I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
@jwhitt17
The radiation could help a lot (60 grey with a boost to the scar).
Also, I track my blood sugar and ketones like a diabetic using the Abbott Free Style Libre 2 with glucose and ketone strips. I pick my finger - a drop of blood on the glucose strip and a drop on the ketone strip. Because I have been doing this for a long time (since cancer) my glucose is around 4.6 and my ketones 1.2. The mathematical quotient to control weight loss is 11. The quotient to control glioblastoma ( one of the worst cancers) is 3. To find out my numbers I divide glucose by ketones (glucose/keytones). 4.6/1.2=3.
3 is the goal to control cancer. These are Canadian measures.
Most North Americans are scoring in the 20s or 30s due to processed food. Even 1/4 a teaspoon of sugar in your tea can severely effect sugar levels as we only have 4 litres of blood circulating in our body. Don’t assume your sugars are low. Test don’t guess. I have fitness fanatic friends who thought they were in ketosis because they ate right. But something like a small baby potatoe (with starch) or vegetables with carbs (like carrots) can drive your glucose levels up. The keto mojo from Abbott costs around $50. The strips which need replaced cost about the same. If you test you might be surprised. I test all the time and try to stay in the range of 3-5. This is how I monitor keeping the sugar which feeds cancer (as evidenced in PET scans). I am careful because my oncologist said that without hormone therapy and verzenio I have a 70% chance of recurrence ( and sometimes the hormone therapy doesn’t work- apparently 50% of the people develop a resistance several years in so it doesn’t work for them). Hope I don’t sound too preachy giving you my strategies. Wishing you all the best.
Jacqueline
@jwhitt17
The radiation could help a lot (60 grey with a boost to the scar).
Also, I track my blood sugar and ketones like a diabetic using the Abbott Free Style Libre 2 with glucose and ketone strips. I pick my finger - a drop of blood on the glucose strip and a drop on the ketone strip. Because I have been doing this for a long time (since cancer) my glucose is around 4.6 and my ketones 1.2. The mathematical quotient to control weight loss is 11. The quotient to control glioblastoma ( one of the worst cancers) is 3. To find out my numbers I divide glucose by ketones (glucose/keytones). 4.6/1.2=3.
3 is the goal to control cancer. These are Canadian measures.
Most North Americans are scoring in the 20s or 30s due to processed food. Even 1/4 a teaspoon of sugar in your tea can severely effect sugar levels as we only have 4 litres of blood circulating in our body. Don’t assume your sugars are low. Test don’t guess. I have fitness fanatic friends who thought they were in ketosis because they ate right. But something like a small baby potatoe (with starch) or vegetables with carbs (like carrots) can drive your glucose levels up. The keto mojo from Abbott costs around $50. The strips which need replaced cost about the same. If you test you might be surprised. I test all the time and try to stay in the range of 3-5. This is how I monitor keeping the sugar which feeds cancer (as evidenced in PET scans). I am careful because my oncologist said that without hormone therapy and verzenio I have a 70% chance of recurrence ( and sometimes the hormone therapy doesn’t work- apparently 50% of the people develop a resistance several years in so it doesn’t work for them). Hope I don’t sound too preachy giving you my strategies. Wishing you all the best.
Jacqueline
@worried1111 I will be getting hormone therapy at the same time as my radiation treatments. I weigh about 90 pounds, so my radiologist and my oncologist are working together to find the best treatment for me.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
@jwhitt17
I was horrified reading your post. My heart goes out to you.
I checked The Breast Cancer Center at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Pk., KS - on my "go-to" The US News and World Report - they rank everything from colleges to hospitals to cancer centers.
Unfortunately Menorah Medical Center is not even ranked.
Your health decisions are yours and yours alone. There are no judgements here. I am only making "suggested" advice to you, which is coming from a concerned and kind heart.
