Alternative cancer treatment

majla2215

Which alternative treatments have been successful and can be done from home?

Theresanne

Hello! I don't know of what I am doing is reAlly considered treatment, but complimentary I guess. I was a vegetarian before my breast cancer diagnosis, but did eat cheese, sugary treats etc...which are probably worse! Now, I am on a strict vegan diet, no white anything...sugars, pasta , flour bread....low if any sugar. I use a small bit of stevia occasionally and even limit my fruit intake. But I do eat alot of blueberries everyday because they are so high in antioxidants. I eat tons of green salads everday, always throwing some kind of bean in. Only with a small amount of olive oil and organic vinegar. I eat a bowl of organic steel cut oats many mornings for breakfast with unsweetened almond milk. EzikeL brand cereals and bread. Snacks are usually organic hummus with carrots or organic salsa. Maybe an apple with some walnuts(helps the body breakdown the fructose in apple). I only drink purified water, at least one large glass with juice from whole lemon for the liver, and 3-4 cups organic unsweetened green tea. Tons of vegetables. Who knows if this will prevent a recurrence, but one thing is for sure...I have lost 35 lbs on this diet which lowers naturally occurring estrogen, and is good for my heart..now in menopause and having been treated with adriamycin. I walk 4-5 days a week for an hour.

I take the following supplements...calcium and vit d, krill, b complex, coq10, maitake extract, curcumin, sulforhane(concentrated broccoli extract), and a baby aspirin every other day. I also dry bruch before every shower. All cosmetics, shampoos, cleaning product..organic.

Absolutely no alchohol, not even red wine. I take resveratrol instead. I had lobular

Breast cancer and my onc. Said absolutely no alchohol.

I was st2a, three small tumors, er/prpositive. No nodes. Still scared of recurrence however. Had prophylactic mastectomy and will be getting my ovaries out within a year.

I feel I'm doing the best I can right now. My stress level still needs to be addressed, I honestly think that encouraged my cancer by destroying my immune system...constant worrier!

Hope this helps.....god bless!

yoga_girl

Theresanne.

Thank you for sharing.

All the best with your recovery.

http://gerson.org/gerpress/tag/documentaries/

As with anything we read/research/try, you take what works and discard what doesn't. Each patient is unique, with a unique cancer. Our path to recovery is also unique to the new life we will face with cancer and healing.

Attending a Gerson training event was most enlightening. I learned a great deal about nutrition in a different perspective. When you attend an event with over 100 people from many different countries who either have cancer (in all stages) or are a caretaker for someone who has cancer; or has survived cancer and lived to tell about it; you listen, observe and attempt to understand all options that are available to recovery and survival.

Momine

Yoga girl, I have read quite a bit about Gerson, but could not find any kind of science in any of what I read. Would you be able to sum up what the theory is?

Also, are you not doing any conventional treatment?

Do you have any links for the studies you mention?

abigail48

re science:  apparently 60% or up to 60% of peer reviewed studies are bogus, either through conflict of interest:  the studies writen by the companies who made the medicin, or tit for tat:  I'll review your study as having no problems if you review mine as having no problems

MsRockyG

To Charles thanks for that info; you actually answered a question that was in my mind! I'm newly Dx last Monday with Ductal Carcinoma about 1cm. I see the BS for the first time on this Tuesday. I was considering a second opinion with another hospital but I just found out they don't take my insurance. However, in lieu of the treatment the BS would suggest I wanted to do a Holistic approach. I really did not want to do chemo or radiation. I'm thinking in my mind surgery & herbs. But then a friend who is a holistic practioner suggested since "IT" is only 1cm, take the herbs he is recommended for 2mos & then see from there...(Not sure of which herbs - I'll see him on Wednesday.)

Momine

MsRocky, surgery is curative in many cases.

Fallleaves

Hi MsRocky, I'd be interested in what your holistic practitioner recommends. Please let us know!

Fallleaves

Hi MsRocky, I'd be interested in what your holistic practitioner recommends. Please let us know!

MsRockyG

Thanks Momine!

