I know this is a long article. However, considering the subject, and the seriousness of it, I do wonder if you really would have wanted an abridged transcript of this program. Think of the time it took for me to transcribe it for YOU. I shall make edits as necessary. My word processor kept "correcting" some of the medical terms for me, without my permission, and I may not have caught some of the processor's very "thoughtful" edits.
Disclaimer: my notes are just that -- notes. I claim NO expertise in this area, except that of a cancer survivor. Take what you want from personal experience. More than anything, LISTEN TO THE DOCTOR; it's why I was so careful to distinguish my words from his.
Dr. Richard Becker. The doctor who shall be speaking in this article
My other Gather article by Richard Becker
1. "Allergies, Eczema, and Asthma"
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977230089
2. "Preventing Kidney Stones, Based on a Study From the University of Dallas, Southwest Medical Center"
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977155897
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Cancer
I. INTRODUCTION
Dr. Becker:
This year 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer, and 1.4 million people and their families will embark upon a path that can lead to very troubling times. Today's program is "Complimentary Cancer Care." Surely, there is more to treating cancer than surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. I think it is intuitive that we all know that there's more we can do, things we can do safely at home with our diet, our nutrition, with herbs, and supplements that will help improve your outcome of your cancer diagnosis. That's our topic for today: complimentary cancer care.
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My Note: [He does the news].
1. Americans not happy with the healthcare system; fed up with politicians not fixing it.
2. Americans not waiting for politicians to fix healthcare system -- using complimentary methods according to American Cancer Society
3. Researchers from the University of Rochester have found that Resveratrol (found in the skin of red grapes) can help to destroy pancreatic cancer cells . . .(more on Resveratrol later.)
Additional note: throughout the discussion, as Dr. Becker mentions Resveratrol, grapeseed, extract, and berries, keep in mind that grapes are considered a berry.
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Dr. Becker: . . .yes, definitely; cancer rates are up. No doubt about it. Recently, I celebrated my tenth year of being cancer-free, and I cannot begin to explain to you -- I'm going to TRY -- how cancer affects your life, but I think with the commonness of cancer today, it would benefit all of us if we just paused for a moment, and thought about what would you do if you were diagnosed with cancer? Do you have a plan? Have you thought about that? Because there's a very good chance that, at sometime in your life you, or a family member -- someone you love and care about -- will be diagnosed with cancer. And, believe you me, Folks, when you have that stress of being told you have cancer, that is a hard time to develop a plan.
Now, not everyone thinks medically we like do [his wife Cindy and he], of course, so you probably won't spend days, and weeks, and months planning this out. But, it's a good exercise to think about that for just a minute. What will I do? Well, I urge you to approach the treatment of cancer with the same style, grace, dignity, and confidence that you have conducted your life. And to have confidence, you must know something. You must have a track record. You must have a sense of experience that leads you to believe you can face this next challenge, too. Let's begin talking. Let's get down to the nuts and bolts.
Cancer is the number cause of death of Americans below age 85.
The peak incidence of cancer is in the seventies and the eighties, but it can affect anywhere -- cradle to senior years, children to ninety-year olds. Anybody can have it, but most common in the seventies and eighties.
There are 1.4 million new cases every year, and every year 550 some thousand Americans die from cancer. That equals 180 World Trade Centers every year.
We've come to accept heart disease, and cancer and these diseases as acceptable losses. When you put it into perspective of how many we lost in the World Trade Center, and come to realize that happens every other day from cancer, it's a bit shocking.
Fifteen-hundred a day, sixty an hour, one every minute. Boy, that makes you think, doesn't it, Cindy?
The number one cause of death is lung cancer -- that's true for both sexes -- and what causes the majority of lung cancer deaths, of course, is smoking; eighty-five percent of lung cancer deaths are associated with smoking. That gives you a little clue as to where we're headed with this discussion today -- the causes of cancer.
Cancer is a complicated disease. There are over 100 types of cancer.
Ninety percent (90%) of all types of cancer are caused by environmental toxic exposure. Ninety percent. Things in our environment. Things we put into our body. Chemicals we put into our clothes. Chemicals we put on our body. Chemicals we put into our bodies. Chemicals we spray on our foods. Smoke we inhale. Pollution we inhale. See? Ninety percent are due to these agents, and that includes -- and I think you have to think of it this way -- bad diet, that's a part of our environment. Ninety percent!
Forty percent of all cancer deaths are due to malnutrition. Cancer is a wasting disease. How often have you heard of the case where, Mrs. Jones, for example; she had a terrible struggle for 5 years. She died, she passed away, yet there was no cancer in her when she died. See? The treatments for cancer -- chemotherapy, radiation and surgery -- are aggressive and toxic, and very difficult to endure. Many people die, cancer-free, as a consequence, or complications of the treatment.
What we try to achieve in complimentary cancer care is to negate those side effects, do things so that you can endure your cancer treatment, so that you can get through that cancer treatment, and still be alive at the end of it, and strong enough to recover.
Cancer is a wasting disease. We have to get you through this tough period of time. Understand that we can speak freely, because we've been through this, not only with dozens of patients, but cancer has affected me personally. I'm willing to make some statements that some people may not be willing to say. You learn a few things when you go through cancer . . .
For many with a diagnosis of cancer, it comes with great anxiety. When you realize you may have to face your own death, and you're given time to ponder the implication -- see, cancer is not like a near-death on the highway where a truck almost takes you out; that happens too quick. You have time to think,
"Well, have I done in my life what I wanted to do? Have I treated people fairly? What did I leave in my path, in my way; was it hope, and celebration, or was it despair, and sorrow, and pain?"
You know, you have to go through these things with cancer; it makes you think, and it's a tough thing.
One of the primary things, most important things to do, when you're diagnosed with cancer is understand there's a lot of stress here, and you may be told that will not survive 5 years. You go into the doctor, and says, "You have a bad cancer Ma'am, pancreatic cancer for example, it's a tough one. You may be told you will not be alive in 5 years. Then, you must realize that, on your way home from that diagnosis, you could be killed in a car accident. This perception, this balance of reality of life helps you to realize that our daily goal should be to live an abundant life, not just to avoid death, because we ALL die. Okay? And the time of our death is in God's hands; we need to leave that in God's hands. Our job is to live an abundant life to the best of our ability.
