elynjacobs

Posts Tagged ‘Elyn Jacobs’

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New To Caregiving? How Will The Doctors and Nurses Treat…You?

In Uncategorized on June 24, 2012 at 6:14 pm

Today I would like to share a guest post by Rob Harris.  Rob is an accredited Human Resources professional (SPHR). He specializes in assisting corporate executives and all others with their strategic and day-to-day human resources needs; but more importantly, he is a caregiver to his wife, a two-time cancer survivor (Lymphoma, Sarcoma).  Rob tells me the experience of caring for her over the years has enriched his life beyond imagination.   So thank you Rob for sharing this most valuable advice with us!

After receiving shocking and/or devastating news, the human body likely goes into “fight or flight” mode. At that time, emotional confusion abounds. No, I am not talking about the patient. My reference is directed toward the newly-anointed caregiver.

Fear, anxiety, confusion and even panic are a few of the emotional reactions likely to bombard you all at once.

Face it, one day you are leading a fairly normal, routine life, and the next you are entering a world that is, in all likelihood, completely foreign to you. While you did raise your hand and voluntarily step up and state, “I will be the caregiver,” the reality is you probably had no idea what it was you were agreeing to do.

Unfortunately, most caregivers are ill-prepared for what comes next. Yes, you can anticipate that your life will change for an undetermined period of time. You will soon meet more doctors, nurses and medical staff than you had thus far in your lifetime.

Of course, it’s easy to rationalize your current state of affairs with, “That’s no big deal. I’ve been seeing my own doctors and their nurses my entire life. How much different can this be?”

If those are your beliefs, you are in for a rude psychological awakening.

When you are the patient, the medical community acknowledges your existence. However, when you are a caregiver, in the eyes of most, you become invisible and irrelevant.

Be prepared to be treated like a second-class citizen. In most cases, you will be ignored and even disrespected by your patient’s doctors and nurses. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you may have accomplished in life. The bottom-line is that the reaction you will receive will be distressing, depressing and probably unexpected. At the very least, get ready to have your ego bruised.

Personally, I was completely caught off-guard when this occurred to me. More often than not, I was made to feel as if I was a nuisance. My immediate reaction was that my questions and opinions were not valued nor welcomed during any dialogue the doctors or nurses were having with my wife.

My efforts to become engaged in conversations were typically met with tight smiles, frowns, or a complete lack of acknowledgment that I even spoke.

I recalled a phrase my parents shared with me when I was very young, “Some adults believe that children are to be seen and not heard.” In this case, I substituted the word “caregivers” for “children” and had, in my mind, an accurate depiction of how I was being treated.

Though there are a few exceptions, most doctors and nurses focus completely on the patient. They enter your room, say or do what they have to, and move on to the next one. Trying to alter that routine, no matter how skilled you may be at communicating with others, will likely be futile.

As a result, you have two choices: either accept your fate in advance, or vent to family members, friends, a support group or possibly even another caregiver with a sympathetic ear. Hopefully, it will help reduce or remove your pent-up frustration. At best, it may help you realize you are not alone.

There is, of course, a third choice; one I do not recommend. You could confront the offending doctor(s) or nurse(s). However, human nature being what it is, the individual you challenge will likely not appreciate your comments. The one thing that you likely won’t accomplish via an argument is initiate a positive change.

While some doctors and nurses appreciate the role of the caregiver, many do not. Accept it for what it is. Listen intently to what they have to say and learn all you can from their conversations with your care recipient. Take copious notes. After all, the real goal is to get the best medical attention for your loved one…not yourself.

 Rob Harris enjoys writing, blogging, and speaking in front of audiences, but gets the most pleasure from helping caregivers, patients, and those within the medical community. Rob is extremely approachable and available, especially to fellow caregivers, patients, schools, organizations and members of the medical community. He is a regular monthly blogger on the American Cancer Society’s affiliate website, WhatNext, and posts blogs on his webpage. He guest blogs regularly on many other websites, including Leeza Gibbons’ Leeza’s Place, and has been interviewed on radio, video and in well-known publications. His first book, We’re In This Together: A Caregiver’s Story will be launched on July 14, 2012. It can be purchased in print and ebook versions through Rob’s website (http://www.robcares.com) or through Amazon and other literary outlets. An excerpt is provided at: http://robcares.com/li1 

My sisters and I were caregivers to my mother during her battle with cancer.  I too, experienced much of what Rob describes.  However, given my nature, I could not help myself and had to speak up. I found a fourth choice; one with much downside, but thankfully worked for me.  I went over the doctors’ head, went right to the top.  The first episode was over a simple matter like the doctor would not make time to talk to me.  She said she had already explained to my mother that her cancer was back, and had no time to explain it to me. Her boss thought otherwise, and the doctor scheduled a call to me.  Another time I stepped in and saved my mothers’ life.  This time it was over a biopsy.  I not only had to research the options myself, but then went to the top to ask why the less invasive option had not been offered to her.  The answer was shocking.  The adjunct facility was not aware of the procedure; we scheduled the biopsy at the New York facility.  Please know that this is the option of last resorts, but you may find at some point, that it must be done.  I have also had many, many positive experiences as advocate to patients; in each case, the doctor thanked me for helping to facilitate effective communications….so take heart that there are wonderful, compassionate, short-on -time doctors who truly appreciate the help an advocate can provide.  But, as Rob says, if all else fails, remember the true goal; getting the best possible care for your loved one, even if that requires much venting to a friend; just bring the wine.

 Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs.  She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit:  https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com.  To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (est).

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Finding Dr. Right

In Uncategorized on June 16, 2012 at 1:38 pm

Over the past few years I have had plenty of reasons to head to the doctor.  I love my team, they are fantastic.  However, because of this, a dear friend of mine said she had “doctor envy”.  She simply could not find good doctors in her area.

Remember that old song, “the head bone’s connected to the neck bone…” We all deserve the best of the best; a doctor who treats the whole person and doesn’t just treat the symptoms indicative of their specialty.  A doctor who is not afraid to recommend something a bit unconventional?  My recent experience with appendicitis is a good example.  I had pain in November, but first thought it was an ovary issue, so I consulted my ob/gyn.  He said, perhaps yes, but thought the real issue was my appendix.  However, despite confirmation that this was indeed so, he suggested that as it seemed to have “walled off” (a term that means calming down and maybe not in need of surgery), he recommended I present my case to the surgeon that maybe my appendix could remain where it was.  Turns out, I didn’t have to make my case; the surgeon felt the same way.  He warned me that this could come back, and that I had the option of “wait and see” or even schedule surgery on my schedule, not via the emergency room.  I choose to wait.  As it turns out, my appendix did act up again, five months later, and I did have it removed.  However, it was so refreshing to hear a surgeon say,” ah, let’s wait.  I’d hate to perform unnecessary surgery on you.”  Keep in mind, it was my choice; I like choices and options….it’s what I rant about all day.  But what if it never did act up? Apparently this happens more often than we think.  By the way, did you know that it costs 27K to have your appendix out?  Unnecessary surgery adds to our health care crisis, and is terribly inconvenient for the patient. Was he taking a chance?  Sure, but I appreciate that he went out on a limb to do the best thing for me.  (I will add that he gave me his cell phone number and said to call him, day or night if I had concern.) Another example is last years’ relentless cough, lasted six months.  Lung guy spent 45 minutes getting my history.  Thought it was asthma as it presented as so.  However, tests proved otherwise, so off I went.  I liked him, he really took the time to talk about the whole-me, not just the cough.  Then I headed to the GI doc, ten minutes later, he said GERD. I didn’t agree, and I refused the medications.  Then I called my oncologist.  He said he wasn’t so concerned with the cough.  Get rid of the inflammation, he said, and the cough will go away.  Yup, you see, the symptoms are not the problem.  He upped my anti-inflammatory foods and wouldn’t you know it, cough was gone in six days.   Treating the patient, not the symptoms; it’s a beautiful thing.

