Never Morn The Death Of A Person That's Alive! And Until You Die LIVE!  

 Reverend Tammie Denyse

Loved what Reverend Tammie Denyse said!  So many people acted as if I had died when they heard my diagnosis.  I think that's why so many people hide that they have cancer.  We Want To Live, and To Live Joyfully!

A conversation with an eight year old.

The other day my son's friend was over for a play date and we had the following conversation:

The boys were working on a flag of California while I was doing dishes.  My son's friend looked up at me and made this statement, "I feel really sorry for you because you have cancer, and you are going to die."
Well what do you say to that?  I looked at him for a moment and then replied "Everyone dies, and we never know when it will happen."
"Yes," he said, "But I feel sorry for you because you have cancer and your going to die, and you haven't even lived a full life yet!"
About this time my nine year old spoke up--I'll never forget the stricken look on his face.  I wished I could wipe that look out of his eyes.  He tried to reassure his friend and himself, I think, by saying "She's taking a new medicine now and she's doing better." (That would be Protandim.)
I took over then and told him about two of my friends who have lost their husbands in tragic car accidents and again explained to him "Everyone dies sometime and no one, not even me, knows when it will be or what will be the cause of our death." I then asked him "What would you do if you knew you were going to die?"
He explained "I would tell my family and friends that I love them and I would travel and go places I want to go and do the things I want to do before I die."
"Well," I said "That is what we all should be doing right now, everyday of our life; we should let everyone know we love them, plan and do the things we want to do because we don't know what will happen tomorrow!"
Then he huffed out a breath and said "How do I get into these conversations with you!"
And I said "Because you told me you felt sorry for me, because I had cancer and was going to die." We let it go at that, and the boys went outside to play.

 It seems that the eight year olds are the ones that dare to have these types of conversations with me, but I think some older people think these things and keep it to themselves.

So I say to you:

If you are morning my death or some other "living soul"--get over it!  I'm not dead yet!  Don't you dare feel sorry for me! Let me live until I die!  And trust me, when it comes my time to die (and hopefully, it will be a long time in coming)  I will have lived MY full life.  The life that I have will be what I make it!  And I am grateful that it includes you!  So until I die I plan on living!  You are welcome to share the joy of this life with me but not my death, as it has not occurred yet!  I have faith that it will not happen until the Lord sees fit to call me home, and not a minuet sooner--so I will keep plugging along and being grateful for all that I have, all those that I love, and for each beautiful day.

So let me share with you some good news on the technology front.

Wow! A Thermogram Bra!
My sister shared this with me, and I just couldn't wait to share it with you!

Thermogram bra? This Smart Bra will be available in Europe next year and hopefully in the US sometime in 2014 pending FDA approval   The Bra has been shown to have an 92.1 level of accuracy in determining tumors and around 5 years earlier than a mammogram.  Mammograms are only about 70% accurate.  The Bra uses thermal technology to assess changes in the breast tissue, and it relays the information back to software that a doctor would have.  It is the creation of Fist Warning Systems out of Reno, Nevada.

This is a link to an article about a 45 year old women who was part of a clinical trial.  She had no signs of breast cancer but the bra showed otherwise.  She is now a cancer survivor and an advocate of The Smart Bra. Click on this link to read Lindsay's Story

 “The First Warning System is capable not only identifying breast tissue abnormalities at their earliest stages, but can also identify the general location of such abnormalities in three dimensions to each of the four quadrants of each breast,” said a release by Lifeline Biotechnologies, a medical technology company licensing the bra.

“It is, therefore, not intended as an additional step in the breast cancer screening process, but as an accurate identifier of early breast abnormalities which generate heat via the presence of new blood vessels that nourish the area in question.”

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2012/10/18/first-warning-systems-bra-detects-breast-cancer/#ixzz2BZfZpRe4

For any of you trying to get through the holidays fit and healthy, this is for you!

Holiday Tips

1)  Always go to a party full, that way you will not be as tempted to eat the things that are harmful to you. This works for those on a diet as well.

