Can Mammograms and Thermograms Diagnose Cancer?

Photo: Grateful thanks to Jamie Street on Unsplash!

Here’s a potpourri of information for health seekers wanting to stay cancer-free, as well as those seeking adjunctive support while undergoing traditional treatment. We also can’t resist including a catalog of exciting new health-enhancing products we offer in our clinic.

Mammograms and Thermograms Are Not Diagnostic

I sometimes receive calls from prospective patients hoping to be reassured that if their breast thermography report is normal, it means they definitely do not have cancer.

Sadly, this is not an assurance I can give them. Breast thermograms do not diagnose cancer (nor do mammograms, MRIs, or ultrasounds).

Drs. Marcel & Connie Hernandez, ND
Drs. Marcel & Connie Hernandez, ND

I can only join millions of women in hoping that an easy, quick diagnostic tool will soon be found for diagnosing cancers of all kinds. However, at this point in time, the only reliable instrument diagnosing for breast cancer is a breast biopsy. 

What breast thermograms do – and mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds cannot – is tell us if there’s a physical difference between one breast and the other.

The difference is indicated by increased heat and/or disrupted vasculature. The heat suggests increased metabolic activity which may accompany injury, inflammation, or – yes –cancer.

The breast thermogram can alert us that a breast health program may be indicated, or that it may be time for additional diagnostics to clarify what’s happening.

Breast thermography is offered most Wednesdays at Pacific Naturopathic. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

Read more about breast thermography at Pacific Naturopathic here.

What We Offer at the Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care

There is light in the darkness!

Our cancer patients frequently ask us for an estimate of the effectiveness of the therapies we offer at the Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care.

We reply that our entire focus is on helping our patients stay healthy, upbeat and positive while being treated by traditional medical means.

The truth is that the botanical and nutritional therapies we offer, including the use of intravenous vitamin C, although “adjunctive” by definition, have powerful, documented actions in decreasing inflammation, reducing tumor load, and attacking cancer stem cells.

Our mind/body approaches are focused on helping our patients achieve the best possible quality of life and transform the difficult experience of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Our bodywork approaches help reduce muscular pain, resolve lymph drainage problems, and relieve stress.

The hope we offer is not that of a miraculous cure, although we are definitely open to miracles, but the hope of a life lived to the fullest in dignity and understanding, for however long that may be.

Recommended by Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel…

We’re delighted to offer a selection of unique health-enhancing products, most of which are not available anywhere else in the Bay Area.

ANANDA FARMS CAMANO ISLAND PRODUCTS

COMFREY OIL – Comfrey has strong anti-inflammatory properties, repairs soft tissues, and promotes new cell growth. (Apply directly to skin to treat sprains, bruises, broken bones, arthritis, and tender joints and muscles.) Comfrey helps dissolve scar tissue and repair skin. Many people have reported success  using comfrey to aid the healing process after surgery.

Harvest time at Ananda Farm on Camano Island, Washington.

FIRST AID SPRAY – This blend of native and garden plants has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and helps stop bleeding and promote rapid healing. Use on fresh cuts and scrapes, burns, and bug bites. Also, spray on feet to treat and help prevent fungus.

TOOTH POWDER – A cleansing powder for your teeth and mouth. Use as an alternative to toothpaste. Orange peel and baking soda help whiten teeth, baking soda and sea salt create an alkaline environment in the mouth, and sage and clove are healing for the gums.

OXYMEL – Oxymel is just a simple combination of apple cider vinegar, honey, and powerful antioxidant herbs. Oxymel can help keep your immune system strong and assist your body’s own natural protection and detoxification processes. One teaspoon taken before bed helps prevent cramps.

DEODORANT – A simple, effective deodorant powder. Baking soda absorbs odors, and herbs provide a naturally fresh scent.

LAVENDER AIR FRESHENER – A pure lavender hydrosol copper distilled at Ananda Farm – use as an air freshener, body mist, or natural glass cleaner.

MORE HEALING PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT OUR OFFICE

POMEGRANATE SEED OIL – Locallly produced and bottled. Pomegranate seed oil is currently being studied by various independent labs and government agencies. Pomegranate seed oil is an excellent source of conjugated alpha-linoleic acid. The NIH says, “The phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of all Punica granatum components suggest a wide range of clinical applications for the treatment and prevention of cancer, as well as other diseases where chronic inflammation is believed to play an essential etiologic role.” The oil is also useful in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, antibiotic resistance, radiation-induced skin damage, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, etc.

REXEME CREAM – RexEme cream should be in every home pharmacy, for its extensive, effective dermatological healing properties. Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel bring it along during their frequent travels. Formulated with therapeutic ingredients in a base of lanolin and mineral oil, it is a powerful moisturizer and is greaseless and easy to apply. At Pacific Naturopathic, we’e prescribed it for countless skin conditions, from itching and dryness to rashes and chronic skin problems.

SITA’S TURMERIC PASTE – Sita’s Turmeric Paste is made according to Ayurvedic principles. Blended to a pleasant taste, it’s completely safe and highly effective for relieving inflammations and joint pain. It’s  also a general tonic, immune booster, and an excellent aid for getting the full benefits of turmeric and curcumin. Sita’s Turmeric Paste comes in a base of ghee or coconut oil. The 7-oz jar will last five weeks – no refrigeration required.