Do you have a doctor you adore, someone integrative who thinks outside the box?  Maybe that ob/gyn who guides you through your appendicitis or that oncologist who clears up non-cancer related inflammation in your chest?  I know firsthand what a difference a go-to doctor makes in our pursuit of wellness.  If you have a doctor who takes your calls, cares about you as a person, a friend, and understands that symptoms are informative, but not the problem, I’d love to hear from you.  I am compiling a list of “The Best of the Best”.  If this describes your doctor, please send me your recommendation.    The Best of the Best includes doctors who turn to the prescription pad last; doctors who treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. The BOTB is a doc who worries about you, trusts your instinct and judgment.  The BOTB is someone you’d confide in, trust and partner with in your care. I know how hard it is for doctors these days….between low reimbursements to malpractice insurance, I get it.  In many areas, doctors have a mere 15 minutes per patient.  What I am looking for is doctors who have truly made a difference; those docs that go the extra mile, when they can.  I know there are sites that have done this, but this list of doctors will be based on what YOU think, driven by patients, not peers.  I will be compiling this list on an on-going basis, and will present it on my website, www.elynjacobs.wordpress.com.  Send me a comment via the contact box or send me an email. Please include your doctors’ name, location, phone number, and area of expertise as well as a brief recommendation.  Let’s put an end to “doctor envy”.

I have a particular request for an integrative-minded Gyn in the North/Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Thank you all!  I look forward to hearing about your fantastic doctors!

Elyn

elyn@elynjacobs.com

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs.  She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit:  https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com.  To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (est).

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Why We Are Not Winning the War on Cancer

In Uncategorized on June 2, 2012 at 6:07 pm

“Did you know that most people with cancer do not die of their cancer, but rather from the complications and consequences of cancer and its treatment?  And these complications and consequences are often preventable, or can be successfully treated.”  Keith Block, 2012 Annie Appleseed CAM Conference 

 

After hearing Dr Keith Block present at the Annie Appleseed CAM conference, I knew I needed to interview him, to share with you all that I learned from him at the conference and more.   Thank you, Dr Block for taking the time to share with me your roadmap for surviving and thriving. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the lack of success cancer treatment has had on mortality rates. Unless otherwise noted, the information in this post is derived from his presentation and our interview.

In 1971, President Nixon declared war on cancer.  Forty-one years and billions of dollars later, we have yet to win the war. In fact, mortality rates have declined by less than 5% in the last 60 years! In this same time period, mortality from heart disease has dropped 64%. It’s not that we don’t have new cancer drugs; it’s just that they’re not offering major improvement in survival time. Most often these new drugs have only improved outcomes by 4-16 weeks.  The numbers tell the story:  we are not winning the war on cancer. 

“Cancer itself is a disease of defects”  KB

Everyone seeks the infamous magic bullet for cancer, the cure.  But cancer is not an isolated group of errant cells waiting to be annihilated by a wonder drug.  Cancer is not merely a tumor; it is an underlying condition, a disease of defects – in genes, of disruption in the microenvironment where the disease resides, as well as in the personal life of the patient and the family in crisis.

It is based on abnormal patterns driven by genetics and lifestyle.  It reflects changes in your body all the way down to the microscopic and molecular levels, changes that began long before you had any symptoms of cancer—indeed, long before cancer was diagnosed or even detectable. The battle against cancer is not so much against a single defect in a protein or cancerous mutation, it is a war on many fronts; it has multiple targets.  Therefore – with the possible exception of one or two types of early stage cancer, using one bullet to eradicate this disease will almost always fail.

We need a multi-targeted approach.  Even the latest breakthrough drugs that hit two targets don’t come close to addressing this problem.  In theory, using many more than two drugs to hit many targets at the same time would help, however, the cost and toxicities render this unrealistic. And, keep in mind, that cancer is sneaky.  If you put up a roadblock, cancer will find a way to get around it.  But this is not the case for nutraceuticals, where their combined usage has negligible risk and toxicity; they are able hit multiple targets – and thus can address substitute or compensatory pathways – and are relatively inexpensive.  Plant extracts such as turmeric, lycopene, and green tea can target cancer on many levels; they hit many targets and cut off pathways, and they can address those molecular targets without the toxicity of multiple chemotherapies. For example, crucifers, (broccoli, cabbage and the like) can help reduce adverse effects of estrogen; flax has demonstrated a reduction in ki-67, a marker of cancer cell proliferation; green tea markedly countered the malignant conversion for patients at high risk for prostate cancer.   While no one is suggesting that these compounds will single-handedly eradicate cancer, each provides a powerful punch in addressing various mechanisms that drive cancer, and can synergistically interact to create an inhospitable microenvironment where cancer cells lose ground, toxicity is lessened and treatments work better.

Regarding Chemotherapy….

 Dr Block, how can chemo be more effective and less toxic?

One of the most powerful ways to improve the response to chemotherapy is to administer chemo drugs in concert with optimal biological rhythms.  With this technique, called chronomodulated chemotherapy, pumps are programmed to deliver the largest dose of the drug at a time when cancer cells are most susceptible, and normal cells are the least vulnerable.  And the timing is unique to each drug.  Think of it like a pointed bell curve (sine wave curve); the drug is at first administered at low dose, slowly ramps up, peaks and then tapers off. The research supporting this unique form of chemotherapy infusion demonstrates a reduction in toxicity, improved response, and improved outcomes and survival in a number of studies. In fact, the literature contains studies showing chronomodulation of chemotherapy can even allow for patients to be successfully re-challenged with the identical drugs they previously received and needed to discontinue, either because they were ineffective, became ineffective prematurely, or were too debilitating to tolerate.

For example, for metastatic colon cancer patients, studies show that administering chemotherapy at the optimal time can halve toxicity and double treatment response.  For advanced metastatic ovarian cancer, a study in the journal Cancer reported that optimal timing of chemotherapy can reduce toxic side effects by 50 percent and quadruple five-year survival.

What about the safety of antioxidants and other supplements during treatment?

 Our published studies have shown that most antioxidants displayed no interfering effect with chemotherapy. In fact, they actually synergistically interact to enhance treatment and diminished the side effects of chemo. For example, it may be possible to mitigate some of the cardiac injury from drugs like Herceptin by taking agents like hawthorne and COq10.  In addition, glutamine, vitamin B6, and alpha-lipoic acid appear to help prevent neuron injury (neuropathy).

Click here to read more on supplementation and toxicity.

                                           But the doctor said he “got it all!”

 Cancer is not simply a visible disease.  It’s not just about the macroscopic tumors that can be seen on a scan.  The surgeon saying “I got it all,” while certainly a message to be celebrated, should not signal the end of treatment.  One has to think of the disease systemically, not locally; it is a microcellular condition that is impacted by the extracellular environment that the cells reside in.  The typical gold standard, surgery, chemo and radiation, so often fail to prevent the spread or recurrence of the disease because they often miss picking up renegade cancer cells, miss strengthening the body’s biological integrity, and do not reach all of the underlying molecular accidents that initiated cancer in the first place.  As a result, even if the original tumor is removed, the environment that it resided in – as well as the treatments themselves – can create a biological imbalance for cancer to recur.  In addition, many cancer treatments leave a patient with considerable oxidative stress and inflammation, well known to interfere with treatment, increase various side effects including neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, fatigue and mucositis, and provide the fuel for clonal evolution – increasing the aggressiveness of otherwise dormant cells for their next time around.

