<!--StartFragment-->

When is one finally cancer-free? After nine years, my oncologist smiled and declared I am officially free of breast cancer. Only then I believed it and felt it. Nine years... I wish I had had courage to feel free of cancer sooner. Even if the cancer does come back, we should be able to embrace each day right now before the next emergency or lump or bad news. What would I have done back then, nine years ago, to know I will get all this time free of cancer...

A new web site brings info on breast cancer:  www.curetoday.com.  Place the cursor over "Blogs" on the upper left and when the pink box appears on the upper right, click on that.  Bev Parker is near the bottom.

Cancer worries aside, I have other problems in mind with health. I feel justified including my MS (or non-diagnosis but in wheelchair and unable to walk) in this blog because it might be caused by radiation.

Meanwhile...  in Italy, Dr Zamboni has released amazing studies on the "liberation treatment". All MS patients have a blocked jugular vein and it traps too much iron in brain. A fairly simple test and treatment will help and possibly heal. Could it be that simple? I could walk again? How come nobody has discovered it before? Medical miracles bring hope again. They are now conducing tests in Montreal and Toronto as well as in Buffalo. We should hear more soon.

Meanwhile… in Quebec, thousands of women with botched test results are going through new tests on their breast cancer. Some have already died so how can one prove anyhing. The government promises transparency. This will all take time before anyone will exhale and trust the results.

Meanwhile… in the U.S., a story from the New York Times recommends breast cancer screening from mammograms should begin at 50 instead of 40 and that women don’t need to examine their own breasts. In addition, they are changing the recommendation for older women to have annual screenings to biannual mammograms. This has caused a huge outcry from women and breast cancer organizations. Self-examination doesn’t cost a penny and many women, including the writer of this blog, have found her own cancer one year after a clean mammogram at age fifty. My own sister’s cancer was found at an earliest stage in Finland where everyone goes through meticulous tests at age 50, so she did not need even chemo after a lumpectomy and before radiation.

I hear from some survivors, who after chemo and radiation have now other illnesses like Parkinson's. Could there be a connection? It is important to keep those follow-up tests and mention everything to the doctor. Health problems can happen. I am just one example myself, although several doctors disagree about reasons behind my inability to walk and admit they do not know.

Some comments on my own blog. On a  life-changing moment: It's a very good site and the comments on mothers are so good. Love with mother cannot be shown but you express it in very good way..... I am now busy in my exams and after that I spend my holidays with my mother....

On tamoxifen: I'm 3 weeks out from unilateral mastectomy for DCIS. I'm scheduled to see an oncologist next week to get on tamoxifen. I'm terrified of the side effects, and have read about some natural alternatives: Indole 3 carbinol, estriol, lignans, red clover and progesterone cream. Has anyone out there refused tamoxifen and tried any of these natural supplements instead? (Blog reply: I had pulmonary embolism and had to interrupt tamoxifen. I know a woman with bad migraines from tamoxifen. I guess it is one of those things a patient is afraid to do and afraid not to do. Do your research, have a good doctor, get a second opinion if unsure. Every patient reacts differently to treatments. Are the benefits bigger than risks? Even doctors give contradictory info so it very hard on the patients. I was ready for any and all treatments without questioning during the breast cancer, scared out of my mind and afraid it would sneak back. Even now, after nine years, I am not sure I would handle the cancer the same way - but I am alive. I wish to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts during the battle and also from a safe distance after cancer is over and behind.)

On reclaiming life: I consider myself to be a promoted Internet user and can say that your resource is one of not many I like to come back again and again.

Leila here: Thanks to all readers. Keep writing and responding. Happy Holidays with your loved ones.

<!--EndFragment-->