Your questions about Crystal, answered!
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My sister has ovarian cancer, where can I buy a scarf like the one you have on in the picture?
I bought scarves at many locations and was given several. TJ max usually has a pretty good selection.
I am so interested in your diet. My daughter was diagnosed with Celiac disease and Ulcerative Colitis. She has pretty much been eating this way for 2 years. Who is your doctor that has advised you of this diet because I have a friend that was just diagnosed with cancer and I am sure this would help her.
My diet was given to me by several Dr's but primarily Dr. Colafranceschi at McCall wellness center. He can be reached at mark@mccallwellness.com or 208-634-2323.
I\'ve been reading Knockout by Suzanne Somers and will probably have a lot of questions for you. After starting reading it, I know that I would definitely not put chemo as one of my first choices for treatment. My question for you today is (well, actually it\'s a two part question) first, what kind of treatment program are you using and did you have many other alternative options? Second, I was reading that some doctors see cancer more like diabetes where you manage it and keep it from killing you, but never really cure it. Does your doctor think at some point you may be cured or does he just plan on helping you manage it?
Ok so my program consists of a very strict diet, supplement program and talk therapy. I believe there are emotional triggers to all ailments. He and I have talked about the second part of the question frequently. Right now I am trying to manage it mostly, however the goal is to heal and eventually get my reversal. I will always have to manage this disease however, it will always be a part of my life. I would like to say that eventually I won't have any tumors and will just have to be on observation, only time will tell.
Can Crystal still have her normal job? Does she now let little work things roll off her chest? Was she holding that in before?
It would be somewhat difficult for me to have a "normal" job because of my energy variations and my need to have Dr apts frequently ect but I do have a photography business and do all the bookwork for Daricks construction company so that on top of 2 kids is plenty of work. I tended to be a major self-sacrificer before and now I am still that way and kind but I try harder to make sure my needs get met as well.
What has Crystal done to make her life more positive...energy/spiritual wise?
I think some things that I have done to make my life more positive are: Living for today and realizing that tomorrow is not promised. I am more aware of Gods showing us the gifts in our life and trying to find the lessons he is teaching us. As for energy. Part of my energy has to so with the food that I eat and the supplements I take but I just got a prescription for bioidentical hormones and I believe they will be a tremendous help for energy and other biological factors.
What has been the most difficult lifestyle change to overcome?
I think the hardest thing to deal with is the ostomy and having a little trouble eating out but you learn little tricks.
Do you have any recipes for protein bars or meal-replacement bars?
I sell bars at my store that are a great source of protein and can be used as a meal replacement.
Why are soy products recommended to be eliminated from the diet?
Soy products are removed from the diet for several reasons. They mimic estrogen in the body and can cause major hormone imbalances, some little boys on soy formulas experience little boobies and other hormone issues. Cancers are hormone driven in a lot of cases, estrogen can grow tumors and cause other problems. In my research I have also found that high amounts of soy can cause brain deterioration and dementia. Over all its not really good for you despite the outlandish amounts of money spent on advertising to tell you differently. Each person should consult with their own Dr's about their diet, these are my own beliefs and findings from my own research and Dr's advise.
What is her biggest word of diet advice for all of us to change?
My biggest advise would be READ LABELS and also for people to make as many changes as the can. Buy as much organic as you can afford. There are lists online that show the most important products to buy organic. But cutting down sugar and eating as much fresh stuff as you can. I have several places that I buy quality products online. One being azurestandard.com They deliver to many cities in idaho regularly and are very affordable. I have a local phone number if anyone is interested. I don't eat things that have vegetable oil, canola oil, high fructose corn syrup ect.
Does she ever cheat on her diet? What happens if she does?
There are times when I "cheat" but that is very rare. Mark tells me that this is "real" life and I have to do the best I can. He says if you are doing 80-90% of the "perfect diet" you are doing pretty well.
Why does she have to fast and not just change her diet?
Fasting vs "The diet" fasting causes my body to burn up the garbage in my body. Right now I am trying to get the tumors to reduce enough that they will do the reversal for me. The diet just helps me maintain and not necessarily reduce as quickly.
How does Crystal stay motivated to remain on such a strict diet?
What keeps me motivated to stick to it is the long term. Not only do I feel better but I am here for my family even though they said I wouldn't be.
Why does her doctor feel like she should change her diet? Does diet directly impact cancer?
Sugar feeds cancer so I have to cut out things that turn to sugar in the body. It keeps the tumors from growing. I also just try to nourish my body instead of eating for fun as much. I still get to eat things that taste good though and your body adjusts.
Do you have any natural herbs or vitamins that you have to take? Do you take probiotics, Garlic, etc...?
Yes, and they vary based on my needs.
Armor thyroid
Standard process brand:
Calcium lactate
Cataplex F
Idamere
Thymex
Arginex
Cataplex B
Cataplex E
Drenamin
Min-Chex
Chlorophyl Complex
Medi-Herb brand:
LivCo
Burdock complex
Nutri-West brand:
Magnesium Chelate
Thera-Zyme brand:
HCL
And Ester C
Is fasting healthy for Crystal?
There is a difference between fasting and starving. Starving is when you stop eating and you keep active, therefore your body burns muscle and important stuff making you feel awful, with headaches, ect... Fasting is when you stop eating and try to relax, then it burns up the garbage in your body including fungus, bacteria and even tumors. Because it is burning up the yucky stuff you often notice bad breath and some body odor being excreted. You have to excrete through respiration, perspiration and urination because your bowel shuts down. It can be very beneficial if done correctly.