From a logical point of view…if cancer liked my body enough to grow cancer once, why not again…I know that I need to make the terrain less hospitable, to change the environment in which it was able to grow. EJ

Remember, even when the primary tumor is removed, micro-metastases may already have migrated to and seeded other parts of the body.   In fact, it has been estimated that many cancer patients unknowingly already have metastases, malignant cells that have broken off the original tumor, traveled through the bloodstream to far-flung sites in the body, and begun the insidious process of growing in another dangerous tumor.   Keep in mind that all cancers start with a genetic glitch in a single cell. Conventional cancer treatment does little to prevent cells from regrouping, proliferating, and forming new tumors.  Just because you have achieved remission through elimination of the primary tumor does not mean you are home free.  However, the good news is that cancer cells are remarkably fragile.  Unless they are nurtured and protected by the biochemical terrain in your body, they have a difficult time surviving.  Your internal biochemistry can either nourish cancer cells or make the terrain inhospitable to cancer.

         Walking just three to five hours a week can cut cancer death rates by one-half. KB

We know that lifestyle is directly related to cancer, and that diet and exercise are associated with lower cancer recurrence rates and longer survival.  Recently, the ACS issued new guidelines urging doctors to talk to their cancer patients about eating right, exercising and slimming down if they’re too heavy.  It’s a start, but not specific enough for most of us, nor is it comprehensive enough to help win the war.  Talk to your doctor – ideally one experienced in integrative oncology – about devising your own personalized plan for wellness.  By combining conventional treatments with a personally tailored regimen of natural agents, fitness regimens, and stress management- strategies, we can support our body to improve the chances of defeating cancer.

One last note, if I may.  While in most cases, cancer does not “just happen,” it is also something for which we cannot blame ourselves.  Cancer is not caused by a “bad” diet or only a toxic environment (although that is a major player).  Food is not either good or bad; let’s just say that some foods are better than others. However, as Dr Block said, cancer is “driven by genetics and lifestyle”. That said, diet and exercise can have a profound effect on the initiation and progression of the disease.  If a genetic defect occurs, our food choices either support or suppress the development of cancer.  I don’t blame myself for getting cancer, but yet now that I fully understand the power of food, I make conscious food choices to support my body against cancer.  Knowledge is power, and if everything I put in my mouth either supports or inhibits cancer, then now I am empowered to gain control. Joy is also an important ingredient for health; so while we want to make healthy food choices, we also need to remember that occasional indulgences and enjoying meals with friends are good for the soul. It’s all about balance and in giving your body what it needs.  Empower yourself to be an active participant in your healing and an advocate for your health.

In good health,

Elyn

Listen to Dr Block on the Survive and Live Radio Show:

June 12th, 2012 Dr Keith Block, Integrative Oncology– Replay available on YouTube

January 15th, 2013– Dr Keith Block–What do Survival Statistics and Hope Really Mean to You? Replay available on YouTube

Keith I. Block, MD, is an internationally recognized expert in integrative oncology.  In 1980, he co-founded the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Skokie, Illinois, the first such facility in North America, and serves as its Medical and Scientific Director.  He is the author of Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment.

Dr. Block is the Scientific Director of the Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Education, where he has collaborated with colleagues at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Bar Ilan University in Israel.  Dr. Block is also the founding editor-in-chief of the peer-reviewed journal, Integrative Cancer Therapies (ICT).  In 2005, he was appointed to the National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query (PDQ) Cancer CAM Editorial Board, on which he continues to serve today.

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, a professional cancer coach, a radio talk show host, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs.  She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit:  https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com.  To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (est).

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Breast Cancer Coach’s Tips for Mastectomy – Elyn Jacobs

In Uncategorized on April 13, 2012 at 4:10 pm
April 12, 2012 Youtube video with www.BreastCancerAnswers.com
 

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and certified cancer coach. When she was faced with a mastectomy she made several decisions to help her get the best treatment for her specific cancer. After going through the experience herself, she now shares her wisdom with others just like her so they will be empowered to do the same.

To view the video, please visit: http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/breast-cancer-coachs-tips-for-mastectomy-elyn-jacobs/

Below is the text…my appologies as the text is computer generated from my presentation:

Elyn Jacobs: I have three tips for you if you are facing mastectomy.

 Tip number 1 – Get a second opinion. You have time to get this right. Surgical options vary from doctor-to-doctor and amongst cancer centers. So a second opinion is very important. It can offer you more options and it can offer the chance to regain control.

A second opinion can also help give you confirmation of a suggested protocol. Doubt brings stress and fear, neither of which is conducive to survivorship and healing. Confirmation allows you to go forth with confidence.

For me, a second opinion made all the difference. First doctor walked in, was very nice, offered me no options and simply handed me the name of a plastic surgeon to go and see.

The second doctor walks in, lays out several options and then asks me several lifestyle questions. He suggested that we do the incision via the inframammary fold, which means hiding the scars in the bra line.

I then asked him if I could keep my nipples, and he said, “Well yes, I believe you are a candidate for that also”, and he asked me if he’d like the plastic surgeon to come in now so that I don’t have to come back for yet another appointment – my hero!

She walks in, lays out several options and then she and I together discussed which would be best for me, for my body, for my cancer. I leave there feeling that these doctors really care about me, not just my cancer – me, as a person. I will come out of this whole; I am now confident and empowered.

Tip number 2 – Know your options. I had never heard a surgery via the inframammary fold so I never would have known to ask. I also had never heard of the nipple-sparing mastectomy, and there are so many other options.

I can’t tell you how many people I have talked to since then who have gone through surgery only afterwards to find out that they had options their doctor never even mentioned. I was lucky. Now I make it my goal to make sure that other women know that they have options.

Tip number 3 – Ask questions. This sort of goes back to knowing your options. If your surgeon says that an option is not available to you, you want to ask him, “Is it not available for me, for my cancer?” Is that why it’s not available, or it’s simply not offered by that surgeon? It’s a big difference there.

So you want to find the best doctor that you can and find one that offers you options, and bring a buddy. When you are nervous, scared, vulnerable, you may not feel that you can question your doctor.  Bring someone with you who can make sure that your questions get answered, to make sure your voice is heard.

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by gathering information and being an active participant in your care. Think of the power when we say, “This is what I am doing to beat cancer”, as opposed to “This is what they are doing to me”.

Hi, I am Elyn Jacobs, a breast cancer survivor and a certified cancer coach. I am also the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. You can find me at http://www.wordpress.com. I am also on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn @ElynJacobs, or you can email me at Elyn@ElynJacobs.com.

This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided on this site solely at your own risk.  If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with a physician.

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Breast Cancer Nutrition, Cancer Coach’s Tips–Video with Elyn Jacobs

In Uncategorized on April 13, 2012 at 1:25 pm

 

April 12, 2012 Youtube Video with www.BreastCancerAnswers.com

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and certified cancer coach.  During her cancer treatment she discovered how what she was putting into her body, helped or hindered her body in it’s fight against cancer. She gives three very easy to follow and helpful tips on how you can help your body fight cancer by altering your diet.

 To View the Video, please visit:

http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/breast-cancer-nutrition-cancer-coachs-tips-elyn-jacobs/

Below is the text…my appologies as the text is computer-driven, and not all the verbage came through correctly….

Elyn Jacobs: I have three tips for you on eating to beat cancer. First let me say that nutrition matters. Dietary habits play a significant role in the prevention of breast cancer, the prevention of recurrence and slowing the progression of the disease.

