Natural Healing

I remember my Homeopathic Dr. prescribing Arnica and Bellis Perennis prior to my surgery. I'd been familiar with and often used Arnica for bruises on myself as well as my daughters. I then learned that Bellis Perennis worked much in the same way but from the inside out. I was to take each of these homeopathic remedies a couple of days prior to surgery, alternating each every couple of hours. It was recommended that I continue to take the remedies as soon as possible after surgery and for a few days afterwards. The remedies would help speed up the healing process, and minimize the bruising and pain caused by the surgery. They were so effective that nurses and doctors remarked about the minimal bruising my body had suffered given that I'd just had a double mastectomy. The visiting nurse who initially came to my home to check on me and change my bandages was so surprised to see how well my chest looked. She told me that given that this was her job - to check on women after mastectomies, she was very familiar with how common it was for women's chests to look quite bruised and swollen and was so impressed to see how well my chest looked. Consequently, I informed my surgeon about having taken the remedies, especially since he was equally impressed with the healing results of my body. He accepted a report I gave him on a double-blind study that had been done on Arnica and commented that one could not argue that the remedies may have played a role in the healing process and that a double-blind study is one of the best that can be done. Afterall, this is where medicine first began, through nature. Below is just one site that provides information on Homeopathic remedies and I've included their description of the two remedies I just referred to.

http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2203005.html

Arnica montana: This is the primary remedy for new, traumatic injuries—including bruises caused by impact with blunt objects (from simple contusions to concussions), early stages of sprains and strains, and bruise-like soreness after muscular exertion (such as physically-taxing work, athletics, or childbirth). The symptoms typically feel worse from touch and motion. Arnica is also helpful for controlling soreness, bleeding, and tissue-bruising related to surgery and dental work.

Bellis perennis: This remedy is helpful for injuries and bruises, especially those caused by trauma to the trunk or in deeper tissues—for example, internal soreness after an accident or surgery. When a bruised and injured area develops a feeling of stiffness or coldness, Bellis perennis is strongly indicated. It may also be effective for bruises (in any area) that do not respond to Arnica.

I hope others will benefit from learning about these two remedies. I know I'm grateful to have been introduced to them!

Good-Bye To You!

The oncology radiologist at the hospital where I was first diagnosed admonished me for having taken time to research all possibilities of treatment. I'd contacted a few cancer research institutions to inquire about the best form of treatment for my situation.

Her sharp words cut through me, "If you want to continue to shop for opinions, then by all means, go right ahead. But you have cancer and you need to make a decision about treatment soon. You've already let this go long enough. We're recommending radiation on the right side and Tomoxafin for five years to prevent a reoccurrence."

Sitting in on this meeting with me and the O.R. was a radiology nurse. I looked at her after receiving what felt like a scolding, and witnessed compassion in her eyes. I fought back tears as I refused to lose control in front of this less than compassionate, so called qualified specialist. I informed her that given the circumstances I was not about to make a rash decision that could further adversely affect my health. My intention was to educate myself to the nth degree about side effects from her recommended forms of treatment. As I looked directly into her eyes I let her know that this was my body that could possibly become further mutilated than it had already been from the various biopsies with no guarantee of being cured.

This stoutly built woman shifted slightly in her seat as did her demeanor as she tried to explain that her strong statement was out of concern for my well-being. I responded by letting her know that the individual who had the most concern for my well-being was me...because I was the one living with this disease.

On my way out the nurse handed me her contact information and offered to answer any questions I might think of later. Not long after arriving home, I did call her and told her that I couldn't tolerate having that radiologist treat me. She empathized with me and quickly recommended another oncology radiologist that she knew to be a very compassionate and understanding practitioner whom she believed I would be as comfortable with, as many other patients had been. I expressed my appreciation for her caring nature and support, but as it turned out, I never went back.

Is This a Joke?

More than two and a half years after my initial diagnosis, I sat in my physician's office waiting to begin a routine physical.

"Would you like me to perform a PAP smear today?" the doctor asked prior to beginning my physical.

"No thank you," I replied. "My gynecologist will take care of that."

To which Doc replied, "Ok, make sure you do make an appointment because you know that your risk of ovarian cancer is higher since you've had breast cancer."

I'm sure I had an incredulous look on my face, since she stuttered the following words.

"Well...it's just that it's important to be on the safe side."

As if I didn't already know this...

I understood the importance of staying on top of anything related to my health, and that my doctor was only doing her job. Nonetheless, it more than irked me that she felt the need to use a fear inducing statement to persuade me to be responsible about further exams. I don't need to be frightened into doing whatever it is I need to do to remain healthy. I'd already experienced one of the most powerful fears possible...being told that I had cancer...

"Just a few more questions before we begin the physical. Do you see an oncologist?"

"I was told it wasn't necessary since I had a double mastectomy."

"What about a mammogram?"

"There's nothing left...so there's no need for a mammogram."

Shouldn't a physician already know this? My mind was flooded with memories from earlier days after my diagnosis...

What'll I Do Now?

"You have DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma Insitu in the right breast and a spot in the left breast, but we're not concerned about that. We'll just check it in six months. You'll need to meet with the oncologist to discuss appropriate treatment."

As soon as I heard the word cancer associated with DCIS, my body felt as though it was going to explode. My eyes focused on the floor as they filled with tears. I couldn't hear much of what was being said. Fortunately, my friend Maryellen was with me when I received the news. She asked all the questions I would normally ask because I couldn't even think straight, although, my mind was filled with numerous random thoughts. Death, my daughters, my father and sister, my job, my recently begun relationship, my LIFE! What would happen now? How would I function? How serious was this?

Greetings!

Hello Ladies and Every Other Interested Party!

Two plus years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I've chosen to share with others the road I took to live a long and healthy life. I wish to have everyone out there share their own experiences surrounding this event - whether it be as a patient, survivor, family member of a survivor, partner, etc.

I'm ready to open up to others and listen to whoever would like to tell their story.

Welcome to Tatas or Bust!

Maria