Cindy: Well, that is why today's message is one of hope, Richard. That's what we want to give everyone, is some things they can really -- I like to say, the meat of the matter. Let's get right down to it, and let's get something we can put our hands around -- there is hope.
II. HAVING A HOPEFUL, POSITIVE ATTITUDE WHILE FACING A HORRIFYING DISEASE
Dr. Becker: Absolute, hope. More people are beating this disease than ever. We have a better understanding. There are new discoveries on the horizon. Just in the last 10 years we know so much more about how to help people with cancer. A greater depth of knowledge, of the causes of cancer, how to support the cancer patients and true cures, the principles of holism are gaining acceptance throughout the entire world, not just in our country, and this is in part due to the diligent effort of scientists, but also, the diligent effort of cancer patients. I'm thinking of Lance Armstrong -- he just popped in my head. Look at the profile he has taken since his testicular cancer. He is the poster boy for cancer, now. He has worked tirelessly to get this information out, make people more aware. Cancer patients are finding cures for this disease; it's not just our scientists. It's important to understand that. You can learn a lot by talking to a cancer patient.
Every year, thousands beat this disease, and you can be one of them. You can come out of this being a better person than you ever were before. There's a Chinese character that helps you understand what I'm talking about. If the Chinese want to express a crisis, they use 2 characters -- one character is "danger"; a crisis is absolutely danger; who knows what may come from this peril. But, they use a second character, a character that means "opportunity", and cancer is an opportunity to take inventory and change your life. It is a strong motivator to correct the wrongs in your life. And you can come to the point where you do eventually say,
"You know, this is one of the better things that has ever happened to me. Yeah, I went through some tough times, but I'm in a better spot than I've been today."
Even if you only survive for a year, 2 years, 3 years, you come to understand things in your life that -- maybe -- you did not before.
So, this is the attitude I want you to have, this is the attitude of success, and opportunity. This lightens our burden, and it relieves that tunnel vision where we're always thinking about cancer, and we're focusing on living a fulfilling life.
See: that's the place we begin with our cancer treatment.
Cindy: . . .these are the same things you can do for prevention
Dr. Becker: Very good point.
Cindy: We want to take this from Day 1, and go on. Now, Richard, we learned that over 90% of all cancers are a direct result of environmental toxins.
Dr. Becker: Absolutely.
Cindy: That's what's around us in our world everyday.
Dr. Becker: The world is so different today. When I was a kid in the ‘50's and the 60's -- so imagine Grandpa Leonard, who was born in 1902, to a horse and buggy, who died a few years ago at 99 -- the changes he went through.
Cindy: We try, and fight this. I've got to say that the food industry is trying.
Dr. Becker: Yes, they are.
Cindy: There are a lot more organic foods available in regular, mainstream grocery stores, that's true. But, what about all of the foods that are imported? They aren't regulated.
Dr. Becker: They haven't restricted pesticides like we have in our country.
Cindy: Right! But, they're selling it to us!
Dr. Becker: Yeah. Yes, they are. It's a problem.
Cindy: Anyway. Where do we start?
Dr. Becker: Well, we want to provide hope and support, but we have to be honest about this. Don't pull punches. Let's be truthful about it. Honesty fosters hope and confidence. Understand that the average 80 year old has fought off cancer 6 times in his life, and been successful. Well . . .the 7th time . . .he's struggling. We've got to get him back to where his immune system is strong, so we build him up, and remove this toxic exposure, maybe he can fight it off the 7th time. With a little help from God above, maybe he'll make that; that's the hope we have.
Keep a good attitude here. Don't give up on this, even to the last day. Just as Job kept a good spirit going. Our attitude dictates our course; talk to any oncology nurse, they'll tell you that people who beat this disease work HARD to maintain a good attitude. No one's perfect, you're going to have rough days, but try to pull yourself up, and stay positive with this type of thing. Psalms 18:14 states,
"A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear it."
Boy, is that not true, Cindy? Is that not true? And I know it's hard, but we work hard to keep our attitude up, and get you through that.
Become informed, become proactive. Knowledge is power. Loved ones can help you with this. Understand that the majority of Americans now are using complimentary means to support the cancer care. That was in the news today -- the majority!
Cindy: Okay. Right. Just stop there for one second. This is something that you probably don't know the answer, but I want you to find it for everybody else. You said , you were talking about, and this is so true, "become informed", "knowledge is power", or "loved ones can help". How many people are going through cancer by themselves?
Dr. Becker: Oh, I don't know. There's got to be thousands who are isolated and alone (groans) . . .and they're single . . .yes.
Cindy: Because, if we have these huge numbers, how many are going through the treatment, and their single?
Dr. Becker: Yes, widows, widowers Oh, that's a tough road.
Cindy: Yes. Whatever circumstance, they're alone.
Dr. Becker: Oh, that's a tough road.
Cindy: So, let's explore that, okay?
Dr. Becker: Let's do. Let's see. Let's see what we can do about that, okay?
Cindy: Because, this is something that I want everyone to know is that when we say that loved ones can help so much of this has got to do with, you've got to have a support system. So, if you're home by yourself, and you're fighting cancer, there are groups, support groups, so you want to be sure you search that out, and get that phone line, CALL that support group, take advantage of it, because they're there to help you.
Dr. Becker: Yes. The commonality of alternative complimentary medicine, what this means to you is that there's someone in your town that's been through this now who says, "Learn what I've learned", and you can share this knowledge.
Cindy: Or they will go so far as they will take you to your treatments . . .
Dr. Becker: Absolutely.
Cindy: . . .and help you.
Dr. Becker: Seek second opinions. If you do not feel comfortable with what you're being told, LISTEN TO THAT FEELING. It can be very intimidating, being put in front of a world-renowned expert who tells you what you have, and yet deep inside you say, "this doesn't make sense to me". If that happens to you, confirm that original diagnosis with a second opinion. If you need a third opinion, get that. But, come to a consensus, okay?
Integrate all aspects of modern science from homeopathy, nutrition, osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy, standard treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Basically, what chemo-radiation surgery does is it lightens your tumor load.
