HAVE BLOOD WORK DONE BEFORE TAKING ANY SUPPLEMENTS AND VITAMINS

Have Blood Work Done First before Taking Vitamins and Supplements!

We hear  how important it is to take vitamins and supplements for optimum health, especially individuals who have a history of cancer and other diseases.  Yes, it is true that the food we consume does not provide us with all the adequate nutrients, and most people require some form of supplement. 

There are many choices and huge selections, and this can be confusing. I strongly suggest that a person have blood work taken first to determine if there is in fact a deficiency. Consuming supplements without  seeking professional advise, can be not only a waste of money, but also can trigger a health issue. 

As a cancer survivor, I find that people are eager to share information.  In support groups frequently members are anxious to share what works for them, and often suggest "remedies" to other members, i.e. which vitamins to take.  In one group the facilitator was quite adamant that I, as a three-time survivor, needed extra calcium in my blood stream.  Based on the facilitator's background, I followed their advise. 

Four months later I developed what appeared to be gout. All the symptoms indicated that there was a uric acid imbalance; however, the lab results showed all was fine. After additional lab work, the results showed an excessive amount of calcium in the blood stream. This resulted in a condition known as hypercalcemia which causes a strain on the kidneys as well as painful calcium deposits in the feet. 

I am in the process of reversing the damage and detoxing from the calcium overdose.  I am grateful that my physician and acupuncturist have been proactive concerning my overall  health and are assisting me in this process. 

Yes, most people require food supplements. However, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have routine lab work to determine if you are deficient in a specific area. It could save your life!

A Crippling Attitude Versus A Crippling Disease

Has it really been four years since my mastectomy?  It seems surreal, as if this experience happened to another person.  I didn't think I would make it past January 2012, and here I am four years later writing another entry into my blog.

Although I haven't posted in several months, my many lessons and experiences regarding cancer continue. Some have made such a tremendous impact that it has taken many months to absorb what happened. 

One of my concerns during my journey to wellness has been on dating and intimacy. In February 2015 I attended a cancer support meeting at a local hospital. When the facilitator of the group asked what motivated me to attend, I responded, "I'm afraid and embarrassed to start dating again.  I don't know what to expect."  The counselor and other participants were empathetic to my concerns, and they shared with me their most intimate ideas on the topic.  One couple said their love transcended any physical condition. The husband explained it didn't matter if his wife no longer had breasts; his love for her was unconditional.  One person revealed she and her spouse hadn't had intercourse in 12 years due to his heart condition; that there are many ways to "make love" that does not involve physical penetration. 

That evening I felt a sense of relief.  I remember crying myself to sleep.

 

When I was in my 20's and 30's, I danced professionally.  In 2015 I began expressing my sensuality via dance.  I felt comfortable again in "my own skin."  I volunteered at a local theater, which is an appropriate venue to meet creative men.  The gym flourishes with men in the 50+ community.  As I opened up my  social arena, I also opened up myself to meeting more potential dates, and possibly a suitable companion.

The months passed ... the seasons changed.  There's the old cliche, "When you least expect it ..."  In November, just two months ago, I attended a Memorial Service and luncheon.  The most peculiar thing happened at the luncheon: I found myself eating alone at a table.  (Each time I approached a table to join family or friends, there was no extra room.)  Within a few minutes a handsome gentleman asked if he could join me.  Apparently, the same thing happened to him: he found himself without  a table.  Ironically, it was if Roger and I were "forced" together. 

Our conversation flowed effortlessly.  It was as if nobody else existed in the banquet hall except the two of us. Roger was widowed for several years.  Ironically, his deceased wife and I share the same name, and we are of the same nationality.  She died of breast cancer.  Ours was no coincidental encounter.  After three hours it seemed as if we had known each other for decades; there was so much we had in common.  We exchanged phone numbers, and our good-bye hug ignited feelings that had been dormant.  I felt rejuvenated. 

Three days passed before Roger and I talked on the phone; those were the longest three days of my life ... or so it seemed.  The conversation revealed more than we had in common. I was excited that I had a special person to share Christmas and New Year's with.  Due to previous family commitments, we were unable to spend time together on Christmas Eve or Day, but we did manage to break away from the celebrations to talk. 

