WTF Cancer

That's what friends are for

2013-04-13T09:27:00.002-07:00

Remember to pass it forward.

That's what friends are for

When you feel good again don't forget those starting their cancer journey or continuing in their recovery.

Pay attention to their need and offer your help.

Compassion for others suffering is healing.

Running under the Coral Trees in Brentwood

2012-09-30T10:32:00.001-07:00

http://kickincancer.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1016000

Low Platelet Count Homeopathic Remedy

2012-09-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natural-remedies/herbs/achillea-millefolium-antiseptic-anti-inflammatory-01001.html

I can Cope (American Cancer Society)

2012-08-24T11:29:00.002-07:00

http://acs-ca.informz.net/acs-ca/archives/archive_1785668.html

Offers online classes, support , links to help cancer patients.

MRI and allergic reaction to contrast

2012-08-07T16:20:00.002-07:00

I love them and hate them.
If you are like me you need MRIs and hate them because they are not fun.
But also you may be allergic to the contast dye.

Please let you prescribing physician that you have a possible allergic reaction.
It is crucial to communicate this information to your medical team!
A specific protocol of drugs has to be prescribed to prevent this , and usually starts 15 hours before the MRI appointment time.

Simple and life saving.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/178926-side-effects-of-mri-with-contrast/

http://blog.remakehealth.com/blog_Healthcare_Consumers-0/bid/6788/What-is-an-MRI-with-contrast-dye

Team Effort

2012-07-29T12:44:00.002-07:00

Just like in the Olympics,

The Cancer Fighting Team has to be in place before the event begins.
This is crucial!

Your medical team has to be comprised of Doctors, specialists, family, friends you are very comfortable with.

Your life depends on their care and you will be a team forever.

Cancer care never ends, so you will have follow ups throughout your life, make sure you like them.

Also , once treatment begin too late to devise the battle plan.

If you are changing diet , like I did with RAW foods do it NOW . Supplements or protein powders, earlier is better. Acupuncture, don't wait to be sick.

Start asking for tips from cancer survivors and of course your oncologist.

Always run your plan by the treating doctor, so as not to interfere with treatment.

You are in charge, you decide what is too much or too little.

Speak up!!!!!!

My oncologist never had cancer so he asked me how chemo felt, since he never had that experience he was not able to relate.

My reply : " Like international jet lag, a flu and hangover" all at once.

But make decisions on treatment, traditional medicine, combination of traditional and complimentary, ...

Reach out : To the Cancer Society, Live Strong,...any org that may benefit your specific situation.

Googling info, but watch out for misleading information.

I any case inform yourself and prepare.

Brain Tumor diagnosis

2012-07-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/brain_tumor/diagnosis/how-to-diagnose-brain-tumors.html#mri

Traveling and celebrating

2012-06-01T22:24:00.001-07:00

So you are done with surgery or treatment and go on a fancy trip.

The best tips come from patients, so ask your friends who have gone thru the cancer saga for advice .

But the obvious must haves are listed below :

Sunscreen
Hat, sunglasses
Long sleeve shirt
Medication, prescription list.
Water bottle
Compression socks, arm sleeves
Phone numbers of medical team
Cosy Blanket or Pashmina

Go have fun!

Shhhhhhhh !

2012-05-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

It is Brain surgery !

So after all Brain Surgery is just what is !

Some precaution are always taken after any type of surgery.

For us brain people, no falling or tripping .
Activity that would include balancing, moving fast or simply possible trauma to the head is a big NO!
Loud sounds, bright lights or over stimulation to the brain are just unbearable.

Usually a physical and speech therapist will assess the patient and plan a path to recovery.
As different parts of the brain affect different parts of the body, the assessment will show potential damage and start the motion for regaining function.

The recovery plan is a a tool to understanding what is beneficial or detrimental to the patient.
kind of a map to regaining all functions.

My surgeons spent 9 hours on my brain, although I feel special I also get that it is major surgery and understanding that is a huge part of recovery.