MsRockyG

@Fallleaves - hopefully I'll see the Holistic Practioner on Wednesday. I did some research of mine own already in regards to which herbs I can take so I'm just going to check what she says....

dlb823

MsRockyG, be sure to ask your Holistic Practitioner and anyone else you consider putting on your medical team what specific training and experience they've had treating bc. This is not the time to trust your life to someone who has read about Essiac tea or other herbal remedies, but has no significant experience beyond that, vs., for example, docs who actually practice naturopathic oncology.

As anti-conventional medicine as I usually am, I did not personally go the natural route post surgery because I had always been very holistic in my approach to my health, and yet I'd still developed bc. Thus, I deducted, more of the same probably wasn't going to shake up whatever was going on to the point it needed shaking up. But beyond that, as I interviewed a variety of docs and practitioners, I realized that some strictly alternative practitioners weren't very knowledgeable or sophisticated about bc, and actually tended to think of all cancers as the same or very simillar ailment. In other words, because they'd helped someone with lung or stomach cancer, they assured me they could help me too. And, as we all know, that's just not in line with today's body of knowledge regarding bc and the need for targeted tx.

This observation is not in any way meant to criticize your direction. As I've indicated, I am totally pro holistic healing, which I used as an adjuvant to my conventional tx and since then. I'm only offering my personal experience in the hopes that it will add something to your thought process and search.

(((Hugs))) Deanna

PS ~ Here's an excellent article by a top integrative oncologist: http://www.integrativeoncology-essentials.com/2013/11/cocktail-of-6-plant-extracts-kills-cancer-cells/

Momine

Dlb, good points. When my mom had cancer 7 years ago, she saw various alternative practitioners (in addition to conventional treatment). Some of them were definitely of the "read about essaic tea" variety. She got lots of advice to cut out gluten and sugar. She even had an acupuncture guy who gave her an injection of lord only knows what without telling her (until he had already done it). This was in the middle of her chemo treatment.

Unfortunately, whether the doc is "regular" or alternative, we have to be rather vigilant about checking them out. It can be exhausting at times. Thanks for the page of the integrative onc, very informative and measured.

Fallleaves

Hey MsRocky, I think it is good you are seeing your BS and the holistic practitioner close together. I would ask your BS about things you can do before surgery to improve your outcome, and about what kind of anesthesia options there are, and what kind of pain management choices you'll have. Sometimes it helps to be able to bring things up with your doctor, because they have different things on their minds. For instance, my MO was just focused on telling me about tamoxifen, but when I brought up exercise he said, "well, yeah, that's probably the most important thing you can do outside of the standard treatment." And when I brought up vitamin D he said, "There is evidence it can be important to have higher levels. I would get your vitamin D level checked." And when I brought up tumeric he said, "Yeah, that is one supplement I've seen some promising studies on."

Personally, I think it is important to promote the health of your immune system before surgery. Ask your doctor and the holistic person what you can do in that regard (vitamin D, tumeric, fish oil or other omega 3s, promoting NK cells, medicinal mushrooms, walking in a forest). Also I think whatever help you can get reducing stress is good for you (well, duh, I bet you're saying!) My BS did not have any problem with the supplements I took, except she told me to stop the fish oil and tumeric a week before surgery because they could affect bleeding. I did bring up scheduling surgery during the luteal phase of my menstrual cycle (don't know if you are pre or postmenopausal, MsRocky) but the BS did not think there was sufficient clinical evidence to warrant that (kinda wish I'd done it anyway). Also wish I'd known to ask for a nerve block as a part of my anesthesia, and for something besides opiates for pain relief after surgery.

There's so much information you have to deal with right after Dx, so just try and take good notes! Good luck, MsRocky!

MsRockyG

Thanks Deanna & Fallleaves! When I went to see the BS today - I was at a loss. He would not tell me the stage but said I was a Grade 3 & HER2+, which confused me more. (Not sure what was I thinking prior?) He mentioned options but it didn't seem like it. He said I was a good candidate for chemo first, surgery, then radiation. I was shocked? I have diabetes & HTN, but the bigger the incision the more risk of infection or healing process if they do surgery first. The goal is to shrink the tumor, so the incision would be smaller. He suggesting a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. Although I been doing research and reading everyone's case scenario I think I'm still in shock?! Now I have another Biopsy tomorrow for the lymph nodes in the underarm, which they should have done on the 11/22 when I got the first Biopsy. But I did read in the report I had blood-clots? And that is probably why the Radiologist did not do the second Biopsy while I was there, unless I was bleeding too much? (I tend to have low Platelets - so I also have to see a Hematologist before any kind of surgery.) I also see the Med. Onc. next week. But that is not helping me my anxiety right now...{Fallleaves I'm 42 pre-menopausal}

Momine

MsRocky, this is the worst time in the whole process. The reason he can't tell you stage is that they can't know until surgery and further testing. The stage depends on how many nodes etc.

