This is 1930ies Rebel Poster. I chose it because my first patient today was someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, still in the state of shock from the news. As much as I do not want my patients to know what is wrong with me I could not NOT welcome the newcomer to our ranks so to speak. My cancer sisters/friends – we are in it together. We can be at different stages of the journey with different cancers and different stages of life. But we, those with breast cancer understand each other. Yes anyone with cancer must feel special connection and deeper understanding others with cancer. Still I think breast cancer patients get it on a different level. Like we care about each other, we know the pain, side effects, shaved heads, decisions to make and so on and so forth.
When I see cancer patients it is really hard for me to step aside and just manage their other medical problems. There is so much I know (and I knew most of it long before I was diagnosed with cancer myself) and it is always so frustrating when I am hitting the brick wall of denial by regular in the box oncologists. So the very least I can offer is to optimize one’s health and offer “minimal program of supplements”. At the very least it would be broccoprotect, curcum-email, and vitamin D3/K2 Supplements. The rest would depend on lab values if I am getting involved. Like I mentioned before – I meet my patients where they are – if they feel like going within the box to the T – I respect that. I will get my emotions into my own little safe and try to correct metabolic issues as best as I can. Even that seems to be difficult at times. Cancer patients going through difficult times often have so little consolation. Food had always been our joy in all times. Sometimes it is the only joy left. And of course, the joy does not include broccoli. It includes ice-creams, cakes, candy, etc. All the things I usually tell, No, No, No. It is extremely hard to overcome the notion “eat anything just to get some calories in”. I have discussed before that fasting actually works better References (within reason) but sugar feeds cancer.
My heart always goes to others who do not have that much at their fingertips and I feel sorry for them and stop being sorry for my calendar filled with appointments, treatments, and tests to the brim. I feel more like Hetty from O’Henry’s “Thrid Ingredient” being that shoulder one can lean on any time.