Essaic Tea

Question

Hi lovely people, I was diagnosed with early stage, Grade 3, Triple Negative Breast Cancer at the end of August 2024. &nbsp;I had a lumpectomy, four rounds of chemo and will have 15 x radiation treatments starting in two weeks. &nbsp;I have had the best of care and support from the health professionals at Tweed Valley Hospital and as I have a little way to go on my journey, I am grateful for each and everyone as I am also grateful for connection and information through the BCNA online network. &nbsp;My son is very anti pharma and has been keen for me to try Essaic Tea. &nbsp;I am very focused on my health and nutrition and would be interested to hear from other members - positive and negative feedback please.

julez1958 · Answer

Hi @Suziw1957 I am very wary of any suggestion about alternative or complementary medicines/ supplements and always run any suggestions past my oncologist.A balanced diet and plenty of exercise has proven to be helpful in a number of studies in helping you get back in better shape after such a diagnosis.

cath62 · Answer

Hi @Suziw1957, ask your oncologist about it before starting this product. It's probably harmless in terms of interaction with your treatment but good to check. If alternative products make you feel good that's great but don't think they are amazing cure for anything. Cancer is big business and people can spend a fortune on alternative therapies. I find some things like yoga, acupuncture, reflexology, juices, exercise, meditation etc all very very supportive and they keep mentally strong but I do know that these things aren't a cure.&nbsp;

iserbrown · Answer

It's important that you check with your Oncologist.&nbsp; &nbsp;The intent of your son is understandable but some alternate choices don't always agree with your treatment plan.&nbsp; Better to be safe than sorry&nbsp;Take careBest wishes&nbsp;

mez_bcna · Answer

@Suziw1957 as mentioned above by your fellow members, I have also included the information in&nbsp;My Journey:The&nbsp;Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre website&nbsp;(MSKCC)&nbsp;includes a comprehensive list of herbs, botanicals, vitamins and other supplements with evidence-based information about their use, including any contraindications (i.e. where they should not be used) and possible unwanted side effects. MSKCC also offers an ‘about herbs’ app that provides objective information about herbs, botanicals, supplements, complementary therapies, and more.&nbsp;It is always advised that you speak with your doctor or treating team before considering any complementary or alternative therapies.

afraser · Answer

Sensible advice - nothing to say that some complementary therapies may help, albeit in small ways.Given the preponderance of theories about the supposed malfeasances of pharmaceutical companies, I have always referred back to the following!&nbsp;In 2016,&nbsp;David Robert Grimes&nbsp;published a research paper elaborating about the mathematical non-viability of conspiracy theories in general. He estimated that if there were a big pharma conspiracy to conceal a cure for cancer, it would be exposed after about 3.2 years due to the sheer number of people required to keep it secret.Best wishes.