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Anyone stage3 staying NED with supplements & diet?

Forums General Melanoma Community Anyone stage3 staying NED with supplements & diet?

  • Post
    Doug-Pepper
    Participant

      Hello! Doug had wle & snb in Nov. I lymph node contained a microscopic amount of melanoma. His scans & mri came back clear. The drs. have suggested interferon or clinical trial of ipilimumab. Doug feels great & is reluctant to go on these drugs that have the potential to make you feel horrible.We have almost decided to go about this in a more natural way.  We are trying to cut out processed foods & sugar. We are eating lots more fruits & veggies & less meat. He is taking a whole foods multi-V, juice festiv, garlic, CO-Q10, tumeric,& omega 3 fish oil.

      Hello! Doug had wle & snb in Nov. I lymph node contained a microscopic amount of melanoma. His scans & mri came back clear. The drs. have suggested interferon or clinical trial of ipilimumab. Doug feels great & is reluctant to go on these drugs that have the potential to make you feel horrible.We have almost decided to go about this in a more natural way.  We are trying to cut out processed foods & sugar. We are eating lots more fruits & veggies & less meat. He is taking a whole foods multi-V, juice festiv, garlic, CO-Q10, tumeric,& omega 3 fish oil. Anyone else out there fighting this awful disease this way with promising results? I had read several books 2 years ago about fighting cancer with nutrition & was very interested. Now I am praying that this is the answer for us. Thanks, Pepper.

    Viewing 39 reply threads
    • Replies
        washoegal
        Participant

          Sounds to me as if Doug is Stage 3a.  I am also Stage 3a, 2 nodes with microscopic amounts of cancer cells.  I am doing the wait and watch.  However, it was presented to me as a very viable alternative.  So far 8 months NED. 

          I added Vit D, C and tumeric to my diet.  Plus see the dermatologist regularly and follow up on the scan schedule with the Onc.  I'm not necessarily of proponent of the "natural" way, but as interferon was the only option offered to me I did not feel that the benefits out weighed the risks.

           

          Goog Luck

          Mary

          Stage 3

          washoegal
          Participant

            Sounds to me as if Doug is Stage 3a.  I am also Stage 3a, 2 nodes with microscopic amounts of cancer cells.  I am doing the wait and watch.  However, it was presented to me as a very viable alternative.  So far 8 months NED. 

            I added Vit D, C and tumeric to my diet.  Plus see the dermatologist regularly and follow up on the scan schedule with the Onc.  I'm not necessarily of proponent of the "natural" way, but as interferon was the only option offered to me I did not feel that the benefits out weighed the risks.

             

            Goog Luck

            Mary

            Stage 3

            Valentine
            Participant

              Hi!

              I am stage 3b and 9 months NED.  I had WLE and 1 lymph node was microscopically positive, so had all the lymph nodes of my left groin removed.  I did try a single dose of Interferon, but it was too horrible.  I couldn't keep on with that.  My oncologist had left the decision up to me as he didn't think that the Interferon was really going to tip the scales in my direction all that much.  So, I am just waiting and watching.  I see the dermatologist every 3 months and will have scans again in about 9 months (just had them 3 months ago).

              I have not really considered doing anything nutritionally because that usually means eating yucky food, but I am curious what books you read or if you could recommend a good website.  I would like to do a little reading and think it over.

              Valentine
              Participant

                Hi!

                I am stage 3b and 9 months NED.  I had WLE and 1 lymph node was microscopically positive, so had all the lymph nodes of my left groin removed.  I did try a single dose of Interferon, but it was too horrible.  I couldn't keep on with that.  My oncologist had left the decision up to me as he didn't think that the Interferon was really going to tip the scales in my direction all that much.  So, I am just waiting and watching.  I see the dermatologist every 3 months and will have scans again in about 9 months (just had them 3 months ago).

                I have not really considered doing anything nutritionally because that usually means eating yucky food, but I am curious what books you read or if you could recommend a good website.  I would like to do a little reading and think it over.

                  Jim M.
                  Participant

                    Hi Valentine,

                     What I used to do was eat a lot of sugar and more meat. When I started eating different foods some tasted "yucky" at first. I stuck to the diet and several weeks later (3-4) these new foods didn't taste "yucky" anymore. Your tastebuds adapt quite well. When I tried a sugary dessert that I previously would have eaten the taste of all that sugar was overwhelming and too much whereas before I was so used to sugar It didn't phase me.

                     Food is either healthy or unhealthy. Certain foods may seem "yucky" at first but give yourself several weeks and you'll develop a taste for the new foods

                     

                     God Bless,

                     

                     Jim M.

                    Jim M.
                    Participant

                      Hi Valentine,

                       What I used to do was eat a lot of sugar and more meat. When I started eating different foods some tasted "yucky" at first. I stuck to the diet and several weeks later (3-4) these new foods didn't taste "yucky" anymore. Your tastebuds adapt quite well. When I tried a sugary dessert that I previously would have eaten the taste of all that sugar was overwhelming and too much whereas before I was so used to sugar It didn't phase me.

                       Food is either healthy or unhealthy. Certain foods may seem "yucky" at first but give yourself several weeks and you'll develop a taste for the new foods

                       

                       God Bless,

                       

                       Jim M.

                    ChristineL
                    Participant

                      Hi Pepper,

                      After having my groin dissection in early October, I decided no interferon as well.  We have an organic farm, so we've been eating well for years, but I have recently added Schiff's Mega D-3 (5000 IU vitamin D and resveratrol [after getting blood work and the ok from my oncologist to boost my D3]) and some mushroom extract.  I hope to see an oncologist soon who specializes in this sort of thing, so I will let you know what she says if you'd like.  Since there aren't many options for us Stage IIIers, I think it's perfectly reasonable to take the naturalist approach.  I just hope someone will write in to say they've been doing this for 20 years and are still NED!!!