2)  Drink lots of water when you are at a party.  It will help keep you feeling full and you will be less likely to eat or drink something you will regret.

3) Take something yummy that you can eat, just in case you get tempted or start to feel deprived--a good tip for people on diets and that have food allergies.

4)  This year, choose to take care of yourself first every morning.  Then you will be better prepared to share and have more energy to put toward generosity and good cheer.

5)  Don't wait to do that little something extra for yourself, like taking yoga or zumba classes, a hike with friends or anything else you would like to do to rejuvenate your self.  We don't have to wait for the New Year to give to ourself.

6) Just Say No!  You don't have to do everything or go to every party!  You don't have to make the most exotic gifts or treats! After all, there must be a grocery store or bakery down the street.  The most important part of thanksgiving is to be thankful! The most important part of Christmas is the redemption!  And if you are not Christian, then I'm sure Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever holiday you celebrate doesn't require you to give up your health and sanity.  Just say yes to what is reasonable for you.  Everyone will understand and if they don't, they are too taxing for you to be around anyway.

7) Make sure you have joyful time with family and friends   If it's stressful, make your excuses and go home, make some warm herbal tea or hot coco, relax by a fire, read a good book or take a nap!

Food Is Part Of The Season!

I thought I would share a few fun and healthy recipes.  Here's to a healthy, joyful and yummy holiday!

Fudge Balls (Living on Live Food by Alissa Cohen)
2 cups Dates pitted and soaked (dates have a high natural sugar content so you can substitute stevia or xylitol if you want it lower in sugar)
2 cups almond butter
1/2 cup carob powder (If you don't like the taste of carob use coco powder but you will get caffeine)

1) in a food processor, blend the dates to a smooth past
2) Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth
3)Remove from processor and form into round balls.
They will keep for a long time in the refrigerator. (They are great when you have a sweet craving)

Guilt Free Sorbet (my own recipe)
Three to four cups frozen organic fruit of your choice (I get the frozen organic at Costco)
2 cups coconut milk ( you could use rice but coconut is richer)
1/2 cup xylitol
5 droppers of Stevia extract ( I like NOW brand the best, it has no bitter aftertaste  you could also use fresh leaves if you grow it)

Put all ingredients in a Vita-mix or similar appliance, mix until smooth and enjoy!

Here are some more fun and healthy recipe links!

Quinoa and Pistachio stuffed acorn squash recipe

Kale and Butternut Squash Salad Recipe

Healthy Recipes For Thanksgiving This site includes, A Butternut Root Vegetable Soup and a Criminal Chocolate Mouse Tart, YUM!

Pumpkin Spice Granola Not only for breakfast but a fun item to carry around and munch on. I would use raw unfiltered local honey over agave.  It's just plain better for you.  You could also come up with something else.  I'd love to hear your tips and recipes.

Crazy Sexy Thanksgiving  Kris Carr, who is a cancer thriver and has a radio show and is the author the New York Times best seller Crazy Sexy Kitchen, cookbook gives us some great recipes for
thanksgiving dinner at this link.

Pumpkin Banana Spice Smoothie Recipe.  How about this for breakfast.

My Test results
I am currently undergoing test to see where my cancer is at.  I have had two MRIs on my upper and lower back.  They came back with mixed results.  So let's start with the bad news; there are more cancer lesions on my back.  The good news is that my original lesions have gotten smaller and there are no bone fractures or tumors in the tissue.  I have another MRI scheduled at the end of the month, and then of course there will be a consult with my doctor.  I can report to you that I am feeling fine and have lots to celebrate this season of Thanksgiving.

Cancer-Free Day!

I find my self thinking, wouldn't it be nice to be cancer free for one day--a day when you don't have to think about what you do or eat, when no one asks you about your illness, no one gives you "that look"?   You know the one that I mean.  Sometimes it feels like I would have to run away and hide in a cave if I want to do that.  Well, I think if I work hard on my health this month and next I can have two "Cancer-Free Days!"

