I had two tumor marker blood tests (Cancer Antigen 15-3 and Cancer Antigen 27.29) and both were very normal. According to these tests, and my Natural Killer Cell test, cancer isn’t detected in my body. I asked my oncologist what that meant and she wrote, “The cancer antigens are elevated in many patients with metastatic breast cancer, and then we can use those tests as a gauge. If the cancer is responding to treatment, the antigen goes down. However, in your case, the antigens are normal (probably because the amount of cancer in your body is quite small). I will still check the levels periodically but they may not end up being quite as useful in you. They are very different patient to patient in terms of their ability to correlate to the cancer burden.”
We still have the PET/CT scan as a baseline that showed and measured two tumors, one under my right arm, and one in the middle of my chest. When I have another scan in June, we can see if the treatments I’m doing have made a difference.
I’m doing “Intermittent Fasting with Targeted Anti-Cancer Therapies,” prescribed by Lise Alschuler, ND. For two weeks now, I have fasted for 2 days each week, eating only 500 calories consisting of low carb vegetables. Next week I will add the targeted anti-cancer therapies. There are 9 different supplements I will be taking during the two day fast that are meant to stress my cells. The theory is that my normal cells will recover faster than the cancer cells and the cancer cells won’t make it.
These are not supplements to build up my body; no antioxidants. They may make me feel pretty lousy those two days. I’ve done two weeks with only the fasting first – to see how I can tolerate it. I have felt low energy, and it seems to affect me the most emotionally. I feel hopeless and vulnerable, which is how I often feel when I’m hungry.
I have some anxiety about doing this, and at the same time I feel excited to be testing something new that can be helpful to others if it is successful. I’m grateful that I have such a slow growing cancer that I have the freedom to try an untested treatment.
Sending you healing hugs filled with strength, hope and faith. Thank you for graciously sharing your journey. Wishing you cancer free, joyous days ahead.
Jan — sending you love and appreciation- you are a trailblazer and an inspiration. Plus all the information you share helps others, I’m sure. The early doctors who made breakthroughs often were willing to try whatever they believed could help on themselves. Angels and energy be with you! Jean
Jan, Your courage and willingness to show up to what is real continues to inspire me. I know that these low energy days can be difficult and also cleansing as you keep turning to the “what is real” truth about your beautiful soul on this sacred journey. Thank you for leading always with your heart. Sending you gratitude and love, Deborah
i’m so happy to hear good news.
hugs
Hi Jan, I’m wondering if you’re allowed psyllium husk during your fasting days? I take the every 4 hours when I’m fasting, and it helps tremendously with the hunger (because your stomach is “full” but with indigestible fiber). Best, Kelly
Dear Jan,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us in such a vulnerable, loving way. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings of health and ease, Lynne
Please let us know the details of your treatment plan. It would be tremendously helpful to know what supplements you take and what you are consuming. Fingers crossed that it will help. Bless you and good luck.
It sounds like the fast is doing what was hoped. Am I allowed to cheer for lousy side-effects? I cheer for you certainly.
Hi Jan,
I love knowing the details of your cancer plan. When I went to a Gerson clinic in July 1995, I kept a diary so I could let folks know the things I was doing and more or less how I was feeling with them. Not so much about them as I was not as introspective back then.
Wish you luck. If you ever need to consult with me, I am available.
Ann F. (annie appleseed)
Dear Jan,
So great to read that you are doing well!!! Yes, the freedom to try untested treatment – I’ve always considered we are all our own individual experiments with various therapies, but if it is helpful to one, hopefully it can also be helpful to others..
Hugs & love,
~Julie D.
Jan, I’ve recently learned that 45% of us have one variant while 10% of us have two variant copies of the MTHFR gene. The latter case results in inability to utilize folate which is necessary for multiple cellular functions, due to methlene not being reduced to methyl. Some breast cancers are implicated (as well as many chronic conditions). Have you been tested for MTHFR?–stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Taking daily an oral preparation (capsule) of L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate is a possible solution. The gene MTHFR is tested for the variants C677T and A1289C, via a blood draw. Two labs that I know do this with a doctor’s order are EnteroLab and Spectracell. Google MTHFR.