Building our immune systems with Stage IV bc

I own this book, and it is an interesting read. The book talks about all the commonalities the survivors in her book felt helped them overcome their cancer.

I read Radical Remission when it came out. It was a hopeful book that talked about individuals that had spontaneous remissions. It was reinforcing to see the commonalities.

thank you, Joanne!

Well that's not good news.  I wonder what treatment they did.

sounds horrible reaction but I guess it's like all drugs - we all respond differently. So far, touch wood, my worst side effect has been dropping blood counts and an allergic reaction to immunoglobulin which they gave me to boost platelets.

I'm on my 5th treatment with Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug. No idea what impact it has as I'm also on various chemos. Onc convinced it makes a difference and may extend effectiveness of current chemos. And I trust him absolutely ( even though he drives me nuts from time to time). It is, alas, v expensive and I am still arguing w insurance company. But if it's keeping me going - and able to work full time - it's worth it as I am the breadwinner at home.

I think I said I would report back anything he said about ASCO. So he continues to be v impressed with the data on the immunotherapy treatments which he is much better at reading than I am. He's not given to hyperbole but genuinely thinks this is the beginning of a new era in treatments. He is always looking ahead at what next if the treatment becomes ineffective, and whilst he had been thinking about Ibrance, he said there was also some interesting data about enzulatimide (I need to check that spelling) so that might be an alternative worth asking doctors about. I'm hoping current treatment continues OK. Next scan in early July

Wishing you all a good weekend.

Hi bosco, thanks for the info, how much it costs to go for the treatment you are having, and this treatment is in england? Good luck and wishing you great results

Sandilee,

I totally agree with you about the role of sugar. I have really researched this and I even went on the ketogenic diet for awhile. I am not following the strict restrictions now, but still work hard to avoid sugars and carbs. Go to the thread "Ketogenic diet anyone?" for info and encouragement should you choose this route.

It boils down to the quality of life! We can do everything we can, but sometimes it feels like it is still never enough. It never seems to end. (Do I eat dairy? Do I slather glycerin-containing lotions on my skin? And if I do this, is it still MY FAULT that my cancer is progressing despite turning down that tin of Christmas fudge?)

You must excuse me, I'm in a bad frame of mind today. The article about accepting Asian philosophy to deal with cancer (death) is not helping... Perhaps i should take my dark cloud and go somewhere! Think I'll look up your recommended book, dlb! And keep my head up!

Vivian

I'm sorry I misspelt your name!

Vivian, I know how you feel. It's almost as if everything we read makes us feel we aren't doing enough to stop our cancer, so it's all our fault.

Actually, I'm not that good about sugar, myself. (My quote was from another poster, as an answer). I tend to go with the Mayo Clinic explanation, that reducing sugar is good for overall health, but it doesn't "feed" cancer directly any more many other foods, as all carbs convert to glucose. I researched the ketogenic diet at one point, but it seems that cancer cells can convert keytones to energy just like our regular cells when glucose isn't available.

I'm coming around to thinking that a balance in calories of protein, carbs and fats is probably the healthiest diet for most people. Here's an interesting study backing that up.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919073845.htm

HLB and any others interested, you can also take Green Coffee Bean Extract manufactured by Jarrow.  This helps to control Glucose levels.  I take this twice a day before meals in addition to the 1000 mgs daily of Metformin.

Wow, Dorothy, I didn't know that about the green coffee beans. I thought they were for weight loss. Not that I couldn't use to lose a few, but I like that it helps with glucose levels.

Had a little trouble with the hyperlinks. They work if you cut and paste them into the search bar...

Spiceytuna I had major issues with diaherra on Metformin and also on another generic Glumetza. Also a year on Perjeta with the worst diaherra ever. Can't tell you how many times I was caught in agony on the street and even on the subway. It took me three months after the Perjeta to totally get rid if it. Also 2 months to fet rid of the Metformin side effects. Then one of the women on these boards PMed me and told me to try the brand name Glucophage. Can't believe it's the same drug. Not one problem. I started on 500 MG and worked my way up to 1000. No problem getting it approved by insurance. Really sad that some oncs won't prescribe it. I've known women who have gotten it from Drs. other than their onc.

DanaMarie, Thank you and best wishes to your friend.