Good nutrition will also support your body during damaging cancer treatments and will help you heal. That said, I’d like to suggest the 80/20 rule. So before you tell me, “No, I am not giving up my dessert or my meat”, remember, you don’t have to be perfect. Just try to eat well 80% of the time.

I also know that during cancer treatments, some foods may be very unappealing to you. So just do your best and try to avoid things like Ensure, because your body really doesn’t need the chemicals. Look for real foods.

So here are my tips:

Tip #1, Eat at least 15 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and try to include at least 10 different varieties. You also want to look for colors of the rainbow as each provides different cancer-fighting components.

Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet will also help you avoid the constipation that can come with many cancer treatments. If you find that you cannot or do not get enough produce, there are many whole food supplements out there that can help you bridge the gap between good intentions and reality.

Tip #2, Limit dairy products, meat and eggs as they can cause cancer-friendly inflammation in the body. They also add unnecessary hormones that you don’t need. You might want to consider limiting peanut butter too as that is also a pro-inflammatory food.

Tip #3, Cut out processed, fried, and fast foods, and eliminate as much sugar and refined grains as possible. You also want to try and stick to as much organic produce as you can, especially for those that are on the so-called ‘dirty dozen’, which by the way should now be the ‘dirty baker’s dozen’ because when they added blueberries they got up to number 13.

Hi, I am Elyn Jacobs, a breast cancer survivor and a certified cancer coach. I am also the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. You can find me at http://www.wordpress.com. I am also on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn @ElynJacobs, or you can email me at Elyn@ElynJacobs.com.

This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided on this site solely at your own risk.  If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with a physician

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Cancer Fighting Farm-Stand Recipes

In Uncategorized on March 28, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Spring, oh the possibilities.  Spring means summer is not far off, and the thought of fresh produce comes to mind.  Nothing beats farm-fresh produce.  The produce you find in most supermarkets has spent many days, if not weeks traveling to that shelf, depleting it from quality and taste.  While you still have to be concerned with toxic pesticides and fertilizers, many farms grow organically or at least limit the use of these chemicals.  Ask your local farmers, they love to talk with pride about their food.   By buying local, you can often avoid Genetically Modified Crops (GMOs) which should not be consumed by anyone (See notes below).  No farm-stand available?  You can still enjoy these recipes, but please consider organic or even grow your own.  No room for a garden?  Herb gardens take up very little space and produce some powerful anticancer agents (i.e. cilantro helps remove heavy metals such as mercury from the body). Summertime is also a great time to use the abundance of fresh kale, basil, arugula, cilantro or garlic scapes to make pestos for pastas, sandwiches and crostini.

Tomato Basil Salad

1 pint or more cherry tomatoes (a combination of red, yellow and gold is nice)

Fresh basil

Organic extra virgin olive oil *

 Halve cherry tomatoes and place in serving bowl

Chop basil and add to tomatoes

Drizzle with olive oil

 *Note:  I use herb infused oils such as basil, rosemary, garlic or lemon.  In this recipe I prefer rosemary and basil infused.  If you cannot find them locally, Arlotta makes the very best olive oils I have ever tasted and also the most incredible balsamic vinegar.

 Tomatoes are a powerful anti-cancer fruit, particularly due the synergistic effects of lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin C, phenols and other nutrients and antioxidants in the tomato working together to offer cancer protection. But please use organic or locally farm fresh and not the commercially toxic, GMO, or otherwise unhealthy sources.

 Basil has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains flavonoids that help shield cell structures from radiation and oxidative damage. Both fresh basil and basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities, so by adding the herb or oil to your salad, you can help ensure your vegetables are safe to eat.

 Grilled Striped Bass with Dill Sauce

2/3 cup (packed) chopped fresh dill

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tablespoons white or golden balsamic vinegar

1 Tablespoon lemon fresh lemon juice

4-6 pieces of local wild striped bass, wild salmon or other fish, skin removed, each pc  about ½ lb

 Blend dill, oil, and vinegar and lemon juice in mini processor until almost smooth.  Season with salt and pepper.

 Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper

 Grill fish 8-10 min, do not overcook

 Drizzle fish with some of the dill mixture and serve the rest on the side.

 Dill contains antioxidant properties, and it also deactivates free radicals and neutralizes carcinogens that might find their way into our bodies.

Grilled Eggplant with Rosemary Oil and Cheese

1-2 eggplants

Cheese (Smoked Gouda, Munster, Monterey  Jack, Raclette, Mozzarella ….really any cheese or cheese substitute you like*)

Extra virgin Olive oil

Fresh chopped rosemary

 Slice eggplant lengthwise or crosswise, depending on size and preference (lengthwise is easiest for grilling)

 Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper and place on paper toweling

 Let sit at least 30 minutes, blot dry (this will remove the water as well as the salt….if you skip this, the eggplant will absorb too much oil)

 Meanwhile, chop the rosemary and mix with a generous amount of olive oil

 Baste eggplant with olive oil/rosemary mix, use more oil if necessary….eggplant should be well coated.   Grill eggplant until done on one side, turn, grill a few minutes and add cheese.  When cheese is melted, remove. 

 Note:  this dish goes well with the tomato salad or a salad of chopped tomatoes, parsley and olive oil

 *I prefer organic, raw or those from small farms to cut down on pesticides and added hormones.

 Eggplant is rich in dietary fiber, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and contains powerful cancer fighting antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, which fights free radicals and helps protect cells from mutating into cancer cells, and nasuin, which helps cut off the blood supply to cancer cells.

 Rosemary is a powerful anti-cancer herb.  The two key ingredients in Rosemary-caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid-are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, which help protect the body’s cells from damage by free radicals. Rich in carnosol, Rosemary has been found to detoxify substances that can initiate the breast-cancer process. It’s widely known that an imbalance of estrogen hormones in women can contribute to breast cancer. Rosemary stimulates liver enzymes which inactivate estrogen hormones. Rosemary, along with thyme, oregano, basil and mint promote apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce their speed by blocking the enzymes they need to invade neighboring tissues. Rosemary can inhibit the formation of HCAS, the carcinogenic compounds that form when you cook protein, by 75% (so use chopped rosemary in your marinade if you choose to grill proteins) 

Grilled Zucchini with Chopped Dill

 Zucchini (one or two, more if very small)

Dill (I will leave it up to you regarding amounts, but if you love the taste of dill, by all means, be generous!)

Extra Virgin Olive oil

 Slice Zucchini lengthwise or crosswise, depending on size and preference.  (I find a 1/4” thickness works well on the BBQ)

 Chop dill and mix with olive oil, rub onto zucchini, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill

Zucchini has the ability to protect against cell mutations and oxidative stress, and contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. It is also a good source of potassium and lutein.

(See dill above) 

Watercress and Red Cabbage Salad

Wash one bunch of watercress and chop

Remove outer layers of red cabbage and slice thin or chop (use about ¼ of the head for one bunch of watercress).

Extra virgin olive oil

Aged Balsamic vinegar

Optional—add a handful of raw pine nuts or chopped parsley

 Toss salad with a pinch of salt, fresh pepper (if desired) and drizzle with Arlotta balsamic vinegar and lemon infused olive oil.  Alternatively you can use any olive oil and balsamic, but be sure to buy the best quality you can find.

 Serve at once

 Watercress offers a hefty dose of beta-carotene, copious amounts of calcium, carotenes like lutein, and trace amounts of omega-3’s.  Watercress has a high amount of PEITC (phenylethylisotiocyante) which appears to block cancer-causing chemicals, perhaps even protecting the lungs of smokers from the carcinogens associated with tobacco (however, please don’t smoke…I tell you this to understand the power of watercress)

 Red cabbage boosts immunity and is a member of the cruciferous family, whose indoles help with estrogen metabolism.  It also contains anthocyanins, a class of flavonids that provides as many as 36 different varieties of anticancer chemicals. Cabbage also contains a significant amount of glutamine, an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Red Cabbage boosts the immune system’s ability to produce more antibodies. Red cabbage contains large quantities of sulfur and other minerals that work as cleansing agents for the digestive system.  Raw red cabbage cleans the bowels, thus helping to prevent indigestion and constipation.