I now declare "Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, Cancer Free Days!"  That means if you even mention cancer to me on those days, I will just look blankly at you and walk away.  If you call and mention cancer, you will suddenly wonder if you lost the connection   But better yet, don't mention it.  Deep inside I will know I have cancer but I will still have a piece of pumpkin pie and not feel the least bit guilty!  I will also prepare some delicious healthy dishes so good, no one, not even me, will know I'm not indulging myself!

It is what it is, but it will be what I make it!

(Reverend Michael Moran)

In September there was a wonderful event that took place in Sacramento, CA.  It was called "Cancer as a Turning Point" and was presented by Healing Journeys.  It was a free program designed to educate, inspire, connect and celebrate.  In attendance were people who had been diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers, health professionals and many more.  It was a wonderful program that was made possible through volunteers and generous donations.

 In my next few blogs, I'm going to talk about some of the things I gleaned at the conference, but I want you to know that you can give needed support to next year's conference simply by going to Healing Journeys  and clicking on the Amazon link or this link next time you wish to shop on Amazon and they will donate to Healing Journeys.  It's a great cause! So many people benefited from the information shared and were uplifted by the experience.

One of the most inspiring speakers for me at the conference was Kelly Turner PhD.  She has focused her time and research on "Unexpected Remissions" of cancer. These remissions occur in the absence of western medicine, through integrative therapies, or after western medicine has failed.  She is currently writing a book about her findings and has a website that is continuing to collect cases of Unexpected Remissions.  You can find her at http://www.kellyannturner.com/. or at http://www.unexpectedremission.org/

The Mission of the project as stated on the web site is:

1. To collect and verify as many Unexpected Remission cases as possible — This will help us to notice common threads and eventually launch research studies that can begin testing those common threads.  Collecting UR cases via this website will also help us to know more accurately how often Unexpected Remission happens.
2. To socially connect unexpected survivors with cancer patients — Sharing unexpected remission stories through this website (and our books) will give current cancer patients much-needed hope, inspiration, and social connection.

The Three Core Beliefs for Healing

Kelly Turner said that there are three core beliefs for healing.  They are:

I.  The belief that you must change the condition under which cancer thrives.
 
 I know that that was one of my first thoughts after my diagnoses.  I thought "What cased this? What    do I need to do to change it?"  When I brought it up I was told not to worry about the cause but only how to stop the cancer.  To me, I had to know why in order to make changes in my behavior.

II.  That Illness = Blockage and Health = Movement.  This is true in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of life. 

Like stagnate water, if we stay in the same spot we will not be able to progress and heal.  We will sit in the same spot and become filled with bacteria and disease.  We Must Move and Make Changes if we are to find the path to Health and Wellbeing!

III.  That the Body, Mind and Spirit interacts together for healing.  Each is very important but the spirit is the most primary of the three areas in the healing process.

As a phycology major in college I found it most interesting that our mind could effect our physical bodies.  In one case that I studied a man had his retinas detach and was blind because he saw his wife with another man.  He later healed after she left the boyfriend and her focus was on caring for him and finding healing for him.  

People heal themselves and hurt themselves through the power of worry, stress, shock and also using the elements of  laughter, happiness and contentment.  It is interesting that for the "Unexpected Remisson" subjects, their Spiritual wellbeing was the primary of the three.  Are you neglecting your spiritual self?  We must remember that it's important to take care of our spirit, our mind and our body!  We shouldn't neglect any of these three areas.

Nine Things They All Did!

In her research she identified nine things that all of the "Unexpected Remmission" subjects had made a part of their recovery. The fist six they did with the help of healers, the last three the survivors did on their own.

With the help of Healers:

1.  They all had started with a fast to detox--some simply by not finding anything they felt they could eat. They ate lots of veggies but no meat, wheat, sweets, or dairy.