The rest is up to me, meaning how much effort do i put in speech and physical therapy?
The more the better :)

Thanks Dr Ray Chu of Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles and he team.

Dry Brushing

2012-05-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Your body doesn't magically get read of drugs or radiations .

Help it !

As I mentioned previously they are different tools.

The Heel detox the easiest, the Coffee Enema , Juicing, Dry Brushing is just another option.

Educate yourself and choose what fits your personality best.

But let go of the drugs they will stay in your tissues and cause further damage if you let them!

http://epicureantable.com/articles/adrybrush.htm

http://drybrushing.net/

2012-04-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

ASCO | Conquer Cancer Foundation | Journal of Clinical Oncology | Journal of Oncology Practice | ASCO University

Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Home All About Cancer Newly Diagnosed Questions to Ask the Doctor

Questions to Ask the Doctor

This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 10/11

Key Messages:

Think about how much information you would like to know about your type of cancer, and share this information with your doctor.
Use this list to generate ideas of questions you’d like to ask—you don’t have to ask every question.
Consider writing down your questions before the appointment.

Being informed and asking questions gives you some control over your cancer and may help you cope. Studies show that people with cancer who are fully informed about their disease and treatment options usually tend to fare better and have fewer side effects than those who simply follow doctors' orders. Some people feel overwhelmed by too much information, or do not want to know as many details about their condition. Think about how much information is right for you.

Getting answers to your questions

Your doctor should make time to answer your questions and explain the treatment options. Here are some tips to help you communicate better with your doctor:

Tell your doctor if you are having trouble understanding an explanation, description, or unfamiliar medical words. Sometimes, the doctor may be able to draw a picture or give an example.
Consider writing your questions down before your appointment, which can lower your level of stress and help make the most of your visit.
Bring a notebook or a tape recorder to the appointment. During the appointment, write down your doctor's answers, or ask a family member or friend to write them down for you. This way, you can read or listen to the information later.
If you are interested in seeking a second opinion, let your doctor know. Most doctors fully understand the value of a second opinion and are not offended when patients seek one. They may even be able to suggest another doctor.
Ask your doctor or nurse where you can find additional information or printed materials about your condition. Many offices have this information readily available.
Talk with your health care team about information you have found on the Internet or in books or magazines. Not all information is accurate and reliable. Learn more about evaluating cancer information on the Internet.

Suggested questions to ask the doctor

An important part of managing your care is knowing what questions to ask of your doctor. Every person's needs are unique, and your questions will change over time.

Here are some examples of the types of questions you may want to ask your doctor.

General information

What type of cancer do I have?
Where exactly is it located?
What are the risk factors for this disease?
Is this type of cancer caused by genetic factors? Are other members of my family at risk?
How many people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year?
What lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, rest) do you recommend I make to stay as healthy as possible before, during, and after treatment?
Where can I find more information about my cancer?

Symptoms

What are some common symptoms or side effects of this type of cancer?
How can I avoid these and/or manage them with my daily activities?
Is there anything that can be done to make my symptoms or side effects better?
Are there activities that may make them worse?
If new symptoms or side effects arise or existing ones worsen, what should I do?

Diagnosis

What diagnostic tests or procedures are necessary? How often?
What information will these tests tell us?
How can I prepare myself for each test or procedure?
Where do I need to go to have this test?
When will I get the results? How will I get the results (over the phone, at the next appointment, etc.)?
Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
If I seek a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?
How much information about my diagnosis should I share, and at what time, with my friends and loved ones?

Staging

What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
Has cancer spread to my lymph nodes or anywhere else?
How is staging used to find out cancer treatment?
What is my prognosis (chance of recovery)?

