In September 2018, I knew the odds were that I only would live another 3-6 months. That wasn’t an intuition. It was my oncologist’s opinion based on his years of medical experience treating patients like me with multiple myeloma. However, I didn’t give in to his dire prognosis. I rejected chemotherapy since my bone marrow cancer was incurable, and I moved into the mode of advocating for myself.
For almost 5 years, I fulfilled my desire. I enjoyed a quality of life for the most part with some setbacks along the way. But now, my body is not cooperating.
COVID Has Been the Thorn in My Progress
COVID has activated my multiple myeloma creating anemia, compromised pulmonary and cardiac function, and extreme exhaustion. And the multiple myeloma is spreading rapidly and causing continuous bone pain and pathological bone fractures especially in my ribs. All these manifestations rapidly progressed within the last few weeks.
On Monday, 5/15/23, I had an appointment with my medical doctor and consulted with my oncologist. On Wednesday, 5/17/23, I was examined by a pulmonologist.
Medications for A-Fib, Congestive heart failure, and Compromised pulmonary function
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
It appears the road to physical recovery will take time. These Long Haulers COVID manifestations are not well understood.
Quality of Life
For the second time since my diagnosis of multiple myeloma back in September 2018, I am suffering from a decrease in quality of life. The first major setback was in August 2019 when I broke several major bones and was put in a Hospice Hospital to die. Needless to say, I did not die. I recovered and revoked Hospice in September 2019, and I went on to thrive.
I will keep this positive determination to recover from this current major setback. I’ve surprised many medical professionals with my progress over the last several years, and I just might shock them once again.
However, I am not in denial. I know the multiple myeloma is progressing. And I am prepared to deal with its eventual outcome.
Hospice is my last option to continue a quality of life until I die when the time comes. I am not sure when that time will come.
The Future
As you might imagine, this is a stressful time for me and my wife, Sue. However, we are both survivors! One of the greatest joys in my life, besides my wonderful family, is working with patients around the world. It is my privilege to use my background and knowledge to help people regain control of their health. Quality of life is a gift, and I’ve worked incredibly hard over the last five years to find a way to maintain mine through numerous ups and downs.
Through the free resources on my website and my 1:1 coaching sessions to help guide you through specific ailments, I’m honored to still be able to help others. After all, helping others is what led me to enter the medical field over 40 years ago. If you find yourself dealing with health issues, please consider this my invitation to reach out. You never know what the future will hold so get your health in order now. Trust me, you don’t want to wait until you’re really sick.
If you don’t want to miss out on new posts, sign up for my Free “Belly Bites” Newsletter and receive your free copy of Dr Al’s “5 Things That Could Be Impacting Your Health Right Now”HERE.
If you know anything about me, you know that I am constantly digging for information to tweak my 11 Unconventional Cancer Protocols. In that regard, I’m a geek. However, this is a great way to be when you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Once again, I’m embarking on an experiment where N=1. And I’m the guinea pig!
This time, I’m researching a chemical called berberine. And I’m looking at it through the lens of a medicine and not a nutritional supplement.
A medicine is a compound for the treatment or prevention of a disease. Medicines have benefits as well as side effects.
A nutritional supplement is a product containing one or more ingredients that is taken to remedy a deficiency in one’s diet by providing the missing nutrient or nutrients.
Berberine
Berberine is a plant-based alkaloid that has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for over three thousand years. This alkaloid is found in roughly 500 species of plants. It is extracted from many parts of the plant including the root, stem, leaves, fruit, and bark. Some plants that contain berberine are European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, philodendron, and tree turmeric. Berberine consists of nitrogen-containing substances which have been used to support immune function as well as to reduce inflammation, infection, high blood sugar, gut dysfunction, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Animal and human researchers are continuing to delve into berberine’s methods of action. These scientists are uncovering the powerful effects that berberine plays in many pathways of the body including acute diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.[1]
The numbers of revealing published studies prove to me that berberine’s methods of action are basic for overall health as well as the interruption of pathological pathways. I’m not suggesting that berberine is a cure-all for disease. But it appears to be a chemical that has significant potential for wellness.
Berberine’s Anti-Cancer Effects
My special interest lies in the medical studies relating to the cancer fighting effects of berberine.
Berberine has the potential to be an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent as well as an effective immunomodulator. Published peer-reviewed research suggests that berberine may become widely used in clinics for cancer therapy.[2]
Specifically, berberine demonstrates anti-tumor activity by interfering in multiple features of tumor development.[3],[4],[5]
Berberine prevents cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and controlling the cell cycle as well as autophagy. Berberine also hinders tumor cell invasion and metastasis by down-regulating metastasis-related proteins. In addition, berberine is beneficial in the early stages of cancer development by lowering epithelial–mesenchymal transition protein expression.[6]
The therapeutic efficacy of berberine has been reported for specific cancers …
bone
breast
colon
cutaneous
intestine
liver
oral
pancreatic
prostate
thyroid
Berberine & Multiple Myeloma
My research uncovered pertinent clinical studies showing that berberine can kill human multiple myeloma cells.[7],[8],[9],[10]
In one animal study[11], berberine treatment significantly suppressed the growth of multiple myeloma tumors. A 66.7% inhibition of tumor growth was noted at day 14 in the experimental group, which was treated with berberine (50 mg/kg) every other day for 2 consecutive weeks.
Side Effects
Berberine is generally well tolerated at recommended dosage levels. In clinical studies at 500 mg 2-3 times daily, side effects were generally mild but included nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension and/or abdominal pain. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Interactions
Berberine may interfere with the absorption of tetracycline, cyclosporine, and related antibiotics.
In addition, berberine produces significant inhibition of CYP3A enzymes in humans. Because most drugs are metabolized by these enzymes, it may decrease the clearance of many medications, thereby enhancing their effect.
People on oral diabetes drugs should monitor blood glucose levels if taking berberine since berberine by itself will decrease blood glucose levels. Because of this, patients may need to adjust the dosage of their diabetes meds.
Other interactions include:
Berberine might slow blood clotting. Taking berberine along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Berberine might lower blood pressure. Taking berberine along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Berberine might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking berberine with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
My N=1 Experiment
After reviewing the published science, I concluded that berberine might hold some promise for me.
Caveat: I do not recommend that anyone tries my protocol. This is my own experiment. It has not been proven or approved by the FDA to cure cancer or any disease.