I would immediately contact one of the top 5 Cancer Centers in the country for another evaluation, assessment and opinion on your particular cancer situation. I believe - once they know your history - you will have an appointment quickly. Yes, travel is involved. IF I were you - I would choose the facility that is closest to you. Here they are in ranking 1-5.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, TX
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Center (MSK) - New York, NY
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center - Boston, MA
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, MN
Massachusetts General Hospital - Boston, MA
Now having said what I said - there are no guarantees on anything...even undergoing treatment at the top cancer facilities in the US.
BUT I would place myself in one of the best cancer centers in the country - to give myself the POSSIBILTY/THE CHANCE of the BEST health outcome for myself.
I understand completely how traveling to such facilities is a major headache...I did it myself.
I also had health insurance with a Cancer Resource Program...for re-imbursement on hotels, meals, miles - 1 day before the appointment and 2 days after the appointment, if I was traveling over 100 miles from home which I did. Perhaps you might have the same program in your health insurance? It's worth checking it out.
If you are willing to go outside the box - please don't hesitate. You will be surprised how wonderful the staff is in getting the ball rolling for you. Everything will be organized to a "T" for you. Again, your decision...but perhaps this will give you peace of mind also.
Knowing you did everything possible...first, for yourself! And second, for your loved ones!
No matter how dire a cancer situation may appear to be, THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE IN ALL THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE. You want the best care you can get!
But must always do want YOU feel is right for you, what is in YOUR heart.
Blessings as you travel your cancer journey. Be strong, be a WARRIOR!
@jwhitt17
I was horrified reading your post. My heart goes out to you.
I checked The Breast Cancer Center at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Pk., KS - on my "go-to" The US News and World Report - they rank everything from colleges to hospitals to cancer centers.
Unfortunately Menorah Medical Center is not even ranked.
Your health decisions are yours and yours alone. There are no judgements here. I am only making "suggested" advice to you, which is coming from a concerned and kind heart.
I would immediately contact one of the top 5 Cancer Centers in the country for another evaluation, assessment and opinion on your particular cancer situation. I believe - once they know your history - you will have an appointment quickly. Yes, travel is involved. IF I were you - I would choose the facility that is closest to you. Here they are in ranking 1-5.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, TX
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Center (MSK) - New York, NY
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center - Boston, MA
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, MN
Massachusetts General Hospital - Boston, MA
Now having said what I said - there are no guarantees on anything...even undergoing treatment at the top cancer facilities in the US.
BUT I would place myself in one of the best cancer centers in the country - to give myself the POSSIBILTY/THE CHANCE of the BEST health outcome for myself.
I understand completely how traveling to such facilities is a major headache...I did it myself.
I also had health insurance with a Cancer Resource Program...for re-imbursement on hotels, meals, miles - 1 day before the appointment and 2 days after the appointment, if I was traveling over 100 miles from home which I did. Perhaps you might have the same program in your health insurance? It's worth checking it out.
If you are willing to go outside the box - please don't hesitate. You will be surprised how wonderful the staff is in getting the ball rolling for you. Everything will be organized to a "T" for you. Again, your decision...but perhaps this will give you peace of mind also.
Knowing you did everything possible...first, for yourself! And second, for your loved ones!
No matter how dire a cancer situation may appear to be, THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE IN ALL THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE. You want the best care you can get!
But must always do want YOU feel is right for you, what is in YOUR heart.
Blessings as you travel your cancer journey. Be strong, be a WARRIOR!
@briarrose I am being treated by an oncologist at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. It is associated with Menorah Medical Center, but the cancer center is across the street. I have been going to Menorah since 2008, and everyone there knows me, and the hospital administrator is working to make sure I get the best treatments.
As I said, it's your decision alone where you receive treatment for cancer, where you feel most comfortable and cared for. Not anyone else's.
And as I said, I was only making a "suggestion" coming from a concerned and kind heart.
