Alternative Treatments

I will not recommend, but share experience. My partner chose not to take Tamoxifen, and instead opted for use of bio-identical hormones, including 2-methoxyestadiol, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone. 2-methoxyestradiol has been shown in various studies to have cancer fighting potential, acting both as an selective estrogen receptor modulator like Tamoxifen but also anti-carcinogen. See http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:15156405 as an example. Please review this option with your oncologist, hopefully an integrative one. It would be unethical for me to take someone off their medications. Often it's not an "either-or" situation (either drugs or alternatives), but a "both-and". Each has its place. Whether the ones you are on are the best for you, I can't address here, as that requires a more detailed and in-depth understanding of your health. There are many things which help the body clear excess estrogens: first, avoid exposure to them (buy safer/chemical-free home, personal care, garden and beauty products without hormone-like compounds in them); avoid any hot foods or fatty foods in plastic or styrofoam (hormone disruptors/estrogenic), as the packaging melts into the food when heated or when in contact with fats; eat only organic animal products (animals are allowed to be given estrogen, progesterone & testosterone to grow them faster and fatter. We ingest these if we eat them in meat, eggs, butter, cheese, yogurt, etc.); keep a low glycemic diet which reduces sugar and insulin in the blood, both of which are cancer growth triggers; add many of the foods I mentioned earlier; add exercise, which reduces blood sugar and has many cancer-protective/heart-healthy/spirit-lifting benefits; get sufficient sleep to help your immune and endocrine systems (melatonin, the sleep/immune hormone is made in the dark, so sleep with all lights out); b vitamins (as supplement and/or greens &/or whole grains) help the body clear estrogens; high fiber & and good liver function help the body clear estrogens; pro- & pre-biotics help the immune system (they make some of the b vitamins & vitamin k) and support digestion; and keep a calm mind/spirit, which will reduce the body's stress hormone, cortisol, production. Cortisol is a cancer growth factor. Enjoy your life and yourself as much as possible!

Hyperthermia has been used for many years to improve the tumor killing effects of both chemotherapy and radiation. This has been done mostly in experimental settings and it is not a standard part of therapy. It is considered in situations where other treatment options may be limited and is usually given in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation on a clinical trial. No, we do not offer hyperthermia at my cancer center. Hyperthermia has been used for many years to improve the tumor killing effects of both chemotherapy and radiation. This has been done mostly in experimental settings and it is not a standard part of therapy. It is considered in situations where other treatment options may be limited and is usually given in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation on a clinical trial. No, we do not offer hyperthermia at my cancer center.

We study many potential treatments. If the evidence rises to the level needed to confirm utility, we incorporate the results. I take great pains to point out that we do not have different standards of evidence for so-called “alternative” therapies. Furthermore, just because we study something does not mean that it is useful. In fact, and unfortunately, most drugs and substances that are studied under any circumstances do not turn out to be useful. We study many potential treatments. If the evidence rises to the level needed to confirm utility, we incorporate the results. I take great pains to point out that we do not have different standards of evidence for so-called “alternative” therapies. Furthermore, just because we study something does not mean that it is useful. In fact, and unfortunately, most drugs and substances that are studied under any circumstances do not turn out to be useful.

I think this is an artificial distinction. We either have evidence, or we do not. Or we have weak versus strong evidence. I evaluate all interventions using the same standards. Nutrition is clearly an important component of health and we know that in general a low-fat, calorie-restricted diet, is healthier in myriad ways than another. However, the evidence that any particular component of the diet, or supplement, can prevent or treat illness is weak to non-existent. This limits our ability to endorse any specific recommendation. I think this is an artificial distinction. We either have evidence, or we do not. Or we have weak versus strong evidence. I evaluate all interventions using the same standards. Nutrition is clearly an important component of health and we know that in general a low-fat, calorie-restricted diet, is healthier in myriad ways than another. However, the evidence that any particular component of the diet, or supplement, can prevent or treat illness is weak to non-existent. This limits our ability to endorse any specific recommendation.

I like this question because I like to talk about it. When I was diagnosed in 1993 my doc said: "Yoga! Are you crazy, you could kill yourself." So that changed. No one and I mean NO ONE in a professional way discussed nutrition. That's changed but is often not covered by insurance unless within hospital system, but that's happening. Ask your doctor to get a referral for it.