However, I am going to use this product in my personal experiment and share the results as they become available over time. Here’s how I started my individual study …
Based on my weight, I started consuming 3 grams of berberine every other day on 9/12/22. There is some research that suggests that it is best to cycle in and out of dosing berberine. So, my N=1 experiment will be for me to take 3 grams of berberine every other day for three weeks. After that, I’ll give my body at least one week to recover and rebalance itself. Then, I’ll return to cycling on and off my berberine regimen. Every four weeks, I’ll have my blood work checked at my cancer clinic to see if there are any positive or negative changes. The tests my oncologist orders include:
SPEP (Serum Protein ElectroPhoresis) with immunofixation[14]
My Emotional State
If you’ve been following my cancer journey, you know I have been experimenting with my way of eating, my gut health, and my methods to improve the robustness of my immune system. And my experimentation has included some successes and a few major setbacks.
My new protocol with berberine is just another of my N=1 experiments.
Today, I am confident in telling you that I am doing extremely well!
It is my pleasure to report that once again I have outsmarted my doctors’ prognosis. I am not only on the mend, but I am also beginning to thrive again.
Since my diagnosis in September 2018 of incurable bone marrow cancer with the dire prognosis of 3-6 months to live, I’ve learned so much.
I’ve learned that …
No matter how bad things seem to be, you can improve them
Everything you put into or onto your body affects every cell in your body
If you can improve the function of your immune system, you can prevent and heal most diseases
You are in control of your interpretation of the world around you – your attitude will guide you to your success
If you don’t want to miss out on new posts, sign up for my Free “Belly Bites” Newsletter and receive your free copy of Dr Al’s “5 Things That Could Be Impacting Your Health Right Now”HERE.
I’m like the old Timex watch commercials – “Timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking”.
Let me take you back in time. Here’s a 1960 TV commercial for Timex watches featuring John Cameron Swayze:
First Premonition
Several years before I was diagnosed in 2018 with incurable bone marrow cancer, I wrote a letter that I showed to no one. I had an eerie feeling, and I put down on paper what I was feeling. I originally addressed this letter to my family, but never gave it to them.
I wrote in that letter that I knew something was not right in my body. Although I couldn’t put my finger on it, and I had no clinical signs or symptoms, I just knew that it would manifest into a serious medical concern that could kill me.
Then it happened. I was diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma in September 2018 and was given 3-6 months to live. Obviously, I’ve more than outlived that dire prognosis. And that premonition did not become reality.
Why Did I Develop Multiple Myeloma?
After my diagnosis, I became obsessed with uncovering the reasons why I developed this life-threatening and incurable bone marrow cancer.
While most peer-reviewed medical papers state there is no known cause for multiple myeloma, there is some research suggesting that ionizing radiation may cause plasma cells to become malignant.[1] Interestingly, one research paper published in 2014 showed that 50-79-year-old male dentists had a higher risk for multiple myeloma compared to the general male population in that age group.[2] And there is additional research that suggests that cancer is a mitochondrial metabolic disease and not a genetic disease.[3] Diet, lifestyle, and toxic exposure can damage mitochondrial function[4], which increases metabolic disease.
Understanding these concepts, I embarked on a Health Plan to repair and rebuild my mitochondria and my immune system naturally – not through chemotherapy. From this research, I eventually developed my current 11 Unconventional Cancer Protocols. But I also needed to dig into the underlying causes of this cancer.
I cannot prove what caused multiple myeloma to manifest in my body. Initial damage to my plasma cells could go back decades before the emergence of clinical signs and symptoms of this bone marrow cancer. But I have some ideas. Insults to my body, which have been cumulative over time, may have initiated and advanced this disease.
My dental training and specialty training lasted 6 continuous years until completion in 1974. As a dental student working in the clinics for these years, I could have been exposed to the ionizing radiation produced by dental x-ray machines almost daily. I do not know how well I personally was protected from dental radiation in the clinics. This is low dose ionizing radiation. It is very possible I had excessive and continuous exposure during my 6 years of professional training.
In addition, as a dental student we learned to repair dental decay with amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are made with elemental mercury. As students, we played with mercury in our hands. Excess elemental mercury was thrown on the floor! We watched how these little balls of mercury danced on the floor, getting smaller and smaller, and eventually disappearing. Mercury vapor was all around us 24/7 in the dental school. I had no idea of the potential toxic effects from mercury exposure way back then. I certainly was exposed to excessive elemental mercury during my years as a dental student.
And then, other toxic elements in my environment could have compounded my toxic load to my plasma cells.
Medical doctors have known that multiple myeloma begins with one unhealthy plasma cell in the bone marrow. This unhealthy cell can multiply rapidly because it will not mature and die naturally. This malignant cell produces more malignant cells that eventually overwhelm the production of other healthy marrow cells. Specifically, malignant plasma cells crowd out healthy white and red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, anemia, internal bleeding, kidney failure, decrease in the ability of the immune system to fight infections, and increase in bone destruction.
Multiple myeloma cells produce abnormal antibodies that the body cannot use. In time, these abnormal and nonfunctional antibodies accumulate in the body replacing healthy antibody production. Ultimately, the body succumbs.
If multiple myeloma is a mitochondrial metabolic disease, then improving mitochondrial function and metabolic health could be important and effective methods of treatment.[5] My unconventional cancer protocols are based on these methods.
Second Premonition
Since my diagnosis, I have been transparent in my cancer journey. Still, I never mentioned the letter that I wrote for my family years before.
I recently had another premonition which I am going to share. I won’t keep it secret.
My premonition was that I am close to death.
Once again, I can’t put my finger on the specifics. It’s just an eerie feeling like the last one I had a few years before my cancer diagnosis.
My Biggest Battle Now
Today, I am fighting the biggest battle of my life. I must win this battle and prove my newest premonition to be false once again!
If you have followed my Blogs, you know that I have experienced several setbacks – some severe. At no time have I accepted chemotherapy. My belief has been that chemo was too destructive to my immune system in general and could not cure me because my cancer was incurable. My goal has always been to lead a quality life as best as I could until I lost the fight.
My major setback was in August 2019 when I was admitted to a Hospice hospital. But my wife helped me turn my life around. I revoked hospice in late September 2019, and she helped me out of the abyss.
Today, I may be at the same edge of death once again. Yet I still am following my 11 Unconventional Cancer Protocols to help my body heal as best as it can. My attitude is positive, and my spiritual faith is strong.
I can tell you that I have had pain almost 24/7 since February 2022.
In late June 2021, I had severe side effects from Darzalex, an immunotherapy drug that was supposed to kill malignant plasma cells. It is not a chemotherapy drug. The severe side effects from Darzalex weakened my body to the extent that I contracted COVID. The COVID virus caused active multiple myeloma to resurface. As a result, my malignant plasma cells created many dysfunctional antibodies. These antibodies began to weaken my bone internally and put me at risk for pathological bone fractures. Shortly after the multiple myeloma reemerged, I began to develop serious fractures in many of my ribs and other areas in my body. The pain I had to deal with was the result of these pathological fractures which began after February 2022.
