JUNE 30, 2010 BEWITCHED, BOTHERED ...AND BEWILDERED IS LYMES

"IF YOU FIND IN YOUR HEART TO CARE FOR SOMEBODY ELSE YOU WILL HAVE SUCCEEDED"- Maya Angelou


I have found it in my heart to care for another human being. It was something I never thought I would succeed at: romance and love. I am writing this today to thank Rick for the month of June and the celebration of my 50 years. As the month closes, I am full of gratitude. I couldn't find a card to say how I feel. No song is appropriate, but my favorite song was sung (dubbed) by Rita Hayworth in Pal Joey. Not only was the celebration a milestone, but it couldn't have been more special. Rick outdid himself. As the month closes I want to say thank you. You'll never know how much I love you.

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
From Pal Joey (sung by Rita Hayworth )
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgers

After one whole quart of brandy (NOT)
Like a daisy I awake
With no Bromo Seltzer handy,
I don't even shake.

Men are not a new sensation;
I've done pretty well, I think.
But this half-pint imitation
Put me on the blink

I'm wild again
Beguiled again
A simpering, whimpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I

Couldn't sleep
And wouldn't sleep
Until I could sleep where I shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I

Lost my heart but what of it?
My mistake I agree.
he's a laugh, but I like it
because the laugh's on me.

A pill he is
But still he is
All mine and I'll keep him until he is
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
Like me.

Seen a lot
I mean I lot
But now I'm like sweet seventeen a lot
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I

I'll sing to him (my RICK)
Each spring to him
And worship the trousers that cling to him
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I

When he talks he is seeking
Words to get off his chest.
Horizontally speaking
He's at his very best.

Vexed again
Perplexed again
Thank God I can't be over-sexed again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I

Wise at last
My eyes at last
Are cutting you down to your size at last
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered no more

Burned a lot
But learned a lot
And now you are broke, though you earned a lot
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered no more

Couldn't eat
Was dyspeptic
Life was so hard to bear;
Now my heart's antiseptic
Since you moved out of there

Romance-Finis
Your chance-finis
Those ants that invaded my pants-finis
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered no more.


Had to share those good words..Now back to blogging...


LYME DISEASE IS Bewildering. There are not enough physicians treating these tick borne infections. Yes, we know how to give an antibiotic but there are few treating chronic Lyme disease well. When Lyme disease is involved with the co-infections there is overall havoc. There are physicians who have linked Lyme to autism. It may not be the main reason, but can be in the differential. A patient-- whether a child with autism or an adult might have other problems that need to be addressed before the Lyme disease. For example, a diet rich in breads, cakes and sugar causing yeast overgrowth will not help the Lyme. The yeast problem would have to be addressed before treating the actual Lyme disease. Also a patient who has a heavy metal burden with mercury, lead or other toxic metals would have to be treated before or at the same time.

These metals as well as the yeast cause immune deficient states, which then allow the Lyme bacteria to cause havoc on the body. Attention must be given to the other symptoms of the body. The problem I have is that a patient gets a tick bite. Sees their primary doctor. He does the blood tests and treats with antibiotics. The patient over time feels brain fog, muscle aches and pains, and has digestive issues. The patient never thinks it could be Lyme, nor at times does the physician. The patient needs a full work-up. The patient might need to be detoxified. Food and environmental allergies need to be tested. Heavy metals need to be assessed via pre and post 6 hr provocation with a chelator (as per the American College of Advancement of Medicine - ACAM).

A dietary lifestyle change will likely be necessary. The patient needs to be aware what foods can heal the body faster. The patient will need to address ways to decrease stress in their life. The doctor might need to talk to the family to explain about Lyme Disease. The physician needs to explain the chronic effects to the patient and their family. What I am saying is that the physician needs to get involved.

I rotate antibiotics for three months depending on the laboratory results. I might use intravenous antibiotics early in the course of treatment. When I trained, the medical community did not know how to treat Lymes. Some do not believe in using more than one antibiotic. I would seek out a Lyme specialist who treats the disease by both allopathic and alternative treatments. I tend to use two intracellular antibiotics, sometimes with or without flagyl (remember you cannot drink alcohol with flagyl). And I still use doxycycline. Of course not all at the same time. If the doctor uses antibiotics he will have to replace the good bacteria at different times of the day. The good bacteria are probiotics.

So you see-- Lyme Disease is not that simple. It is a complicated disease caused by a small, yet complicated organism...

By the way..
Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr. Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Read some of her poems and quotes.

Photo credit: Jill G. (taken June 12, 2010 )
I could not end the month by showing you another tick. Let's end the month on a high note.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 29, 2010 Herbal Treatments for LYMES

June 29, 2010

"Many of God's gifts are in the form of opportunities that we must recognize and then act upon."

This was sent to me by my friend, Karen. I feel that I have been given a second opportunity--to help people as a doctor. Not a doctor you see for five minutes who writes different prescriptions. A doctor who listens. A doctor who cares. A doctor who is an old-fashioned country doctor. I try to use these personal skills. I also try to implement different modalities of medicine.

A recent opportunity presented from my Higher Power is to see plants in a different way. This is a rare opportunity I could not pass up. Every morning I water, prune and talk to the plants in pots on our terrace. I tell them if it will be a very humid day or not. I ask them to conserve their energy. It sounds ridiculous, but it is not. I RESPECT PLANTS. I DO NOT TAKE PLANTS FOR GRANTED. PLANTS ARE GIFTS FROM GOD.

Yesterday I started to blog about Lyme Disease. I am passionate about this epidemic. Since antibiotic therapy may cause side effects and the 'bug' might develop resistance to the antibiotics, I must discuss other options.

Option #1: Clean up your diet. Try to eat a more alkalizing diet with fruits/vegetables instead of an inflammatory diet which includes dairy, gluten , meat and cheese. Option #2. Discuss the Cowden protocol with your doctor, which utilizes several herbal extracts designed to eliminate the organisms.

The following is a quote from Richard Horowitz, MD, vice president of ILADS, (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society). He has been prescribing the Cowden Support Program since January 2007:

"The majority of Chronic Lyme patients relapse once they are taken off antibiotics with symptoms of chronic fatigue, muscle and joint aches and neurocognitive problems. I have been searching for a long time for a natural remedy which is safe and efficacious, and I am very happy with the results that I am seeing with the Nutramedix Cowden protocol. In a scientific study that was recently conducted at our medical facility, it was determined that the protocol was effective for 70% of the patients."

The Cowden protocol uses many herbs, but two in particular must be mentioned here. One is Samento (a modified Cat's Claw- Uncaria tomentosa) which has reported anti-viral and anti bacterial properties. The other is called Banderol (Otoba sp) which has anti-inflammatory, antiprotozoal and antibacterial properties. Studies have been done to demonstrate the benefit of adding Samento and Banderol to doxycycline. Published articles tell us that the additions of the two herbal extracts affects all forms of Borrellia burgdoferi, whereas doxycycline alone only effects the spirochetal form. Using both doxycycline and herbal extracts had the most beneficial results. The protocol is intense, but I have used it with great success. It does require regiment and discipline, but if the patient is willing, it can do the most benefit.

The Cowden protocol also uses trace minerals, and the herbs pinella, burbur and amantilla. I would suggest viewing this on the web and downloading the protocol. It must be used with the guidance of a health care practitioner. An example from the protocol is below. This is only a sample of the actual protocol.