I suppose it's the nurse in me that hears or reads a questionable health issue situation and my mind starts spinning to "help" make a health predicament "better." In this case, it's our cancers!
What's good for me, doesn't mean it's good for anyone else.
I wish you only the very best treatment outcome at your cancer center! Blessings as you move forward.
I am wondering if Proton beam radiation is the best way to go if a tumor has begun to grow within the chest wall, under the ribs? There is a Proton radiation clinic as part of UW Cancer treatment (Fred Hutchinson); have been using various hormone blockers that have shrunk it, but wondering why my Dr. is not suggesting the Proton therapy? Anyone had that within the chest wall? Thanks.
@worried1111 I have a chest abnormality (pectus excavatum) where the left side of my rib cage is lower than the right side. My cancer had invaded the tissues beside it. At the time of my mastectomy (left side only), I weighed 85 lbs. My surgeon could not remove the cancer that had invade the area near my rib cage because it would have left a hole in my skin that could not be repaired. Thank you for telling me about sugar. I didn't know that it would make my cancer worse. I've been eating a lot high-protein foods that I hope will help.
@jwhitt17 hang in there! I am glad you are doing protein to (I assume) to keep your muscles/strength up. I hope you can add lots of veggies for micro-nutirents.
I presented with a cancer that has already invaded my chest wall and skin, besides the breast and lymph nodes so after IV chemo and surgery I staryed that reguime. Hugs, hugs, hugs!
I started Zeloda (an oral chemo) during radiation which I know is mostly used for type 4/cancer in blood.
And there are lots of oral medications now to help if the tumor is positive, so that is a help .
@jwhitt17 hang in there! I am glad you are doing protein to (I assume) to keep your muscles/strength up. I hope you can add lots of veggies for micro-nutirents.
I presented with a cancer that has already invaded my chest wall and skin, besides the breast and lymph nodes so after IV chemo and surgery I staryed that reguime. Hugs, hugs, hugs!
I started Zeloda (an oral chemo) during radiation which I know is mostly used for type 4/cancer in blood.
And there are lots of oral medications now to help if the tumor is positive, so that is a help .
@seathink My cancer is also in my chest wall, skin and blood. My tumor is also positive. My oncologist prescribed Letrozole that I will take during my radiation treatments.
I'm doing lots of protein--protein drinks, bars, etc.--and I love to eat vegetables.
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@jwhitt17
The radiation could help a lot (60 grey with a boost to the scar).
Also, I track my blood sugar and ketones like a diabetic using the Abbott Free Style Libre 2 with glucose and ketone strips. I pick my finger - a drop of blood on the glucose strip and a drop on the ketone strip. Because I have been doing this for a long time (since cancer) my glucose is around 4.6 and my ketones 1.2. The mathematical quotient to control weight loss is 11. The quotient to control glioblastoma ( one of the worst cancers) is 3. To find out my numbers I divide glucose by ketones (glucose/keytones). 4.6/1.2=3.
3 is the goal to control cancer. These are Canadian measures.
Most North Americans are scoring in the 20s or 30s due to processed food. Even 1/4 a teaspoon of sugar in your tea can severely effect sugar levels as we only have 4 litres of blood circulating in our body. Don’t assume your sugars are low. Test don’t guess. I have fitness fanatic friends who thought they were in ketosis because they ate right. But something like a small baby potatoe (with starch) or vegetables with carbs (like carrots) can drive your glucose levels up. The keto mojo from Abbott costs around $50. The strips which need replaced cost about the same. If you test you might be surprised. I test all the time and try to stay in the range of 3-5. This is how I monitor keeping the sugar which feeds cancer (as evidenced in PET scans). I am careful because my oncologist said that without hormone therapy and verzenio I have a 70% chance of recurrence ( and sometimes the hormone therapy doesn’t work- apparently 50% of the people develop a resistance several years in so it doesn’t work for them). Hope I don’t sound too preachy giving you my strategies. Wishing you all the best.