We're trying to cut out as much tumor as possible. We're trying to radiate as much out, kill as much as possible. Chemotherapy and poison as much of that tumor as possible, so your immune system can come in, and finish the job. The standard treatments do not cure in that respect; it's your immune system that finishes this job, okay? You must have a strong immune system to win this battle. But, we use chemo-radiation surgery to lessen the tumor burden. We use alternative methods, complimentary methods to keep you alive and strong and physically fit, and immune-strong to finish the job.
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[My Note: People, are you beginning to see why I'm so big on probiotics?]
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Cindy: Richard, if you're going to have a strong immune system to beat cancer, then why are the doctors telling people not to take vitamins and dietary supplements when going through chemo?
Dr. Becker: (Groans) It's based on bad science . . .
Cindy: But I hear this over and again.
Dr. Becker: . . .and we have learned this through Dr. Blaylock with his studies. It's based on bad science. One article becomes doctrine, truth, when it's not based in fact, and we're seeing it over and over. We have some good books to help you understand how to deal with that, and we'll get to that in our recommendation list.
But, yes -- it's an ongoing problem; I'm just going to be very frank about it. it's because the oncology doctors don't study what we study. They have their hands full with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and diagnostics. We want them to do that. But, we have other doctors who are becoming specialists and experts in these complimentary measures. We need to integrate together; now, you got a system that works, folks. Now, you've got it.
Clean up the environment.
Stop the bad habits. How can you hope to beat lung cancer if you keep smoking? See? That example helps you to think in terms for all things.
Like some of the cleaning agents we use. Honey, did you know that they put anti-flame retardants today, and kids tested to see if they have blood levels to see if they have levels of this flame retardant; all kids have it in their bloodstream -- at 50 times higher than the European nations. What does this chemical do to us? Well, we've got to clean that stuff out. We've got to get it out of the home -- and the pesticides, and the bug sprays -- all these things are very important to clean it up.
Remove the dust mold. Clean the carpets. Do all this stuff. It's very, very important. Let's move on to the next thing.
Choose to be happy. Choose to be happy -- put in the comedy, the uplifting show, the show that ends on a high note with a happy spirit. Don't immerse yourself in the sadness of life. It's there. We all know it's there. Focus on the positive. Choose to be happy. Be around people who love to laugh, who love to be upbeat, and share their spirit of love, and success. Keep up your hobbies, and your social activities to the best of your ability. This will give you a sense of normalcy. Say,
"Yeah, I've got cancer, but I'm still going to the Gardening Club Meeting." or to the prayer meeting, or whatever it is you like to do. "I'm still going to do that type of thing."
Gentle exercise. Folks, the benefits of exercise -- let me just give you a quick fact: women with breast cancer who get out and walk 20, 30, 40 minutes a day, 3 or 4 times a week? They're like 70% more likely to be alive in 5 years, just from walking. That‘s why we have, The March for the Cure.
The Susan G. Koemen Foundation to get the ladies out to move -- get them moving -- because exercise improves your odds of beating this disease. Very important.
Enjoy sunlight on your face. Vitamin D is a huge cancer-fighting vitamin. Actually, it's a hormone that our skin makes in response to sun exposure.
A study from Finland just showed if people in the northern latitudes would double their Vitamin D levels, we'd cut our cancer rates about 40% -- just from Vitamin D, and we've been slathering sun screen over us, for what? About 30 years now? And I don't want you to burn. The point is we need more Vitamin D. The sun can give that to you for free.
Avoid sick and contagious people. As the holidays approach, it's not the time to go out shopping, maybe. You get the influenza, or maybe pneumonia, maybe cancer patients actually die from infections.
III. NUTRITIONAL MEASURES FOR CANCER
Cindy: . . .now Richard, we're starting to go through the, what we call the nutritional measures for cancer, which starts, of course with diet, and all of these things we can that we can do at home.
What do we need to do, because we want to beat this disease?
Dr. Becker: One of the most common questions we're asked is,
"What type of diet should I eat if I have cancer?"
Cindy: Exactly.
Dr. Becker: It's very simple in concept. The idea is that we want to have a low sugar diet, and we're basing this on Nobel Prize winning research by Otto Warburg in 1931 . . .
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[My note: The information below might ultimately convince you to let the sugar alone.]
Otto Heinrich Warburg (1931) Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
"Cancer, above all other diseases, has countless secondary causes. But, even for cancer, there is only one prime cause. Summarized in a few words, the prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar." -- Dr. Otto H. Warburg in Lecture
"The Prime Cause and Prevention of Cancer" (Warburg)
http://www.actualcures.com/cancer-cause-nobel-prize-winner/
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,742570,00.html
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Dr. Becker: . . .seventy-seven years ago this man won a Nobel Prize for coming to understand that cancer cells need glucose to survive. They're dependent on it; they have to have it. We can use proteins and fats to drive energy, but cancer really needs that sugar -- the glucose. And so, the idea is to -- kind of -- in concept, treat yourself as though you're a diabetic. Now, that doesn't mean you use insulin, or hypoglycemic drugs. That just means you're not eating candy bars. You're eating healthy foods that are low in sugar, naturally. You don't want to feed this disease. And when people say,
"That's old science. There's no merit to that."
Well, you can respond and say,
"You know, my doctor did a pet scan on me to determine where my tumor cells were. And what he did is he took radioactive glucose, it's labelled with radioactive molecules, so they could light up on a test, he injected that into me, and my tumor cells sucked up that sugar, that glucose, and it lit up on the test."
That concept, that pet scan proves the theory, that tumor cells take up glucose, and use it for fuel.
So, we just don't want to feed it sugar.
Juicing is wonderful. Just use low sugar fruits.
Vegetables. Low sugar fruits and vegetables. Many a cancer patient has sustained themselves on juicing with fruits and vegetables. Plus, you're unlocking the phytochemicals, the bioflavonoids of these plants, releasing them from their cellulose structure, their binding, making it more available for your body to use to fight cancer.
We had in the news today that grapeseed extract, Resveratrol from the grape helps to fight pancreatic cancer. Cancer researchers are saying, "Go ahead, compliment your standard treatments with some Resveratrol and grape product to help you. It's safe to do that; it's been released."
That's what we're talking about. These special substances in plants, in fruits, in vegetables, that we use as foods help to prevent cancer, and help our body to fight it.
Remember the guy whose had it 6 times at 80 years of age. We've got to get you back to where you can fight it off the 7th time.