                      Cheers,

                      ChristineL

                      ChristineL
                      Participant

                        Hi Pepper,

                        After having my groin dissection in early October, I decided no interferon as well.  We have an organic farm, so we've been eating well for years, but I have recently added Schiff's Mega D-3 (5000 IU vitamin D and resveratrol [after getting blood work and the ok from my oncologist to boost my D3]) and some mushroom extract.  I hope to see an oncologist soon who specializes in this sort of thing, so I will let you know what she says if you'd like.  Since there aren't many options for us Stage IIIers, I think it's perfectly reasonable to take the naturalist approach.  I just hope someone will write in to say they've been doing this for 20 years and are still NED!!!

                        Cheers,

                        ChristineL

                        kthekhal
                        Participant

                          Doug,

                           I am a stage 3b Melanoma survivor (WLE & SNB of left arm pit in Oct 2008) –

                          I did try interferon (1 month IV & 7 months self injections)  – my reactions were not very adverse –

                          But I attribute my NED ness to Yoga  (just about 45 minutes of Yogic breathing every day)

                          It is not just enough to consume natural food – please do Yogic breathing too .

                          I have remained NED since Oct 2008.

                          Can teach you the YOGIC breathing (of course free of cost !) (I live in New Jersey).

                          Yogic breathing will cleanse your inner system and you will remain healthy as a horse.

                          Regards,

                          Kish

                            Melanoma Mom
                            Participant

                              My 14 year old son will be trying Interferon, starting next Monday, but we are also planning to do everything we can nutritionally as well. Last week I met with Dr. Jon Semmes (for those of you in Maine, he is with True North in Falmouth) and we talked for two hours about "non-traditional" approaches. We are returning this Friday to go over his ideas which our Oncologist at Dana-Farber has OK'd after they spoke.

                              There is no way I could greatly alter my 14 year old's diet ….. but he is a pretty good eater at this time anyway. We began juicing last week and every morning he has juiced carrots, apple and ginger. I have requested a ton of juicing recipe books at the library that are beginning to arrive. He is very willing to drink the juice. We were lucky to have a neighbor lend us their juicer, which normally run $350+.

                              Once I get some more information on Friday, I will post it. Dr. Semmes contacted some clinics in the U.S. that are currently studying nutritional approaches to melanoma and will have some reports to share with me (us).

                              We chose to do Interferon because:

                              Our son's age

                              His strong desire to try it

                              Laurie from maine
                              Participant

                                HI

                                I would really like to hear what you find out, especially since dana farber doctors were good with it.  thanks for posting it once you find out.

                                laurie from maine

                                Laurie from maine
                                Participant

                                  HI

                                  I would really like to hear what you find out, especially since dana farber doctors were good with it.  thanks for posting it once you find out.

                                  laurie from maine

                                  Melanoma Mom
                                  Participant

                                    My 14 year old son will be trying Interferon, starting next Monday, but we are also planning to do everything we can nutritionally as well. Last week I met with Dr. Jon Semmes (for those of you in Maine, he is with True North in Falmouth) and we talked for two hours about "non-traditional" approaches. We are returning this Friday to go over his ideas which our Oncologist at Dana-Farber has OK'd after they spoke.

                                    There is no way I could greatly alter my 14 year old's diet ….. but he is a pretty good eater at this time anyway. We began juicing last week and every morning he has juiced carrots, apple and ginger. I have requested a ton of juicing recipe books at the library that are beginning to arrive. He is very willing to drink the juice. We were lucky to have a neighbor lend us their juicer, which normally run $350+.

                                    Once I get some more information on Friday, I will post it. Dr. Semmes contacted some clinics in the U.S. that are currently studying nutritional approaches to melanoma and will have some reports to share with me (us).

                                    We chose to do Interferon because:

                                    Our son's age

                                    His strong desire to try it

                                    triciad
                                    Participant

                                      Hi Kish,

                                      I am stage 3B and live in Bergen County, NJ.  I would love to learn the Yoga breathing.  Can you post instructions or details of what to do?  Thanks!

                                      Tricia

                                      triciad
                                      Participant

                                        Hi Kish,

                                        I am stage 3B and live in Bergen County, NJ.  I would love to learn the Yoga breathing.  Can you post instructions or details of what to do?  Thanks!

                                        Tricia

                                      kthekhal
                                      Participant

                                        Doug,

                                         I am a stage 3b Melanoma survivor (WLE & SNB of left arm pit in Oct 2008) –

                                        I did try interferon (1 month IV & 7 months self injections)  – my reactions were not very adverse –

                                        But I attribute my NED ness to Yoga  (just about 45 minutes of Yogic breathing every day)

                                        It is not just enough to consume natural food – please do Yogic breathing too .

                                        I have remained NED since Oct 2008.

                                        Can teach you the YOGIC breathing (of course free of cost !) (I live in New Jersey).

                                        Yogic breathing will cleanse your inner system and you will remain healthy as a horse.

                                        Regards,

                                        Kish

                                        EmilyandMike
                                        Participant

                                          Hi Pepper

                                          My husband is 3a and has been NED since his diagnosis in Aug 2009 at age 41.  He decided against interferon and chose to torture himself at the gym instead.   Before he was diagnosed, our diet was pretty healthy.  What wasnt healthy was the fact that he had been chewing tobacco for a long time and not exercising.  That stopped immediately after diagnosis.  He also takes turmeric, Vit D, astragalus, and fish oil.  We have a Vita-mix blender and we blend whole organic fruits and vegetables (keeping the fiber).  I recommend reading The Anti-Cancer http://www.anticancerbook.com/ which has a  good overview/section on food plus it is the story of a doc with brain cancer.  

                                          Melanoma is partly an immune system disorder so whatever you can do to keep it happy the better.  We do our best, except for the occasional margarita.  We all still need to have some fun!  

                                          PS – I would love to do yoga/relaxation/breathing – I think having a healthy mind and a healthy body is also super important!

