I can understand your unwillingness to not take tamoxifen I fought with having to take herceptin, I finally gave in. Tamoxifen prevents estrogen, that in part can cause depression, and believe me I've battled that pre cancer and post cancer. Well now I'm taking my herceptin after my SLASH/CRASH/&BURN, and I hate it but I'm doing it because people love me and want me to fight this cancer, so I'm fighting it. I wish you would as well, I just hate cancer winning against us great women.
It's not such a dramatic thing to take that pill it dosen't feal anything.. Im a guy that takes it, cause I had little too high levels of estrogen..The pill is just an estro-blocker..no big deal..
Maybe it's different for women, as Tamox can push ladies into menopause and thereby they will experience all the menapausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, etc) - that may not be applicable discomfort to men. Also, she looks quite young - maybe she was hoping to have kids in the near future, and if taking Tamoxifen, you pretty much have to pass on having babies until you're done taking it for yrs.
My mum had a radical mastectomy in 1985 and didn't take any anti-cancer drug for years because 'they' overlooked offering her it. She's now 77 and is a regular visitor to the 'titty clinic' where she lives.
Early is before it spreads so that what gets cut out doesn't leave you crippled. Also it means "before metastasis". In my case it was two years. Depends on the type of cancer and the speed of growth. "Cancer" isn't one thing, it's a collection of many different diseases, each of which ahs a different progression and cure rate.
Just me Jaded here looking through some of your older videos. I can see your point to why you would not take tomoxifen. I too have suffered from severe depression and almost did me in 3 times and for people who do not understand that...and do say well "get over it" or "get up and dust yourself off" simply cannot understand how dark it a place depression can be. Great video and I wish you health and happiness :o) Jammie or Jaded
It's nice to hear from someon who gets it. I was really shocked at how many people were sympathetic to my cancer, who had never shown any concern for my depression. Suddenly I didn't have to be ashamed of my illness.
Hi Phae. OMG! I didn't know you had breast cancer. You have been through so much in your life. Im so sorry that you had to go through this. Well, your reasons for not taking tamoxifen sound logical to me. All drugs have side effects. Thanks for sharing your story and for making me think. I haven't had a mammogram for some time, so I better make my appointment.
I'm sorry to hear that, duck. But it'll be ok; really. First it will be jucky for a while (and you may have to drop out, as you said), but eventually you'll see it will make you stronger.
Wow. You video almost made me cry, but the comments pushed me over the edge. I look forward to watching the next two in this series, and I think your wrong about this video having limited appeal. I too have suffered depression and I actually don't even go to the doctor anymore by myself, because their seems to be an simultaneous but mutually exclusive belief in the medical community that patients have to be responsible for their care and that they should shut up and do what they are told.
You're right1 I've never heard it so well put...we are to inform ourselves, take responsibility for our own well-being...and then do whatever the doctor tells us. My secret is SALT. I take everything with a nice little grain of it. :)
Salt, second opinions and a health care advocate. I just tell the reception/nurses/doctors that I am claustrophobic and if there is no radiation danger I need my husband in the room with me. It's interesting how its changed the conversation. I now get more time, and more questions answered more thoroughly from my health care providers.
My mom didn't take the pill either, I don't think it's a stupid decision..it's your decision. I think you have thought it out and made the best decision for you. Nice vid. :)
Heh, that's a complex question. She has been cancer free for almost 3 years now, we just went through another scare a few months back though. She had breast cancer and her mother & sister both had hormonal cancers at the same time and died. She's going in on Monday and setting up a time for a hysterectomy. She decided next time it wouldn't just be a false alarm..and she'll just be a step ahead.
Your grandmother and Aunt died at the same time your mom was going through her cancer? Wow. makes me wonder what was happening in your family at the time. (Don't answer that here.)
I've also been considering a preventative hysterectomy. It doesn't remove all of the estrogen-producing capabilities (the pituitary does it, too), but it certainly lowers it.
*hugs* Thank-you for sharing yours too. Yeah, my mom preaches to me most days about being checked regularly. If she wouldn't have been checked when she was, the outcome could have been a lot different.