Hyperthermia, although not widely used, it is FDA-approved. It is the heating of one's body during chemo or radiation. Allows for less chemo or radiation! A good thing. Done a lot in Germany which is why many Americans go there.
There are a couple of places in the US that do it, including Bichner/Valley Institute in LA (I was just looking at their link this morning funnily enough.
All too often studies are done wrongly, leading to dismissal of what might be a good treatment. I often complain about this at medical meetings.
I have no investment in any therapies, and as an unpaid advocate, do not practice anything.
I am critical of trials done on vit C since Linus Pauling, that madman who got 2 Nobel prizes and started thinking vitamins were good for us:) suggested IV vit C. So National Cancer Institute and I think, Mayo Clinic, immediately tested oral vit C. NOT THE SAME, and it didn't work.
It is possible to change the dose, the timing, etc. and screw up a trial!

Green tea is being studied everywhere - so is curcumin. Although it seems to take forever since no pharmaceutical wants to champion a natural substance they cannot patent. But someday our government will recognize THAT should be their role - our tax money well spent!

More to come when I can get to this. I like this question because I like to talk about it. When I was diagnosed in 1993 my doc said: "Yoga! Are you crazy, you could kill yourself." So that changed. No one and I mean NO ONE in a professional way discussed nutrition. That's changed but is often not covered by insurance unless within hospital system, but that's happening. Ask your doctor to get a referral for it.

Hyperthermia, although not widely used, it is FDA-approved. It is the heating of one's body during chemo or radiation. Allows for less chemo or radiation! A good thing. Done a lot in Germany which is why many Americans go there.
There are a couple of places in the US that do it, including Bichner/Valley Institute in LA (I was just looking at their link this morning funnily enough.
All too often studies are done wrongly, leading to dismissal of what might be a good treatment. I often complain about this at medical meetings.
I have no investment in any therapies, and as an unpaid advocate, do not practice anything.
I am critical of trials done on vit C since Linus Pauling, that madman who got 2 Nobel prizes and started thinking vitamins were good for us:) suggested IV vit C. So National Cancer Institute and I think, Mayo Clinic, immediately tested oral vit C. NOT THE SAME, and it didn't work.
It is possible to change the dose, the timing, etc. and screw up a trial!

Green tea is being studied everywhere - so is curcumin. Although it seems to take forever since no pharmaceutical wants to champion a natural substance they cannot patent. But someday our government will recognize THAT should be their role - our tax money well spent!

More to come when I can get to this.

Thasnks for that question. Traditional Chinese Medicine is an entire system. It has been used in China and other Asian countries for literally thousands of years. I think their first herbal book is 6000 years old. But at the same time, it is a growing and changing system, added to as health challenges change.

The Chinese herbalist who provided herbs to me was trained by his grandfather in Asia. He also came to the US and got a PhD from Harvard, in Biostatistics. So he was, I felt, a trustworthy source. He has spent many years studying breast cancer specifically (although he tells me he treats Asian people with any ailment), and with what he learned, he began creating herbal formulas.
Chinese formulas are combinations of herbs -thus they do not, generally, cause the adverse effects that are all too common in cancer treatments. (That said I have been dizzy or disliked the taste of smell sometimes of the herbal combos).
The basic formula is probably the same for all folks who get it, but then some herbs are added that are specific for each person. So the formula I got would not be totally duplicated for anyone else. I did not ask which herbs I was getting, after the first time, because the list of either Chinese characters or Chinese herbal names, really had not much meaning to me.

The herbs affect the body and its systems, acting like any other medication. They cause changes to the cells, affect pathways, etc. I had an MRI before I started the herbal treatment, and an MRI afterwards.

Dr. George Wong has spoken at SHARE in NYC, and at my organization Annie Appleseed Project's conferences. He has also offered consults while there. A summary of one of his talks can be found on our website www.annieappleseedproject.org - just SEARCH on his name. Thasnks for that question. Traditional Chinese Medicine is an entire system. It has been used in China and other Asian countries for literally thousands of years. I think their first herbal book is 6000 years old. But at the same time, it is a growing and changing system, added to as health challenges change.

The Chinese herbalist who provided herbs to me was trained by his grandfather in Asia. He also came to the US and got a PhD from Harvard, in Biostatistics. So he was, I felt, a trustworthy source. He has spent many years studying breast cancer specifically (although he tells me he treats Asian people with any ailment), and with what he learned, he began creating herbal formulas.
Chinese formulas are combinations of herbs -thus they do not, generally, cause the adverse effects that are all too common in cancer treatments. (That said I have been dizzy or disliked the taste of smell sometimes of the herbal combos).
The basic formula is probably the same for all folks who get it, but then some herbs are added that are specific for each person. So the formula I got would not be totally duplicated for anyone else. I did not ask which herbs I was getting, after the first time, because the list of either Chinese characters or Chinese herbal names, really had not much meaning to me.

The herbs affect the body and its systems, acting like any other medication. They cause changes to the cells, affect pathways, etc. I had an MRI before I started the herbal treatment, and an MRI afterwards.

