Wednesday, March 27, 2013

My Parent Has Cancer: Why Write a Book?


The following is a conversation with Marc and Maya Silver, authors of My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks, the first guide for teens whose parents have cancer. Maya was 15 when her mom, Marsha, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Marc, Maya’s dad, is an editor at National Geographic and the author of Breast Cancer Husband. His wife, Marsha, is now in good health.  

Marc and Maya, what inspired you to write this book?

Marc: I wish I could say the book came to be because I had an epiphany: Families like ours – two teens, mom diagnosed with breast cancer – need help.

But that is not the truth. In 2001, our family muddled through Marsha’s months of cancer treatment. It never occurred to any of us that our kids might need help coping.

Then, a few years later, our dear friend Anna Gottlieb, the founder and director of Gilda’s Club Seattle, called me to share some essays from the group’s annual essay contest: “It’s Always Something.” Teens are invited to write about how they’ve been “touched by cancer.” Many of them wrote about a parent’s cancer with intense feelings that defy the stereotype of the sullen, uncommunicative teen.

“This has to be your next book,” Anna said.

 She was right. But it took a bit of doing. I soon realized that I needed a co-author who had in fact faced a parent’s cancer as a teen. Our older daughter Maya is a phenomenal writer -- creative writing was her major at Oberlin, where she earned the Diane Vreul's Fiction Prize in 2008.

 
Maya: I have to admit that at first I wasn't crazy about the idea. My mom's cancer is something I never fully dealt with. Even in my early 20s, it was a topic I didn't like talking about. Pouring myself into a book project about it would not only require me to confront the experience head-on, but to live, breathe and dream about cancer as we spent months in research, interviews, writing and editing. On the flip side, I knew that there was a gap in resources for teens dealing with a parent's cancer. I understood that a book like this probably would have helped my sister and me. 

 
Marc: So we began working together to shape a proposal. We realized that the book needed to reach out to teens, but we also knew that parents would probably be the ones to buy the book. So the main narrative would be aimed at teens, but there would be a special section of advice for poor, beleaguered mom and dad.

Many publishers passed on the idea. They didn’t “get it.” Is this a health book? A young adult book? What kind of book is it?

 Maya: Our answer always was: It’s a book that is sorely needed. A study published in the journal Cancer states that nearly three million U.S. kids live with a parent who’s a cancer survivor, and about a third of the kids are teens. Yet there are very few resources for this 12-19 demographic. As we found out when we put together our proposal, teens in particular need a lot of help coping. They’re at a stage when they’re separating from the family, striking out on their own. Suddenly, mom or dad’s cancer diagnosis pulls them back to the family. The result: A teen who may be resentful, who may hate being looked at with “pity eyes” by friends at school, who has to deal with problems far more pressing than those of friends who worry about break-ups and break-outs and buying the latest video game.

 
Marc: Fortunately, our agent was a tireless advocate for the book, and the editorial staff at Sourcebooks understood why this book is an important addition to cancer literature. And so we began our year of intense work on the project, interviewing some 100 teens, parents as well, and many mental health experts. We hope the book can serve as a support group for teens who don’t have anyone to turn to. We want teens to know that what they’re feeling is probably normal. It’s normal to worry still about who’s going to drive you to the prom. It’s normal to be embarrassed by a parent who’s bald from chemotherapy. It’s normal to have a closer relationship with one parent than the other, and to secretly wish that the other parent was the one with cancer.

 Maya: We set two rules for our book: Teens, don’t feel guilty. You have your own way of coping, and you don’t have to behave like any other teen in this book.

And parents, do not use the book to make your teen talk if he or she doesn’t want to. 

 Marc: And we think Bailee Richardson, who was 12 when her mom was diagnosed with cancer, says it all when she shared this advice: “Stay strong. Don’t let it ever get the best of you.”

Maya, you are right, this is a book sorely needed.  Being a teen is hard enough; being a teen whose world is rocked by cancer, well that is a whole other ballgame.  We all know how hard it is to be a caregiver, and we certainly know how hard it is to be a patient, but we just don’t know or appreciate just how hard our own diagnosis on our teens (think communication, expression, social woes, and hormones). I often worry about the emotional side, the temporary and lasting physical tolls that are really somewhat unknown.  Thank you both for this guide and for sharing it with us.

To read more about their journey, please visit My Parent Has Cancer and it Really Sucks

Elyn
www.elynjacobs.wordpress.com

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

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. She is also on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She mentors women who are coping with issues of well-being associated with breast cancer and its aftermath; she is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health and more and has contributed to Breast Cancer Answers as well as written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Natural Healing-Natural Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, and other publications and newsletters. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Magical Mushrooms; the Sequel


Perhaps you have Read my post on Magical Mushrooms: How they Reduce Breast Cancer Risk.  Here is some more fun mushroom wisdom.

