Before you go on to read about my fight against this horrible
disease, I want you to know that on October 4, 2008, Jazzie died.
She fought with the bravery of ancient warriors and her care required a
good deal of work but I enjoyed every moment of our incredible bonding.
You bond so deeply with a pet when you are fighting to sustain their
lives. Every moment is a gift and every good day is a blessing.
Always, you know in your heart that you may not win but we did get 16
months after the vets warned us that 4 to 6 months was all we could hope
for.
In her wonderful, loving and infinitely kind way, Jazzie allowed us to
part without suffering the guilt of putting her to sleep. She died
as she was taken from the x-ray table after an emergency trip to the
hospital. Her x-rays showed how hard it had been for her the last
few weeks--the lysing in her lungs had filled them with fluid.
That is the main danger when cancer is in the lungs, in the brain, or
around the heart. Dying cancer cells leave debris--cell cytoplasm
that has been destroyed and the body has a hard time absorbing it all at
once.
It means that these therapies do work but you must take it slow.
As Dr. Terence Fox, the expert in neoplasene once said--you must kill
cancer ever so slightly faster than it can grow. When dealing with
these hidden areas of the body--how do you know how fast it is being
destroyed? My only regret is that I did not have x-ray vision to
see what was happening inside of her lungs.
Jazzie's passing is hell for me but I know she is in heaven,
breathing, running and probably standing at some amazing cookie cupboard
with my other treasured pets.
Please do not let her death prevent you from going forward with
alternative treatments. Her age, her type of cancer were unique to
her and you could gain more time than I did; it's so worth the fight.
First,
please discuss everything with your vet. Caring for a dog with cancer
must be teamwork. If you’re working with a holistic veterinarian, then
perhaps a lot of this information is already known to him/her; that
saves a step. If you’re working with your regular vet, you may have to
educate him/her to some new ideas. Most vets are totally open to
learning about new ways of treating an old enemy so don’t hesitate to
open discussions.
Any
surgical procedures that are available should be used to remove primary
tumors since it is the primary tumor that can send out seeds for
metastasis. Other cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma
are usually cancers of the blood, lymph system or blood vessels, which
make it more difficult to locate and remove a primary growth. In these
cases, it’s probably not going to be operable but that does not
translate to hopeless.
Dr. Terence
Fox at Buck Mountain Botanicals in Montana explained to me that cancer
has many names but only one cause (in his opinion), a breakdown of a
naturally occurring process of APOPTOSIS.
Apoptosis
is genetic program in all of us and our dogs that tells cells it’s their
time to go. Apoptosis is regulated by the P53 tumor suppressor gene
(the gene has been directly linked to osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma
in studies done with Rottweilers). A mutation occurs in this process
that allows mutant cells to grow out of control and that is cancer. The
different names of cancers are usually given to the type of tissue, area
of the body, or system that harbors the mutant cells. For example, mast
cell cancer forms from mast cells which are naturally occurring cells in
the body, spindle cell carcinoma derives from naturally occurring
spindle cells etc. I’m making this as simple as possible but it is far
more complex in reality.
Oncoplex
For decades, the word was out that something in cruciferous
vegetables protects animals from cancer; in 1992, scientists from Johns
Hopkins University identified the active constituent as a chemical
called sulforaphane. Broccoli contains more
sulforaphane than the other vegetables. The best source of it comes from
sprouts that have grown to the second leaf stage; these seedlings
contain between 10 to 100 times as much sulforaphane as a full-grown
broccoli.
To date the sulforaphane research focusing on
cancer has discovered that this protection results from stimulation of
the body's own antioxidant and detoxification system, which is comprised
of what scientists call Phase 2 Enzymes. The enzymes eliminate
carcinogens from the body before they can cause DNA damage. This action
protects healthy cells from cancer triggering chemicals.
More
exciting from a cutting edge point of view is a paper in the March 2000
issue of Cancer Research which reported for the first time that
sulforaphane can cause cancer cells to self-destruct, that it triggers
programmed cell death or apoptosis.
Research that is more recent reports on the genetic mechanisms by
which these broccoli chemicals work. For example, a recent study on
breast cancer showed sulforaphane binding to mammary tissue after just a
single dose of broccoli sprouts.
