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Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Be Informed.

By Maz Friday, November 02, 2007

Having finished chemo and almost through radium, I have had many questions come to mind that I did not know or think to ask at the beginning when I was first diagnosed and now having received answers to such questions, I believe I would have possibly made a different choice as to my treatment. 

 

My advice to anyone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer is to speak to as many women who have also been diagnosed too whether past or in the present as the more information you can find out by just sharing what you have been told or informed of by your particular doctors can be very different to the next doctor and his recommendations. 

 

I believe that the more informed you are, you are able to make an informed decision regarding your whole treatment and not just feel as though you have to go along with what your particular surgeon, oncologist or radiologist has said.  

 

I also advise that you get as much information regarding alternative therapies to use in conjunction with modern cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radium and HRT or go it alone with the alternative if you so choose.

 

I know I have found out so much  from speaking to other patients that have done the conventional and others who have done the holistic approach with alternative plant therapies and you would be amazed at how much I have learnt.  

 

I know it's not too late, but honestly if I would have had all this information at the beginning, I would have taken a different approach to my treatment and not felt totally at the mercy of my prescribed doctors.  It is about taking control in your treatment and that is extremely important to your result at the end of the day I believe.

 

Big hugs and lots of laughter is so good for the soul.  Don't forget to do it every day.

 

Love Maz

 

 

 

 

 

Progesterone Cream vs. Tamoxifen?
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
11/ 2/07 8:18pm

Maz, you're so right - lots of hugs, laugh when you can.

This is a good site for "talking" to other women. I agree, sharing our experiences definitely helps with some of these life-and-death decisions we're called upon to make, with very little information. And yes, always advocate for yourself. If you're not your own best champion, who will be? 

Good luck going forward. You sound like you're a very positive person. - PJH 

9/27/11 6:44am

Hi Maz, I am about to begin chemo but before I do, Im getting as much info. I can. Can you tell me where to get the natural progestrone cream? I have stage III breast cancer and I feel some chemo is needed, how much is my question to myself.  Can you tell me of any natural alternatives you know of.  Doctors do not want to hear about this, they automaticly go straight to chemo for as long as possible.  Please let me know how things are going with you and the info. and places you may get natural products from.

 

Thank you

PJ Hamel, Health Guide
9/27/11 7:42am

Annie, please try contacting Maz directly by clicking on her name. Her post was made nearly 4 years ago and I doubt she's following it here very closely anymore... Good luck to you. PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
9/27/11 5:37pm

Annie, I'm also a Stage III breast cancer survivor, and I had chemo first too.  While there may be some complementary treatments that you could use along with your chemo, for a Stage III diagnosis, there is no substitute for chemotherapy and conventional medicine.  

One of my friends gave me a book to read after I was diagnosed that questioned using chemotherapy for cancer.  As I read I noticed, that the author was quick to criticize conventional doctors, but he always specified that he thought they were too quick with chemo for Stage I or II cancers.  He didn't discuss Stage III at all.

It's been 13 years since my diagnosis, and I am doing fine.  I have never regretted for a moment doing chemo, surgery and radiation.  I firmly believe those treatments kept me alive to be able to write to you today.

9/27/11 6:57pm

Hi Annie,   as phylis suggested I have not been keeping touch with the website much as I have returned to work full time and I am doing really well.   With regard to your treatment I am glad you are seeking as much information as possible.   I do all things natural.  I follow the budwig diet which is the cottage cheese and flax together with fresh berries every day and al all natural and raw diet 90% of the time.   I have also done research on the the bi-carb theory (simoncini) and have been taking bi-carb in a drink with lemon juice every morning and night.  I also have a very good naturopath and homeopath should I have any health concerns pop up but I must admit I am the healthiest I have been for many years following the "all natural journey".   My other regimes that I have been following for 4 years now is the "Urine therapy"  and the progesterone cream - most people will not agree with that but again it is about me taking control about decisions in my life and I am very comfortable with that.   You need to do your own research and again seek out people which is what I have done and will continue to do.   I take comfort in that there is no such thing as a "certain" in this life, so I am free to look in all fields to find more complimentary therapies for my good health.    I wish you all the best Annie.   Big hugs and lots of laughter is good for ones health - make sure you get it every day lovely.   Maz 

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
9/27/11 8:34pm

Maz, I am so pleased to hear that you are doing well and are back at work.  I wish you many years of continued health.

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By Maz— Last Modified: 09/27/11, First Published: 11/02/07