What's New? Omega 3s

Hello everyone! I have some exciting news for triple negative patients! I am so skeptical nowadays that I usually wait to post, but I think this is worthy of our attention. To credit this properly, the Komen Foundation along with Fox Chase Cancer Center and Penn State researchers  Dr. Jose Russo (at Fox Chase) and Dr. Andrea Manni (at Penn State) performed the research and it is posted on the Medical News Today webpage.

Their research indicates that Omega-3 fatty acids can stop or slow the triple-negative breast cancer cells better than cells from luminal types of cancer!  They added that the research reflects the omega 3 fatty acids work against all cancerous cell types, but were seen to be much more effective against the triple-negative cell lines and able to reduce the multiplication of cells by as much as 90%!!!  Think about that - THAT IS MAGNIFICENT NEWS!!!

So, how can we best ingest these Omega-3's that can help us the most?  By eating sardines, tuna, trout, salmon (oily fish), flax and hemp.  I despise sardines and anything that looks like fish, but if I can get it ground up into something where it doesn't have that God awful after taste, I'm good. BUT, know this, I'm up for changing my attitude for sure. Continuing on with that site's information, they compared our western diet to that of the mediterranean diet.  They eat more of the Omega-3 and obviously there is less cancer in their culture (that is factual).

Breast cancers differ at the molecular levels which is why each patient will respond differently. Some will respond fast, some respond slow, and some just never respond to the treatment.  So to break it down, the experts have categorized BC tumors into four groups: Luminal A, Luminal B (A/B have estrogen and progesterone receptors and these patients have better outcomes), tumors that test positive for the HER3 receptor, and the dratted Triple-negative tumors.

For women with TNBC, they lack the receptors for for estrogen, progesterone and HER2/neu (a protein) so Femara or trastuzumab, which disrupts the HER2 receptor, and tamoxifen, which targets the estrogen receptor, will not work.

Dr. Jose Russo states, "there are no currently available targeted therapies for women with triple-negative breast cancer".  Yep, I knew this. These are all the things I heard doctors and nurses tell me. Between the tears and blurs of moments of sanity, I would think "how the hell can I fight something that THEY don't even know what causes it?" 

But this is what they (Dr. Russo) do know: It is found more frequently in Latina and African-American women; It is highly aggressive; it has a low survival rate; and there is not any one specific treatment for it."  Yep, knew that too.

So, why then am I continuing to write these things? Because, of all things, there remains hope. In that hope, there is continuing research and as of recently they say eat these Omega-3's, so ladies (and gents), please eat them.  While it certainly will not be a cure all for all of us, surely it won't hurt any of us and it can only help....I however, do advise that you choose these fishy things wisely. Make them fresh and without added hormones and chemicals and all that "good" stuff that companies add nowadays.

Here's to our health, one day at a time.  Still here, still fighting, still praying for all of us.  Hugs.

Stepped Away

Greetings Everyone;

As you may have noticed, I "stepped away" from my blog for some time.  I needed that "me" time because I had lost quite a few friends that were triple negative and my spirit had been dampened.  Believe me, there are thousands of us still out there alive and well, and thriving, but when you lose not one or two, but three or more whom you have looked up to as your personal TNBC hero's it can be a bit overwhelming.

I will try to do better and post more often.  Regardless, I will try to find more research for women, and more access for those who are unable to get mammogram's or are sick.  I will try.  This damn cancer has me angry and hurt and has made me cry a little bit lately, but as I said way back when nearly four years ago now, every emotion is ok - even now.   That which haunts me now is that nagging feeling that just doesn't go away....UGH!  This disease has done a number on me physically and mentally, but I am still winning and I refuse to give in.

It really isn't what I do or do not do, it is merely the fact that cancer has taken the lives of my parents and has made the attempt on me, my sister, several cousins, etc.  Anyway, I think getting angry is ok considering I was only 19 when the beast stole my mother.

On a brighter note, it is a beautiful Spring day - you can smell it in the air.  Even some showers running across the state and I am watching my dogs high-tail through the yard quick and back into the house trying not to get their paws to wet.  They are my superheroes - oh how they make me smile.

I am here....still.  Thank you Jesus.  My spirit is quiet at the moment, but it will regain its strength and momentum for surely the good Lord has more plans for me.  I hope those plans include me being able to provide helpful information to others. So.....I will get to work on that.  I will return soon. 

Please update me on YOU!!  I really want to know how you are doing.... hugs.