Protein. Cancer is a wasting disease. Eating beef steak when you've just had chemotherapy, and you're nauseous, and nothing looks good is hard to do. Think about it. Protein foods are harder to chew, they're harder to digest, and when you're struggling with chemotherapy, it's not hard to imagine how we can get low in protein. So Cindy, you helped me with this when I was feeling punky . . .
Cindy: That's when I started you on brown rice protein. Now, why brown rice? Because, it's the least allergen. A lot of things are hard. You can't keep it down. Brown rice is soooo soothing to the system. So, I gave you our low allergy vitamin with the rice blend with this protein powder, and there's like 17 grams of protein per serving, so you get that nutrition you need, but you also have that soothiness -- your body felt like you some real food, even though it was just a liquid.
Dr. Becker: Maybe all you can do is sip on your smoothie, but you're still getting a little nutrition in there, keeping it going, then you're not so nauseous.
Cindy: And you kept it down.
Dr. Becker: Absolutely. See, that makes all the difference in the world.
Water. Plenty of good, clean water. Green tea is one of your beverages of choice, because green tea has antioxidants that help us fight cancer, like the grape extracts. Coffee -- not so good with that. And, I'm not saying you have to stop coffee, but please include green tea in your plan.
Cindy: Now, for some reason, we found green tea easier to digest as well.
Dr. Becker: Yes. It's a little easier on the system. And it has a little caffeine, because so many of us are used to having caffeine, so consider green tea as a replacement to the coffee.
And definitely no sodas. You don't need the sugar, and you don't need the chemical in the artificially sweetened sodas. Okay? I'd be careful with that.
How about a little omega 3 supplementation? This is an essential nutrient. We're not eating much food in cancer treatment, typically. Having a fish oil, of flaxseed oil, especially for a certain type of cancer, and I'll explain in am moment about that -- omega 3 support.
Immune support is critical. Remember: cancer is an immune disease. If we can boost up your immune system, we can make a big difference. We do that with several things:
Noni juice. I'm reminded of the University of Hawaii study, that took terminal cancer patients -- and I want to be very direct and forthright with this. These are patients who had been told by their doctors there is nothing we can do, go home, put your affairs in order -- that‘s the type of patient we‘re talking about. This is the type the University of Hawaii studied. They gave these people Noni juice, and they found after following them for 18 months, 2 years, that those who included Noni juice in their cancer supplement plan, they reported a higher quality of life -- less pain. They were able to get around better It was worth the effort to take the Noni juice; my life was better for it. It also boost the immune system.
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[My note: I second everything Dr. Becker said. I was also told, in an offhand way, that I was terminal. NOT!!! I take Noni daily. One thing he didn't mention is that it also works to decrease inflammation. My sister-in-law, who is from the Philippines, is always quick to remind me to take my "medicine" when she visits, as that is what they consider Noni over there. Noni is IMPORTANT.]
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Don't forget your beta glucans. We get this as a stand-alone product beta glucan or from the maitake, shitake, rishi and AbM mushrooms. These mushrooms have been used in the Chinese and the Japanese cultures for hundreds of years. Modern science is beginning to explain how it boosts the immune system, and it's through beta glucans. It is really amazing, and the best way to do it is to combine them. I want to say those names one more time:
Maitake
Shitake
Rishi
AbM
That combination works very well together.
Don't forget your Inositol, IP-6, astragalus, milk thistle. All of those tolerate your chemotherapy better, while boosting your immune system.
Noni juice
Beta glucan
The mushroom group
Inositol
Astragalus, and
Milk thistle
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IV. CARDIOVASCULAR CARE AND CANCER**
Cindy: Richard, you have a story -- a personal story -- about your cardiovascular care when you had cancer.
Dr. Becker: Yes, many of our chemotherapy agents damage the heart . . .several of them can do this type of thing, and one theory is that the toxic effect of chemotherapy on the liver lessens its ability to make CoQ10 -- because that's where we make the majority of our CoQ10 -- and as our CoQ10 levels drop, it effects our heart, and we develop myopathy, a heart disease condition, due to chemotherapy.
Well, we can take some steps to lessen that possibility. Studies have shown it to be very effective.
Now, we mentioned before that milk thistle allows you to tolerate chemotherapy better, because of its liver-protecting effect. It also helps protect from heart complications because we're putting a shield around our liver. See, that's how that works. So, a little milk thistle, before the chemotherapy helps to shield the heart. Then, we can take a little CoQ10, and L-carnitine to supplement and maintain those levels so our heart has plenty of energy to get through this time of stress.
See, that's the idea: we're trying to get through the toxic stage of chemotherapy, radiation surgery
Cindy: So, you're saying as a protocol, if I'm going through chemo, my cancer is one of the ones I'm given chemo for, just to get on milk thistle, and stay on it during treatment.
Dr. Becker: Yes, yes!!! Studies have shown we tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy better with both astragalus and milk thistle. So, not only are we boosting our immune response, protecting our liver, but we're lessening those chemo side effects.
Now, it's not a cake walk. It's still a tough challenge to get through chemotherapy, but this is how we help to protect ourselves.
Don't forget melatonin. Chemotherapy, radiation -- all of this can have a profound effect on our brain, our hormone cycles, our circadian rhythms, which induce our sleep cycle. I think we all know if you can't sleep, how do you get well? It's hard to get over a cold or a flu if you can't sleep. Imagine cancer. So, a little melatonin -- it's over the counter, it's a supplement, it's safe to use, just not in little kids. Little kids should not use melatonin; adults from 18-20 up -- yes, and the older you are, the more likely you're going to need the melatonin, anywhere from .3 to 24 milligrams an half hour or so before bedtime. It makes a big difference.
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My note: Uh-huh. Y'all are HARDHEADED. Walking around, pacing, can't sleep at night. I've been telling y'all this about melatonin!!! You tell ‘em, Doc. NOW!!!
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Dr. Becker: Don't forget your grapeseed extracted supplements -- your Resveratrol, your opc grapeseed extract. This is just tremendous. We do a whole program on grapeseed extract, and grapeskin extract Resveratrol where we discuss the medicinal properties, the nutritional support properties of this supplement. At this point and time, this is just what you need, and particularly what we saw in the news, particularly helpful for the tough pancreatic cancers, but I recommend it for all. Okay?