"...For the first 3 days do only the following
Three times daily immediately before mealtimes take 15 drops of TRACE MINERALS,
10 drops of PINELLA, 10 drops of BURBUR and 10 drops of AMANTILLA (the noontime dose can be eliminated anytime after day 21 if not feeling toxic).
On Day 4 of the protocol add the following. Twice daily 30 min. before breakfast and supper take 30 drops of BANDEROL (start with one drop twice daily adding a drop with each dose until reaching 30 drops twice daily) together with 15 drops of TRACE MINERALS, 10 drops of PARSLEY and 1 capsule of SERRAPEPTASE. After taking a full dose of BANDEROL for two months (Day 78) start rotating between CUMANDA, QUINA and BANDEROL every two weeks,taking 30 drops twice daily for the remainder of the protocol: 12 ½ days ON, 36 hours OFF, 12 ½ days ON, etc "

This is a real medical day for the blog. However, this is an important message to all followers. There are alternative treatments available. Allopathic practitioners, or conventional practitioners might not be aware of these protocols. Educate your doctor. Medicine is unique as it offers doctors the opportunity to learn more, educate themselves and educate their patients. Ask questions!!

The photograph above is Unicaria.
Uncaria tomentosa (popularly known in English as Cat's Claw, although that name is also used for various other plants; in Spanish as Uña de Gato or as Indian name Vilcacora) is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America, which derives its name from its claw-shaped thorns. It is used as an alternative medicine in the treatment of a variety of ailments.

Until tomorrow... I will try to be less intense!

June 28, 2010 Is Lyme's exclusive to Fire Island ??

"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."
Thanks Karen M

Material items should be of least importance. Health is a important. When your character is lost, all is lost but repairable. You can repair your character but you have to be willing to work on yourself. We tend to blame others, especially when we know it is 'our' fault. It is easier to shift the blame. Who wants to work on themselves? Practically no one. Yet there is a glimmer of hope if you at least are willing to try. For today, list some of your character defects you may want to consider changing. Examples might be fear of success, fear of intimacy...


I am going to switch gears, still focusing of a multitude of lifestyle changes needed for a disease not yet discussed in this blog. I want to discuss a Worldwide Plague: Lyme Disease.
It was once thought to be a disease exclusive of Old Lyme, CT when discovered. Then it was primarily seen in Connecticut, Long Island, Shelter Island and Fire Island. Now it is seen worldwide.

We need to understand that this is a vast disease which has increased over the last decade. I believe it is only when we realize that Lyme's is worldwide can we begin to control its spread. Climate change affects the incidence as documented in a Portuguese study. Nine different strains of Borrelia were documented in a Scottish study. That study used the word "rocketed" to describe the dramatic increase. Do I think it is an over estimation or an exaggeration? No, I do not.
Now Africa has another infection to worry about. Along with Malaria (Plasmodium ssp) and its ever increasing HIV, now there is Lyme Disease.

Lyme Borreliosis, caused by the spirochete bacteria, Borrelia burgdoferi has grown into a major public health problem over the last ten years. No where is it felt more than in Fire Island. I should know. As a primary volunteer physician in Cherry Grove I have seen an increase in the number of cases over the last 3 years. The primary treatment for Lyme disease is the administration of various antibiotics. However, many patients relapse when the antibiotics are discontinued. I believe that the B. burgdorferi becomes resistant to the antibiotics. The spirochetes convert from their vegetative state to active states. It is the job of the medical community to find out which antibiotics can be used for the different stages of the spirochete to eradicate the organism.

The mainstream antibiotics used are doxycycline, minbocycline, Penicillin G, clarithromycin and ceftriaxone.

Do you think a doctor checks for all diseases when you present with a tick bite? or a rash? I do not know. I do know that I test for other infections since ticks harbor numerous other organisms that are pathogenic to humans. Some of the other infections I test for include: other Borrelia species, Babesia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella species, especially quintana, Erlichosis species, especially chaffeensis, Mycoplasma species, Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella. Remember ticks are a cesspool of infections!

If you have been bitten by a tick and know it you must seek medical attention. Guidelines state that if you know you have been bitten (with or without a tick present on the body) you will need treatment with antibiotics for 3 days. Once bitten you have 72 hours to get treatment. If it is after 3 days when you seek treatment you will still need antibiotic treatment, but now you must take 28 days of treatment.

A work up for Tick Borne Diseases is extensive. Once a complete history and physical examination are done, a complete laboratory analysis for all tick borne diseases should be done. The management of the disease will include a dietary change. Individuals will benefit from a dietary change when combating any disease. There might need to be an environmental change too, such as eradication of mold. That was one of my primary goals when renovation of the Doctor's House was under way.

Then, there is treatment . The treatment will include conventional as well as alternative treatments. These treatments can range from herbal, to homeopathic to acupuncture. I do NOT consider these alternative, if you have been reading this blog. These are part of clinical medicine. I do know that there needs to be psychological evaluation. A support team needs to be set up for these patients. Many times their symptoms are 'bizarre' like shocks going from point to another point of their body, or quivering in their skin. Some physicians are not used to hearing such symptoms. I have seen patients get diagnosed with psychiatric problems. These symptoms could be psychiatric , but let's not forget Lyme's cerebritis. (Lyme disease of the brain)
Over the next few blogs, Lyme disease will be discussed in all its complexity.

Above is a photo of a female deer tick. The other is the posting outside the Elmer Lindsay Memorial House (Doctor's House) in Cherry Grove, New York Fire Island.

Until tomorrow...

June 27, 2010 'Into the Country'- We Go

SUNDAY JUNE 27, 2010

"Forgiving is not forgetting. It's letting go of the hurt " Mary McLeod Bethune via Karen M.

This is an excellent quote to start winding down the month of June 2010. It has been a memorable month for me--one that I will cherish in years to come. I have forgiven and I have forgotten. I agree that the forgiving is letting go of the hurt. Who hasn't had hurt in their lifetime? If you think you have not, then you have been absent for some of your life. Perhaps you buried the hurt deep within. It could be a primary cause of your low self esteem. Remember you can always start a day over, and your self esteem can always use a boost up a notch. There is no perfection, only progress. I will end the month with an anniversary meeting at an old home group. It was a surprise to be asked to come to that particular meeting. I have a responsibility to other fellow members, to myself and to God.

This weekend was a gift full of love, gratitude and generosity. Rick and I had a lovely weekend in the country. We city folks say 'the country' when we get out of the Big Apple. For us it means the Hamptons, Hudson, or Fire Island. We had the opportunity to spend time at the Bedford Post Inn owned by Richard Gere and his wife, Carey. It is located in the heart of Westchester, at 954 Old Post Road in Bedford, NY.

Bedford Post is home to an eight-room luxury inn, a yoga studio, and two distinct restaurants: The Barn, for casual dining and The Farmhouse for more formal dining room. We had a great meal with Chef Brian. We even had a surpirse 'pasta' from friend/chef Samantha. We dined and Rick wined in front of the fireplace. A truly unforgettable weekend. I got up very early today and walked the grounds. I had an hour of meditation as the birds sang their morning love songs. With my Newcombe Wildflower Guide at my side, I started to identify flowers. I found Avens, and Forget-Me -Nots in two colors. The afternoon was graced by Tiempo Libre at Caramoor. The Cuban music filled the Venetian Arena. We clapped, sang and listen to hits from their album, Bach in Havana.

Thanks, Ann.
By the way, who is Mary McLeod Bethune?

