BISPHOSPHONATES- (And the official Boniva pitchlady).

Good Monday Morning All;

I am going to 'cheat' today and just copy a note I had written to my good friend, Beth.
Too tired after cleaning up doggie barf all weekend- 

As you might remember, Beth was dx'ed with a plethora of garbage going on in her system- (after she finally went to her doctor that is). hehehe

I am happy to tell you that she has beaten her breast cancer as well.

She recently told me that her doctor had prescribed Actonel, a bisphosphonate.

Dear Beth; I am hoping you canceled that date you have for getting any more bisphosphonates? Know that once you have osteo anywhere, you have osteo. some bones may be less thin than others, but the disorder is systemic. Anyway, I have a link for you about other peoples experiences with it. http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20835&name=ACTONEL From the FDA Osteoporosis Drugs' Safety Subject of FDA Panel - 9 Sep, 2011 http://www.drugs.com/news/bone-may-also-battle-breast-cancer-researchers-say-35253.html Be very careful on all of these drugs Beth.  *** What to use instead... 2000 mg calcium and Vitamin D3 in an OIL base pill. 3x day. More, does not help anything get better faster. One really good multivitamin (I use NatureMade from CVS for Women over 50), and I take 2 daily. Additional Vitamin K2, aka MK4 Also Strontium- But take these at night before you go to bed- on an empty stomach. Mail order or at Streu's which uses, and has ALL Enzymatic Therapy products. Garlic, the refrigerated variety, or Kyolic is best. Take 6 a day until you feel better.  DHEA http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/331.html (Great article). http://www.worldhealth.net/news/dhea_supplements_taken_with_calcium_and_/ More articles: You HAVE TO READ THIS ONE: Janet's story; DEATH by Reclast (also a bisphosphonate) http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/death-by-reclast-janets-story/ Bone building medications destroy bone! http://www.laleva.org/eng/2006/04/bone-building_medications_destroy_bone.html I have a couple of appointments today... But now YOU have plenty of reading to do. I will send more later. Love to you always XOXO Me PS Oh yeah- and TELL YOUR DENTIST!!! Many dentists, mine included, refuse to work on patients that have had bisphosphonates. From here: http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/biop.htm Lots of links on that page, also: "Treatment drug may cause jawbone to die Breast cancer patients, individuals at risk for osteoporosis, and individuals undergoing certain types of bone cancer therapies often take drugs that contain bisphosphonates.  Bisphosphonates may place patients at risk for developing osteonecrosis of the jaws (a rotting of the jaw bones), according to  May/June 2006 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal. Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget’s disease (bone cancers), and bone metastasis from other cancers. These drugs can bond to bone surfaces and prevent osteoclasts (cells that breakdown bone) from doing their job. “Healthy bones constantly rebuild themselves, however, since the jawbones have rapid cell turnover, they can fail to heal properly in patients taking any of the bisphosphonate drugs. Patients need to be aware of the possibility of complications from dental surgery or extractions.”  Since these drugs linger in the bone indefinitely, they may upset the cell balance in how the jaws regenerate and remove unhealthy bone. In their report, the authors refer to the case of a woman who received bisphosphonate therapy intravenously to treat metastatic breast cancer. She then developed osteonecrosis in her upper and lower jaws following tooth removal. “This type of osteonecrosis has been occurring since the advent of these drugs, at this time osteonecrosis as a result of bisphosphonate therapy has no treatment.” end copied material List of Bisphosphonates, + their generic versions in this section: List of Bisphosphonates | Antiresorptive medicine | Alternative treatments to bisphosphonates  A list and description of bisphosphonate medications Bisphosphonate medications have been linked to severe injuries such as femur fracturing. Other side-effects of the drugs, such as brittle bones and osteonecrosis of the jaw, have not and are not being properly disclosed to the public. Weitz & Luxenberg is working hard at rectifying this problem by providing you with up-to-date information and helpful resources on bisphosphonates. On this page, you will find a list of the various types of bisphosphonate drugs and information about each one. A list of bisphosphonates: Fosamax - generic name: alendronate - One of the more popular bisphosphonates, Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Co. It is prescribed most commonly for osteoporosis and comes in a tablet form, but is also available in liquid form for those that have difficulties swallowing. Fosamax Plus D - generic name: alendronate/cholecalciferol – Similar to Fosamax, Fosamax plus D contains another chemical (cholecalciferol) which is a form of Vitamin D, and aids in the absorption of calcium. Zometa - generic name: zoledronic acid – Prescribed mostly to cancer patients, Zometa helps treat abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. Didronel - generic name: etidronate –This medication is commonly used to treat Paget’s disease (a disease marked by the abnormal enlarging of bones), however doctors have been known to prescribe Didronel for other bone conditions. Reclast - generic name: zoledronic acid – This medication is used to treat a number of bone conditions including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and for preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Boniva - generic name: ibandronate –This drug is prescribed to women who have, or at risk of developing, osteoporosis. Boniva is supposed to slow bone loss, and increase bone mass. Actonel - generic name: risedronate –This is another multi-purpose bisphosphonate used for bone conditions. It is available in tablet form. Aclasta - generic name: zoledronic acid –This is a more all-purpose form of Zometa, which is used primarily for cancer patients. It is administered with an injection into a vein, or slowly via an IV. Aredia - generic name: pamidronate –Another bisphosphonate drug administered in liquid form directly into the bloodstream. This medication is used mostly for cancer patients with high levels of calcium in the blood. Atelvia - generic name: risedronate –This drug is a delayed-release form of Actonel used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is available in pill form. Skelid - generic name: tiludronate – This medication is used primarily to treat Paget’s disease. It is available in pill form and usually taken in regular intervals or as prescribed by a doctor. It is important to note that all bisphosphonates contain severe health risks.  Taking any one of the medications listed above puts you at risk of: Brittle bones Femur fracture Esophageal cancer Esophagitis Osteonecrosis of the jaw Plus, a host of additional side-effects that range from person to person (drugs.com).

