Today we met our radiation oncologist, Dr. Higgins who we very much liked. Although at the beginning of this journey I was Stage 3C and after meeting with Dr. Higgins understand why radiation is a piece of the cancer treatment strategy along with everything else we're doing, I am still on the fence receiving radiation. God is healing me! And everything we are doing is healing me so do I really need it? I am not 100% sure and we have a lot of time to think about it. But....What are your thoughts about radiation? |
21 Comments
7/1/2014 03:10:19 pm
I am not very impressed with radiation. Like chemo other complications can arise called side effects. not the least of which radiation can cause cancer. Radiation can be targeted to effectively attack a tumor. I believe cancer is more than the lump and is a systemic issue. If the mind body and spirit are whole the immune system can probably dissolve the cancer on its own while strengthening your whole being. Verses attacking a lesion at the expense of the entire system. If radiation is to be a part of your strategy DIM derived from greens and cruciferous veggies can provide your body some protection while leaving the cancer open for attack.
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Lisa Mangiafico Takacs
7/3/2014 04:37:58 pm
Thank you for sharing cousin Mike. I am always interested in learning about the research you have done and your thoughts to making this journey easier for me. xxoo
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Tom
7/1/2014 03:43:49 pm
I'm not a great example, but all my recent issues were due to the radiation I received 28 years ago (or so we think). Given the choice, I would do it all over again!
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Lisa Mangiafico Takacs
7/3/2014 04:39:35 pm
Thank you for sharing Tom. Are these issues, bad?
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Sue
7/2/2014 01:53:11 am
It's another tool in the tool box if you want to use it or not. It will always be a personal choice. I know you will do the research before you do anything. I say if it will help go for it ,no regrets or what if's
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Lisa Mangiafico Takacs
7/3/2014 04:42:59 pm
Thank you Sue. You know me! I need to do as much research as I can, know as much of the information as possible and ask all my questions before making decisions. These are BIG, real life decisions I am making. :)
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Fabio
7/2/2014 02:31:19 am
I had no idea you were going through this. My aunt beat it and I know you will too. I will keep you in my thoughts. All the very best wishes. :-)
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Lisa Mangiafico Takacs
7/3/2014 04:44:28 pm
Congratulations to your Aunt! I love hearing this kind of news :) Thank you!
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7/2/2014 06:44:21 am
I don't know enough about it to give you a recommendation but am just wondering what Dr. Sorcinelli thinks. I know you will make the right choice as you get more information!
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Lisa Mangiafico Takacs
7/11/2014 08:16:41 am
I saw Dr. Sorcinelli today since it was chemo day. She answered all my questions I had, today, and helped put my thoughts together. I trust her and I know she is 200% on my side to make sure I have a complete pathology report and live forever breast cancer free with no reoccurrences. She is pro-radiation for me especially given my stage and how aggressive my cancer is being triple positive and having spread to my lymph nodes.
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Kate
7/2/2014 03:11:51 pm
My cousin is just finishing up her radiation treatments. She found it to be the easiest of the three treatments, the other two being chemo and surgery. She is also 35 with breast cancer and no family history. I'm sorry that people are saying your immune system can rid your body of cancer, since I'm sure that's not helpful or based on any medical research whatsoever:).
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frank
7/2/2014 03:37:43 pm
Comment deleted
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Kate
7/3/2014 01:32:51 pm
Immune system boosters are great! To be clear I was just being critical of another comment that said something to the effect of the body dissolving the cancer on its own if the mind and spirit are aligned or something... easy for someone to say who is not going through it.
Doug
7/2/2014 11:06:15 pm
I am proud of how you are attacking this head on and you will win! Just know that anything you need (even a laugh) just ask. You are the best! Hats off to Frank for being your right arm.
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Lisa Mangiafico Takacs
7/3/2014 04:51:48 pm
Thank you Doug! I know I can count on you for anything. :)
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Judi
7/3/2014 03:58:49 am
My oncologist, Dr. Brahaj at Bristol Hospital (an affiliate of New Haven Hospital) mapped out my entire treatment from surgery to radiation. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at 58 years old. I had no issues with the radiation and I am now two years cancer free. She told me to be careful if I did research on the internet as some sites do not have medical verification. While living a very healthy life style is always the best way, I am not sure taking a holistic approach to cancer treatment is the only way to go. A friend of ours was diagnosed in her 30's as well. She did not trust the medical approach and opted to use a more holistic treatment plan. When her husband heard of my diagnosis, he called me immediately and shouted, "Listen to your doctors!" His wife opted for the holistic approach and it did not work out for her. Having said all of this, as a 'thriver', I am a firm believer that you are in the driver's seat 100%. While advice from friends and family is well intended, only you know what you are going through. I know you will make the right choices for you. Rely on your instinct and the great medical team you have. Together, you will come out the other side! Hang tough my friend.
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Lisa Mangiafico Takacs
7/3/2014 04:59:27 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey with us Judi. You are an inspiration to me. As a 'thriver' having walked in my shoes strong and defeated the poison, I know I can talk to you abut anything, advice, support, to just vent, be angry, sad, anything and I totally do. :) Thank you for everything xxoo
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Ashley
7/3/2014 06:17:43 am
I was just wondering if you have had any contact with Talya from High School. I know you and she were friendly in school. She is a survivor also.
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Lauren Kiss
7/3/2014 07:35:21 pm
Hi Lisa! I'm still so impressed with you for taking the time to share your journey with us WHILE you're going through it. I'm so happy to hear you're researching all of your options. I (as someone living with a chronic illness - although not cancerous) can not stress enough how important and valuable all of the homeopathy was for me, and continues to be. From supplements, to juices, to dietary changes and acupuncture - it's all been instrumental in my recovery. However, modern medicine has it's place too, as I know you are well aware. As for the radiation, I can't speak personally, but my aunt has just finished all of her treatments after being diagnosed at stage 3 as well. Now, she opted not to do chemo, but did 3 rounds of intensive radiation. She was fatigued and had some discomfort related to skin burning, etc., but it was successful at shrinking her tumors and we're hoping for some good pathology reports in a few weeks. She says to tell you that it's not easy, but you're already doing chemo so you know that, but that she doesn't regret it and given the chance to do it again, says she'd make the same medical decisions. Now, you are much younger than she is, and were no doubt in much better physical shape than she was at your diagnosis than she was at hers.
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Nancy & Jioe S.
7/6/2014 12:07:16 pm
Hi Lisa,
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Erika
7/10/2014 03:44:54 pm
Lisa you continue to inspire me every single day everytime I see that beautiful smile. Radiation is tough I know maybe people that have gone through it several times and everyone reacts differently. You know your body the best, just listen to it.... But listen to those Doctors as well so we can get you on the mend ASAP!
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