Published on December 21, 2017
Barbara Haplea
Married 52 years, 3 sons, 4 grandchildren
75 years old
Huron, Ohio
Interview conducted February 2016
How did you hear about GrassrootsHealth?
How did you hear about GrassrootsHealth?In August 2009 I found a lump in my breast, even though I had no history of cancer in my family. I had always been healthy, active (tennis, water ski) and lean. I was stunned. Looking back now I attribute it to the hormone therapy I was on for 11 years.
My treatment began with a lumpectomy in September, 2009. My treatment was part of a cancer clinic which held lectures. I went to a lecture on vitamin D – and from there found GrassrootsHealth. My first blood test with GrassrootsHealth was in October 2009, and I have done them every 6 months since, a total of 12 tests. My next one is due in May of this year.
GrassrootsHealth was the light at the end of the tunnel. It was the hope I needed in a time of great despair. – Barbara Haplea
When I went into that first lecture about vitamin D I was so confused and lost because no one knew how you get cancer, and no one can promise a cure. This left me without hope. I could not imagine how I was going to pull myself through this disease, and if I did how I would deal with the fear of its return. A lot of women say that you have to accept that cancer will return. I did not want to live that way.
Hearing a lecture on vitamin D gave me hope that I was doing something that was good, that was preventive. I couldn’t make other changes (eating, exercise) – I was already doing those things. This was the only thing I could change that would make a difference.
After my lumpectomy I did a small amount of radiation, no chemotherapy. I was on tamoxifen for almost 5 years, but finally came off due to side effects, which went away within three months of stopping the medication.
What is your vitamin D level?
My vitamin D level ranges from 50-60 ng/ml. I am currently cancer-free and I feel healthy.
How do you get your vitamin D?
I take a minimum of 2,000 IU/day. If it is cloudy or cold I take more. I make an effort to be out every day for 20-30 minutes without sunscreen. If I think I am coming down with a cold I take 8,000 IU.
What would you recommend to others who are in a similar situation?
Do your research. Do your homework.
How do you tell others about vitamin D?
My whole family is currently getting tested regularly and takes vitamin D. I have taught them to know their numbers, and not just take the doctor’s word for it that their vitamin D is “fine”.
One of the key pieces of evidence for my family was my husband (I guess my story wasn’t enough…). After retirement he worked as a concierge of a water park. All the interaction with the public he would get cold after cold. I kept telling him to take vitamin D – since that helped me virtually eliminate colds. After 3 months of suffering he did – and since then he has never gotten sick again.