GOLDEN MILK – Each packet contains enough Hawaiian-grown, organic turmeric powder to make 10-12 cups of delicious golden milk. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Studies have shown that it causes cancer cell death. (Golden milk recipe is included with the packet.)

NANOGREENS – In just one serving of this powerful vegetable powder supplement you get the antioxidant power of 10 servings of vegetables from 55 different ingredients. Nanogreens is a true powerhouse of nutrition and wellness in convenient form. Make a delicious strawberry smoothie with this leafy-green supplement to ensure that your body is receiving the nutrients it needs to function properly.

NANOLEAN – Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel have two servings of this remarkable supplement every day at the office. It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you’re feeling and oncoming “crash” of the mid-day or mid-afternoon slump. A light, refreshing beverage that helps keep you feeling full, Nanolean curbs cravings, increases metabolism and energy, and helps control stress. It’s been clinically proven to reduce body fat when taken twice a day. The makers describe it as a “secret weapon” for any weight-loss or maintenance plan.

NANAOREDS – A high-antioxidant product with resveratrol, packed with superfoods and vegetables. It has a delightful natural berry taste. Only 45 calories a serving.

BULLETPROOF COFFEE – Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel drink Bulletproof every morning to kickstart their metabolism. The proprietary Bulletproof Process optimizes every step of making coffee that’s optimized for performance, by minimizing the odds of performance-robbing mold toxins. (Ingesting mold toxins can contribute to chronic health issues.) Bulletproof Upgraded Coffee Beans are grown at high altitude on single estates in Guatemala, hand-harvested, carefully processed, and handled and roasted to maintain maximum integrity and flavor. The final roast then undergoes proprietary lab testing to verify that it meets Bulletproof’s demanding standards of purity and quality.

BRAIN OCTANE – Jump-start your day by blending Upgraded Coffee with Bulletproof Brain Octane and grass-fed, unsalted butter to energize your mind and body, hour after hour. You’ll feel the Bulletproof difference with your first cup.

COLLAGEN PROTEIN – Upgraded Collagen is the gold standard for achieving the fastest possible healthy tissue repair, muscle matrix maintenance, bone renewal, and recovery after exercise! It can boost mental clarity, reduce inflammation, upgrade your skin – and it mixes really well with other foods and shakes, thanks to its neutral taste.

EMPYREAN GUARD – When you urgently need immune defense, you need something that’s reliable, fast-acting, and safe. The combination of herbs in Empyrean Guard deliver an impressive array of potent immuno-modulating and tonifying herbs that are effective at preventing infection and boosting your immune defenses.

DEPTHS OF MOKU – If you have trouble sleeping, we urge you to look no further. Herbal supplements for occasional sleeplessness often contain just one or two herbs that may not always work for everyone, or may have side effects that accumulate with frequent use. This is why Depths of Muku™ includes multiple calming, soothing, and sleep-inducing herbs that are more likely to help than harm. It’s a potent blend that has yet to disappoint us.

SOVEREIGN MIND – Sovereign Mind is a mental powerhouse formula created to help stimulate cognitive function, improve circulation to and from the brain, and invigorate creative potential.

FUR-LI’S-FIRE – An energizing tonic unlike any other, Fur-Li’s Fire contains multiple types of ginseng, fortified with cordyceps and fo-ti. Regain control of your faculties with this subtly transformative treasure.

MAGMA – There are plenty of reasons why sexual health can diminish with age, stress, and other factors. But whether your lack of libidois is due to exhaustion or a serious hormonal imbalance, Magma offers safe herbal support. This mix of beloved love tonics and sensual herbs can help spark a healthy blaze of desire and fulfillment.

HOMEBIOTIC – An all-natural spray for restoring a beneficial bacterial microbiome in the home. One application covers 1000 sq ft and lasts six months.

CACOCO DRINKING CHOCOLATE – CACOCO is an organic vegan drinking chocolate made of ethically sourced whole cacao beans and blended with superfood herbs and spices. Our molten chocolate vitality elixirs have been known to inspire euphoric experiences and are perfect for adding to your morning ritual or enjoying as a healthy, wholesome afternoon pick-me-up.

METAGENICS ULTRA PROTEIN BAR – A delicious meal replacement or snack that’s ideal for those trying to increase protein and fiber intake and limit consumption of sugar. Delivers 20 grams of soy/whey protein and 8 grams of fiber.

COCOIMMUNE BAR – A delicious, nutrition-packed functional food bar made with antioxidant-rich, dark chocolate coating and a moist, creamy filling containing generous amounts of immune-supportive coconut and coconut oil. Cocommune Bar offers a blend of healthy fibers and natural sweeteners in careful balance for those with GI sensitivities. It’s free of gluten, dairy, sucrose, fructose, and yields just three net carbohydrates per bar.

FINDING HAPPINESS, THE MOVIE – Finding Happiness is a deeply inspirational and entertaining Hollywood-produced film with an award-winning director, cinematographer and producer. The film stars Elisabeth Rohm (Law & Order, Angel, American Hustle, Joy) as a skeptical reporter who interacts with the members of the Ananda communities. Shot on location in the U.S., India, and Italy. Strongly recommended.