Late Stage Cancer

VIDEO OF STAGE 4 CANCER SURVIVOR AND THRIVER

The VIDEO BELOW is a film-trailer for a documentary directed by Kris Carr called "Crazy Sexy Cancer".    It is an irreverent, direct, raw, emotional and revealing story about her journey. The video is merely a trailer, but gives you an idea about "the journey" ...  Kris Carr is a Stage 4 Cancer thriver, not just a survivor.    She was diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable, inoperable Cancer in February, 2003, yet she is certainly "living life" and doing very well.   Take a peek at this inspirational woman's story.

WATCH THIS COMPELLING VIDEO :

There are numerous success stories of Stage 4 Cancer survivors who were told they had incurable, terminal Cancer.   We will bring them to life, via video, from time to time.    By publishing their video's we are not necessarily endorsing the Cancer treatment, protocol, hospital or Cancer clinic from which they received treatment.     We are endorsing, however, the concept of HOPE and the irrefutable fact that a terminal prognosis should not necessarily be accepted as imminent and as "an absolute".    

The point is, the conventional Cancer establishment has stated, in these cases, that the person would die in the near future, however, they did not.   There are thousands of these cases.

There is Hope !!

FLAXSEED TOUGH ON PROSTATE CANCER, STUDIES INDICATE

Flaxseed has been cited in numerous studies as being potentially helpful in the prevention of Cancer as well as being potentially helpful to people in their current, active fight against Cancer.    

There are too many studies to quote or reference, therefore, we have just referred to two.  Click on the words "studies", above, to see them, and at the very least, read their conclusions.  The second study, recorded in the Nutrition Journal in October, 2004, provides valuable information about foods which are harmful to one's diet, as well as beneficial foods and nutrition to incorporate into one's diet, in addition to flaxseed. 

Additionally, there is a Cancer fighting diet known as the Budwig Diet.  Its prime ingredients are Flaxseed Oil and Cottage Cheese, which is used as a binding agent.   Johanna Budwig (click on "Budwig" for background info), the founder of the Budwig Diet was nominated 7 times for the Nobel Prize and was a renowned Doctor and Biochemist from Germany.  She was well known for her unparalleled knowledge about diet and its effect on the human body.

See the video, incorporated herein, for more information about the Budwig Diet and how to create a meal using the power of Flaxseed and its powerful Cancer fighting benefits. 

If you cannot see this Video, click on or go to the following link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSoddptWL0s

Think seriously about including flaxseed in your diet.

Keep the Hope !!

ALTERNATIVE CANCER CHARLATANS : PERCEPTION OR REALITY

Prior to accusing someone of being a fake, a charlatan or master exploiter, it is critical to carefully research and investigate the charlatans purported transgressions, before condemning that person’s behavior, philosophy or assertions.    Many people accuse adherents of alternative medicine of being charlatans and their treatments as being unproven or disproven, therefore, they surmise that such treatments should not be used or relied upon as being potentially beneficial for Cancer patients. 

I think we would all agree that empty accusations (from any party), lacking any substantiation from opposing interests, may be tantamount to defamation.     Thus, we must seriously consider the motivations and underlying agenda of both the so-called charlatan and those parties who would seek to discredit them.   

New research, promising clinical studies, anecdotal evidence and numerous credible testimonials, from people, who have found success from different alternative treatments, are constantly coming to light.  These should be investigated closely.   Conversely, there are alternative therapies, e.g., quick fix cures, being aggressively foisted upon vulnerable late stage Cancer patients that are clearly devoid of any health related benefit. 

Because a therapy has not been scrutinized by the conventional medical establishment or been subject to exhaustive, controlled, randomized clinical trials over the course of 10 years or so, does not in itself discredit the fact that some alternative treatments may in fact be quite helpful : to boost Cancer patients' immune systems, attack and shrink malignant tumors, or otherwise promote positive health benefits; especially, when traditional medicine has given up (stage 4 Cancer, frequently) in its fight to cure Cancer patients.

At the same time,it cannot be denied that charlatans do thrive in the “cancer marketplace” and, for that matter, charlatans thrive in all marketplaces whether it be the healthcare sector or any industry.    Any purveyor of fraud and misrepresentation (charlatans) should be exposed and “taken to task” for their immoral and possibly illegal actions.     Prior to making accusations, however, about anyone or anything, it is imperative that we look at all sides of a situation, to ascertain very carefully whether someone is guilty as charged or not. 

Sometimes the line may be blurry as the varied concepts of “proof”, “evidence” and “efficacy” can be illusive and unclear.    

