Tara's Tricks and Update

I’m sure you’ve seen the effects; severe dehydration, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, malnutrition, cachexia, and more. These are the effects of the medicine they call chemotherapy in which cancer patients are prescribed, no matter what the age. This is only what we witness on the outside. There is much more collateral damage going on in the inside. These are extreme lowering of white blood cells (WBC) which are the immune system of the body, extreme lowering of red blood cells (RBC) which are the oxygen carriers, and extreme platelet lowering which are the coagulators of the body. There’s also high liver enzymes because the liver is trying so hard to detox the body from this poison, and lower kidney function and albumin levels. Albumin is the most abundant protein in the body that maintains fluid balance, which keeps fluids from leaking out of blood vessels. But it also carries hormones and vital nutrients that helps with growth and repair of tissues. Does this sound like medicine or chemical warfare? How do people survive this treatment?

First, a little background. We’ve since moved past the whole “chemo is bad” thing. You see, my now 21-year-old daughter has cancer. She has been battling the ups and downs that is metastasized and recurring Ewing’s Sarcoma of the chest wall. She was adamant about curing her cancer by natural means. She was disciplined, educated and eager. Strict ketogenic diet, high dose vitamin C, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, far infrared saunas, colonics, coffee enemas, and supplements up the wazzoo! We did it all right, there’s no doubt. We wanted natural therapies to work so badly, but as soon as we started killing the cancer off, it changed. It turned aggressive and metastasized in less than two months’ time. She was left with an extremely large tumor about the size of a beach ball on her chest that was just as big on the inside of her torso, taking up all of her lung space on the left side, sternum, back and it was making its way to the heart. When she was taken into the emergency room at the local hospital, she was septic, barely breathing, and in pain. I was told she probably would not make it through the night. Little did we know the reason she could hardly walk was because the cancer broke her back and was almost about to sever her spinal cord! We had to act fast. She was transferred to a more suitable hospital in Chicago where they could offer her more help.

At Loyola University Medical Center, we began a very aggressive chemotherapy and radiation plan. It was brutal for her to go through, and even more brutal for us, her family, to watch her go through. We were once again hopeful for a cancer-free outcome, but this has yet to come also. Long story short, our little tuffy did it. She not only made it through that night but has continued to press on. Our journey is continuing and there have been many ups and downs to say the least. It seems the medicine is not really working for her either, to some extent. We’re currently having her tumor biopsy tested for genetic information that might help the doctors prescribe a more targeted therapy. For the moment, she is on a trial drug, used as a targeted therapy that essentially stops the blood supply of the cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and spreading. So far, in less than two weeks, this drug is WORKING! The tumor has shrunk once again, and far quicker than any of the therapies have ever done. We are just so happy!

On to Tara’s tricks. What we discovered when Tara was going through all of her treatments, is certain ways we took care of her body and immune system while the doctors handled everything else, so-to-speak. It is my hope that if you or you know someone going through treatments like these, maybe these tricks can help. So here they are:

1. Hydration – we found that Tara easily dehydrated and it was difficult to build back up with being so nauseous. Tara also had a picc line (she wasn’t considered safe enough to ever get a port put in). Her picc line would not work properly when she was dehydrated, so we asked for fluids. When she received her chemo, she also received a full bag of fluids. This did two things; it solved the hydration issue and it also helped to relieve her nausea! We did this every time and she was able to function better during that week. The nurses lovingly nicknamed procedures like this as Tara’s Tricks, to which they share with other children in the clinic.
2. Probiotics – I gave Tara a strong probiotic of 90 billion cultures every morning. This prepared her gut for the medicine that was coming and it helped to alleviate stomach cramps and diarrhea, thus also saving her from dehydration. I believe this also helped with her body being able to absorb nutrients better. Her albumin levels steadily rose during this time.
3. Beta 1, 3-D Glucans – by Transfer Point. Tara took betas every night at bedtime. These betas help with the immune system, picking up the white blood cells. Now, keep in mind she was dealing with some heavy hitting poisons knocking her levels down. This didn’t cure anything but we believe it helped her body to pick up and recover more quickly. Throughout this time, I believe she was only neutropenic two times. (This is when we started her on the betas.)         
4. Greens! – And lots of them! Tara drank It Works powdered greens two to three times a day, along with other bottled green juices. She eats lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and big salads daily. Why powdered greens? Because she gets herbs, fruits and veggies that she wouldn’t normally eat, or even like to eat, on a daily basis. All these good greens, fruits and veggies is what helps to alkalize and detox the body. This is a must. Diet in and of itself is super important. Cancer loves sugar so stay away from cakes, candies and processed foods!
5. Exercise – I can’t stress this enough! The body was meant to move. Cancer hates oxygen and any movement promotes the intake of oxygen to all of our cells! Tara works hard to build back muscle mass and strength. She lost approximately 42 pounds throughout her journey, with her lowest weight being at a mere 93 pounds. She was very thin and cachexic. She started with simple basics like squats and lunges, (along with her regular physical and occupational therapy) that led into more detailed and stronger routines. Cardio is also a must. Tara still uses to this day a breathing spirometer to keep her lungs and diaphragm exercising to their fullest extent. Point being, start small but keep moving! You can do it!
6. Mind Work – I always save the best for last. Our mind set is key. Tara does mind work daily. It wasn’t easy to start with. She only just learned how to really sit through a meditation sequence. The trick here is to weed out the negatives, focus on the positives and learn what you need. It may be emotional clearing that is needed. Maybe daily stress levels are just too high. Life happens so we need to figure out how to detox from that as well.

These are some of the tips I can give. Of course, there are so many more. This process is still emerging and changing so stay vigil. If you need help with any of this, I do health coaching services for a small fee to help you with nutrition and I am also here any time you have questions about what Tara uses. Celebrate everything! This journey isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it. To our health!

I am not a doctor, a chemist, nor a dermatologist. I am only a mom, sharing my opinion of life experiences and what I was taught in the AFPA certification program, who wants to provide a more natural and healthy lifestyle for my family and others. The information contained on the Honey Hill Naturals or blog websites is provided for informational purposes only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified health care practitioner. The information available on or through the Honey Hill Naturals newsletters, or (including, but not limited to, information that may be provided by writers, editors, healthcare and/or nutrition professionals employed by, or contracting with, Honey Hill Naturals and / or their associates), is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or prescribe medication. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements or ailments on any of the above sites or newsletters, may not have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States of America.