kentuckyjack

Hi Capodad:

First. let me update you on my experience with coriolus versicolor–I had liver pains, quite literally when taking it, backed off a while, then went back on at a lower dosage, and when I upped the dosage, the liver pains came back. I mean real pains in the liver, no doubt.

I took the turkey tail /coriolus versicolor knowing that I had tested positive to yeast/mold allergy years back, and since mushrooms are in the same general category as yeast/mold/fungus, I knew I was taking a risk. My MD commented that something had caused 2 of my liver enzymes most closely ralated to liver damage or disease–to increase significantly since I started the mushrooms. I also read of a report out of Sloan-Kettering that although the mushrooms could be beneficial, there were a few reported instances of liver damage. So I discontinued the mushrooms.

Most people don’t have the allergy, and my response is in the extreme minority–just felt obligated to update you since I provided some information to you initially.

Otherwise for dosages of supplements I rely heavily on the telephone hotline to Life Extension Foundation and to the cancer supplementation protocols they share with me on request. Their cancer specialist–there are two Naturopathic Doctors– calls me back when I call in, and provides guidance as his time permits. I’d feel most comfortable suggesting that you contact L.E.F.rather than attempting to give you dosages my self. Every patient deserves to guidance of a professional in this area if possible. I’m still afraid to misguide someone else and cause harm.

God bless you and your ex-wife and all of yours.

-Tom

Hello Alv:

My experience with chemotherapy is that the oncologist had to stop it after 3 1/2 months because my immune system was threatened by the chemicals, despite success at shrinking my tumor. The red blood cells counts, white blood cell counts and platelet counts were low probably because the bone marrow where they are produced was incurring damage. Meanwhile, they switched me to radiation, and tentatively plan to put me back on a more restricted chemotherapy regimen a little later, as my blood analysis improves. Also they have to consider the likelihood of permanent side effects from the chemo versus the benefits of the chemo on shrinking the cancer. Hope this helps. God bless you and your dad.
-Tom

Hello Kmwmsm:

Welcome to the cc club that nobody wants to join–but you will find informed loving support from many people on this board and posters to this board, as I have.

You may become your husband’s treatment advocate in addition to the emotional and spiritual support I know you are trying your best to give him. The information and links you’ll get here will help you learn more about treatment options from surgery to chemotherapy to radiation to alternative treatments to naturopathic supplementation.

My male perspective (an old man’s) is that I appreciate information as well as loving support–when I’m able to take it. I guess being patient with the patient to come around is the task upon you, and sometimes only God can give you that! Your husband is truly blessed with a wife to lovingly care as you do.

God bless you and yours.

-Tom

Dear PLJC:

Welcome aboard to the cc club! So sorry you had to learn so much the very hard way about second opinions from true bile buct cancer specialists, but you’ve survived that!

The second opinion from the hepato-biliary liver specialist surgeon at an NCI-affiliated cancer center saved me from unnecessary surgery, and started me on a course of chemotherapy and radiation which have improved my functionality and have me feeling good, at present. The Naturopathic Cancer Specialist at the Life Extension Foundation has guided my choice of nutritional supplements to take and avoid during chemo and radiation, and they have a pre-and post surgical protocol for you to follow if you are so inclined.

I am so thankful for the informed loving guidance and support from the members and posters to this board, all of whom are blessings to all us cancer-fighters. I know that you will be, too.

God bless you ALL!

-Tom

Victoria:

Welcome to the cc club! Just a member, here, after reviewing the website the link led me to–it is my first viewing of this alternative therapy. We have
BigPharma, the FDA, and the conservative elements of the AMA to overcome in gaining access to any such therapy in this country–and that’s not including BigInsurance, BigGovernment, and so-called health care reform.

As you continue to view the postings on this site, you will enjoy learning about the many things members are trying, and sometimes a teasing hint at the true cures being kept from us.

May I suggest the new book by Suzanne Sommers, “Knockout!”, in which she interviews several cutting edge researchers in treatment alternatives- who have battled the aforementioned big powers aligned against us.

That being said, I’ve taken advantage of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as naturopopathic supplementation to this point. My best Naturopathic Doctor is a telphone call away at Life Extension Foundation, of which I am yet a member–and he has guided me well on what supplements to take and avoid during chemotherapy and radiation.

God bless you and yours

-Tom

Hello Linda Z:

Alternative treatments are worth considering in your area. One of the other members informed me of a book by Dr. Keith Block, “Life Over Cancer”. Dr. Block runs the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Evanston, IL. Even if his costs are prohibitive, his book is worth buying, and calling to ask for free advice is something I would try. I mean you live in the Chicago area, right? Maybe at least a free consult could be arranged.

God help us all to keep up the fight!

-Tom

Hello, InGodsHands–

In addition to ICC, I have dealt with another illness called systemic candidiasis. The books on that sometimes touched on this issue, because some authors also felt it true that the yeast (candida albicans) thrives only in the acid environment. Failing to control my yeast problem with diet, I eventually controlled it mainly with a drug, fluconazole, which never solved the problem, but controlled it. Please note that the dieter himself, me, not being able to completely stick with the diet was a part of the problem–but the diet alone truly proved insufficient , anyway.

There is also a book out by a Roman doctor, “Cancer is a Fungus,” (candida albicans) which even my Nutrapathic Doctor doesn’t see as having sufficient science behind it, but perhaps there is a relationship. If the doctor is wrong, then we are dealing with an entirely different illness here–cancer.

I think there is something to the acid/alkaline balance issue, and I have much to learn before forming a final opinion.