While thousands of people struggle with non-curable cancers, this one chooses to not take a pill to save her life. And of course 1938 has been there and done that...after all, he's done and knows about everything you can find on Wikipedia. Sorry about your illness, but I cant say I agree with your outlook on life.
i dont think anyone as upbeat as you seem would suffer from deppresion .just keep tough.i have heard very good reports on that pill .i take enough pills to choke a donkey an they dont make me deppresed good luck chris.
Hey Chris: I imagine your pill-load is quite impressive. You're still on anti-rejection drugs, right? As for my "upbeat attitude": it was very hard-won and I will always believe it to be fragile. I lost literally years to depression.
Chris is on more than anti rejection drugs, the transplant is the least of his worries believe me, I know. He takes a whole coctail to combat various other things, all interact,and carry the risk of bad side effects,
Phaedress, I can only imagine the fear that this horrible disease can induce in you. It does typically take a year of your life to win this battle. I'd have to think pretty hard about that drug too. I'm subject to falling into deep depression that is destructive to my physically.
Mygosh! You're right. Was this a guess or is there some way in which you could tell?...and yes, that was the 'hidden message' in my choice for the picture.
You're very inspiring.. thank you for sharing your story. I used to be depressed and I think that the passage of time has helped me get through those hard times. You're such a wonderful person...please post more videos *hugs*
My wife is at the 4yr mark.My respect for her & anyone else going through this battle is emence.Phae your videos show a true & honest appreciation for living life to its fullest,(I'm bias tho, being a nature nut myself).We make our choices & then we live with them.Be strong ,live well.
P.S. if you ever get to the merrytimes ,the lobsters are on me. :)
Wouldn't you know it? that's almost the only place I haven't been. My next Great Road Trip is westerly (I bing-boing back and forth), but after that I'll may be hunting you down..:) I'd love to meet your wife.
hmm I am with you Phaedress, I wouldn't want to take it either. Even though many worked to save you, it is still your body, your life, your choice. The risk of you getting cervical cancer and having depression is not worth it. You've fought so hard already, who is to say the tamoxifen is going to be for you!
I certainly don't expect you or anyone here to view these, because they are quite long, but I just felt the need to relate why I know first hand that anti-depressants CAN make a difference. Take care and best wishes. I LOVE your videos.
I've never been clinically depressed so take what I say with that caveat. I think I would at the very least take the pill until I actually saw negative side effects from it and then discontinue it at that point. And perhaps take anti-depressants at the same time. I do know from first hand experience that anti-depressants make a difference. It's a long story why I know this first hand even though I've never actually been clinically depressed. Cont.
I ask you to please don't take this as me spamming my videos here, but I do feel a need to explain my above statements. They can only be explained by viewing 2 of my videos here called "Every Halfway Decent Poem I've Ever Written Except For 2" and "One Long Ass Back Story, and One Short Poem." Cont.
I considered taking them and "waiting for the negative side-effects", but this has been not so much a decision but a complete psychic interdiction. Good advice, though.
being cut open is hard. taking pills is hard. living is hard. depression is hard. being alive and living for the moment- easy. Thank God we have a right to choose the treatments and course of recovery, your Dr. may be mad- but in the end it's your life- not his. Take care of yourself the way that is right for you- never know, you may change your mind one day, and decide the pill might be good for you. Hugs- Peace & Love. and TY for sharing this.
"Being alive and living for the moment" is easy -- once you figure out how. Like a great many people, I took an awful long time to learn this simple lesson, but now I do my best to live by it.
An interesting story indeed. Your perspectives on life always fascinate me. I can't imagine what you have been through, and wish you only the best for the future.
phaedress, in the end, you have to make decisions that are right for you. If you don't feel that taking this pill is right for you, then don't take it. It's your life, it's your body. Just my 2 cents.
Quality of life decisions affect everyone. Sooner or later. You rock! Their, the docs, happiness is not important, but yours is! Thank you for sharing that story.
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Charlotte Gerson on Alternative Cancer Treatments #279 [YouTube]
nEWwORLDhOARDER 2 years ago
....and?
phaedress 2 years ago
Ah, illness is a great teacher, isn't it?
Seems like you're learning that there is no law about who will stay when you need them and who won't --and I bet some were suprising.
Here's the good news:
The ones who leave make room for new friends, new love, new opportunities.
