healthy dish for mom - a shrimp curry

for today's dinner i cooked a healthy meal not only for mom but for the rest of my family it was a shrimp curry with turmeric and curry powder!

if you remember turmeric is one of the great anti-cancer herb root. no wonder people who have been eating curries all their lives are healthy ( Indian culture is one of them). the dish was made with mostly organic veggies to make it more nutritious.

thanks to this site http://mgalutonidennis.blogspot.sg/2011/06/shrimp-curry.html, which served as my cooking reference ;) but i added a twist, such as i added a tbsp of turmeric powder, and used organic carrots, bell pepper, freshly squeezed coconut milk, and added a tbsp fish sauce (patis). yummy!

healthy o juice

this is the usual o juice mom will make for 3 (mom, me, edward). i call it 'o' juice because color is orange.

recipe:
2 organic apples
2 medium organic carrots
1 orange

mom does the juicing using the hurom juicer. i love hurom!

Her2 negative! - the best christmas gift

yesterday was the FISH test result day for mom. after waiting for almost 2 hours... the result was very comforting...! it is HER2 - (negative)!

it has been earlier suspected that mom is HER2+ (positive) due to quick recurrence of her bc from right to left. but later suspicious became negative, but it was really vague until it has been confirmed!!!, mom HER2 is negative. yehey!! her HER2 count is 1.7, anything lower than 4.0 (<4.0) is negative. above 4.0 is positive.
 
What does HER2 means?
The HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is one such gene that can play a role in the development of breast cancer. According to mom's onco, if HER2 + Positive it means that the cancer cells that was taken out from mom last August was the aggressive type and she may recommend mom to undergo a series of chemo...so as to prevent quick recurrence.. But if HER2 - Negative, it means the cancer cells was not the aggressive type that it is easy to control by just taking a tamoxifen pill a day will prevent recurrence.. which is her case!

To summarize, mom cancer cells profile is:  
ER + (estrogen)
PR + (progesterone)
HER2 -
it simply means that what triggered mom's cancer cells is her hormones (the estrogen and progesterone), and therefore a hormone therapy pills would be a good treatment to mom. mom only needs to continue to take her hormone therapy pills (Tamoxifen) for five years everyday. NO chemo!! it is just like taking vitamins everyday.. not bad right? in fact it is the most convenient form of treatment :)

we were cheering to the Lord, praising God (even in front of onco!) i didn't care. HER2 - is like winning a jackpot, or the best christmas gift!!!!

" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

Final Bills:
$80 - consultation
$42.50 - 3 months supply of Tamoxifen pills
----
$122.50

the risk of drinking water from a commercial hot and cold water dispenser

right now i am investigating the health risk of drinking a purified/distilled water that is flowing from a hot and cold water dispenser.

this blog http://www.ljdiaz.com/water-dispenser-equals-mesothelioma/ made me think twice in contracting a local water supplier to install a hot and cold water dispenser in our home.

Asbestos is everywhere!
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/multimedia/uses-applications-asbestos/index.htm

1st diagnostic - blood profiles and tumour markers

the results were in.. endocrinologist (dr. lee) explain to us the results of mom health screening through blood samples... i have to admit that i was nervous, more nervous than mom, ... i was anxious to hear the tumour markers results above all other diagnostic...

but God reigns! mom tumour markers are all clear! praise the Lord Jesus... below are the summary of her results:

Diabetic Screen
Insulin - Good
Glucose - High  - sugar level. Mom needs to avoid sugars, fructose (from fruits), carbs.

Renal Function Screen (Kidney)
Sodium - Good
Potassium - Good
Chloride - Good
Urea - Good
Creatinine -Good
Urine Microalbumin - Good
Microalb/Creatinine - Good

Bone & Joint Screen
Calcium - Good
Inorganic Phosphate - Good
Uric Acid - High - Mom needs to avoid foods with high Uric acid.
Rheumatoid Factor - Good
Reactive Protein - Good

Lipid Screen (Cholesterol)
Triglycerides - High - this is the bad cholesterol. these are the fats found in the blood.
HDL Cholesterol - Low - this is the good cholesterol. Mom needs to increase her good cholesterol to fight diseases.
LDL Cholesterol - Good
Total Cholesterol/HDL - High. not good!

Myocardiac Screen
Homocysteine - High -  according to our endocrinologist high Homocysteine (H) level is link to numerous diseases including heart attack and cancer. Mom needs to take supplements (Vit B, Folic acid, etc.) and avoid carbohydrates on her diet.

