Tags: Angelina Jolie, BRCA, breast cancer, cancer, mastectomy
Jolie Opts for Preventative Double Mastectomy Posted on May 16th, 2013
Actress and international beauty Angelina Jolie has recently opted for a preventative double mastectomy. This news may shock a lot of people but in Jolie’s case with her familial history of breast cancer, it’s a logical choice. Jolie carries the gene that gives her an 87 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
I see hundreds of women each year in my work and I can attest to the fact that the fear of cancer, breast cancer in particular runs high. Reassurance is priceless. What we wouldn’t give for the reassurance that we would not have to endure the rigors of cancer treatment – and possibly death. To opt for a preventative double mastectomy is only undertaken if BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 (cancer risk and genetic testing) show positive. This is not a matter to be taken lightly, but should be considered if indicators point to a high risk for breast cancer. In the meantime, a simple urine test called the Estrogen Metabolite Index Test can determine if the body is either storing or metabolizing estrogen – a potential risk for breast and other cancers. A diet which includes the brasica vegetable family; broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts are well-known estrogen detoxifiers. Green tea extract and the spice turmeric can also be helpful. Lowering stress and making simple lifestyle changes while remaining proactive toward optimal health slows down the aging process and cancer risks. For some women, even though they are implementing these strategies, still opt for bye-bye breast. If I had those indicators, I might consider it myself as well.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/56308529-68/jolie-breast-writes-cancer.html.csp
Tags: cancer, Caroline Sutherland, Debbie Ford, Medical Intuitive
Debbie Ford Earns her Wings Posted on February 21st, 2013
Debbie Ford best-selling author and personal growth guru died tragically of cancer a few days ago. She was best known for her book “The Dark Side of the Light Chasers: Reclaiming Your Power, Creativity Brilliance and Dreams” which deals with the shadow or hidden side of the self. In this enlightening guide, Ford explains that the dark side of our personality should not be hidden. By denying our dark side, we reject these aspects of our true natures rather than giving ourselves the freedom to live authentically. In her book she shows that it is possible to acknowledge and accept our so-called weaknesses, proving that these qualities may be important, hidden strengths. Debbie was only 57 years old – that’s too young to die! According to reports, she died of an incurable cancer. No one likes the word incurable and at this moment as I am about to enter my 69th year on the planet, and prepare to stare down that path to my 70’s and beyond, words like, aging; senior, inoperable and incurable conjure up a certain sense of discomfort and dread. Life is a mystery. No one knows the exact moment that death will occur – and that’s a good thing. Apparently Debbie Ford tried many complementary and traditional methods of cancer treatment and indeed they did prolong her life but did not save it.
Her sister, Arielle Ford comments, “Debbie wasn’t just my little sister; she was my friend, teacher, biggest supporter (and sometimes even my unmanageable client). She was always quite stubborn – which served her very well these past five years after she was diagnosed with cancer. Debbie did groundbreaking work around the human “shadow” and grew into her role as a teacher, sharing her insightful “shadow” work through her many books, lectures, workshops, coaching programs, TV and radio shows, and even a movie – helping hundreds of thousands of people around the world transform their pain into “their best life. She helped so many people go beyond their limited perspective of themselves and reconnect to the love, joy, and peace of their true selves.”
It is always puzzling to me how and why health experts are just as vulnerable as anyone else to disease and infirmity. Just because they teach, just because they are leaders in the field, they are not immune to the ravages of time, death and disease. They are not invincible. A death like Debbie’s, a young woman in her prime, makes us all the more cognizant that life is a journey and when it’s our time – it’s our time.
I remember a well-known medical doctor with a leading-edge holistic medical practice who died of cancer in his early 50’s. How could this be? The man’s diet was perfect, he took lots of supplements and had a seemingly happy life. I was in my early 40’s at the time and figured that anyone with the stature he had attained in complementary medicine would not get sick let alone die. But I was wrong.
