Physique combination than the CINCH, which I still do about every 3rd day.  She said I was getting more D on the CINCH than the other.  I explained that EZ Gest was a necessary item when doing CINCH, and I do a couple with each meal. we didn’t get into digestive dysfunctions but on the Lagoni call last night Dr. Christensen made a good case about gastrointestinal issues causing a myriad of health issues, among them depression which I suffered with severely years ago.

About Vit. D, Dr. J. suggested that I take another D test in Jan. or Feb. when I would apt to be the lowest due to the Iowa winter.  Her feeling is that 2000 a day is a safe amt. to add to the 1800 or so one would get from Vitalizer Gold, 4 Osteomatrix (more is not recommended because of the calcium), and 2 servings of the CINCH shake.   She was supplementing for D with a product made by Synergy that had K in it as well which compliments D and brought her numbers from 32 up to 48.   I will continue to monitor the D because of its association with cancer, sleep, and memory.  I was at 40 which is considered excellent by the medical establishment, Dr. J. says 50-60.  Dr. Bevacqua said 80 – 105.  I’m monitoring it with Dr. Gelband, and right now I’m needing very high amounts of D.  Dr. J. didn’t feel that kineseology is an accurate test for D, but I do plan to do a blood test in a few months anyway.

And as for the structural side effects from the scoliosis with the breast surgery, she seemed to think that the protein and omega amounts that I’ve stepped up would only help. Scoliosis can inhibit lung function due to the movement of the ribs and is complicated with the surgery scarring.  Amy, the physical therapist, was able to loosen up movement on my right side last week and I see her again tomorrow. It’s really strange to feel so numb still. So on my own I have started to add 6 B complex to see if those nerves will regenerate.  Also, Amy gave me exercises with a band, and I’ve stepped up my exercise regime by using the power plate at Dr. Wilson’s office often.  Walking and pilates will be part of the new year’s plan.

Eating organic fruits and veggies 7-9 a day has been shown to lower breast cancer risk.  Not gaining excessive weight is also a deterrent.  Lean proteins, increased antioxidants, avoid chemicals, stepping up omega 3 fatty acids, having a positive support system and being aware that one tumor means that a 2nd one can appear any place.   It seems pretty common for reoccurrances with breast cancer, and my belief is to be aware, enjoy the health journey I’m on and grateful for the chance to be healthier.

The question in my mind that Dr. Jamie dialogued with me was why do I feel so much better?  Was it that I just stepped up my amount of supplements?  And she pointed out ….with the same conclusion that I had come to, that having the cancer gone has provided for the body to regroup.  It’s not just that I’m grateful for a 2nd chance.  It’s truly a sense that is hard to explain, but feeling this way is new to me.  I have probably been in a physical desert for awhile and pushing through had become a way of life causing mental and emotional stresses. 

May you each find that place for yourself prior to any huge health trauma because the desire for it and the work that it takes to get there and maintain it is worth feeling great.

Health Update #17 12.6.09

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009

Between yesterday’s Birthday cards (I turned 62), and Thanksgiving Cards and Get Well Cards, the card industry is doing quite well.  I received postings of numerous Facebook entries, but I haven’t opened that since before Mexico. So thanks everyone for your patience.

This will be quick. Thursday,  I saw Amy at Physical Therapy Partners. Ann P. went with me. It was an incredible appointment. Amy explained about posture, rounded back muscles extended and weakened, caved-in chests tighten and become weakened. She said most breast cancer patients come in with jackets covering up. She suggested we ALL walk as if we had a direct line from out sternum to our higher power. She explained that every women needs to go to a good bra fitter (Teresa called me with her recommendation), because as much as 5 lb. can make a difference in your posture. She described the structure of scars and how the skin reacts and what our responsibility for breaking the fibers up enough so that our nerves upon regenerating won’t have to find deadends to have to go around. She explained that the searing pain in my armpit was shortened muscles and that actually, I’m not too bad and says that I won’t have to have too much work done.  She gave me homework–exercises to do which everyone would benefit from in the home and workplace.  Every hour (every half hour between students), roll the shoulders back.  Do 3 standing pushups with elbows up against the doorstops or corner of wall.

Between that and Billy who teaches the Alexander Technique and came yesterday to my home, teaching the body awareness, habits, and ease of  being, I feel like I’m breathing better already.   I’m a little sore but that is from slightly overdoing on Friday to help James move.  Their home is already in good shape, I went over yesterday with the leftover food from my piano student’s classes and spent the afternoon enjoying the grandkids. Josie actually spent time with me in Jace’s room “reading” her books (shes’s 2 1/2), while I put the boys’ books away. They ordered supper from the Brown Bottle and I blew out my 62 candles on a brownie pie. 

Finally, Dr. Bevacqua’s stuff arrived. I explained on my Thurs. night conference call about her Ph paper for acid/akalinity.  Zimotol which is to be taken w/o food,  iodine  and D which Dr. B. tells me there are not so good products of those out there and so I trust hers.  I don’t know if it’s that or the product that Dr. Gelband has me taking which was indicated due to foggy thinking, but adding them all to my good Shaklee regimen is definitely helping my energy level.

Thank goodness for all the experts in their fields being willing to help me find my way in this maze of information and helps.  My best to you,  Ann.

Health Update #16 12.2.09

December 2, Tuesday, 2009

Hi, Everyone!

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving. Always a good time to give thanks for the many blessings we have. Looks like retailers were glad that shoppers were able to spend some money.  For me it’s always good to give thanks and then prepare myself for the Christmas message. It fills me with optimism and hope for you, me and a better life for everyone.

Much has happened with my search for aftercare and deciding not to do drugs. The surgery was the bump in the road, the choices I make here on out weigh heavily as life and death.  But it is a journey and I’m finding a lot of quality help when I ask and the support continues with patience and understanding because I’m a bit slower in accomplishing things still.