She was an American educator and civil rights leader (July 10, 1875 – May 18, 1955) best known for starting a school for black students in Daytona Beach, Florida that eventually became Bethune-Cookman University and for being an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She became a member of his black cabinet whose concerns were those of the black people. Born in South Carolina to parents who had been slaves, and having to work in fields at age 5, she took an early interest in her own education

Back to medicine and blogging. I have been writing about herbs, supplements and vitamins for Cancer support. Not that I do not want to write, but I must encourage you to buy a book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It is on the New York Times Bestseller List. It has been on the list for 18 weeks and this week is #12 ( moved up from 13) It does tie in with our blog on cancer. Every science student remembers their professor mentioning HeLa cells when cancer research was discussed in Biology. I know I recall HeLa cells. It wasn't until medical school that I really knew what HeLa cells were. These are cervical cancer cells from the late Henrietta Lacks which taken without her knowledge have been used worldwide and are still alive today. Yet the woman Henrietta Lacks has been deceased for more than sixty years. Its author, Rebecca Skloot, tells a real story. I am finding it captivating and you will also.
I do not know Rebecca nor did I knew the story of Henrietta. She tells a real story especially about Henrietta's daughter, Deborah. If you love biographies you will love this. This is a biography of a woman, her family and the longevity of her cells, HeLa

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 26, 2010 GAY PRIDE WEEKEND

June 26, 2010 Saturday
"The Lord's searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. God loathes the sacrifice of an evil person, especially when it is brought with ulterior motives."
Proverbs 20:27;21:27

"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy one is unhappy in its own right."
-Leo Tolstoy

Both of these quotes are important to me. I do not think any Higher Power would allow violence of an evil person. But it does happen every day. Read the newspaper or watch television. I have stopped doing both. There are some people who live day by day for the media, the stock market, the political climate et al. This creates no harmony but increases your stress. Listening to how a father abused his child, or a boyfriend killed his girlfriend or retracing history back to the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. I was only nine years old at the time. I remember that my great Uncle Charlie died in 1969, the Mets won the World Series, and Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. I also know that Judy Garland died in June 1969, and her burial was at Campbell's Funeral Home in New York City.

Years later I read that grief stricken homosexuals mourning for their gay icon began the Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. They are frequently cited as the first instance in American history when people in the homosexual community fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted sexual minorities. These riots have become the defining event that marked the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

American gays and lesbians in the 1950s and 1960s faced a legal system more anti-homosexual than those of some Warsaw Pact countries. Early homophile groups in the U.S. sought to prove that gay people could be assimilated into society, and they favored non-confrontational education for homosexuals and heterosexuals alike. The last years of the 1960s, however, were very contentious, as many social movements were active, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Counterculture of the 1960s, and antiwar demonstrations. These influences, along with the liberal environment of Greenwich Village, served as catalysts for the Stonewall riots.

Very few establishments welcomed openly gay people in the 1950s and 1960s. The Stonewall Inn catered to an assortment of patrons, but it was known to be popular with the poorest and most marginalized people in the gay community: drag queens, representatives of a newly self-aware transgendered community, effeminate young men, hustlers, and homeless youth. Police raids on gay bars were routine in the 1960s, but officers quickly lost control of the situation at the Stonewall Inn, and attracted a crowd that was incited to riot. Tensions between New York City police and gay residents of Greenwich Village erupted into more protests the next evening, and again several nights later. Within weeks, Village residents quickly organized into activist groups to concentrate efforts on establishing places for gays and lesbians to be open about their sexual orientation without fear of being arrested.

After the Stonewall riots, gays and lesbians in New York City faced gender, class, and generational obstacles to becoming a cohesive community. Within six months, two gay activist organizations were formed in New York, concentrating on confrontational tactics, and three newspapers were established to promote rights for gays and lesbians. Within a few years, gay rights organizations were founded across the U.S. and the world.

On June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride marches took place in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, commemorating the anniversary of the riots. Similar marches were organized in other cities. The information above is from WIKIPEDIA.

Tomorrow marks the 40th Anniversary of the NYC Pride March. It seems it can't be that long. Yet I am 50, so it must be. I have been to many a parade, and have seen "Last Day in June", a play about watching the parade with 9 friends from an NYC Apartment.

Was there hate in 1969? Of course there was! Is there hate today? Of course there is! Maybe not openly, but there is still hate in many a town in the United States and in other countries. I often ask, WHY?

I do not know the answer.
I pray for peace, serenity and happiness among all people.

Back to herbs...
Since blue and green are in the Rainbow flag colors I want to discuss Spirulina. Spirulina is rich in chlorophyll. It makes digestion easier and is an excellent source of energy. It is used for patients with liver failure resulting from malabsorption and alcoholism. It contains massive amounts of beta carotene, GLA and other nutrients which are useful to the immune system for healing cancer and other diseases.

The blue pigment, phycocyanin, has been shown to inhibit cancer cells. There needs to be more research into the role of spirulina in medicine. I have used spirulina for patiemts who have heavy metal intoxication especially if the toxin is mercury. Spirulina lives in both fresh and sea water. It is produced primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima.


Facts: The Rainbow Flag was made by Gilbert Baker in 1978. He was a friend of Harvey Milk.

Until tomorrow...

June 25, 2010 Aloe Vera

"One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine."- Sir William Osler


"The desire to take medicine is perhaps the greatest feature which distinguishes man from animals."- Sir Willioam Osler

Two great quotes by Sir Wlliam Osler. OW and WO. Mirror images - interesting that I admire both Oscar Widle and William Osler. These quotes have a mirror image quality.

Since I love plants I want to continue to discuss them. When I was doing my clerkship at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, I spent my days exploring the island. The beach is always an interesting place to meet people. I met Lindsey whose father was involved in the government. He was an ambassador from England. At his home his family served me a drink made with aloe that was on their property. It the first time I drank aloe.

While on the island, Lindsay introduced me to a variety of plants. His father introduced me to an actress who lived in Speightstown. Her name was Claudette Colbert. It was an exciting day for me as we entered her estate. She was in her late seventies at the time but looked radiant coming down the stairs in a flowing summer frock. She was born on September 13, 1903, in France. Her real name was "Lily Claudette Chauchoin. While still a child her parents moved the family to New York. She won the Best Actress award in 1934 for "It Happened One Night". I saw her in The Kingfisher on Broadway with Rex Harrison in 1978. I wrote her a note on the night I saw the play. I was invited backstage to say hello. I also had brought a photograph which she signed. Another memorable evening. Claudette Colbert died in Speightstown on July 30, 1996. She is buried at St. Peter Parish Cemetary in Barbados.

Back to aloe.. There are several active substances in the leaf juice. One is emodin. It has been shown to have anti-leukemic activity, and another, acemanna has antiviral and immune boosting activity. Aloe is also anti-inflammatory and does inhibit platelet aggregation. For cancer patients it has been used to protect against injury from radiation treatments.

Many scientific studies on the use of aloe vera have been undertaken, some of them conflicting. Despite these limitations, there is some preliminary evidence that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans. These positive effects are thought to be due to the presence of compounds such as polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones and lectins.

I recommend reading a book called CANCER Can Be Cured by Father Romano Zago OFM. Born in Brazil in 1932 and ordained as a Franciscan Friar in 1958 he recounts how natives in the San Antonio Parish of Pouso Novo, Brazil told him about this amazing plant. The book is readable by anyone. You learn that a plant must be at least 5 years old before using it and never use leaves after it has rained in making preparations. Learn to make your own.

Remove the spines from the edges of the leaves.
Wipe off the dust
Cut the leaf into pieces (do not remove the skin)
Place in a blender and blend with honey ( I use wild flower honey)
Add your distillate (water usually)
Blend really well
Store the blend in a dark jar with the lid tightly closed.
Place in fridge

The recipe above is from the book. Can you believe at 50 (I typed it!) I have homework to do. My homework for Botany School in Ithaca is to make a tincture preparation. I haven't decided which one to make yet.

Facts about Aloe:
Aloe vera, also known as the medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in the southern half of the Arabian peninsula, Northern Africa, the Canary islands and Cape Verde. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India and other arid areas. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine.

The photograph above of Claudette is NOT mine. I will scan mine and post it in a few days. It is in storage.

Until tomorrow...