I don’t view myself as a victim. I am a survivor. And I certainly am not giving up!
I tell my wife that when I am in pain and I am complaining, it’s not because of a bad attitude. It’s because I have a hard time dealing with pain. My complaining should not be misinterpreted as submission.
Unfortunately, my pain since February 2022 was intense at times. To deal with the pain, I had to resort to medications. The pain was getting worse progressively as it moved to different parts of my body. It progressed throughout my rib cage, my spine, and my left leg.
My most recent pain was in my right humerus. On Saturday, August 5th, I was attempting to slide a dining room chair under my dining room table. When I tried to lift the chair, I immediately heard and felt a snap in my right humerus area. This pain was so piercing, it took my breath away.
A quick trip to the ER showed that I fractured my right humerus in the same spot where I broke it in half in 2019. Following my trip to the ER, the fracture has been healing slowly but surely. Today, the pain is beginning to ease up, but the use of my right arm is still very compromised. As a matter of fact, I am writing this blog by means of dictation using my Word Document software.
I’ve learned a lot about broken bones firsthand. I know that once the fractures have time to heal, the pain goes away.
Moving Forward
As I said, the pain because of pathological fractures has been my biggest challenge to date. This is a battle I must win. And I seem to be winning the fight. The intensity of the pain is subsiding!
Here’s another vintage Timex watch commercial that exemplifies my tenacity. My resolve is steadfast. I can “take such a licking and keep on ticking”:
However, I am not in denial. I know this bone marrow cancer is incurable based on what is known in conventional oncology today. But I have too much to do. And I am excited about my accomplishments going forward.
By the way, don’t forget to order my new book which I am so proud of – “Eat As If Your Life Depends On It”. It will be available in paperback as well as hardcover on Amazon on 9/9/22. In my new book, I summarize the rationale for a paleo, keto, and carnivore diet as well as how and why I blended them into my Better Belly Blueprint way of eating. This is an interactive book in that it also includes an example of a completed three-day food journal as well as a blank three-day food journal for you to fill out yourself. In addition, I explain a method for you to transition slowly into the concepts of my Better Belly Blueprint over a period of nine weeks. Transitioning slowly will help you avoid most adaptation issues that could occur if you jumped 100% into a change in diet. You’ll be transformed into a well-nourished, energetic, cognitively alert individual. Also, you will enhance your immune system to become as robust as possible, which will assist in overall wellness.
I am a firm believer that my diet is what turned my battles around and is the ticket to overcoming my current hurdle. My legacy is to share my learnings with you, so you don’t find yourself in my shoes, struggling with illness. If incorporating this knowledge helped me extend my life by 4 years (and counting), imagine what it can do for you!
Thank you for reading, listening, and being a confidant. To everyone who has been following me and my cancer journey, my desire is to be a beacon of hope and encouragement. We all can improve our overall Wellness even in the light of a life-threatening challenge.
Although we’re all going to die, it’s not yet for me!
If you don’t want to miss out on new posts, sign up for my Free “Belly Bites” Newsletter and receive your free copy of Dr Al’s “5 Things That Could Be Impacting Your Health Right Now”HERE.
Hang in there with me. I’m going through another type of pain that I am experiencing right now.
But first let me tell you, I am doing amazingly well – except for this pain. My mind is clear, alert, and active. I have a great attitude, and my nutrition is excellent. I even planned a surprise dinner party for my wife for her 75th birthday on 6/5/22. She had no idea. The tears were flowing. I was pleased. It was great!
Yet, I have new pain. And I always have been a wuss when it comes to pain.
By the way, here’s a little secret that you already may know – men do much worse than women when it comes to dealing with pain. And I can assure you, I am not an exception. I am a baby when it comes to pain.
But pain is real.
My Old Pain
In my Blog on 4/17/22, I discussed an incapacitating sciatic nerve pain which I had to deal with 24/7. The pain was a result of malignant plasma cells becoming active and concentrating in the pelvis around my left sciatic nerve. All of this was caused directly by a combination of severe side effects from my immunotherapy that compromised my body’s immune system. Immediately after that, I contracted COVID, which activated the malignant plasma cells of my multiple myeloma to create a mass in the pelvis where the left sciatic nerve exited to travel down my left leg. Continuous pressure was put on the sciatic nerve. The symptoms began in early February 2022, but the pain got progressively worse.
To rid the pain, my oncologist suggested 10 targeted radiation therapies directed to the affected area over 10 daily sessions. The rationale was that the radiation would kill the mass of malignant cells, but it would not treat the overall multiple myeloma. It was a targeted treatment to stop the excruciating pain. And it worked.
Treatment began on 4/4/22 and ended on 4/15/22. By Monday 4/11/22, the pain in my left leg was gone! That was awesome. I was a happy guy.
My New Pain
Here is a brief history of my new pain’s origin.
My diagnosis of IgA Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma in 2018 included innumerable lytic lesions throughout my skeleton. In other words, my bones had many areas of internal bone loss from the activity of all the malignant plasma cells, which were eating away at the bone. This created very weak bones – like a person with severe osteoporosis. So, these weak bones were (and still are) susceptible to pathological fracture. That means that any normal twisting or bending could cause a bone to snap!
In 2019, I experienced my worse setback because of these fragile bones. While brushing and flossing my teeth in my bathroom, I twisted my body slightly to the left to throw away my used dental floss. Immediately, my right femur broke in half, and I crashed to the floor. I broke several ribs and snapped my right humerus in half. The damage was so severe, I was placed into a hospice hospital to die. But as you may remember, I recovered. I revoked hospice and went onto thriving. But I learned my lesson – my bones were fragile, and I always would need to be careful in the future.
And I have been diligent about not bending or twisting abruptly since then. I take my time to move my body. I am consciously aware and proactive.
This brings me to my new bone pain.
About 5 weeks ago, I started having back pain. But this pain didn’t stay in one place. It was around my rib cage in my back, then moved under my shoulder blades, and then traveled to my rib cage in the front of my body. Bizarre!
Eventually, the pain seemed to settle into the back of my spinal cord in the thoracic region and under the right scapula. It became stagnant and constant. At times it was piercing. Don’t forget, I am a wuss and hate pain. My wife can attest to the fact that I can be a pain-in-the-ass when I don’t feel well!
Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen just didn’t cut the sharp pain.