Treatment

What are my treatment options?
Which treatments, or combination of treatments, do you recommend? Why?
What is the goal of the treatment you are recommending?
What clinical trials (research studies involving people) are open to me?
Who will be part of my treatment team, and what does each member do?
How much experience do you (or the treatment team) have treating this type of cancer?
Will I need to be hospitalized for treatment, or is this treatment done in an outpatient clinic?
What is the expected timeline for my treatment plan? Do I need to be treated right away?
How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
What are the short-term side effects of this treatment?
What long-term side effects may be associated with this cancer treatment?
Will this treatment affect my fertility (ability to become pregnant or father children)?
Besides treating cancer, what can be done to treat my symptoms?
How can I keep myself as healthy as possible during treatment?

Clinical trials

What are clinical trials?
How do clinical trials help people with cancer?
Is this a treatment option for me?
What happens during a clinical trial?
What are the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial?
How will I be monitored while participating in a clinical trial?
What are my responsibilities during the clinical trial?
Are there any costs associated with my participation in a clinical trial?
Where can I learn more about clinical trials?

Find more questions to ask the research team when considering a clinical trial.

Support

What support services are available to me? To my family?
Whom should I call with questions or concerns during non-business hours?
May I contact you or the nurse to talk about additional information I find?
Can you recommend a social worker to help locate support services?
Where can I find resources for children? For teenagers? For young adults? For older adults?
If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
Who handles health insurance concerns in your office?

Follow-up care

What follow-up tests do I need, and how often will I need them?
Is there anything else I should be asking?

For more questions, see the "Questions to Ask the Doctor" section of each cancer type.

More Information

All About Cancer

Managing Your Care

Self-Advocacy: Participating in Your Cancer Care

Keeping a Personal Medical Record

Coffee is good !

2012-03-30T13:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.naturalnews.com/022905_coffee_body_water.html

Raw is easy !

2012-03-10T09:55:00.002-08:00

Ok for those of you who are afraid of going RAW for medicinal purposes, don't be scared.
It is much easier and cheaper than you think.
For one there is no cooking time, and the ingredients are very low cost yet life sustaining

So the basic idea is that feeding the body dead foods is detrimental to our health. So that means cooked foods.

But on the contrary feeding and nourishing the body with LIVE foods will benefit the body by replenishing the cell.

So if someone is ill or going thru trauma (like Chemo or radiation) or recovering form surgery, the body will have a better chance of recovering rapidly and with more energy than others eating a traditional cooked diet.
No matter what the cooked diet is , RAW foods are faster and more efficient at healing the body.

I have experienced myself twice and my recovery/energy puzzled my medical staff.
They have no understanding of how this possible yet ! I am living proof twice and did not keep it a secret !

The misconception is that there is no protein in RAW foods , well there is .

But if you want more than crisp wraps and salads you can add a RAW protein powder or sashimi or raw cheese

I promise you endless energy and glowy skin.

They are many sites for recipes, but the best way to eat is listen to your body and let it tell you what it needs.

You can also make seed milk, different seeds....

By the way wash all your veggies 3 times and do go organic or what's the point?

Try it for one day and see if you can do it one more day and so on.

I went 100% RAW but if you follow the guidelines as long as you eat 75% of you daily food intake uncooked you are considered on a RAW diet.

So there ! not as scary now .

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianlifestyle/f/rawfoods.htm

http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/raw-food-recipes.html

Probiotics , We need them !

2012-02-24T22:31:00.002-08:00

/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic http://www.livestrong.com/probiotics/

Pilates! Pilates ! Pilates !

2012-02-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

Joseph Pilates said, " In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body ".

What does a girl do when she can't do cardio, weights or much at all.

Pilates !

The only rehab and strengthening exercise know to strengthen quickly and gently.

Thanks Joseph Pilates !

Honestly , I believe in Pilates Phyiscal Therapy more than ever in life.

It is a solid way of getting the body back in top shape and often better than before.

Just make sure you choose the right Pilates Physical Therapy studio, ask for the person with the most experience with your specific condition and ask them how successful they have been with it in the past.

If you don't like what you hear move on ! It is about you after all .

Then have the insurance person at the facility of your choice call your insurance company and set up the sessions.

Have fun ! Become stronger than before and enjoy a new life !

And a dash of Yoga :)

Brain Fart

2012-02-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

You would think that brain surgery is brain surgery, right?