                                          Best,

                                          Emily

                                          EmilyandMike
                                          Participant

                                            Hi Pepper

                                            My husband is 3a and has been NED since his diagnosis in Aug 2009 at age 41.  He decided against interferon and chose to torture himself at the gym instead.   Before he was diagnosed, our diet was pretty healthy.  What wasnt healthy was the fact that he had been chewing tobacco for a long time and not exercising.  That stopped immediately after diagnosis.  He also takes turmeric, Vit D, astragalus, and fish oil.  We have a Vita-mix blender and we blend whole organic fruits and vegetables (keeping the fiber).  I recommend reading The Anti-Cancer http://www.anticancerbook.com/ which has a  good overview/section on food plus it is the story of a doc with brain cancer.  

                                            Melanoma is partly an immune system disorder so whatever you can do to keep it happy the better.  We do our best, except for the occasional margarita.  We all still need to have some fun!  

                                            PS – I would love to do yoga/relaxation/breathing – I think having a healthy mind and a healthy body is also super important!

                                            Best,

                                            Emily

                                            nicoli
                                            Participant

                                              My oncologist doesn't even recommend Interferon but  offered it to me as an option.  I lasted only two sessions. It worsened my depression to the point that  I ran crying and blubbering into my oncologist's office saying that I couldn't stand it anymore! They called a counselor who listened to my babbling while we waited for the onc to come in. Needless to say, she stopped treatment immediately .

                                              I have read two good books on anti-cancer foods. "Anti-Cancer, a New Way of Life" and the other I can't remember but they both said the same thing. I take this every day: cabbage, blueberries, salmon twice a week, omega 3 eggs and omega 3 spread, curcumin capsules ( a concentrated form of turmeric, lots more than you could ever cook with in a day), Vita C, Vita D3, Ganoderma Lucidem capsules(reishi mushroom), 4 oz of Pinot Noir red wine( the highest concentrate of resveratol), green tea (4-6 daily). Also I limit carbs and sugars as these can feed cancer (controversial issue). All of these supposedly have anti-cancer properties.  And PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER.

                                              But I need to say, I have had 3 (count em, 3) friends who have died from cancer because they did not use conventional medical care. They used only nutrition. I use nutrition only as a complement to conventional medical care.

                                              Nicki, Stage 3b, Dx 12/2009, remission 7 months, local recurrance 10/2010

                                              nicoli
                                              Participant

                                                My oncologist doesn't even recommend Interferon but  offered it to me as an option.  I lasted only two sessions. It worsened my depression to the point that  I ran crying and blubbering into my oncologist's office saying that I couldn't stand it anymore! They called a counselor who listened to my babbling while we waited for the onc to come in. Needless to say, she stopped treatment immediately .

                                                I have read two good books on anti-cancer foods. "Anti-Cancer, a New Way of Life" and the other I can't remember but they both said the same thing. I take this every day: cabbage, blueberries, salmon twice a week, omega 3 eggs and omega 3 spread, curcumin capsules ( a concentrated form of turmeric, lots more than you could ever cook with in a day), Vita C, Vita D3, Ganoderma Lucidem capsules(reishi mushroom), 4 oz of Pinot Noir red wine( the highest concentrate of resveratol), green tea (4-6 daily). Also I limit carbs and sugars as these can feed cancer (controversial issue). All of these supposedly have anti-cancer properties.  And PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER.

                                                But I need to say, I have had 3 (count em, 3) friends who have died from cancer because they did not use conventional medical care. They used only nutrition. I use nutrition only as a complement to conventional medical care.

                                                Nicki, Stage 3b, Dx 12/2009, remission 7 months, local recurrance 10/2010

                                                Doug-Pepper
                                                Participant

                                                  Thanks everyone! Glad that you are all NED! I would also like to see more that are going on 20 years NED. I had read some of your profiles already & thankful that you take the time to respond.

                                                  I have had my vitamix for about 2 years & love it! Doug has a juice every morning on his way to work. It is usually some sort of fruit with some carrot & spinach in it. If I am in a hurry I use the odwalla,naked, or bolthouse farms juices. The vita mix is also great for chopping veggies to sneak in soup.

                                                  Most of the books that I have read use nutrition along with chemo or radiation. I am not against modern medicine, but I am hoping that we can prevent having to use those treatments since it was caught fairly early. The books that I have been reading started several years ago with " Toxic Relief" & another book by Don Colbert,MD. The other was "The Makers Diet" & a book on cancer by Jordan Rubin. Right now I have been reading "The New Bible Cure for Cancer"(Don Colbert) & "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" (Patrick Quillen). We have all heard that fruits & veggies are good for you & can help your body fight off certain diseases. So we are trying to build up his immune system. We also have an eight year old daughter that I want to grow up healthy.

                                                  Yes, some of the food might be a little bit yucky. My husband is 55 & has always ate exactly what he has wanted to. His idea of eating vegetables was fried okra & fried squash. (We are definately from the south). I have been on some sort of diet for 20 years. When I would try to cook healthier to lose weight his favorite line is, " follow me a day & you won't have to worry about your weight. He is very active @ work. Not to mention that he is 6'5" & I am 5'3". He is now eating a lot of steamed broccoli, salads, fruits, nuts, & anything else I can come up with. It is hard to cut out the meats but he is definately cutting back. Baby steps…..

                                                  He did actually admit in a moment of weakness that he feels better after eating healthier! LOL! Imagine that. The few times that we have had something greasy like he used to eat on a daily basis, it killed his stomach & made him feel bad.

                                                  We are also trying to get more rest. Easier said than done. The yoga breathing technique does sound interesting. I had been reading about taking deep breaths to get more oxygen.

                                                  We also strongly believe in God & prayer. Through God's grace we are saved & can face eternity with Him. That takes some of the fear away.

                                                  Laughter is also a great medicine!

                                                  This whole healthy way is a lot more work on my part, but I definately think he is worth it! It is amazing the junk they add to our foods that I never thought a thing about before. Like I said I have been interested in this for 2 years. So at least for me it has not been too overwhelming as far as the food. My new hobby is label reading @ the grocery store. It is amazing the food that has high fructose corn syrup & partiall hydrogenated oil.

                                                  Sorry, this is soooo long. Off of my soap box & to the gym! Good luck & have a great day, Pepper.