When I saw my oncologist on 6/7/22, he agreed that something was wrong. My blood work that day was relatively good but showed an increase in markers that indicated some bone activity was occurring. He ordered a Thoracic MRI for 6/16/22, which was the first available appointment.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) produces 3-D images of the body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology which can show the spinal cord, nerve roots, and the surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration, and tumors. He believed I had a pathologic vertebral compression fracture. I must have twisted or bent my body the wrong way even though I have been so careful in the past.
He also added Percocet to my pain medication regimen – a drug that I never wanted to take since it is a narcotic.
A pathologic vertebral compression fracture is the collapse of a vertebra, which is a block of bone within the spinal cord. Because of the effects of multiple myeloma, these fractures could occur from just a simple daily activity such as stepping out of the shower, sneezing forcefully, or lifting a light object. This could lead to severe pain.
Here is an x-ray of a typical vertebral compression fracture, where the RED ARROW points to the crushed bony structure:
Results of my Thoracic MRI
My oncologist called me on Thursday evening, 6/17, with the radiology report. Here is a summary of its findings:
Pathologic vertebral compression fractures exist in a few thoracic vertebrae.
Several masses of malignant plasma cells exist alongside the spinal column putting pressure on nerves.
Treatment Plan
First, outpatient treatment will address the pain caused by the malignant cells using image guided radiation therapy. This will destroy only the malignant cells responsible for the pain but will not treat the overall multiple myeloma. Then, if necessary, outpatient surgery may include a procedure called kyphoplasty:
Image Guided Radiation Therapy Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is the use of imaging during radiation therapy to improve the precision and accuracy of treatment delivery. Radiation therapy machines are equipped with imaging technology to allow the doctor to image the malignant masses before and during treatment. This allows more precise radiation doses to the tumor. Treatment will start with an appointment for measurements and then 10 days of consecutive radiation.
Kyphoplasty Surgery Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure usually done on an outpatient basis. It may be performed with a local anesthetic and intravenous (IV) sedation. Using x-ray guidance, a small needle containing specially formulated acrylic bone cement is injected into the collapsed vertebra. The cement hardens within minutes, strengthening and stabilizing the fractured vertebra. Kyphoplasty is a modification of this technique where a balloon is used to help guide the cement and to increase the height of the collapsed bone. The spaces created by the balloons are then filled with the cement.
My Expectations
I have been here before.
As I just described in “My Old Pain”, I had targeted radiation treatments to destroy isolated masses of malignant plasma cells, which were successful. Also, I had pathologic vertebral compression fractures in the past that were treated successfully with kyphoplasty.
I am scheduled with my radiation oncologist to begin radiation treatment on Monday, 6/20/22.
Once radiation is completed, the pain should be gone. If there is a need for the kyphoplasty procedure, it will follow.
And then, full steam ahead.
The bottom line for me is this:
I most likely will not cure my “incurable” bone marrow cancer. But I know that radiation treatment can stop the pain, which is my most difficult roadblock.
I’m not a miracle; I’m just a plain old guy who won’t succumb to the conventional medical norms. I will continue with my 11 Unconventional Cancer Protocols, which I have designed to enhance my immune system to be the best as it can possibly be.
I appreciate each one of you for reading this, for your constant support, and for the interest you have in my journey. I’ve still got a lot to share with others and to do for myself. After all, it’s been almost 4 years since I was given 3-6 months to live. I’ve made it through a broken femur, botched injection, fractured bones, and even the dreaded COVID. Each time, I managed to regain control of my health and THRIVE! This is just another bump in the road, and another opportunity to learn more about the body’s incredible ability to heal.
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Much has changed, and it’s time to share the latest update from my cancer journey. It’s been a wild ride, and I appreciate all your support along the way. It means the world to me.
There have been some recent developments I’d like to share with you, and they’ve led to an addition to my 11 Unconventional Cancer Protocols, as you’ll read at the end of this Blog.
My newest protocol will come as a surprise. It did to me too! But hey, I don’t call my protocols “unconventional” for no reason!
Let’s start with a recap, beginning in June of 2021.
Recap from June 2021
I had a reemergence of multiple myeloma because the severe side effects from an immunotherapy injection on June 22, 2021. The side effects weakened my body and made me susceptible to the COVID virus. By the end of July 2021, I knew I had contracted COVID-19.
At that time, I discontinued the monthly immunotherapy injections, and began to recover from the COVID acute symptoms. My recovery was the result of my efforts to enhance my immune system via my Unconventional Cancer Protocols, which I started when I was diagnosed with incurable bone marrow cancer in 2018.
During my recovery time, my oncologist thought that my symptoms were predominately the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. So, I returned to the immunotherapy treatment on January 4, 2022, thinking it might still be effective for me. After that treatment, I received another injection on 2/1/22.
My oncologist and I were wrong! The reintroduction of the immunotherapy proved to be critically damaging for me.
After the immunotherapy treatment on 2/1/22, the intense side effects returned with a vengeance. Several weeks after the injection, I began to develop piercing sciatic pain in my left leg, sharp pain in my joints, and significant discomfort and weakness throughout my body. My oncologist scheduled me for a new PET Scan.
PET Scan Results: 2/28/22
The newest PET Scan on 2/28/22 showed a reemergence of multiple myeloma cells …
An accumulation of malignant plasma cells near my left eye orbit.
An accumulation of cancer cells in my sacral area affecting the sciatic nerve and other structures.
To determine the extent of the eye lesion, I had a Brain MRI on 3/10/22. The MRI showed a soft tissue mass approximately 2cm X 1cm X 1cm. It was invading an area around a posterior eye muscle of my left eye. But I didn’t have any symptoms, yet.
My oncologist scheduled me to see a radiation oncologist to evaluate the lesion near my left eye and the malignant plasma cells in the sacrum area. My leg pain was continuous and stabbing. It was not controllable even with narcotics.
In addition, my legs also were developing extensive edema. In just 6 weeks, I put on about 12 pounds of fluid weight. My oncologist thought there might be a blood clot, so he scheduled an ultrasound of my legs, which turned out to be negative. He then set up an appointment with a vascular surgeon to evaluate the acute leg edema.
Radiation Oncologist: 3/22/22
I didn’t want to go blind in my left eye, and I needed the pain in my legs to end. So, on 3/22/22, I saw the radiation oncologist, who immediately set up specific radiation therapy appointments.
The radiation oncologist explained the malignant cells near my left eye would eventually cause me to go blind in that eye and that the accumulation of the malignant plasma cells in the sacrum could be the culprit of the leg and sciatic pain as well as the edema accumulation.
Image guided radiation treatment would consist of a couple of appointments for measurements and then 10 days of consecutive radiation. The eye lesion and the sacral lesions would be treated concurrently. The entire process began on 3/23/22. But the actual radiation treatments didn’t begin until 4/4/22 and ended on 4/15/22.