Each soul chooses its moment and method of exit. Debbie Ford’s life was short, precious and she left a significant body of work to guide others on the path. This is a transitory life, we must live in gratitude and blessings for the life that we have!
http://world.time.com/2013/02/19/bestselling-self-help-author-debbie-ford-has-died/
Tags: Anti-Doping, cancer, celebrity, Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, Tour De France, trust
Lance Armstrong – Under Fire Posted on September 5th, 2012
Lance Armstrong is a model of courage, persistence and endurance. He overcame testicular cancer to win the famous cycling race, The Tour De France, seven times. Through his celebrity Armstrong believed in not only giving back but motivating others to Live Strong through their own adversities. I, like many others, was impressed by him. Founded 15 years ago, Armstrong’s foundation Livestrong and its iconic yellow bracelets are a symbol in the fight against cancer. But not all charities are immune to scandal. “The fundamental premise upon which people give to charity is trust,” according to Ken Berger, CEO of Charity Navigator, a charity watchdog. Trust is the life blood of a charity. Trust is the fundamental principle in any relationship. Golden boy, Lance Armstrong is under fire because of the US Anti-Doping Agency’s case against him for alleged performance-enhancing drug use and blood transfusions on The Tour. Here we have another celebrity falling from grace because of a potentially bad decision. Tiger Woods, John Edwards, Anthony Weiner – all important people in positions of trust. It seems that Armstrong will no longer fight the anti-doping allegations, saying, “enough is enough!” All of this is very messy and upsetting not only for Lance Armstrong but for all the people who have been inspired by him. But the charges will affect Armstrong’s sponsorships, funding for the Livestrong Foundation and his ability to compete in upcoming triathlons. When you are a celebrity and in the limelight – it behooves one NOT to screw up. Having undergone an epic breach of trust in my own life, trust and integrity are of paramount importance. Honor your agreements and if you are in a position of trust in a marriage or in the work place don’t be tempted to violate it. A breach of trust to this degree could jeopardize everything that Lance Armstrong has worked so hard for. It could all fall like a pack of cards. The Lance Armstrong story is a wake-up call to those who are tempted to violate their most precious relationships and the most precious of all values – integrity.
Tags: bone marrow, cancer, MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome, Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts Fights Cancer Posted on June 15th, 2012
Sadly, one of my favorite day time talk show hosts, Robin Roberts, announces that her cancer has reoccurred and this time, more aggressively. Yesterday, during an emotional announcement on Good Morning America, Roberts discloses that she is battling a rare blood disorder – myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS. Apparently this type of cancer, which affects the bone marrow, is related to a weaken immune system, likely the result of the breast cancer that was treated five years ago with chemotherapy and radiation. Roberts is a bright, charming and effervescent host. She is a great interviewer who always gets the story without, at least in my observation, being adversarial. To think that this dear woman, a beloved public icon would be facing this tough battle, while individuals half her worth, are walking around cancer free does not seem fair. But that is the way life goes, and things for many people are just not fair. No doubt Roberts will face her treatments with bravery and courage. She has her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts by her side, slated to donate her bone marrow for Roberts’ up-coming transplant. But the key words are “immune system.” Traditional chemotherapy weakens the immune system, and unless that immune system fully recovers and the body is supported on all levels, the likelihood of a cancer reoccurrence remains an ever-present danger. If I were Roberts or anyone with an initial cancer diagnosis, I would follow a complementary approach of traditional and non-traditional methods. I would engage a holistic physician and follow an aggressive regimen of diet, supplementation, and intravenous treatments to boost the immune system, in order to prevent a reoccurrence. We stay hopeful and optimistic, and Robin Roberts remains in our prayers.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/orleans/Sally-Ann-Roberts-donates-bone-marrow-cells-to-Robin-Roberts-who-is-battling-cancer-158414035.html
Finally…… Sugar Feeds Cancer! Posted on April 2nd, 2012