Coriolus mushrooms are actually the source of PSK, a compound used in drugs used to treat a wide variety of cancers.  PSK seems to work in multiple steps of the malignant process by inhibiting adhesion, invasion, motility and metastatic growth of tumor cells in animal models of cancer.  Also called Turkey Tail, Coriolus PSP (supplement form that differs slightly from the drug PSK) offers significant immune support.  In fact, the “cold remedy” suggested by my oncologist is to take Coriolus PSP, oregano oil, chaga and grapefruit seed extract (all in supplement form) for three days.  I wouldn’t take oregano oil for too long or too often as it is estrogenic properties, but as part of a quick cold remedy, it works well. 

Via Mark Kaylor, Mushroom Wisdom:

“In many parts of the world, Turkey Tail extracts are used as adjuvants in cancer therapy, both as prescription items for instance in Japan, or as dietary supplements taken by patients along with conventional treatment …As a cancer-preventive agent used on a regular basis Turkey Tail may inhibit carcinogenesis by reducing the effects of some carcinogens, such as those occurring in tobacco smoke, on susceptible host cells; it has shown anti-tumor activity in many cancers (shortened for this post).

The use of these extracts during conventional cancer treatments, such as chemo and radiation therapy, have a rational basis because some research shows that it might reduce the possibility of secondary malignancies induced by radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy.  Turkey Tail may also protect healthy host cells during radiation and chemo treatments by either directly or indirectly acting as an antioxidant, reducing the effects of oxidative stress.”

A note about medicinal mushrooms:  After 3-4 months using a single extract at a high does, a small number of people will experience a slight “tailing off” in terms of immune support.  Using two extracts simultaneously creates a far more powerful immune response than using any single extract alone.   (JHS Natural Products).  When using mushroom extracts for preventive immune support they can be used at a lower dose as compared to use for immune challenges, so the “tailing off” is not experienced.   The best choice over the long term may be to rotate between two different mushroom extracts, using one extract at a time, and then rotating to a different extract every six months.  Even though the “tailing off” is not experienced at lower doses, it may be best to keep coming at the immune system from different directions, changing up the protocol to keep it fresh.  That said, this is all a very individual choice and I have had good luck with using maitake and shitake first and then switching to chaga and shitake.  Recently I added in meshima too.   It is best to speak with your medical provider for advice on the best combination for your body. 

Nothing in this post represents medical advice, and I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist or naturopathic doctor. I have compiled this information solely for those seeking information on medicinal mushrooms and their ability to support the body against cancer.   

For more mushroom wisdom:









Elyn


~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

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. She is also on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She mentors women who are coping with issues of well-being associated with breast cancer and its aftermath; she is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health and more and has contributed to Breast Cancer Answers as well as written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Natural Healing-Natural Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, and other publications and newsletters. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.

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The Power of Hemp Seeds



In my post Chia Seed: The New Superfood, I spoke of the virtues of chia and flax seeds.  However, I really should have included hemp seeds, another fabulous super-food.  Hemp seeds are not only a complete protein (like flax), but they also contain Vitamin E, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, and plenty of other vitamins and minerals; they also have a good balance of Omega fats and contain GLA, both of which help reduce inflammation.  Eating hemp may also boost the immune system.  One more thing…unlike flax and chia, hemp is not actually a seed (it’s a fruit) and does not contain phytic acid (that pesky anti-nutrient found in wheat, nuts, etc. that prevents us from absorbing minerals).  And no, for better or for worse, hemp seeds will not make you “high”.  Try them in cereal, smoothies and oatmeal; eat them in good health. 


Elyn


~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

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. She is also on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She mentors women who are coping with issues of well-being associated with breast cancer and its aftermath; she is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health and more and has contributed to Breast Cancer Answers as well as written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Natural Healing-Natural Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, and other publications and newsletters. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.

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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Brain Tumors: Why Everyone Needs an Advocate


Okay, truth be told, this post is not on brain tumors.  Well it is, sort of, but it is about my own personal fear;  one of the reasons I do what I do—advocate for others.