However, by Monday, 4/11/22, the pain in my legs was gone! That was awesome!
Vascular Surgeon: 3/24/22
On 3/24/22, I was examined by the vascular surgeon, who scheduled a full vascular study of my legs. She showed me some photos of her patients who had SARS-CoV-2 virus and had serious visible lesions in their legs because the spike protein caused endothelial damage in the venous system. She suggested that my leg edema might be the result of long haulers COVID, which I believe was provoked by the Darzalex side effects and eventually caused my multiple myeloma to reactivate. My hope is that after the radiation treatment, the water retention will go down, and I will return to my “normal self” before all of this started in July 2021.
The full vascular study consisted of doppler evaluation of both of my legs. The results showed healthy arterial flow but compromised venous flow. To be proactive, I had an echocardiogram on 4/14/22 to assure my heart was not the culprit of the leg edema – and it was not.
Although the leg pain as of 4/11/22 had ended, I am still waiting for the water retention to go down. No doubt it will in time!
Oncology Visit on 4/8/22
I visited my oncologist on 4/8/22 for new blood work and exam. He discussed the results of the ongoing radiation treatment and the report from the vascular surgeon. It could take another month to determine the benefits of the isolated guided radiation treatment on the concentrated accumulation of the malignant cells. Most likely, I’ll have another PET Scan. I am optimistic about the outcome.
Then I discussed with him my new protocol, which I planned to start on 4/16/22. I was pleasantly surprised that he agreed with me and gave me his ‘Go Ahead”. He emphasized that he would not recommend this to any of his other cancer patients because of medical legal obstacles. But he will continue to monitor me every 4 weeks to determine its effects.
My Newest Protocol – Fenbendazole
Caveat: Once again, I am describing my experiment of N=1. I am not recommending this as treatment for any disease or for anyone to try. And I don’t know if it will work for me or not.
That being said, I’m not jumping into this without doing my own research. I knew about this drug for a couple of years but didn’t consider it seriously at that time because it was a “drug”. However, with the resurgence of malignant plasma cells in isolated areas of my body, I have changed my mind to give it a try.
The drug is Fenbendazole. It is a dog dewormer. Yes, a dog dewormer!
Joe Tippens popularized this out-of-the-box protocol when he wrote about his own cancer journey that began in 2016. He set up a website to explain his story and current research.
Joe was told that there was nothing oncology or modern medicine could do for his incurable lung cancer. His doctors gave him only 3 months to live. Yet, after his veterinarian friend suggested that he try fenbendazole, Joe began his own experiment of N=1. Fenbendazole “cured” his lung cancer!
Here is a video interview of Joe Tippens in 2021, where he describes his amazing story:
My Research
During my research, I found 47 studies when I searched PubMed describing the effects of this drug on human cancers. I also used Fenbendazole.org as a source for valuable information. In addition, there are two private Facebook groups for discussions about fenbendazole:
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any research about this drug’s effects on multiple myeloma. So, as I said, I don’t know if it will help me or not.
Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic originally used against gastrointestinal parasites in animals. Merck began experimenting with fenbendazole for animal use in 1961. It was used to treat rodent pinworm infections in dogs. But now it is fast becoming a repurposed drug to treat late-stage cancers in humans. Yet, fenbendazole is not FDA approved for human usage.
Fenbendazole is a dry, tasteless powder. Research shows it to significantly inhibit tumor growth when supplemented with vitamins A, D, E, K, and B. Incidentally, my animal-based diet adequately provides these essential vitamins in bioavailable forms. So, I will not take any synthetic or processed vitamin supplemental forms with fenbendazole.
It destroys microtubules that sustain the structure of the cancer cell and its ability to divide and multiply rapidly.
It interrupts the cancer cells’ ability to process sugar to survive.
It boosts the production of a cancer-killing gene called p53, a gene that cancer patients may lack. When p53 becomes mutated or can’t keep cancer cells in check, cancer cells can proliferate.
Some research suggests that those who are weak from chemotherapy may experience more side effects than those not receiving conventional cancer treatment. Some common side effects include elevated liver enzymes, mild diarrhea, and mild stomach discomfort. There has been a medical report that fenbendazole caused liver damage in a lung cancer patient, but the liver healed after the patient discontinued fenbendazole.
One concern I have that has not been reported to my knowledge is the potential damage to the gut microbiome. Another antiparasitic drug, Ivermectin, has been described to damage the gut microbiome causing gut dysbiosis. So, it could be possible that fenbendazole will also cause gut dysbiosis if not mitigated by proper gut support. And gut dysbiosis is a major source of most chronic diseases.
To that end, the methods I use to improve the diversity of a healthy gut microbiome and heal any damage resulting in a leaky gut are described in my 11 Unconventional Cancer Protocols.
For example, I consume Molecular Hydrogen as a discriminate free-radical neutralizer and antioxidant as well as Bovine Colostrum, both of which improve gut health. I also consume spore-based probiotics to assist in replenishing and diversifying my gut microbiome.
While including fenbendazole in my protocols, I am not following the Joe Tippens Protocol because it includes manmade supplements. As I have said, my eating lifestyle and original cancer protocols provide the necessary elements in bioavailable forms to help my body in its healing process.
My Protocol for Fenbendazole
On April 16, 2022, I began taking Fenbendazole 222 mg (Panacur C) for 3 days, then taking 4 days off every week. This product is supplied in individual packets, each containing the proper dosage. I mix the powder from one packet in my Colostrum in the morning. Fenbendazole should be taken with or after a meal containing fat for better absorption.
I’ll follow this weekly protocol until I see an improvement in my PET Scan as well as in the SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) with immunofixation blood tests. These blood tests identify dysfunctional antibodies resulting from multiple myeloma. If there is no improvement in my monthly blood work, I will increase the frequency of my dosing of fenbendazole to every day without interruption. If there are signs that fenbendazole is harmful in any way, I will stop the experiment.
All along my experiment with fenbendazole, my oncologist will be witness to the effects – good or bad. As I have mentioned, I have new blood work every 4 weeks.
Time will tell, but I am encouraged.
I know that my previous protocols have helped my body reboot and enhance my immune system. And now, this additional protocol should further my healing ability. My current 11 Unconventional Cancer Protocols might be able to take my body’s ability to fight this multiple myeloma battle to a higher level than before.
While it’s been an extremely challenging 10 months, I’m not letting it hold me back. I’ve been working on a brand-new book that I can’t wait to share with you. And I really enjoy working one-on-one with my coaching clients and writing these weekly blogs. If you have any questions you’d like to see covered in an upcoming blog, send them my way!