Historically, in the annals of science and medicine, treatments which were condemned as questionable or unproven in one generation, may become the “gold standard” or conventionally-accepted treatment in another generation.  

Those who seek to discredit providers and beneficiaries of alternative treatments, should communicate with the stage 4 Cancer and terminal Cancer thrivers who have been given an extra “lease on life”, before capriciously condemning these therapies and their proponents. 

Many times in life we are encouraged to “think creatively outside of the box”, in order to attempt to solve difficult problems ... analogously, the conventional healthcare establishment needs to be more open to the possibilities of alternate and progressive Cancer treatments which are found “outside of the conventional Cancer treatment box”.    

The establishment may find some "unorthodox tools" in that box which could help treat some seemingly unsolvable problems.

                                                             Keep the Hope !!

CANCER PUNDITS : CHEMOTHERAPY OPINIONS

The following respected scientists and doctors have articulated serious questions and opinions related to the efficacy of chemotherapy : 

 Dr. Abel, PhD : In a 1989 study - 

" ... the personal views of many oncologists seem to be in striking contrast to communications intended for the public." 

Dr. Martin Shapiro wrote an article in the Los Angeles Times, 1/9/87, "Chemotherapy: Snake-Oil Remedy?" : "

"Some oncologist inform their patients of the lack of evidence that treatments work ... others may well be misled by scientific papers that express unwarranted optimism about chemotherapy.   Still others respond to an economic incentive.   Physicians can earn much more money running active chemotherapy practices than they can providing solace and relief.. to dying patients and their families." 

Dr. Albert Braverman wrote in 1991: 

 " … no disseminated neoplasm (cancer) incurable in 1975 is curable today.   Many medical oncologists recommend chemotherapy for virtually any tumor, with a hopefulness undiscouraged by almost invariable failure." 

 Dr. Levin, UCSF : 

“Most patients in this country die of chemotherapy.   Chemotherapy does not eliminate breast, colon or lung cancer.   This fact has been documented for over a decade, yet doctors still use chemotherapy for these tumors". 

John Cairns, Professor of microbiology at Harvard University, published a critique in Scientific American in 1985 : 

"Aside from certain rare cancers, it is not possible to detect any sudden changes in the death rates for any of the major cancers that could be credited to chemotherapy.   Whether any of the common cancers can be cured by chemotherapy has yet to be established." 

Alan Nixon, PhD, past President of the American Chemical Society : 

"As a chemist trained to interpret data, it is incomprehensible to me that physicians can ignore the clear evidence that chemotherapy does much, much more harm than good." 

Dr. Candace Pert, Georgetown University School of Medicine : 

 “Except for two forms of cancer, chemotherapy does not cure.   It tortures and may shorten life - no one can tell from the available data.” 

Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D., Cancer renowned researcher and writer : 

 “Conventional cancer therapy is so toxic and dehumanizing that I fear it far more than I fear death from cancer.   We know that conventional therapy doesn’t work –if it did, you would not fear cancer any more than you fear pneumonia.   It is the utter lack of certainty as to the outcome of conventional treatment that virtually screams for more freedom of choice in the area of cancer therapy.   Yet most alternative therapies regardless of potential or proven benefit, are outlawed, which forces patients to submit to the failures that we know don’t work, because there’s no other choice. I started as a believer in chemotherapy.” 

Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, Congressional Record, September, 9, 1987 :   

“Chemotherapy and radiation can increase the risk of developing a second cancer by up to 100 times.” 

Dr. William Campbell Douglass II regarding hypocrisy of Oncologist Survey : 

“To understand the utter hypocrisy of chemotherapy, consider the following: The McGill Cancer Center in Canada, one of the largest and most prestigious cancer treatment centers in the world, did a study of oncologists to determine how they would respond to a diagnosis of cancer.   On the confidential questionnaire, 58 out of 64 doctors said that all chemotherapy programs were unacceptable to them and their family members.   The overriding reason for this decision was that the drugs are ineffective and have an unacceptable degree of toxicity.   These are the same doctors who will tell you that their chemotherapy treatments will shrink your tumor and prolong your life!   Thirty years ago, I worked with a radiologist who told me this: “If I get cancer, I’m going to Mexico.” So if you get cancer, don’t call your doctor; call your travel agent.   There are alternative treatments available, but you will have to run the gamut of outraged chemotherapists, radiologists, and surgeons to find one.   They will use cajolery, insults, fear, threats (”If you do this, I am off the case”), and misrepresentation to dissuade you.” 

