After diagnosis in Nov 09, I spent the next few weeks putting together a really empowering holistic and complimentary regime to run alongside the Imatinib treatment.
Having stayed really upbeat and healthy, with a BC remission within 6 weeks, I was wondering if the above regime had contributed.
What do others think?
Is anyone else working on the mind, body and spirit?
Hi Michael - briefly here are some things I have been doing - let me know if you are interested in further details.
Body attention - diet (vegetarian, ayurvedic) massage and acupuncture, supplements (vits, oils, minerals, herbs etc) organic juicing. All this to make sure the body stays alkaline. Cancer loves acid PH (lots on net about this)
Homeopathic dx and treatment for parasites, viruses and amoebas.
House checked for Geo Magnetic and Electro Magnetic stress.
Mind - relaxing, reassessing work, changing work schedule to be even more chilled, meditation and creative visualizing, looking at life priorities.
Spirit - Reiki regularly, lots of peoples prayers, mantras, bell ringing, candle lighting around the world for me. Their love really heals.
Hope this helps.
Take care
Beth
Not sure if this counts in the same conversation topic but since DX I have tried to do the followign things to help my mind and body...
1. eat healthier foods and a more balanced diet - although I don't deny myself the things I really enjoy eating as food is I believe one of those things that should really be enjoyed
2. drink less -
3. get fitter -
4. Spend as much time with family and friends as possible
5. Take time to do the things that I really want to do
6. Try not to worry about the things I cannot control and focus on what I can do
has worked for me
best way to get in touch is to email me at robmar@microsoft.com
and then we can arrange to me
Hi Beth,
Please make sure you do your research if you are considering using only alternative therapy to combat CML. I used alternative therapy for most of my adult life but I still developed CML. When first diagnosed I did not accept the treatment offered (traditional bone marrow transplant) but instead I searched for an alternative way to deal with my disease. My doctor was sympathetic but told me not to waste too much time. I did try one alternative method for 2 months which had shown some success in other cancers, but I was warned by the doctor who was treating me that they had not had much success with myeloid leukaemias and she did not expect me to respond. However I still went ahead and tried the therapy for 2 months, but when my blast cell population started to rise I had to face the fact that I had CML and it is relentless in its viciousness and was not to be trifled with.
I was fortunate because at the same moment I was made aware of a new clinical trial in the US and asked my doctors if they thought I should take the risk to enrol.
They were cautious but knew the research and said they would support my wishes. That trial was for STI571 - now known as imatinib/Glivec. In August '99 I traveled to Portland Oregon to stay for 2 months and was lucky enough to respond well enough to stay on the drug for over 3 years. My disease (I was in accelerated phase at the start of the trial) went down to very low molecular levels but then it was discovered that I had a mutation that caused resistance- so in the end I went for 'mini' stem cell transplant as I could not get access to dasatinib or nilotinib at that time (2003). I will not go into more detail here as you can read my diary if you want to know my full story..... all I am trying to say is that if there was a way of combatting CML without medication then we would all be taking that road I am sure.
Please do not think I am saying that 'alternative therapy' is of no use..... of course it is, but you should consider it as adjunct or complimentary to TKI therapy not an alternative or replacement. CML in chronic phase if an fairly indolent disease... imatinib and the other TKI's keep it that way - it looks like for the long term, but it without TKI therapy (or transplant) the disease will progress over time and become much more aggressive. Blast Crisis means just that- it is a crisis, and at that stage the disease is extremely difficult to control - even with chemotherapy or stem cell transplant.
Please forgive me if I have misunderstood what you mean by 'journey without medication' ........ if I have, then ignore all my ramblings ;o)
Best wishes,
Sandy
Thanks for getting in touch Sandy.
I was on chemo within two days of seeing my GP with WBC at 155,000! Now on Imatinib and just using the complimentary stuff to aid the body - i.e. reducing toxicity from other things (alcolhol, processed foods etc). Supplements to help optimise the natural ability the body has to heal. Keeping a check on PH level, stress to minimum etc so the whole system feels cared for. Also homeopathic treatment for parasites, viruses and amoebas (bit of a world traveler in the past!)
HAve you heard of a link between CML and viruses?
Thanks for your concern though. I am deeply appreciative of the drug that we have available to us and the fact that in the UK we have access to it - for free! Amazing.
Best wishes and I will check out your diary.
Beth
Hi Beth
I am with you I was diagnosed last September and although on dasatinib spirit II trial - I also have looked into altenative therapies. I have seen a kinesiologist, had healing and done some journey work. I have also been taking omega 369 pure source and an Aloe Vera detoxifier and I am open to any other ideas people feel helps. I aslo read a lot of positive thinking book and this helps to keep my body positive and fight - I feel
Jscqui
and how are you doing?
Thank you for reaching in and sharing what you have been doing.
I have found it a really wonderful time for 'taking stock', addressing what needs to be addressed and looking at healing on so many levels. I have loved every minute of my journey - despite reducing wine drinking to one unit a week!!! Like Rob, who replied recently, I love having a little of what I know isn't good because it makes me feel 'normal'
On the other hand I am LOVING my new clean living life style and feel SO much better for it.
How are you doing on the trial - I turned it down because I wanted to take all sorts of 'other' things and they said this was prohibited. But would love to know how you are doing?
Journey work is great - have also been self-journeying.
It would be good to share more....
Love Beth
Yes I am doing fine - infact I noticed that you have read Louise Hay's books and I have been working on a similar path.
Although I didn't realise that I was ill when I was diagnosed - my diagnosis came by accident/fate whatever you may call it. I can honestly say that I feel better now than I did this time last year (before I even realised I was ILL) This time last year I was questioning what life was all about- is this it type of thing even though I have a great family and two great kids. Now I love life and I have never felt better about it - so just like you it's the best thing that has happened in way - I feel like I have been reborn
how about you
jacqui
Yes - it is a wonderful feeling. My entire journey has been full of signs, portents, good wishes and revelations. Where I had been wondering ;what's the point... not in a depressed way... I really have experienced in the past three months - that THE POINT IS - LOVE!
I totally identify with what you have said. It would be nice if you were close by. I'm in Middlesex - where are you!
Just said goodbye to ten lovely people after an evening meditation in my house - and it's my birthday. Feel so delighted to be alive... and although happy, was a bit lacking any dream or vision for the past few years. Now I am engaged with living again - have even joined a choir and am teaching more yoga classes than ever.
Keep in touch
beth
PS how are your blood counts doing and have you had a PCR test yet?
Hi Beth
Im based near colchester - hey happy birthday it was my birthday on the 31st so we are both aquarians
Hwy don't you have my email address and we can discuss what we are getting up to
jacqui
jacqui@cookbrickwork.co.uk
