It’s officially BHAM month again, Healing Divas. This stands for Breast Health Awareness Month and it happens every October. I decided to rename “Pink Month” to this a few years ago and the movement has really taken off!
If you are on the Healthy Breast path [1], then you know that every day is your opportunity to be and do your best. However, October is your chance to reflect, refocus and turn up the dial on your commitment to yourself and your health.
Best-selling author Dr. Nasha Winters refers to a “Trifecta” of regular basic blood tests as a must do for everyone on a healing journey with Breast Cancer [1]. Even if you already know about these tests, sometimes a gentle reminder about the basics of our journey is a good place to start as we gear up for new possibilities.
CRP, ESR and LDH: The “Trifecta” of Tests
Dr. Nasha Winters, best-selling author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer and CEO of Optimal Terrain Consulting, recommends three vital blood tests that anyone healing from cancer should get done at least every quarter. According to Winters, they may be able help you determine if you are “cancering” (active cancer) or not:
C-Reactive Protein (CRP). The CRP test [2] determines the level of overall inflammation in your body. For a long time, CRP was just used as a marker for heart disease, but now research has shown that it is also a critical marker for cancer. In addition, is also known to be a cause of inflammation as well. CRP is a protein that is synthesized in the liver and is also produced by immune system and fat cells. High CRP has been connected to lower survival rates among cancer patients [2].
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). This is a long name for a fairly simple and relatively inexpensive test. The ESR test [3] also measures inflammation levels that may be caused by infection, autoimmune conditions or cancer tumors. It does this by looking at the “clumping rate” of red blood cells. As far back as the late 1999’s, research has indicated a correlation between high ESR levels and cancer [4].
Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH). LDH is an enzyme that is found in all living cells. The LDH test [5] measures how much LDH is in the blood. It correlates with tissue damage in most major organs as well as in the blood cells and muscles. High levels of LDH are associated with various dis-eases such as liver, heart and cancer . According to a 2016 report [6] published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, high levels of serum LDH is a bio-marker for Breast Cancer.
Why would I need to get these tests done every three months? you may ask. According to Dr. Winters:
“Laboratory assessments allow us to glimpse into the physiologic function of our bodies. Lab results are the best way to know if the approaches we’re taking are working or not. They are an essential checkpoint for understanding our body’s unique reactions to medications, diet, supplements, lifestyle change, and even emotional events. The data we get from labs can empower, compel, and motivate us.”
We all know that tests aren’t everything. They do not define your journey nor you. The snapshots they give, however, can provide you with vital clues as you navigate what your next steps may be on your healing path.
A Challenge for You During BHAM Month
During the month of October, I encourage you to get these tests done if you haven’t had them done within the last three months. It can give you some insights as to how your body is responding 
and progressing. If your doctor is not willing to order these tests for you or if you do not have a practitioner that you are currently consulting with, you can order these tests directly from my web site [7].
Take the time to reflect on your healing journey with Breast Cancer so far. Appreciate how far you have come since your initial diagnosis! Focus on creating vibrant health versus “killing the cancer”. BHAM month is a great time to go within, re-prioritize and re-energize as this year winds down and a next one soon begins. Here are some questions to get you started:
#1. What actions can you take this month to really take your health to the next level?
#2. Are there aspects of your health journey that you need to learn more about?
#3. Is there one particular Essential from the 7 Essentials System® that you would like to focus on?
#4. How are you are doing right now physically, emotionally, mentally and spirituality? Is there one area that may need a little more love and attention than you are currently giving it? If so, what can you do this month to provide that for yourself? For example, if you are feeling emotionally drained, how can you give yourself some self-nurturing [8] in order to feel renewed again?
BHAM month is a great time to get excited and celebrate your empowered selves– who are you now and who are you becoming. You can DO THIS! I am right there with you!!
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr V”) is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror.com and The 7 Essentials System®. This step-by-step guide empowers you with knowledge so you Never Have to Fear Breast Cancer Again! To watch a FREE webinar about the 7 steps for beating breast cancer naturally, Click Here [9]