2.  They all used vitamin or herbal supplements, but not necessarily the same ones.

3.  They had a focus on the present and released their suppressed emotions.

4.  They increased their positive emotions as much as possible and didn't allow the negative emotions to become a focus for them.

5.  They used their own intuition to help inform their decisions.

6.  They had a deepening of their spiritual experiences.  That dosen't mean their beliefs but how they experienced the spiritual parts of their lives.

Survivors also did:

7.  They all took control of their healing decisions   They decided what they would do and how they would do it on their path to healing.

8.  They all had a strong reason to live.

9.  They all had an increased social support system.

Kelly Turner is collecting "Unexpected Remission" stories at The Unexpected Remissions Project www. unexpectedremission.org.  You can also sign up for her newsletter, and you can like them on facebook.  She is excepting donations as she would like to be able to publish the stories of each "Unexpected Remission" so we can read them, be inspired and learn how each of us or our loved ones may find an "Unexpected Remission" in our life.

Just a note about my recovery

This last month has been very busy as I have started my homeschooling year.  I had to find ways to balance working on my recovery, homeschooling, and family life.  With the help of my social support system, those who are walking this path with me and the many great resourses out their like Kris Carr of Crazy Sexy Cancer and the "Crazy Sexy Kitchen" (she has a book, facebook and pikterest) .  Thanks Kathleen for turning me on to her.  And fun blogs like But Doctor I hate pink.  I feel like I've found my balance.

I have finished my chemo and as promised still have my hair.  My cancer markers continue to drop.  My latest CEA is 3.9 from a high of 13.8.  My latest CA27.9 is 21.1 from a high of 74.4.  My liver continues to be in the normal range and my blood counts are all stable and doing well.  I am in the process of testing so that I can know how these drops in my markers translate to my tumers and lesions. I am still taking my supplements and believe that the Protandim by life Vantange has played a major part in my progress.

When I was diagnosed one of the doctors told me that if I didn't follow her protocol, I would die in 6 months to 2 years.  I didn't follow her protocol and have now passed her predicted 6 months.  In the words of Mark Twain "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."  Two weeks later I was "upgraded" to stage 4 and told that they would not be able to help me or fight the cancer.  They could manage it but it could not be fought.  That prediction was for a possible 5 to 10 year and a well-meaning referral to a psychologist.  I didn't take that advice either and with the help of my family, friends, old and new, and Dr. Forsyth of the  Century Wellness Clinic, who felt he could help me with an integrative approach, I am moving forward and doing Great!


So here's to keeping our Spiritual, Mental, and Physical self healthy!

I Am So Blessed by Karen Drucker  Click on the link to hear this song.  Thanks Betty for the music!

Amazing Results are My Good News!

Why do I blog about my cancer?

I believe that everything we need to be healthy and heal has been placed on this earth for us.  We just need to find it and learn how to use it!  I want to live, but I also want to share with you so that you can also find what you need to have a long healthy life. If I can help you, that gives my journey meaning! I have met so many wonderful people who have taken care of themselves and still they have cancer.  Something is very wrong and we need to find the answers!

I have been led to an amazing, all-natural product!  It is the scientific combination of the natural ingredients that make it spectacular.  I believe that those scientists who put it together were inspired to do it.  I started feeling results in about 3 days, but knew it could be coincidence.  My blood tests showed amazing results, and it was the only change I had made.  I believe that this product can save my life! Could it save yours or someone you love?

I use natural healing and a low dose chemo.  Only two more chemo weeks Yah!  I had a friend tell me about a supplement that I had not heard of before.  It sounded very interesting to me and so I investigated it.  While there are some who have said things to detract from the supplement, there is also scientific data and studies that back it up.  The scientist behind the supplement is world renowned for his work and well known in the science circles.  I decided to try the supplement and see what it could do for me.  I had already been taking two of the ingredients, and with taking so many different things, I thought trading two pills for one with a few extra ingredients was a good deal.  And as of my last blog, you know I had to stop everything, including the chemo.  Here is my story so far.

