I love this post.  I must admit that I am afraid to partake in 100 % non conventional treatment, but I am also skeptical of western science.  I too had a mammogram 18 months before a diagnosis of 2.8 cm. tumor.  There was another area of cancer in the same breast that was detected via a MRI and then a biopsy for confirmation.  After mastectomy a third area of cancer was discovered via the pathology tests.  The two other areas of cancer missed by mammography.  I also have dense breast tissue and it seems that mammograms either don't pick up tumors or it picks up tumors in an advanced stage for certain patients (especially those with dense breast tissue).  I think what we are trying to say here is that one test or treatment does not work for everyone and don't put us all in the same category.  Study everything out on your own.  Question doctors, cancer web sites, and research.  Go with your gut, it is usually right.  No one knows your body better than you.  I also highly recommend going to teaching hospitals to locate a doctor and perhaps one that believes in supporting your immune system in whatever way possible during the ravaging affects of the toxic drugs you may be taking. 

I wish western science would study the things that you posted, what are they afraid of..?  It seems that we focus on treating the symptoms of cancer and not the cause or prevention via immunizations, and other areas that may be showing some promise. And when they do find something it is always a drug being pushed by a pharmacuetical company.  If there is no money to be made or the concept could actually "cure" cancer the research is dropped or never initiated in the first place.  Desperately seeking answers while keeping the blood in the brain flowing. Lynda

PJH, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC breast cancer Dec. 12th, 08-no metasteses as of yet (CT, bone scan, PET/CT scan, all negative).  I am still waiting on the results of a brain MRI.  When I lay down or get up from laying down I feel dizzy.  I had 24 of 24 lymph nodes positive.  I also have some shortness of breath.  Do you have an idea of what can be causing these symptoms? 

Re: Lymphodema, I had my mastectomy 01/12/09 and when I use my arm, even for minor house chores, I get swelling in my chest and upper arm.  Is it too soon for me to be using the arm?  Can I excersise the arm without doing any harm to it or causing lymphedema, or should I wait for more healing?  I know many in the medical field do not consider this a debilitating condition, but it is.  I can tell from the swelling and discomfort that I have experienced and I have not been diagnosed.  My doc says they don't diagnose until 3 months out.  Any help in these matters would be appreciated and thank you for your quick response.  Lynda 

PJH, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC breast cancer Dec. 12th, 08-no metasteses as of yet (CT, bone scan, PET/CT scan, all negative).  I am still waiting on the results of a brain MRI.  When I lay down or get up from laying down I feel dizzy.  I had 24 of 24 lymph nodes positive.  I also have some shortness of breath.  Do you have an idea of what can be causing these symptoms? 

Re: Lymphodema, I had my mastectomy 01/12/09 and when I use my arm, even for minor house chores, I get swelling in my chest and upper arm.  Is it too soon for me to be using the arm?  Can I excersise the arm without doing any harm to it or causing lymphedema, or should I wait for more healing?  I know many in the medical field do not consider this a debilitating condition, but it is.  I can tell from the swelling and discomfort that I have experienced and I have not been diagnosed.  My doc says they don't diagnose until 3 months out.  Any help in these matters would be appreciated and thank you for your quick response.  Lynda 

I will keep trying and emphasizing the importance to my health care pros. 

Thank You, Lynda