Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

Heavenleahangel · 01-20-2012, 05:25 PM

It's Friday evening and sowly, but surely, the fear

and uncertainty of my starting chemo Monday morning is setting in. I have always fought for everything and anything in my life. Whether I fought *for* it or *against* it. Either way, whichever side I was on, I have been a warrior. Now, I am not sure whether I am fighting for it or against it.
The pain in my foot and ankle where the bones are affected is horrendous and there hasn't been anything that has totally eased the pain.
The lioness in me is rallying once more for the fight and will demonstrate my roar Monday morning when I show up at the cancer treatment center of Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Thank you all for the prayers and support everyone has shown so far. I will keep you posted....

clay · 01-20-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavenleahangel

It's Friday evening and sowly, but surely, the fear

and uncertainty of my starting chemo Monday morning is setting in. I have always fought for everything and anything in my life. Whether I fought *for* it or *against* it. Either way, whichever side I was on, I have been a warrior. Now, I am not sure whether I am fighting for it or against it.
The pain in my foot and ankle where the bones are affected is horrendous and there hasn't been anything that has totally eased the pain.
The lioness in me is rallying once more for the fight and will demonstrate my roar Monday morning when I show up at the cancer treatment center of Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Thank you all for the prayers and support everyone has shown so far. I will keep you posted....

Good luck, Heavenleahangel! Still in your corner...YOU can do it....do it for Jacob..do it for YOU! Let the lioness courage and strength raaawwwrrrrrrr...hugs my friend....Clay
Prayers and healing energy coming at you...mega loads!

Midnight · 01-20-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavenleahangel

It's Friday evening and sowly, but surely, the fear

and uncertainty of my starting chemo Monday morning is setting in. I have always fought for everything and anything in my life. Whether I fought *for* it or *against* it. Either way, whichever side I was on, I have been a warrior. Now, I am not sure whether I am fighting for it or against it.
The pain in my foot and ankle where the bones are affected is horrendous and there hasn't been anything that has totally eased the pain.
The lioness in me is rallying once more for the fight and will demonstrate my roar Monday morning when I show up at the cancer treatment center of Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Thank you all for the prayers and support everyone has shown so far. I will keep you posted....

Sending positivity and energy your way

mustangjeano · 01-20-2012, 10:31 PM

There will be a large group with you in spirit. Anxiety and fear are certainly to be expected. Try to do some slow deep breathing when you are feeling that way. Some people try to visualize the chemo as an ally in your defeat of the cancer.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Jean

SweetJane · 01-21-2012, 01:40 AM

Heavenleahangel,
Mustangjeano is right. We all will be with you on Monday. I'll put you on the Unity prayer list.
Sending out positive energy to you for your peace of mind and for healing.

SugarFemme · 01-21-2012, 01:50 AM

Heavenleahangel, you stare down that insidious cancer and you tell it with all the ferocity you can muster up that you are NOT going to let it beat you. You show it who is boss and that you are not going to allow it into your life.

And here is a prayer from me to you....
May the One who was a source of blessing for our ancestors, bring blessings of healing upon Heavenleah, a healing of body and a healing of spirit. May those in whose care they are entrusted be gifted with wisdom and skill, and those who surround them be gifted with love and trust, openness and support in their care. And may they be healed along with all those who are in need. Blessed are You, Source of healing. Amen.

Dominique · 01-21-2012, 01:44 PM

credits attached:
Popular herbal supplements may adversely affect chemotherapy treatment

Doctors urge cancer patients to discuss supplements with their doctors before beginning treatment