Liver and Biliary Screen 
Totak Protein - Good
Albumin - Good
Globulin - Good
A/G Ratio - Good
Total Bilirubin 0 Good
Alkaline Phosphatase - Good
SGPT/ ALT - Good
SGOT/ AST - Good
Gamma (GGT) - Good

Hormonal Screen
FSH - Good - mom results is align as postmenopause
LH - Good - mom results is align as postmenopause
E2 -  Good - mom results is align as postmenopause
Proclactin - Good
Testosterone - Good
DHEA-SO4 - Good
Cortisol - Good
Progesterone - Good - mom results is align as postmenopause
HBG - Good

Thyroid Screen
Free T4 - Good
Free T3 - Good
TSH - Good
Thyroglobulin Antibody - Good
TPO Antibody - Good 

Hepatitis Virus Screen
Hepa A Antibodies - Good - Reactive
Hepa B Antigen - Non Reactive - mom do not have hepa B vaccine
Hepa B Antibodies - Non Reactive - mom do not have hepa B vaccine

Tumour Markers
Alpha Feto-protein (AFP) - Good. Liver is clear!
Carcino-embryonic Antigen (CEA) - Good. Colon and Rectal is clear!
CA 15.3 - Good .  Breast is clear!
CA 125 - Good. Ovary is clear!

Heamatology
Haemoglobin - Good
Total white cell count - Good

Vitamin Test
Vitamin D - Low. mom shows diffeciency in Vitamin D. this is important vitamin to fight cancer.

Urinalysis - Good . normal
Stool - Good. normal 

This is mom good news from God. Though she has some downsides like sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, homocysteine and vitamin D, these are easily treatable with proper diet and supplements. While all tumour markers are low and clear! Thank you Lord almighty.

no carbs for mom

due to mom's high bad cholesterol level reading (after her health screen test), endocrinologist doctor advised her to avoid carbohydrates on her diet. one of those is her rice consumption... whether it is white or brown or red or organic rice, it doesn't change its carb content. and she needs to normalize her cholesterol to strengthen her immune system.

so we are switching from rice to quinoa. yes quinoa! for those who don't know quinoa it is a kind of grains that is gluten free, no carbs, but protein. real health concious individual eats quinoa. as far as i knew previously, i only heard and see quinoa by watching the food network channel, were celebrity chefs uses quinoa in some of its dishes...

so there, i headed to one of my fave organic store, which is this one is located in harbourfront centre and bought 2 bags of quinoa (500g each)

and cook mom her quinoa to replace her rice. i even added drops of organic mushroom sauce and mixed veggies to make it more appetizing.

look how she enjoys it! bon appetit! thank you Lord!

1st Oncologist visit

At 4pm today, my mom and I made our way to NCC in Singapore General Hospital to have our 1st medical oncologist visit.

just to step back, days before the said first consultation schedule, i was praying wholeheartedy and crying out-loud to the Lord that we may found an onco doctor that Jesus will use to provide mom the best recommendation and treatment for her. together with my husband, we also prayed that it will be a passionate onco that will show true care to my mom, and consequently my mom would feel comfortable.

and indeed, His words never fails. the blood of Jesus and the holy spirit protected us and accompanied us all through out as we face the onco. God is so good! our first consultation was a breeze. my anxiety suddenly drift away the moment we start conversing about mom's medical background and why we are there.

below is the summary of our discussion with the onco.

• size = 2.8cm , it means the size is considered as stage 2a
• lymph nodes = Negative , it means it has not spread. good!
• lymphatic vessels = Negative, it means it has not spread. good!
• grade = 2, it means the cancer cells is not slow nor fast, its moderate. as long as it is not fast it is good!
• estrogen receptor = Positive, means that hormone therapy for mom is good!
• progesterone receptor = Positive, means that hormone therapy for mom is good!
• Her 2 = ? , this was not determined during the initial biopsy reading. this will determine how aggressive the cancer cells was. the onco said we should pray for a negative result. a positive means that the cancer cells is too aggressive that mom may undergo a chemo.

to do list:

• FISH test - this is a re-reading of mom's previous biopsy slides to determine the Her 2.
• bone density - to check mom's current bone condition
• continue tamoxifen (20mg x 1 per day)
• follow-up consultation with onco on Oct 23.

what is FISH test?
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/fish

blessings today:

1. the lady onco is what we have prayed for. she never judged mom condition. she is knowledgeable and best of all never pushed for chemo. she is ok with tamoxifen.
2. my medisave has been recognized to pay for mom diagnostic test. so i never paid cash for the FISH test.
3. my boss was on-leave today so i was able to leave office early to attend the 4pm consultation with mom.
4. my mom was never stressed. she was happy.