Jacqueline
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1 Reaction@worried1111 I will be getting hormone therapy at the same time as my radiation treatments. I weigh about 90 pounds, so my radiologist and my oncologist are working together to find the best treatment for me.
Wonderful! There is lots of hope and promise here. It sounds like you have a fantastic caring team!
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1 Reaction@jwhitt17
I was horrified reading your post. My heart goes out to you.
I checked The Breast Cancer Center at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Pk., KS - on my "go-to" The US News and World Report - they rank everything from colleges to hospitals to cancer centers.
Unfortunately Menorah Medical Center is not even ranked.
Your health decisions are yours and yours alone. There are no judgements here. I am only making "suggested" advice to you, which is coming from a concerned and kind heart.
I would immediately contact one of the top 5 Cancer Centers in the country for another evaluation, assessment and opinion on your particular cancer situation. I believe - once they know your history - you will have an appointment quickly. Yes, travel is involved. IF I were you - I would choose the facility that is closest to you. Here they are in ranking 1-5.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, TX
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Center (MSK) - New York, NY
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center - Boston, MA
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, MN
Massachusetts General Hospital - Boston, MA
Now having said what I said - there are no guarantees on anything...even undergoing treatment at the top cancer facilities in the US.
BUT I would place myself in one of the best cancer centers in the country - to give myself the POSSIBILTY/THE CHANCE of the BEST health outcome for myself.
I understand completely how traveling to such facilities is a major headache...I did it myself.
I also had health insurance with a Cancer Resource Program...for re-imbursement on hotels, meals, miles - 1 day before the appointment and 2 days after the appointment, if I was traveling over 100 miles from home which I did. Perhaps you might have the same program in your health insurance? It's worth checking it out.
If you are willing to go outside the box - please don't hesitate. You will be surprised how wonderful the staff is in getting the ball rolling for you. Everything will be organized to a "T" for you. Again, your decision...but perhaps this will give you peace of mind also.
Knowing you did everything possible...first, for yourself! And second, for your loved ones!
No matter how dire a cancer situation may appear to be, THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE IN ALL THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE. You want the best care you can get!
But must always do want YOU feel is right for you, what is in YOUR heart.
Blessings as you travel your cancer journey. Be strong, be a WARRIOR!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions@briarrose I am being treated by an oncologist at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. It is associated with Menorah Medical Center, but the cancer center is across the street. I have been going to Menorah since 2008, and everyone there knows me, and the hospital administrator is working to make sure I get the best treatments.
As I said, it's your decision alone where you receive treatment for cancer, where you feel most comfortable and cared for. Not anyone else's.
And as I said, I was only making a "suggestion" coming from a concerned and kind heart.
I suppose it's the nurse in me that hears or reads a questionable health issue situation and my mind starts spinning to "help" make a health predicament "better." In this case, it's our cancers!
What's good for me, doesn't mean it's good for anyone else.
I wish you only the very best treatment outcome at your cancer center! Blessings as you move forward.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jardinera25 I don't know the answer but I had my surgery at Fred Hutch Seattle & now I go to the Poulsbo clinic for follow-up. Wonderful place!
@jwhitt17 hang in there! I am glad you are doing protein to (I assume) to keep your muscles/strength up. I hope you can add lots of veggies for micro-nutirents.
I presented with a cancer that has already invaded my chest wall and skin, besides the breast and lymph nodes so after IV chemo and surgery I staryed that reguime. Hugs, hugs, hugs!
I started Zeloda (an oral chemo) during radiation which I know is mostly used for type 4/cancer in blood.
And there are lots of oral medications now to help if the tumor is positive, so that is a help .
Sending you lots of love!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@seathink My cancer is also in my chest wall, skin and blood. My tumor is also positive. My oncologist prescribed Letrozole that I will take during my radiation treatments.
I'm doing lots of protein--protein drinks, bars, etc.--and I love to eat vegetables.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions