Stem Cell Research Used For Breasts!

Stem Cell research is now being used not only to help improve a sick patient's quality of life, but also used for cosmetic purposes.  Breast augmentation or breast enlargement is the latest use of adult stem cells- using a person's own stem cells. 

Available In The United States? Of Course Not

In the U.K. (of course not the United States where the only thing we are first at is implanting embryonic stem cells into rats and celebrating it), Lucy Mead, 23, became the first woman in the U.K. to use stem cell treatment for breast augmentation. 

Before And After Pictures of Stem Cell Breast Augmentation

You can see the "Before Stem Cell Treatment" and "After"  here:

 A First Person Perspective- Stem Cells For Breasts

Lucy, describes the stem cell treatment for her breasts in her own words in this stem cell news article:

The title of the article is aptly named : The stem cell boob job: It takes fat from your thighs to boost your bust - but does it work?

Here is more from Lucy on the results of the stem cell therapy for her breasts using stem cells taken from her own fat--

There wasn’t any bruising on my breasts. They’re noticeably bigger, lifted and more rounded giving a lovely shape in my clothes and they’re the same size as each other now, too.

My clothes definitely feel looser already over my thighs and hips even though it’ll be another few days before all the swelling’s gone down.

Friends tell me my breasts look amazing and, best of all, I know they’ll be with me for good now without fear of any of the complications you can get with implants such as rejection, calcification or even having to have them replaced in a decade’s time. Dr Mike Comins says: Stem cells have drawn a lot of controversy in recent years, mainly in relation to embryos. But they are causing a lot of excitement in the medical industry as there are dozens of uses for them, such as repairing and replacing cells damaged by heart attacks.

The Stem Cell Enriched Breast Augmentation is the first time stem cells have been used in purely cosmetic surgery. It's safe, effective and cost effective. It’s a very natural, organic way of improving the shape and size of the breasts

More on the stem cell procedure:

 

He explained that the procedure would be carried out under local anaesthetic and would involve removing fat from my hips and thighs – where I naturally carry excess fat.

Half of this would then be put through a special machine that extract and condense the stem cells. They would then be mixed with the remaining fat and injected into my breasts.

Dr Comins told me that unlike previous methods of fat transfer which may only last a few months because the fat cells are often absorbed into the blood stream or simply die, the stem cells used in this new process generate their own blood supply once inside the breasts and successfully integrate the fat with the surrounding tissue. The results are totally natural, permanent and instant.

Previously Covered Cosmetic Stem Cell Treatments

We previously covered this treatment before.  Not only is it now being used for cosmetic purposes, but also for women who have had a lumpectomy and want breast reconstruction

Also, it is now being used cosmetically as a safer, less invasive stem cell facelift. 

The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is..

While these are not life-threatening diseases or conditions, it simply further proves that using your own adult stem cells is a safe proposition-  so patients with heart disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.. have nothing to fear from stem cell therapy. 

Trouble With Doctors In Australia

A mother of a young boy with congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy in Australia illustrates that stem cell research ignorance is not limited to only the United States.  In the latest Repair Stem Cell Institute's newsletter, Michaela writes how the doctors (cardiologists)  in Australia have mistreated her son Lee, 16,  and ridiculed the adult stem cell treatment that has already improved Lee's condition greatly.

Adult Stem Cell Therapy Ridiculed

Lee went to Thailand in February 2009 and was treated with his own adult stem cells taken from his blood.  The stem cells were injected into Lee's heart for his congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy.  The therapy has helped Lee and at this time, he is living life like a normal child. 

This is from Michaela (Lee's mother):

For many years I'd taken note of the progress with stem cell research believing this was the road I'd take for Lee but I had no idea it was already being done overseas. If I had known, I would have sought help sooner.  
 
There is very little info being put out in Australia and the Doc's do a great job of dismissing what is there as fantasy. The treatment we have received from the Medical Profession is unbelievable! I have been ridiculed, portrayed as a bad mother and have been threatened with treatment being withheld for Lee if I continued to believe in the ability of stem cells and didn't consent to transplant.

I now take a representative from the Consumer Health Advocate org with me to each appointment just to keep things civil. Lee wasn't born with the condition Dilated Cardiomyopathy, corrective surgeries for Aortic Stenosis is to blame. His case has been one “stuff-up” after another and they'd like nothing more than to sweep him under the carpet and I feel transplant was how they planned to do this. They left him for 11 years with no attempt to fix his valves knowing the heart couldn't continue to work at that rate. 

So far, I haven't put Lee forward as an advocate for stem cell therapy in Australia. I've posted the odd thing on Facebook groups but mostly I have kept quiet. I've just sat back watching him go from strength to strength praying for the day I can put him out there as proof that this is the future in medicine. Lee's heart is still way too big and his EF is low, on paper he's in a bad way. I'm in regular contact with the surgeon Dr Permyos and he has a strong belief that Lee will be successful.

When you get to end stage Congestive Heart Failure you don't have reductions in heart size & BNP and your dependancy on Lasix increases, it doesn't cease. He no longer suffers shortness of breath or palpitations and he plays Squash for school sport. Something is at work David and it's more than wishful thinking! If you think Lee's case may give hope to someone else than I'm prepared to provide you with any info you need. I know Lee was the first child treated for heart failure, maybe others might consider the surgery for their child rather than take the dreaded transplant alternative. I'm so glad I took the chance with stem cell therapy and I'll do it again if I have to. Lee would not be alive and living an active life without it!

Mother Takes Control Of Son's Health Care

Earlier, Michaela had written to Dr. Davis at the Heart Scan Blog  (I slightly changed the title of his post for this post) bemoaning Australia's cardiologists for being uninformed on the issue of nutritional supplements (in particular Vitamin D)  and stem cell research. Most importantly, she reports that her son Lee is doing better thanks to the adult stem cells.  Here is her letter from the Heart Scan Blog :

Hi Dr Davis,

I wrote to you back in July regarding my 15 year old son's need for a Heart Transplant through a failed Ross Repair and the possible Vitamin D connection. You sent me some valuable links and I thank you again for that.

I just wanted to let you know, I think you have given me the answers. I increased Lee's Vitamin D supplement to 6000U a day and, along with the recommended nutritional supplements of US Cardiologist Dr Stephen T Sinatra, there have been remarkable improvements! Lee also had 70 million of his own Adult Stem Cells injected into his heart in February. As we know, Stem Cell Therapy takes time and Lee was looking like time was quickly running out.

I have removed him from the transplant list. He is now reading normal Kidney function, the BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide, a measure of heart failure] has dropped by 7000 and his liver size has reduced to where it no longer causes him discomfort. The liver tests show it's still affected but it's function is improving each month. His last Echo was in early July and there had been a reduction in the size of his heart, which is so important.

To the Doc's, Lee can't get better, there is only transplant or death so you can imagine the surprise on their faces to see him looking and feeling so well with their tests to back it up. Still, even though it's staring them in the face, they don't want to know about it. They have no interest in what supplements he is on or Stem Cell therapy. God help their other patients. I view them in the waiting room and think of them as lambs to the slaughter.

We are not spoiled for choice with Doc's here in Western Australia. I have to take what I can get and there is not many who would take on Lee's case. He was number 1 on the transplant list and a most urgent case. Not many were willing to even look at him with his cardiac history and all I had to help was the arrogant Doc's at the Advanced Heart Failure Unit. They were not at all interested in his secondary hyperparathyroidism. I suppose it didn't matter what else he had compared to his heart problems.

Anyway, I'm writing to thank you. Lee would be transplanted or dead now if it wasn't for Dr's like you sharing their knowledge online. I wish I had researched things years ago, Lee might not have sunk so low if I had. I don't know if the transplant can be held off indefinitely, but like I tell Lee, "Stay well. There are amazing people out there doing amazing things, if you can just hang on. The miracle is around the corner." He's so well, you'd have to see him to believe it. But I have 7 kids and Lee is as physically active and as well as the other 6! For how long he can stay like this, I don't know but if his ejection fraction [a measure of left ventricular strength] can keep climbing and his body gets stronger, I have hope for another attempt at valve replacement.

I'm still shocked and angry that nutritional supplements have never been mentioned in the 15 years I've been dealing with cardiologists. Surely they know about them. I have read through dozens of reports online of the benefits of them--Why haven't they?! Thank God for the online Doc's such as yourself, the valuable info would never make it out of a Doctor's office in Western Australia! I've had to leave my country for Stem Cell therapy and then implore overseas Doc's for advice and information. What does that say for the Australian Medical Profession? Not a lot! They put him in the position he is in yet don't want to help get him out.