I started taking only the supplement for the first week, then I added the chemo, calcium, and vitamin D3 back into my routine.   I have not added any other supplements back, but I'm using diet and juicing.  This last week I added un-flavered gelatin and am going to add a bone broth.  I need to build my bone strength back up.

The chemo can cause damage to a woman's ovaries, and many women on it stop having periods.  That was a side effect that happened to me.  At first I feared pregnancy, knowing that chemo would damage an infant.  I took tests and found that I was not pregnant, but I was still concerned.  I decided that since my cancer was fed by estrogen, I wouldn't freak out about it.  Still I like to have my body in balance.

One of the other side effects I experienced was liver damage.  The numbers were high and concerned me.  If my liver is not working then I can't get better.  With a bad liver how was my body going to  clean the cancer out?  I had been taking things to help my liver but my numbers were consistently high.  My oncologist told me not to worry about it, that it was not that bad.  I guess some liver damage is normal.

As I mentioned in my last blog, I developed petechiae and stopped taking everything.  Then I was introduced to this supplement that is really for anti-aging.


For you non-believers out there who may not want to go on what I feel and believe, I'm posting my test results so you can see for yourself.  This is not just coincidence!

I started taking the new supplement.  On the third day I started to menstruate.  This was after two months of no cycle.  After taking the supplement for almost one week, I went in for blood work.  My CBC came back, and my liver numbers are now in the normal range.  My Lymphocyte went up, and my cancer markers went down.  This shows my numbers before I started chemo in May up to my last test on August 27th.  The only thing I have done differently is the supplement I started to take about one week before the test (the 24th of July).  My doctors have been very pleased and keep calling me to tell me the good news!  They have even been testing my cancer markers every two weeks instead of once a month.  It is very exciting to them and a miracle for me!

My Liver Function

ALT and AST 

(part of a CBC test)
ALT is typically measured to determine if the liver is damaged or diseased. If the liver is damaged or diseased, it will release ALT into the blood. Increases in ALT levels are generally caused by liver damage. The ALT blood test can help to identify liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice and liver damage. Elevated ALT levels can also indicate thyroid disease, lead poisoning, polymuositis, heart attack and possibly liver cancer. (Health testing center)

"The blood test for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is usually used to detect liver damage.  AST and ALT are considered to be two of the most important tests to detect liver injury.  Sometimes AST is compared directly to ALT and a ratio is calculated.  This ratio may be used to distinguish between different causes of liver damage.  Sometimes AST may be used to monitor people who are taking medications that are potentially toxic to the liver." (Web MD) 

Component	AST	ALT
Standard Range	0-37 U/L	15-65 U/L
5/2/2012	29	30
7/2/2012	47 H	70 H
7/6/2012	38 H	60
7/13/2012	51 H	66 H
7/30/2012	33	37
8/10/2012	32	35
8/27/2012	23	31

An Important Little Blood Cell

"Lymphocytes: A small white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a large role in defending the body against disease.

Lymphocytes are responsible for immune responses. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. The B cells make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins while the T cells attack body cells themselves when they have been taken over by viruses or have become cancerous. Lymphocytes secrete products (lymphokines) that modulate the functional activities of many other types of cells and are often present at sites of chronic inflammation." (medicinenet.com)

Component	Lymphocyte %
Standard Range	26.0-46.0 %
5/2/2012	29
7/2/2012	30
7/13/2012	20 L
7/30/2012	36
8/10/2012	32
8/27/2012	35

        

My Cancer Markers

Cancer marker CEA

Tumor marker, CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein associated with certain kinds of cancers, especially colon and rectal cancer. Elevated CEA levels are also found with a variety of cancers other than that of the large intestine, including pancreatic, gastric, lung, ovary, and breast.

The CEA test can be used as a general indicator of such cancers and CEA levels are often used to monitor the disease progress and response to treatment.