Probiotics and fiber? During cancer we have pain. Pain means you need a pain medicine, and typically we have to rely -- many times -- on narcotics. Narcotics are constipating, aren't they? Yes. When you take a narcotic everyday, most people become constipated. To maintain the regularity, you need a little fiber agent, a little Senekot, a natural stimulant; many cancer patients will need that. We want most people to avoid stimulant laxatives, but in cancer you've got to keep the bowels moving, especially if you're using a narcotic, so in many cases a Senekot is appropriate.
Probiotics, glaucomannan fiber help to maintain that gut flora; it's so important in our immune system. It's all about the immunity, right?
Cindy: Right. It sure is. Richard, a lot of the chemotherapies include some sort of steroid . . .
Dr. Becker: Yes, they do.
Cindy: . . .and, what does that do? It leaves you wide open for yeast or fungus [Dr, Becker groaning again]. I don't know how. I've never seen anyone really take the steroids, and not really have some sort of candida problem.
Dr. Becker: Well, probably the most common infectious agent that strikes the cancer patient is yeast fungi, due to the immune compromised state, the cancer -- and it's therapies -- cause.
So, maintaining an agent that helps suppress yeast, and fungi growth is a good idea. We're talking about safe, non-toxic things like,
Oil of oregano*
Olive leaf
Grapefruit seed extract -- another good one to use.
Probiotics are helpful for this
Astragalus has some anti-yeast properties
I think the best one, if I could only do one would be the oil of oregano. It's tremendous, plus it's a powerful anti-oxidant.
*[My note: Dr. Becker didn't elaborate, but if you are going to spend money buying oil or oregano -- and it's expensive -- make sure your money isn't wasted. Make sure that the bottle says "WILD" oil of oregano. Price comparison: The health food stores in California sell Wild oil of oregano for $70-$80 an ounce. Becker sells it at $25 for ¾ an ounce; you do the math. Plus, he's got an Autumn sale going on now, so it's probably cheaper. I have plenty for the moment. His contact information is at the bottom of this article. Wild oil or oregano is the oil from an herb (hyssop), and is a natural antibiotic that may be taken EVERYDAY for the rest of your life topically, or internally, without concern of any bacteria or germs outsmarting it. Drug companies won't tell you this, though.
P.S. I don't seem to get infections anymore.
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Dr. Becker: Now, there are some other nutrients. I think it's a good idea to be on a good multiple vitamin and mineral; we need those. If you decide to do mega doses of vitamins, please do that with your doctor. Have a doctor knowledgeable and experienced in mega doses. I'm talking about if you want to take 30, 40, 50 grams of Vitamin C -- and people are doing this. Now, I don't have a problem with that. Studies have shown that a cancer patient can tolerate that, but do that with a doctor, because that's a big dose. Okay? But, a standard dose of multiple vitamin and mineral is fine for most cancer patients. Okay?
Tumeric and quercetin? Honourable mention as agents for the cancer patients.
Berry seed ellagic acid. Juice with berries release this special component from berries; it has this strong anti-cancer properties.
Chili peppers, and pomegranate. Especially for the prostrate cancer patient. This pomegranate is tremendous; it helps to maintain and lower PSA level. It triples or quadruples the time for doubling of the PSA. Very important for the prostrate cancer.
Indole-3-carbinole: the cabbage extract. Liver, breast, colon cancer, prostate cancer. Absolutely
Flaxseed lignants. The omega 3 source -- flaxseed oil. It's lignants has been shown to help with breast cancers, uterine cancer, ovarian, and prostrate cancers, through the hormone modulation.
And one word of caution: do not seek out promises or cures in distant lands. Most of the world's population wants to come right here when they're sick. We have it here. You just have to find it.
_____________________________________________________
[My Note: **Dr. Becker stays in close contact, and often has, as his guest, a world renowned, board-ceritified cardiologist out of Connecticut, named Stephen Sinatra (MD, FACC, FACN, CNS).
What Dr. Becker is citing to you is not based on his own specialty, but based primarily on the lifelong work of Dr. Sinatra. I have been waiting, and waiting and WAITING for Dr. Sinatra to reappear on the program again The man's prescription for preventing heart disease is absolutely AMAZING, and I would dare say very successful IF (key word being "IF") followed just as Dr. Sinatra directs!!!
Dr. Becker has a host of specialist friends/associates which are on his program from time to time.]
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V. CONTACTS
I want to put up several contact points for you:
Dr. Stanislaus Burzynski. The Burzynski Clinic in Houston . . . . This is an alternative care specialist, outstanding track record in Houston, cures when people never thought they could be.
www.burzynskiclinic.com (713) 335-5697Also, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America have been outstanding. We have a longstanding relationship with them. They work HARD to integrate your cancer care.
1-800-268-0786 -- Cancer Treatment Centers of America
__________________________________________________
My note: Dr. Becker leaves out ONE important contact -- his own;
Customer service: 800-442-6161
Go here to see if his syndicated program -- "Your Health" -- airs in your area. It was one of the best things I've EVER done . . .for MY health, and keep in mind that I'm not all that crazy about doctors.
If you would like a videotape/DVD of this program for yourself, call customer service, and provide this information:
Show: #08-073
Complimentary Cancer Care
____________________________________________________
VI. BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
My Note:
Books that Dr. Becker recommended, and is sending to a caller, FREE, who has cancer:
"Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients" by Dr. Russell Blaylock
"Beating Cancer With Nutrition" by Patrick Quillin, PhD, RD, CNS
"Foundations For Healing" by Dr. Richard Becker
_____________________________________________________
My note: Whenever a caller gets through to speak with Dr. Becker on the call-in line, whatever products, books, etc. that he recommends, providing that they are in his inventory, OR if his guest has the product or book, are shipped to the caller totally free of charge. More than anything, and hopefully, like most doctors, they are wanting to help these people.
__________________________________________
Sources: All incorporated in the article, except for my tired, typing fingers.
___________________________________________________
VII. JOURNEYS
Dedicated to those going through it:
Baiden Farrell, and family: Joanna, Ian and Ciaran
Ellen B.
Karl Leuba
Troy W.
Others of those I may not be aware.
My support:
I find it interesting that many of you commented on my "Journeys" article. Some of you saw the article, and chose not to comment. I love it -- that we are all sharing some type of wondrous experience -- a Journey meant to be; no, it is not coincidence.