                                                  Doug-Pepper
                                                  Participant

                                                    Thanks everyone! Glad that you are all NED! I would also like to see more that are going on 20 years NED. I had read some of your profiles already & thankful that you take the time to respond.

                                                    I have had my vitamix for about 2 years & love it! Doug has a juice every morning on his way to work. It is usually some sort of fruit with some carrot & spinach in it. If I am in a hurry I use the odwalla,naked, or bolthouse farms juices. The vita mix is also great for chopping veggies to sneak in soup.

                                                    Most of the books that I have read use nutrition along with chemo or radiation. I am not against modern medicine, but I am hoping that we can prevent having to use those treatments since it was caught fairly early. The books that I have been reading started several years ago with " Toxic Relief" & another book by Don Colbert,MD. The other was "The Makers Diet" & a book on cancer by Jordan Rubin. Right now I have been reading "The New Bible Cure for Cancer"(Don Colbert) & "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" (Patrick Quillen). We have all heard that fruits & veggies are good for you & can help your body fight off certain diseases. So we are trying to build up his immune system. We also have an eight year old daughter that I want to grow up healthy.

                                                    Yes, some of the food might be a little bit yucky. My husband is 55 & has always ate exactly what he has wanted to. His idea of eating vegetables was fried okra & fried squash. (We are definately from the south). I have been on some sort of diet for 20 years. When I would try to cook healthier to lose weight his favorite line is, " follow me a day & you won't have to worry about your weight. He is very active @ work. Not to mention that he is 6'5" & I am 5'3". He is now eating a lot of steamed broccoli, salads, fruits, nuts, & anything else I can come up with. It is hard to cut out the meats but he is definately cutting back. Baby steps…..

                                                    He did actually admit in a moment of weakness that he feels better after eating healthier! LOL! Imagine that. The few times that we have had something greasy like he used to eat on a daily basis, it killed his stomach & made him feel bad.

                                                    We are also trying to get more rest. Easier said than done. The yoga breathing technique does sound interesting. I had been reading about taking deep breaths to get more oxygen.

                                                    We also strongly believe in God & prayer. Through God's grace we are saved & can face eternity with Him. That takes some of the fear away.

                                                    Laughter is also a great medicine!

                                                    This whole healthy way is a lot more work on my part, but I definately think he is worth it! It is amazing the junk they add to our foods that I never thought a thing about before. Like I said I have been interested in this for 2 years. So at least for me it has not been too overwhelming as far as the food. My new hobby is label reading @ the grocery store. It is amazing the food that has high fructose corn syrup & partiall hydrogenated oil.

                                                    Sorry, this is soooo long. Off of my soap box & to the gym! Good luck & have a great day, Pepper.

                                                    lovingwifedeb
                                                    Participant

                                                      Dear Pepper,

                                                      I am glad you are getting very good responses here at the MRF site. When diagnosed in stage 3 it does seem there is some give, "time" maybe that one can say look at diet as a way to clean up the body. There are so many here that don't have that option who are in stage 4 and are searching for any means to prolong their life. The stories are heart renching but the more my husband (he is in stage 3) and I read the more we are determined to make a go of changing our lifestyle of eating "green" and healthy until told otherwise. Then we will discuss other options as far as treatment if our tale of woe moves in the stage 4 direction. But what I do believe in whole heartedly is that no matter what stage one is in the body needs nutrition and it needs good nutrition to thrive on. Nothing else would make any sense.

                                                      The more I read the more I am shocked at what the medical field is not telling us when it comes to cancer. So I say the more educated we as caregivers become the better advocates we are for each other and most of all for our spouses who are most affected. Processed foods have done so much damage over the last 50 years to the human body it's any wonder our cells are swimming at all. Our bodies are a miracle machine and we need to help it as much as we can to set it right (in my opionion).

                                                      Learn everything you can about the immune system and what destroys it and what makes it thrive.

                                                      You and your family are in my thoughts, travel wisely.

                                                      Deb

                                                      lovingwife to Bob, stage 3c

                                                       

                                                      more about us…

                                                      http://redesign08.blogspot.com/

                                                      lovingwifedeb
                                                      Participant

                                                        Dear Pepper,

                                                        I am glad you are getting very good responses here at the MRF site. When diagnosed in stage 3 it does seem there is some give, "time" maybe that one can say look at diet as a way to clean up the body. There are so many here that don't have that option who are in stage 4 and are searching for any means to prolong their life. The stories are heart renching but the more my husband (he is in stage 3) and I read the more we are determined to make a go of changing our lifestyle of eating "green" and healthy until told otherwise. Then we will discuss other options as far as treatment if our tale of woe moves in the stage 4 direction. But what I do believe in whole heartedly is that no matter what stage one is in the body needs nutrition and it needs good nutrition to thrive on. Nothing else would make any sense.

                                                        The more I read the more I am shocked at what the medical field is not telling us when it comes to cancer. So I say the more educated we as caregivers become the better advocates we are for each other and most of all for our spouses who are most affected. Processed foods have done so much damage over the last 50 years to the human body it's any wonder our cells are swimming at all. Our bodies are a miracle machine and we need to help it as much as we can to set it right (in my opionion).

                                                        Learn everything you can about the immune system and what destroys it and what makes it thrive.

                                                        You and your family are in my thoughts, travel wisely.

                                                        Deb

                                                        lovingwife to Bob, stage 3c

                                                         

                                                        more about us…

                                                        http://redesign08.blogspot.com/

                                                        Jim M.
                                                        Participant

                                                          I changed my diet 2 weeks after I was diagnosed (3C with an unknown primary). I eat a lot of the same things already mentioned. I also take Querecetin, fill a glass with a bit of Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness drink, water, and a scoop of Green Vibrance powder drink,  favor kale and brussels sprouts almost on a daily basis, broccoli sprouts, and love whole grain cereals like amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat and oats.

                                                           God Bless,

                                                           Jim M.

                                                          Jim M.
                                                          Participant

                                                            I changed my diet 2 weeks after I was diagnosed (3C with an unknown primary). I eat a lot of the same things already mentioned. I also take Querecetin, fill a glass with a bit of Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness drink, water, and a scoop of Green Vibrance powder drink,  favor kale and brussels sprouts almost on a daily basis, broccoli sprouts, and love whole grain cereals like amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat and oats.