I'm so very grateful to you, thank you and God bless.

Michaela

Taking Control Of Your Own Health

Michaela and Lee still face a long battle as though the stem cells have helped Lee tremendously, he is still far from perfectly healthy.  However, it is unfortunate that their battles have been with the doctors, rather than concentrating on Lee's heart.  I imagine there are many of you out there who face similar battles with your doctors who tell you to wait for the long term studies on adult stem cells to be done.  Unfortunately, many of us won't be alive to see the long term results of studies that haven't even started yet.  Do your own research - similar to what Michaela has done.  Be proactive and take control of your health- decide what is right for you. These days, with the internet, all the information is at our fingertips. 

Septo-Optic Dysplasia Is Treatable Now - With Adult Stem Cells

A young girl with Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) can see for the first time after receiving stem cell treatment using cord blood stem cells.  Scarlett Birkmire, 3, from Maryland is further proof that people with Septo-Optic Dysplasia and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) can be helped with adult stem cells.  Previously, before this stem cell therapy was available, people with these conditions were told by their doctors that "there is nothing that can be done" for their child.

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Septo-Optic Dysplasia Helped By Stem Cell Treatment

Scarlett's mother, Rachel first read about a new treatment for optic nerve hypoplasia and septo-optic dysplasia about 1 year ago using adult stem cells in China.  She did plenty of research and contacted multiple families who had previously been to China for the same disease and therapy. 

What Is Septo-Optic Dysplasia?

SOD and ONH are conditions in which the optic nerve fails to develop thus leaving the person blind or with severely limited vision.  Before this stem cell treatment in China was available, there was nothing that doctors could do to help.  Since the therapy was made available, many youngsters like Macie Morse, the young girl from Colorado with ONH who can now drive after the stem cell research and treatment and Lawrence Brown, a young man from Texas who also has improved greatly.

From the stem cell news article:

Two days after the first treatment, Birkmire and her mother noticed that when they went outside, Scarlett would shield her eyes, indicating to them she had light perception. "When we would go for a walk, she was looking up and around instead of looking down," which she typically would do. "She recognized when lights would turn on and off." Scarlett also became fascinated with a child's MP3 player with a small blinking blue light, holding the blinking light up to her eye for long periods of time.

"We spent so much time testing her, to see what she could do and couldn't do," Birkmire said, noting they videotaped some of Scarlett's reactions. "Movement was the next thing we noticed. I started to wave at her; now she waves to herself." Scarlett's crawling improved "because she had a purpose to moving. When you do things like put a toy somewhere, without making any sound or mentioning it, and she finds it ... it's impressive."

Birkmire said there were a lot of emotional moments during their 36-day stay in Qingdao.

Since returning home, Birkmire said Scarlett is a bit more active and has wanted to eat more. Until recently, Scarlett was on a liquid diet. Now she can eat pureed table food, similar to stage 2 or 3 baby foods. "In stores, she reaches for items on shelves, which she never did before. If it's within 2 feet, without hesitation, she finds what she wants."

Remaining optimistic, Birkmire knows it's difficult to test or assess just what level of vision Scarlett may have. Before treatment, Scarlett's right eye "wandered a lot. Now she can focus and (her eyes) can move simultaneously, something impossible for her to do before," Birkmire said, something Scarlett's ophthalmologist also observed during a recent eye exam.

Others Helped By Stem Cell Research Using Cord Blood Stem Cells

Others with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia or Septo-optic Dysplasia who have had similar stem cell success stories are Hayley Pelletier 

Hayley's mother says : It's been incredible," Pelletier said. "Basically, her whole quality of life was just bumped up 110 percent. She's so much happier.

Among many others, there is also Cameron Petersen.  Cameron's grandmother says :

By the third treatment, Cameron was standing on his own and crawling toward objects -- simple tasks he couldn't do before. Now, family members say he can see at least 10 feet, and is attending school.

"Cameron has made huge improvements," said Carol Petersen, the boy's grandmother. "There was nothing for Cameron before this treatment. Now, his world is limitless."

USA Protecting The Blind From Stem Cell Treatment

What is sad is that all these children have to go to China to get help.  The doctors in the USA will tell them there is nothing they can do and try to "protect" them from the new treatment in China by telling them it is unproven.  However, the only thing this accomplishes is to protect them from improving their eyesight.  Until the United States starts treating patients with adult stem cells, these kids will have to go to China and other foreign countries to get the right therapy to improve their quality of life.

