Just some opinions on this topic_ Suzanne Sommers

This topic is VERY hot with a lot of my friends right now as well as in the house. I watched her on Kathie and Hoda on NBC , and to be honest Im not buying it. I just feel with all the resources she has for treatment and such, and she was really advanced with her breast cancer the first time, I just really cant confine to believe she did this this way. I also disliked her remarks on Patrick Swazye. Most of my friends agree with me on this.
But im curious what others think?

Suzanne Somers, Cancer & Controversy
Actress Discusses New Book, "Knockout," on Alternatives to Chemotherapy

CBS) Actress Suzanne Somers is known for her roles on "Three's Company" and "Step By Step," as well as her exercise and diet plans. But for cancer research?

In her new book, "Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who are Curing Cancer and How to Prevent Getting It," Somers shares what she describes as "groundbreaking and successful cancer prevention and care protocols incorporating chemo-free options that are available now."

Somers herself has stared cancer in the face -- including a shattering scare last November of "full-body cancer."

"For six days, six doctors confirmed I had inoperable cancer. I went into that valley of fear. I saw my death, it was horrible," Somers said.

Somers later learned she had been misdiagnosed. But, during the time Somers thought she had cancer, she spoke with several doctors and patients about their various treatments. She turned her research turned into a book about their responses, particularly the alternative treatments available for cancer patients.

The book has proven highly controversial, and she said she's been attacked by doctors for promoting treatments that avoid chemotherapy.

By abbaschild
Posted October 21, 2009 at 4:00 pm
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You know what? I've ordered her book and look forward to reading it. I'm very open to anything that might help me to live!

As for all the doctors condemning the book, I look at it this way...it's their business...and there are lots of doctors who aren't condemning it.

My own family doctor told me cancer treatments should be farther along than they are now...he also said "chemotherapy is archaic" ...his own words. A poll was done with doctors about what they would do if they or their family members got cancer and the majority of them said they wouldn't get chemotherapy.

There is also a man who had many family members on both sides of his family dying of cancer and decided he probably would be contracting cancer in the very near future so he started researching everything he could about cancer, possible causes, treatments, etc. and ended up publishing a book entitled "Cancer Step Outside The Box" that is very enlightening. His name is Ty Bollinger and he was a body builder. I highly recommend this book and have even bought it for both my daughters in law and they've recommended it to their friends.

Many people are researching cancer for their own benefit to find out what they can do to better fight this disease. As far as what Suzanne said about Patrick, she has apologized for her remarks that have hurt his family. And then you go on.

So, for me, education is very important and could possibly save my life...and I've continued to educate myself since my diagnosis.

If someone wants to have chemotherapy, that is their right. If someone wants to have alternative treatments, that is also their right. Some do chemo and alternative treatments. Some of us have changed our diets to give our bodies the maximum ability to fight this disease.

I can't wait for her book to come!! I'll read it over a novel any day :)

Blessings and hugs!!!

By youngmom
Posted October 21, 2009 at 5:54 pm
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I too am open to alternative treatments and I am interested in her book. I did get an e-mail from Dr. Nick Gonzalez, one of the alternative doctors she interviewed for her book. The e-mail stated that he, and other doctors in the book, were interviewed for a Larry King show that was originally supposed to air on MOnday night (got bumped because of the balloon boy story) and is now scheduled to air Friday night. I plan on watching and taking in all I can. To echo Abbaschild, chemotherapy is a proven failure - very low cure rate - so we need to open our eyes to things that may possibly work just as well, if not better.

By Artemis
Posted October 22, 2009 at 6:20 am
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I thought what Suzanne said about Patrick Swayze was very hurtful and possibly dangerous. I have a hard time paying attention to someone whose face has had so much plastic surgery that I cannot recognize her, too.

By FavoriteAunt
Posted October 22, 2009 at 7:09 am
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I am really sick of celebrities who think they can pontificate on political and medical issues. As far as I am concerned, Suzanne Sommers has absolutely no credibility and she should stick to what she does - and I'm not sure what that is. Making money probably - diets, exercise equipment and now books.

Her comments on Patrick Swayze were mean and uncaring. He handled his illness in a very classy way, which is why she doesn't know how to comment on it. Fame (however earned) gives them a platform, which they otherwise would never have. I personally don't care what she thinks - about this or anything - and woudl never let her affect my life in any way

By Shearaw
Posted October 22, 2009 at 12:20 pm
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I so wish there was a viable proven non- chemo alternative! One that is in clinical trial right now is IV Vitamin C. Until then, I am leery of celebs touting cures in books designed to benefit themselves financially. I have much more respect for celebs who put their money, time, and effort into research advocacy.

As for Ms. Sommers, how can I believe someone who sold a postmenopause 'cure' that was loaded with phytoestrogens...the same substances which are linked to many breast and ovarian cancers! I saw her questioned about this several years ago on The View, and her answers were not at all convincing.

My two cents.