Be strong.
phaedress 2 years ago
I can understand your unwillingness to not take tamoxifen I fought with having to take herceptin, I finally gave in. Tamoxifen prevents estrogen, that in part can cause depression, and believe me I've battled that pre cancer and post cancer. Well now I'm taking my herceptin after my SLASH/CRASH/&BURN, and I hate it but I'm doing it because people love me and want me to fight this cancer, so I'm fighting it. I wish you would as well, I just hate cancer winning against us great women.
pn385 3 years ago
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
You're right to take every step you can to make yourself better.
Cancer can't win.
Only human beings can win...
and we will. :)
phaedress 2 years ago
It's not such a dramatic thing to take that pill it dosen't feal anything.. Im a guy that takes it, cause I had little too high levels of estrogen..The pill is just an estro-blocker..no big deal..
Kotzebue1983 3 years ago
Maybe it's different for women, as Tamox can push ladies into menopause and thereby they will experience all the menapausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, etc) - that may not be applicable discomfort to men. Also, she looks quite young - maybe she was hoping to have kids in the near future, and if taking Tamoxifen, you pretty much have to pass on having babies until you're done taking it for yrs.
LadyInNewYork 3 years ago
Tomoxifen is not a big deal, really.
Everyone has a different set of physical parameters within which they are willing to operate.
Everyone has a place where they draw the line.
A year a go I refused chemo and was sententenced to death: that's serious.
LOL
phaedress 2 years ago
my mom has cancer on the pancreas we dont know ifshe iwll survive and they will do kimo
james0458 4 years ago
I will pray to God.
minex17 4 years ago
My mum had a radical mastectomy in 1985 and didn't take any anti-cancer drug for years because 'they' overlooked offering her it. She's now 77 and is a regular visitor to the 'titty clinic' where she lives.
M0NSIEURchi 4 years ago
I love to hear stories of long-term survivors. Thank-you.
phaedress 4 years ago
whats is concidered "Caught Early"? 2 3 4 monts into the virus?
podmixture 4 years ago
Early is before it spreads so that what gets cut out doesn't leave you crippled. Also it means "before metastasis". In my case it was two years. Depends on the type of cancer and the speed of growth. "Cancer" isn't one thing, it's a collection of many different diseases, each of which ahs a different progression and cure rate.
phaedress 4 years ago
Cancer is not a virus. It's cells that have gone haywire
jtsolorio 4 years ago
Hi Phaedress,
Just me Jaded here looking through some of your older videos. I can see your point to why you would not take tomoxifen. I too have suffered from severe depression and almost did me in 3 times and for people who do not understand that...and do say well "get over it" or "get up and dust yourself off" simply cannot understand how dark it a place depression can be. Great video and I wish you health and happiness :o) Jammie or Jaded
JadedIllusions27 4 years ago
It's nice to hear from someon who gets it. I was really shocked at how many people were sympathetic to my cancer, who had never shown any concern for my depression. Suddenly I didn't have to be ashamed of my illness.
phaedress 4 years ago
sorry to hear u have cancer. hope all gets well soon. tc x
SxYkitten85 4 years ago
Hi Phae. OMG! I didn't know you had breast cancer. You have been through so much in your life. Im so sorry that you had to go through this. Well, your reasons for not taking tamoxifen sound logical to me. All drugs have side effects. Thanks for sharing your story and for making me think. I haven't had a mammogram for some time, so I better make my appointment.
angeleyz63 4 years ago
Yes, DO have mammograms. And self-exams. The good news about breast cancer is that if caught early it's amost always treatable.
phaedress 4 years ago
thanks for this vid. i was just diagnosed 3 days ago.
duckapuss 5 years ago
I'm sorry to hear that, duck. But it'll be ok; really. First it will be jucky for a while (and you may have to drop out, as you said), but eventually you'll see it will make you stronger.
keep me updated, will you?
phaedress 5 years ago
you will beat cancer
madvocate 4 years ago
Thanks..I hope so.
phaedress 4 years ago
Wow. You video almost made me cry, but the comments pushed me over the edge. I look forward to watching the next two in this series, and I think your wrong about this video having limited appeal. I too have suffered depression and I actually don't even go to the doctor anymore by myself, because their seems to be an simultaneous but mutually exclusive belief in the medical community that patients have to be responsible for their care and that they should shut up and do what they are told.
