Advanced Breast Cancer

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I've been lurking on this list for several months and am very impressed with

the knowledge and experiences of everyone here.

I am 47 and was diagnosed (my doctors and radiologist missed the boat on

what I later learned was a very obvious problem, but that's another long

story) in March of this year with stage IV breast cancer with mets to spine,

ribs, hips, and right femur. I've had 17 radiation treatments to my spine

which helped immensely with my back pain and I've also had two kyphoplasty

surgeries to help relieve nerve pain due to two compression fractures to the

vertebrae. My other treatments have been ovary removal and oral Femara and

monthly Zometa infusions since April of this year.

Once I was able to cope after the trauma of diagnosis, I started searching

for alternative therapies as I do not believe or trust in the limited

knowledge of my doctors, including my oncologist. I have been taking

supplements, herbals and vitamins, FlorEssense tea, doing the flaxseed oil

and cottage cheese, eating whole foods as best I can.

I have to say that I have not felt very well with the rude push into

menopause and the many side-effects that I have associated with the Femara.

Horrible hot flashes, sweating at the least bit of exertion, depression,

anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and the worst....bone pain everywhere. Since I

have no idea what symptoms are caused from the bone mets and which from the

Femara, I decided to stop the Femara for one month so I can figure out what

is what. So far only 2 days off the Femara and I have much less depression

and bone pain so I think I have found the culprit. I also believe the

Femara is the cause of my elevated blood pressure, which had always run a

bit below normal prior to the Femara. I am seriously considering doing away

with the medication entirely as the only way I can tolerate it is to take

more drugs to counteract the effects and I don't want to do that.

I am wondering if anyone here has gone the alternative way altogether for

their cancer treatment? I don't plan on being foolhardy and if without the

medication my tumor markers (which are very low) rise I would have to do

something to stop progression, but if I can stay stable or hopefully see

regression of my disease I would prefer using natural and less harmful

methods. I do not intend to tell my oncologist that I am trying a month

without my Femara until afterwards. My guess is he would drop me like a

rock if he knew. I think I will have to find a doctor willing to work with

me, as I am willing to take full responsibility for whatever the

consequences.

I would very much appreciate anyone's input.

Kind regards,

Carla

Crystal, MI