Schedule a ”30-Minute Free Consult” with me to answer some of your questions and determine if we are a good fit for a coaching program! CLICK HERE.
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My greatest fear is that I may “get broken” beyond repair. And then I would lose my quality of life. I also might not be able to continue sharing and teaching all I have learned along my amazing Cancer Journey.
Yes, old dogs can learn new tricks! And at the age of almost 75, I am an “old dog” with lots of “new” tricks. But a broken dog can’t jump up and down any longer. And I like to show off.
Everything I’ve learned I want to share. I have not found anybody who has connected the medical dots as I have. But as Humpty Dumpty fell and shattered into pieces, my fragile and porous skeleton could do the same.
I don’t have a fear of death. And certainly, I am not in denial of my situation. I am realistic.
My greatest fear is suffering severe pathological fractures in the future that could incapacitate me and end the quality of life which I enjoy today.
My Dilemma
My dilemma is that my mind is working overtime, but my physical body has been challenging me recently.
A recent study showed that fully vaccinated patients with multiple myeloma have an increased rate of COVID-19 infection and have an increased risk of dying compared to vaccinated individuals without cancer.[1] And I’m not vaccinated for reasons I’ve discussed in previous Blogs.
My cancer journey has taken me through a lot. Most recently, the 10 Unconventional Cancer Protocols I created have helped me through COVID and Long Haulers without meds and without hospitalization. I am impressed with the overall strength of my immune system because of these protocols. As I have repeated in the past, my oncologist is amazed!
Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer. It weakens the immune system’s ability to create necessary antibodies, which are created by plasma cells in the bone marrow to fight invaders. Multiple myeloma also can create severe bone lesions throughout the skeleton making bones very fragile.
Initially, the symptoms in 2018 that brought me to my physician were pain in my right shoulder and sternum area. I had no idea that my problems were anything more than a torn ligament or a damaged muscle. At that time, I had no idea I had a crack in my pelvis, broken ribs, and a vertebral compression fracture causing bone and breathing pain.
Once the diagnosis of IgA Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma was confirmed in September 2018 and I was given 3-6 months to live, the obvious became real to me. Most likely I would die from the complications of multiple myeloma. And I was prone to painful and life-threatening fractures even if I only twisted or bent my body in such a way that a weakened bone would snap.
My ultimate realization of my fragile body occurred in August 2019. That is when I was standing in my bathroom, twisted to the left to throw my used dental floss into the trashcan, and instantly my right femur snapped in half. I collapsed to the floor – breaking several ribs and splitting my right humerus in half. These severe fractures eventually put me in a Hospice Hospital to die.
Amazingly, I rebounded, revoked Hospice, and returned to my protocols. To the shock of most people around me, I was recovering. And when I saw my oncologist in October 2019, he was pleasantly surprised once again.
COVID
I continued with an excellent quality of life until 6/22/21, when I received a botched injection of my monthly immunotherapy (Darzalex[2]), which is not chemotherapy. Within a week after this injection, I began having various areas of bone and muscle pain. My oncologist and I thought these symptoms were a combination of side effects from the Darzalex injection. Yet, I never experienced bad side effects from this therapy in the past.
But then I experienced overall joint pain, total exhaustion, lack of energy, diarrhea, headaches, and a persistent cough. I finally recognized that the progressively worsening symptoms were the effects from the SARS-CoV-2 virus which took over my weakened body. The complications after the Darzalex injection in June 2021 set my body up to make me more susceptible to the virus.
COVID & NLR
My concerns were documented after my routine monthly CBC (Complete Blood Count) following the COVID infection and the peak of my symptoms.
The CBC looks at the components of the blood – red blood cells. white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, etc. A ratio of two specific white blood cells has recently been explored and documented in COVID patients. It is the ratio between the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes circulating in the blood. It is called the NLR (neutrophil lymphocyte ratio).
For a healthy individual, the NLR is usually between 1:1 to 3:1. However in severe COVID patients, the ratio is elevated along with the number of lymphocytes being significantly below normal. In a current study of hospitalized COVID patients, those with an NLR of 7.45 or higher were more likely to require a ventilator and had a higher risk of dying.
A significantly elevated NLR has become a “hallmark of severe COVID”. After my severe symptoms, my NLR was 42:1 – an extremely elevated ratio. This has never occurred before in my CBC results and concerned me.
My oncologist believes now that the increased activity of my malignant plasma cells as shown on my most recent PET Scan taken on 10/26/21 (after my severe symptoms were receding) is related to COVID’s effects on my bone marrow cells. Malignant plasma cells cannot produce healthy antibodies to the virus. So, millions of dysfunctional antibodies were produced in my bones that created more bone lesions as seen on this PET Scan.
And all those bone lesions make my skeleton more and more fragile. Like Humpty Dumpty, I’m prone to life-threatening pathological fractures.
And bone lesions cause bone pain.
Recovery
Bone pain is a symptom of progressing multiple myeloma. Fortunately, my bone pain in subsiding. And this bone pain just may be the final stage of “long-haulers COVID”. Whatever the cause of my bone pain, my ongoing efforts to improve my immune system should allow healing, and I’ll be fine in time. Just as I was before contracting COVID.
My most recent monthly blood work on 11/30/21 showed that my NLR dropped from 42:1 to 24:1. Still very high, but markedly better. I’m moving in the right direction!
Once again, I emphasize that the quality of life is most important to me – not longevity. But I want to live as long as possible if I can be productive for my family, friends, and myself.
Believe me, I am not a victim.
Don’t pity me.
I am a survivor.
But I am a realist.
Today, I am doing very well considering all that I have been through. I’m encouraged that I have returned to walking outside a little more than a mile most days of the week.
My attitude is positive as I deal with this challenge successfully. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again with my 10 Unconventional Cancer Protocols. My wife is my pillar of strength and has taught me this lesson very well.
Concluding Thoughts & Inspiration
There are many unknowns.
What I do know is I have found a way to do the impossible: I’ve taken an incurable diagnosis and reclaimed my quality of life even without chemotherapy. I’ve also recovered successfully from COVID. I’ve researched and experimented to beat the odds and created a system that allows me to achieve the best health and healing potential possible in my situation.
Imagine what could happen if you incorporate these methods into your life before you get sick like I did. And if you have a serious diagnosis, there is always a way to improve your situation by looking at it from a different perspective and being proactive as I have.
I’m reminded of a study that was published in 2019 that showed that 88% of the US adults are metabolically unhealthy. And this leads to serious chronic diseases including cancers. Today, I am in the minority with healthy metabolic flexibility.