THE ABOVE PERSPECTIVES ARE THOUGHT PROVOKING . . . . .

There may be other treatments, i.e., “Alternative Treatments”, which late stage patients, i.e., Stage 3 and Stage 4 Cancer Patients, should research in their quest to find therapies which may be qualitatively more beneficial, less costly and harbor fewer side effects versus the questionable benefits of chemotherapy treatments.   Ask the tough questions when consulting with your Doctor(s) or other healthcare practitioners in conducting the necessary research regarding your therapeutic path. 

 Keep the Hope !!

CANCER DIETS

Few Oncologists will suggest dietary changes as part of any treatment protocol.   I assume most don’t believe nutrition and dietary changes can significantly influence a person’s health or perhaps they are relatively ignorant of the potential benefits of eating certain foods and abstaining from others.    Perhaps they haven’t seen any randomized, controlled clinical trials with thousands of people which clearly demonstrate the incontrovertible benefits of good dietary habits.    Excuse the sarcasm, but I believe certain things are common sense and do not require multi-million dollar studies. 

Notwithstanding the absence of large scale clinical trials pertaining to the positive impact of specialized diets and the nutritional and immune system building benefits of consuming identifiable foods, ironically, many Doctors continue unabated to prescribe chemo to late stage Cancer patients despite material evidence casting doubt on chemo’s efficacy with late stage patients.     Nevertheless, they continue to give these drugs to their patients without a second thought, and simultaneously, refrain from recommending certain diets which may boost compromised immune systems. 

 Actually, there have been studies manifesting the prospective benefits of certain foods. We will get to those later.   On a common sense level, most people eat food approximately 3 times per day which directly influences the bio-chemistry of their blood, organs, cells, heart and health in general.    They put food or liquids into their bodies which contain many different kinds of substances, both healthy and unhealthy.     I believe most oncologists would agree that snacks of vegetables and fruits are generally considered healthier than snacks comprised of chips and m & m’s.   Agreed ?     I, in fact, have experienced excellent progress with my own health when I made a significant change in my diet which directly impacted my blood count levels.     Drinking several veggie drinks per week (pulverized carrots, beats, spinach and parsley) and significantly reducing my intake of sweets and red meat materially changed my health situation.     Even my doctor (internist), who I believe is an excellent health care provider, was quite surprised.    

Dr. Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, is affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and, in fact, had Brain Cancer, his comments and viewpoint are unusual for a conventional Doctor.

Watch this Video :

The point is, dietary changes can significantly contribute toward enhancing one’s immune system, to help people fight their cancers, while simultaneously engaging in other cancer fighting therapies. 

So, which diets are best ... ?   

Check back in the coming days for specific information about numerous, different cancer fighting diets.

Keep the Hope !!

 

PROSTATE AND PANCREATIC CANCER - HABANERO PEPPERS TOO HOT TO HANDLE

When it came to spicy or hot foods like horse radish or hot salsa’s, my Dad use to say “the hotter the better” – so pass the chili peppers.    Today, men with Prostate or Pancreatic Cancer might consider adding the "hot stuff" to their diets  (beware it is very hot !!).  

In a study reported by Cancer Research, conducted at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, in collaboration with UCLA Doctors and researchers, it was concluded that an ingredient known as capsaicin, found in habanero peppers, had the ability to drive prostate cancer cells to commit suicide (known clinically as apoptosis) !!     Capsaicin is also found in other similar foods, e.g., jalapeno, but the habanero is known to contain the highest content of capsaicin.     The study, conducted with mice, manifested approximately an 80% decrease in prostate tumor size (due to apoptosis) versus untreated mice.     A materially significant distinction. 

 One well known celebrity, Don Imus, the controversial Radio Personality who has gotten himself into trouble for inappropriate comments that have come “out of his mouth” is now trying to keep trouble away, by putting “hot stuff into his mouth”, in the form of habanero peppers, in his ongoing effort to manage and fight prostate Cancer. 

 The study concluded  –  “… our data suggests that capsaicin … may have a role in the management of prostate Cancer”.     

From my viewpoint, any time a study of any kind (such as this) which is conducted by members of the conventional establishment, gives any potential credibility to an alternative or progressive treatment, or non-pharmaceutical regimen, it should be considered a minor breakthrough for those people who do not reside in Big Pharma’s camp.      Although this study is an early stage development, words such as - “may have a role in the management of prostate Cancer” from conventional Cancer researchers, gives credibility (even if just a smidgeon) to the possibilities offered by alternative regimens. 