end of note to Beth
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Through a link to BHG magazine, came this scolding from the FDA- 

From one year ago!

 

"To earlier generations of TV viewers, Sally Field was known as the Flying Nun, but Genentech has succeeded in transforming her into something else - a modern-day marketing symbol as the official Boniva pitchlady. And her cherubic face and down-to-earth demeanor have helped Genentech considerably, since the ads for Boniva - which is approved for preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women - have become widely recognized staples in the media.

But Genentech runs the risk of sullying this success with ads that contain misleading info. And that’s what the FDA says it found in one recent print ad featuring Field in the December 12, 2010, issue of Parade magazine. The ad contained this line just under a picture of Sally: “Studies show, after a year on Boniva, 9 out of 10 women stopped and reversed their bone loss” 
The agency, however, says this “misleadingly overstates the efficacy” because the claim is not supported by substantial evidence or substantial clinical experience.  
Also,
*** The FDA does not require a public retraction of this misleading ad! 

Then there is the sad, but true "Boniva: What If Sally Field Told the Truth?"

By Vivian Goldscmidt -A REAL rewrite of the commercial as it should have aired. 

Nominally entertaining to those of us that have been dx'ed with osteoporosis. 

I only wish that Ms. Vivian had the re$ource$ behind her to release her own ad on TV for everyone.

Of course it is ultimately YOUR choice as to whether or not to subject your body to something that will ultimately destroy it.

Like CHEMO treatments, these chemicals remain in your body for decades!!!

XOXO
Me

"brittlebones" pic from here

sally field ad pic found here

Wrap This

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I don't eat much of the stuff as it sets off my head, but read on if you want a little info on chocolate.
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Not such a lucky rabbits foot...



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Good Morning All;
I have not been blogging for so long that I don't remember how.
Sometimes I don't even remember why.