Bills paid:
1st consultation fee - $115
Tamoxifen (1 month supply) - $14.05
FISH test - ($515.50) paid by my Medisave

thank you Lord!

turmeric curcumin extract

A clinical trial was made for cancer patients of different types and took scheduled doses of curcumin extract (found in turmeric or "luyang dilaw") in a span of time without any other form of therapy (chemo or radiation) and the result was a tremendous decrease in tumor marker numbers. the results was backed up by medical practitioners of MD Anderson.

thus, i have no doubts in my mind that this will help my mom to boost her immunity against cancer to prevent recurrence of her bc.

our first trial was a curcumin extract from Raffles brand, but after a week i realized that Raffles brand don't give the right dosage of curcumin extract, being at 450mg curcumin +50mg of curcumin extract. it was only 50mg!! what mom needs as per MD Anderson curcumin protocol is 1000mg daily for 1 week.

thus, today i bought her a new bottle from GNC, which contains 500mg of curcumin extract. it was way expensive!! $76 after discount for 100 capsules. mom have to take 2 caps per day.

honestly, i felt great after my purchase, relieved that health is undeniably more important than money. gladly, mom would be able to finally take the right dosage. she will start today!

below are my favorite blogs regarding curcumin protocol.

• http://margaret.healthblogs.org/life-with-myeloma/discovery-of-curcumin/my-curcumin-protocol/
•  http://nanaymiriam.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/curcumin_and_first_line_herceptin_monotherapy/

organics of the day

after a tiring day, i was please to see my purchases. there's simply nothing can replace organic foods.

since mom's diagnosis of bc, investing on what my family eats become instantly very important to me.

"Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span."

. (Exodus 23:25, 26 NIV)

your favorite skin care and breast cancer

The moment we switched to organic skin care and toiletries, as advised by a friend, it was one of the smartest cancer prevention that I could do. I then started to think what are those ingredients that are toxic? I had a strong urge to know as I am a huge fan of skin care, trying almost all claimed to be effective product lines in the market, that presents to be outstanding in anti-aging, whitening, smoothing, and smelling sweet.

there it was, my eyes has been opened by the toxicity of "parabens". the main ingredients of almost all of my favorite skin care and toiletry brands...

Below, I took a screenshot of one of my favorite skin lotion and whoa! it contains 2 types of toxic parabens. *scary! it's not even half empty yet but i have to throw it away.

I had no choice but to ditch them all, including what my mom has been using... she freaked out when i started tossing away her favorite lotions, shampoo, skin bath, make-up, hair color, and lipsticks. Even for my children, I started to buy organic baby bath and shampoos. I started to purchased soap products http://www.drbronner.com/ from http://www.natures-glory.com, and other skin care and toiletries from https://humanheartnature.com and Watson's pharmacy for http://www.avalonorganics.com.

It is costly, but for the name of wellness and good health, I would work hard and pray for God to shower as blessings and provisions so we could afford organic stuff.


Below are some of the article I read on  Parabens:

• http://www.controlyourimpact.com/articles/deodorants-antiperspirants-parabens-and-breast-cancer/

•  http://m00se.wordpress.com/2007/05/18/parabens-cosmetics-and-breast-cancer/

• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2085585/Parabens-Chemical-everyday-items-needs-investigation-scientists-discover-tumours-ALL-breast-cancer-patients.html

• http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/healthcare/health/healthcare/studies/story/2012-01-13/Does-deodorant-ingredient-affect-breast-cancer-risk/52528952/1
• http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/worry-about-parabens-00000000028428/index.html 

42 days detox - day 6 (gave up)

today my mom has decided to temporary end up her 42-days Breuss juice detox. This is a decision that I was not in favor of, but I have to respect her. She did a good job for the past 5 days, following my instructions of consuming only the prepared juice with the complementary teas...