Alison Pearce -- www.aliree.gather.com -- Thank you for EVERYTHING, especially your books -- "Touching Blue Again" and "Expressions". Please never feel that we Americans are unwelcoming, as we need the objective perspective of our friends -- such as you from "Down Under" -- to keep our vision not so tunneled. Americans are a welcoming people.
____________________
Bhawana -- www.bhawana.gather.com and Alok, Vatsalya, and Vishesh -- My Little Sister with the huge heart, rare artistic gifts and the tenacity of the Energizer Bunny.
It takes one look at your photo, and I smile like the Cheshire cat. You would be medicine to any ailing soul.
____________________
Carol Lloyd -- www.cyberdrifter.gather.com -- The Politician, and the Devil's Advocate. Whose idea was it to take you away from D.C.? Huge mistake. It's ingrained in every cell and fiber of your being. Anyone want to see a miracle? If Carol Lloyd is ever on her deathbed, simply say "McCain/Obama" or "politics", and she'll be up, and running faster than Marian Jones. Thank you for your friendship.
____________________
Doc -- www.bookman.gather.com -- LOYAL FRIEND. Survivor in the face of adversity. For someone I've never met, I've never known a loyaler friend. For someone who feels he doesn't have a family, I've never known more people who feel more connected to him. As you know, and as I know, if you can get through what you've gone through this last year, Doc, you can get through ANYTHING, and you will. Strength of character, mind, and soul!
____________________
Donna h.
www.donna42mass.gather.com -- Two words from you that make my day. I hope the same words back at you make yours: hi donna!
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Jean, just the teensiest bit odd, F. -- www.piscesptah.gather.com -- THE Gather reference encyclopedia for wildlife -- animal life, plant life, and especially Northern California, Napa/Sonoma historical knowledge, including WINES (yummy!). Can't touch this. You go, Girl!
--------------------------------
Jeff H. -- www.harland.gather.com -- a classic example of two friends who may disagree politically, but still remain the best of friends. Herein is proof of the concept, "Disagreeing without being disagreeable." I am his "Solskinn", and he is mine. Takk, Jeff!
---------------------------------
Judi J. http://www.xpressyourself.gather.com/pressyourself.gather.com -- I love your positivity. It exudes from you, Judi, and takes all of the air out of a room, even in cyberspace. Thank God that it does. You are exactly the attitude, the height, and the depth of what the cancer patient would need in his/her life to keep themselves focused with the proper perspective.
--------------------------------
Karen and Bruce E. --
www.karenerdmann.gather.com -- a sweet spirit, and healing/medicine is the perfect profession for you.
---------------------------------
Kath M. www.phoenix49.gather.com -- Natalie's Mom! Thank you for your support, in times past, and always.
---------------------------------
Kay M. www.kay85.gather.com -- The Quiet Little Storm. Don't let size fool you here. I wouldn't mess with her. I believe she speaks softly and carries a HUGE punch, and yes; I also believe her bite is worse than her bark.
______________________
Robyn F. -- www.rmlf1.gather.com -- One of my two favorite Kitty Cat Ladies.
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Ron B. -- www.rcblove66.gather.com -- I have been trying to put a handle, a fix on just where this one was coming from. I knew, but I didn't have a name for it, until yesterday. Then suddenly, what was always there in the back of my mind, surfaced . . . GOT IT!
THE GATHER PAUL NEWMAN!
Who's going to deny that. Everything about this guy is Paul Newman! Is there any wonder the ladies love him?
----------------------------------------
Sandy Knauer -- www.sandyknauer.gather.com -- You have one of the classiest, but simple and modest Icons on Gather. It is an American Mona Lisa of our History -- a lovely elderly lady, not haggardly, not bent, crooked, or beaten up by time or circumstance, but a woman who sits straight, authoritative, and proud. She is definitely a Matriarch in her family, a woman to be listened to, and from whom to learn -- a sage. She tells people what to do, and they do it, but because that is the way it has always been.Simple elegance. No frills. No pretense. No masks; no need for any of that, for she is a woman of confidence. I fancy her a Southern lady, with proper Southern manners, who treats EVERYONE with respect, and expects the same in return. I like her.
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Tom Hunter -- www.curmudgeon99.gather.com -- Passion, and Intensity. The Benevolent Atheist. What's interesting about you, Tom, is that you have such a kind and giving heart, you try to see the good in nearly everyone, you want to live and let live, and you have an intense love for nature and wish to preserve it. But you express much of your passion and intensity through your painting, so that it is often where a person must go to really see YOU -- your writing and your art.Now, here is the shocker: the principles that Jesus taught? I see more of them in you than I see in many self-declared "Christians". That may not make you happy -- I don't know; I'm not sure how I feel, but for those saying they are Christians, that you shine the "light" more so than they? It fascinates me. Still, I respect your right to your belief system, as you and other Atheists merely wish Christians to respect yours.
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Valerie M. www.valerie2350.gather.com -- My Animal and Kitty Lover. My fellow "happy" person, AND the Classic lovely "Southern California Girl". Ooooh, yeah!I can roll with you on just about anything, Valerieeeeeee! I cannot roll with you on those thieving racoons and those tarantulas. Otherwise . . .
La la la la!
La la la la!
____________________________
Wanda H. www.aries18.gather.com Mayor of Maunaville, and Northern California expert. Also, like an older sister, she keeps me in line. Quickly, Wanda, quickly! What the heck is so special about May 17th? I got it! My nephew, Keith, was born the next day, right? Namaste!
___________________________
Dedicated to ALL my Connections and those who may someday face this, but here's hoping when that 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th or even 7th time approaches, your immune system tells you:
"Not a problem; I got this."
and says to the "invader",
"MOVE ON, CANCER, MOVE ON!!!"
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Comments: 34
Jennifer,
When I embarked on this task, my sis (who has all kinds of science credentials) became very passionate about it. She has a real problem with the drug companies, although she did receive some kind of grant (for either her Ph.D. or Masters) from Merck (oh, don't they love to make friends with the potential biochemists).
The truth that we spoke of, is that there is almost always a natural remedy, but we -- as a society, just do not know what they are. We've lost touch with nature, and call less "sophisticated" societies, "primitive", when in reality, they know more in these areas than do we. I'm glad you are better, Jennifer!