It is !

So they are many types for different areas if the brain , different types if tumors or cancers.
And since I only played a Dr on Tv I won't go into unscripted details.

The point is people like Dr Ray Chu of Cedars Hospital do this daily .

Fascinating and for me reassuring .

My surgery lasted 9 h from beginning to end , everyone on my team of medical staff ensured I would have the best results and the results are really good.

I do have side effects, since my brain is still swollen from being dug into and having a whole in it .
The tumor site is now being filled with brain matter and the good parts are moving back in.

Helga , the tumor was evicted very meanly and i hope she hated me for finding out about the subletting of my Brain. Who does that ?
You stupid Helga !!!!! You pink blob with absolutely no spine !

Anyways, brain swelling goes down with steroids. No . not like the China used, the artificial ones
They have it down to a science....medicine.

Meanwhile , My left leg is numb as well as left foot. Tumor was on Right....so my computer AKA brain not sending signal to that part of body yet. BTW if you are told you have DROP FOOT run to a NEUROLOGIST !! I Beg you !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_drop

I do feel strong since I have been in intensive Physical and Speech therapies but I do need my Left side ASAP !

So let's glitter and bedazzle until it gets better :)

Bringing Sexy Back !

2012-02-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

http://boironusa.com/

Bumps and Bruises are not Sexy !

2 Ways to heal naturally.

First : Boiron Homeoptahic Pellets the body from within .

This is what Plastic Surgeon use after Plastic Surgery. Different strength and check with you Dr.

Second : Arnica Cream ( Gel not as strong) heals from the outside, make sure all wounds are closed.

Rub on areas of concern at least 3 times a day.

I usually get mine from Whole Foods, any Homeopathic Pharmacy will carry or go online.

These are commonly used i France where I was raised, here no so much.

So why not ???? We need this.

Raw Power

2012-02-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

2 weeks later !

- Craniotomy : Done
- Pain : None
- Headaches : None
- Side Effects : None

Yea!!!!

Just woke up from sleeping a full night after taking my first improv class exactly 2 weeks after surgery .

My tumor Helga was this pink jello like blob .
I am not sure when she moved in but she was very detrimental to my health.
She gave me headaches, numbness in my left foot,...

Helga was not my friend !
But she is gone for ever !

There is one think I can thank Helga fir, yes there is .

She forced me to go back to the healing power of Raw Foods.

So as I laid in a very nice hospital and starved !
I remembered , raw heals the body dead food does not.

Here is the deal, you can get raw protein if Vegan is not your fun like sashimi, stake tartar, raw cheeses...
But make sure that 75% of your daily intake is raw.
Stay away from sugar, olive oil is your "friend"

For fun compliment w seed milks, fruit , coconut water....have fun!

Brain Washed

2012-02-15T05:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Bios---Physician/A-G/Ray-M-Chu-MD.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craniotomy

SURPRISE!

I had a Craniotomy, fancy !

The good thing is I was sleeping while it was happening.

The fact is I had a tumor named Helga in my head . She had moved in a while back and I found out.
My friend Jill was kind enough to serve her an eviction notice !
What a freakin mess.

The Ray Chu, had the task to extract Helga and he did a really good job
He left the scar tissue to a minimum and kept my hair !

What else can a girl ask for ?
He is a very good surgeon but with a fun personality which does make it better.

So the thing about Helga the gelatinous tumor is that before she was removed she gave me headaches, numb left foot, tiredness and who knows what else.

That was the before. The now is I feel good!
No headaches so i was off pain pills rapidly

Its almost surreal, he opened my head and removed Helga and patched the whole thing 2 weeks ago.
No headache or pain since ????

The only problem is that my brain swelled as a normal reaction to surgery and my left leg and foot were 100 % numb when I woke up from surgery.
So tumor on the R and numbness on the L. That is how it works.
Because the top of the head is the farthest point from the toes , the digits will be the last to hear from the brain.

Fascinating.

So now what ?