I guess my mom is excited with the birthday celebration of my brother, where he prepares some dinner to share together..

below is the last stats i took just before she anxiously took her 1st bite of the week..

weight = 125 lbs
mood = good, restless (due to lack of sleep last night)
poop = yes
breuss juice = 200ml taken via small cup(1/4 full every sip) - she managed to sipped few in the morning until noon, just before she ate lunch.
teas = 1 cup turmeric tea

hunger = controlled
medication = 1 pill tamoxifen
blood pressure = 120/60 okcoffee enema = 2 x 500ml

1st endocrinologist doctor visit

this day is one of the big day for me and mom - to meet up dr. lee of integrated medicine.

dr lee (http://www.integratedmedclinic.com/ian.html) was recommeded to me by a fellow whom her mother have almost the similar health issue as mom. after praying to God for the right doctor that would be an instrument to bring forth the right treatment and wellness for mom, here we are now.

the morning before we left home, i prayed wholeheartedly that Lord Jesus Christ will use this doctor to bring eace in my heart that mom is going thru the right method of healing.

fast forward:
the first consultation was not at all disoriented, it was even a delight knowing that doctor has shown compassion and care for mom. dr. lee was able to understand mom's condition. he also tried to understand the root cause of her bc. we talked about mom's past and current surgeries, lifestyle and medications.

dr. lee mentioned that bc root cause is a multi- factorial and not only because of one thing. he said it could be the genes, the age, the hormonal change, the silicon implants, the lifestyle or combination of all. indeed, i agree.

he asked mom to undergo preliminary blood test to check her sugar (as sugar is the food of the cancer), her thyroid (abnormalities in thyroids also strenghtens the cancer reccurence), her blood content ( to check if she lacks certain vitamins i.e. vitamin D), her hormone (to know the positivity of her estrogen and progesterone levels) and tumour markers.

it is essential first steps so dr lee would know how to keep her healthy and well and strengten mom immunity against disease and c.

the first bill. - it was shocking. but this includes all the testing necessary for her.
total bills today: $1, 163

To do list - Aug to Sep

i am very much satisfied of what mom and I have accomplished so far. Below is a screenshot of the Excel spreadsheets that I am maintaining to keep track of our to do list.

This coming Saturday morning, we will be heading to Dr. Lee's clinic for the first time. Watch out for my next blog update.

42 days detox - day 5

mom was feeling great this morning. inspite the intake limitation, she was able to prepare and steam leche plan dessert for Oliver's (my brother) birthday dinner tomorrow.

Lord thank you for unwavering provision of good health, nutrition, and strength to my mother. Glory to you holy one. In Jesus name, amen.

weight = 125.5 lbs
mood = energized in the morning
poop = yes
breuss juice = 300ml taken via small cup(1/4 full every sip)
teas = 1 cup sage tea, 1 cup kidney tea, 1 cup cranesbill tea
dinner = 1 cup homemade turmeric tea with honey
hunger = controlled
medication = 1 pill tamoxifen
blood pressure = 117/70 ok

42 days detox - day 4

yesterday after office hours i went to NTUC finest and found my missing ingredients ... the celery root.

The Breuss juice recipe calls for celery root as one of the key ingredients, and since i couldn't find it anywhere in Singapore, i substituted celery stems for a while.

weight = 126.6 lbs
mood = a bit energized
poop = yes
breuss juice = 300ml taken via small cup(1/4 full every sip)
teas = 1 cup sage tea, 1 cup kidney tea, 1 cup cranesbill tea
dinner = 2 cups turmeric tea with a bit honey
hunger = controlled!
exercise = walking
medication = 1 pill tamoxifen
blood pressure = 100/70 ok

Turmeric Tea

finally, i was able to make a turmeric tea for mom... thanks to http://www.thespeach.com/2012/03/healing-ginger-turmeric-sleep-tea/ for the recipe...

i was surprised that it actually tastes good! as if I was sipping an after spa
massage refreshments. and more importantly mom likes it. this is what she needs after day 3 of detox, after almost giving up . but glad she would continue to day 4.

by the way, for my mom i skip the honey. Cancer feeds in anything sweet/ sugar.

Lord, i pray that you give strength and nutrition to my mom despite the detox days that you may filled up her hunger with your words. and that she may know you more. Amen.

42 days detox - day 3

today morning, i was able to take some photos of the juice i prepared for mom. this is the same recipe (Breuss juice) i juice every morning.


300 g beets
100 g carrot
100 g celery (should be celery roots)
 30 g red radish (should be black radish)
 egg size potato

all organically produced.