I’ve seen Dr. Gelband again in Chicago and truly believe that he is a gifted healer. I recommend him to anyone that is wanting to do a healthy check up. He uses kineseology and can tell immediately if something isn’t working and when something he has tried does or doesn’t work. Then he tests for toxins, nutrients, heavy metals, structural, emotional, allergies and his fixes are many and varied. He knows if what he just did tests strong. This time in his work on me, I’ve gone from subconscious thoughts of apathy and despair to grief and regret. I say that to you a bit incredulous because I don’t see myself as apathetic or despairing, but then, who would believe that I’d get cancer?

My friend and downline Shaklee leader, Harriet, put me in touch with her friend Ray, a farmer with grass-fed beef and quite a bit of experience in raising healthy veggies who uses a refractometer to test on the brix scale. The meter he bought is about $89 and tells you a higher number if the fruit or vegetable is more nutritious. Ray is sharing that maple syrup and baking soda and about the paw paw plant being helpful for cancer. He’s a follower of Dr. Mercola who is in Chicago as well.  I enjoyed meeting Ray and Jean this past weekend and we promised to learn from each other in future discussions.

While in at Dr. Gelband’s I bumped into Liza who as a former mold remediation specialist helped me find Dr. years ago. We talked a bit more on the possibility of the mold being a catalyst for my and any cancer. She’s searching her old computer files to see if she can find the lab report showing that the cornet case was 4400 ppm with a possible 5000 ppm of mold.

Today at my business networking meeting,  Stan who is with Young Living Oils suggested “thieves” as being a good addition to everything else I’m considering. He has agreed to bring me a bunch of his product so I can take it with me to Dr. Gelband’s next trip to have him test me on them. Stan was so surprised to learn about the cancer and immediately went to the question of why and at my suggestion of mold, he pulled out a book with studies on how his product helps that.  So…another research path for me.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bevacqua sent me the good vitamin D product (so many bad D products out there), iodine, good pH strips for testing acid/alkaline, and Zymitol which is a broad spectrum enzyme product.  If anyone missed one of the early updates explaining about Dr. B, her health story is a miracle and she found Shaklee products helped her get her life back and she uses it along with the best products she can find in the world and has the blood testing followup to verify it effectiveness. She has had a clinic in Tucson, AZ for years and her expertise is in the area of molecular biology and what improves the blood. A consult with her is about $400 but is well worth the money for improving your blood chemistry to get to optimal health.  It is about the total picture ultimately anyway, cancer is just one bump that happens.

One of the commonalities of health challenges I’m finding in my talking with others is having digestive and elimination issues. So normal is the ability to enjoy foods without gas, diarrhea, constipation or a burning in your chest.  I’ve spoken with those recovering from cancer and it seems a common thing that things with elimination and digestion were not normal. So Dr. B has put me on an additional enzyme.  Dr. G. suggested to me 5 EZ-Gest of Shaklee plus 3 optiflora pearls which is acidophilus/bifodos which seems to help also with my carb and lactose sensitivities. 

Another similarity is when we’re on a good road to healing, we are famished, really truly hungry and don’t seem to gain weight when we’re eating more than what we normally are used to.  And we’re truly energized by the food instead of having a loggy feeling.

The reason I’m mentioning those symptoms of acid reflux, diarrhea or constipation, or bloating or no appetite is that these are things one can notice and do something about before they become bigger issues. Pay attention. And act.  Today I saw a friend at the business mtg. who has started a CINCHnotherapy program and she has lost 16 lb. and looks terrific! Truly. She says this program is truly a lifestyle change without effort.  Let me know if you want to know more and I can point you in that direction. Another former piano student called today to say her harpsichord isn’t playable by my students like I had hoped and at the end of the conversation I told her about the cancer. She told me about her father and brother having died in the last 15 years with cancer about Christmas time. She said that she wants to lose weight and stop smoking.  I applaud the awareness of taking steps now. I’m sure the cancer for me was lurking for years and my healthier lifestyle kept it somewhat in check and will now translate for me to being more proactive with what I already know to do.  It would be tougher if I wasn’t already liking fruits/vegetables, using the protein powder and taking world-class quality Shaklee supplements.  I can’t afford to be not be proactive.

Speaking of affording, everything costs money. So I wanted to suggest that you look at your health insurance. I have mine with Farm Bureau and Jill was able to move me to Blue Cross Alliance Select and a $2100 deductible as opposed to a $5000 deductible that I had before. Thank goodness. 

I’m pleased to say that the difference in the healing of my surgery lines is so much better this week. I credit time, and the Shaklee C +E cream. Also, I appreciate having something really soft and so the undergarments  help keep from irritating the area. Connie bought me a leisure bra from Von Maur and which has a side opening to slip in the puffs that I had gotten from the prosthesis center.  I am starting to address some of the body shame that comes from the disfigurement of such a surgery. It is somewhat more pronounced due to the scoliosis and I’m hearing some degrading tapes playing in my head about body image.  That’s probably why reconstruction is such a universal choice … not my plan.

A final suggestion to read this which is a summary of a 58 page article that says that resveratrol helps fight cancer. My choice for that is VIVIX which has been having remarkable results. It has been part of my wellness program stepped up from the recommended 1 Tb. a day, to 3. I think everyone who wants wellness would benefit from it and you can find out moreabout VIVIX by going to www.annbarry.com and clicking on Product Information and clicking on VIVIX.  Please contact me for the 58 page document. I think this conclusion may be enough: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19910122?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=5

Talk to you again. I sent out a 3rd wave of thank yous this past week. The support I’ve gotten from so many people  has made the recovery from surgery and the walk towards a life-giving health program feel possible and successful.

Thank you,

Ann