Holistic vs surgery, radiation or chemotherapy

If alternative medicine worked, it would just be called medicine.

But good luck to you. I am trying to add new food items to my diet. Even if they improve my odds by only 1%, I'll take what I can get.

@jokoller, when you meet with your surgeon and radiologist next week to discuss treatment options, I might suggest letting them know that you are interested in integrative approaches to cancer care.

When considering complementary or alternative treatments, be open-minded yet skeptical. Learn about the potential benefits and risks.

Keep in mind that natural substances can also have toxicities, adverse side effects and treatment interactions. Supplements are not regulated and can be marketed without rigorous clinical testing.

More and more cancer centers and oncology specialists are open to discussing and integrating complementary medicine in programs called Integrative Medicine or Integrative Oncology. Integrative medicince is offered at many cancer centers of excellence, including Mayo Clinic.

Here's a link to more information about Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine programs
– Integrative Medicine and Health https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-medicine-health/sections/overview/ovc-20464567

In this Mayo Clinic Q & A Podcast. Dr. D'Andre talks about how integrative oncology can be incorporated into conventional cancer care at Mayo Clinic.

This, follow the science, peer reviewed, randomized, published science
With any cancer there is no free lunch

Good question. I adopted parts of the holistic management approach. I went on a healthy Mediterranean Diet, with exercise, a good night’s sleep and relaxation. ( I don’t take any supplements, nor shots or radiation treatments.) I’ve been feeling great and my cancer, following detection after my surgery, has remained in remission now for two years. I’m very grateful for this.
I’d encourage you to consider a holistic approach. Good luck.

I think this is totally refreshing that Mayo has developed a department of expertise in the field of Integrative medicine. I come from a medical background with father, older sister & brother Pediatricians, Mother nurse, younger sister ORT plus my daughter, GI Doc. My level of knowledge has always been higher in the arena of nutrition incorporated with conventional medicine. I feel strongly they both have a place in our health. I'm battling prostate cancer and feel firmly some supplements has helped keep cancer returning a bay. Only time will tell! Thanks for listening to my rant!
Sincerely,
Rich
Cockerell

Certainly interested in any supplements that you feel personally have been helpful to you.
My sense is that all of us are seeking good health and a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, are helpful.

I've been exploring visualization after reading Deepak Chopra's Quantum Body. I view it as a complement to my care plan, and it gives me a chance to focus on fighting my cancer when I need it. I've also changed my diet to a more plant-based one, and am getting more exercise and physical activity in when I can. At the very least, it makes feel better all-around and I think it gives me a more positive attitude about this fight. Just my .02. 🙂

Is it true that cancer feeds on sugar, and reducing sugar can help with both weight and slow down cancer?

Since being diagnosed in 2016 with stage 2A I've researched diligently fruits, vegetables and supplements, which reduce absorption of sugar preventing cancer growth. I'm lucky in that I've avoided chem & rad, however that may be in the works if cancer takes off again. For now I have had great success with a root mushroom extract labelled AHCC. As far as I know only 2 companies provide. I take Source Naturals & it seems to be preventing further growth. A recent PSMA PET scan showed no tumors. That doesn't mean there's no cancer cells just no tumor. Has been used in Japan in hospitals & clinics for # of years. Also take Berberine, which helps control glucose absorption.

Thoughts & Prayers go out to my friend!!

Dear rcockerell...I am wrestling with Grade 1c, Gleason 3+3, low grade Prostate Cancer. Currently on AS and new PSA every 4 months. Have had 2 transperineal biopsies 1 year apart, with the same results: 1 out of 16 samples showing cancer 3+3. Decipher score of .12. I have a
limited medical background although I am a retired DDS. I am very interested in the use of supplements to mitigate my prostate cancer. Would you care to share what supplements you currently take, and what supplements you feel have really helped and ones that did not?
A Member of the Brotherhood of Prostate Cancer: Dentodoc 1980