Why does Crystal have to fast?
The main reason her doctor has her fast is to to detox and get her liver and kidneys back on track and hopefully lower her ca-125. Her ca-125 (cancer count) was up in July 2010. She has done a couple 3 and 4 day fasts and she is currently on a 10 day fast (as of 7/12/2010). She can drink water only. Her specific fast does not let her be on the computer or talk on the phone. She is not allowed to do anything physical or stimulating activities. After day 3 or 4 her hunger pain decreases and it becomes easier to deal with. She is pretty weak but she's still living each day somewhat normally as much as she can with her fasting limitations.
What does a typical work out look like?
I can do a similar workout as anyone else. I love crossfit and usually modify it if needed to make it work for me and also do some yoga.
How long can she work out?
I have to be careful how much I work out because if I spend too much energy working out my body doesn't have as much energy to put towards healing. Especially while fasting, then there is no working out.
What limitations does Crystal have when it comes to working out?
I love to work out however right now I have to be some what careful about it. I can't do much abdominal stuff because of the ostomy.
How are the immediate family members helping with her diet/lifestyle? Do they participate? If not, is that difficult for her?
My family is starting to get a lot more involved but my husband still loves his junk food and my kids are still kids so they love their treats too even though they have cut way back. My children are much more conscious of the things they eat. Our rule is that they eat "healthy" for breakfast and dinner and for lunch they are sometimes allowed "kid food"(like school lunch) but I have modified lots of traditional kid food to make it better for them, such as Rice noodle macaroni and cheese and brown rice tortilla quesadillas, or organic(gluten free) pizza. They don't really notice a difference in a lot of things. i also sneak vegetables in things by putting them in my vitamix blender. Some family members are more supportive that others and try to have things that I can eat when I come to visit but for the most part I bring my own food and try to be prepared.
Can Crystal still die from this, even with all the treatment, dieting, and fighting?
The unfortunate reality is that she could have her life taken by this terrible disease. We are all fortunate to still have her alive with us and will cherish each moment we have as Ovarian Cancer is unpredictable.
Can anyone get ovarian cancer?
Anyone can get ovarian cancer and should watch their bodies for symptoms just like breast or skin cancer.
Does Mark believe that cancer comes from tragic life events or tough emotional duress?
Mark does believe that events in life trigger cancer and the order of events coincide directly with the things in my life. He believes that we attract everything in our lives both good and bad.
Where does she receive most of her treatment? Hospital/clinic/Mark's house?
I receive most of my treatment at McCall Wellness Center but I am also seen at MSTI(mountain states tumor institute)
Why do the doctors believe she wasn't making progress with Chemo?
As for why the chemo wasn't working for me, if you read the 2 books that I listed as my favorites right now you'll get a better understanding of what really happens with chemo. I had horrible side effects and was on the verge of death. Chemo is no guarantee and quality of life is SO important to me.
What were your symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The symptoms I had were sharp pains that came and went sometimes months between, internal organs don't have nerves like skin so they don't radiate pain but there were times when it was so bad it was hard to breathe. Also I had back pain, nausea at times, fatigue, constipation and a fullness or bloating of my lower stomach. Its seemed very similar to the symptoms of a pregnancy. Eventually I could palpate the masses by myself. I had a firmness in my pelvis and it grew. It felt very similar to how your uterus feels when its growing during pregnancy.
My aunt had stage 4 ovarian cancer, my mom died of lung cancer & my gyno doesnt think that should be a concern of mine. The last four months I continue to have an almost electrifying feeling(like a quick zap, so to speak) in my left side right @ my hip bone but deep inside. I am somewhat concerned, but wonder if I should be concerned?
I often check your site for updates on you & wish you the best.
You should always trust your intuition and by all means, please get this checked. It is always better to play on the safe side when it comes to your health. If it is something bad, discovering it earlier is better than discovering it too late.
Has any woman ever recovered from a Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer diagnosis?
Yes, some women do recover from a stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis. Ovarian cancer that has reached Stage 4 is the most deadly form of the condition. While about two-thirds of the women diagnosed with Stage I or Stage II ovarian cancer will eventually be cured and 13 percent of women diagnosed in Stage III can recover completely, less than five percent of the women diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer survive for five years after the cancer is discovered.
Who is Mark?
Many times in her journals, Crystal mentions "Mark". Dr. Mark Colafranceschi (McCall Wellness Center) is the holistic doctor that Crystal sees for the holistic regimen she is currently undergoing. This regimen includes large changes to diet, fasting, and other behavioral changes. To learn more about Crystal's lifestyle with Ovarian Cancer, visit: http://helpcrystal.org/living-with-ovarian-cancer/
What does dealing with emotional issues from the past have to do with cancer?
How does she deal with these things with out being hurt more?
"Like attracts like" so you get back what you put out. Therefore by dealing with my fathers death ect in a healthy way I will attract health.
Does she feel like she is able to REALLY let everything out?
Sometimes I feel like I have to keep it all together for everyone else but I have had a few meltdowns, usually in private.
What healthy emotional outlet is available that does not add to creating more cancer cells?
Emotionally I do a LOT of work with Mark, worksheets, meditation ect.
What provides her strength?
My strength comes from God and the tremendous support I have from family, friends and even people I have never even met.
Can Crystal do anything she wants in terms of recreation? What is her favorite thing to do for fun? Does she still run? Is another marathon in her vision?
I can do most things I want. For fun I love to snowboard, be in the sunshine and recently I love to play hockey. I haven't been running much but hope to get back into it in the future. I would love to run another marathon maybe in 2011.
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