We still need to learn more about what is ailing Casey and will return to Minnesota soon. 
While I am still wrapping my head around the fact that Casey will be having more surgery, I have learned that my friend Beth has breast cancer.

I shot darts for 15 years with Beth, Sue and Carol. We were unbeatable for 14 of those years; taking the top place in our league! I can't throw a good dart today to save my life.
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Beth learned of this after her last mammogram, (we were in Minnesota).
She will be having surgery early next week.

While she was in, her doctor ordered more tests.
Two days ago she learned even more about her health...
She has much wrong with her back, (sound familiar)?.
She also has a hernia, (which will be repaired during next weeks surgery).
In addition to all of that, she has learned that she has skin cancer.

Please keep her in your prayers. 

She is NOT sick! And while that 'sounds' wrong, I firmly believe that her state of mind is the ultimate barometer of being "ill" or being "well"
Her body has betrayed her like many others bodies have betrayed them. She has "Attitude~PLUS", and I have no doubt that she will come through this (all) with flying colors!
When I spoke to her I suggested that maybe she was still in shock, (sort of). She replied that she has no anger etc, and that is has been 2 weeks since she has known. So like I said above, she is not sick.

This, from my books of little quotes and such...

Did  is a word of achievement,
  Won't  is a word of retreat,
Might  is a word of bereavement,
  Can't  is a word of defeat,
Ought  is a word of duty,
  Try  is a word for each hour,
Will  is a word of beauty,
  Can  is a word of power.    Author unknown
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I have had two mammograms in my life.
The first was right after my sister Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer, the 2nd when my sister Mary was diagnosed with hers. I believe I will schedule another soon. Have to wait til 8 to call.
Have you had yours?
Is it high time now to schedule your own appointment? Guys, remind your sweeties.

Love to all.

XOXO
Anne

PS
While researching more on cancer, I see where dark chocolate actually can ward off cancer cells within your body.
Cancer-fighter, the darker the better!
Antioxidants, found in everything from green tea to bread crust, are commonly believed to fight cancer.
Cocoa's antioxidant capacity tops that of long-trusted sources like strawberries and garlic.
Cocoa liquor, the derivative of the cocoa bean used in milk and dark chocolates that is absent from white chocolate, contains most of the antioxidants.
Rich, dark chocolate lovers should celebrate: the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants. Not only does chocolate contain a large quantity of antioxidants, it has been discovered that chocolate contains high quality antioxidants. (One recent study showed that 6 grams of dark chocolate a day, about one square, lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 2 points each).
It can also lower your bad cholesterol.

Sandals. Boobelage. Hate Me, Love Me -NAILED- The Cold Hard Truth

 

Good Morning!

This blog is inspired by an email received yesterday one of my oldest (hehehe) But dearest friends.

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(Thank you Beth)!

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(I will include her email to me at the end of this blog).

As warmer weather descends upon us, there are a few things we need to know about how to dress appropriately to still be comfortable; (and yet, to NOT be making anybody else feel UNcomfortable enough to spit/spew their food and drink through their mouths or noses; or in the worst case scenarios to force anyone to lose their lunch). This is an awful thing to do to anybody; (most especially to an unsuspecting stranger).

Shorts...

(Beach or otherwise)...

Men: Please keep your shorts 'long' enough to not expose any of your jewels.

No Speedos... (Honestly, a well~placed sock looks better than a Speedo). And absolutely no purple. (You WILL be snickered at; and the bright eyes you see looking at you are only hiding gales of laughter)...

Women. Irregardless of age, most of us are not the next Coppertone Baby. Shorts that show any portion of your gluteous maximus are not really cute. (That is what swimsuits are for). And for those same swimsuits, please make sure that your gluteous is at least in shape. (If it is not; well, that's what swimsuit covers are for).

The very same goes for any exposed "boobelage".

Speaking of "boobelage"...