In another more recent corroborating study, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, capsaicin was shown to have induced apoptosis (cellular suicide) of Pancreatic Cancer cells.    The study went on to state - " ... results of the study show that capsaicin is an effective inhibitor of in vitro and in vivo growth of pancreatic cancer cells".

As my Dad said - "The hotter the better".   Keep the Hope !!

 

EFFICACY OF CHEMOTHERAPY : BENEFICIAL OR DUBIOUS

The origins of chemotherapy hail from the post World War II, 1940’s.   Since that time, there has been progress in the development of better chemo drugs, however, in “the big picture” the efficacy and benefits of chemo as it effects most Cancers is highly questionable. 

The use of chemo in our conventional medical culture is deeply imbeded in the minds of most existing and prospective patients, as the necessary and normal mode of treatment. This perspective is certainly understandable.    After all, most doctors prescribe it, insurance pays for it, and huge sums of money are invested in developing and selling it. Additionally, we read, monthly, how a celebrity is undergoing chemotherapy, therefore, it must be the most appropriate form of treatment since celebrities have access to the best Doctors.   We assume they must know best. 

 Despite some progress with chemo over the years, the gnawing question remains whether the overall benefits are worthwhile compared to the deleterious impact on Cancer patients, especially late stage patients.   It is widely held that chemo has proven to be somewhat beneficial with certain cancers like : testicular, hodgkins, childhood leukemia and choriocarcinoma, however, its overall benefit to most Cancer patients with more prevalent Cancers, widespread throughout the population, e.g., colon, breast, prostate, lung, brain, pancreatic and others is questionable at best.   The purported benefits must be weighed against adverse factors such as : financial costs, potentially horrific side effects, the damage it does to healthy cells, its damage to the immune system, how long life is truly expected to be extended and the quality of that life, etc. 

 There have been numerous studies which seriously question the benefits when taking into account all adverse factors.    In late stage situations, Stage 3 Cancer and Stage 4 Cancer, when doctors generally believe a cure is unattainable (especially Stage 4), they frequently prescribe chemo drugs as palliative or supportive treatments.    At this time, this may be the second or third time a patient has been treated with chemo.    Since it is generally believed that chemo drugs compromise the immune system, as it attacks cancer cells as well as healthy cells, its ability to promote a systemic cure to metastatic situations is miniscule at best.    Also, it is believed that another potential deleterious effect is that chemo, itself, may spawn other Cancers.     Furthermore, Cancer cells may develop a resistance to these drugs upon a second or third treatment.     I witnessed, first hand, the horrific effects of chemo as it devastated my Father. 

 Until the medical establishment develops chemo drugs or other treatments which are more effective in targeting the specific problems (tumors and/or Cancer cells), or develop better delivery systems or more appropriate dosages (lesser doses over time) which do not harm healthy cells and organs, it is questionable whether chemo is the best treatment methodology to pursue a cure or the management of cancer … again, especially for late stage candidates.   

There are other non-toxic treatments to consider besides conventional chemotherapy. Furthermore, there are non-conventional chemo protocols available for those desiring chemo as a treatment, yet that which is less toxic to the body, purportedly as effective in killing Cancer cells, but less onerous on the body’s healthy cells.    We will discuss those chemo oriented treatments in upcoming posts. 

Keep the Hope !!

NIH - VITAMIN C CANCER TREATMENT GETS RESPECT

There have been numerous studies by the conventional and alternative Cancer establishments, over many years, regarding the efficacy of Vitamin C (aka “ascorbic acid”) in the treatment of Cancer.  These studies have generated mixed results, contingent upon the nature of the control groups, the rigor and design of the studies, the quantity of ascorbic acid given to patients, the methodology of the administration (i.e., oral, intravenous, etc.), etc. 

 In a study recorded at -www.pubmed.gov - the National Institutes of Health  ("NIH") states that -  “data indicates that iv ascorbic acid in pharmacologic concentrations could have an unanticipated role in cancer treatment”.    The NIH also said – “these findings give plausibility to i.v. ascorbic acid in cancer treatment …” 

This is impressive in that it helps validate the assertions of the proponents of Vitamin C, as a beneficial treatment and, perhaps even more impressively, is an admission or corroboration by “the” National Institutes of Health that Vitamin C is a mode of treatment which should be given serious attention. 