  Parsley has potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer abilities. The phytochemicals in parsley can slow the speed of cell division, leaving time for the cell to correct DNA mistakes or to activate apoptosis, and recent research shows that one particular compound found in parsley and celery, apigenin, can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing, so it’s a good idea to have some everyday.

 Additional Notes

 When salt is used, please consider pure sea salt as ordinary table salt and commercial sea salts are often treated with chlorine to bleach it white and may contain additional chemicals to prevent caking. 

When using balsamic vinegar, please keep in mind that many inexpensive varieties sold in the supermarket aren’t really balsamic vinegar but rather a cheap imitation. Try to purchase only high quality brands with no added ingredients

When olive oil is used, consider organic or a trusted source as not all olive oils are as pure as they claim to be.  I choose to use organic extra virgin olive oil for cooking and love the infused olive oils by Arlotta foods that we discovered at the farmers market in Southampton. 

Avoid canola oil…..have you ever seen a canola plant? That’s right, there is no such thing. Canola stands for “Canadian oil low acid”. Canola oil is developed from the rapeseed plant, which is part of the mustard family of plants. These oils have long been used for industrial purposes (in candles, lipsticks, soaps, inks, lubricants, and biofuels). It’s industrial oil, not a food.

Rapeseed oil is the source behind mustard gas, and on its own it causes emphysema, respiratory distress, anemia, constipation, irritability, and blindness. But through the beauty of genetic modification, it is now sold as edible oil. 

To be safe, use oils such as olive or walnut on salads

No GMO’s please:

http://www.newswithviews.com/Smith/jeffrey.htm

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8982765/NONGMO-Shopping-Guide

Elyn Jacobs

Elyn Jacobs is a certified cancer coach, a breast cancer survivor, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation.  She empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs.  Elyn helps women to uncover the nutritional deficiencies and emotional stress patterns that may have contributed to their cancer and to support their body as it activates it own natural ability to fight the disease. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services or to learn more about eating for life, please visit:  https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com.

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Light at Night and Breast Cancer

In Uncategorized on March 15, 2012 at 2:20 pm

About 18 months ago, I attended a lecture at Gildas Club on the prevention of cancer.  Dr Marisa Weiss, Founder and President of BreastCancer.org, gave a great talk, and one thing that struck me was light at night. This was the first I had heard of the perils of light at night and I must say, she was so convincing I went right home and ordered eye covers….and have been using them ever since.  Dr Keith Block talked a bit about this at the Annie Appleseed Project CAM conference a few weeks ago, and while I will blog more on his lecture, I was reminded of this important subject.

sleep maskI am sensitive to light. I remember when I first moved from the suburbs to the city.  My bedroom was so bright, I could not sleep.  My mother made black-out drapes for me and all was well.  15 years later, when I met my husband and moved in with him, I had long forgotten about the issue and found myself sleeping (or sleepless) in a very bright room…natural light from the moon and stars, as well as city lights lighting the night.  Then came the nite-lites and long nights when our children were babies.  While I certainly felt the misery of lack of sleep, I did not realize the effects on my long-term health; that I might be at higher risk of getting cancer.  Habitual light at night during sleep increases breast cancer incidence by 22% (Keith Block, Annie Appleseed CAM Conference, Feb, 2012).

Dr Richard Stevens, Cancer Epidemiologist and professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center, has done a number of studies on light at night (LAN).  In 1987 he was featured in American Journal of Epidemiology proposing a radical new theory that “the use of electric lighting, resulting in lighted nights, may produce circadian disruption,” which causes changes in the hormones, one hormone in particular is melatonin, known as the hormone of darkness because it is secreted in the dark.  In 2009 he studied women who work the night shift and found that these women appear to be at higher risk for breast cancer.   Melatonin reduces the production of estrogen in the body, so with light interrupting the release of melatonin, estrogen levels rise, and too much estrogen heightens the growth of breast cancer. The WHO actually lists the shift work (graveyard shift) as a “probable carcinogen”.light at night

Dr. David Spiegel, a psychiatrist and professor of Stanford University supports the LAN theory as well.  “There is evidence that women who do night time shift work are in increased risk of getting breast cancer.  Melatonin is an antioxidant. There is some thought that disruptive melatonin levels which happens when you don’t sleep well, may reduce the ability of the body to scavenge free radicals that can cause cancer,” said Dr. Spiegel.   Spiegel goes further, saying cortisol levels may also be connected to sleep and cancer.  Cortisol is a circadian hormone produced by the adrenal gland that is released in response to stress. Cortisol also helps to regulate the immune system and releases cells that fight off cancer cells. Cortisol increases in the late hours of sleep, and Spiegel believes Cortisol, like melatonin, lowers the production of estrogen.

Many others have studied and reported on this as well:

http://www.skykeepers.org/lan-health/lan-health.html; http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/chemicals-glossary/light-at-night-and-melatonin.html

So how do we lower our risk for getting cancer?  Eat well, exercise daily, turn off the computer and the cell phone and get some sleep.  Try to be in bed by 10pm, black shade your room or wear eye covers.  Melatonin release is at its strongest from about 10pm to 2am, although I have heard 10-1 as well as critical from 2-4am.  So, the best advice is likely to simply work on getting a good night’s sleep.

What can you do to improve sleep? The first step to easing insomnia and poor sleep quality is by recognizing it is a problem and then finding ways to resolve the problem.

  1.  Establish a regular bedtime and wake time.
  2. Reserve the bedroom for intimacy and sleep only; do not watch television, eat, talk on the phone, or work in your bedroom. Try reading something more technical than fictional to avoid staying up late ‘to see what happens next in the book’.
  3. Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable.
  4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol within six hours of bedtime; drink calming teas instead, such as roobios, chamomile and lemon balm, but not too close to bedtime as this may disrupt your sleep if you have to get up to use the bathroom.  It’s a good idea to limit alcohol usage in general as it is linked to cancer and is dehydrating, which may leave you thirsty during the night.
  5. Drink liquids daily to avoid dehydration, but again, not close to bedtime.
  6. Exercise daily, but preferably not right before bedtime.
  7. Avoid foods with additives and preservatives; some of these ingredients can act as stimulants and aren’t good for you anyway.
  8. To avoid nighttime awakening due to drops in blood sugar, eat 1-2 oz of a complex carbohydrate snack, such as oatmeal, whole-grain cereals, or whole-grain bread, one hour before bedtime, perhaps adding a bit of protein such as almond butter or nuts to further slow the glucose factor.

While proper sleep is the preferred source of melatonin, there is strong research suggesting that that low levels of melatonin stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells. So if levels are low, and cannot be corrected with sleep, supplementation may be the way to go. Melatonin may enhance the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs and may also help prevent the lowering of platelets in the blood during chemotherapy, a common complication that can lead to bleeding.  It is always advisable to discuss the use of supplements with a naturopath, integrative or functional medical doctor before use, as often supplements may interact positively or negatively with other drugs.