I sincerely hope (and I believe) this is going to help somebody. Even if it is just one person, then wonderful. I don't even need to know; that person shall know!
Thanks, Ron!
The information, ideas and tips are very helpful. I sense your inner resolve and strength and it's a powerful thing.
This had a lot of very interesting infomation that I would like to have as a resource.
Great article, I appreciate your zeal and enthusiasm.
LOL at Ron aka Gathers Paul Newman. Yeah, he is a cutie. shhh, don't tell him though. He thinks no one has a crush on him. ;o) Its nice that he is a nice guy, smart AND intelligent. But my favorite part is how he sports those beads. *sigh*
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Just Me,
Thank you as well. That inner resolve came from being sick and tired of being sick and tired, and with my mother gone, I was . . .ON MY OWN. I needed RESULTS, and by golly, I found some, and then MORE!
Thank you again!
________________________
Wanda,
big LITTLE Sis. Okay! Okay! I shall check and see what I might discover about Hep C. Keeping in mind that I would be surprised if Doc Becker does not air in your area. Keep in mind that, when callers are calling in to the program, they ask him ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, so there's no telling what the question shall be. Although I do have Tivo, DV-R, there are only so many programs they can store. For example, today's program was on . . .okay, today's program is one where he's just taking calls from the callers -- a mixed pot. Cool, huh? No specific topic. I'll check on Hep C, but since you have turned off the ping feature, I shall email you!
Thanks, Selene!
That was not the focus, but it was in there, and I am depressed already. I see a doctor every 6 months to check about the possibility of a return of the tumors. AND I went to the hospital today to find that I have a maybe cancer, that might not actually be there, and the only way to find out is a dangerous but minor exploratory surgery to biopsy the tissues. AND IT IS GHANDI'S BIRTHDAY.
Neeetah nothing could have been more timely for me personally. Thanks for posting it.
I think lymphoma was the same cancer that Dr. Becker had, wasn't it. Also, what happened to your dad, isn't that exactly what Dr. Becker spoke of -- the complications that lead up to death?
Fortifying the immune system to fight off disease.
I have a machine here now that helps to prevent that fluid build up -- the hospital gave it to me after my last stay there, which I thought was very nice.
Then too, antibiotics. There should ALWAYS be a counter of PRObiotics to counter the negative effects of antibiotics, else antiobiotics destroy the good, immune fighting bacteria in the intestines.
I guess the point is now moot, unfortunately, but these things are basic. They weren't basic to me 3 years ago, although I wish they were.
Interestingly enough, when I was running around asking doctors in -- thinking of the year -- 2006, yes!
I was telling SPECIALISTS, as well as my OWN doctors, who shall ALL remain nameless, that I thought I had intestinal dysbiosis, none of them knew WHAT I was talking about.
Dr. Becker knew. It was from him that I got the knowledge about intestinal dysbiosis.
I KNOW Russian doctors knew, and probably many European doctors, too. Our doctors had to play catch up. Probably, if I said it to my doctor, and those other doctors now, they would know what it is.
We have got to become more active in our own health care and also more informed.
~Lady Neeetah of California~
Since I know of others suffering from hepatitis C, straight from Dr. Becker, I'll not only email you this, but put it on the thread, too:
--Milk thistle
--Probiotics
--Glucomannan Fiber
--Multiple Vitamin and Mineral (now Dr. Becker's blends come with all of what I'm about to give you, but just in case you don't use one of his blends here they are separately:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Calcium
Magnesium
Selenium
Zinc
-- Digested enzymes with biosalt
--Noni juice
--Alpha lipoic acid
--Garlic
--Indole-3 Carbinole
--Sam e
--Oil of oregano
--Grapeseed extract
--Olive leaf extract
_______________________________
What Dr. Becker has done has prepared prescriptions/protocols for certain diseases. He has trained staff that take calls at 1-888-442-6161. You tell them your problem, and they have a list that he has prepared for certain ailments and they read this information to you, as they have just done with me, for hep c.
The person I spoke with was "Crystal" (always get the name of the person with whom you speak). Their hours are Central time hours, so I was sure to get to them BEFORE 3:00 p.m. my time or 5:00 p.m. Central time.
By the way, the Autumn (or "Fall" sale, as they are calling it), is over midnight tomorrow.
Wanda, I am confident this information -- if your son uses it, shall help.
Almost forgot: I asked about programming. Their website shows, FamilyNet, but I don't watch their program on FamilyNet myself, so here is what Crystal told me:
Call the aforementioned toll free number, and they shall be happy to tell you if, and where their program is being aired in your area.
For you, I did inquire Wanda, and here is what I got --
The city closest to you is Sacramento,
on A.T.&T. Digital
Channels 566,
and 567
also on Impact Television Network, Channel 256.
I would imagine that the Crescent City area probably does get Sacramento channels, don't they?
Here is the blog discussing Dr. Becker, as well as my article:
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/danmalcore/vpost?id=2609803
Heh, heh, heh!
So, thank you again, Wanda! Were it not for you, I would have NEVER known. I shall incorporate that article -- on kidney stones -- or at least the link, into this article!
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Thank YOU, Alison!
___________________________________
You are welcome, donna. We ditto to each other!!!
I thank you for the article. Don't know if you know this, but I am a cancer survivor, more than once.
For certain, this information shall help. Blessings to Betty. Like Dr. Becker says, if she survives the treatments, then the complimentary care is crucial for her. I truly wish her, you, your dad, and your entire family well.
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Sandy,
I know I pegged your Grandmother. She's awesome. One thing's for sure: my attitude around her would have definitely been,
"Yes, Ma'am.
No, Ma'am.
Please, Ma'am
Thank you, Ma'am"
-- according her the respect that she obviously demanded, and deserved.
I read a book a long time ago from a guy that said he beat cancer -- TERMINAL CANCER -- by watching comedies all day long, and laughing, laughing, laughing . . .
He was not able to get out of bed, and the tumors were on the back of his body. He felt that was good, because the did not want to notice anything about them.
So, though even while in pain, he focussed on the comedies and laughter.
One day, they checked, and the tumors WERE GONE!!!
The doctors could not understand why, for this gentleman refused treatments -- chemo, radiation, like that.
He credited his cure to laughter; it may not be "scientific", but he believes it worked for him. Did you notice how much attention Dr. Becker gave to it?
