My left breast was removed, am I not getting enough natural progesterone to fight this cancer?
Hi Catherine,
My left breast was removed. I was given 6 mos to 1 year to live. I decided to NOT do chemo or radiation although I was told the cancer was in my spine and liver. I decided to go all organic, natural foods, which includes herbs, etc. I finally consented to take (1) Arimidex per day which is supposed to stop the estrogen (I think). Anyway, my question is…If I use Pro-G-Yam-500 daily which has 500 mg progesterone per ounce and take (4) four Wild Yam and Chaste Tree capsules per day which each contain 350 mg blend of wild yam root and chaste tree berries concentrate…why does my oncologist feel that I need to take the Arimidex? Am I not getting enough natural progesterone to fight this cancer? I am really doing great, and feel better than I have ever felt.
Thank you,
Thecla
Dear Thecla,
At the time of your surgery, the surgeon sent the breast tissue to be studied. They find out the exact tumor cell type, and also if it is a tumor that is responsive to estrogen and progesterone. They check the receptors (that is what they call it).
The idea behind Arimidex is that it blocks the conversion of androgens to estrogen (estrone and estradiol).
Based on their therapy with you, I am assuming that they found you only estrogen receptor positive. Dr. Lee had two nice articles, well referenced in 1998 (April and May - “Preventing and Treating Breast Cancer with Progesterone (Part I & 2)” that explained the wisdom of progesterone and breast cancer.
Most docs get confused as many published studies showed the dangers, or promotion of cancers with estrogen and progestins. But as this newsletter’s readers know, progestins are very different than progesterone. The progesterone itself, according to researchers (listed on Dr. Lee’s site and in his books) will provide the same protection (actually in many cases better).
In my patients, with similar disease (and extent of disease) I also try my best to boost their immunity naturally. I think this is a complementary approach to the progesterone. The amount you are getting is, or should be adequate (though I am prejudiced toward and like the creams better).
The salivary test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of providing the body with “needed” progesterone.
I am excited that you are doing so well. In Suzanne Somers new book ” The Sexy Years”, she tells of similar battles with her oncologist. She is also doing well … and had to buck the system.
As Catherine has said, and as John Lee, MD and Dr. Zava say (and I freely admit), we doctors got NO training in med school in the use of natural hormones. I am embarrassed by the relative stubborness of doctors to even be willing to learn about them today. Educate your doctor. Copy some of the articles on this site and get them to your doctor.
Dr. Bob