CEA is normally produced during the stages of fetal development. The production of CEA generally stops before a child is born, and CEA is not present in most healthy adults. However, elevated levels of CEA may occasionally be detected in benign conditions such as cirrhosis, chronic lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis. (Health testing center)

Component	Standard Range	7/2/2012	7/30/2012	8/10/2012	8/27/2012
CEA	0.0-2.5 ng/mL	13.8 H	11.8 H	9.6 H	7.3 H

"The CA 27.29 is the premier blood test for breast cancer. In fact, the CA 27.29 is the only blood test specific for breast cancer.

The CA 27.29 test measures the level of CA 27.29 antigen, which is found in the blood of individuals with breast cancer. Correspondingly, the level of CA 27.29 in the blood rises as breast cancer progresses.

       

The CA 27.29 test is a useful measurement in the detection and monitoring of breast cancer and the response to therapy. In addition to the CA 27.29 test, oncologists will often recommend the CEA blood test." (Health testing centers)

Component	CA 27.29 (Breast)
Standard Range
5/2/2012	51.6 H
7/2/2012	74.4 H
7/30/2012	58.0 H
8/10/2012	37.0

So, What Am I Taking?

Protandim

Any way you look at it I'm doing really well! 

So what is Protandim?  It is an anti-aging product that helps your body produce enzymes like it did when you were a kid.  Those enzymes will help your cells stay healthy and keep you young on the inside.  What is in it?  There are five main ingredients, Milk Thistle seed extract, Bacopa extract, Ashwagandha extract , Green Tea extract and Turmeric extract.

So I have to share this supplement with all of you!  This link is to an ABC Prime Time Special Report about Protandim. www.abcliveit.com After you watch it I know you will have questions!  Above the video you will find links to research on this product and other helpful information.  This next link is to where you can get Protandim if you want to try it, or have someone that may benefit from it.  www.mylifevantage.com/jeanmcanepari It also gives you a way to get other questions answered. I believe in this product so much that I had to get involved!  I would say try it for a month and see what your own body can do for you!  And I won't be insulted if you don't get it from me, I just want you to know about it.  

I can't wait to see what my next blood test results!  And yes I will share them with you!

A Note to Maria

Maria,

Today my thoughts are with you.  Your hopes and dreams.  Your smile as I saw you work on your challenges.  Your beautiful family.  When I saw my youngest son today, I thought of your son, the same age and I gave mine a hug.  We have 3 children the same ages.  They are just starting out in life and I know you looked forward to being with them through each stage of their lives.  I know you are with them and will always be there.  It is amazing how spending less then 3 weeks of my life in your company has effected me.  I know you were in pain but you smiled.  You stayed with me while I waited for my ride.  You laughed and shared with me.   I wish I could have been there for you more than I was.  I wish I could do something to comfort your children, husband and family.  Those in your family I met were great people.  I know they will always be there for your children and each other.  That's a comfort I know you had.  I'm thinking about and praying for your family-especially your 3 boys.   I will not forget you.

Your Friend
Jean


Today is a hard day-I'm very sad.  I lost a friend that I feel I just met.  Her birthday was the day before mine and we shared children of the same ages.  I'm still off of everything and my labs are back but the doctor has not released them to me.  That's never a good sign.  She has not called either so it must not be that bad.  The only thing I am doing is diet, juicing and raw foods.  I'm truly questioning the chemo.  I didn't have much but it has messed up my body so I'm not sure if I want to go back on it.  There are a lot of supplements I can go back on and of course the diet.  I think today is a good day to reflect, to plan and to prepare.  No one knows what tomorrow will bring.  So we smile and move forward.  Yes, sometimes we cry a little.  So I guess today we should all hug our loved ones and tell them "I Love You".

Life At Home

Who am I!
Cancer does not define who I am!  But I think some people think it does, so I want you to know I am still a mother, sister, daughter, wife.  I still hike, read lots of books, hate house work, love my garden and yard.  I had to take a break from lots of fun rewarding things I like to do, some by choice and others because it was felt I needed to focus on myself and my family.  Since I have more time, I am making some fun baby blankets, learning to crochet little baby girl shoes, making goodies for others because I can't eat them.  And I still have lots of kids and teens at my house.  So when you see me, I hope you truly see me and not the cancer--as I said it may be a part of my life, but it in no way defines who I am!