                                                             God Bless,

                                                             Jim M.

                                                            JuleFL
                                                            Participant
                                                              A very good book to get for nutrition is The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz. Good info on nutrition from food, plus delicious recipes. Soups are pretty good.

                                                              Jule

                                                              JuleFL
                                                              Participant
                                                                A very good book to get for nutrition is The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz. Good info on nutrition from food, plus delicious recipes. Soups are pretty good.

                                                                Jule

                                                                NancyGM
                                                                Participant

                                                                  Hi, I am stage IV, but I have been NED for three years now. I attribute doing well mostly to luck…but here is what I believe has been helpful for me: my yoga practice, my vegan diet and Flax oil. I think a healthy dose of denial goes a long way, too ( I pretend I don't have melanoma). Very best of luck, Nancy

                                                                  NancyGM
                                                                  Participant

                                                                    Hi, I am stage IV, but I have been NED for three years now. I attribute doing well mostly to luck…but here is what I believe has been helpful for me: my yoga practice, my vegan diet and Flax oil. I think a healthy dose of denial goes a long way, too ( I pretend I don't have melanoma). Very best of luck, Nancy

                                                                    Susan M
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      Hi Pepper,you have a great attitude and I think will have a lot to do with your husband's outcome.  I was diagnosed Stage 3 in 2002 and had a complete lymph node dissection in my left axilla, and no interferon.  At that time it was the only option for Stage 3 and I don't think that has really changed in the past 8 years.  Back then my oncologist tried to convince me to do the interferon but also told me that my chances were slim to survive more than a few years (even with the interferon).  I figured that if I might only have a few years left (I was 58 and divorced) I sure wanted them to be good years.  I have never regretted my decision and have made the most of my life since 2002. I thank God when I wake up every day, each one is a blessing.  By 2004 I had all my legal details finished up and since then have taken 5 cruises and travelled as much as I can afford.  I adore my kids and my grandchildren and any time I watch TV or movies I try to make sure they are comedies.  Laughter is so important. 

                                                                      I also changed my diet immediately.  I would have preferred to go vegan but I am allergic to soy and had no idea how I would get enough protein, so I eliminated red meat first.  For me that was the easiest. I eat organic chicken and wild salmon a lot, and have taken various supplements over the years. Vitamins D, C, calcium, zinc, and many others. I eat as much organic food as I can afford and have eliminated white flour and white sugar from my diet. If I can't get fresh fruit and vegetables, I buy organic frozen and make lots of protein shakes.  I am not rigid about any part of my diet or lifestyle and more or less 'go with the flow' when I am not at home.  I now have few x-rays or scans or skin checks.  When you are already Stage 3, I consider skin checks kind of a waste of time (sorry if that offends anyone), as I found my own primary and know darn well that I would never let another one go as far as that one did.  Another primary is pretty unusual anyway and I know the first 2 years that is all I thought about.  Now the only thing I worry about is sub-q's, and I have many many lumps under the skin on the lower part of my cancer arm as I call it.  I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last spring and a strange thing is I can't get enough blood out of those fingers on my left hand to do my blood glucose checks, so my poor four fingers on my right hand are getting worn out ;-).  Again I have had to change my diet and again it has been for the better. In a way I'm lucky to be on my own.

                                                                      Life is good, God is good, best wishes to both of you.

                                                                      Susan M – Stage 3

                                                                      Susan M
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        Hi Pepper,you have a great attitude and I think will have a lot to do with your husband's outcome.  I was diagnosed Stage 3 in 2002 and had a complete lymph node dissection in my left axilla, and no interferon.  At that time it was the only option for Stage 3 and I don't think that has really changed in the past 8 years.  Back then my oncologist tried to convince me to do the interferon but also told me that my chances were slim to survive more than a few years (even with the interferon).  I figured that if I might only have a few years left (I was 58 and divorced) I sure wanted them to be good years.  I have never regretted my decision and have made the most of my life since 2002. I thank God when I wake up every day, each one is a blessing.  By 2004 I had all my legal details finished up and since then have taken 5 cruises and travelled as much as I can afford.  I adore my kids and my grandchildren and any time I watch TV or movies I try to make sure they are comedies.  Laughter is so important. 

                                                                        I also changed my diet immediately.  I would have preferred to go vegan but I am allergic to soy and had no idea how I would get enough protein, so I eliminated red meat first.  For me that was the easiest. I eat organic chicken and wild salmon a lot, and have taken various supplements over the years. Vitamins D, C, calcium, zinc, and many others. I eat as much organic food as I can afford and have eliminated white flour and white sugar from my diet. If I can't get fresh fruit and vegetables, I buy organic frozen and make lots of protein shakes.  I am not rigid about any part of my diet or lifestyle and more or less 'go with the flow' when I am not at home.  I now have few x-rays or scans or skin checks.  When you are already Stage 3, I consider skin checks kind of a waste of time (sorry if that offends anyone), as I found my own primary and know darn well that I would never let another one go as far as that one did.  Another primary is pretty unusual anyway and I know the first 2 years that is all I thought about.  Now the only thing I worry about is sub-q's, and I have many many lumps under the skin on the lower part of my cancer arm as I call it.  I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last spring and a strange thing is I can't get enough blood out of those fingers on my left hand to do my blood glucose checks, so my poor four fingers on my right hand are getting worn out ;-).  Again I have had to change my diet and again it has been for the better. In a way I'm lucky to be on my own.

                                                                        Life is good, God is good, best wishes to both of you.