There are many natural substances that can be taken to enhance sleep, and in my coaching, I highly recommend the use of them.  Ashwaganda, for example, reduces stress and anxiety (do not take prior to surgery).  Rhodiola helps with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and insomnia. (Caution, Rhodiola is not advised for those with Bipolar or mania).  L-Theanine reduces stress and improves sleep quality.  Schisandra has a calming effect and may also help manage stress-induced insomnia. (Schisandra should not be taken with Tamoxifen). Magnolia can help calm nerves and alleviate anxiety; it is thought of as the herbal substitute for valium, and is actually better as it does not cause that embarrassing and debilitating muscle relaxation (sounds good until you can’t function).  By the way, several studies have tested magnolia extract on human cancer cells and found that it may inhibit the growth of cancer tumors.

Sleep Aids:

Herbs Etc Deep Sleep 120 Softgels

Natural Factors Stress-Relax Tranquil Sleep Enteric Softgels, 90-Count

THORNE RESEARCH – Rhodiola Rosea

Gaia Herbs Schisandra Berry

Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root Liquid Phyto-Capsules

Magnolia Extract

Melatonin 3mg 180c by Pure Encapsulations

Tranquility Therapeutic 100% Silk Sleep Mask; Eye Mask Hypoallergenic, Facial Eye Beauty; Black

Swissco Satin Sleep Mask Leopard Print

These recommendations do not represent medical advice, and I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist or naturopathic doctor.  Supplements are intended to supplement a healthy diet–they are not a replacement, and may contain additional ingredients. It is always advisable to discuss the use of supplements with a naturopath, integrative or functional medical doctor before use, as often supplements may interact positively or negatively with other drugs.

For more information on LAN:

http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/light_exp.jsp

http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/chemicals-glossary/light-at-night-and-melatonin.html

http://www.medicaldaily.com/news/20111011/7369/cancer-sleep-cancer-epidemiologist-steve-jobs-antioxidant-melatonin-cortisol-hydrocortisone.htm

http://www.skykeepers.org/lan-health/lan-health.html

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/melatonin-and-sleep

http://www.betternutrition.com/sleep/features/featurearticles/714

Elyn

Elyn Jacobs is President of Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation, a certified cancer coach and a breast cancer survivor.  Elyn helps women diagnosed with cancer to navigate the process of treatment and care, and educates to prevent recurrence and new cancers.  She is passionate about helping others get past their cancer and into a cancer-free life. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit:  http://elynjacobs.com

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Integrative Oncology Works!!!

In Uncategorized on March 5, 2012 at 8:23 pm

This past weekend I attended the Annie Appleseed Project CAM conference; so many excellent speakers. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of what I learned. What resonated throughout the conference was that conventional medicine alone is not the answer.Today I will talk about Dr Gwen Stritter and her roadmap to beat cancer.

Dr Stritter provided a humorous and excellent plan for someone just diagnosed with early stage breast cancer who wants to increase her chances of a cure.  I just loved the positive tone; note she did not say to prevent recurrence, but rather spoke of that lovely word cure. She said that if she were diagnosed at 12pm, what she could do at 12:01pm that could take her on the path to wellness.

Exercise:  Fast walking 3hours a week improves breast cancer survival by 40%.  5-6 hours increased survival even more.  So, she will go for a walk. Social support: Increased contact with friends and family post diagnosis was associated with lower risk of death by 70%.  So, on the way home, she will stop in and visit some friends and family.  Alcohol:  having one alcoholic beverage a day increases death by 36%.  So, she’d give up that glass of wine with dinner…well maybe indulge only twice a week as she really loves wine.  D3: Vitamin D3 decreases metastasis and increases survival by 55%. So, she’ll pop in a 2000mg supplement as soon as she gets in the car.  Omega 3: high intake of omega 3 fatty acids from fatty fish increases survival by 25%, so she’ll call her husband and ask him to toss the fried chicken, and will stop at the fish market to buy some salmon for dinner. Controlling inflammation:  having a high CRP, (which indicates increased inflammation), results in a 100% increase of death.  So, she will take some anti-inflammatory natural products such as curcumin, omega 3 (yes, perhaps a supplement too), boswellia and a few others.  Low toxicity pharmaceuticals:  a daily baby aspirin reduced breast cancer death by 70% (alternatively, one regular aspirin taken three times a week can reduce recurrence by 50%, according to my integrative onc).  So, she will stop at the drugstore and buy some aspirin.  She might also take some other pharms that look promising, so she’ll call her primary physician. In trials, Propranolol, a cheap and non-toxic drug commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, increased  breast cancer  survival by 80% (in a retrospective study).  Metformin, which is derived from the French lilac plant, increased survival in diabetic patients by 60%, and non-diabetics with breast cancer who did not take Metformin had 3 times the risk of distant metastasis….the risk went up 300%!.  Metformin is cheap and has very few side effects.  (My doc recommends that almost everyone take it to avoid cancer, and certainly to prevent recurrence).  There is another study expected to be released by 2014, but likely you will not want to wait until then.

And of course, she will switch to a mostly plant based diet, be conservative on oil and fat intake, and if she were a smoker…she would stop asap! 

In summary, if she does all this, cancer does not stand a chance; she has provided an extremely hostile environment for her cancer to grow.    She also commented that Dr Keith Block did an excellent study on these combined steps and found a substantial increase in survival for those with advanced metastatic cancer.  Her overall deduction?  Integrative Oncology works!!! 

A few things to add:

You will likely need to ask your primary doc, not your oncologist for prescriptions for Propranolol and Metformin as they are not yet approved for cancer despite the fact that they can be quite effective.    At this conference as well as at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium, several doctors commented that Metformin was the only cancer drug that actually worked. My doc started me on this a while back, handing me piles of research to support his recommendation.

Also, remember to address stress….more on this later, but I offer this post until then: https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/changing-the-cancer-environment/

Lately there has been much in the news about red wine and breast cancer.  Research shows that a small amount of red wine may actually reduce breast cancer risk.  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240065.php?utm_medium=twitter&utm_s

The trick is small.  Those who love wine (like me) might take this too far.  Your body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen.  Acetaldehyde boosts cancer risk by inflicting oxidative stress that damages DNA, prevents DNA repair, and triggers a pro-inflammatory reaction.  You can help offset the damage by adding a few foods and plant-based compounds like silymarin, resveratrol, grape seed extract and barley grass, as well as adding some supps like selenium, NAC, vitamin B6, and folate, to prevent alcohol-related deficiencies of valuable cancer fighting nutrients and minerals.  The trick is to take the supps just before, with, or even immediately after accidental over- indulgence of wine. (Have a brazil nut with that wine!)So, I offer up this article, which effectively provides a good explanation of the dangers of alcohol as well as what we can do to offset the damage should we accidentally over-indulge.  http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/dec2011_Link-Between-Alcohol-and-Cancer-Death_01.htm

Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

elynjacobs.blogspot.com

elynjacobs.wordpress.com

Elyn Jacobs is President of Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation, a certified cancer coach and a breast cancer survivor.  Elyn helps women diagnosed with cancer to navigate the process of treatment and care, and educates to prevent recurrence and new cancers.  She is passionate about helping others get past their cancer and into a cancer-free life. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit:  https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com

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Cell Phones and Cancer–The Absence of Evidence is Not Evidence of Absence

In Uncategorized on February 24, 2012 at 10:56 pm

More from the Integrative Healthcare Symposium,  February  9-11 2012, Dr Devra Lee Davis, PhD, author of Disconnect 

Cell Phones and Cancer–The Absence of Evidence is Not Evidence of Absence

As I mentioned in Cancer Tips, Devra Lee Davis, PhD delivered a powerful and frightening message presenting her research on the use of wireless technology.  Contrary to firmly held beliefs, invisible radio frequency radiation can alter living cells and create the same types of damage that we know increase the risk of cancer and neurological disease.  Davis spoke of her conversation with the late Dr David Servan–Schrieber, author of Anti-cancer, A New Way of Life.  His response to her research was disbelief.  “If that were true, we’d know about it!’ At the time he was a brain cancer patient in remission, and a heavy cell phone user.  After hearing her out, he joined her efforts in getting the word out.

