Understanding the Disease

By Healing Grace Wednesday, June 16, 2010

- A
- A
- A

I am 40 and just diagnosed with ER+, PR+ Her2 Neg., breast cancer. I have two primary tumors; one approximately 2cm and the other 1.3mm. My MIB-1 is at 38% which means it is moderately aggressive. I am no different than anyone else. My busy busy lifestyle never made room for me to consider that this could be something I would experience. When I found out, it was like hitting a brick wall. I have started to get my time priorities straight, have begun to change my diet and have begun to research this and the treatment options. I meet with the medical oncologist on the 24th, just took my BRAC1/2 tests and am really concerned about this chemo thing. Several people have told me about IPC which is a lower dose chemo that utilizes minipulating the blood sugar levels with insulan before the infusion which apparently is only about 10% of the nornal dose and does not have any of the side affects of normal chemo. I am wondering if anyone knows about this or the "Greece Test" which tests not only the tumor specimin but also the DNA of the person to determint the exact combination of chemo that will "fit" with the recipient. Any feedback would be great.

Comments (4) | Add comment

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

6/16/10 4:26am

Sorry you've had to join this club no one wants to belong to, but welcome-

During the course of your online research, you'll find all kinds of information about breast cancer treatment. What you need to decide is, do you go with the current standard treatments, backed by scientific data and the medical establishment? Or do you pursue alternative treatment - or do some combination of both?

Neither the "Greek/Greece test" nor IPC have gained much traction with the medical/scientific community. But it's your body, and it's up to you how you want to treat your cancer. I'd gently suggest that if you dig deeply enough, you'll find that established treatments are more effective overall at saving lives than alternatives such as those you suggest. But, you may be so dead set against chemo that you decide to take that risk; I just suggest you find out exactly what the risk may be as you make some potentially life/death decisions.

Cancer is tough, but you can be tougher. And we look forward to connecting with you here as you go on this journey. Peace- PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

6/16/10 8:50am

Grace, I'm sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis, but you will find the resources you need to get through this. As you make your decisions about chemo, there are two huge factors to keep in mind. 1. Today's chemo is not like chemo used to be. If you are imagining the problems that a friend or relative went through five or twenty-five years ago, you need to know that today doctors can manage side effects much better. Some people work right through treatment although that varies according to type of work and type of chemo. 2. Chemo is not easy for most people, but that long list of scary side effects on the informational brochure doesn't all happen to one person. No one can predict which side effects one person will get, so they have to list them all.

Investigate each of your treatment possibilities and find out how the survival rates compare at five and ten years. Obviously the newest treatments may not have ten year stats yet, but when available they are very important because many recurrences happen more than five years out. I would be leery of any treatment that cannot provide numbers on disease-free survival rates in a peer-reviewed research study.

I wish you the best as you find the best treatment for you.

bluseygirl

6/17/10 4:32am

Hi Grace,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time in your life. I have to agree with what Phyllis and PJ's post said...and would like you to think about the scientificly proven treatments that are available today, versas other nontraditional ones. I guarantee these to be more affective at treating and curing your disease not just for the short term, but the long haul, (less likely for it to return). I too was diagnosed with a 2cm, verry aggressive tumor, and had a verry aggressive treatment with a radical mastectomy, and then chemo in 1993. Chemo for me was smooth going, with little to no side affects. I was able to carry on as normal except having more fatique. My mind was at ease knowing that I was getting the best care and treatment possible and proven effective. You need to do whats best for you, but please consider the mainstream treatments that are given today. I want you to have a long, happy, and healthy life!!

Hugs,Marla

6/18/10 1:10am

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. The Good news is....if you believe in Eastern Meds..Immunocal can help... This product will boost your immune system and fight the Cancer. If you must do Chemo, it will help combat the side effect of this therapy...look it up in the PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) This all natural product is very powerful and can help...I have experienced it myself

Be Well

Understanding the Disease

Ask a Question