Earlier
studies from 1997 and 2000 demonstrated that sulforaphane prevented
carcinogens from triggering cancer in breast tissue.
Other benefits of this supplement include increasing the liver’s
capacity to detoxify potential carcinogens. Sulforaphane glucosinolate
is the precursor of sulforaphane and ONCOPLEX contains sulforaphane
glucosinolate (SGS).
When Jazzie was first diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in May, 2007, I
started her on Oncoplex. That may be an explanation why her lung mets
did not show symptoms until January of 2008; they usually show
metastasis within 3 or 4 months. I still have her on Oncoplex and
recommend it to everyone who owns a dog! Use it as prevention,
especially in those breeds most prone to develop cancer. You, your
family and your pets should all be taking Oncoplex and I do not make a
penny on this recommendation! You can order it online at the following
websites:
http://www.itcpharmacy.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=458
http://www.drallmd.org/index.asp?page=productView&prevPage=products&id=473
http://www.mornin-glory.com/store/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?search=yes&hits_seen=900
http://www.theroadtohealthyliving.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=529
http://storesense.paradata.dxstorm.com/centerforholisticmedicine/Detail.bok?no=410
NEOPLASENE
is an exciting and very effective treatment available from Buck
Mountain Botanicals. I have never used it topically though there are
many people who have, but as an oral treatment it works this way: A
small amount is ingested with food twice a day. It circulates within
the bloodstream and attacks and kills the mutant cells wherever it finds
them. It takes over and induces apoptosis. Where the genetic program
has broken down, Neoplasene takes its place. There is some controversy
over its use because it is very powerful but it is also very effective.
You need to contact Dr. Terence Fox at Buck Mountain Botanicals to
discuss its use and dosage since it is his treatment protocol. His
phone number is 1-406-232-1185.
The key to
giving Neoplasene is to prep the stomach because it will induce
vomiting—it is an emetic. The vomiting is not terrible but it’s not
going to help treat the cancer so prepping the stomach is vital. You
must also make certain a large amount of food and water is present to
make the Neoplasene absorbable. There is a sheet that I’ve put together
to help you. It’s called Diet for Neoplasene and it’s attached.
There are
two groups available online that you should join since everyone on these
groups is using Neoplasene and some of these stories will fill your
heart with joy!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neoplasene_for-Cancer
The other
group is even larger with a great many downloadable sheets to help
you—there are over 400 people supporting each other.
theblacksalvecanceropenforum@yahoogroups.com
Dr. Fox is
firm in stating two prerequisites for using Neoplasene. (1) absolutely
no NSAIDS or other forms of anti-inflammatory medicines. The reason is
simple—neoplasene heats up the cancer cells to destroy them. By using
an anti-inflammatory, you prevent the Neoplasene from doing its job.
You may notice that your dog seeks a cool place after eating. That’s
why. By all means, use Tramadol for pain as needed, or one of the
homeopathic remedies, like Traumeel.
His next request is no other treatments should be
used when using Neoplasene. Because of this statement, you really need
to make certain you want to use Neoplasene and not use the following
treatments which work in a different way.
Avemar
There is an alternative to Neoplasene, one that
does not seem to have negative side effects. It is a human
treatment that is gaining recognition within the oncology community as a
supplement that also induces apoptosis from a different direction.
Avemar is derived from fermented wheat germ; it comes in powder form—in
packets. For humans, one package daily, mixed in water is the
dose; for dogs, you can add it to yogurt or put it into capsules and
then make sure you provide lots of water to dilute the Avemar.
Results of studies show it greatly improves survival and quality of
life. It is more expensive than Neoplasene but definitely worth
using for any pet with active cancer. There are no gastric side effects
with the exception of a possible soft stool periodically; but with
Avemar, there is no fear of intestinal necrosis. It’s too new to
say with certainty that it would be suitable for prevention of cancer in
a cancer prone line or breed, but I cannot see why not since it does not
damage healthy cells. It is an immune modulator which is important for
overall health. We know that cancer is also an immune system
failure.
Click here to read more about Avemar.