CHICAGO- Acai berry, cumin, herbal tea, turmeric and long-term use of garlic – all herbal supplements commonly believed to be beneficial to your health – may negatively impact chemotherapy treatment according to a new report presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago this summer. Researchers from Northwestern Memorial hospital say there is growing evidence that these popular supplements may intensify or weaken the effect of chemotherapy drugs and in some cases, may cause a toxic, even lethal reaction.
"With the growth of the Internet, patients have better access to information about alternative products and often turn to dietary and herbal supplements to treat their illness because they think they're natural and safe," said June M. McKoy, MD, geriatrician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and lead investigator on the ASCO presentation. "What people don't realize is that supplements are more than just vitamins and can counteract medical therapies if not taken appropriately".
McKoy, who is also director of geriatric oncology at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, says more research is needed to understand which supplements interact with chemotherapy drugs and the extent of those interactions and encourages patients to openly communicate with their physicians about the use of supplements.
"Patients need to tell their doctors what medications they are taking – including vitamins and supplements – to avoid any possible interaction," said McKoy who is also an assistant professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Herbal supplements, defined as plant or plant parts used for therapeutic purposes, can interact with chemotherapy drugs through different mechanisms. Some herbs can interfere with the metabolism of the drugs, making them less effective while other herbs such as long-term use of garlic may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. While culinary herbs used in small quantities for flavoring are generally safe, consuming large amounts for prolonged periods of time may have a negative effect on the body when going through chemotherapy.
Recent research shows that 50 percent of patients undergoing chemotherapy did not tell their doctor they were taking alternative therapies. "Some believe it's not important, while others are uncomfortable admitting they are pursuing alternative therapies," said McKoy. "The truth is, integrative approaches can be beneficial for cancer patients, but it's important to take these approaches at the right time and under the supervision of your doctor."
McKoy urges patients to stop taking herbal supplements while receiving chemotherapy until more is known about possible interactions, but encourages those who are interested in complementary approaches to have a conversation with their doctor about other approaches that may be beneficial.
"Integrative therapies such as massage, acupuncture and meditation can address important patient needs by alleviating stress, addressing pain and helping patients cope," said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director for the Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group's Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.
No matter the course of treatment, McKoy stresses the importance of physicians and patients being more cognizant of this potential interaction and encourages communication about all herbal supplement intakes. "Patients should bring in labels and bottles to their appointments. This can help the doctor calibrate drug dosage with other supplements in mind in order to prevent toxicities," stated McKoy.
McKoy plans to launch a pilot study this fall to examine how frequently conversations about supplements come up between cancer patients and their doctors.
"By identifying communication barriers, we can take steps to improve doctor patient communication in order to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions," said McKoy.

###

For more information please visit www.nmh.org or call 312-926-0779.

About Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Northwestern Memorial HealthCare is the parent corporation of Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, an 854-bed academic medical center hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, a 205-bed community hospital located in Lake Forest, Illinois.

01-20-2012, 05:25 PM	#1
Heavenleahangel Member How Do You Identify?: OFOS Femme; Earth bound Angel and Babygirl; Preferred Pronoun?: She, Angel, as long as it's respectful Relationship Status: Waiting for the One who can complete me Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Albany, NY~but originally from Georgia Posts: 562 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,257 Thanked 2,069 Times in 468 Posts Rep Power: 18675554	It's Friday evening and sowly, but surely, the fear and uncertainty of my starting chemo Monday morning is setting in. I have always fought for everything and anything in my life. Whether I fought for it or against it. Either way, whichever side I was on, I have been a warrior. Now, I am not sure whether I am fighting for it or against it. The pain in my foot and ankle where the bones are affected is horrendous and there hasn't been anything that has totally eased the pain. The lioness in me is rallying once more for the fight and will demonstrate my roar Monday morning when I show up at the cancer treatment center of Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Thank you all for the prayers and support everyone has shown so far. I will keep you posted.... __________________ Sweet Georgia Peach

01-20-2012, 10:31 PM	#4
mustangjeano Member How Do You Identify?: old school stonebutch, Queer TG butch, ranch hand Preferred Pronoun?: he Relationship Status: single, not looking Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Northern Ca. Posts: 1,088 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,459 Thanked 1,030 Times in 361 Posts Rep Power: 15314316	There will be a large group with you in spirit. Anxiety and fear are certainly to be expected. Try to do some slow deep breathing when you are feeling that way. Some people try to visualize the chemo as an ally in your defeat of the cancer. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Jean __________________ "Your outlook affects your outcome". John Paul Warren