ExperimentsinHonesty 5 years ago
You're right1 I've never heard it so well put...we are to inform ourselves, take responsibility for our own well-being...and then do whatever the doctor tells us. My secret is SALT. I take everything with a nice little grain of it. :)
phaedress 5 years ago
Salt, second opinions and a health care advocate. I just tell the reception/nurses/doctors that I am claustrophobic and if there is no radiation danger I need my husband in the room with me. It's interesting how its changed the conversation. I now get more time, and more questions answered more thoroughly from my health care providers.
ExperimentsinHonesty 5 years ago
My mom didn't take the pill either, I don't think it's a stupid decision..it's your decision. I think you have thought it out and made the best decision for you. Nice vid. :)
meredithrose 5 years ago
Dear meredithrose: How is your mom?
phaedress 5 years ago
Heh, that's a complex question. She has been cancer free for almost 3 years now, we just went through another scare a few months back though. She had breast cancer and her mother & sister both had hormonal cancers at the same time and died. She's going in on Monday and setting up a time for a hysterectomy. She decided next time it wouldn't just be a false alarm..and she'll just be a step ahead.
meredithrose 5 years ago
Your grandmother and Aunt died at the same time your mom was going through her cancer? Wow. makes me wonder what was happening in your family at the time. (Don't answer that here.)
I've also been considering a preventative hysterectomy. It doesn't remove all of the estrogen-producing capabilities (the pituitary does it, too), but it certainly lowers it.
phaedress 5 years ago
By the way: have yourself checked often. A family history is one of the very few positive indicators for breast cancer.
All the best to you & yours and thanks for sharing your story.
((hugs))
phaedress 5 years ago
*hugs* Thank-you for sharing yours too. Yeah, my mom preaches to me most days about being checked regularly. If she wouldn't have been checked when she was, the outcome could have been a lot different.
meredithrose 5 years ago
While thousands of people struggle with non-curable cancers, this one chooses to not take a pill to save her life. And of course 1938 has been there and done that...after all, he's done and knows about everything you can find on Wikipedia. Sorry about your illness, but I cant say I agree with your outlook on life.
Yuengling2006 5 years ago
That's fair.
phaedress 5 years ago
The only advice I can give you is to do your research, talk to specialists,don't relie on the internet too much and then make an informed choice.
yellowlabrador 5 years ago
i dont think anyone as upbeat as you seem would suffer from deppresion .just keep tough.i have heard very good reports on that pill .i take enough pills to choke a donkey an they dont make me deppresed good luck chris.
roadrocket 5 years ago
Hey Chris: I imagine your pill-load is quite impressive. You're still on anti-rejection drugs, right? As for my "upbeat attitude": it was very hard-won and I will always believe it to be fragile. I lost literally years to depression.
phaedress 5 years ago
Chris is on more than anti rejection drugs, the transplant is the least of his worries believe me, I know. He takes a whole coctail to combat various other things, all interact,and carry the risk of bad side effects,
yellowlabrador 5 years ago
I'm speechless...But I'll try anyway.
Phaedress, I can only imagine the fear that this horrible disease can induce in you. It does typically take a year of your life to win this battle. I'd have to think pretty hard about that drug too. I'm subject to falling into deep depression that is destructive to my physically.
(((hugs))) You do what is right for you.
VioletKitty411 5 years ago
I hear ya VK. Thanks for your encouraging words.
((((hugs))))
ps: in the photo I sent you, can you tell which is real; the one with the "V" or the "K"?
phaedress 5 years ago
I will have to look...I realized the importance of that when I watched this.
VioletKitty411 5 years ago
I'm thinking "V"...
VioletKitty411 5 years ago
Mygosh! You're right. Was this a guess or is there some way in which you could tell?...and yes, that was the 'hidden message' in my choice for the picture.
phaedress 5 years ago
Well...it seemed a bit "perkier" and a little higher...and a little smaller. Less natural.
But...regardless, you're still beautiful, inside and out! (((hugs)))
VioletKitty411 5 years ago
You're very inspiring.. thank you for sharing your story. I used to be depressed and I think that the passage of time has helped me get through those hard times. You're such a wonderful person...please post more videos *hugs*
Invisibl 5 years ago
I'm Sending A BIG HUG to my Girl PHAE! PHAE WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU ON THIS EARTH! Thank you so much for sharing that!
