Cancer has Cancer
 
Question from Kim:

"Hi Heather !!
Thought of you this morning ..I have a question ? Since my surgery in 2010 and Cancer I've been doing great , but since my knee injury my joints have been really bothering me .. I have been trying to recovery which has been since 11/5 but I'm starting to come around now after using a walker and taking baby steps but the problem Is the doctors that are checking me for arthritis haven't found anything wrong ...all my tests are coming back negative Yay!!! but my joints and even my jawbone on the right hurts so bad at times ..

Whats really bothering me is ...one day when I was at work I had heard a patient tell me about a cousin of hers that doctors were trying to diagnose her with arthritis and ended up being bone cancer so that's why I'm writing to you because I just wanted to pick your brain bc you are a very intelligent woman and you understand different types of cancers know a lot more than me haha and it's just weird because I still haven't had any relief ( middle finger right side only swollen) drs had me on a steroid for seven days which kind of took the sensation away by controlling it ,but it's mainly just in the bone / joint... And my knuckle on other hand .. So my tests show no rheumatoid arthritis no fibromyalgia no influenza vitamin D's good ,no HIV ,No diabetes!!! No gout ! 
Let me just say doctor are beating their brains to see what's the matter with me .. I don't see my oncologist until January sometime ,but I've been like this since November 5 and it all started with a knee injury which ended up being a tendon that I messed up by doing squats and using a thera-band with intensity levels against my body weight but I mean that should never have had anything to do with now my hands but it's still an issue... There talking about doing a neck xray too .. Already had hands and knee xray and shows a mild Degeneration soooo....Just wanted your opinion . I do have 2 more test pending to Arthritis on Monday (different types)which I'll find out . 
My Faith is very strong and I trust in The Lord but I am human and need Gods light to shine on this bc I feel it's been a long time.. Progress yes I have had , and yes test are coming back great  just thought maybe others that have had my experience have had issues like mine to joint pain . I did have a total Hysterectomy and on Estrogen pills and Wellbutrin- Oh and Dr thinks It could be Wellbutrin but Ive been on it for two and half years so this weekend he doesn't want me take it until Monday to see how I feel without taking it.. Wellbutrin does do that to the joints so I really don't know but I need to do some research on Wellbutrin also I guess...

Thanks for hearing me out Heather I really appreciate it and in taking the time to read ,but this morning I thought of you;) trying to get opinions because it's just crazy that it's still unsolved... Feel like the Twilight zone LOL  have to find the humor girl Haha!!! God Bless You 

 Praying for the Best of Health for Us All" 


Answer:


I'm dealing with the same exact thing right now.

I've been having lower back pain since about last Feb or Jan and I have asked repeatedly for scans and tumor markers to be done with tests and I've been in and out of the hospital. The other thing is that I've been suffering with what I believe is arthritis in my ankles, knees and hips since my chemo and I researched it Cystplatin will has that. But my test and tumor markers going up and then come back down so I'm not sure if they're just not catching it early and don't have a definite "this is cancer again". But as you know it's our life and our bodies and the last time I listen to 4 different doctors I was misdiagnosed from Nov 09-Sept 2010 and then found out I had advanced ovarian cancer. So right now it's like twisting these people's arms to get anything done. It really got bad about a month ago and I just couldn't handle the pain any longer and I'm have a high tolerance for pain but I didn't even want to stand on my right leg. The other problem I've been having since chemo ended is neuropathy in my right leg and right hand, I've fallen before because my leg will just fall asleep and go numb then I just fall in public. How do I explain that to a whole bunch of 20 year olds? I went to see a different doctor and he was nice enough to evaluate me with no charge. This doctor determined that I have a bulging disc on the right lower back side that is affecting my nerve which goes all the way down my right leg. I believe that I'm suffering from both arthritis and the bulging disc. I've done enough research and know my body to be aware but sometimes these doctors at Parkland look at me as if I'm just complaining or I don't know what is going on and then that's when I have to be an asshole about it and show my diagnosis papers of the bulging disc and print outs of side affects from chem to let them know that I'm not as stupid as they think. I probably have a higher IQ then they do, idiots. SMH. Now not all doctors are like this, the ones that do listen will get some things done. As of right now I'm waiting on an MRI to get imaging of the bugling disc or to see if it's cancer as of have the history of two forms of ovarian cancer. Depending on that is I suppose where they will figure out what the next step is in treatment, whether it be surgery or steroids and they also prescribed me Meloxicam which is a muscle relaxer to see if that helps and Methocarbamol which is an anti-inflammatory. The other MD I saw said that meds would not help with my back pain because it nerve damage. Which is true, the meds just make me loopy and don't take the pain away or they just put me to sleep and I already sleep a lot from depression about 14+ hours. So either I'll need surgery in the future and was given some exercises to stretch my back and was told to have 'null' activity for at least 8 weeks. And honestly I can't stand the pain when it gets bad, I'm in tears. Or either it's cancer and I'll need chemo again. But not sure and nothing is definite in life and I know that this is only bodily pain. I do my best to meditate and do yoga breathing techniques to soften the physical pain until there is some type of resolution but then again I know that there might not be because of the side affects of having aggressive chemo for 6 months with no breaks. What's the trade off? Well, I'm still alive! I know I'm in pain and my body has aged 30 years in less than 2 years but I'm still alive and if I can stay positive and combine mind, body and soul I should be able to withstand anything.
 