Dr. George Wong has spoken at SHARE in NYC, and at my organization Annie Appleseed Project's conferences. He has also offered consults while there. A summary of one of his talks can be found on our website www.annieappleseedproject.org - just SEARCH on his name.

I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma-1 lymph node infected with micromets. I did incorporate integrative with my radiation treatment and did mostly naturopathic. I am doing quite well today and I personally felt that it helped my situation. Every one is different but I think just forgoing an integrative approach just because you may have an aggressive form of breast cancer may not always be the right approach to take. You do need to have a professional oversee everything you do from diet to supplementation that will also work with the other conventional doctors that you have. It is possible and for myself it worked out tremendously. It has been 2 years and I am doing so well that I was scheduled to have my check up with my radiation oncologist and my mammogram and I was told it wasn't necessary until next May since I am doing so well. I am not telling everyone that they should do this but you may want to check it out and research it-making sure you have a professional naturopathic oncologist or some other holistic professional willing to work with the regular oncologists. I just thought that I should add my thoughts since I did go through this protocol and for today I couldn't be doing better. I'm not familiar with any studies specific to inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and complementary or alternative therapies. Given the aggressive nature of IBC I would not be uncomfortable suggesting that anyone abandon traditional chemotherapy options but I think it is appropriate to explore complementary therapies. Before embarking on any complementary or alternative treatments one should research reputable websites like: www.annieappleseedproject.org; www.cancer.gov/cam; mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine, and the like.

Many patients report improvement in side effects and pain using complementary and/or alternative treatments and that's extremely helpful. Of course it is important that your treatment team know about any complementary or alternative treatments you are using, even vitamins or other supplements to avoid potential problems.

EmbodiWorks at http://www.embodiworks.org/ provides reliable integrative cancer care resources. Addressing whole person health and healing in five areas, topics include body, mind, and spirit, including social and environmental health. The Resources section helps cancer patients and caregivers navigate their cancer journey as well. Various ways to create an integrative cancer care program, questions for evaluating cancer treatments and providers, help in evaluating cancer research and treatments, integrative providers and clinics, retreats, books, financial assistance, and other trustworthy resources empowers people with, through, and beyond cancer. Articles also inform cancer care providers with some practitioners serving as authors. Scientific references are incorporated throughout their site. For EmbodiWorks educational resources to help reduce cancer risk and improve cancer-related survival, quality of life, and whole person health care, visit www.embodiworks.org. EmbodiWorks at http://www.embodiworks.org/ provides reliable integrative cancer care resources. Addressing whole person health and healing in five areas, topics include body, mind, and spirit, including social and environmental health. The Resources section helps cancer patients and caregivers navigate their cancer journey as well. Various ways to create an integrative cancer care program, questions for evaluating cancer treatments and providers, help in evaluating cancer research and treatments, integrative providers and clinics, retreats, books, financial assistance, and other trustworthy resources empowers people with, through, and beyond cancer. Articles also inform cancer care providers with some practitioners serving as authors. Scientific references are incorporated throughout their site. For EmbodiWorks educational resources to help reduce cancer risk and improve cancer-related survival, quality of life, and whole person health care, visit www.embodiworks.org.

I agree with Gwen.I believe in fighting and healing (not the same as curing)cancer from within. The power of the mind is enormous and can be used:
To find the inner strength
Stimulate your immune system
Alleviate physical and, most importantly, emotional pain
Learn to cope with fear, anxiety and stress
Learn how to fix energy drains and create energy
Learn how to create happiness and fulfillment

In summary,cancer survivors can build the life they want. It takes learning the tools that work, implementing them in your life and having support to make it a "new" way of life. My approach to my plan was through a mind-body perspective. I firmly believe that while my medical team cured me of my disease, it was and is my job to heal myself. This means that I have had to explore all of the circumstances - emotional, spiritual, and physical - that helped to create an environment in my body welcoming to my cancer. I put together a team of professionals, under my direction, to assist me. This included my therapist, yoga teacher, personal trainer, and massage therapist. In addition, I completely changed the way I eat and think about food. I have lost over 30 pounds in the process. I take much better care of myself now than I did before cancer, and I think I am in the best health and state of fitness I have ever been. I think everyone's journey will be different, and they will require individual plans that are responsive to their history, background, and life circumstances.

Seek out a naturopathic doctor within your area and inquire about Helixor or Iscador. They are both injectables which has been used with great clinical success in patients with cancer.

You could also inquire about a few herbals/neutraceuticals which can strengthen your body & decrease the side effects of the chemotherapeutics.