My greatest joy in life is my family. My second greatest joy is helping others, just like you. If you haven’t taken the time to book a consult with me, please do. I would love nothing more than to leave a legacy of improved health and wellness.
Let me bring you up to speed with my Cancer Journey …
My first goal in my cancer journey was to maintain a quality of life, which I have.
My second goal was to avoid synthetic chemicals that could destroy my immune system, which is critical for healing the body. This I have done.
My next goal was to create a set of Protocols which is designed to support a robust immune system. This is also what I have provided for myself.
And my success from my diagnosis of incurable bone marrow cancer in September 2018 up until June 22, 2021, has been remarkable.
I never claimed to have a cure for cancer or for any other chronic diseases. And I don’t have a cure today. But by improving my immune system through various pathways and becoming metabolically flexible, I have helped my body heal and have lowered the risk of future diseases.
Now, I am facing another challenge in my cancer journey – a bump in the road. I plan to fight it intelligently and overcome the odds again.
But let me tell you, “This bump scared me!”
My symptoms came on abruptly.
It all started with a botched injection of my monthly immunotherapy on June 22, 2021. I wrote all about it HERE. I even wrote about a prescient meditation that may have been a warning for me of things to come HERE.
A Bump in the Road
I saw my oncologist on 10/12/21 because of a progressing pain which I believed was a series of serious treatment side effects that started on 6/22/21 with my monthly injection of Darzalex. The most pain was in my right shoulder and back. Then it isolated to an area of a possible cracked rib at the base of my right rib cage on the front of my body. I also was starting to have pain in my left and right femurs where I suffered fractures about 2 years ago.
In addition to those symptoms, I had diarrhea, headaches, extreme exhaustion, generalized muscle and joint pain, and an irritating cough.
Dr. George, my oncologist, ordered more blood tests.
My CBC showed lower than normal hemoglobin. I had a significant rise in my neutrophil count and a significant drop in my lymphocyte count. My blood chemistries showed increased serum calcium and elevated alkaline phosphatase. My immunofluorescent blood work showed a significant spike in my serum dysfunctional IgA antibodies. (My current diagnosis is IgA Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma with innumerable skeletal lytic lesions.)
My oncologist’s first thought was that my cancer was regrouping and becoming more aggressive.
He put me on dexamethasone 12mg for 4 days on and 4 days off, which I started immediately. The dexamethasone was intended to kill malignant plasma cells.
I returned to his office on 10/19/21 for new blood work. The steroid improved all the biomarkers. He also scheduled me for a new PET Scan on 10/26/21.
Another Possible Cause
Originally, my oncologist believed (and I concurred) that the Darzalex had stopped being beneficial and was the sole culprit. Dr. George recommended that I discontinue my Darzalex therapy, which I did. His concern was that my body was weakening, and I was succumbing to the cancer.
He now believes that my side effects from the botched Darzalex injection on 6/22/21 could have weakened my system and allowed me to contract COVID. All the symptoms were consistent with those of the Delta Variant. However, I never had a loss of smell, loss of taste, or a fever. And the extreme high neutrophil and low lymphocyte ratio is now considered a sign of severe COVID infection. (The spike in my neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was 42.0; normal should be between 1.0 – 2.0.)
If this was COVID, and my immune system is effectively fighting this virus, then I should recover and return to the way I was before June 22, 2021.
PET Scan Results
My oncologist and I went over the results of the PET Scan in his office on 11/2/21. This was an enlightening discussion.
My PET Scan was disappointing.
It revealed a slight-to-moderate uptick in the multiple myeloma activity. This could be the result of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which stimulated an overgroth of bone marrow cancer cells. These dysfunctional antibodies could not fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, they crowded out the healthier marrow cells, which were trying to function normally. Then, the overabundance of malignant plasma cells created additional bone lesions, increasing the serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels as well as deep bone pain.
The Scan also showed inflammation in the colon which is where the COVID virus most likely settled in my body since I had days of diarrhea.
My experience may be happening to many others who have bone marrow cancer. The real science only now is being reported. This may be a “heads-up” for many.
Deeper Dive into Real Science
I believe I am successfully healing from COVID and its complications. I can’t prove this, but I now think my severe side effects from my June injection of Darzalex allowed the COVID virus to invade. But other aspects of my robust immune system are fighting off the virus.
Recently published medical papers are now uncovering the real science.
For example, healthy T cells of the immune system are more resistant than antibodies to threats posed by emerging variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Studies have shown that people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus typically generate T cells that target at least 15–20 different fragments of coronavirus proteins. The COVID vaccines only create antibodies to one specific coronavirus protein. However, contracting the actual virus will generate a large variety of T cells that could snare a virus. T cell immunity is different and possibly more effective than antibody immunity, This T cell activity makes it very hard for the virus to mutate and escape cell recognition, which is what is currently happening for antibodies generated by the current vaccines.
You may have read that Collin Powell was fully vaccinated but died from COVID complications recently. He had multiple myeloma as well as Parkinson’s Disease. Most likely he had metabolic and mitochondria dysfunction. His multiple myeloma (malignant bone marrow plasma cells) might not have allowed the vaccine to produce the proper antibodies to the spike protein in the vaccine. And his weakened immune system might not have allowed him to generate enough effective T Cell activity against the virus.
In January 2021 (Blood Cancer Discovery) and in April 2021 (HemOnc), it was reported that bone marrow cancer patients had a compromised immunity from the vaccines because of the inability to produce the functional and critical antibodies to fight the virus. And typical bone marrow cancer patients have a severely depressed immune system in general. In an article published on 10/28/21 in JAMA Oncology, investigators discussed COVID-19 Mortality and Adverse Outcomes in US Patients With or Without Cancer.
This newly discovered science has definite consequences and ramifications for me. While bone marrow cancers greatly compromise the all-important immune system, my efforts to recreate the strength of my immune system using my Unconventional Cancer Protocols potentially have given me a positive edge.
As the real science unfolds, more and more will be learned about the innate and adaptive immune system, natural immunity, and vaccines.
My Next Steps
As I have said, my enhanced immune system from my Unconventional Cancer Protocols may have been able to deal successfully with the viral infection at home – no hospitalization and no other meds. The goal of my Protocols has always been to recreate a robust immune system.
After the initial COVID symptoms resolved somewhat, I had symptoms of Long-Haulers COVID for a few weeks with generalized but consistent body aches and an annoying dry cough. I know that my immune system is dealing with these symptoms slowly but effectively.
I am relieved with this interpretation because it makes sense to me. And I anticipate recovering well. Today, I’m still a little tired. But the cough from the Long-Haulers is completely gone.
