A. Yep, I'm still alive and have even discovered that I quite like Russell Brand. First time I ever saw him was at the Oscars and I thought who the hell is this bizarre guy with Helen Mirren? This morning I am (right this minute) watching him being a guest on The View. I think he's a brilliant nutty clever delight with such dark bushy eyebrows and crazy hair and that perfect Brit accent.
B. I've been taking the drug tamoxifen for close to three weeks now. Started at 5 mg, working up to 20. My ribs are still killing me; in fact, tamoxifen causes a "flare-up" that makes the pain even more pronounced, even though that can supposedly be a good sign that this lovely (just kidding) drug is working to reverse the rising tumor marker numbers. I have not stopped taking estrogen, even though most doctors and oncologists tell women to stop all estrogen while taking tamoxifen. Why have I not stopped it? Because tamoxifen doesn't block ALL estrogen; it only blocks the estrogen receptors that breast cancer cells are trying to attach themselves to. There are tons of other estrogen receptors in a woman's body that still need estrogen and that help women to live longer and feel better while they are alive. So why deprive oneself of ALL estrogen? It's not a black and white answer. A few "thinking" doctors who are brave enough to go against the status quo are now beginning to acknowledge this.
C. The Writing Salon is also still alive, and I am even teaching my 5-week Tuesday night class in addition to the Round Robin. It has been hard to add this class to my overall workload when what I really need is to work less not more, but I need the money, and my couch spot at home (permanent butt imprint) has become too unsightly. If I leave it for one evening a week, it has time to spring back up.
D. I'm still doing alternative treatments such as taking artemisinin, homeopathic remedies, far infrared heat treatments, high doses of Vit. D and melatonin, low dose naltrexone, high doses of iodine (Iodoral), liposomal Vitamin C, etc.
E. Somebody bought one of my photo prints on Getty Images! I made $89.12! Whoo hoo! For someone to find one of your photos on Getty is like someone finding a miniscule needle in a gargantuan universe of haystacks. I felt the way I did when I got my first poem published and was paid three contributor copies.
That's all I have time for right now.
I love that Russell Brand too, much to my chagrin (what with that hair, and how obnoxious he can be, and that whole marrying Katy Perry thing). I love that he was so out there about how he loved Helen Mirren (a personal fave of mine). Congrats on the Getty image sale. Best, Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 07:50 AM
I would like to know more abou the alternative treatments that you are doing to help alleviate the disease. I was looking at other cancer treatments and am wondering if these alternative medications can be truly helpful for people.
Posted by: Prostate Cancer | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 06:30 PM
So refreshing that the positive sale of your image met with joy and celebration rather than so what. I have read your blog and will revisit, I have no expertise to give only my warm thoughts and best wishes.
Posted by: Lara Simpson | Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 08:23 AM
I think we should at least get a hint so we can go search for that needle in the haystack!!!
J.
Posted by: Jill | Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 01:46 AM
I'm glad you are posting here again. I'm back working full-time, but am available to errands, etc.
Love you!
Posted by: mary ann stein | Monday, March 14, 2011 at 03:22 PM
It's incredibly beautiful but, unfortunately, ruins the symmetry of the couch.
Posted by: Jane Underwood | Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at 10:17 AM
I'm interested in the shape of the butt imprint on your sofa. - Harlan
Posted by: harlan lewps | Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Jane,
I hope u will continue to be alive until a cure is found. I would like to know when u wre first diagnosed, stage and biology of your pathologist report and for how long r u taking Vit. D3, how many IU's and what is your blood level of Vit. D3. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Laura
Posted by: Laura | Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at 08:57 AM
P.S. Which Getty image?
Posted by: Linda | Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at 08:03 AM
Yes Yes which Getty image?
Posted by: Jay | Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at 01:23 AM
Thanks for update! All good to know.......even better would be WHICH GETTY IMAGE??!!!
XOXO
JILL
Posted by: Jill | Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Hi Marilyn,
I was rushing when I wrote this post, so I will come back when I have more time and expand on my explanation of how and why I am taking tamoxifen along with estrogen. I know it seems illogical and counter-intuitive, so I will attempt to further clarify what I have learned and how I came to these decisions.
Yes, all my doctors -- more than one, including two excellent oncologists -- know my "endometrium" history.
Best,
Jane
Posted by: Jane Underwood | Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 04:46 PM
Jane,
I am very concerned about the very reason you're taking tamoxifen. You're taking it to block the estrogen receptors. When a tumor is removed they check for estrogen receptors ON the tumor. So the following: "it only blocks the estrogen receptors that breast cancer cells are trying to attach themselves to." doesn't make sense to me."
If you really need to get those receptors blocked to get the tumor markers down then it seems contraindicated to take the chance to plug them up with estrogen so that the tamoxifen can't do its job. You would be taking the risks with tamoxifen and not getting the desired benefit.
My second concern is what you told us years ago about your endometrium. Did the doctor know this before he prescribed tamoxifen?
Although we don't agree on everything, remember I'm only writing this because I only wish the best for you . Marilyn
Read more: http://janeunderwood.typepad.com/my_great_breast_cancer_ad/2011/03/in-the-last-month-update.html#comments#ixzz1G3EKBAlo
Posted by: Marilyn Lloyd | Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 03:41 PM