On Christmas Day I said a prayer of gratitude to have this special gift, this man, in my life.  But, inside I sensed something was a bit "off."  That evening I said a prayer that my heart be guarded from any unnecessary emotional pain ... that if there was anything that prevented him from loving me the way I deserve, let it be revealed.  I had a "lump" in the pit of my stomach.  "It's just your imagination," I kept telling myself.

Roger arrived at my house with a dozen long-stemmed roses on December 26th.  We hugged and kissed, and again I sensed as if something was "wrong."  That evening over dinner we laughed and joked; everything was great. Later that night at my place I sensed a restlessness within Roger, and I asked what was wrong.  He replied, "Nothing. I'm great!"  But, I could see a sadness in his eyes.  I asked if he felt happy about his upcoming retirement. I wasn't prepared for what happened next.  Roger explained he was afraid about having extra time on his hands to think because he had unresolved issues, some from childhood.  He then confided his deepest, most innermost secrets to me.  

I listened and was  dumbfounded by what he revealed.  It was like a scene from the Streisand / Nolte movie "The Prince of Tides."  Roger was able to release what had been haunting him for many years.  But unlike the Streisand/Nolte characters in the movie, Roger and I didn't have a passionate love affair.  We said our final "good-byes" at 7:42PM on December 26, 2015.  

From that encounter I witnessed first-hand that a crippling attitude can be more devastating than a potentially crippling disease.  I wish Roger well, and pray that he heals completely from his emotional scars.

A smile is the prettiest thing you'll ever wear.

In 48 hours I have a dental appointment ... the much dreaded deep cleaning due to pockets found recently in the gums.  You ask if I floss, use a water pik, use a sonic tooth brush, stimulate the gums and brush more than twice a day.  The answer is YES! I even use a special toothpaste that includes fennel, myrrh and bee propolis ... all powerful ingredients that treat gum disorders.  So,  then why all the dental issues?

Mysteriously, the teeth issue became a huge problem ever since my first breast cancer operation in 2000 ... more cavities, some minor gum issues.  After the two 2004 operations, my teeth and mouth became more sensitive.  Even after teeth cleanings, my mouth would develop plaque very quickly in spite of my daily flossing, brushing and rinsing with an anti-plaque formula.  Two teeth cleanings yearly wasn't enough. 

After my December 2011 mastectomy the teeth and gum problem worsened.  Shortly after the operation I developed a very advanced stage of H. Pylori which was left untreated for more than 5 months.  I do not have proof that this bacterial infection in my gut had adverse affects on my mouth. Oddly, certain foods that I can no longer eat (they cause vomiting) seem to have damaged my teeth and gums.  My dentist instructed me to eliminate all citrus and acidy fruits from my diet.  That has helped the teeth, but I continue to experience gum problems. It's very frustrating when I eat the right food, avoid the wrong foods and focus on my dental hygiene the way many females focus on their manicures and pedicures.  And still, the problem continues!

Although I was treated for H. Pylori I continue to experience acute gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, nausea).  I am fortunate to have a caring acupuncturist who works closely with me on this issue.  I take specific herbs and formulas to reduce the nausea and vomiting.  I've been on a specialized nutrition plan for three years. A gastrointerologist recommended special probiotics which have helped tremendously.  Sadly, my condition has affected my gums.

Another problem is my body is very sensitive to novocaine and other numbing medications.  It takes my body from 1 to 3 days to recover from simple dental procedures, and from 2 to 5 days for more complex ones.  This is emotionally draining. 

Plus, the amount of money I've spent on dental work is staggering!  I have an awesome dental insurance plan, and even with great coverage last year's out-of-pock dental expense was over $3,000 (and I'm fortunate that my dentist gives me a huge discount). 

I never thought that a very, very tiny malignant tumor (the size of a pea) would create such havoc in my body, even in my mouth.

On the positive side:  at least I have my teeth and can chew food (when I'm not nauseous or vomiting), and have a great smile!

A Change in Attitude Makes a World of Difference!

