Alternative Approach
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Alternative Approach

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Alternative Approach

  • Post
    • February 5, 2017 at 4:44 pm
    Nick C
    Participant

    Just wondering…has anyone tried holistic/naturalistic approach in addition to their drug therapy, i.e, supplements, juicing, coffee enamas, detox, essential oils, etc? If so, which ones?

Viewing 32 reply threads
  • Replies
      • February 5, 2017 at 5:20 pm
      SABKLYN
      Participant

      I use Maitake D, grape seed extract, tumeric and Vitamin D.  My oncologist was aware of what I was taking and while maybe not exactly endorsing it, said he was fine with it

        • February 7, 2017 at 1:37 pm
        Nick C
        Participant

        My oncologist is also aware of what I am taking and has no problem with it. I use wheat germ, folic acid, probiatics, Vitamin D, tumeric and fruit and vegetable supplements. I have also done a couple of detoxes before I started my Keytruda treatment…so far no side effects.

        • February 7, 2017 at 1:37 pm
        Nick C
        Participant

        My oncologist is also aware of what I am taking and has no problem with it. I use wheat germ, folic acid, probiatics, Vitamin D, tumeric and fruit and vegetable supplements. I have also done a couple of detoxes before I started my Keytruda treatment…so far no side effects.

        • February 7, 2017 at 1:37 pm
        Nick C
        Participant

        My oncologist is also aware of what I am taking and has no problem with it. I use wheat germ, folic acid, probiatics, Vitamin D, tumeric and fruit and vegetable supplements. I have also done a couple of detoxes before I started my Keytruda treatment…so far no side effects.

      • February 5, 2017 at 5:20 pm
      SABKLYN
      Participant

      I use Maitake D, grape seed extract, tumeric and Vitamin D.  My oncologist was aware of what I was taking and while maybe not exactly endorsing it, said he was fine with it

      • February 5, 2017 at 5:20 pm
      SABKLYN
      Participant

      I use Maitake D, grape seed extract, tumeric and Vitamin D.  My oncologist was aware of what I was taking and while maybe not exactly endorsing it, said he was fine with it

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:14 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      As far as helping with side effects I take a probiotic to help prevent colitis and I use tea tree essential oil along with a natural oatmeal lotion to help when my skin gets itchy. I also use tumeric and certain fruits in juices and smoothies to help with joint inflammation. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:14 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      As far as helping with side effects I take a probiotic to help prevent colitis and I use tea tree essential oil along with a natural oatmeal lotion to help when my skin gets itchy. I also use tumeric and certain fruits in juices and smoothies to help with joint inflammation. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:14 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      As far as helping with side effects I take a probiotic to help prevent colitis and I use tea tree essential oil along with a natural oatmeal lotion to help when my skin gets itchy. I also use tumeric and certain fruits in juices and smoothies to help with joint inflammation. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:44 pm
      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      I use a probiotic- to help put back good bacteria after extensive antibiotics and as possible help to fend off collitis on ipi nivo, vit d supplement, fish oil(as anti inflammatory ) and tumeric. Try to stick to a healthier diet too.

       

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:44 pm
      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      I use a probiotic- to help put back good bacteria after extensive antibiotics and as possible help to fend off collitis on ipi nivo, vit d supplement, fish oil(as anti inflammatory ) and tumeric. Try to stick to a healthier diet too.

       

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:44 pm
      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      I use a probiotic- to help put back good bacteria after extensive antibiotics and as possible help to fend off collitis on ipi nivo, vit d supplement, fish oil(as anti inflammatory ) and tumeric. Try to stick to a healthier diet too.

       

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:44 pm
      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      I use a probiotic- to help put back good bacteria after extensive antibiotics and as possible help to fend off collitis on ipi nivo, vit d supplement, fish oil(as anti inflammatory ) and tumeric. Try to stick to a healthier diet too.

       

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:44 pm
      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      I use a probiotic- to help put back good bacteria after extensive antibiotics and as possible help to fend off collitis on ipi nivo, vit d supplement, fish oil(as anti inflammatory ) and tumeric. Try to stick to a healthier diet too.

       

      • February 5, 2017 at 6:44 pm
      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      I use a probiotic- to help put back good bacteria after extensive antibiotics and as possible help to fend off collitis on ipi nivo, vit d supplement, fish oil(as anti inflammatory ) and tumeric. Try to stick to a healthier diet too.

       

      • February 5, 2017 at 7:25 pm
      sister of patient
      Participant

      I've been following the story and progress of this mel survivor – you may want to check it out – https://www.baileyobrien.com/ – she had conventional treatment but opted out and sought alternatives when she wasn't responding. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 7:25 pm
      sister of patient
      Participant

      I've been following the story and progress of this mel survivor – you may want to check it out – https://www.baileyobrien.com/ – she had conventional treatment but opted out and sought alternatives when she wasn't responding. 

        • February 5, 2017 at 7:57 pm
        Toby0987
        Participant

        Does anyone know about the fees she charges for her "cancer coaching"?

        • February 5, 2017 at 7:57 pm
        Toby0987
        Participant

        Does anyone know about the fees she charges for her "cancer coaching"?