Cell phones are two-way microwave radio that changes brain cells and alters glucose levels (the brain’s main fuel).  Since a brain tumor utilizes excessive amounts of glucose, changes in glucose utilization may be a key mechanism to support tumor growth.  Even short-term exposure to nerve cells from cell phones can increase glucose in the brain.  Thankfully, our DNA works to repair and prevent damage to our cells from becoming permanent.  So, if the body is capable of repairing itself, then why the worry? The system can fail, and cancers develop.   Medical science now understands that because the causes of chronic diseases can take decades to be detected, we should not wait for the definitive human evidence.  If we want to prevent human harm, we have to rely on experimental studies to predict risk rather than using human studies to prove that harm has already happened.  In fact, there are a few dozen compounds that we know definitely cause cancer in humans, and these cancers developed after years of exposure.    Determined to prevent harm, rather than to confirm its occurrence, scientists experiment on animals in order to prevent future human harm, not in order to prove why past damage has already occurred.

Davis mentioned a study by Henry Lai, done with rats—the DNA from the cells of the brains of the radio-frequency-radiation-exposed rats was not normal, it was broken–the broken brain cells found in these animals were the same as those known to occur in cancer. To remain healthy, DNA needs to remain intact.  This, by the way, was in 1994.  Plus, if the same area is assaulted over and over again, repair may not happen as easily or at all, the impacts may not be fixable. While yes, DNA can often be repaired, and yes, we have anti-oxidants that can do this (another good reason to eat those fruits and vegetables…remember when I commented that diet can often trump environmental toxins? This is a good example), we need to address the carcinogens, not rely on band-aids and the hope that the DNA will be repaired.

While the long-term implications of cell phone use are still to be determined, Dr. Davis says there is particular reason for concern for children because cell phone radiation penetrates the skulls of children more deeply than those of adults, and that their brains are still developing until they are past the teen years. Children may be more vulnerable because of their developing nervous system, the greater absorption of energy in the tissues of the head, and a longer lifetime exposure.  Keep in mind that cell phones were made for the SAM…standard anthropomorphic (average) male.  Children’s skulls and bone marrow are thinner and much more absorptive than those of adults—a fact that explains why children’s heads can absorb double or more the radio frequency energy of adults’ heads. Just as CT scans are supposed to be adjusted for children, likely so should other radiation-damaging devices. She also mentioned studies that show people who use the cell phones for ten years have double the risk of developing brain cancer. Children who start using the cell phone during their teen years have 4 to 5 times the risk of getting brain cancer by the time they hit their twenties; so what does that mean for young children? She stressed that the need for more research is not an excuse to use our children as guinea pigs.  Remember that the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.  Just because it hasn’t been proven harmful doesn’t mean it is safe.

The need for more research in this field is one fact upon which all parties have usually agreed.  The absence of research has become part of the rationale for making not changes in the meantime.  Plenty of research has shown that radiation from cell phones can disturb the DNA deep within the center of brain cells and in 1993, the FDA concluded that several studies showed that microwave radiation increased cancer risk.  Despite this having evidence of this in 1994, the FDA approved cell phones for general use without any safety testing at all.  The FDA took it upon themselves to ignore the risks and approve cell phone sales without so much as even a warning to users.  There have been numerous studies done since, and the debate continues.

These days you will find warning notices buried deep in tiny print in the owners guides that come with cell phones and laptops.   However, given the risks, should these warnings not be made sufficiently obvious?  After all, does not the name “laptop” infer that one might expect to use it on their lap?  The fine print suggests you do otherwise.  I recently bought a new iPhone.  I will not say I read the “important Product Information Guide”; the print was far too small.  However, after hearing Davis speak, I pulled it out, put it under a bright light, and sure enough, it recommends that you limit usage and not use or carry the device directly against your body. I then pulled out the three safety guides that come with the Verizon LG phones.  Again, I did not read these warnings when I purchased the phone, mostly as I figured what could be new?  However, looking at them now, they all basically say that there is no proof that cell phones pose a danger, but one might want to consider limiting usage and keeping the phone a safe distance from your body.  Humm. However, the information provided seems quite biased (perhaps we should look into who funded the studies they mention), and after all, these phones must be safe, they are FDA approved.  Need I say more? No, but I will.  In the Verizon booklet they do mention “that groups in other nations have advised that children be discouraged from using cell phones at all”. How long will it take for those in the US to suggest this…hopefully not another twenty years. One study that was cited in support of cell phones was one done in the UK, but clearly there are others in the UK that suggest otherwise.

Davis also mentioned that in countries such as Italy and Israel where cell phone usage was more aggressive that that in the US, government warnings about the dangers of cell phone and WiFi are issued quite loudly.  She also said that insurance companies here in the US refuse to provide coverage to cell phone companies and operators in the case of claims of health damage from long-term operation of their devices, and that in other countries, companies are being sued for the health issues of employees whose jobs depended on cell phone use….and are losing.

The fact that we do not have clear answers to this question at this point is not an accident.  After all, there is big money in cell phone sales, and while early studies were funded by none other than the makers of the devices, when things started to look ominous for them, not surprisingly, funding for studies dried up.   Cell phones were exciting when they were introduced, and we can’t imagine living without them today.  They help us stay connected and help us in emergencies.  Wouldn’t it make more sense to find ways to make the devices less harmful?  But then again, they would have to acknowledge the need.  Thankfully, there are some interim solutions.

Recommendations:

  • Never put a cell phone to your ear, use a handset.  (Wireless and wired headsets may still conduct radiation but are better than nothing). SafeSleeve  makes a good radio-protective case.
  • Try to keep your cell phone at least 6-7 inches away from your body while it is on or when you are talking, texting, or downloading
  • Children and pregnant women should avoid talking on cell phones
  • Do not keep your cell phone near your head or use it to play games, movies, etc.  Turn it off when it is not in use
  • Never carry your cell phone in your pocket or in your bra, or on your hip. The bone marrow in your hip produces 80% of the body’s red blood cells and is especially vulnerable to EMF damage.
  • Men should keep their cell phone turned off when in their pockets.   Research has shown that putting the cell phone in the pants pocket is associated with reduction in sperm count and increased sperm damage
  • No wireless for kids
  • Do not place electronic toys in the laps of babies
  • Replace as many cordless and WiFi items as you can with wired, corded lines (phones, Internet, games, appliances, devices, etc)
  • Sit as far back from the computer screen as possible; flat screens are preferable.  Use wired Internet connections, not WiFi—especially for laptops
  • Do not put your lap top on your lap
  • Move your alarm clock radio at least three feet from your head or use a battery-powered clock; six feet is the recommended distance for you to be from all electronic devices during sleep
  • Avoid waterbeds, electric blankets, and metal frames, which attract electromagnetic frequencies.  Futons and wood-framed beds are better than metal-coiled mattresses and box springs.
  • Avoid using your phone on trains or in elevators as this may increase exposure

Cancer is not the only issue here; cell phone radiation can also affect fertility by lowering sperm counts now, and for generations to come, which gets back to Jeffrey Bland’s trans-generational theory I mentioned in Cancer Tips . Neither the danger nor the safety of cell phones is yet certain.  How we manage that uncertainty is up to us.