By verbena
Posted October 22, 2009 at 1:03 pm
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I'm kind of with FavoriteAunt on this one. Becoming famous for doing sitcoms doesn't really make you an expert on things medical. I have no idea what she said about Swayze, although I thought he handled everything far better than I have handled my own cancer without public scrutiny. I'm quite sure I do alot more whining :)

As for the concept of alternative approaches, i'm sure that diet/exercise can have very positive affects on cancer treatment, but I would hate to think that anyone would make a decision for their own treatment based on one book written by a non-expert. After all, nearly all the data on alternative (supplemental/herbal/diet) methods only have anecdotal evidence in support of their ability to cure. Chemotherapy is clearly not a failure if it has a cohesively documented cure rate for any cancer. I might be statistically staring at a 20% shot at surviving 5 years for example, but that does mean that 1 out of 5 do live and that's not zero.

ultimately, we all have to decide what is right for ourselves but I think it would be in everyone's best interest to consider all options from the most knowledgeable sources available, a sitcom star doesn't really strike my as one such source.

what is full-body cancer anyways and how is that misdiagnosed? that makes no sense to me lol

By abbaschild
Posted October 22, 2009 at 2:35 pm
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I am really appalled at the way some have said such unkind things about another fellow cancer victim here on our website!! Suzanne isn't the only one who is presenting this information...all you have to do is research it for yourself. I guess that means that when some of us who have cancer (who, by the way, aren't "experts" either) have decided to go to alternative therapies instead of chemotherapy which is the standard treatment (God forbid we go against the standard!)..that we should be made fun of and mocked.

I really thought this was an understanding community of sisters here who are trying to live!...not tear down others...who can accept that each of us have the right to make our own decisions as to how we want to be treated. This is still America, is it not?

My goodness, I don't agree with some treatments lots of our sisters are getting but I wouldn't think of persecuting them for it. I would LOVE to hear that one of our sisters here was cured from this cancer by taking advantage of an alternative treatment! I would LOVE to hear that one of our sisters here was cured from this cancer by any new treatment that was found! How can we know except that we try it? Isn't that what these trials are for that so many are involved in?

We are women who have cancer, and we should take a minute to thank God we're still here and fighting to live! Keep trying. Keep fighting. After all, we're all worth it :)

Blessings and hugs!!!

By verbena
Posted October 22, 2009 at 2:55 pm
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I hope you don't think i was tearing anyone down. all i was saying is that someone famous writing a book shouldn't be the only source someone should use when deciding on the treatment plan they should pursue. there are a number of people on this site who have mentioned the experts they have turned to, people who have made a career out of looking at these alternative treatments and that makes far more sense to me.

I don't consider myself an expert on anything, that's why consulting those who are is the best method in my opinion for making these big decisions, whether that person is a physician or a trained naturopath. Anyone can interview various experts and write a book, but wouldn't going straight to the experts make more sense?

By lifeisgrand
Posted October 22, 2009 at 4:10 pm
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I also don't think anyone was trying to put alternative ideas down. We all make our own decisions about the course we will take. We just don't go and write a book about it and publicly criticize other cancer victims for choosing a medical approach. If it was as simple as diet alone then why go to the doctor for treatment at all. There are other alternative books out there such as AntiCancer written by a profession with some expertise as a patient and a physician.

By Brown_Eyes
Posted October 22, 2009 at 4:45 pm
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I probably shouldn't say anything at all, but it seems like we all need to take a deep breath here :) It just seems like we all have enough going on without using our emotional energy to get this worked up :)

By Cheryl4Teal
Posted October 22, 2009 at 7:27 pm
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I really just wanted to see what folks thougt out of my own family and friends, its a close topic around me cause I have cancer, I got to say I dont put down folks who do alternative medicine but FavoriteAunt and verbana and a few oters made great points ere.
If people want to do alternative medicine its a personal coice, my choice and only mine.
its interesting cause a lot of us were talking about tis today when I wer=nt for treamtnent and the results in that group really dislike er approach and were mad at her for the swazye remark . i think it was tacky and bad taste on her part.

As for Ms. Sommers, how can I believe someone who sold a postmenopause 'cure' that was loaded with phytoestrogens...the same substances which are linked to many breast and ovarian cancers! I saw her questioned about this several years ago on The View, and her answers were not at all convincing.
Shearaw thats a good point. I often thought of that.

By ohmama123
Posted October 22, 2009 at 9:32 pm
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I'll add my two cents - just another opinion.... and this is JUST my opinion - I am trying not to offend anyone.
*stepping on soapbox*
I think that cancer sucks. I do not believe in any conspiracy theories that state that the ACS has found a cure but are holding out because cancer is a money maker. I DO believe however that companies/spokespeople/scumbags will make empty promises that by following "X" protocol your cancer can be cured, and sadly many cancer patients fall victim to these empty promises.

I also believe that the MOST IMPORTANT protocol to follow is the one that YOU believe in. If YOU have faith in your treatment, if YOU have hope, if YOU have the fight in you to follow whatever your inner voice tells you, then you are following the best treatment possible for YOU.