It is truly hard to believe  but it has been 15 years this month when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer.  Since 2000 I endured three major operations, including a mastectomy, plus a re-incision.  Sadly, my body hasn't "bounced back" from the December 2011 mastectomy.  Life has changed drastically for me.  I am fortunate that I have developed great coping skills.

There are days when I cannot leave the house due to this "rare and unique condition" that developed shortly after the mastectomy.  Rather than feel sorry for myself and become depressed, I decided to "take the bull by the horns" and focus on my creativity.  Last year I toyed with the idea of decorating hats.  I started with inexpensive straw hats, and one year later I am restoring vintage hats.  Here is a sample of my collection: 

Forgiving Doesn't Mean That the Pain Is Gone

"A strong woman is someone who is able to smile this morning like she wasn't crying last night." ... Harriet Morgan

For years I have been the type of woman who would always smile in the morning in spite of whatever circumstances I was facing the previous night.  I shared my tears primarily with my pillow (and a few close friends).  I learned to get up and try again, no matter what difficulty I was facing.  I eventually got the reputation of being a very, very strong woman.  

Personally, being a strong woman is like a double-edged sword:  it is both a blessing and a "curse."  It is much like the saying, "The squeaky wheel gets the oil."  Basically, the loudest of people, who appear to be weak, are the ones who get the attention.  Recently, this was the topic of discussion at a local cancer support group.   What happens when the "go to" person is in need?  Personally, that is one of the most frustrating feelings....to need help and nobody is physically around to provide the support.  

Following my mastectomy (my third major cancer operation) I felt abandoned, not by God, but by friends, neighbors, some family and even people from my spiritual group.  I knew that God would guide me to full recovery, but there were many days (and weeks) when I physically needed assistance for even the basic tasks, i.e. brushing my teeth, boiling a cup of water for tea, changing the linen on my bed, brushing my hair or taking my chihuahua for a brief walk.  I would plead with people, and the response I received 99% of the time was, "You're a strong woman.  You'll get through this."  or "Stop that crying!  There's no need for tears."   I eventually found the help I needed.  For two years, until recently, I paid an old man to do things in and outside the house I was incapable of doing.  In an emergency, I also called him to take me to the doctors or to pick up a prescription.   I remember asking a neighbor for help picking up a prescription because I couldn't drive the two miles to the pharmacy.  (I had been been diagnosed with an extreme bacterial infection, and needed medication.)  She was busy.  In fact, I stopped asking her for help because she always was "busy".   Other people in close proximity turned their backs on me; everybody was always "busy".  

Instead of being bitter, I relied on my Faith.  I knew that somehow I would get over the "nightmare".  I would cry myself to sleep (and on occasion I still do) from both pain and frustration.  I had been there for so many people, yet there was nobody I could rely on during an emergency, with the exception of the old man.  My suggestion to the strong woman out there who are facing cancer is: YELL or SCREAM so that you roar like a lion in the jungle to ensure that people hear and listen.  My suggestion to individuals who know a woman who is faced with cancer:  help her, especially if she is a strong woman.  Even a gesture as simple as a phone call can make a huge difference in another person's life.  

When I was working in the corporate world, I let management and co-workers know what I needed when I was faced with operations 1 and 2.   I compiled a list, and all of the items on that list were met by my fellow employees.  My coworkers were my primary support system.  There wasn't a day during my medical leaves of 2000 and 2004 when I didn't hear from at least one of them.  Sadly, I was no longer working in the corporate world during my December 2011 mastectomy.  I cried out, and my own voice echoed back.  I screamed, and I could hear my own roars in the jungle of life.  One day I even knocked on somebody's door for help, and they didn't answer ... sad, because I knew they were home.  During that instant I knew what a leper felt like: a social outcast.   That evening I prayed for those who turned their backs on me, and of course, I did forgive.  However, "Forgiving doesn't mean that the pain is gone." ... Harriet Morgan

It is almost three years since my mastectomy, and I continue to need help on occasion.  Recently, I asked a neighbor for a very small favor.  Her reply was "no" because she'll be visiting a sick friend with cancer.  She said she also makes it a point to call her friend daily just to see how she is doing.  And I thought to myself, "And the days when I was so sick that I couldn't move, where was your call?"   I felt hurt, and last night I cried myself to sleep while my pillow washed away my tears.   