June 24, 2010 CHRISTMAS IN JUNE

"Only a person who can live with himself can enjoy the gift of leisure" --Henry Greber
Thanks Karen

What is leisure time? Who actually has the time to do something for himself/herself? Well, I do. This blog is something for me, which happens to be shared with all of you. Living with oneself does not mean you are living alone. It means are you able to live with yourself emotionally, spiritually and psychologically. I have learned to do 'things' for myself which have enhanced my life. These are my hobbies. All of you have seen some of them displayed in earlier blogs. I love needlecraft. That has lead me to exploring www.etsy.com -- check out our store www.etsy.com/shop/RickFratCreativeDuo

The experience of falling in love with plants is one of the most important aspects of my adult life and not only in terms of medicine.

This has led me on a journey that will likely encompass the rest of my life. I want to continually challenge myself to learn . What do I want to achieve? I honestly do not know. Perhaps it is for the wildflower or herb garden in a house that Rick and I will live in one day! Perhaps this is a stepping stone for Rick and I to study plants and live abroad in a foreign country? I am following a Higher Power instinct, and like I have known for a long time - I am not doing it alone. On each side of me there is someone.

For the last few weeks I have been blogging about vitamins, supplements and herbs for the treatment and prevention of cancer. The key to a healthy life is diet. There is not a specific diet for everyone. It is a lifestyle diet. A diet rich in fruits/vegetables with an emphasis on low carbohydrates is essential. I found it difficult to read an article published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) denying a major role of fruits and vegetables in the prevention of cancer. What are they thinking about? A European Cancer Prevention study (EPIC) found that by adding 150 g/day of a fruit, the cancer risk is reduced by 2.6% ( in men) and 2.3% ( in women). This is like adding an apple to your diet. Remember apples. There was a blog in March 2010 about Apples.

I am appalled that with all the data, research, and published papers that a statement like that could be made about nutrition and cancer. Maybe I can agree that adding an apple or another fruit/vegetable could not make that much of a change, but a change in the diet of a cancer patient emphasizing fruits and vegetables will certainly affect the morbidity and mortality.

Perhaps these doctors have never visited an integrative practice where the emphasis on disease prevention starts with talking with the patient. Maybe the doctor never asked about their dietary habits? their alcohol consumption? their life stress? their marriage? their exercise routine? Perhaps big pharmaceuticals is more important than the 60 year old woman dying of cancer in Ohio or the 34 year old with leukemia!


Mistletoe (Viscum album) is the common name for a group of hemi-parasitic plants in the order Santalales that grow attached to and within the branches of a tree or shrub. Mistletoe is a plant that grows on several types of common trees such as apple, oak, and elm, and has been used since ancient times to treat many ailments.

Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied complementary and alternative medicine therapies for people with cancer. In certain European countries, products made from European mistletoe are among the most prescribed therapies for patients with cancer.

The Druids held mistletoe in high regard. They collected mistletoe in white robes and held ceremonies after collecting. They believed mistletoe prevented evil. An English physician, Sir John Colbatch used the plant for a variety of nervous disorders especially epilepsy.

Mistletoe extract has been shown to kill cancer cells in the laboratory and to affect the immune system. However, there is no evidence that mistletoe's effects on the immune system help the body fight cancer. Mistletoe extracts are usually given by injection under the skin or, less often, into a vein, into the pleural cavity, or into the tumor. Animal studies have suggested that mistletoe may be useful in decreasing the side effects of standard anticancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation . More than 30 human studies using mistletoe to treat cancer have been done since the early 1960s, but major weaknesses in many of these have raised doubts about their findings.

There are studies showing the efficacy of mistletoe for cancer, as well as studies showing no benefit for cancer. Very few bad side effects have been reported from the use of mistletoe extract, though mistletoe plants and berries are poisonous to humans. The berries have been regarded as more toxic than the leaves for viscum preparations- Eurixor and Iscador. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved mistletoe as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition The FDA does not allow injectable mistletoe to be imported, sold, or used except for clinical research.

The top photograph is of mistletoe.

The second photograph is from 7song laboratory in Ithaca, NY

Credit for the third photograph: WINDOWS by Rick Byrd. Rick has hundreds of photographs . He especially loves windows and doors from around the world.


Until tomorrow..

June 23, 2010 HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT - A DAISY

"Sometimes giving up doesn't mean you are weak; it just means you are strong enough to let go."


You must memorize this quote. Giving up is not always weakness or rationalization. It may be a 'moment of clarity'. Perhaps the divine intervention you have been waiting for. For example, when a friend or family member only needs you when he/she must vent, or when they need something, are they really a friend? Perhaps by not responding to 'them' you may think that is a weakness of your part. Perhaps it is that you have finally realized that you need to let go.

I have read a daily meditation every day for at least 14 years. I recently changed my Daily Mediatation to The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie. Do they ever ask how you are? or what 's going on in your life? Some individuals are selfish. Do not own their problems or deficits.
[Evidently something is on my mind--writing this blog has helped me daily.]


Can a plant in the Daisy Family be effective against cancer? If I worded the question like this, and you know me from blogging and my love for plants--THE ANSWER IS YES!

Did you ever as a child pick a daisy and say the following poem -
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not or She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not? Originally effeuiller la marguerite in French-- is a game of French origin, in which one person seeks to determine whether the object of their affection returns that affection or not. I prefer "HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT. A person playing the game alternately speaks the phrases "He (or she) loves me," and "He loves me not," while picking one petal off a flower (usually an oxeye daisy) for each phrase. The phrase they speak on picking off the last petal supposedly represents the truth in the matter of the object of their affection loving them or not. The player typically is motivated by attraction to the person they're speaking of while reciting the phrases.


I want to continue with supplements,vitamins and herbs for cancer treatment/support.
There is an herb, Silybum marianum (Milk thistle) which I use often. I use Milk thistle for a variety of diseases. Most individuals think that Milk Thistle is only used for Liver Diseases such as hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis or toxicity from medications.

Silymarin has two substances, silibinin and silicristin stimulate and proliferate kidney cells. Taking silymarin provides protection to the kidneys from toxic substances. Also the component silibinin has anti-carcinogenic properties. It is a useful antioxidant. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Research has also shown silibinin to be effective in stopping the growth of human breast cancer cells. Some studies have shown that when Milk thistle is applied topically it inhibits the growth of skin cancer.

Milk thistles are of the genus Silybum Adans., flowering plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae). They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The name "milk thistle" derives from two features of the leaves: they are mottled with splashes of white and they contain a milky sap. However, it is the seeds of milk thistle that herbalists have used for 2000 years to treat chronic liver disease and protect the liver against toxins.


Until tomorrow...

JUNE 22, 2010 Tuesday WHAT IS PURSLANE?

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."
-Oscar Wilde

June 22, 2010 Oils, Oils and More Oils


Essential fatty acids are beneficial for a multitude of diseases. Since I have been blogging about cancer prevention, I want to continue with which vitamins, supplements and herbs. Flax seed oil is rich in EFA especially alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Do not confuse alpha linolenic acid with alpha lipoic acid (ALA) This is why I do not like abbreviations. Alpha lipic acid is useful in the management of diabetes. Your sources of alpha linolenic acid are flax seed oil, hemp oil and purslane. Purslane is a plant. Of course it is. It always comes back to plants.

Remember I LOVE PLANTS!!!

Portulaca oleracea (Common Purslane, also known as Verdolaga, Pigweed, Little Hogweed or Pusley), is an annual succulent in the family Portulacaceae. I need to search for this in the wild on a botany weekend. Although purslane is considered a weed in the United States, it can be eaten as a leafy vegetable, providing sources can be found which have not been poisoned deliberately. It has a slightly sour and salty taste and is eaten throughout much of Europe, Asia and Mexico.The stems, leaves and flower buds are all good to eat. I personally have tried purslane and I do like it as I love all greens. Purslane can be used fresh as a salad, stir-fried, or cooked like spinach, and because of its mucilaginous quality it is also suitable for soups and stews.