Men, if your boobs are bigger than those of a postpubescent child, please keep them covered. (Personally, it leaves me highly depressed when a mans boobies are bigger than mine; and hang lower).
This is not cute in the least. It is just so sad for many of us. Please also remember this when you are mowing your front lawns, or doing anything within eyeshot of your street.
(Even a wife~beater/muscle shirt/singlet shirt will cover these all~too~feminine appendages of yours).
These shirts come in packs of three at any WalMart; so dust off your danged wallet and spend the $5.00 (for dignity sake).

Shoes.

More specifically... "SANDALS"

Sandals were created to bring a bit of comfort to your feet, (and to our noses).

***~Recently I have noticed that they can also be used to accurately judge any spouses, (male or female, prospective or otherwise); simply by determining how awful it might be to spend a single night in the same bed. If, upon awakening, your legs repeatedly look like you have been mauled by a lion, please either sleep on the couch or get a divorce... (or a cage)... If that lion hasn't had all of its shots, you will be subjecting yourself to many infections... (some of which are incurable)...

RIGHT?

Men and women: If you care to wear sandals, please do not allow your toes or feet to look like long, narrow brillo pads. I assure you that this is not attractive in the least. (And that YES, there is a reason why your dog, and the neighbors dogs, are constantly sniffing at your feet. (Simply put, you have gotten something yummy in your 'nitso').

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Toenails...

...How gross do they have to really get?

(Please refer to ***~ASTERISKS above)...

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Unless you are a duck... Your toenails should never be any shade of yellow; (whether they are painted, unpainted, or infected)...

...Please either get a pedicure, (men too), or see a podiatrist.

Fungal infections are as disgusting as growing your own mushrooms... (Which is exactly what will happen if you remain untreated).

Might I also suggest scouring your tub after each use... and changing your sheets more than once a year?

If you own old worn, holey and see~through socks, please keep them. (Your feet obviously need all the air they can get).

Soaking your tootsies daily, (or even once a week); in Epsom Salts, (add a little H2O2), will also keep those toenails fresh and decent.

Toenails should NEVER extend beyond the ends of your toes!

(Again, please refer to ***~ASTERISKS above)...

...This is dangerous to anyone that comes near to you for whatever reason. When we are swimming together in a pool or a lake, there is always the possibility that you will scratch me. (I get more than enough close calls from Mr. Schick, so I do not need you to be adding to this for me).

Buy yourself a toenail clippers and use it weekly. (They are not only for decorating your weekend/overnight/shaving bags).

Also purchase yourself some very good emery boards. When you are done clipping those toenails finish correctly by FILING THEM DOWN. (Yes, men too). This takes all of about one minute. Nobody wants to see your jagged nails; or the dirt beneath them. Clean out the cracks out too.

Please also file your heels with these magical emery boards- Do this before, and after, soaking your feet. Unless you are a barefoot mason your heels should not look like fresh concrete.

The magic boards can also be used to remove any pre~corn skin. It files off very nicely.
If it does not, please go buy some Dr. Scholls Corn Remover Pads.... (and USE them).

It should go without saying that sandals and socks should NEVER be paired together; unless it is in the following sentence.

"I WILL NOT WEAR SOCKS UNDER MY SANDALS!"

(This only tells us that you have NOT taken those few moments to ensure that you have nice feet... ...And that you have only tried to cover up something very gross and disgusting).

So now we will all be ready to wear sandals or even go barefoot! Yay!

There now, I feel better already!

I have had a bit of fun; and I do hope no one has taken offense..

Have a great Thursday!

XOXO
Anne

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...Oh and here is Bethels original email to me... The "inspiration" as it is!

 

"Happy sandal season!"

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Alright ladies, it's that time of year once again!!! I think we need to be reminded of a few things.

Ladies, PLEASE, raise your big toes and repeat after me below....

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The Open Toed Shoe Pledge...

As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:

• I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.
• I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.
• I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.
• I will shave the hairs off my big toe.
• I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.
• If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.
• I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.
• I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.
• I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.
• I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.
• I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they are actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.
• I will promise to go to my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $35 and worth EVERY penny).
• I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.