In 2007 I had a bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer; I lost my mother to breast cancer; my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.  All of this had a significant impact on my life—to say the least.  But, the most noteworthy experience that year was the severe and life-threatening asthma attack that my then five year old experienced.  I spent five nights in the PICU with him; had I not been persistent, I would not have had the pleasure of residing at New York Presbyterian Hospital.  While I realize this is not a coveted vacation destination, had I listened to the pediatrician I rushed my son to that first fateful day, likely I would not have him. 
My son had not been feeling well-- seemed nothing more than seasonal allergies; but for someone with a child who has asthma, I was on high alert.  We had gone to my parents beach house to enjoy the early fall weather, but during the night, I became aware that my son was not breathing right.  I gave him his nebulizer repeatedly with no relief.  In the morning I called our pediatrician.  She suggested I either come right in to see her or consult a local pedi.  Afraid to drive with a child in that condition, I took him to a local.  That pediatrician said he was fine and sent us on our way.  I called our pedi and told her that my gut says all is NOT fine.  She said she trusted me as mom—that my gut was powerful.  She said I should drive back NOW and in case things got worse, gave me the name of the only “on the way” hospital she would trust.  We made it to NYP and were seen immediately; our pedi had called ahead and they were ready for us.  Despite all efforts, breathing could not be stabilized; our son was admitted.  Turns out, he had a rare virus that was complicating matters; something that had gone undetected over the course of a few days there, but with the persistence of our team, was treated sucessfully.
 (Why, you ask didn’t we go to the local hospital?  Well, they do not have a pedes ward and the wait is extensive…far longer than the drive back to NYP—2 hours—btw, did you know that you can request ambulance transport to your hospital once you are stabilized locally?)

Fast forward a year.  Son gets in a minor bike accident-flew off his bike and hit a roadside boulder.  Bleeding profusely from his forehead (helmet slid up but did protect him from his direct hit back of the head from a neighboring boulder), we headed to the ER.  After hours there (yes, should have driven back to the city but the bleeding sent me local—big mistake), his energy was spent, and post adrenaline-- he was tired; we were told he was not responding and needed a CT scan—this “proclamation” was made not by a doctor, but by a PA.  Needless to say, our pedi was irate that we had subjected him to this radiation.  She explained that the hospital was not equipped to handle the unlikely negative results and that in my emotional state, took advantage of me and ordered the test.  My son was just tired from the ordeal and the late hour, simple as that.
Everyone needs an advocate; we are all far too emotional to be expected to stand up for ourselves at the time we most need to do it.  I wish I knew then what I know now; most CT scans are unnecessary and use of one must be rationally evaluated. 
“Sometimes kids don't need a scan at all. They just need to be watched in a safe setting. One study showed that kids who went to an ER after suffering a minor head head injury were less likely to get a CT scan if they were simply observed in the ER for 4-6 hours -- and that observation period didn't compromise their safety “  or more likely….the next day. http://children.webmd.com/features/xrays-ct-scans-kids-radiation
It shows that 2 or 3 computed tomography (CT) scans of a child's head (child meaning under 15 years old in this case), can triple the risk of brain cancer. The total dose of radiation would be around 60mGy, while 5 to 10 scans giving a dose of some 50mGy or more, triples the risk of leukemia. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246324.php
I have nightmares about the CT; we live in a radiation driven world….x-rays, scans, cellphones and other very dangerous technology we can no longer do without.  We need to be informed; we need to protect our children and oursleves. I was given a CT scan years ago after a minor car acciedent; many stitches to the head, but hardly in need of a scan.  I know better now; I have my boxing gloves on.
Health care crisis? You bet….cash strapped hospitals are ordering tests for many reasons; some necessary, some for profit and some for fear of lawsuits.  It all adds up to a huge expense and a huge health crisis for us all, not to mention for the nation.

So you see, like Helen Reddy says, I am wise, but at a price. “Not a novice any longer...I know too much to go back and pretend…oh yes, I am wise, but it's wisdom for the pain; yes I've paid the price but look how much I’ve gained…..” I am Woman-- the theme song for my radio show, and words I have lived by since my mother first purchased that “45” for me many moons ago. "I have heard it all before...it only serves to make me more determined... makes me stronger." What I have learned I wish to share with you.
You need an advocate; don’t ever head to the ER without one and always take one to any medical consultations during which important decisions will be made. 

I will also add here to pay heed at the dentist’s office….panoramic x-rays and multiple x-rays dramatically increase your child’s risk for cancer.





Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

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. She is also on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She mentors women who are coping with issues of well-being associated with breast cancer and its aftermath; she is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health and more and has contributed to Breast Cancer Answers as well as written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Natural Healing-Natural Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, and other publications and newsletters. She created and hosts the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.

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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Medical Dosimetry—What You Need to Know Before You Begin Radiation Therapy


Little known to many patients, there is a man or woman behind the scenes that can have a significant effect on the outcome of your radiation therapy—your medical dosimetrist. This person is responsible for designing a radiation treatment plan that maximizes the radiation dose to your tumor site while minimizing the radiation to the surrounding healthy tissue.  He or she will create a plan that leads to the best possible outcome for you. So next time you are in the clinic for treatment, ask to meet your medical dosimetrist. I wrote this post for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation and I thought you might find it helpful: Medical Dosimetry—Improving the Outcome and Ultimate Recovery after Radiation Treatment. 