        • February 5, 2017 at 10:44 pm
        sister of patient
        Participant

        I have never investigated her "coaching services" so it's probably best to contact her directly for any other information. I can tell you that she'll be the first to say that whatever's working for you, conventional or otherwise, don't stop doing it … and, though I'm not at all religious, she has a lovely "full of light" spirit that I really enjoy. She has tons of recipes for great salads, which I love and is heavy into juicing too, so lots of recipes for that as well. Hope that helps 🙂

        • February 5, 2017 at 10:44 pm
        sister of patient
        Participant

        I have never investigated her "coaching services" so it's probably best to contact her directly for any other information. I can tell you that she'll be the first to say that whatever's working for you, conventional or otherwise, don't stop doing it … and, though I'm not at all religious, she has a lovely "full of light" spirit that I really enjoy. She has tons of recipes for great salads, which I love and is heavy into juicing too, so lots of recipes for that as well. Hope that helps 🙂

        • February 5, 2017 at 10:44 pm
        sister of patient
        Participant

        I have never investigated her "coaching services" so it's probably best to contact her directly for any other information. I can tell you that she'll be the first to say that whatever's working for you, conventional or otherwise, don't stop doing it … and, though I'm not at all religious, she has a lovely "full of light" spirit that I really enjoy. She has tons of recipes for great salads, which I love and is heavy into juicing too, so lots of recipes for that as well. Hope that helps 🙂

        • February 5, 2017 at 7:57 pm
        Toby0987
        Participant

        Does anyone know about the fees she charges for her "cancer coaching"?

      • February 5, 2017 at 7:25 pm
      sister of patient
      Participant

      I've been following the story and progress of this mel survivor – you may want to check it out – https://www.baileyobrien.com/ – she had conventional treatment but opted out and sought alternatives when she wasn't responding. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 8:47 pm
      Nicklindner
      Participant

      I have done similar supplements as the rest. However about 3 weeks before my ipi/nivo combo I started juicing and a sugar/flour free diet. I got my third infusion on the 26th and since then have been pretty nauseous- meds don't take the edge off. So needless to say I stopped juicing veggies. Up to that point I felt pretty good. Who knows though. Figured I would throw as much against the wall. Cookies and cupcakes never really did anything good for me anyways. 🙂

      best of luck bro. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 8:47 pm
      Nicklindner
      Participant

      I have done similar supplements as the rest. However about 3 weeks before my ipi/nivo combo I started juicing and a sugar/flour free diet. I got my third infusion on the 26th and since then have been pretty nauseous- meds don't take the edge off. So needless to say I stopped juicing veggies. Up to that point I felt pretty good. Who knows though. Figured I would throw as much against the wall. Cookies and cupcakes never really did anything good for me anyways. 🙂

      best of luck bro. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 8:47 pm
      Nicklindner
      Participant

      I have done similar supplements as the rest. However about 3 weeks before my ipi/nivo combo I started juicing and a sugar/flour free diet. I got my third infusion on the 26th and since then have been pretty nauseous- meds don't take the edge off. So needless to say I stopped juicing veggies. Up to that point I felt pretty good. Who knows though. Figured I would throw as much against the wall. Cookies and cupcakes never really did anything good for me anyways. 🙂

      best of luck bro. 

      • February 5, 2017 at 9:03 pm
      Judy Steven’s wife
      Participant

      we try anti-inflammatory foods, as healthy as possible, and besides that homeopathics for support, flower essences (to keep up faith), vitamines supll. (and extra C and D), turmeric&ginger (golden milk), and no sugar.

      • February 5, 2017 at 9:03 pm
      Judy Steven’s wife
      Participant

      we try anti-inflammatory foods, as healthy as possible, and besides that homeopathics for support, flower essences (to keep up faith), vitamines supll. (and extra C and D), turmeric&ginger (golden milk), and no sugar.

      • February 5, 2017 at 9:03 pm
      Judy Steven’s wife
      Participant

      we try anti-inflammatory foods, as healthy as possible, and besides that homeopathics for support, flower essences (to keep up faith), vitamines supll. (and extra C and D), turmeric&ginger (golden milk), and no sugar.

      • February 5, 2017 at 9:34 pm
      Marksa2570
      Participant

      There was a study from a couple years ago that hibiscus killed melanoma cells in mice.       Does anyone think hibiscus is worth trying?    

      • February 5, 2017 at 9:34 pm
      Marksa2570
      Participant

      There was a study from a couple years ago that hibiscus killed melanoma cells in mice.       Does anyone think hibiscus is worth trying?    

        • February 5, 2017 at 9:59 pm
        Janner
        Participant

        Lots of things have been shown to kill melanoma in mice or in petrie dishes, but killing melanoma when ingested by a human is an entirely different thing.   That claim alone wouldn't be something that sold me on a product by itself.  It's enough that the scientific community might take a closer look at it, though.

        • February 5, 2017 at 9:59 pm
        Janner
        Participant

        Lots of things have been shown to kill melanoma in mice or in petrie dishes, but killing melanoma when ingested by a human is an entirely different thing.   That claim alone wouldn't be something that sold me on a product by itself.  It's enough that the scientific community might take a closer look at it, though.