I think Suzanne Sommers has added value to the cancer community by raising awareness of alternative treatments - from my understanding she did not offer personal diet or treatment advice in her book, however gathered a collection of opinions from alternative doctors. And if she ends up being one of the scumbags promoting an empty promise, then she is the one that has to look in the mirror and deal with it. No one is being forced to buy her book. She did apologize to Patrick Swayze's family for her opinionated comments. And she is a cancer survivor - over 10 years from what I understand. What a success!

As for me, the best book I have read is The Anti-Cancer Revolution by Dr. David Serbin Schreiber (spelled wrong?) which offers an approach which combines Western culture medical efforts (chemo) with Eastern methods of alternative treatments. But that is just my path.
*stepping off soapbox*
I think its important for us to all have a place to voice our opinions. Thank you everyone for the discussion.

By tyke2you
Posted October 22, 2009 at 10:48 pm
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Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts. I think it is important to express ourselves on "hot" topics because there is always something we learn. Thanks for posting it Cheryl4teal.

Just look at the book recommends.

I am not and never have been a "fan" of SS, but who hasn't said something that has turned out to be hurtful. Just the other day I was standing in line for my RX when the adult son of a man was critizing the way his dad's hair looked. The dad snaped back, "At least I have hair!" At the same time he turned to glair at his son, he saw me in my scarf, without hair. I know he just wanted to crawl into a crack. I smiled and tried to send him a look of understanding. I kinda think that is what Patrick did -- he's a class act.

I AM a big fan of Patrick S. and admire his strength, courage and determination in fighting cancer. HE is the roll model and a light in a very dim day.

Love to all you sisters.

T2Y

By MiDolcheVida
Posted October 23, 2009 at 10:45 am
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Ditto Lifeisgrand!

Suzanne Somers is not an expert here and don't think it is appropriate for her to write a book - even if it is to give a 'referral' or 'advice' on alternative options to fighting the big 'C'. Afterall, she hasn't walked the walk to talk about it. I think her book is just another way to gain public attention. I'm a strong advocate of alternative options/medicine along with consulting with highly trained professionals in the area of dx.'g and treating 'C'

Let the professionals/expert & the folks with the appropriate credential write the book - you know, the one' that have those extra little initials at the end of their name.

By Jen457
Posted October 23, 2009 at 12:48 pm
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I am not a fan of Suzanne Sommers but I respect her right to chose the treatment that is right for her. She should be able to go on TV, write a book, or whatever she wants to do but I do not have to agree with it. Who knows, part of what she is advocating may work? And she is a cancer survivor or is it just plain darn luck? I would never chose the path she has choosen and I am sure that she would never chose the path I have choosen. Do I roll my eyes or grimace over some of the things she says? Heck yes! But once she chose the non-traditional path, some people want to know what she is doing--maybe her celebrity or money found a cure that has not been released for whatever reason--conspiracy theory here. What I find interesting is that she did almost the exact opposite of what medical science tells us to do and years later she is still around to talk about it. That part blows me away. Again, I do not agree with her but I find it interesting.

By Cancergrrl
Posted October 23, 2009 at 12:54 pm
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Suzanne Sommers has absolutely no business telling anybody how to cure cancer, or commenting on the treatment options chosen by anyone else. She only wants to make money and maintain her questionable status as a "celebrity."

She would be better off going on Dancing with the Stars, if they would have her.

By agg22
Posted October 23, 2009 at 3:20 pm
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Hi,
This is not meant as a pro or a con against alternative cancer treatments, but Suzanne Somers had breast cancer and underwent lumpectomy and radiation. I don't know what stage or subtype she had but for many early stage breast cancers, lumpectomy and radiation may be sufficient. They may have offered her chemo for extra "insurance" but the fact that she is still around is not to say that chemo is unnecessary.

THe problem I have with this, is that people can extrapolate her experience to other cancers that may actually require chemo or more aggressive treatments.
I wish we could a rational evidence-based approach to alternative treatments and how they complement traditional Western medicine - rather than celebrity books and such.
I agree with some of the other posters above, I think it's wonderful when traditional doctors are educated about other forms of therapy - after all just 10 -20 years ago, people dismissed acupuncture, yoga, curcumin etc - now we know they have benefit in certain settings.

By melf
Posted October 23, 2009 at 3:41 pm
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I cannot comment on either treatments effectiveness with any certainty...what I can say with absolute certainty is that I would not purchase anything that Suzanne Sommers endorses. I dont see her as an authority on ANYTHING (not even plastic surgery).

I am not saying thatwhat she is touting is bologna and there might very well be some credibility in it but to say one is better than another and to make such comments about someone who faught with dignity and in his own way is a heck of a way to try to promote your "product".

Just my 2 cents
Melissa

By susangolfer
Posted October 23, 2009 at 5:13 pm
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I love the Anticancer approach. I am NED since July, began the anticancer in Sept. Am not strict, but am doing the best I can. Have added some 1000 units of Vitamen D and the coQ10. How about you? Susan

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