It is an aggressive beast, so I think I would completely skip the holistic practitioner who suggested you take some herbs and see what happens.

Let us know what the MO has to say.

Fallleaves

Hi MsRocky,

Wow, that's a lot for you to digest! Now is definitely one of the most stressful times. It doesn't sound from the grade 3 that you can really do the wait and see approach. If you do add a holistic practitioner, I agree with a PP that you should find a naturopathic oncologist, someone who has specific experience with cancer. Someone posted this listing to find one: http://www.oncanp.org/find_state.html

Whatever you can do right now to manage your stress and promote your overall health will benefit you in the long run. You might not want to do what I did when I was diagnosed: eat half of a chocolate ice cream cake! (It's what my son brought home from the grocery store). If you can do relaxation techniques, exercise, spend time in nature, see a therapist or watch some funny movies, it might help with your stress. (And it can't hurt to go heavy on the broccoli sprouts.)

Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you want one. You might end up doing the exact same thing, but it never hurts to have a different perspective. Of course, if you're already dealing with tons of appointments, seeing another doctor may be the last thing on your list!

Anyway, I just want to wish you the best. It's all going to be O.K!

Rdrunner

ms rocky grade 3 her2 + is aggressive. Low platlets means you are at risk for hemoraging not clots so i think you might be mixed up there. Irregardless of stage at this point if i were you i would not waste time starting treatment and would not even remotely consider alternative at this point. Her2 positive although aggressive, the drug used to target this is excellent and works!!!!

Rdrunner

I should add and im sorry if i stressed you out further in my above post. This time is the hardest once you know how you are moving forward you will feel much better. if the anxiety gets too much to handle asking your doc for some ativan or anti anxiety meds in the short terms will not hurt you physically, only help as your stress hormones levels will come down. Also i didnt have lymph nodes biopsied the same time as lump either. i dont think thats uncommon. They are doing them now prior to surgery since they are considering chemo prior to surgery for you which is common in grade 3 her2 positive cases.

dlb823

MsRocky, based on the additional information you gave us, I want to echo what Momine just told you. There are things about your dx -- but especially the Her2+ -- that would make alternative only tx, IMO, a very dangerous gamble. As you read up on bc, you will learn that, prior to the drug Herceptin, women with Her2+ bc did not fare very well at all. Thankfully, Herceptin has totally changed that.

Absolutely get all the multiple opinions you need. If BS #1 isn't your cup of tea, interview others until you find one you totally trust. And also be sure to take someone with you to those appointments. There's something about hearing the "C" word and surgery and chemo, and realizing it's us the BS or onc is talking about typically sends us into a zombie-like state of mind. Absolutely take a family member or close friend with you who will be able to focus -- maybe even take notes -- and later tell you what you didn't hear or fully understand.

And, yes, of course you're still in shock. I think we all are to one degree or another. When I found out that my lumpectomy hadn't been sufficient and that I would need an mx, I just couldn't wrap my head around it. I kept thinking for several days that I must have been in an auto accident on the way to the surgeon's office, and that this was all just a bad dream. It was that overwhelming to me. But I got through it, and you will too. But start by finding excellent doctors, and the path will be much easier. (((Hugs))) Deanna

MsRockyG

Thanks everyone! You info is real helpful! The BS did not seem to be in a rush & that was a question my mother asked - how much time we have to "play" with it? He wants me to see a Hematologists first about the Low Platelets. The blood clots were on the Pathology report & I didn't notice it til after? I have another appt next week with the Med. Onc. & I will ask him about the blood clots I saw on the Pathology report. Still waiting for the Hematology appt. In the meantime I started a regimen of herbs yesterday b/c they have not given me a time frame for when they might start chemo.? And my husband & mother both want me to get a second opnion which I think is not necessary. ...Well at least the Biopsy under the arm yesterday - came back negative today!

