Abstract
I will be presenting 5 cases of patients who have received an atypical breast Thermology. These five patients, along with 20 others, have participated in a nutritional protocol that has normalized their subsequent readings. After receiving an atypical Thermology report, each patient is evaluated and a protocol is designed according to the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and nutritional status. Three primary nutritional products are used in the protocol. Calcium d-Glucarate to boost phase II of the liver's function and help eliminate excessive estrogen. Indolplex to help the pathways of the estrogen from converting to estrone, which causes neo-angiogenesis. And finally, Recancostat with reduced L-glutathione to help the natural cell apoptosis (self-destruct mechanism), so the dysfunctional cells don't reproduce. The results are normalized Thermology readings after 3 to 6 months of following their individualized protocol.
Key words: Thermology, atypical features, abnormal features, neoangiogenesis, infrared imaging, nutritional protocols, Indolplex, Recancostat, Calcium d-Glucarate, reduced L-glutathione, Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).
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Introduction
My clinical practice is in Marin County, California, where the rate of breast cancer is 40% above the national average. I have been practicing here as a clinical nutritionist, specifically working with immune support and cellular detoxification, for over 20 years. Seven years ago I added Thermography for breast screening, to my practice. I am using an infrared camera AGA, model 680 with a 125 millimeter lens. This long-wave instrument has the sensitivity of 9 to 12 micrometers and a scan converter to store images on a J-peg format. The patient is requested to consume no caffeine for 5 hours before the Thermography images are taken, to not be near her menstrual cycle and to use no deodorants or lotions on the upper body. The patient is introduced into a room and normalized to a room temperature of 68 degrees unclothed, for five minutes, from the waist up and to remove any jewelry that impairs the view of her breasts. Three images are taken, a left, right and frontal view of the thorax featuring the breast, before and after the patient held her hands in cold or ice water for one minute. Response to this autonomic challenge rules out that specific vascular features are neoangiogenesis (specific blood supply to a malignancy). Dr. Philip P. Hoekstra interprets the images and provides a written report.
We use the Marseilles classification, which places each reading into one of 5 categories--TH-1, TH-2, TH-3, TH-4 and TH-5. A random selection of patients, with a TH-3 reading or atypical features, was tracked. The success rates of normalizing these atypical features after compliance with our specific nutritional protocols are supplied in this report. It is important to note here that the TH-3 category indicates an early sign of atypical hyperthermic features that responds to the autonomic challenge (hands in cold water) indicating that there is not neo-angiogenesis present.
Patients and Methods
Out of 1200 patients in our clinic, we chose 25 patients who met the criteria for this study. They had a Thermography reading resulting in a TH-3, an atypical reading rated at about a 10% risk for confirming malignancy and were in compliance with the specific protocols described for them. These individualized nutritional protocols address the patient's history, specifically, synthetic hormonal prescriptions or interrupted hormonal flow with abortions and/or miscarriages, or history of immune deficiency diseases. We also recommend decompressing from stress with lifestyle changes, including Yoga, deep breathing and exercise. A complete nutritional protocol is outlined recommending a balanced organic diet avoiding animal products which have been raised with synthetic hormones, a basic multiple vitamin and omega fatty acids. In addition the three primary nutritional products are included. These products are, Calcium d-Glucarate to boost phase II of the liver's function and help eliminate excessive estrogen. This is given in the dosage of 500 mg TID for those with no history of excessive hormones including HRT, birth control pills, fertility drugs or interrupted hormonal flow. If there is a history of the above then 1 gram TID is recommended. Indolplex to help the pathways of the estrogen not convert to estrone, which causes neoangiogenesis, is taken in 60 mg BID. If the patient has been exposed to an unusual amount of xenoestrogens from plastics (drinking or eating out of plastic containers that have been heated) or petroleum products, then 120 mg BID is recommended. Recancostat with reduced L-glutathione to help the natural cell apoptosis (self-destruct mechanism) which is recommended in the dose of 100 mg TID unless the patient shows signs of a very compromised immune system and/or adrenal exhaustion, then the dose of 400 mg BID is recommended. This product must be taken on an empty stomach with 10 oz of water for maximum effectiveness. Each time a patient comes in for a Thermography their new report is compared to their previous reports to see their progress.
Results
Out of the 25 patients with TH-3 readings who participated in this study, the results are as follows: 4 stayed the same, 1 received a significant increase in the atypical feature and 20 improved. Out of the 20 that improved 10 received subsequent readings of TH-1 and 10 received subsequent reading of TH-2. This shows an 80% improvement in the patients who complied with the protocols.
Discussion
The current method of screening and treatment for women with DCIS has been as follows: Mammography as a screening technique noting micro-calcifications, of which 20% are in fact an indication of DCIS but the remaining 80% of the time are only calcified cholesterol deposits. The suggested treatment may vary depending on the surgeon. A biopsy is always recommended which breaches the encapsulation within the duct. This spreads the DCIS, exposing it to a blood supply. In addition, some surgeons recommend a lumpectomy and follow-up radiation. However, other surgeons recommend a mastectomy prophylactically. The current rate of breast cancer being diagnosed in the US is one out of eight women. The current rate of DCIS being diagnosed is one out of three women. If we keep up this current trend in diagnosing and treating DCIS it is clear that the rate of breast cancer diagnosis could eventually increase to reach one in three. When reviewing all 1200 Thermography patients at our clinic it is clear that a large portion of those who received a TH-3 reading did not follow the recommended protocol and some have gone on to a TH-4. Now that we have the completed evidence about the percentage of improvement from following the prescribed protocols, this will encourage others to follow the protocols and hopefully prevent DCIS from becoming invasive.