Purslane contains more Omega-3 fatty acids-- alpha-linolenic acid in particular than any other leafy vegetable plant. Research suggests that Purslane has .01 mg/g of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This is an extraordinary amount of EPA for land based vegetable sources. EPA is an Omega-3 fatty acid normally found in fish, some algae and flax seeds. EPA is used mainly for the treatment of heart disease, in lowering triglycerides and increasing your good cholesterol (HDL) There is one mammal source for EPA- that is the emu. So if you are opposed to eating fish or have a fish allergy, then take Emu Oil. Another important reason to avoid large fish especially tuna and swordfish and the crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp) is the level of mercury. I recommend checking out www.vitalchoice.com

Purslane also contains vitamins (mainly vitamin A, vitamin C, and some vitamin B and carotenoids), as well as dietary minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Thus purslane is beneficial in many aspects. Also present are two types of betalain alkaloid pigments, the reddish betacyanins (visible in the coloration of the stems) and the yellow betaxanthins (noticeable in the flowers and in the slight yellowish cast of the leaves). Both of these pigment types are potent antioxidants and have been found to have antimutagenic properties in laboratory studies.

Some important facts about Purslane:
100 grams of fresh purslane leaves (about 1 cup) contain 300 to 400 mg of alpha-linolenic acid One cup of cooked leaves contains 90 mg of calcium, 561 mg of potassium, and more than 2,000 IUs of vitamin A. One half cup of purslane leaves contains as much as 910 mg of oxalate, a compound implicated in the formation of kidney stones. Do NOT overdue on the purslane. Remember berries also contain an increased amount of oxalates.

EFA are totally ignored in patients with cancer. So the point is whether you have cancer or not you should supplements with EFA's. I think the easiest way to get flaxseed in your system is to use 1 - 2 teasspoons oil or ground flaxseed. You can add the ground flaxseed to your cereal, goat/ sheep yogurt or your protein shake in the morning.

Enjoy the purslane
Thanks Diane, love Melissa officinale (Lemon balm) Love the smell of this plant!
Until tomorrow...

Junre 20, 2010 Father's Day

JUNE 20, 2010
FATHER'S DAY


The Father of the United States : George Washington
The Father of Genetics: Gregor Mendel
The Fathers of DNA: James Watson and Francis Crick
The Father of Botany: Theophrastus (Greek philosopher)
The Father of Taxonomy/Botanical Nomenclature: Lenaeus
The Father of Alyssa and Gregory Fratellone: Patrick Fratellone
The Father of Patrick and Paul Fratellone: Pasqualino Fratellone
The Father of Pasqualino Fratellone: Leonardo Fratellone
The Father of All-- Your Higher Power or GOD

Life Lessons
From www.poemsource.com

You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The man I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.

By Joanna Fuchs

"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty" - Unknown

This is one of the first times I have not been home for Father's Day to celebrate with the children. I never missed a Father's Day when my own dad was living. I was born on Father's Day in 1960. Ironically my brother was born on Mother's Day in 1961.

There is not a day goes by that I do not think of my parents. At last weekend's 50th birthday celebration, my mind meandered into many thoughts. I guess that was my VATA being, not the PITA self. (We will discuss this in the future.) I tried to hold back tears, but they flowed. When I had to stand up and thank everyone--I had to first thank God, and all the guests. But in reality the one person who needed the most thanks whom I did not forget is Rick.

Over the years, Rick's mom and dad, Nancy and Fred have become my parents. It seems like we all have known each other for more than 25 years. They make me feel so comfortable. I am their son, which makes me smile. No one could ever take the place of a parent, and they do not try to. Actually Nancy always reminds me how proud my mom and dad would have been if they were living. Both were present at that 50th celebration, as they are with me each and every day. I owe my beloved, Rick, so much-- more than I could ever type in words or phrases.

There was a lot of learning today. In the summer, individuals worry about two things. 1) What if I get bit by a tick? and 2) How do I avoid and treat poison ivy/oak/sumac?

On Fire Island where Rick and I volunteer in the Doctor's House Cherry Grove we see both very often. The family for poison ivy/oak/ and sumac is Anacardiacea . These plants are also Toxicodendion or Rhus family. The skin lesions are thus called Rhus dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

There are three other related plants which were a surprise to me--pistacchio, cashew and mangos. With the exception of the pistacchio-there are many sensitivities/allergies to the cashew nut and the mango. In the mango it is the white oil after you peel a freshly picked mango. I do not think you will ever see this in the cashew nut. Why you may ask? Beacuse I learned it is in the shell and honestly I have never seen a cashew with a shell. Most if not all of the cashew are without shells, or peeled. I cannot even describe the fruit with the shell at the bottom where the cashew lies in. The oil in the poison ivy/oak or sumac is called urishiol. The oil is int he plant all year long, so do not think that you cannot get poisin ivy in the winter, because YOU CAN. There is a species of sumac that is edible, called tasty sumac- the red fruits can be made into sun tea. This is called Staghorn sumac or Rhus typhina.

There are some remedies for poison ivy/oak/sumac. I learned today that drinking raw goat's milk or eating the bud of the plant in early spring are both ways to desensitize yourself. Why a goat? Goats eat poison ivy et al.

If you encounter these plants on your skin- first wash WITH SOAP -do not worry if the water is hot or cold. Also wash all your clothes in the soap also. There are two things that make these rashes worse. One is spicy food and the other is fried foods.

Are there natural remedies? Yes there are. The two photographs below are jewel weed. It is an annual plant. Grab some, crush the whole plant in your hand , and spread this pulp mess over the affected area. As you can see below these are impatiens. NOT the typical ones you get from Home Depot as I thought they were the same. I asked our professor, and those in gardens are different than the jewel weed. But I will try some from the Fire Island house gardens if anyone gets poison ivy.

There are two herbs mentioned from the west coast: 1. Grindelia (gumweed) and 2.Uba santa (Erudictyon) Both must be applied topically as a tincture or linament. The other remedies are powdered clay applied topically. You can add Peppermint Oil to the clay to soothe the pain and itch. Anything that draws the oil out is what is needed. Slippery Elm powder can be used. I remember putting soil or mud on a bee sting when I was younger. It seems to me this is the same principle. Remember those oatmeal baths! You can try a rolled oats bath. You want to avoid secondary infections from scratching. For those individuals who are generally "pissed off" that they got poison ivy in the first place, our mentor suggests nervines like California poppy, skullcap, valerian, and chamomille. He also mentioned very strong licorce tea. It was a beautiful peaceful weekend especially the first aid remedies.

Impatiens (pronounced /ɪmˈpeɪʃənz/)[1] is a genus of about 850–1,000 species of flowering plants, widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and tropics. Together with the puzzling Hydrocera triflora, this genus makes up the family Balsaminaceae. Such a situation is highly unusual, and phylogenetic studies might reveal that Impatiens needs to be split up; some of its species might be closer to Hydrocera than to their presumed congeners.

Common names include impatiens, jewelweeds, and, somewhat ambiguously, "balsams" and "touch-me-nots". As a rule-of-thumb, "jewelweed" is used exclusively for Nearctic species, "balsam" is usually applied to tropical species, and "touch-me-not" is typically used in Europe and North America.

The two photographs above are of poison ivy.
For those who do not want rahses, avoid the woods--especially those on Fire Island --the Judy Garland Memorial Park otherwise known as the Meat Rack

Until tomorrow...

June 19, 2010 Saturday Six Mile Creek-Wildflower Reserve

June 19, 2010 MY 100th POST

"Confidence, like art, never comes from having all the answers; it comes from being open to all the questions" Earl Gray Stevens

I should say this weekend, "Confidence, like plant identification never comes from having all the answers; it comes from being open to all questions." PF, Ithaca

No one has all the answers. The closest to that statement would be your Higher Power, or GOD. I do not have all answers in medicine. At this time in my life I will admit if I do not know the answers. I'd rather tell someone I am not sure, but will find out for you, rather than saying something that sounds good, but in reality I know it is not correct. Why lie? Why be dishonest? There is no need to be dishonest. I am now open to all the questions.