My life on low dose Xeloda
I am supposed to spend the next 3 months on a low dose chemo called Xeloda.  I take it for seven days and then off for seven days.  I also take all my supplements and natural remedies with my diet plan.  My dose is very low--500 milligrams 3 times a day.  Most patients are on about 2000 milligrams twice a day or higher.  Some are 7 days on and 7 days off while others are 14 days on and 7 days off.  There are lots of side effects with Xeloda including swollen soles of feet and palms of hands. Because my dose is so low, no side effects are expected beside being a little fatigued.

1st week on Xeloda
The first two days I became very nauseous.  By day three I became very ill and could not keep anything down.  I spent lots of time over the toilet bowl.  I was encouraged by my friends to call the doctor.  I finally did and he ordered me some anti-nausia medication.  That helped a lot and I continued on my chemo and supplements.

Blood work
Every other week I have to go have blood work done.  When I took my first test, my cancer markers had improved but my liver function had become very bad.  My doctor ordered a liver panel.  I decided that I would do what I could to help heal my liver--we can't get better if our liver does not work.

What I did

• I added Milk Thistle seed to my diet.  It has been shown to be beneficial in helping to repair the liver.  It is also helpful with malaria and cancer. Here is a link about milk thistle: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/milkthistle/Patient/page2 It is however controversial for cancer patients, and from what I have read it is best to just use the seeds if you have cancer.  

My doctor also told me to take:

• Selenium  http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/selenium-000325.htm An essential mineral that is an antioxidant.  
• Alpa Lipoic Acid http://altmedicine.about.com/od/alphalipoicacid/a/alphalipoicacid.htm  An antioxidant and helps the body convert sugar into energy.
• and Turmeric, yes the spice. http://www.raysahelian.com/turmeric.html  http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/turmeric-000277.htm  You can read more about turmeric on these links but it has been shown to be very helpful with cancer among other conditions.

So I added theses supplements and my liver function has improved.

2nd week on Xeloda
Things went better and I was able to take all my supplements and not feel sick.  On day five I noticed small spots like freckles all over my body--they blended in where I had freckles.  They range in color from bright red to purple and brown.  What are they?  First I thought liver spots, but no, liver spots are not caused by the liver.  What I found is that they looked like petechiae  http://www.primehealthchannel.com/petechiae-petechia.html, bleeding under the skin caused by miner hemorrhage.  The small spots are called petechiae, and the larger spot in this photo is called purpura; I don't have any purpura spots.

I called my oncologest and emailed my doctor.  I must add, I felt fine in every way.  My oncologest felt that I was haveing an alergic reaction and had me stop chemo and supplements.  He told me to take large amounts of benadryl and vitamin C.  My doctor had me come in and after she looked at the spots orderd lots of labs stat!  She said it is petechiae.  We just need to find out what is the cause and deal with it.  There are many causes such as an allergic reaction to medication or taking too much ibeprofan.  It can also be caused by an infection.  Most likely for me it's a low platelet count due to the chemo.  It can be hard to have your oncologist in another state.  But I do have a very good doctor here that is willing to run tests and work with me and my oncologist.

So what do I do now?  I have to just wait and see how my labs turn out on Monday.  I will try to keep you informed.

For my friends on Xeloda
Your experience will be unique.  Only 35% to 40% of patients have nausea and vomiting.  Petechiae is also something not everyone has when on chemo.  If you go to  http://www.breastcancer.org/  there are several groups in the community link that are talking about Xeloda and you can get a good idea of what is happening to others who are taking this form of chemo.  Most of them are on a high doses.  Some have been on it for years.  They will also be happy to answer your questions.  As for me, I'm not sure if I will be back on Xeloda, or what I will be doing to keep up the fight.