 
So I do my best to inform myself about many other types of cancers, treatments and nutrition and anything that I feel is helpful for others.  I attended a presentation by Kristin Rigno, RD, CSO, LD, CNSC from Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.  Here are just a few recommendations from her point of view and the  American Institute for Cancer Research

Obsity and Cancer Risks-Higher risk for cancers:
Esophageal
Pancreatic
Colorectal
Breast (post-menopause)
Endometrial
Kidney

The AICR recommends at least these as 4 types of activities:
Household-Mowing the lawn, Vacuuming, dusting
Transport-Walking to and from work, stairs instead of elevator
Recreational-Walk after dinner, hike in the park
This type of activity can prevent colorectal and breast cancers.

Meats:
Eat red meats in moderations
-less than 18 oz./week
-use lesslean meats-3.5 oz. servings
-avoid high temperature cooking
-limit processed meats including smoked, cured, salted or nitrates added

Fats and Oils:
balance out the saturated and unsaturated fats
add omega 3
energy dense

Fruits and Veggies
Research has shown that fruits and vegetables protect against a range of cancers (including mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, lung, pancreas, prostate).

They provide these 4 cancer fighting compounds:
1. Vitamins-Antioxidants
2. Minerals-Antioxidants
3. Phytochemicals-Antioxidants
4. Fiber

Antioxidants?
Antioxidants can prevent or even slow down oxidative stress or damage to cells that are introduced by free radicals.

Here's what vitamins can do for you:
Vitamin A-Citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries
Vitamin C-Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, kale, green lettuce 
Vitamin E-Sunflower seeds, mixed nuts, whole grain products

Beta Cartene
Neutralizes free radicals which cause damage to cells
Can be made into vitamin A in the body

Minerals?
Selenium: gluthatione peroxidase garlic, celery, onions, broccoli, cabbage, whole grains, nuts, wheat germ
Zinc: enzyme co-factor legumes, whole grains, peanut butter

Phytochemicals?
Phyto in Greek means "plant"

Lycopene protects againts:
Prostate, breast, lung, stomach and pancreatic cancers and are found in tomatoes, watermelons, pink/red grapesfruits, apricots (processed forms of tomatoes (tomato sauce, paste or juice) are easier to absorb just be aware of how much sodium is added. 

Ellagic Acid:
Antioxidants, anti-mutagen and anti cancer properties.
Source: red fruits and berries, including grapes, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries.


Antyocyanins:
Are powerful antioxidants and found in blueberries, berries, cherries, and red grapes.

Isothiocyanates:
They protect against some types of cancers (mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, lung, colorectal, prostate, and bladder cancers.
Found in cruciferous vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, bok choy.

The benefits of fiber!
Fiber helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, promotes regular bowel movement, removes toxic waste from colon in less time, keeps optimal pH in the intestines, lowers cholesterol and regulates blood sugar.

How much do you need of vegetables and fruits a day? at least 5 servings, but a serving is smaller than you think!

How big is a serving? 
1/2 cup of vegetables raw/uncooked
1 cup of vegetable juice
1 cup of raw leafy greens 

1/2 cup of chopped fruits
1 cup of 100% fruit juice (no added sugar)
1/4 cup of dried fruits

The AICR new american plate consists of:
1/3 or less animal protein
2/3 or more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans

Variety is important! No single

For more information please visit: www.aicr.org








 

Cancer has Cancer