Healing Beyond the Prescription
How Cannabis Seltzers Transformed My Experience with Cancer, Colitis, & Chronic Pain
From Cancer to Calm: How Cannabis Transformed My Journey with HER-2 Breast Cancer and Colitis
Imagine facing the daunting diagnoses of HER-2 breast cancer and colitis—conditions that wreak havoc on both the body and spirit. For many, such news would be overwhelming, but for this extraordinary 70-year-old woman, it became the beginning of a remarkable transformation. At the heart of her journey is cannabis, a once-foreign remedy that turned her pain, anxiety, and digestive struggles into manageable hurdles rather than insurmountable roadblocks. In this raw and honest conversation, she reveals the hesitation that gave way to hope, and the unexpected healing she found through cannabis. Her story is more than a testament to the power of this plant; it's a beacon of resilience and a reminder that sometimes, the most profound relief comes from the least expected places. Through her experience, we uncover the life-changing potential of cannabis, especially when conventional treatments reach their limits.
Understanding HER-2 Breast Cancer and Colitis:
HER-2 breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that affects about 1 in 5 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The cancer cells produce too much of a protein called HER-2, which makes the cancer grow and spread faster than other types of breast cancer. While treatments like chemotherapy and targeted drugs can be effective, they often come with significant side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and weakened immune function. Managing HER-2 breast cancer can be a difficult and emotional journey, as treatments may not always work as well as hoped, leading many to explore additional therapies, such as cannabis, to help with symptoms.
Colitis, on the other hand, is a condition where the lining of the colon becomes inflamed, leading to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping. It can make daily activities exhausting and uncomfortable, often requiring strict dietary changes and medications to control the inflammation. Like many inflammatory conditions, colitis doesn’t always respond predictably to standard treatments, leaving patients searching for alternative solutions to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. For many, including this patient, cannabis has offered a pathway to relief when traditional options fell short.
Dr C: Your experience with HER-2 breast cancer and colitis has undoubtedly and forever shaped your journey with health. Can you share how cannabis has helped you manage coping with these conditions, particularly with the anxiety and muscle pain that often accompany them?
When diagnosed with breast cancer, I really didn't know or use cannabis as treatment. It wasn't until I fractured my kneecap in a million and one places and was put on oxycodone for the pain. I'm a person who doesn't even like taking a Tylenol. So, my friend brought me capsules which she bought from the dispensary to try. They were wonderful and better still natural ingredients. They didn't make me high but took away the pain. And also calmed my nerves which would relax my stomach.
Dr C: Nausea and vomiting and gastritis can be incredibly debilitating, especially within the context of cancer treatment. How has cannabis impacted your ability to cope with these symptoms, and are there specific products or methods of consumption that have worked best for you?
I still drink the sletzers today and I'll vape once in a while especially if I start to feel anxious. So, I feel because I still consume them, I have no nausea or vomiting. These seltzers have also turned me away from that occasional glass of wine. I will bring them if I'm going to a friend's house for a party etc. I really wish restaurant could sell them. I actually ordered a Shirley temple when I was out to dinner.
Dr C: Your story about resolving gastritis, especially after it perplexed even your PCP and the ER docs, and despite antibiotics, is remarkable. Can you walk me through what happened, including the hospitalization and scans that showed the complete resolution of your gastritis? Spend some time outlining your thoughts about how cannabis contributed to your recovery?
When I was diagnosed in the emergency ward with colitis on 11/06/22, after having a CT scan with Contrast I was devastated. I thought how? why? The doctor drew me a sketch of the findings, showing the difference between diverticulitis placement and colitis. I was in so much pain and had been unable to eat due to diarrhea for four days 24/7. I was sure I had the flu. I was admitted to the hospital overnight on IV fluids and antibiotics by mouth also.I was discharged the next day and researched what foods/diet I was to eat. All low fiber. But still in stomach pain and also had that feeling in my stomach you get when you are nervous, and all the muscles tighten up. Along with the occasional dry heaving. I thought back on the capsules I had taken for my knee! I found a 1-1 vape of THC and CBD by Happy Valley. I started to use the vape to calm down my stomach which worked like a miracle.
