alternative therapy

Hi husband

This seems to suggest IP6 is worth further study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17044765

But I haven't been able to find any solid evidence supporting the mistletoe - the couple studies that do find it works have generally been disparaged by academics. Sorry.

finty x

Just as a different perspective:

Your family member did not just take an herb, she had faith and vast numbers of people deeply praying and meditating for her. There really is a difference.

(I am currently in Bali on a meditation fast and surrounded by amazing people with years and years of expereince in diet, yoga, meditation and healing. It is a beautfiul and life changing experience. I have not eaten for 6 days and have never felt so happy and peaceful.)

There are no miracle cures and I doubt it take a few herbs/remedies will work if not in conjunction with diet, and meditation or prayer.

xx

I think the title of this thread is misleading and complementary therapy would have been better - Husband's wife is having the usual conventional treatment.

There is a tendency to immediately dismiss any therapy that doesn't come directly from an onc as worthless or dangerous. Many complementary therapies undoubtedly are both, and should be treated with great scepticism, and none should be considered without careful scrutiny and with an onc's permission. I personally believe very few complementary therapies have any merit at all. But the beauty of the internet is that it enables us to check things out for ourselves and then make an informed choice.

Husband asked the reasonable question if anyone had any knowledge of two treatments/supplements. In the case of IP6 a search of pubmed reveals that it has been the subject of 76 published research trials in the last few years:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=IP6%20and%20cancer

I hadn't heard of IP6 until Husband raised the subject, and I'm very glad that he did because I am intrigued by what I found. I haven't had the time to read all 76 papers - but I have read about half of the abstracts and every single one of them so far shows a marked (the word "striking" is used in some of the reports)ability for IP6 to attack many types of cancer,(prostate, breast, colon, throat,lung and more) to improve the efficacy of chemo and to boost natural killer cells that are our bodies own defence against cancer. Some of the animal trials with human cancers showed total tumour regression with no toxicity. That is quite remarkable and very promising, but of course by no means proof it would work in a human model. I think at the very least though it takes it out of the category of dangerous hokum.

I don't know whether full human clinical trials are now taking place - some of the abstracts say that is the next planned phase, but I fear that with a non-patentable food derivative no drug companies would be interested, and I'm not sure where the funding would come from for expensive human trials.

But - IP6 is a carbohydrate in fibre that exists naturally in all our cells, is non-toxic and cheap. I haven't been able to find any reported side effects other those one would expect when adding significant amounts of fibre to the diet - and a therapeutic amount can be had from simply eating a large serving of certain grains, or a daily supplement.

I think asking our onc's about supplementing with IP6's is perfectly reasonable, and in the case of Husband's wife with triple negative secondaries, I think I would need a very good reason not to give it a go. I am certainly going to pursue it.

finty

I agree cromercrab - unfortunately those like us with secondaries don't have the luxury of relying solely on chemo and hormonals. I will be quizzing my onc very carefully on IP6 and forwarding some of this research to her.

I've been following your posts on the other threads - hope you get good news from your scan - it must seem like you've been on chemo for ever. xxxx

This is an overview on IP6 from the American Cancer Society:

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/inositol-hexaphosphate

Glad you found it interesting Daisy Girl - and sorry to hear your onc is not approachable, hope you soon get one that is easier to discuss things with.

finty xx

Hi husband 220
I've used Iscador, sourced from the Homeopathic Hospital in London in 2003. (Dr Sosie Kassab was the Director of Cancer Services at that time.)

See http://www.iscador.com/clinical-studies/index.aspx

I asked my GP to refer me to the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital a couple of months after diagnosis, and he did. There was no cost to him or the practice, and referral to another consultant is my right. The appointment arrived within the 6 weeks allowed.
Was assessed by the homeopathic doctor, and prescribed Iscador. There are several ways of taking it, and I chose that considered most effective, ie injection (I was taught how to do this safely). Two strengths were provided, and they are injected on alternate weeks, for three days each week. The first prescription did not create the desired reaction (slightly raised swelling about size of 50p. Sometimes this may itch, and a slight rise in body temperature may occur.)
Was called back for review, and the strength was increased. This produced the desired reaction. It is thought that this reaction is that which increases the power of the immune system.
Eventually my GP prescribed the Iscador himself.

I have also taken IP-6. It has a reputation for reducing inflammations, and as cancer produces many proteins associated with inflammation, this may be how it works. Follow instructions and take on an empty stomach. Straight after getting up was my option, then breakfast did not interfere with absorption.

My sister lives in the USA and she was/is able to either bring it over or post it.

You might wish to look at supplementing with vitamin D, to very large amounts. There is excellent science to show that it increases survival time in bowel cancer, melanoma, and is suitable for pretty well any cancer. Aim to get blood levels up to 80 nmols or more. It is very difficult to overdose. A blood test can be organised by your doctor - they are not expensive. I take 10,000 iu a day and also spend time in the sun. If you want papers, I can send you plenty but if you read this, it will give you a good idea.
http://www.cancernexus.co.uk/papers/lecture_Gillie.pdf

If your wife is HER2 positive, you might want to check out the use of GLA (borage oil, starflower oil) to downrate the activity of the HER2 gene expression. Google Drs Menendez and Lupu for info.
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/archive/index.php/t-25323.html

Remember there are many vested interests in modern medical science, the expensive drugs cost ££££s. Just because the research has not been done doesn't mean it doesn't work. Old science is also good science.

The above do not interfere with chemo, rads etc should you decide to use them. see http://www.canceractive.com for more.
I was diagnosed HER2++ in 2003. Had WLE, and again in 2004. But that was expected because I chose surgery only, no chemo or RT.
There's lots you can do. By the time I'd finished with my vegan and very limited diet, supplements, yoga (I hate the gym!) I felt incredibly well and healthy. Good luck. Keep well.

Husband

FIrsty apologies for my previous post, I only read the 'mistletoe' bit and think cancer is so multifaceted that only one herb will not simply cure a cancer. IP76 ios very interesting though. Your wife's situation is serious and one here is encouraging turning your back on conventional treatment.

In reply to the quack posts - I had a lump grow during FEC treatment - a hideous poison that crippled me, sounds like quackery to me! No one is advising turning your back on conventional and running off to Mexico.

BTW Coffee enemas are FAB-U-LOUS!

What

Hi Ladies,
I think it is fine for an "Individual" to use ALT medicine if they "personaly" choose too even though ALT is unproven to have any benifits and could infact in some cases be potencialy dangerous/harmfull,BUT...... this is a public Breast Cancer Forum and as such there is a duty of care to others who read this forum either as members or in the public domain.
As i said earlier please ladies talk to your medical teams before considering useing ALT or taking any Suppliements to ensure it is safe and wont interfere with your perscribed treatments.The Medical profession is NOT withholding potencial "Cancer/remedies/Cures" from you!
Linda

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Thank you June. This thread was becoming intimidatory.