        • February 5, 2017 at 9:59 pm
        Janner
        Participant

        Lots of things have been shown to kill melanoma in mice or in petrie dishes, but killing melanoma when ingested by a human is an entirely different thing.   That claim alone wouldn't be something that sold me on a product by itself.  It's enough that the scientific community might take a closer look at it, though.

      • February 5, 2017 at 9:34 pm
      Marksa2570
      Participant

      There was a study from a couple years ago that hibiscus killed melanoma cells in mice.       Does anyone think hibiscus is worth trying?    

      • February 5, 2017 at 11:18 pm
      whitemeredith7
      Participant
      I picked up a book called ‘Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life’ and have found it to be very helpful towards understanding the mechanisms behind the disease, as well as lifestyle choices that can help support traditional therapies. It was written by a research oncologist who ended up with brain cancer, and he had a difficult time finding advice on diet/exercise/lifestyle from the oncologists who treated him as a patient.

      Personally, I’m following a Mediterranean/anti-inflammatory type diet, improving my omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, eating lots of probiotic foods, and choosing minimally processed foods as much as possible. The only supplememts I take are vitamin D, turmeric (use liberally in cooking too), and fish oil.

      That said…I definitely leave room for Ben & Jerry a couple times a week! 🙂

      • February 5, 2017 at 11:18 pm
      whitemeredith7
      Participant
      I picked up a book called ‘Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life’ and have found it to be very helpful towards understanding the mechanisms behind the disease, as well as lifestyle choices that can help support traditional therapies. It was written by a research oncologist who ended up with brain cancer, and he had a difficult time finding advice on diet/exercise/lifestyle from the oncologists who treated him as a patient.

      Personally, I’m following a Mediterranean/anti-inflammatory type diet, improving my omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, eating lots of probiotic foods, and choosing minimally processed foods as much as possible. The only supplememts I take are vitamin D, turmeric (use liberally in cooking too), and fish oil.

      That said…I definitely leave room for Ben & Jerry a couple times a week! 🙂

      • February 5, 2017 at 11:18 pm
      whitemeredith7
      Participant
      I picked up a book called ‘Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life’ and have found it to be very helpful towards understanding the mechanisms behind the disease, as well as lifestyle choices that can help support traditional therapies. It was written by a research oncologist who ended up with brain cancer, and he had a difficult time finding advice on diet/exercise/lifestyle from the oncologists who treated him as a patient.

      Personally, I’m following a Mediterranean/anti-inflammatory type diet, improving my omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, eating lots of probiotic foods, and choosing minimally processed foods as much as possible. The only supplememts I take are vitamin D, turmeric (use liberally in cooking too), and fish oil.

      That said…I definitely leave room for Ben & Jerry a couple times a week! 🙂

      • February 6, 2017 at 2:35 am
      snow white
      Participant

      Dad is doing a very low in sugar diet, only whole foods, nothing from a can/box etc.  My Mom is a fantastic cook, so that helps.  Dad does have a bit of a sweet tooth, so he indulges once in awhile.  Supplements are Vitamin D, Tumeric, probiotics and vitamin C (to ward off colds etc).  The only meds other than ipi, are blood pressure meds  & Keppra for anti-seizure.  When I was doing chemo, my doc did not want me juicing, I can't remember why though.  No juicing for Dad either.

      • February 6, 2017 at 2:35 am
      snow white
      Participant

      Dad is doing a very low in sugar diet, only whole foods, nothing from a can/box etc.  My Mom is a fantastic cook, so that helps.  Dad does have a bit of a sweet tooth, so he indulges once in awhile.  Supplements are Vitamin D, Tumeric, probiotics and vitamin C (to ward off colds etc).  The only meds other than ipi, are blood pressure meds  & Keppra for anti-seizure.  When I was doing chemo, my doc did not want me juicing, I can't remember why though.  No juicing for Dad either.

      • February 6, 2017 at 2:35 am
      snow white
      Participant

      Dad is doing a very low in sugar diet, only whole foods, nothing from a can/box etc.  My Mom is a fantastic cook, so that helps.  Dad does have a bit of a sweet tooth, so he indulges once in awhile.  Supplements are Vitamin D, Tumeric, probiotics and vitamin C (to ward off colds etc).  The only meds other than ipi, are blood pressure meds  & Keppra for anti-seizure.  When I was doing chemo, my doc did not want me juicing, I can't remember why though.  No juicing for Dad either.

      • February 6, 2017 at 4:06 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      You might be surprised that part of the National Institues of Health (NIH)https://www.nih.gov/  is the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/.

      As always, knowledge is power.

      Cheers,

      Charlie 

      • February 6, 2017 at 4:06 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      You might be surprised that part of the National Institues of Health (NIH)https://www.nih.gov/  is the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/.

      As always, knowledge is power.

      Cheers,

      Charlie 

      • February 6, 2017 at 4:06 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      You might be surprised that part of the National Institues of Health (NIH)https://www.nih.gov/  is the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/.

      As always, knowledge is power.

      Cheers,

      Charlie 

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