Today was a perfect example. As a Botany class we had to key out a specific plant using the plant bible, Gleason and Conquist. It is a heavy book to bring all the way from New York City, but I did. It was very interesting to attempt to conquer identifying a figwort. We have not finished so I cannot tell you the genus yet. The more we went along, I became more familar with using the Key in the Book (a lot different than Newcombe's Wildflower Guide). I didn't know all the questions, and I should not have. I am not a botanist. I am an individual interested in botany--plants and herbs.

At Six Mile Creek - the Wildflower Preserve, our professor/mentor guided us through lengthy discussion on more than 39 plant species. I took photographs of every one and I will have to coordinate them with the correct spelling of genus and species when at home. I know I did not spell all the genus and species names correctly while he was speaking. I am alright with it--so maybe I am not the DOSHA PITTA, but the DOSHA VATA. I will discuss aruyvedic medicine (Indian) at another time.

Some of the other plants we identified were Avens (from the Rose Family), Garlic mustard (which is edible), Japanese Barberry (from which the yellow berberine is found- a yellow strong antioxidant used in gastrointestinal diseases). Privet (from the Olive family), Mugwort, Motherwort (L. cardiaca- I use motherwort in my practice for the treatment of heart palpitations, especially atrial fibrillation), Honeysuckle, the trees-Sycamore, Box Elder and Basswood and last but not least, Poison Hemlock. It was a serene, peaceful and loving day.
If you cannot tell I am excited about this learning experience.

When I am back in the Big Apple, I will continue blogging about supplements and vitamins for cancer. After this weekend I might even start writing about Herbal Therapies used in Cancer treatment and support.

Until Tomorrow...

Below is a description from Wikipedia about Nipple Wort (top photo) and Dame's Rocket (second photo) respectively:

Lapsana is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, containing a single species, Lapsana communis (Nipplewort). It is native to Europe and northern Asia.
It is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant growing to 1-1.2 m tall, with hairy stems and clear (not milky) sap. The leaves are spirally arranged; larger leaves at the base of the flowering stem are often pinnate, with a large oval terminal leaflet and one to four small side leaflets, while smaller leaves higher on the stem are simple oval; all leaves have a toothed margin. The flowers are yellow, produced in a capitulum 1-2 cm diameter, the capitula being numerous in loose clusters at the top of the stem.

Hesperis matronalis is a herbaceous plant species in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It has numerous common names including: Dame’s Rocket, Damask Violet, Dame’s Violet, Dames-wort, Dame’s Gilliflower, Night Scented Gilliflower, Queen’s Gilliflower, Rogue’s Gilliflower, Summer Lilac, Sweet Rocket, Mother-of-the-evening and, Winter Gilliflower. Plants are biennials or short lived perennials, native to Eurasia and cultivated in many other areas of the world for their attractive spring blooming flowers. In some of those areas, it has escaped cultivation and become a weed species. The genus name Hesperis is Greek for evening, and the name was probably given because the scent of the flowers becomes more conspicuous towards evening.

June 18, 2010 Friday A Cruella/Prunella Day

"Avoidance is not the key; surrender opens the door. Be present and let your life unfold."
Thanks KM

Have you ever surrendered to anything? Think about it! For Catholics during Lent, did you give up or surrender to not having chocolate for the 40 days? More than 16 years ago I surrendered or in other words admitted I am powerless over alcohol et.al! During these years I realized that I am powerless over many people, places and things. I often substitute the word alcohol in "powerless over alcohol" to "I am powerless over the political climate, or "powerless over my family". I can substitute anything I choose to. It has greatly helped and assisted me in not letting my mind get too cluttered with too many things.

I have been present for my life. I have to admit at the beginning when my feet were just wet, I listened but my feet did all the walking. I was blind to first love and new friends in early sobriety. Today I hold myself accountable for anything that may have happened.

My life surely has unfolded--beyond my wildest dreams. My heart weakens/saddens when I reflect on that past, but I do not dwell there. I feel the pain and move on, knowing where I am today. Perhaps my Higher Power wanted me to go through those experiences to make me become a better human being- father, doctor, partner, friend and son to those I would later encounter. I have to believe that.

Yesterday we talked about Vitamin C. If you have breast cancer or have had breast cancer, there is no data to start taking Cod Liver Oil. Both Cod Liver Oil and its Vitamin D are linked to breast cancer prevention. Research now shows that breast cancer is directly linked to your Vitamin D levels. In a March 2010 blog entitled The Nutrient of the Decade, I discussed Vitamin D. There are many forms of Vitamin D3. I usually recommend Vitamin D drops by Biotics. Each drop is equivalent to 2,000 mg. I generally suggest 3-4 drops/day = 6,000 to 8,000 per day. Some also use Natural Frontiers Omega 3 with Vitamin D. Both are available at www.longevitynutritionals.com

Some prefer Blue Ice TM Fermented Cod Liver Oil. Did you like the taste of cod liver oil when you were young? Did mom or grandma put a teaspoon or more in your mouth? This Blue Ice will NOT remind you of those childhood experiences.

If you are a breast cancer survivor or at high risk with a first degree relative with breast cancer, you should have your estrogen levels checked by a healthcare practitioner. If you have a higher estrogen level you are at risk. Want to reduce your risk? Do not eat SOY (which is estrogenic) but instead have lots and lots of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and relatives). Try a Green drink. I add one to my protein shake every morning. You need these greens which have a high ORAC value. In the coming months I have decided to consult/formulate other "drinks" with high ORAC values - like purples, red and oranges.


Tonight in Botany Class we discussed the possible medicinal use of Prunella vulgaris. Part of the Mint Family Lamaceae or Labiatae, it has anti oxidant properties. The two anti oxidants are rutin and quercitin. It is good for eruptive skin problems. 7Song uses it combined with other herbs as a tooth rinse. One student mentioned its use in the treatment of herpes. I will have to research this.

Prunella vulgaris, known as common selfheal, heal-all, heart-of-the-earth, is a medicinal plant in the genus Prunella. It grows from 1 to 2 feet high, with creeping, self-rooting, tough, square, reddish stems branching at leaf axis. The leaves are lance shaped, serrated and reddish at tip, about an inch long and 1/2 inch broad, grow on short stalks in opposite pairs down the square stem. The flowers grow from a clublike, somewhat square, whirled cluster, immediately below this club are a pair of stalkless leaves standing out on either side like a collar. Flowers are two lipped and tubular, the top lip is a purple hood, and the bottom lip is often white, it has three lobes with the middle lobe being larger and fringed upwardly. Flowers bloom at different times depending on climate and other conditions. Mostly from June to August.[1] For medicinal purposes, the whole plant is gathered when the flowers bloom, and dried. The leaves and small flowers of heal-all are edible.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 17, 2010 CITRUS FRUITS AND CANCER

June 17, 2010

"Thank God for What You Have, Trust God for what YOU need."

"The smallest kindness is worth more than the greatest intention."

I have received lots of kindness over this past weekend. I am still in awe over the weekend's 50th birthday celebration. When it was time to thank all for attending this festive celebration, I was at a loss for words. Can you imagine me being at a loss for words? I was. As I tried to speak, tears flowed down my cheeks. The first to thank was GOD or my Higher Power. I would never have thought to thank God in the past. I also had to be grateful for my sobriety.
I wouldn't be able to do this blog if I wasn't sober. You cannot imagine how this has changed my life.