There is a group that you can join to learn more about Avemar:
Avemar_for_canine_cancer-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Read these research papers for more information:
http://www.avemar.com/docs/58_MediterrJNutrRehab.pdf
http://www.avemar.com/avemar_mode_of_action.php
http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/full/230/2/144
I purchase it from this company which has the
best price:
www.iherb.com
Artemisinin
The
next effective treatment is Artemisinin (Arte) which is an extract from
the wormwood plant. Arte is used successfully to treat malaria
throughout the world. Perhaps this one should go at the TOP of the
list since it's effectiveness has been proven over and over again.
I have such strong faith in this "drug" that I started another group
using a program of Artemisinin and a derivative for cancer prevention.
You can find a link here at this website.
Cancer
cells have the highest concentration of iron in their cells because they
need that iron to stimulate growth, get a good blood supply going and
eventually kill the host! Arte attacks cells with the highest
concentration of iron much like the malaria parasite which also contains
a lot of iron.
An article
appearing in Life Sciences in 2001 by Drs. Singh and Lai at the
University of Washington detailed the rapid and complete destruction of
a radiation-resistant breast cancer cell line in vitro. The destruction
occurred within 8 hours and had little effect on normal cells.
Artemisinin
has two semi-synthetic derivatives: Artesunate and Artemether. A paper
published in Oncology in 2001 described the cytotoxic effects of
Artesunate against a wide variety of cancers including melanomas,
breast, ovarian, leukemia and colon cancers. The growth of all of these
cancers was inhibited by 50%. A source for this combination of Arte and
its derivatives is Wellcare Pharmaceutical Co.
www.hepalin.com
The source
for the high quality Arte used at Washington State University is Holley
Pharmaceuticals. Here is their website:
http://holleypharma.com/
Arte must
be given on an empty stomach. Allow at least 3 hours to elapse after
feeding and then give the Arte; wait one hour before feeding again.
Holley Phamaceutical will advise you on dosage. I have a 140 pound dog
that is on 300mg daily split into two or 150 mg twice a day. Using fat
helps the absorption—I give the capsules with some wild caught salmon
oil gelcaps and in organic butter or frozen yogurt.
Give with
butyrex which further helps with absorption and is also available from
Holley. Here is information on that supplement:
http://holleypharma.com/main.php3?primNavIndex=6&mainURL=%2Fpages%2Fpages938520.htm
Artemisinin
has an extremely helpful Yahoo group with many people using it. Success
stories with bone cancer, leukemia and other cancers are exciting to
read about: These people answer questions and support and guide each
other.
artemisinin_and_cancer@yahoogroups.com
For more
reading on Arte, visit these sites:
http://www.mwt.net/~drbrewer/canart1.htm
http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/Artemisinin.cfm
http://www.townsendletter.com/Dec2002/artemisinin1202.htm
Melatonin
I started her on 20mg of Melatonin at bedtime or with her evening
meal. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland which is the
master gland—the alpha gland! It tells the endocrine system how to
function. There is some research showing that a shortage of melatonin
is linked to cancer and supplementing with that amount can increase the
survival rate of cancer patients.
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/cancer/a/melatonin_cance.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/34048.php
IP6 with INOSITOL
As
mentioned above in the discussion on Arte, tumor cells utilize iron as a
growth factor. Researchers are constantly searching for a drug that
would be able to attach to iron molecules and remove them from the body,
producing an effective anti-cancer drug, without harming the patient.
The chemotherapy drug, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), is an iron binder, but
comes with severe side effects, including heart damage.
There is a
naturally occurring compound that chelates (attaches to) iron without
side effects. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), is found naturally
in seeds and bran; it selectively removes iron from abnormal cells
without side effects. You can learn more about the effectiveness of this
natural treatment here:
http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/ip6andincom.html
http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/11/2115
I started
Jazzie on IP6 with Inositol from Enzymatic Therapy. I purchase it from
The Vitamin Shoppe in my area. She is on 6 capsules twice a day.
PawPaw
www.pawpawresearch.com
PawPaw is a
fruit that is being used with seemingly excellent results. Visit the
website to learn more about it. Briefly, cells need energy to survive;
cancer cells need more energy than any other cell since they are fast
growing. Estimates are that cancer cells require up to 17% more
energy. They get the energy from glucose which is a product of
digestion. Covering the outer surface of cells is the mitochondria
which takes in the glucose sent to cells through the blood. Using the
glucose and oxygen, the mitochondria converts it into energy which is
called adenosine tryphosphate, or ATP.