                                                                        Susan M – Stage 3

                                                                        AlisonC
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Hi there 🙂

                                                                          I don't come to the board nearly as much as I should these days – not paying it forward properly for all the support I got here – but wanted to post some positive news about this one 🙂

                                                                          I am stage IIIB, NED since my lymphadenectomy in November 2001 (so last month was my 9 year NED-iverasry )

                                                                          I had all the recommended medical treatments (interferon was heavily NOT recommended so I did a vaccine trial) but also attended a live-in complementary program for cancer patients.  I have followed those lifestyle recommendations ever since.  I use raw juices (carrot, carrot + beetroot+ ginger etc), a very high veg/fibre, low meat, low dairy and extremely low sugar diet.  I meditate daily (I was in remedial meditation  – being a type A personality 😉  and take a bunch of supplements, which I started taking after consulting a naturopath – who was also an M.D – who worked with my complementary cancer centre.  The closest similar centre I know of in the U.S would be the the Commonweal cancer centre in California.  The most helpful book I've read so far (and I've read a bunch 😉 for the lifestyle approach is  Anti-cancer: A new way of life  by David Servan-Schreiber. 

                                                                          I can't say that the lifestyle and supplements are why I'm still here 9 years later.  But I like to think they've been the reason – the idea that changing my body chemistry has changed the potential of the metastatic cells to grow – and if nothing else they've helped me to feel I have some control in this situation.  Which means a lot to keeping you sane in the tough moments of worry…..

                                                                          good luck 🙂

                                                                          AlisonC

                                                                          Stage IIIB

                                                                          NED since 2001

                                                                          AlisonC
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            Hi there 🙂

                                                                            I don't come to the board nearly as much as I should these days – not paying it forward properly for all the support I got here – but wanted to post some positive news about this one 🙂

                                                                            I am stage IIIB, NED since my lymphadenectomy in November 2001 (so last month was my 9 year NED-iverasry )

                                                                            I had all the recommended medical treatments (interferon was heavily NOT recommended so I did a vaccine trial) but also attended a live-in complementary program for cancer patients.  I have followed those lifestyle recommendations ever since.  I use raw juices (carrot, carrot + beetroot+ ginger etc), a very high veg/fibre, low meat, low dairy and extremely low sugar diet.  I meditate daily (I was in remedial meditation  – being a type A personality 😉  and take a bunch of supplements, which I started taking after consulting a naturopath – who was also an M.D – who worked with my complementary cancer centre.  The closest similar centre I know of in the U.S would be the the Commonweal cancer centre in California.  The most helpful book I've read so far (and I've read a bunch 😉 for the lifestyle approach is  Anti-cancer: A new way of life  by David Servan-Schreiber. 

                                                                            I can't say that the lifestyle and supplements are why I'm still here 9 years later.  But I like to think they've been the reason – the idea that changing my body chemistry has changed the potential of the metastatic cells to grow – and if nothing else they've helped me to feel I have some control in this situation.  Which means a lot to keeping you sane in the tough moments of worry…..

                                                                            good luck 🙂

                                                                            AlisonC

                                                                            Stage IIIB

                                                                            NED since 2001

                                                                            Doug-Pepper
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              Wow! Thanks for all of the encouragement! We really need it! I will put those books on my list.

                                                                              Pepper

                                                                                Dynasysman
                                                                                Participant
                                                                                  Hi Pepper. Would have replied sooner, but my left posterior neck lymphadenopathy was Tuesday, and I have mostly been healing these past two days. I dont have a Stage yet, but since it was an unknown primary, I must be Stage III-something.

                                                                                  I adopted a far healthier lifestyle about 10 years ago — mosty cut out red meat, more raw fruits and veggies, workouts ~3 times a week. I believe the stamina, energy, and positive attitude I gained through this lifestyle change may have something to do with the fact that I am awake and energized (and home) 36 hours after coming out of surgery.

                                                                                  I have been advised by my oncology team at the University of Pennsylania that both ASCO (clinical oncologists) and AICR (more practical lifestyle group) have recently come out against a supplement-based approach. They appear to be recommending a more diet-and-lifestyle approach. That said, I have added turmeric and mushroom extracts to my daily multiple-vitamin.

                                                                                  Everything I read suggests that a healthy anti-cancer diet is somewhat diffent than a healthy lifestyle diet. In particularly, cance feeds on glucose, so i have shifted my daily balance of fresh produce more heavily toads veggies than fruits, and have eliminated processed sugars, honey,and just about all non-raw deserts. I have always lived for sweets, so this is really hard for me, but I’m convinced it is right. Also, I have pretty much eliminated processed vegetables and significantly increased nuts and tofu as sources of protein.

                                                                                  If Doug likes food that is fried AND spicy you might look into Indian vegetable recipes. Indian cooking is heavily spiced, uses lots of turmeric and pepper, and sautees vegetables so that they are not quite so raw. You can fnd great recipes for okra, squash, and all kinds of beans (garbanzos are the primary food in chole, kidney beans in ramjah). I get tons of flavor from these dishes, and they’re quite healthy.
                                                                                  Nutrition is the easiest, least painful way to treat this disease. I have pretty well decided to skip immunotherapy (unless my pathology report is far worse than I expect) and go focus on diet and a more yoga-centered exercise approach. Good luck to you and Doug, and he’s lucky to have someone as committed as you behind him.

                                                                                  Dynasysman
                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                    Hi Pepper. Would have replied sooner, but my left posterior neck lymphadenopathy was Tuesday, and I have mostly been healing these past two days. I dont have a Stage yet, but since it was an unknown primary, I must be Stage III-something.

                                                                                    I adopted a far healthier lifestyle about 10 years ago — mosty cut out red meat, more raw fruits and veggies, workouts ~3 times a week. I believe the stamina, energy, and positive attitude I gained through this lifestyle change may have something to do with the fact that I am awake and energized (and home) 36 hours after coming out of surgery.

                                                                                    I have been advised by my oncology team at the University of Pennsylania that both ASCO (clinical oncologists) and AICR (more practical lifestyle group) have recently come out against a supplement-based approach. They appear to be recommending a more diet-and-lifestyle approach. That said, I have added turmeric and mushroom extracts to my daily multiple-vitamin.