The herbs I'm taking are for my Kidneys, Liver, Digestion, Lymph/Bacteria & TMI - Thyroid, Metabilism & Iodine. It's like 5 pills...

Rdrunner

please let the doctors know what herbs you are taking. They effective blood work results and more at this point so make sure you let them know. Also with having low platelets , make sure that these herbs dont have blood thinning properties which is not going with low platelets.

Fallleaves

Hi MsRocky, that's awesome that the biopsy came back negative! And it's good the BS isn't in a huge rush. It gives you time to prepare yourself and figure out all your options. I hope you are feeling less stressed. Good luck with all your appts!

oranje_mama

MsRockyG,

So glad the lymph biopsy came back negative!

When you meet with the oncologist, ask about Perjeta. This drug was approved Oct 1st for use with Herceptin and chemo before surgery and my MO is really enthusiastic about this. I am also HER2+++, grade 2, IDC 2cm.

flaviarose

MsRockyG, I will echo what others have said about Grade 3 Her2neu+ - that is what I am.  Diagnosed in April, surgery (lumpectomy) in May, chemo all summer (Taxotere, carboplatin, Herceptin - continuing Herceptin for a full year) and have just finished radiation.  My first reaction when I was diagnosed was to want to treat it holistically.  I also started to do a lot of research and found my way to these boards.   When, like you, newly diagnosed, I asked the same questions you asked, and one person on these boards said to me that she knew several people who did alternative only - and they were all dead.  that made me decide that I didn't want to fool around - that I wanted to do the best that western medicine had to offer.  It can be overwhelming and horrible at times, but also it is something you can do, and recover from.  With an aggressive cancer, I think you have to treat it aggressively - and I think you also have to do everything within your power - diet, exercise, supplements, herbs, stress reduction, etc. - to prevent a recurrence.

MiracleMileM

Hi MsRocky,

I want to underscore the advice of Momine, dlb 823, and others given your HER2+ diagnosis to go the recommended chemo-lumpectomy-radiation or other conventional route with the help of alternative approaches to help your body fight the cancer as well. I also underscore the recommendations to check your vitamin D levels.  I was low and think that contributed to my cancer.  Like Flaviarose I ws diagnosed with grade 3 Her2+ but also stage IV at the outset with mets to ribs, sternum, lymph nodes under sternum and cartilege on shoulder - but no nodes going from breast to the armpit.  I went after the cancer like gangbusters.  Within 20 days of first  finding the tumor I had a port put in in December of 2007 and the following week began the 6 TCH - taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin treatments -  followed by a lumpectomy and then IMRT radiation.  I have been NED since the fall of 2008 so I am now over 5 years NED.  I continue with herceptin infusions along with xgeva and arimidex generic.  Perjeta was not an option back then but if I were in your situation now I would follow oranje_mama's suggestion.  I strongly believe in alternatives - curcumin phytosome, green tea extract with quercetin on an empty stomach, milk thistle silibinum,omega 3, coQ10, zyflamed,etc.- but your diagnosis is really serious and calls for the calvary.  Regarding the lumpectomy, for me it was easy-peasy.  checked in the morning and out in the afternoon with absolutely zero pain following the surgery.  Though I had pain off and on from the bone mets that was gone with the first TCH zap.  I think you should request a pet scan  The doctors initially thought I had no mets because my nodes to the underarm were biopsied clear but the pet scan showed a different story.  You want to know everything.

abigail48

know is one thing, do another.  I'm totall alternative & not dead.  as yorkie has said perhaps not cancer.  indeed perhaps dcis which is now categorized as not cancer. & as gary has said still overtreated unnescesarily

MsRockyG

Hello Everyone & thanks for all your posts!  Just to update everyone, I started chemo om Jan 6 - TCH & Perjeta.  I also receive a Neulasta shot 20+ hours after chemo, for my white blood cells.  All I know is that recovery from that first round of chemo took me 10 days.  It was really difficult for me.  And I Hope it gets better... 

Momine

msRocky, you will get through it. Keep on rocking

Fallleaves

Hi MsRocky, sorry to hear the chemo has been rough on you, but glad to hear your treatment is underway. I do hope the next rounds get easier. Just want to wish you well on your road to recovery!

MsRockyG

Thank you both Momine & Fallleaves!!  At least I am more prepared for the second round of treatments...