 The wonder of Hurom Juicer. I am using the HU-300 model.

weight = 127.6 lbs
mood = worried, leg weakness, almost giving up
poop = no
breuss juice = 300ml taken via small cup(1/4 full every sip)
teas = 1 cup sage tea, 1 cup kidney tea, 1 cup cranesbill tea
dinner = 2 cups homemade turmeric teas
hunger = craving for solid foods
medication = 1 pill tamoxifen
blood pressure = 106/ 70 ok

42 days detox - day 2

weight = 129 lbs
mood = good, weary
poop = no
breuss juice = 300ml taken via small cup(1/4 full every sip)
teas = 1 cup sage tea, 1 cup kidney tea, 1 cup cranesbill tea
dinner = 2 cups plain onion soup ( breuss recipe) lunch and dinner
hunger = craving for solid foods
medication = 1 pill tamoxifen
blood pressure = 90/57 low

42 days detox - day 1

today is mom big day debut of 42 days breuss juice detox.

weight = 131 lbs
mood = good, apprehensive
poop = no
breuss juice = 300ml taken via spoonful
teas = 1 cup sage tea, 1 cup kidney tea, 1 cup cranesbill tea
dinner = plain onion soup ( breuss recipe)
hunger = tolerable
medication = 1 pill tamoxifen
blood pressure = 102/60

it took me 30mins to prepare her breuss juice - that includes measuring, peeling, juicing, filtering. and another 10 mins to prepare her teas.

this will be my routine everyday from now on for 42 days. I got to wake up early to allot additional time on top of my prep time to go to work.

thank you Lord for this lovely day!
love my 2 kids enzo and eon. and ever supportive and loving husband ewa.

42 days Detox

Preparing for Breuss Juice..
I've been spending couple of hours browsing the internet about the Breuss Detox diet for 42 days... and here's the recipe that I've found.

Breuss Juice

This is the Breuss juice mixture. To prepare the juice, 3/5 beets, 1/5 carrots, 1/5 celeriacs, and then add a little black radish and one egg-sized potato. ALL ORGANIC!

·         300 g (9.6 oz) beet root

·         100 g (3.2 oz) carrots

·         100 g (3.2 oz) celeriacs (celery root)

·         30 g (1.06 oz) black radish juice

1 potato, the size of an egg  (optional) 

Teas - 

It was said that teas will help supplement the detox diet.

·         Sage Tea (1 cup)

·         Kidney Tea (1 cup)

·         Cranebill Tea (1 cup)

JInitially I am worried were to find the teas, then I found http://www.nutrimaxorganic.com/ where they supply this teas. I will definitely come down to their store later to grab one box of each.

Thank you Lord for the resources and available supply!

Hurom Juicer

I finally got the Hurom Juicer...
after researching, comparing, and contemplating about the best Juicer that will keep the freshness and enzymes intact , with consideration of the price.. the Hurom juicer got my highest score.

This juicer is not an ordinary juicer, plusn it is expensive! but for the sake of health and cancer prevention I had the strong urge to buy this Juicer. So I ditched my old juicer (which uses high-speed centrifugal blade) and replaced it with the Hurom.

Below are some of the video reviews I've watched...

Hurom on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXTEPUggyuw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_blKzX5NFdU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP2t6a03RrM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYFYseA4Ayg

Got the Hurom HU-300 model from http://www.harveynorman.com.sg/ at a discounted price!

$548 (retails at $598) for 24 months installment at 0% interest! + free apple slicer :)
So I will only end up paying $22 per month.

Lump discovery - a summary

July 3, 2012 - Mom informed me that she felt a soft elongated lump on her left breast just above the nipple area. I was worried. I immediately called up KK Hospital (KKH) and requested for an early appointment to their Breast Centre.

July 12 - We went for the check-up. We were assigned to Dr Lim Geok Hoon. Right away she scheduled a Mammography and Breast Ultrasound routine.

July 26 - The mammogram and breast ultrasound results were out. There was a lump that requires further investigation. A core needle biopsy was done immediately.  We were scheduled to come back on Aug 10 for the result.

Aug 2 - KKH called up my mom, asking her to come down immediately to the hospital the following day as the results were out, and it is important that we report immediately. I was nervous.

Aug 3 - The diagnostic findings:

Microscropic Description:

All cores are replaced by intraduct carcinoma (medium nuclear grade, cribform-solid pattern with occasional collection of necrotic debris). The tumour cells are stained positive for ER(3+ positive, all cells, PR (3+ positive, 30% to 40% cells) and borderline .equivocal for cerb B2 (2+ positive, >10% of cells)

Diagnosis:

Core biopsy, left breast: Intraduct Carcinoma

The doctor diagnosed that mom has Stage 0 DCIS. As advised by the doctor, the treatment needs to be done as soon as possible. Dr. Lim recommendation then, is either a lumpectomy + 25 counts of radiation . or a mastectomy (no radiation/medicine required).

Something that shook my world and needs lots discernment and direction from God.