Chemo Complete

Saturday: April showers bring May flowers. This is a time of believing...that Spring will arrive in Michigan! It's April 9th (our granddaughter's 11th birthday) and we barely have any signs that Spring is on it's way. Our few crocus, that Cathy planted almost thirty years ago, have finally popped up and look like they'll be blooming today. Weather people are predicting that we'll have sixty-degree weather this weekend. Most Michigan residents are waiting expectantly.

Decision: A week ago Thursday I met with my doctor and made the decision to end my chemotherapy treatments--after four sessions. Originally, my doctor had hoped for six with an evaluation after four. She's pleased with four, which is a common regimen for the type of chemo treatments (TC) that I received.

I was having a difficult time watching the deterioration that was happening to my body that was accumulating with each session. Because my chemo was for preventative reasons and because there is no way of knowing whether there were cancer cells in my body and if so, which chemo treatments would be effective for me (it's all statistics); I decided that if four treatments didn't do it, two more probably wouldn't make that much more of an impact. I did know that the deterioration of my body would continue with two more sessions. Chemo only treats cancer cells present in the body. It does nothing to prevent future cancer cells from forming and developing. I've decided I'm going to be the statistic that survives. I'm going to do my best to help my body to do it's job of functioning properly.

It was not a difficult decision for me to make because my gut feeling was so very strong. During my 4th session, I had another reaction to the Tamoxifen--it felt like my body was rejecting the chemo. I have only had a few regrets in my life--all based on not following my strong gut feeling.

After hearing talks by the Dietitian from Swan for Life (Sharon Meyer) and speakers at Gilda's Club (Bharat Aggarwal, PhD), I've decided to spend the next several months building up my body so that it can be effective in doing it's job of stopping cancer cells from growing and then continuing with a maintenance program. Although I ate a very good diet before my cancer was discovered and exercised regularly, I've learned more about preventing inflammation which is a critical component of tumor progression.

These past few weeks I've been spending a few hours each day reading studies from respected universities, cancer centers and the National Cancer Institute. There are many reputable studies showing that diet, spices, herbs, etc. along with exercise can support our bodies to take care of themselves. I'll work with my doctors to go that route. In recent decades, I've had a healthy diet and have exercised regularly. Unfortunately, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was part of my regimen. The tumor taken from my body showed that it was 99% estrogen receptive positive. The estrogen contributed to the growth of the cells in my breast. Also, because of an accident that I had in 1990 when my jaw was injured and my teeth were moved; I've taken fluoride treatments 3x/year to prevent cavities. That was another contributor to dysfunction within my body.

I've done a lot of reading about chemo sensitivity testing (would a specific chemo respond to or be resistant to a specific tumor). Unfortunately, these tests need fresh tumor samples, so for most patients that isn't possible (the surgery is complete). These tests are more commonly done in Europe although there are some being done in the U.S.. It would have been a major help to know that the chemo I was taking would work against cancer cells in my body and eliminating chemo treatments that were resistant would have been wonderful.

There is much successful research going on using chemo and targeted hormone therapy to shrink and eliminate tumors before surgery. The chemo can then be evaluated as to whether it's doing it's job. Unfortunately, most cancer patients have surgery first, without knowing that there could be an option. If you have a tumor of 2mm or larger, consider visiting an oncologist for a second opinion before surgery.

I've also been doing in-depth learning about how our bodies function. Our bodies are incredible machines: mechanical, biological, chemical, electrical and all systems are intertwined. It's amazing what the body can do to make corrections to 'problem areas'. Unfortunately, very often these corrections can cause other problems. Much has to do with what we put into our bodies via food, the environment, chemicals and medicines.

I want to mention that Medical Doctors (MD's) have to conform to "Standards of Practice". Even though my doctor was supportive of my decision to end my treatments, she first had to say to me, "I cannot recommend that you stop treatments because you have been able to tolerate the treatments." She then talked immediately about why she agreed with my decision. Doctors have to first suggest what is the "standard of practice". Know that there can be options and that your doctor can provide those options. Ultimately, you are in charge of what happens to your body.

One last thought: I saw a short segment on Bloomberg West TV this past week about the Oncotype DX test that I had done that predicted that I would be at high risk of recurrent cancer (distant recurrence within 10 years) and that chemotherapy would reduce that risk by 12%. The test is based on genetic testing done on tissue taken from the tumor during surgery. ( http://www.bloomberg.com/video/68372624/ )

The Oncotype DX

I'm not completely convinced that these tests are as accurate as they're assumed to be. I wish there was a study or results which showed the accuracy of their predictions. I haven't been able to locate any studies. I'm going to ask Dr. Jasti if I'll be part of a followup study--or if there are any studies for followup.

I'm feeling mostly well with a fairly high energy level. My stamina is reduced. I have some peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in hands and feet) from the chemo and some respiration issues that are gradually being reduced. My nails, skin and hair follicles have been damaged. The results of the fourth treatment will show themselves later this week. No mouth sores, digestive/reproductive tracts issues. Overall, I'm doing very well. I'll continue flushing my system with water and taking probiotics for another week.

Sunday: The temperature in Rochester Hills reached 80 degrees. Spring has arrived...or we skipped it and went directly to Summer. We've experienced that before in Michigan!

Future: I intend to continue my blog with more specific information about diet and it's influence on cancer and other diseases and methods of reducing inflammation in our bodies. Also, I've taken a great interest in our foods today and how they're different than the foods I had as a child. I'll include respected web sites and books for those who want more information.

Healthy and delicious! That's my new mantra. I'm feeling well and focusing on getting my body in prime condition to take care of itself now that I've completed my chemotherapy treatments.

Again, thanks to all of you who responded with 'what's going on in your lives'. We've enjoyed hearing from so many of you. I have your emails marked and intend to followup. Thanks also for the beautiful cards, your caring words, your prayers and good wishes and lots of healing energy that's been sent our way. It's been a humbling experience for me. You've all made my journey much less difficult and much more beautiful.  

warm regards,  Joey/Josetta

Spring, a time of new life!