                                                                                    Everything I read suggests that a healthy anti-cancer diet is somewhat diffent than a healthy lifestyle diet. In particularly, cance feeds on glucose, so i have shifted my daily balance of fresh produce more heavily toads veggies than fruits, and have eliminated processed sugars, honey,and just about all non-raw deserts. I have always lived for sweets, so this is really hard for me, but I’m convinced it is right. Also, I have pretty much eliminated processed vegetables and significantly increased nuts and tofu as sources of protein.

                                                                                    If Doug likes food that is fried AND spicy you might look into Indian vegetable recipes. Indian cooking is heavily spiced, uses lots of turmeric and pepper, and sautees vegetables so that they are not quite so raw. You can fnd great recipes for okra, squash, and all kinds of beans (garbanzos are the primary food in chole, kidney beans in ramjah). I get tons of flavor from these dishes, and they’re quite healthy.
                                                                                    Nutrition is the easiest, least painful way to treat this disease. I have pretty well decided to skip immunotherapy (unless my pathology report is far worse than I expect) and go focus on diet and a more yoga-centered exercise approach. Good luck to you and Doug, and he’s lucky to have someone as committed as you behind him.

                                                                                  Doug-Pepper
                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                    Wow! Thanks for all of the encouragement! We really need it! I will put those books on my list.

                                                                                    Pepper

                                                                                    Ninja
                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                      Hi Pepper,

                                                                                      My husband was diagnosed with Stage IIIa malignant melanoma six years ago (primary on his ankle and two sentinel nodes microscopically positive). I just want to let you know that he did complete one year of INF. It has been hard, very hard at times, but he has been extremely disciplined with the treatment. I am not sure if this is the reason why he is still NED as of today, but I am glad about the decision that he made (about INF) six years ago. He is a physician and consulted many other physicians prior to making the decision, as oyu can imagine. I don't mean to influence oyu in anyway but I just wanted to share his/our experience.

                                                                                      Take care.

                                                                                      Ninja

                                                                                      Ninja
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        Hi Pepper,

                                                                                        My husband was diagnosed with Stage IIIa malignant melanoma six years ago (primary on his ankle and two sentinel nodes microscopically positive). I just want to let you know that he did complete one year of INF. It has been hard, very hard at times, but he has been extremely disciplined with the treatment. I am not sure if this is the reason why he is still NED as of today, but I am glad about the decision that he made (about INF) six years ago. He is a physician and consulted many other physicians prior to making the decision, as oyu can imagine. I don't mean to influence oyu in anyway but I just wanted to share his/our experience.

                                                                                        Take care.

                                                                                        Ninja

                                                                                        Ninja
                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                          Hi Pepper,

                                                                                          My husband was diagnosed with Stage IIIa malignant melanoma six years ago (primary on his ankle and two sentinel nodes microscopically positive). I just want to let you know that he did complete one year of INF. It has been hard, very hard at times, but he has been extremely disciplined with the treatment. I am not sure if this is the reason why he is still NED as of today, but I am glad about the decision that he made (about INF) six years ago. He is a physician and consulted many other physicians prior to making the decision, as oyu can imagine. I don't mean to influence oyu in anyway but I just wanted to share his/our experience.

                                                                                          Take care.

                                                                                          Ninja

                                                                                          Ninja
                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                            Hi Pepper,

                                                                                            My husband was diagnosed with Stage IIIa malignant melanoma six years ago (primary on his ankle and two sentinel nodes microscopically positive). I just want to let you know that he did complete one year of INF. It has been hard, very hard at times, but he has been extremely disciplined with the treatment. I am not sure if this is the reason why he is still NED as of today, but I am glad about the decision that he made (about INF) six years ago. He is a physician and consulted many other physicians prior to making the decision, as oyu can imagine. I don't mean to influence oyu in anyway but I just wanted to share his/our experience.

                                                                                            Take care.

                                                                                            Ninja

                                                                                              Melanoma Mom
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                I am going to post a separate message on the board regarding my meeting with a physician today re: supplemental approaches to melanoma. 

                                                                                                Melanoma Mom
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  I am going to post a separate message on the board regarding my meeting with a physician today re: supplemental approaches to melanoma. 

                                                                                                JakeinNY
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  Hi Doug and Pepper,

                                                                                                  I'm NED for 3 years after going from stage I to stage III in September, 2007.

                                                                                                  Had head/neck radiation.

                                                                                                  I would recommend Dr. Anna Pavlick at NYU to anybody. She is incredible and very well known in the melanoma field.

                                                                                                  My doc said interferon and leukine were options but wasn't really that enthusiastic about either.

                                                                                                  I was on the list for a study drug, NYES01, but because of delays, at 2 years NED, I decided to skip it.

                                                                                                  I've rediscovered my faith as a Catholic.

                                                                                                  Read tons of books about nutrition for cancer. I would highly recommend "The Enzyme Factor".

                                                                                                  My diet is based on organic vegetables, nuts, some grains, free range chicken, wild salmon, flaxseed oil and olive oil for salads, healthy chips, cold pressed almond butter, kangen water, turmeric for vegetables, cinnamon for grains (to slow blood sugar elevation) and occasional glass of red win or beer, occasional red meat at a restaurant, occasional egg white omelete. I'm sure that I missed something

                                                                                                  I do reiki, massage, weightlifting, some meditation.

                                                                                                  Avoid medications as much as possible.

                                                                                                  Go to the melanoma experts and treat your body, mind, and spirit like you've never treated it before.

                                                                                                  Best wishes for a long life.

                                                                                                  JakeinNY
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    Hi Doug and Pepper,

                                                                                                    I'm NED for 3 years after going from stage I to stage III in September, 2007.

                                                                                                    Had head/neck radiation.

                                                                                                    I would recommend Dr. Anna Pavlick at NYU to anybody. She is incredible and very well known in the melanoma field.

                                                                                                    My doc said interferon and leukine were options but wasn't really that enthusiastic about either.

                                                                                                    I was on the list for a study drug, NYES01, but because of delays, at 2 years NED, I decided to skip it.

                                                                                                    I've rediscovered my faith as a Catholic.

                                                                                                    Read tons of books about nutrition for cancer. I would highly recommend "The Enzyme Factor".