01-21-2012, 01:44 PM	#7
Dominique Member How Do You Identify?: Female/Lesbian/half the athlete I used to be Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Relationship Status: Dates Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: So proud to be a Pittsburgher Posts: 1,484 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,645 Thanked 3,730 Times in 1,166 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	NorthWestern Conformation: credits attached: Popular herbal supplements may adversely affect chemotherapy treatment Doctors urge cancer patients to discuss supplements with their doctors before beginning treatment CHICAGO- Acai berry, cumin, herbal tea, turmeric and long-term use of garlic – all herbal supplements commonly believed to be beneficial to your health – may negatively impact chemotherapy treatment according to a new report presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago this summer. Researchers from Northwestern Memorial hospital say there is growing evidence that these popular supplements may intensify or weaken the effect of chemotherapy drugs and in some cases, may cause a toxic, even lethal reaction. "With the growth of the Internet, patients have better access to information about alternative products and often turn to dietary and herbal supplements to treat their illness because they think they're natural and safe," said June M. McKoy, MD, geriatrician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and lead investigator on the ASCO presentation. "What people don't realize is that supplements are more than just vitamins and can counteract medical therapies if not taken appropriately". McKoy, who is also director of geriatric oncology at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, says more research is needed to understand which supplements interact with chemotherapy drugs and the extent of those interactions and encourages patients to openly communicate with their physicians about the use of supplements. "Patients need to tell their doctors what medications they are taking – including vitamins and supplements – to avoid any possible interaction," said McKoy who is also an assistant professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Herbal supplements, defined as plant or plant parts used for therapeutic purposes, can interact with chemotherapy drugs through different mechanisms. Some herbs can interfere with the metabolism of the drugs, making them less effective while other herbs such as long-term use of garlic may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. While culinary herbs used in small quantities for flavoring are generally safe, consuming large amounts for prolonged periods of time may have a negative effect on the body when going through chemotherapy. Recent research shows that 50 percent of patients undergoing chemotherapy did not tell their doctor they were taking alternative therapies. "Some believe it's not important, while others are uncomfortable admitting they are pursuing alternative therapies," said McKoy. "The truth is, integrative approaches can be beneficial for cancer patients, but it's important to take these approaches at the right time and under the supervision of your doctor." McKoy urges patients to stop taking herbal supplements while receiving chemotherapy until more is known about possible interactions, but encourages those who are interested in complementary approaches to have a conversation with their doctor about other approaches that may be beneficial. "Integrative therapies such as massage, acupuncture and meditation can address important patient needs by alleviating stress, addressing pain and helping patients cope," said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director for the Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group's Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. No matter the course of treatment, McKoy stresses the importance of physicians and patients being more cognizant of this potential interaction and encourages communication about all herbal supplement intakes. "Patients should bring in labels and bottles to their appointments. This can help the doctor calibrate drug dosage with other supplements in mind in order to prevent toxicities," stated McKoy. McKoy plans to launch a pilot study this fall to examine how frequently conversations about supplements come up between cancer patients and their doctors. "By identifying communication barriers, we can take steps to improve doctor patient communication in order to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions," said McKoy. ### For more information please visit www.nmh.org or call 312-926-0779. About Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Northwestern Memorial HealthCare is the parent corporation of Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, an 854-bed academic medical center hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, a 205-bed community hospital located in Lake Forest, Illinois. __________________ As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be??

01-21-2012, 01:40 AM	#5
SweetJane Member How Do You Identify?: stone femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: always solo Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 368 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 380 Thanked 815 Times in 198 Posts Rep Power: 4309957	Heavenleahangel, Mustangjeano is right. We all will be with you on Monday. I'll put you on the Unity prayer list. Sending out positive energy to you for your peace of mind and for healing.

01-21-2012, 01:50 AM	#6
SugarFemme Member How Do You Identify?: Fierce Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Singular Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Southwest Posts: 1,029 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,460 Times in 854 Posts Rep Power*: 21474851	Heavenleahangel, you stare down that insidious cancer and you tell it with all the ferocity you can muster up that you are NOT going to let it beat you. You show it who is boss and that you are not going to allow it into your life. And here is a prayer from me to you.... May the One who was a source of blessing for our ancestors, bring blessings of healing upon Heavenleah, a healing of body and a healing of spirit. May those in whose care they are entrusted be gifted with wisdom and skill, and those who surround them be gifted with love and trust, openness and support in their care. And may they be healed along with all those who are in need. Blessed are You, Source of healing. Amen.