After being a voice in the dark for several decades about cancer cells being glucose supported, we finally hear it from the big boys. CNN’s health expert, Dr. Sanjy Gupta nails it with his recent CBS 60 Minutes interview with a number of top researchers who all blame sugar for the increased incidence of Adult Onset Diabetes, heart disease and …even cancer! I have been on the forefront of the alternative health movement for almost thirty years and I have been preaching to anyone who would listen, that sugar feeds cancer cells. In fact in 2003, I did a reading for one of the top researchers from one of the nation’s biggest pharmaceutical companies that produces many of the chemotherapeutic agents in circulation today. She concurred that “Yes, cancer cells are glucose supported but this fact is not widely discussed outside of scientific circles.” Why not? This piece of information could punch a huge hole in the lucrative cancer industry. But, because a cancer cell contains 16 more insulin receptors sites, it is proof that any fast growing cell needs sugar to grow and proliferate. Wake up people, cut down on the sugar and keep yourselves out of the cancer zone! Sugar (sucrose), fructose, high fructose corn syrup, alcohol, honey, maple syrup, processed fruit juice, and even agave nectar, are all sugars and they act in exactly the same way. Good idea to keep these sugar consumption to a minimum, and now this is confirmed by newsmakers.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57407294/is-sugar-toxic/?tag=pop;stories
Tags: Apple, cancer, pancreas, pancreatic, Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs Leaves a Legacy Posted on October 12th, 2011
I was moved by the recent death of Steve Jobs founder of Apple Computers. I have watched many of his speeches where he would unveil the latest i-inventions. He was a genius who helped usher in the era of the personal computer and led a cultural transformation in mobile communications and music for the masses. But for years, Jobs battled pancreatic cancer a condition that is not known for positive outcomes. Steve lived longer than most with the best treatments available to him.
Over the years, as I watched some of his public appearances I could not help but notice how depleted he looked. As a medical intuitive (a person who has the gift of insight around the physical body) I knew that he needed digestive enzymes. Dr. Nicholas Gonzales a New York based physician who specializes in pancreatic cancer uses high doses of digestive enzymes in his treatment protocol.
One of Steve Jobs friends and mentors was Dr. Dean Ornish famous for his approach to age-related disease namely heart disease using an almost-vegetarian diet. In my opinion, that would not have been the right approach for Steve Jobs. Often a diet that contains a preponderance of whole grain and beans can be indigestible for some people – notably Steve Jobs. Because iron can be low and fatigue can be an issue for many cancer patients, I would have suggested several weekly meals containing organic red meat. This would supported Jobs with added iron and B vitamins thus increasing stamina. I would have also suggested that Mr. Jobs research IPT (insulin potentiation therapy) low-dose, targeted chemotherapy without side effects. Then I would have also suggested intravenous vitamin C and other mega vitamin infusions otherwise known as Meyer’s Cocktails. Might these forms of treatments have saved Mr. Jobs? We will never know but they would have been worth investigating. Steve Jobs fought a brave fight against his cancer but in my opinion, I am saddened by the fact no one recognized that he needed to build his own body’s defenses to do so.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/business/steve-jobs-of-apple-dies-at-56.html
Tags: cancer, HPV, human papilloma virus, oral sex
Oral Sex Can Lead to Cancer Posted on February 26th, 2011
These days oral sex is pretty common – especially with the young. According to statistics, young people aged 15 – 22 do not consider oral sex as sex. Remember, Bill Clinton’s famous phrase, “I did not have sex with that woman.” Bill Clinton was not a teenager when he created that major indiscretion but it does showcase the fact that even adults do not consider oral sex as actually “doing it.” This discussion on oral sex is not a moral question or whether it is the “full enchilada” or not. These comments relate to recent findings which show that people who have frequent oral sex with multiple partners could be putting themselves at risk for oral cancers. There appears to be an increase in certain head and neck cancers that experts link to the rise in popularity of oral sex over the past few decades. But the upside is that HPV (human papilloma virus) related cancers are eminently more treatable than those attributed to smoking or drinking. “It seems like a pretty good link that more sexual activity, particularly oral sex, is associated with increased HPV infection,” said Dr. Greg Hartig, professor of otolaryngology — head and neck surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison. Oral sex is great – with the right partner – a long term partner. If you’re not sure, leave your tongue where it belongs – in your mouth.