One of the top notch international research institutes, which has published over 20 scientific papers regarding Vitamin C, and which focuses substantial resources concerning the efficacy of Vitamin C, recently commented on the NIH's assertions : 

         “It is gratifying to have our research on vitamin C and cancer confirmed by     scientists at the prestigious National Institutes of Health," 

      Neil Riordan, PhD, BCRI's Research Director. Bcrionline.org 

 Cancer patients take notice.   Perhaps you should question your healthcare practitioners about the possibility of including an  i.v.-Vitamin C regimen in your protocol …   In fact, you may want to bring a copy of the NIH’s comments to your practitioner.   There are numerous Naturopathic, alternative and progressive Doctors who include Vitamin C as part of their Cancer treatment protocol. 

Keep the hope !!

VITAMIN D CANCER HOPE - UCSD and MAYO

There have been numerous studies which strongly suggest that vitamin D may help prevent Cancer and/or help people who are already battling Cancer.  

University of California San Diego :

Reporting online on May 22, 2009, in the Annals of Epidemiology, epidemiologist, Cedric Garland, DrPH, Professor of family and preventive medicine at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, said that diet and supplements can restore appropriate Vitamin D levels, and perhaps help in preventing Cancer development.   He and researchers also noted that more than 200 epidemiological studies and the understanding of Vitamin D’s physiological basis stems from more than 2,500 laboratory studies.    According to Garland, these show an apparent beneficial effect of Vitamin D and calcium on cancer risk and survival of patients with breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.   

SEE COMPELLING VIDEO BELOW :

  

MAYO CLINIC :

 More recently, posted on December 2, 2009, on the Mayo Clinic News, Dr. Matthew Drake, M.D., Ph.D. an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, stated, in respect to the findings of a new study concerning Vitamin D and patients being treated for diffuse large B- cell lymphoma :  

“… these are some of the strongest findings yet between vitamin D and Cancer outcome". He went on to state that - “… they raise the issue of whether vitamin D supplementation might aid in treatment for this malignancy (underline added), and thus should stimulate much more research”. 

 The Mayo Clinic News also stated that several recent reports have concluded that vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor outcomes in other cancers, including breast, colon and head and neck Cancer. 

In conclusion, remember what Mom said – “Take your Vitamins !!”.   

Keep the Hope !!

 

ALTERNATIVE CANCER TREATMENTS

There are numerous lists of Alternative Cancer Treatments.  Which treatments have proven to be effective ?   Depending upon which list(s) you peruse, there are literally hundreds (yes hundreds) of treatments offered in the Cancer world.   Some have withstood the rigor of clinical trials, some have appeared to be beneficial to patients, others are probably "old wives tales" which may be efficacious or not.   It can be a daunting task to try and understand what these treatments are, how they purportedly work and, if they do, whether they would be applicable to any specific type of Cancer or all Cancers  ....

I will list approximately 50 alternative treatments.  There are always new treatments being investigated and discovered, so we will update you regarding any new and interesting developments.  We are not endorsing all or any of them as efficacious for any particular type of Cancer.  We will, however, generate posts on them, in the coming months, and investigate whether they may be helpful in assisting Cancer patients with a possible cure or other beneficial support.

1) Hyperthermia

2) Vitamin C-i.v.

3) Vitamin D

4) Antineoplastins

5) IPT - Insulin Potentiation Therapy

6) Coley's Toxins

7) Mushrooms

8) IAT - Immuno Augmentative Therapy

9) B-17 aka Laetrile

10) Poly-MVA

11) Oxygen and Ozone Therapy

12) Carnivora

13) Capsaicin (Habernero Chili Peppers)

14) DMSO

15) Essiac Tea

16) Green Tea

17) Cancer Diets (several to be featured)

18) Gerson Diet

19) Kushi Diet

20) Mediterranean Diet

21) Budwig Diet

22) Hallelujah Diet

23) Alkaline Diet

24) Grape Diet

22) Gonzalez

23) Hydrazine Sulphate

24) Iscador 

25) Issels

26) Kelley Metabolic Diet

27) Lymphotonic PF2

28) Oncotox

29) Resveratrol

30) Selenium

31) Sodium Bicarbonate

32) Kanzius Machine

33) Hydrogen Peroxide

34) Dendritic Cell Therapy

35) Cancell

36) Hoxsey Therapies

37) Chelation

38) CAAT (Controlled Amino Acid Treatment)

39) Ellagic Acid

40) Pau D'Arco

41) Saw Palmetto

42) Beta Glucan

43) Tian Xian

44) 714 Naessen (Immunostim)

45) Shark Cartilage

46) Cytokine Therapy

47) Clark Method

48) Kloss Formula

49) Enzymes-proteolytic

50) Chapparral

As mentioned, we will provide posts on the above Alternative Treatments in the coming weeks and  months.

Keep the Hope !!