Let's continue with more supplements and vitamins for preventing/treating/supporting cancer. I love Vitamin C mixed with bioflavinoids, as quercitin. There was a previous blog with a photo of a lemon (from Garden Of Quinn in Los Angeles, CA) that discussed Vitamin C. I do not think I can stress enough the importance of this vitamin. Consumption of foods that are high in Vitamin C is associated with decreased risks of cancers, especially esophagus, bladder, stomach and pancreas.
The possible mechanism is Vitamin C as an anti-oxidant, and immune enhancement.

Vitamin C is very important in collagen synthesis, especially of the gums, skin and teeth.
From the last Vitamin C blog, this vitamin is a potent anti-oxidant and a free radical scavenger. This vitamin is also effective against certain viruses.

We do not see scurvy any longer, as many foods have vitamin C. Remember Linus Pauling prescribed mega - doses of Vitamin C. Intravenous Vitamin C can also be used, but there are few reports of benefits, especially if these cancers are lymphomas. If you use Vitamin C intravenously by a health care provider, please make sure there are other nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, manganese, and B12 included with it. Vitamin C can enhance the action of traditional chemotherapy, but I believe they should never be used together. Vitamin C can also reduce chemotherapy toxic side effects.

Is there an accurate daily dose by mouth? I usually start with 3-4,000 mg ( 3-4grams) and increase based on the patient's bowel tolerance. For example I increase a patient's dosage every 2 weeks until stools become soft. Some may need greater than 10,000 mg (= to 10grams) especially if they are smokers.


An orange—specifically, the sweet orange—is Citrus sinensis. The orange is a hybrid of ancient cultivated origin, possibly between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata). It is a small flowering tree growing to about 10 m tall with evergreen leaves, which are arranged alternately, of ovate shape with crenulate margins and 4–10 cm long. The orange fruit is a hesperidium, a type of berry.

Tomorrow I am back in Ithaca, so must see how computer connections work in the woods. If the signal is weak, I will be back to blogging on Monday 21st of June

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 16th 2010 - A Review: 50 years

At 3:30 pm on June 16th 1960, Pat Fratellone, Jr was born at Yonkers General Hospital. He is the son of Vincetta and Pat Fratellone. My life began there... It would take blogs to tell you about my life. I will retype a birthday message I received from Joan and Bob.

Fifty years hath our Patrick,
Filled with love for the healthy and the sick.
He's surrounded by dogs and fish a lot,
And let's not forget his pet parrot.

His fingers are nimble and don't miss a stitch
His needlepoint is firm, but it won't make him rich.
Like the revolutionary register of Madame DeFarge
He'll knit you a scarf and he won't even charge.

His patients regard him with very much love,
And God sends him blessings from way up above.
His life is enriched by Rick, Alyssa and Greg,
And patients to see him will soon have to beg.

The waiting list is long and full of new faces,
But he'll tackle them all as onward he races.

So a birthday wish is sent from us folks,
Who hope you'll avoid the fire escape to smoke
Who want you slow down and savor some rest,
So we can preserve our doctor - the greatest and the best.

Happy 50th Birthday

I truly love this special poem for me from Joan and Bob. This weekend has been filled with love, happiness, health, pride, joy and gratitude. I cannot express the warmth in my heart. It is beyond my wildest dreams that a weekend of such magnitude could even be for me. There are so many to thank, but first I must thank God for allowing me to savor this day and my life. There was a time , more than 16years ago that I asked God to help me make it through the day, and not repeat the same behaviors again. But I did, again and again. Whether it was a serene or divine moment, I listened and have listened to sponsors, others in my recovery, and to my Higher Power. I am one among millions who get the message. I am fortunate.

As far as the warmth in my heart, I owe it to Frederick Ellis Byrd, Jr, or Ricky. He has allowed me to see the person I am. He has opened my eyes and heart to the world, helped me appreciate the small things, not sweat them, and he is always there. I love and adore my children, now adults, Alyssa and Gregory. During my party, their speeches and photograph moments made me cry, laugh, and smile. I have been blessed with family, friends who have become my family, friends, and patients.

Although loved ones are no longer here in the physical sense, they are here spiritually and emotionally, so I will...

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile, even though, it's breaking
When there are clouds, in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile, through your fear and sorrow
Smile, and there'll be tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
If you'll
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear. may be ever so near
That's the time, you'll keep on trying
Smile, what's the sue of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,

If you'll just
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear, may ever so near,
That's the time, you'll keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying ?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you'll just SMILE.
SMILE

Blessings to Mom, Dad, Nanny and Poppy--Thank you for allowing me to be the man I am today..

For today only, there will be no medical blogging, I want this day off.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 15, 2010 - GRATITUDE ENDS IN THE LETTER "E"

June 15, 2010 Tuesday

Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 – September 9, 1945) was an American spiritual writer and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana, widely known for his 1927 prose poem "Desiderata"


DESIDERATA BY MAX EHRMANN

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


I do not think "Desiderata" needs any discussion. It is a beautiful poem. I wanted to share it with you, as someone shared it with me in my fif....birthday card.

The word vexation needs clarification. It is not a common word used today. Pronunciation: \vek-ˈsā-shən\
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : the act of harassing or vexing : troubling
2 : the quality or state of being vexed : irritation
3 : a cause of trouble

I must continue with Supplements and vitamins for Cancer Prevention/treatment. Yesterday we started with Vitamin A and carotenoids. Today I discuss in brief the controversial Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a lipid soluble antioxidant within the cell membranes which acts as a free radical scavenger. This means that is prevents free radical damage to our tissues/body. Vitamin E also prevents lipid oxidation of the bad polyunsaturated fats. It increases the effectiveness of selenium which is an important trace mineral in the prevention of benign prostate enlargement and malignant prostate cancer. Vitamin E is a great detoxifier of nitrates.

As many studies as there to show the benefits of Vitamin E in cardiovascular disease, there are as many that show no benefit in CV disease. There are studies for risk reduction in colon cancer, as well as prostate cancer.

The use of Vitamin E does inhibit cancer cell growth, prevent platelet aggregation and stimulate the immune system. If you are taking aspirin, plavix or coumdain please consult your health care provider before starting vitamin E. Platelet aggregation means 'thinning the blood'. The combination of these conventional medications and Vitamin E can cause bleeding. Other herbs / vitamins and supplements that should be avoided with Vitamin E include ginkgo, garlic, fish oils and high dose green tea.

The photograph above is one of many that in the next few weeks I will share with you. It is gratitude and not attitude. I am grateful for the two individuals flanking my side. They are part of my genetics. They are part of me. As a parent I will always worry, but it is a blessing to know they worry about me. I could write stories of love and happiness as well as stories of sadness, but it will make me cry. Not tears of sorrow but tears of gratitude.

Photo Credit: Marius

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 12- 14 WEEKEND OF LOVE- STARTING WITH "A"

June 14, 2010

"There is no greater treasure than the respect and love of true friends." Anonymous

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
--James Baldwin

True friends -- Yes, there are such individuals. Those that you count on your hands. Not two hands - sometimes not even one hand, but only on 3 fingers. You know you cannot choose your family, but you can choose your friends. Choose wisely. I also believe even though there is family, we all have different family experiences. None of us have perfect family backgrounds... the white picket fence, garden, dog, the Donna Reed mother or the 'Leave it to Beaver' family may not exist for all of us.

I have many friends, yet to be honest (as I always try to do) some are just mere acquaintances.
I have a best friend in my partner, Rick. He is my life-line to health, serenity and happiness. As I think of the past, I do not know how I did it without someone like him in my life. The key to any relationship success is communication. More communication and even more communication.

James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – November 30, 1987) was an American novelist, writer, playwright, poet, essayist and civil rights activist. Most of Baldwin's work deals with racial and sexual issues in the mid-20th century in the United States. I have admired his work as he had an upward struggle: being gay and being black. Two of the most repressed groups in history. His novels are notable for the personal way in which they explore questions of identity as well as the way in which they mine complex social and psychological pressures related to being black and homosexual well before the social, cultural or political equality of these groups was addressed.