To learn more about the history and dangers of electronic pollution, as well as the studies done in the past 20+ years, please read:

Disconnect, by Devra Lee Davis or Zapped:  Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn’t Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,238 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution, by Ann Louise Gittleman

Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

elynjacobs.com

Elyn Jacobs is President of Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation, a certified cancer coach and a breast cancer survivor.  Elyn helps women diagnosed with cancer to navigate the process of treatment and care, and educates to prevent recurrence and new cancers.  She is passionate about helping others get past their cancer and into a cancer-free life. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit:  http://elynjacobs.com

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Cancer Tips from the Integrative Healthcare Symposium

In Uncategorized on February 20, 2012 at 8:46 pm

I had the pleasure of attending the 2012 Integrative Healthcare Symposium, and wish to share some information.  Dr Jeffrey Bland spoke on the clinical implications of epigenetics.  Dr Leo Galland spoke on Dysbiosis and the GI ecosystem.  Dr James Gordon spoke of importance of hope and also of the benefits of meditation, that meditation changes the structure of the brain. Dr Mimi Guarneri shared the opinion that Metformin may well be the most effective anti-cancer drug out there. Dr Dean Ornish spoke on the power of lifestyle changes.  Dr Tori Hudson spoke on women’s health, hormones, and botanicals that can help reduce stress and protect ourselves during harmful chemo and radiation. Dr Lise Alschuler made a compelling argument for embracing polyphenolic flavonoids.  Dr Mark Hyman spoke and entertained us with the perils of toxins and the benefits and strategies for detoxification.  Devra Lee Davis, PhD shocked us with the perils of using cell phones and other such devices, and encouraged us to practice safe-cell (a topic of its own and will get its own post).  There were many, many more and while I can’t possibly rehash all the valuable information, I’d like to share some key points and in the next few weeks will comment in more detail.

 Jeffrey Bland spoke of environmental epigenetics, the exposure and its relationship to chronic illness, and also the effect of specific nutrients on genetic expression.  He spoke of how phytochemicals “talk to our genes”.  Food is information, eat dead food, get dead information.  He encouraged us to eat for health.

What amazed me is transgenerational epigenetics, the effect on our future generations.  He explained that once the genes are marked, they carry to the next generations, already marked.  So, the lifestyle modifications that make you sick, such as radiation, stress, infections, drugs, diet, and pollution, will likely make generations forward sick.   He mentioned Moshe Szyf, whose concern is what happens in a world community where the children don’t feel safe. Will this emotional stress jeopardize generations forward?

 He then got into how the food a mother eats during pregnancy imprints the gene expression in her babies.  A lack of Folate or b-12 can have detrimental consequences.  He gave the example of childhood leukemia; that it has been identified to be associated with altered epigenetics, and in this case, he was especially concerned with the deficiency of B12 and Folate in those that carry the gene.  He also said that early-life environmental conditions can cause epigenetic changes in humans that persist throughout life.

 Leo Galland reminded us that it’s not that stress suppresses the immune system, it is because the stress directly affects the gut flora.  The gut has a brain of its own; an intact and independent nervous system containing over 500 million neurons.  The gut is also the largest organ of immune function in the body; 70% of our lymphocytes live here. (And we all know how important the immune system is in fighting cancer). He also commented that large bowel cancer is associated with high fat, high protein, low fiber diets.  He suggests probiotics and prebiotics, foods that support the growth of probiotics, such as bran, psyllium, inulin (think chicory and artichokes), resistant starch, and oligofructose (think onions, garlic, rye, blueberries, bananas and chicory).

Dean Ornish talked about how fear is not a sustainable motivator; that we might agree to a treatment plan or drug out the fear our doctors might instill, but real change comes from what you want to do, not on what someone says you should do.  If lifestyle changes make you feel better, you are more likely to stay with them as opposed to taking a drug that you fear of that makes you feel bad.  Lifestyle changes empower you to take control of your health, and this was Dean Ornish’s message.    He spoke of lifestyle and Prostate cancer risk and said that lifestyle had up to a 70% effect on risk.  He also said that only one in 49 patients treated for prostate cancer actually live longer, so it would likely be better to treat with lifestyle changes. He spoke of lung cancer. Telling patients that by quitting smoking they will reduce risk of lung cancer did not motivate them to quit, but telling them that it gives you wrinkles or makes men impotent, well yes, now that was motivation. 

He spoke of diet and like others, suggested that if it comes from a plant, eat it; if it is made in a plant, avoid it.  He also reminded us that what you include is just as important as what you exclude, so eat mindfully.

He also made us aware that Medicare is now paying for comprehensive lifestyle changes for patients wishing to reverse heart disease, so hopefully the same will soon be offered for cancer patients.

He embraced cancer support groups commenting that meeting (in person or online) in a group once a week dramatically improved the survival rate for those with metastatic breast cancer.  He asked us if we knew the difference between illness and wellness. (I also stands for Isolation, btw, and is not indicative of wellness).

     Illness     Wellness 

Lise Alschuler explained that flavonoids exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune modulating, hormone balancing, blood sugar stabilizing and cancer prevention effects.  Flavonoids are one of the reasons why it is so important to consume a diet full of colorful vegetables and fruits.  She stressed that they can help your chemo work and protect you during radiation.  She also said you need to eat them every meal, as the effects last for about 1-4 hours.  

Trying to quit smoking?  Studies showed that smokers who ate plenty of vegetables and drank tea and red wine substantially reduced their risk for cancer.  So, while you are trying to quit, have some broccoli or a glass of wine with that cigarette.  However, she stresses that this does not give you permission to continue smoking.

She also showed the reverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and ovarian cancer (37%), and 47% for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as between isoflavonoids (Non GMO soy) consumption and ovarian cancer (49%). 

She explained the powerful properties in Delphinidin as a cancer prevention agent (think Maquai berries) and mentioned that they were also helpful in reducing the damage of radiation, and that in general, flavonoids should not be so quickly dismissed during chemotherapy as they can be helpful, not harmful.  She also mentioned the benefits of Resveratrol, (heard this from many during the three days…)

 

Mark Hyman takes the approach that doctors shouldn’t treat disease; create health and the disease will go away.  He spoke of the hidden dangers of wheat, what he calls the new dwarf or FrankenWheat – a scientifically engineered food product developed in the last 50 years. Two slices of this new whole wheat bread now raise your blood sugar more than two tablespoons of table sugar.  For those of us trying to eliminate sugar from our diets, this was quite a shock. For more information, check out his new book, Blood Sugar Solution http://drhyman.com/bss-sneak-preview/ 

He also explained how toxins make you fat (toxins interfere with and slow down metabolism) as well as contribute to all chronic illnesses, including cancer.  To detox your body, he suggests:

  • Eat more cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, etc.) as well as garlic, green tea, turmeric, and whole eggs. They contain phytonutrient detox-boosting compounds.  Add them to your diet daily.  Other great detox foods are cilantro, celery, parsley, dandelion greens, citrus peels (not orange unless organic) pomegranate, artichokes and rosemary
  • Sweat regularly using saunas
  • Take glutathione-boosting and detox-boosting supplements NAC, milk thistle, and buffered vitamin C
    • NAC dramatically increases glutathione.  Glutathione helps eliminate pesticides and heavy metals and protects the body from oxidative stress
    • Milk thistle has long been used in liver disease and helps boost glutathione levels

For more information on any of the topics above, please comment to this post or email me at elyn@elynjacobs.com.

Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

elynjacobs.blogspot.com

elynjacobs.wordpress.com

Elyn Jacobs is President of Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation, a certified cancer coach and a breast cancer survivor.  Elyn helps women diagnosed with cancer to navigate the process of treatment and care, and educates to prevent recurrence and new cancers.  She is passionate about helping others get past their cancer and into a cancer-free life. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit:  https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com