I have been enlightened into the world of alternative medicine. It all started in January when we discovered a lump on my thyroid the size of what my ENT described as a golfball. At the same time in January, I learned that I would be losing my insurance coverage Jan. 31st. We tried to rush in a biopsy but was unable to do so. I had one done in early February at my own expense. $4000 later, we learned that the results came back “negative for malignancy” (praise God!) but the ENT wasn’t happy with the sample that was taken and therefore wasn’t comfortable telling me I was out of the woods. Thankfully the hospital covered the hospital cost (praise God!), but we still have to pay the radiologist/ultrasound tech bill and the lab bill. The ENT suggested either another biopsy or surgery to have the lump removed. He told me that biopsies are only 90% accurate so the possibility existed that even if I had the biopsy redone, it may be false info. If I opted for surgery, they wouldn’t just remove the lump but the whole left side of my thyroid (where the lump is located) so as not to disturb the lump if it is in fact cancerous. The thyroid may continue to function normally, but if not, I would have to take thyroid pills for the rest of my life. Either of the choices, redo biopsy or have surgery, would not be covered and would have to come out of our pocket. Also, all of this…..and it may not even be cancerous!!!!!
So this was a big dilemma. We talked with several people, prayed about it, mulled it over and over and over. And after talking with a friend, the idea got sparked in me again of alternative medicine. I say “again” b/c over the years, I’ve known people who are pretty into it and have crazy stories to tell. And when Otto was diagnosed with ADHD and it was suggested to me to put him on medication, I researched alternative methods b/c I did not want to put him on meds. However, researching alternative medicine on the internet is a daunting task b/c there is so much! How do you know which sites to trust, etc? So I used the networking tool of Facebook and put the question out there…..”Does anyone know about alternative medicine?” I got great feedback! Some suggested sites turned out to be very informative and I learned of many people curing their own cancer and getting rid of their lumps. I also remembered someone I knew back in Ohio whose dad had prostate cancer and got rid of it in 6 mos on his own without chemo or radiation or surgery. I began trying a couple things on my own to try to “shrink” the lump. But wanted a trusted expert’s opinion on what to do, how much and what to take. A friend from high school on Facebook said she consulted a Naturopathic Doctor and also sought a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) for her son who was on the Autism spectrum and now ISN’T anymore! What?! The thought was resparked in me to consult an ND (Naturopathic Doctor) for Otto too and all his issues.
I visited a website for the American Association of Naturopathic Doctors to find one near me. Called a few up to compare prices, etc and learned that they actually go to medical school! This made me feel very good and very excited to talk to one. Of course insurance doesn’t cover them usually but I didn’t have any anyway! Their philosophy is to treat the whole person, not just the current ailment and not just to throw a medicine at it and send you on your way. It was an incredibly enlightening several conversations. I learned a ton and was given several suggestions for both Otto and I. First and foremost, Otto and I are on a “whole foods” diet meaning no refined sugars or white flour, no additives or preservatives. Only fruits and veggies, whole grains, and protein. After only 2 or 3 days, Otto’s hyperactivity reduced significantly!!! I could write so much more detail about this but this is already sooooo long!
My lump has already shrunk considerably! In fact, I really have to feel around for it to find it and have a hard time anymore! I wanted to include a picture of my lump when I had a cold. My glands were all swollen, the lump was swollen, and it was enormous! Unfortunately I can't find the pic, bummer! It was crazy! If I find it, I'll post it! Now, like I said, I can barely find it when feeling around! I could write so much more detail and maybe I will in some other posts. But for now, just wanted to share our miracle(s)! I pray it continues to go away completely!
Colored eggs
Owen was so excited to finally get to eat the eggs that as soon as I said he could, he grabbed one and bit into it!!!! Unpeeled!!!!
Cascarones!!!! The eggs are drained, filled with confetti, and dyed. You crack em over each other's heads! So much fun!