Lung Disease Is NOT Untreatable!

Many patients with lung disease, be it COPD, Emphysema, or Pulmonary Hypertension are told by their doctors that their condition is untreatable other than some medication that will help control their symptoms.  Their doctors say that their lungs will never get better.  However, thanks to stem cell research using adult stem cells, lung disease patients now have a chance to improve their condition.

Glenna Irwin- Lung Diseases Kept Her From Singing

Take the case of Glenna Irwin.  Glenna has COPD, Emphysema, Pulmonary Hypertension, and bronchiectasis.  Glenna loved to sing in her church choir.  However, her list of lung diseases kept her so short of breath that she was unable to continue with her love. Even walking without becoming short of breath was too much for her. 

Stem Cell Therapy In The Dominican Republic

Then, Glenna found Dr. Zannos Grekos, a Florida cardiologist, who is also a Science Advisory Board member of the Repair Stem Cell Institute  who treats patients with their own adult stem cells in the Dominican Republic.  Glenna eventually went to the Dominican Republic for the treatment and therapy and she is happy she did.  From the stem cell news article:

Glenna believed that she may have found the answer to her “incurable” lung problems. Glenna noticed a big improvement in her condition two days later, when she was able to walk through the Miami airport without stopping for breath. A week later, she was able to sing in her church choir again. Just eight weeks later, her pulmonologist confirmed that her lung function was much improved.

Stem Cell Process Explained

1. Blood is drawn from the patient's arm, similar to a blood donation
2. The stem cells are then separated from the blood and then multiplied
3. Then, the adult stem cells are implanted into the pulmonary artery using a catheter in a noninvasive procedure- no surgery is needed!

Other Stem Cell Success Stories

We previously featured Barbara Mckean, a COPD, Emphysema patient who is now off oxygen thanks to this stem cell treatment.  Since a patient's own stem cells are used, there are no side effects from a person's own cells.  This is a safe therapy.  

Interested In Stem Cell Therapy?

If you are interested in stem cell therapy for COPD, Emphysema, Pulmonary Hypertension, or perhaps another disease or condition, please email me at don@repairstemcells.org and I will be pleased to assist you.

Stem Cell Research Responsible For Cure of Thalasemmia

A young child has been cured of his Thalasemmia after having a stem cell transplant taken from donated umbilical cord blood (adult stem cells).  Just two months ago, Harshil Nanda had B positive blood and a severe case of Thalasemmia.  Now, 2 months later, after the cord blood stem cells were implanted, Harshil has A + positive blood and no signs of Thalasemmia.

Stem Cell Transplant Changed His Blood Type

In other words, the cord blood stem cells "took over" his blood and changed his blood type completely.  The good folks at the Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI) are responsible for this success.  According to them, this was the second stem cell transplant they did using cord blood stem cells from unrelated donors to cure Thalasemmia.

From the stem cell article:

“This means that unrelated umbilical stem cell transplant can be termed as an established treatment. As they say, first success could be luck but second is science,” said director of bone marrow transplant department at GCRI Dr Sandip A Shah. The transplant was assisted by Dr Kinnari Patel and Dr Kamlesh Shah.

The first success story was of Rishi, a thalassemic major child from Kutch, who was cured by umbilical cord stem cells transplanted from an unrelated donor as he did not have siblings. Harshil is also the only child of his parents.

“While it took three months in Rishi for the donor blood cells to completely take over and change his blood group, Harshil has recovered within two months,” said Dr Shah.

Cord Blood Stem Cells Give Patients A New Option

This is more good news about stem cell research for Thalasemmia.  Before, a bone marrow transplant from a matching donor was the only cure for this terrible disease.  However, finding a matching donor is very difficult.  Now, with donated umbilical cord blood stem cells available, this will increase the chances of Thalasemmia patients getting a stem cell transplant that would most likely save their life.

More Stem Cell Pioneers

We previously featured this young girl, a stem cell pioneer who was cured of her Thalasemmia after receiving cord blood stem cells taken from her newborn brother's umbilical cord. 

Stem Cell Treatment Information

If you are interested in stem cell treatment information for Thalasemmia or perhaps another disease or condition, please write me an email at don@repairstemcells.org and put TREATMENT in the subject line.