When all hope was gone for my father, he was referred to Stanford Medical Center. They did all their tests, etc., etc.
When all was done, done, and all was said, the HEAD of Oncology there at Stanford came in to speak with my parents.
Prognosis: Absolutely and positively NO HOPE, NO HOW, and NO WAY.
My dad asked the doctor if there was nothing, anything that could be done, and here was what he was told:
"Mr. W______. In a case like yours, in my career as a doctor, I have only seen one thing that has worked. I don't understand it, but it has worked. Prayer.".
I want to emphasize that this doctor did not profess Christianity; my mom asked him. The doctor was simply responding to my dad's question about if there was anything else that might be done. My dad was also astonished, for he was not a Christian at the time, either.
Attitude is EVERYTHING when fighting disease. I know it was EVERYTHING for me.
These days, lung cancer is much more promising than it was for my dad. I urge you to copy the article and use it.
Frankly, I respect Dr. Becker's knowledge far more that traditional doctors, even though Dr. Becker is a board certified medical doctor himself, who has gone over to holistic medicine.
I urge you to contact his site, and -- not knowing where you live -- the information he provided above:
www.cancercenter.com
1-800-268-0786 -- Cancer Treatment Centers of America
_________________________________
Also know that -- although few in my family have had cancer -- I've many loved ones who've contracted this terrible disease. I empathize
I remember Joe Corso. I never knew he had brain cancer, but I'm delighted to know he beat it, and that he's doing just fine now. Please send him my warm regards.
I believe the humor and positive attitude beat it.
I remember back on July 31, 2006, when I was writhing in pain on my bed, the first evidence of my recovery -- amongst other things -- was when I started laughing, laughing . . .even though, I certainly did feel like laughing, and to my own astonishment,
all the pain disappeared!!!
That was something no narcotic had ever been able to do.
Yes, Kath. I believe it.
It is good to come back and read you again. I was away from the computer except for a few short times quite awhile. I am glad you are still you, and I see most of my Gather friends are. I have missed them a lot. Ellen B
Thank you for the compliment! Wow! Oprah! We want details, details, and MORE details, my friends. I'll be looking for an article on this. My best wishes to you on that show!
A lot of work, but worth it. I -- not being anything near a medical professional -- wanted to be sure I got Dr. Becker's words in exactly; that was the important thing.
I'm in Nevada now, and I've spoken with hundreds of people. Based on the elderly with whom I've spoken I am finding that his information is true -- over and over again, I keep hearing them say, "cancer", just as her said. I dare say from my perspective it sounds like it's at epidemic proportions, but maybe it's just because of the people with whom I'm speaking. I'm wondering if this is common in Nevada, or am I just not in touch with the elderly, but then it is everywhere?
Diet makes a difference; you betcha. Everything that Dr. Becker mentioned makes a difference, ELLEN.
I'm glad you're back, and with your attitude, as well as the other necessities mentioned above, I believe you shall beat this ugly disease.
My warmest wishes to you.
You already know how very, very silly that I am, and so:
Love you very, very, very much,
~~Nalita
Nalita, I am so glad you referred me to this article. Our family is facing cancer in a big way. My BIL has lung cancer and was just given six months. My MIL is a breast cancer survivor who has lymphoma and cancer throughout her body as of March. My SIL is having a second bout with lung cancer. My husband had melanoma surgery on his eye and nose last summer and now has cancerous prostrate tumors (he is a disabled Vietnam veteran with Agent Orange exposure).
We discovered holistics through a local cancer research foundation. Much of their advice is similar to Dr. Becker's. I am very glad you directed me to this article. My in-laws and husband are sometimes consumed with negativity and wonder if this "stuff will work". I've got hubby all the time, so negativity is not allowed :) I took him to laughter yoga (what an experience - it was a local library program and it really helped my husband let go and just laugh - they also reminded him of the essential healing power of laughter). We are approaching the whole person - prayer and spirituality, emotional healing and laughter, good nutrition, walking and moving, minimal sugars and chemicals and multiple supplements including cod liver oil and a nutritional shake for cancer patients.
My BIL is consumed with negativity and lives about 300 miles away. We kept calling him and he is finally going to address his nutritional needs. He lost 35 pounds in 6 weeks and was still trying to live his life as he did before cancer. My husband explained how his life changed and he embraces the healthy habits now. It seemed to finally make sense to my BIL because he called late in the evening two days ago to say he will resume his holistic routine. He also had a small brain tumor which dissipated when he was on the holistic regime - the doctors told him they could not figure it out but to continue what he was doing. But he wanted to stop because of the cost. Everyone sent money but he still balked - I think depression started to take over. I am hopeful now that he is taking steps to build his body back up. The disappearing tumor in the back of his brain is evidence to me good nutrition and holistics do indeed work.
My MIL and SIL are following a more holistic regime so I have much greater hope for their recovery. They both recovered once and I feel these are just minor setbacks. There was a great deal of family stress lately and I think they were unable to stay focused on their healing and positive energy. Both of them are back to a more prayerful, positive lifestyle and are not letting any negativity into their world now. How amazing that patient watched comedy shows to laugh and the tumors just melted away!
I will be sharing your articles with all of them. You are an inspiration to cancer sufferers, Nalita, and you took time to offer a wealth of essential information here. I will be looking at Dr. Becker's info and sharing everything I can with my family. I appreciate your mention of probiotics - I have hubby taking them and want the rest of the family to recognize their importance. Thank you so very much for posting. Solid, real advice such as this saves lives. You're beautiful living proof!
Blessings and many ((hugs)), you're an incredible woman!
You posted a great article, thanks for posting the link in your other article, Lady Neeeta!
If anyone can beat cancer it will be you, prayers and hugs, you take care!
I suffer with pain from herniated discs in my neck and back, when it is bad, my fingers go numb and hurt from the pain. I have been recommended for back and neck surgery by many doctors, they want to fuse my neck where the discs are injured, and fuse my spine where the discs are injured.
After reading up on both surgeries, - I decided against them.
After weaning myself off of pain medication, what a fog I was in for years. I must say I feel 100 times better off the medication.
I have bad days, I know what to do, take a hot bath with mineral salts, rub rosemary/lavender/camomile oil on the affected area. Drink a herbal relaxing tea I manage my pain, much better than cutting my back open!