To
slow the growth and perhaps, ultimately destroy the cancer cell, it is
important to reduce the ATP which will take the wind out its sails, so
to speak. Research shows that the substance acetogenins
blocks the production of ATP. Dr. Jerry McLaughlin, an oncology
pharmacology professor at Purdue University discovered that the PawPaw
fruit has the highest concentration of acetogenins and drastically
reduces the ATP produced in cells.
It is given
by capsule which is available from this company:
http://www.theherbsplace.com/Paw_Paw_Cell_Reg_p_432.html
One capsule
every 6 hours to maintain the level of acetogenins.in the blood. Visit
the website mentioned above and watch his videos to learn more. At the
first sign of any gastric problem, you stop using PawPaw because once
there are no cancer cells in the body, it will begin to affect normal
cells. As long as there are cancer cells or high ATP users, the
acetogenins will negatively affect those cells.
Use PawPaw with care since it has been linked to gastric upsets in
some dogs.
Homeopathy
Lastly, I
have Jazzie on a program under Dr. Charles Loops, a renowned veterinary
homeopathic. He has her on cell salts and special nosodes. The aim with
homeopathy is to do not harm so whatever decisions you make, I highly
recommend a telephone consult with Dr. Loops. Jazzie has been doing
well with this program and the other alternatives that we are now
using. I would have a better sense of security about treating her
cancer if she were on Neoplasene, but for this dog, it is not a safe
treatment. Visit his website:
http://www.charlesloopsdvm.com/
Supplements that I have used, from her initial diagnosis of
adenocarcinoma in May, 2007 are the following:
Reishi
mushroom
Turkey Tail mushroom
Cordyceps
Milk Thistle
A plant based digestive enzyme
Astragulus
The supplements listed above are all used to support the immune system.
Google Seven Forests Chinese Herbs for some other excellent herbal
supplements.
As health
problems occur, I will add a supplement. For example, with her lowered
immune responses, she has had a problem with bladder infections so I
keep her on D-Mannose which prevents bacteria from adhering to the
bladder wall.
My goal in
fighting cancer is to make my beloved friend as comfortable as possible
and prolong her life. Since she is no longer on Neoplasene, I can use a
steroid as needed to keep her comfortable and to increase her appetite.
We started using dexamethasone 3 weeks ago after I found a peer-reviewed
article that showed research with adenocarcinoma of the lung and
dexamethasone. One dose of the steroid stopped the proliferation of the
lung cancer by 75% within 5 days. What have I got to lose at this stage
by worrying about the long term side effects of steroids???? Because
dexamethasone can make dogs uncomfortable by causing heavy panting, I
use a very small amount and not every day.
The Budwig
Protocol
I learned about this too late for
Jazzie but after reading as much as possible about it, I highly
recommend that you begin using it immediately.
Click here for a
complete explanation about the Budwig supplement.
Detoxification
When using these treatments, there will be a die-off of cancer
cells. In many cases, surrounding, healthy cells will consume the
dead cells but with larger tumors, there can be too many cells
self-destructing to allow the body to consume all of the dead matter.
You need to support the body with milk thistle herb, proteolytic
enzymes like Wobenzyme, strong probiotics, and one of the clays like
Pascalite (www.pascalite.com). In cases of lung cancer, you may
see an increase in secretions as cells die-off. Do not try to
speed the process--allow the body time to deal with detoxification.
If you need
to email me, please feel free. I totally understand the gnawing fear
that goes with a cancer afflicted pet. The feelings of helplessness can
be overwhelming. I cannot make a decision for you—you must do that
with the support of your veterinarians but I can fill you in on how I'm
treating my own dog.
Please send
me any information on something different, new, hopeful, encouraging
that you are using for your pets so that it can be shared.
Barbara
bouyet@gmail.com
I am not a veterinarian--you must work closely with your own
veterinarian to establish a team
in
treating
cancer.
For Leonbergers, please see the Canine Cancer
Research Underway page.
Please don't forget to join us in a quest for more information to save
lives. The Leonberger Club
of America has a Cause of Death Registry
which will provide that information. Fill out a form
for any
Leonberger that you've lost:
Cause of Death Registry
Form
(c) 2008