What you don't know may hurt you.

Divorce can be a very devastating experience, especially when children are involved. My parents were divorced when I was a toddler. My mother remarried when I was 3 1/2 years young.  Eventually, I was told that my dad was not my birth father.  I asked about my biological dad, and the response I received was, "You're better off not knowing him." 

Eventually, I sought him out.  Why?  Primarily, for health reasons.  When I was in my mid-twenties I had a few concerns.  My physician needed to know my family health history. She could not make an accurate assessment without knowing my complete family background.

Finding my biological dad was easy; we lived in the same city and his address and phone number were listed in the telephone book.  I remember hearing his voice for the first time.  My hands trembled; I hung up the phone.  Luckily, my Godmother, who was a long-time friend of my Grandmother, set up a time for us to meet.  That encounter wasn't monumental, rather it was somewhat  awkward and cold.  For the next 25 years we did not develop a relationship; there was no bonding; however, I was grateful to learn about his and his family's health issues.  

At the age of 52 he almost died from a severe heart attack.  At an early age he became diabetic.  Knowing this, I paid close attention to my nutrition plan.  I monitored my heart rate.  I exercised routinely, and maintained a healthy weight.  

In 1999 my body developed very unusual symptoms: craving of antioxidants, being overly thirsty, buzzing in my ears, very dry facial skin, unusual odor.  There was an unusual, almost metallic, taste in my mouth. For seven months I insisted that the HMO conduct a series of tests to determine the cause of these unusual symptoms. Eventually, biopsies showed I had breast cancer.  The routine mammogram incorrectly concluded that all was fine; there was no sign of cancer.  It was my persistence that saved my life. 

The 2000 operation was successful.  I began the routine treatment.  Ironically, on the last day of my radiation therapy I received a call that my biological father had passed away from colon cancer.  The following day my mother called to tell me she was diagnosed with breast cancer.   I was stunned: both parents with cancer.  Ironically, both parents had heart issues and were diabetic. 

I am grateful that I was persistent in finding my biological father.  Knowing his medical history has helped me be proactive with my health.  I combine nutrition, exercise, a healthy lifestyle and alternative medicine to maintain a healthy heart.  I am proud to announce that I am a 14 year cancer survivor.  Life is one major adventure.  I am grateful to be alive and healthy. 

Remember this:  Hiding the truth can be deadly. 

Adding This Ingredient to Your Salads Can Make A Huge Difference!

Want to add some pizazz to your salad or sandwich?  Have you tried broccoli sprouts?  Not only do these sprouts taste delicious, but also they are a healthy power food. 

Broccoli sprouts help the immune system, and actually protect the body from the pollution that harms our bodies.  Specific areas that these sprouts are known to help are: 

• Hypertension
• Arthritis
• Allergies
• Ulcers
• UV radiation damage to the skin (when applied topically)

When considering broccoli as an addition to your nutrition plan, remember this: 

DETOX FROM POLLUTANTS:  In large cities people are exposed to enormous amounts of pollution.  Studies in largely populated areas in China show that individuals who consumes broccoli sprouts daily were able to eliminate the poisons found in exhaust fumes.  

As reported by Time Magazine, "Broccoli sprouts specifically are a source of glucoraphanin, which creates sulforaphane when chewed or swallowed. That compound accelerates the body's ability to detoxify from various pollutants..."

HEART DISEASE:  This power food is known to lower high blood pressure.  I, along with several of my friends, eat broccoli sprouts and foods to maintain a healthy heart.  We do not take synthetic meditations.  Why consume pills when Mother Nature provides many types of foods for a healthy heart? 

IMMUNE SYSTEM:  The healing properties in broccoli sprouts protect the body from producing mutated cells.  The compounds found in these sprouts are similar to a light switch:  they turn off the switch that produces cancerous cells. 

Broccoli sprouts are inexpensive, and for those of you with a "green thumb", they are very easy to grow!

Have a healthy day!