I love the quote below:
I've always believed that you can think positive just as well as you can think negative. James A. Baldwin

The last few blogs have been about Cancer Prevention. We discussed the Medicinal Benefits of Mushrooms as well as the Pros and Cons of Soy.
I will begin to discuss the Vitamins and Supplements used in Cancer Therapy. I will eventually talk about the plants and herbs used in Cancer therapy. I feel that vitamins and supplements offer a new hopeful approach to cancer treatment. I could just list the supplements but I like to discuss a few, if not all in the next week. There are clinical and epidemiological studies to show that certain supplements do work. Some physicians need double blind controlled studies. I have learned by experience. I have seen cancer patients benefits from different modalities of medicine.

Again as I always say - I am not an Oncologist (cancer specialist). I am a physician who listens to patients. I listen to their fear, their hope, their pain, their eating habits, their stress and even their family/ partner stress. If you haven't felt my passion to heal in the past blogs please hear it now. I love helping people--and I love talking to patients about everything, not only medicine.

There are studies you as an individual might not hear about. The National Cancer Institute sponsored a study in China where a combination of three vitamins were used: B carotene, Vitamin E and selenium. There was a reduction in cancer death in those who took those supplements. Was it in the New York Times? On 60 minutes? Of course not. Many oncologists do not approve of supplements during the chemotherapy and radiation. I do agree with that. There are few studies (<10) that discuss supplements , especially anti oxidants interfering with conventional treatments.

Certain supplements can decrease short and long term toxic side effects of chemotherapy, others have a positive effect on the body system and some supplements/herbs actually inhibit cancer.
So let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start...

A common vitamin in a multiple is Vitamin A. The dosage of Vitamin A varies from different brands of multivitamins. Some have 10,000 while others have 15,000. Any dosage greater than 50,000 should be monitored by a health care professional. There are studies that have shown tumor free intervals in those taking high dose Vitamin A (up to 300,000 IU). Most of studies with use of Vitamin A are with Lung Cancer.

Your homework is to think of foods that are rich in Vitamin A. There are the carotenoids that are rich in the precursor for Vitamin A. The carotenoid family has about 1000 different members each with individual properties . You cannot make a statement that every carotenoid is beneficial against cancer, because some are not. An example of a carotenoid is lycopene which is useful in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Some studies have used lycopene in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Lycopene is found in tomatoes. Yet NOT that much in raw tomatoes. Besides tomatoes are acidic when consumed raw. It is better to have cooked tomatoes, grilled in olive oil, tomato sauce, or tomato paste. These have higher levels of lycopene than a raw tomato.

Th photograph above is an ocean. It is peaceful and serene. This is how I feel today. I am floating on water or perhaps above the clouds. This is due to one person, Rick. I have never felt so much warmth, love, happiness and humanity as I did on Saturday evening. This was due to him. One person. How one person has changed my perception, my self esteem and my happiness is beyond my wildest dreams.

Not only was the company exceptional but the "angels" were there looking down. I felt a sense of relief that "the angels" know that I am in good hands in the company I choose to spend my life with. With friends and family, I had the opportunity to walk down memory lane through speeches, photographs and conversation. As I heard my children speak, tears flowed but I had a sense of being a proud father. Through the evening I had a sense of being a proud son, father, healer, family member and friend to so many in that room.

The feeling of gratitude today is beyond measure.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 12, 2010 SOY AND AGING

June 12, 2010 Saturday

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

"Somewhere along the line of [our life] development we discover what we really are, and then we make our decision for which we are responsible. Make that decision primarily for yourself because you can never live anyone else's life..." Eleanor Roosevelt.

I find it so true that I have been guided in these years. Yes, I prayed, but out of times of despair I prayed to get me out of this and I will never do it again. And yet I did it again, and asked for help again. I never prayed when things were going well. Today I pray for a peaceful day. I say Good morning to God. And I get a response. Gracie, our Amazon Green Parrot says, "H-e-l-l-o, Good morning!" My Higher Power has dictated my steps in life. I also pray for those who are angry, frustrated and 'mean spirited'.

I always have admired Eleanor Roosevelt. I even have an old stamp with her on the cover. I think the stamp was 5 cents. Her quote is so appropriate. I do not want to live anyone else's life, despite the road I have traveled. The road with its ups and downs is my road. I had to follow it, trudge up and down those hills, and feel emotion in order to get where I am today. The promises in the 12/12 have all come true, but yet they have been taken away as easily. I must continually work on myself. This is an inside job.

Yesterday I discussed soy and its role in medicine. I do recommend that all have some soy in their diet. Again, not too much and not too little. The soy proteins and isoflavones have beneficial effects on multiple organ systems of the body and to your overall health. By acting on estrogen receptors, soy has a unique capability, not found in other supplements, herbs and pharmaceuticals. I know you have read that soy products are linked to cancer, but recent studies have shown that soy promotes cancer prevention. Read that line again!

The intestinal metabolite of soy isoflavones, called equol has potent anti cancer effects. I do not recommend soy if you have a thyroid issue. In the book, What Your Doctor May Not tell you about Hypothyroidism, there is part of letter from the FDA written in 1999 stating "...there is abundant evidence that some of the isoflavones found in soy...demonstrate toxicity in estrogen sensitive tissues and in the thyroid." Today we dispel the estrogen issue although some people are sensitive, just as some individuals with thyroid disease are sensitive to soy. The isoflavones are inhibitors of the thyroid peroxidase which makes the hormones, T3 and T4. There are studies that demonstrate that soy is goitrogenic (thus producing a thyroid goiter). Again, a lot of this is myth, some truth and you the individual must choose.

There is one thing I know, do NOT get all your nutrition from soybeans or any other single source.If you are a vegetarian, do not only eat beans. Eat a variety of protein from other sources. This is called having common sense. Do you have common sense?

Soy has been studied in its effect against breast, prostate, and even colon cancer. A study of more than 5,000 female breast cancer survivors who consumed a diet rich in soy reported a 29% lower risk of death and a 32% lower risk of cancer recurrence. The data is there for breast as well as other cancers.

For other body systems, soy is beneficial for the cardiovascular system in reducing the lipoproteins, especially the bad cholesterol, LDL. There are many diverse metabolic pathways that soy blocks oxidation not only of LDL, but does reduce inflammation and regulate gene expression with a favorable response.

I am NOT a biochemist. I am a clinician. I am a healer. I am reporting fact from literature but in my humble clinical opinion, I have seen beneficial effects of soy. Again you must consider the amount of your consumption.

Any protein source including soy can help with the degeneration process of the nervous and skeletal system. Sine soy reduces inflammation, studies are looking at soy and the prevention of osteoporosis. By the way, males also get osteoporosis, not only the post menopausal female. Soy interferes with cytokines, especially IL-6 which do rise as we get older. It does get very biochemical at this point. The important key point is be informed, do the research so you can make a better intellectual decision for yourself.

Yes, that is Spencer resting above. Thanks to Rick for the photograph. I didn't want to put a picture of soy or a female breast.

All this blogging works from the inside out to give you a healthier look. We must also work on the outside. Yes we are a society of wanting to look good. You can do it naturally. I found out first hand last night. You probably are asking to yourself, "What did he do?" I went to see Tracie Martyn. You will fall in love with her and her amazing work. I was mesmerized. Tracie Martyn has the First all Natural Anti-Aging Skincare line with all natural products. See individuals like Tracie and Marius do care about the environment and natural beauty. I work from the inside out, and she works from the outside out affecting the inside. It is magical healing the natural way. Check out
www.traciemartyn.com

Thank you Tracie and Marius
50 to be is the new 30.