Conclusion
When we compare the national statistic of women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) which is 35%, to the percentage of our over 1200 patients who had an atypical Thermography report of TH-3, we find them to be exactly the same. If we were to consider the likelihood that a good portion of these patients with atypical Thermography reports in fact have DCIS, then this report shows that these nutritional protocols when designed specific to the individual can, in fact, reverse early signs of breast cancer or DCIS. Although this study has a limited number of participants the positive statistics do indicate the need for further research.
Thermological Breast Screening--Resulting in a TH-3, TH-3F, TH-3L or TH-3M
Thermology resulting in a TH-3 grading is showing abnormal (usually asymmetric) hyperthermic (hot) features. "L" may be added for lumpectomy, "M" for mastectomy or "F" for fiber adenoma cysts. Although this subtle change may not be detectable through mammography, there is a risk for confirming malignant disease according to the criteria outlined in the report as well as other specified risk factors such as symptoms associated with breast disease (i.e. lumps, inverted nipple or nipple discharge, etc.). In the absence of other risk factors, reliable sources show it more likely to be a regional inflammation (a cyst) or metaplasia (dead cells accumulating). In the case of this being the first Thermography or having similar readings, it could be a personal variant (just the way you look). Thermography is best used as a baseline to monitor if the nutritional program is helping to improve breast health. We are required to recommend a second opinion to evaluate the extent of this condition. By addressing hormonal imbalances and adhering to a healthy regimen as listed below, we are hopeful that the imbalance indicated by this reading can be turned around in a comparative study, in 3 to 4 months. This should in no way take the place of your doctor's advice.
Supplementation: Support the thyroid function using trace minerals including lodine found in wild seafood and sea vegetables or taken as a supplement. Progesterone cream applied topically or in drops taken sublingually will help to balance out excessive estrogen; it supports thyroid function and increases metabolism. Organic magnesium, B complex, folic acid, B6, choline and methionine along with a multiple vitamin and mineral are suggested. Vitamin A, E and the essential fatty acids, found in borage or evening primrose oils, should also be taken with meals along with a digestive enzyme that includes lipase to assure absorption of these fat soluble vitamins. These support hormonal balance, nervous system and skin. Keep all oils and fat-soluble vitamins in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity.
Diet: High fiber and low fat diet is preferred. Lots of fresh, organic, fruits and vegetables and their juices, are essential for the live anti-oxidant enzymes, needed to build the immune system. Eat organic whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes (sprouted if possible). If you do feel the need to eat animal protein, it is important to eat vegetarian-fed meats and wild seafood that are not given hormones and antibiotics. Avoid excessive use of dairy as it can congest the lymphatic system. The fats in dairy store fat-soluble chemicals such as DDT, so if you do consume dairy, make sure it is organic. Drink lots of purified water to flush the kidneys and hydrate the lymphatic system. Don't drink water stored in plastic containers, which are exposed to heat (in hot cars) as it absorbs the estrogen mimicking toxins.
Support the Immune System: The liver is an essential part of the immune system. If it is overloaded with chemicals and a toxic diet or environmental pollution, then it cannot carry off malformed cells such as metaplasia or dysplasia. When you add xenoestrogens, from the breaking down of dioxin and petrochemicals in the environment, these malformed cells duplicate at a really fast rate making cancer grow. The liver, lungs, kidneys, skin and colon are all part of the eliminatory system so keeping them healthy relieves the burden on the immune system. The following are products from Tyler Labs: Detox-factors, activates phase I and II of the liver functions, which helps to detoxify from chemical exposure or substance abuse. Calcium d-Glucarate helps to eliminate excessive estrogen, which can cause neo-angiogenesis (blood supply to feed tumors) and is recommended if you have used HRT, birth control or fertility drugs. Indolplex helps the pathways of estrogen not convert to estrone, which in excess can cause neo-angiogenesis. This product is helpful for those with benign fiber-adenoma cysts or pain in the breast. Recancostat with Reduced L-Glutathione, is a high anti-oxidant, which increases the cell apoptosis (self-destruct mechanism) so dysplasic cells don't reproduce. Use only plant source HRT, as it won't cause breast cancer. Use only safe cosmetic and cleaning products as recommended in Dr. Epstein's Safe Shoppers Bible. Visit: www.healthybreasts.info for more information on keeping your breasts healthy.
Herbs and Treatments for Congested Lymphatic System: Jason Winters or Essiac Tea help to clean the lymphatic system. Caster oil pack as described by Edgar Cayce is suggested to reduce fibrous tissue and lymphatic congestion. Using cotton flannel covered with caster oil, cover breast or congested lymph node and apply heat, so it is warm, not hot, for two hours. Repeat daily. Daily lymphatic massage, dry brush or loofah sponge massage, in or out of the shower.
RELATED ARTICLE:
Patient #3-Date 10/99 45 y/o Menopausal Woman
* Asymmetric, large caliber, prominent, hyperthermic and vascular-like feature is discernable in the right breast.
* Responded to challenge.
* Patient did not comply with protocol.
* TH-3 results
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Patient #3-Date 4/00
* Asymmetric, large caliber, prominent, hyperthermic and vascular-like feature is discernable in right breast.
No notable change.
* Responds to challenge.
* Started protocol.
* TH-3 results
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Patient #3-Date 12/00
* Symmetric, large caliber hyperthermic vascular-like patterns, bilateral.
* Moderation in features in right breast.
* Responds to challenge.
* Continued protocol.
* Remaining 4 annual readings similar findings.
* TH-2 results
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
by Nancy Gardner-Heaven PhD
AAT Certified Technician of Medical Thermology American Academy of Thermology Presentation, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 4/15/04
Correspondence:
Nancy Gardner-Heaven, PhD
Optimum Health Clinic, Inc.
712 D Street, Suite L
San Rafael, California 94901 USA
415-460-9722
COPYRIGHT 2004 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group