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/cancer/story/2011/01/Study-Rise-in-some-head-and-neck-cancers-tied-to-oral-sex-/43056302/1
Tags: cancer, Michael Douglas, smoking
Michael Douglas has Throat Cancer Posted on September 21st, 2010
Oscar winning dramatic actor Michael Douglas has been diagnosed with throat cancer. Douglas’ unmistaken baritone voice is under siege as he undergoes an arduous regime of high dose chemotherapy and radiation treatments. According to doctors his prognosis is good. This is not the sort of cancer you fool around with. Many people might consider the alternative route but in his case I believe he has made the right decision. However, I would employ a top alternative physician or naturopath to augment conventional treatment. Specific nutrients and intravenous vitamins can support the immune system during these grueling treatments. Why did Douglas develop cancer? According to reports he is a long-term smoker and heavy drinker. HPV or human papilloma virus was also found to be a factor in Douglas’ case – I am sure he has enjoyed plenty of oral sex over the years. And again there are the emotional reasons, the heartbreaking sentencing last April, of his son Cameron for drug dealing and possession. All of that anger gets stuck in the throat. Couple this with the air pollution in New York City – breathing poor quality air on a daily basis, adds up to an assault on the throat and body. But Michael Douglas is a tough fighter. After all, he’s the iconic Gordon Gekko of “Wall Street” fame and now he’s playing the toughest role of his life.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/michael-douglas-cancer-smoking-caught-hollywood-icon/story?id=11416751
No Mammograms Till 50 – Government Task Force Says Posted on December 3rd, 2009
The latest word from a government task force suggests that women under age 50 do not need mammograms. This is concerning a lot of people including the American Cancer Society who has taken the position that mammograms are the best early detection screening for breast cancer. Not only are mammograms discouraged by the task force, but breast self-examinations performed routinely by millions of women world-wide are also discouraged. Imagine not getting to know your breasts and the personal detection of any irregularities until the age of 50 – madness.
I am very medical. I grew up in a medical family, my father was a doctor. I have had routine mammograms every second year for the past 20 years. Yes, there is radiation from mammograms and there is a risk of a “false positive.”
I AM in favor of mammograms as a screening procedure but ONLY after Thermography (digital imaging) has detected heat changes in the breast area. Then an ultrasound or mammogram should be scheduled to confirm that an abnormality does indeed exist.
Breast cancer risks increase in women after the age of 50 because of declining hormones. Therefore having balanced hormones could be a protective strategy against all kinds of cancers. Women under the age of 50 usually have a full complement of hormones but this does not preclude them from being pro-active, doing routine breast self-exams, having the Thermography procedure done and being aware of their health on every level.
Mammograms are controversial but they are also life-saving.
For more information on thermography Discover Screening
Tags: cancer, chemotherapy
Daniel Hauser, a Youth with Cancer Takes Flight Posted on June 10th, 2009
How would you feel if you had a diagnosis of cancer? Have you heard about how debilitating conventional chemotherapy can be? Can you blame Minnesota teen Daniel Hauser for running away after one chemotherapy treatment? As of late May, police around the country were on the lookout for a Daniel and his mother Colleen who fled with her cancer-stricken 13 year old son rather than consent to chemotherapy. The Hausers’ have since returned to Minnesota, begging the question – do we as individuals have the right to choose our own treatments? Daniel Hauser has Hodgkins lymphoma, a form of cancer. But the teen and his parents rejected chemo after a single treatment, with the boy’s mother saying that putting toxic substances in the body violates the family’s religious convictions. Chemotherapy is a very harsh treatment. One of my good fiends has now abandoned chemotherapy after several courses of treatment. “I’d rather go it alone than continue to go through this,” she said describing the vomiting, hair loss and misery. Everyone should know about low-dose chemotherapy without side effects. Insulin Potentiation Therapy has been around for over 30 years. It uses the simple concept that cancer cells are glucose supported (they love sugar.) In the therapy, insulin is administered to lower blood sugar, cancer cells begin to starve, the low dose chemotherapy is given, cancer cells suck up the chemicals, thinking they are sugar. Then the patient’s blood sugars are rebalanced. The survival stories are quite remarkable. Check out http://www.iptforcancer.com