In terms of diet, it is important to support optimal hormone function - and yes, this can come down to bowel movements. If you do not have daily regular bowel movements, hormones that your body has metabolized sits in your colon & can be released back into your system. To avoid this, I encourage the use of professional grade probiotics, 2 TBL of freshly ground flax seeds & 1 TBL of chia seeds daily, in addition to keeping well hydrated (water, sugar-free organic coconut water instead of pop/juice) throughout the day.

Additional naturopathic alternatives should be discussed with you ND as they can tailor a protocol specific to your needs. Seek out a naturopathic doctor within your area and inquire about Helixor or Iscador. They are both injectables which has been used with great clinical success in patients with cancer.

You could also inquire about a few herbals/neutraceuticals which can strengthen your body & decrease the side effects of the chemotherapeutics.

In terms of diet, it is important to support optimal hormone function - and yes, this can come down to bowel movements. If you do not have daily regular bowel movements, hormones that your body has metabolized sits in your colon & can be released back into your system. To avoid this, I encourage the use of professional grade probiotics, 2 TBL of freshly ground flax seeds & 1 TBL of chia seeds daily, in addition to keeping well hydrated (water, sugar-free organic coconut water instead of pop/juice) throughout the day.

Additional naturopathic alternatives should be discussed with you ND as they can tailor a protocol specific to your needs.

CAM has been around for a long time but for many years has gotten a bad reputation as a poorly regulated and often dangerous area of medicine. Many physicians however recognize that traditional medicine does not have all of the answers, and there are many non-traditional therapies that are effective with minimal toxicity. Chinese and Ayurvedic therapies have been used successfully for thousands of years, and often a complementary or integrative approach incorporating some aspects of these therapies will result in more effective treatment. For example, in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, acupuncture, yoga/ tai-chi, meditation, and some herbal medications can provide support for the side effects. It is important to discuss CAM with your physician, as some herbal supplements can have significant side effects and interactions with prescription medication and treatment. However in general, there are many benefits to CAM, and patients should be encouraged to look into all of their options. CAM has been around for a long time but for many years has gotten a bad reputation as a poorly regulated and often dangerous area of medicine. Many physicians however recognize that traditional medicine does not have all of the answers, and there are many non-traditional therapies that are effective with minimal toxicity. Chinese and Ayurvedic therapies have been used successfully for thousands of years, and often a complementary or integrative approach incorporating some aspects of these therapies will result in more effective treatment. For example, in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, acupuncture, yoga/ tai-chi, meditation, and some herbal medications can provide support for the side effects. It is important to discuss CAM with your physician, as some herbal supplements can have significant side effects and interactions with prescription medication and treatment. However in general, there are many benefits to CAM, and patients should be encouraged to look into all of their options.

The benefits of yoga, or Pilates for that matter, are multiple:

Exercises of this sort--and I class both of these as primarily meditative in nature--has a documented ability to lower anxiety in people.

Exercise also lowers body weight, enhances self-esteem and increases a general sense of well being.

Additionally, a variety of research has proven that anxiety delays physical recovery after surgery or traumatic illness. Why? People who are less anxious sleep better, eat better and are less likely to self-medicate than their peers with higher stress levels.

So it follows that exercise, especially exercise that is more meditative and less aggressive, helps exacerbate recovery.

But beyond that--if that weren't enough--this sort of exercise almost always takes place in groups. And the benefit of getting out and going to a gym, group exercise meeting, medical center, school or church to workout with others is very beneficial in its own rite. Less TV time and more face to face interaction with others makes people less isolated, depressed and yes, anxious.

Please remember--all these benefits aside, a patient should get clearance from their physician before entering into any sort of exercise program. Additionally, the patient should make sure the instructor they are working with is qualified and aware of any physiological restrictions the patient may have. The benefits of yoga, or Pilates for that matter, are multiple:

Exercises of this sort--and I class both of these as primarily meditative in nature--has a documented ability to lower anxiety in people.

Exercise also lowers body weight, enhances self-esteem and increases a general sense of well being.

Additionally, a variety of research has proven that anxiety delays physical recovery after surgery or traumatic illness. Why? People who are less anxious sleep better, eat better and are less likely to self-medicate than their peers with higher stress levels.

So it follows that exercise, especially exercise that is more meditative and less aggressive, helps exacerbate recovery.

But beyond that--if that weren't enough--this sort of exercise almost always takes place in groups. And the benefit of getting out and going to a gym, group exercise meeting, medical center, school or church to workout with others is very beneficial in its own rite. Less TV time and more face to face interaction with others makes people less isolated, depressed and yes, anxious.

Please remember--all these benefits aside, a patient should get clearance from their physician before entering into any sort of exercise program. Additionally, the patient should make sure the instructor they are working with is qualified and aware of any physiological restrictions the patient may have.