Breast cancer

[boysmom]

I'm in the process of being diagnosed with breast cancer. A punch biopsy showed cancer in one breast, but no information from the other, worse looking breast. I am very concerned about how to support my body through treatments. They're talking surgery as soon as this week, followed by chemo and that's as far as I know at the moment. I know chemo usually targets fast growing cells, including the lining of the intestines, which I've worked hard for the 7 years since my diagnosis to heal and repair. So now what?? Has anyone here gone through breast cancer treatments who would be willing to share strategies for protecting the gut while effectively fighting the cancer?

[squirmingitch]

I am so sorry to hear this. I will be sending all my strength & healing thoughts you way throughout your ordeal. I have no tips for you as thankfully I have not been through this.

I did want to give you my full support though.

I do have a dear, dear, friend who just went through a lumpectomy & radiation. She declined the chemo as she has lupus & already has enough troubles with low platelets. Lupus though does not involve the gut problems like celiac however it carries it's own set of challenges. I am very happy to say she is now doing great but the radiation was not pleasant for her & she did have a rough time of that part of it. I think her reactions to the radiation had a lot to do with her lupus though.

 

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Keep your chin up!

[Fundog]

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  Find yourself a good herbalist and find out what kind of plant medicines are available to help you.  Mallow and Slippery Elm are both effective at coating and soothing the lining of the digestive tract, and may offer some protection as well as healing.  Juniper berries have been shown in clinical studies to actively shrink tumors.  Keep us updated on what you find out, and how you are doing.

[cyclinglady]

I am so sorry about your recent diagnosis.  I can not offer any advice, but I can offer hugs!  ?

[Gemini]

I am so sorry you are going through this, boysmom.  This must be so difficult for you. They are getting pretty good at treating this disease so I am sure you will be fine in the long run.  I would suggest asking for a referral to a nutritionist who specializes in cancer nutrition.  That can be a big help and I am sure whatever information they have to share could be adapted for the gluten free diet. Many places are integrating nutritional counseling with a cancer diagnosis.

My very best wishes to you for a speedy recovery! 

[icelandgirl]

Oh boys mom, I'm so sorry.  (((((Hugs)))))

I have not been through this either.  I would follow Geminis advice on a nutritionist.  I wish I could offer something more.  Hopefully your boys are surrounding you with love right now.  Do whatever you can to take care of yourself now.  Be good to yourself.  Pray, meditate, yoga, etc.

I hope that someone with more experience chimes in with advice.  We are all here for you.  (((((((Hugs))))))

[manasota]

Boysmom, my heart is breaking for you!  I want to wrap my arms around you and beat the DEVIL BC into the ground so nobody needs to endure the fear or pain associated with it.  I was diagnosed with BC 3 years before being diagnosed with Celiac.  I had surgery and radiation.  I thought I dealt with both very well--until other AI diseases started showing up.  In hindsight, for me, the radiation was the worst.

You are ahead of the game as you have gotten your gut into good condition.  This will serve you well.  I second the suggestion for getting in touch with a nutritionist familiar with these 2 diseases.  Again, you are ahead of the game as you are already educated in good nutrition.  Yea!  I didn't need chemo so I can't help you specifically with that aspect.

For me, the biggest help was realizing that any trauma (including BC) comes with pros and cons.  The cons are pretty easy to identify.  I was surprised to learn of many pros as a result of dealing with BC.

Things I learned:

1)  I am more than my breasts, or BC, or Celiac for that matter.  None of these things define me.

2)  I still have the same intellect, sense of humor, friends, loved ones, education, etc.  

3)  I am the same person, with the same good (and bad) traits.

4)  I have the same value that I did before.  

5)  I am just as sexy (and beautiful) as I always was.  (Maybe more so because of my new relaxed attitude!)

6)  I can relax because I no longer have to try to be perfect.  I can now simply be a "regular" human being like everyone else.  (Maybe you're lucky enough to never have been bitten by the perfectionistic bug!)

7)  I will never again have to sweat the small stuff because now I really know EXACTLY what is important.  I don't have to waste any time fretting over small decisions.  Phew!  Major relief!

8)  Life is so much easier now because choices are so much clearer!

9)  I always thought I knew how to make myself happy--no matter what.  But now, it is even easier to see clearly just how many things I have to be grateful for.  I can now find the positive in ANYTHING!

Boysmom, I wish you well on your journey.  Make no mistake, it is a journey.  You will come out stronger on the other end.  I am sending you so many hugs that you will become sick of them!!

One last thing.  It is very important for you and for your loved ones.  LET PEOPLE HELP YOU!  They want to help you.  Even if you could manage without help, let them help!  Everyone will feel better--and heal faster!

[MrsChoplin]

I don't have much enlightening to say but I wanted you to know that I am praying for you. <3

[boysmom]

Thank you for all your good wishes! I had bilateral mastectomy last weekend and have learned that I have 3 types of cancer in my breasts. I've been told I have 2 weeks to make decisions about follow up treatment, so I'm trying to dig into that now and see what I can learn so I can try to make the best decision going forward.

[Gemini]

I am happy the surgery is behind you, my dear.  My cousin just went through this and ended her chemo in June.
She is doing much, much better emotionally and physically and you will too!  You will receive good guidance with your options on treatment and I will send you positive healing prayers. Too many women go through this but do really well, long term. Please keep us updated.....we care! 

[icelandgirl]

Big ((((hugs)))) to you sweetie.  I'm glad the surgery is behind you...that's always tough.  I'm so sorry that you are facing this, but you sound ready to taking it on. Please do keep us updated.  As Gemini said, we really do care.  I will be praying for you.

[cstark]

I have never had to deal with cancer of any kind so far in my life, but I want to wish you well and I will be praying for you.

[squirmingitch]

You've jumped the first hurdle which is the surgery. Now you know exactly what you're dealing with. We're here for you at all times. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}