Griot
DGriot 5 years ago
Thanks, my dear. It's good to hear from you. :)
phaedress 5 years ago
I understand, Phae. And you are one of the few people that know why. Thank you. Guess it's time I share too. Video to come.
1938superman 5 years ago
Nutrition and Faith
ElaineSharmane 5 years ago
Yep!
phaedress 5 years ago
You're gut is talking to you on this one. I feel for you but at the same time I applaud you listening to your gut.
x0x0x0x0
tushygalore 5 years ago
I knew you'd understand tushy. There are things only we can know about our bodies.
phaedress 5 years ago
My wife is at the 4yr mark.My respect for her & anyone else going through this battle is emence.Phae your videos show a true & honest appreciation for living life to its fullest,(I'm bias tho, being a nature nut myself).We make our choices & then we live with them.Be strong ,live well.
P.S. if you ever get to the merrytimes ,the lobsters are on me. :)
Lobsterman2005 5 years ago
Dear Lobsterman: I love the Merrytimes, and lobster, so you may have to make good on your promise. Whereabouts are you?
phaedress 5 years ago
Grand Manan
Lobsterman2005 5 years ago
Wouldn't you know it? that's almost the only place I haven't been. My next Great Road Trip is westerly (I bing-boing back and forth), but after that I'll may be hunting you down..:) I'd love to meet your wife.
phaedress 5 years ago
My congratulations and best wishes to your wife.
phaedress 5 years ago
hmm I am with you Phaedress, I wouldn't want to take it either. Even though many worked to save you, it is still your body, your life, your choice. The risk of you getting cervical cancer and having depression is not worth it. You've fought so hard already, who is to say the tamoxifen is going to be for you!
take care!
angie
gemycat 5 years ago
Thanks for your support gemycat.
phaedress 5 years ago
May God bless you.
fairlyoffparents 5 years ago
I believe She has, Dave. thanks!
phaedress 5 years ago
Part 3 (Part 2 isn't showing up yet)
I certainly don't expect you or anyone here to view these, because they are quite long, but I just felt the need to relate why I know first hand that anti-depressants CAN make a difference. Take care and best wishes. I LOVE your videos.
Blinkazoid 5 years ago
I've never been clinically depressed so take what I say with that caveat. I think I would at the very least take the pill until I actually saw negative side effects from it and then discontinue it at that point. And perhaps take anti-depressants at the same time. I do know from first hand experience that anti-depressants make a difference. It's a long story why I know this first hand even though I've never actually been clinically depressed. Cont.
Blinkazoid 5 years ago
I ask you to please don't take this as me spamming my videos here, but I do feel a need to explain my above statements. They can only be explained by viewing 2 of my videos here called "Every Halfway Decent Poem I've Ever Written Except For 2" and "One Long Ass Back Story, and One Short Poem." Cont.
Blinkazoid 5 years ago
I'm listening to your poetry now....
phaedress 5 years ago
Blinkazoid:
I considered taking them and "waiting for the negative side-effects", but this has been not so much a decision but a complete psychic interdiction. Good advice, though.
phaedress 5 years ago
being cut open is hard. taking pills is hard. living is hard. depression is hard. being alive and living for the moment- easy. Thank God we have a right to choose the treatments and course of recovery, your Dr. may be mad- but in the end it's your life- not his. Take care of yourself the way that is right for you- never know, you may change your mind one day, and decide the pill might be good for you. Hugs- Peace & Love. and TY for sharing this.
Knightengale 5 years ago
Knightengale:
"Being alive and living for the moment" is easy -- once you figure out how. Like a great many people, I took an awful long time to learn this simple lesson, but now I do my best to live by it.
(((hugs))) right back at ya!
phaedress 5 years ago
An interesting story indeed. Your perspectives on life always fascinate me. I can't imagine what you have been through, and wish you only the best for the future.
morfeene 5 years ago
Thnx morfeene. Your kind words are making me feel less embarassed that I did this.
phaedress 5 years ago
phaedress, in the end, you have to make decisions that are right for you. If you don't feel that taking this pill is right for you, then don't take it. It's your life, it's your body. Just my 2 cents.
Gr8Shotz 5 years ago
I've invested your 2 cents and interest is building!
phaedress 5 years ago
Quality of life decisions affect everyone. Sooner or later. You rock! Their, the docs, happiness is not important, but yours is! Thank you for sharing that story.
idrisenoch 5 years ago