                                                                                                    My diet is based on organic vegetables, nuts, some grains, free range chicken, wild salmon, flaxseed oil and olive oil for salads, healthy chips, cold pressed almond butter, kangen water, turmeric for vegetables, cinnamon for grains (to slow blood sugar elevation) and occasional glass of red win or beer, occasional red meat at a restaurant, occasional egg white omelete. I'm sure that I missed something

                                                                                                    I do reiki, massage, weightlifting, some meditation.

                                                                                                    Avoid medications as much as possible.

                                                                                                    Go to the melanoma experts and treat your body, mind, and spirit like you've never treated it before.

                                                                                                    Best wishes for a long life.

                                                                                                    filmer
                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                      HI- I am stg 3 NED after a PET scan week before last. I still have a drain from a Dec 8 surgery to remove an affected lymph node in my groin.  I also have a post on this site titled "Which way to turn, Interferon or surgery?". My nodes under my arms are swollen still also.

                                                                                                      In any case, I'm a long time advocate of "You are what you eat" and have had a fairly healthy diet all my life. I haven't had a hot dog since the World Series of 1978. I have also done a considerable amount of research and have had several friends hunting and filtering alternatives for me. 

                                                                                                      To cut to the chase and respond to your question, I would say that your concept is valid, and from what I have seen, vitamin therapy in large doses, alkaline food and water, exercise, elimination of all junk from your diet,organ cleansing, etc are all contributing factors in prevention, and sometimes (maybe rarely) in curing cancers. 

                                                                                                      I think you are on the right track but need to be educated by someone who has the knowledge and experience to tailor a more specific and intense regimen. This disease is insidious and more than likely will pop up again. You should step up your research and try to find a naturpath / nutritionist familiar with your situation and get a consultation asap. Get a good alkaline water maker…

                                                                                                      Best of luck Pepper

                                                                                                      filmer
                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                        HI- I am stg 3 NED after a PET scan week before last. I still have a drain from a Dec 8 surgery to remove an affected lymph node in my groin.  I also have a post on this site titled "Which way to turn, Interferon or surgery?". My nodes under my arms are swollen still also.

                                                                                                        In any case, I'm a long time advocate of "You are what you eat" and have had a fairly healthy diet all my life. I haven't had a hot dog since the World Series of 1978. I have also done a considerable amount of research and have had several friends hunting and filtering alternatives for me. 

                                                                                                        To cut to the chase and respond to your question, I would say that your concept is valid, and from what I have seen, vitamin therapy in large doses, alkaline food and water, exercise, elimination of all junk from your diet,organ cleansing, etc are all contributing factors in prevention, and sometimes (maybe rarely) in curing cancers. 

                                                                                                        I think you are on the right track but need to be educated by someone who has the knowledge and experience to tailor a more specific and intense regimen. This disease is insidious and more than likely will pop up again. You should step up your research and try to find a naturpath / nutritionist familiar with your situation and get a consultation asap. Get a good alkaline water maker…

                                                                                                        Best of luck Pepper

                                                                                                        filmer
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          HI- I am stg 3 NED after a PET scan week before last. I still have a drain from a Dec 8 surgery to remove an affected lymph node in my groin.  I also have a post on this site titled "Which way to turn, Interferon or surgery?". My nodes under my arms are swollen still also.

                                                                                                          In any case, I'm a long time advocate of "You are what you eat" and have had a fairly healthy diet all my life. I haven't had a hot dog since the World Series of 1978. I have also done a considerable amount of research and have had several friends hunting and filtering alternatives for me. 

                                                                                                          To cut to the chase and respond to your question, I would say that your concept is valid, and from what I have seen, vitamin therapy in large doses, alkaline food and water, exercise, elimination of all junk from your diet,organ cleansing, etc are all contributing factors in prevention, and sometimes (maybe rarely) in curing cancers. 

                                                                                                          I think you are on the right track but need to be educated by someone who has the knowledge and experience to tailor a more specific and intense regimen. This disease is insidious and more than likely will pop up again. You should step up your research and try to find a naturpath / nutritionist familiar with your situation and get a consultation asap. Get a good alkaline water maker…

                                                                                                          Best of luck Pepper

                                                                                                          filmer
                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                            HI- I am stg 3 NED after a PET scan week before last. I still have a drain from a Dec 8 surgery to remove an affected lymph node in my groin.  I also have a post on this site titled "Which way to turn, Interferon or surgery?". My nodes under my arms are swollen still also.

                                                                                                            In any case, I'm a long time advocate of "You are what you eat" and have had a fairly healthy diet all my life. I haven't had a hot dog since the World Series of 1978. I have also done a considerable amount of research and have had several friends hunting and filtering alternatives for me. 

                                                                                                            To cut to the chase and respond to your question, I would say that your concept is valid, and from what I have seen, vitamin therapy in large doses, alkaline food and water, exercise, elimination of all junk from your diet,organ cleansing, etc are all contributing factors in prevention, and sometimes (maybe rarely) in curing cancers. 

                                                                                                            I think you are on the right track but need to be educated by someone who has the knowledge and experience to tailor a more specific and intense regimen. This disease is insidious and more than likely will pop up again. You should step up your research and try to find a naturpath / nutritionist familiar with your situation and get a consultation asap. Get a good alkaline water maker…

                                                                                                            Best of luck Pepper

                                                                                                            washoegal
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              I am also 3a, I have been NED only 10 months.  I suppose I am doing it the natural way.  As all I was offered was interferon and I didn't like that option.  I am taking Vit C, D, E, and Tumeric.  I really don't suport the natural way for Mel,  if I had been given any beter options or if I progress trust me I will take agressive steps.

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                              Mary

                                                                                                              Stage 3a

                                                                                                              washoegal
                                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                                I am also 3a, I have been NED only 10 months.  I suppose I am doing it the natural way.  As all I was offered was interferon and I didn't like that option.  I am taking Vit C, D, E, and Tumeric.  I really don't suport the natural way for Mel,  if I had been given any beter options or if I progress trust me I will take agressive steps.

                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                Mary

                                                                                                                Stage 3a

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                                                                                                            The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

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