It relaxed me which calmed down my stomach. Then I discovered Wynk Seltzers with THC and CBD. This even seemed to work better than the vape. Although, after a while the CBD seemed to be a bit more than needed. Thats when I found Levia which contain THC and have some very good flavors. These where my go to that quieted my stomach and my nerves down all the while allowing me to function and not feel high just relaxed. Also, they had one called Dream and that helped with my sleep.My PCP scheduled a colonoscopy on 7/14/23 eight months after my Colitis diagnoses. I usually do the Cologuard but my PCP stated since I was diagnosed with colitis I needed to have a colonoscopy. When it was all said and done and I was in recovery the nurse came in and stated, ok you are all set everything was fine and we shall see you in 10 years! I said but, what about my colitis? She stated It was not found!! I know, it was the cannabis that healed me. Colitis doesn't just go away, and I have not had any reoccurrence. But then again, I still drink them today.
Dr C: Managing multiple health conditions can be overwhelming. How has cannabis helped you find balance in your day-to-day life, particularly in managing anxiety and other symptoms?
Cannabis allows me to relax, and it gives me and over all calmness. Things that use to get me in a tailspin now just roll off my back. I can sit and absorb my next step-in my health. It actually gives me clarity.
Dr C: Given your experience, what have you found to be the most surprising or unexpected benefit of using cannabis? Have there been any challenges or misconceptions you’ve had to address?
I've found people are not that educated about cannabis and its benefits. They think you're going to be all spaced out and so stoned you can't function. That is not true at all if you use it properly. I have this friend who drinks beer. We were at a cookout, and he asked if I wanted a beer? I said oh no I have my drink, and he stated oh yea you drink cannabis. Then said but I can control my alcohol. I said not as well as I can control cannabis which is so true.
Dr C: For someone who might be skeptical about cannabis, especially for complex health issues like those you’ve faced, what would you say to them based on your own experiences?
I would tell them to do research for themselves, as I did. I feel cannabis has been used way back with the Indians. I know it sounds crazy, but I do tell people, what do you think they smoked in the peace pipe? And actually, it does or has made people think! It's a natural remedy for so many ailments
Dr C: Looking back on your journey, is there a particular moment or breakthrough that stands out as especially significant in your use of cannabis for health and healing?
Yes, the moment they said my colitis was gone! To me that is a miracle and it's all because of the seltzers I drank. Nobody can tell me any different!
Thank You!
Dr C: It has been an honor to listen to this brave woman's journey, filled with resilience, self-discovery, and hope. Her experience with cannabis not only transformed her pain management but also shifted her perspective on life’s challenges. Her willingness to embrace a once unfamiliar treatment opened doors to healing that she never anticipated. If you or someone you know is facing similar health struggles, her story serves as a beacon, encouraging others to keep exploring and remain open to alternative treatments. Please feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, and let’s continue supporting each other in the pursuit of better health and well-being.
Far too long has organic medicines been thrown under the rug and left ignored and hated by those in power
For the organic medicines of our world connect us with it and those around. An organic provided by the earth is criminal but a synthetic created by man is prescription.
It is what it is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ some people were told by doctors they'd be immobile and die. Cannabis was discovered and those doctors are keeping patients sick while the organics somehow "cure".
You can't make money if you cure you patients. Big Pharma is behind the stigma. but I just don't understand the reason behind the stigma. Cannabis brought Ohio 11Million within the first couple weeks now implement a % of cannabis tax income to the medical research but that can't happen with how unregulated cannabis is. In CA alone 200k products with known Pesticides were left on the shelves earlier this year. Governor and the people who are meant to regulate cannabis just took 10% of the products off the shelves and left the rest for us to consume. What a joke the United States are. America died with JFK.
Later this week, I'll be publishing a podcast episode with this Amazing woman.
For anyone who wants a sneak preview:
https://youtu.be/P12d3wKB3F8