Lots of physical therapy to wake up the ligaments, cells, muscle,live on the side.

Cedars Sinai Binky Visits! Pupparazzi come out

2012-02-08T03:35:00.001-08:00

So I am in Physical Therapy at Cedar Sinai hospital in LA, CA.

Just a brain tumor removal w DR Ray Chu the best !!!!!

And my Binky gets to visit and show me how to walk again !

She had to learn to walk after she was born without front legs and dumped in a shelter.

Daddy , AKA Jon Forrest genius builder figured out how to make the best set of wheels !

But she showed up yesterday ,Binky and I were in sin chronicity and she new I needed her . So after circling my walker ..... She led me :)

Save a shelter animal , they may save you sooner than you think

Video update coming !

MRI

2012-01-28T17:48:00.000-08:00

http://westwoodopenmri.com/

Here we go!

You need an MRI but somehow you don't like to be confined in a white tube with pounding sounds.
Plus you are slightly claustrophobic so you just want to run out of there....I may have done that once.

So here are some tips:

* Get a light sedative and get a driver to take you, a girl if possible. Men don't seem to get this phobia and are not as understanding of this fear.

* Ask for an open MRI , which are not completely open but so much better than the others.

* Ask for music, it will cover the noise somewhat and assist in relaxing. Ask for the "glasses" which are mirrors , they reflect the area behind you and give you a feeling of openness.

* Have your friend stay in the MRI room with you and breath, meditate, close your eyes, take a nap.....

Stay still! or will have to restart . Remember they are the best way to scan the body for tumors, cancers and other horrendous ailments.

Oh Snap !

2012-01-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

It's not a peace sign, just bunny ears .

Your friend has been diagnosed with Cancer. What now ?

There is plenty you can do to help, so don't feel helpless.

Here is a quick list of things you can do and you will make a huge difference.

Send Flowers, because we just love pretty flowers
Start bringing groceries or bring food!
Pick up a broom and help with house chores or hire a cleaning person for a few hours
Do a load of laundry , take the trash out.
Walk the dog
Play with the cat
Bring movies,
Become a chauffeur and take your friend to appointments
Create a network of friends who you can text and get to help when needed
Help with bills. I know... but possible...fundraiser anyone?

The list goes on, use your imagination and think of what you would need or .

Here is my favorite link below, just in case you hate cleaning :)

Voila!

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

It's not about me

2012-01-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

So you now feel a little better.
Chemo or radiation or both are over, life goes on right.
But you are not back at work yet, time to give back ?

You can help without driving if you don't feel up to facing the world yet stay home and help !
Other cancer patients , survivors or care givers need you.

We are lucky they are so many orgs out there to support us and others.
Start Googling, or give back to the orgs that supported you and you family.

It can be by volunteering time, phone calls to another patient, giving rides, making donations of clothing, donating funds.
Simply giving comfort or good tips.

You do know a lot so use your new Cancer Degree.

Some of my favorites are The American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/

The Wellness Community
http://www.twc-wla.org/

Fertile Action
http://fertileaction.org/

Live Strong
http://www.livestrong.org/

Susan G Komen
http://ww5.komen.org/

These are just a few.....
Choose what speaks to you.

Why helping others helps you?

For one it makes you focus on others and your own worries may disappear briefly or in some cases I would notice I was doing pretty well after all so I would appreciate life even more.

As well as making new acquaintances , comparing notes, being in the solution and not the problem....
So many positive reasons to assist others.

Happy New Year From Binky - YouTube

2011-12-31T18:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year From Binky - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Money Money

2011-12-28T04:34:00.001-08:00

Need financial help while in treatment ?

Here is a list of organizations that will do just that , help !

https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactsheetSearchResult8_3.aspx?~UHViTG5rPTguMyZGaW5Bc2lzdD0w-dN5ebaHDrKc%3d

https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactsheetSearchResult8_3.aspx?~UHViTG5rPTguMyZGaW5Bc2lzdD0w-dN5ebaHDrKc%3d