Look for this information on my links and resources page, and if you happen to be in the San Antonio area mid-June, stop in at the AAMD’s 38th Annual meeting, I’ll be there too, delivering the Keynote. 


The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) is the professional society for medical dosimetrists. AAMD promotes and supports the medical dosimetry profession through education, forums of professional interaction and a representative voice in the healthcare community. With more than 2,800 members worldwide, AAMD seeks to promote an ideal of professional conduct to which its members should aspire and endorses the highest standards of patient care. For more information about AAMD, visit www.medicaldosimetry.org.

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

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 is on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. 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. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.



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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Nature’s Role in Cancer Progression, Prevention and Treatment


2012 Archive List

Managing Estrogen:





Eating for Life, Not Cancer:








Our Minds, Our Cancer:




Cell Phones, Laptops and Other Perils:



And one to mention from this blog:


Don’t forget to tune in Tuesdays at 1pm for Survive and Live Well and visit the Archives.

I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year!

 Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

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 is on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. 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. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.



Facebook @Elyn Jacobs Consulting

LinkedIn @Elyn Jacobs

 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Juice for Life—Drink and Eat Your Vegetables


Juicing is all the rage, and for good reason.  Juicing is a great way to get those much needed 8-10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables that we all too often find hard to consume.   When I was diagnosed 6 years ago, my oncologist recommended juicing, said it is very healing.  Some therapies, such as the Gerson therapy, use juicing as a major component for healing.  For most, however, juicing is just an easy way to meet those daily requirements.

Tried it; don’t like it?  Try a different juice; we all prefer some vegetables more than others, and even find that some vegetables we love, we do not love in our juice.  For me it is beets and cabbage; love to eat them, do not care for them in juice.  Or maybe try a juice bar….there one can find some amazing combinations that are just as delicious as healthy. 

Think buying juice is expensive or decadent? I used to think so too…but shell out several hundred dollars for the juicer, tons for the organic produce, and spend copious amounts of time prepping, juicing and cleaning up, and you have yourself a bargain.  I still make my own occasionally, but mostly, I go to Iggy’s.  Iggy’s is a juice bar run by Ignacio Carrera, located within Vitahealth, a small apothecary where I get all my prescriptions, supplements, and a tremendous amount of advice.  And speaking of Iggy’s, you won’t find conventional produce there like you will in the trendy fad joints.  If your juice bar claims that they use organic and local produce, you can be sure that they are using conventional most of the time, at your expense.  Make sure they use 100% organic produce. Do your research, ask questions.

                   To Juice or not to Juice, that is the question

What I don’t suggest, is going on a fad diet where you only drink juice…especially if you are like me—no food, no mojo (and very cranky) and the toxic blood sugar rushes are not good for anyone. So drink your juice, between meals or with meals, or at least add some protein powder if your juice is to be your meal.  Juice cleanse for a day, okay, but not as a diet.  And remember, limit your fruit juicing as it creates a concentrated source of sugar (carrot juice will do the same).  I am not one to say no fresh orange or pineapple juice, just be sure to have it with a meal that contains fat, protein and/or fiber, all of which will slow the reaction. And, you shouldn’t count on juicing as your sole source of fruits and vegetables as you do lose the fiber as well as the skin, which is full of essential nutrients.   (Remember, if you want to regain some of the lost fiber, you can add it to your muffin batter or stir it into your soup.)

Also, the jury is still out on juicing raw crucifers.  Some feel that they contribute to thyroid problems, others disagree.  However, a daily juice should not pose any issues, and if you vary your juices, all the better.

Still not sold?  You can pack some serious servings in smoothies. I like to make one with an large handful of broccoli sprouts, one avocado, some superfood powers and some water or almond milk; you can also do this with baby spinach or other greens, but I find the sprouts mix in really well and do not make the smoothie bitter.  Experiment with your own;  Iggy makes a fantastic one he calls the Incredible Hulk…pretty funny, but it’s made with juiced cucumber and celery as a base, with kale, spinach and chard, a banana and some protein power mixed in. 

So, if you happen to live or traffic on the UES of Manhattan, stop in and say hello to Iggy; order Iggy’s Greens or a Hulk.  Oh, and don’t forget to ask Iggy to do a magic trick for you….the kids really look forward to it!  And you may even find that juicing encourages you and your kids to eat more fruits and veges.  Also, check out Iggy in Diary of a Social Gal.  That’s Iggy, upper right corner, but scroll down, and you will see One Lucky Duck…scroll down once more and you will see Iggy in his juice bar, at the Vitahealth Apothecary. 

Elyn
 
~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

 
Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, certified cancer coach, speaker, president of Elyn Jacobs Consulting, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation.  Elyn is the creator, owner and show host for the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. 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. Elyn is also on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. She lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.



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