However, I am not in denial of the cancer in my body and what it might do to me in the future. I also know that I most likely will never go into remission. My primary goals are to continue to lead a productive life and to live a quality of life! (I’m going to keep writing and publishing until I can’t. Be Warned!!)
In my case, I have used a shotgun approach to build up my immune system. I am not able to force my plasma cells to become healthy and create all the necessary antibodies it was designed to create. I don’t have, and never have claimed to have, a cure for cancer. But the human body is an amazing machine. There are many additional pathways and methods by which the immune system can attempt to heal.
My course of treatment is to return to my immunotherapy with monthly Darzalex injections. And of course, I’m continuing to be aggressive with my Unconventional Cancer Protocols. They include 10 integrated Protocols I have researched and follow. I tweak them on a regular basis as is necessary. Some may be more important than others, but the sum of them together are more powerful than each on its own.
I’m also adding another whole-food product in significant quantity that has had very interesting research in assisting gut healing, reduction of inflammation, proper bone metabolism, and possibly the reduction of various cancers. It is Bovine Colostrum. I will write a dedicated Blog about this and post it next week. After my research, my “go-to” bovine colostrum is Colostrum-6. I eat it every day.
In the future, I look forward to a negative PET Scan as I had in May 2020. A negative PET Scan of multiple myeloma does not mean remission. But it is a good sign of moving in a positive direction.
And of course, I will continue to be transparent. It is important to me to share my ups and downs will all others who have fears and concerns as I have had.
Schedule a ”30-Minute Free Consult” with me to answer some of your questions and determine if we are a good fit for a coaching program! CLICK HERE.
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You know me. I’ve treated my body as a study of N=1.
When I learned of my dire cancer prognosis in September 2018, I knew that I could not wait 10 more years for the medical community to prove my Unconventional Cancer Protocols would heal (or even possibly cure) my cancer. You see, I didn’t have the luxury of a long-life expectancy. I was given only 3-6 months to live at that time.
Life is what it is.
So, right away I was motivated to investigate peer-reviewed methods to help heal my body and recreate a robust immune system. I was not looking for methodologies that only one investigator found successful. I wanted therapies that were successfully and repeatedly reported from various researchers throughout the world.
Let me be clear! I never developed a cure for cancer. But my independent research has uncovered concepts to improve my immune system. I even developed a set of 5 Tools to measure my success. And this has gotten me to a point today where I am thriving better than most healthy individuals.
After my diagnosis, my cancer journey followed unconventional paths with overall success but a few significant setbacks. I have written many Blogs updating my progress, concerns, and tweaks to my protocols. I have been open with my personal experiences.
Now, it’s time for another significant tweak. The reason comes from my continuing research. I’m a glutton for uncovering new and exciting aspects in medical science. My challenge comes from connecting the dots, but I do take “creative scientific license”.
My discovery: Supplementation of high-dose Vitamin D3 combined with high-dose Vitamin K2 could be positive for the treatment of cancers. Not proven, but possible!
The Research
Let’s look at the supporting science.
In 2017, Healthline summarized the metabolic benefits of combining Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 supplementation.
A summary statement in this 2020 VITAL Trial noted: “Our findings, along with results from previous studies, support the ongoing evaluation of vitamin D supplementation for preventing metastatic cancer – a connection that is biologically plausible.”
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in patients with multiple myeloma. Patients with this bone marrow cancer often complain of dull, persistent, generalized musculoskeletal aches and pains with fatigue or decrease in muscle strength. These symptoms may well be the result of Vitamin D deficiency. Here is a 2011 case report of a 63-year-old man with multiple myeloma who was taking chemotherapy. This individual presented with worsening generalized musculoskeletal pain, weakness, and multiple falls. His bone studies showed severe lytic lesions with a very low Vitamin D level of less than 8ng/mL. However, after he was treated with 3000 units of Vitamin D daily, his musculoskeletal pain decreased.
In a 2015 medical paper, 83 multiple myeloma patients had their 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D levels studied. Those with less than 10 ng/mL were associated with higher number of plasma cells in their bone marrow. When they took vitamin D3 supplementation, their hemoglobin, leukocytes, and erythrocytes increased, while their thrombocytes decreased.
In this 2017 study, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis and fracture were more prevalent in patients with multiple myeloma who had low blood levels of Vitamin D.
Another study in 2020 suggested that multiple myeloma patients with deficient 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D levels had a poorer life expectancy.
In regard to Vitamin K2, this 2015 article describes how Vitamin K2 can promote bone health.
And in this in vitro study of human myeloma cells, concentrations of Vitamin K2 inhibited the growth of the malignant cells and assisted in inducing self-suicide (or apoptosis).
This 2018 review of the literature clearly points out the Vitamin K2 can inhibit cancer cell growth.
So, I have started a new experiment again using my body as the guinea pig. I definitely am NOT recommending any person try this protocol. I have no idea if this will work for me or even if it will be harmful. However, the medical papers I have read suggest this may be beneficial.
If you have followed my Unconventional Cancer Protocols, you are aware that I was taking 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 and 320 mcg of Vitamin K2 daily. The most recent result of my 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D blood test showed a level of 62 ng/mL. This blood level is higher than the recommended range for healthy individuals, which is 40 – 60 ng/mL.
I began my new protocol on 1/20/21 when I upped my daily doses. I started taking 20,000 IU of Vitamin D3 along with 450 mcg of Vitamin K2. My goal is to raise my 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D blood level to 100-125 ng/mL. At this new level, maybe my malignant plasma cells and dysfunctional IgA antibodies will decrease. I’ll give my body 2-3 more months on this regimen before retesting.
This is the only change I’m making to my Protocols. Obviously, I am not a controlled study. But by changing only one variable in my routine, I can come close to being a controlled medical trial of N=1.
Diagnostic Tests
To refresh your memory, my cancer diagnosis is IgA Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma. My oncologist orders a new CBC (complete blood count) and CMP (complete metabolic panel) every 4 weeks. Every 2-3 months, I have a series of blood tests to evaluate my dysfunctional antibody production from malignant plasma cells. The test is called a Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) with Immunofixation. He also orders a 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D blood test about every 3 months.
On my calendar, I have a Bone Scan scheduled for March 2021, which will evaluate my overall skeletal strength. And I have my 4th PET Scan scheduled in May 2021.
As time goes by, I will report the results from my various tests and scans as they reflect my new Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 dosing.
My CBC and CMP have been relatively within normal ranges since 1/1/20. However, the results of my current Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) with Immunofixation continue to be abnormally high. Yet they are lower with little fluctuation since starting my stand-alone immunotherapy of Darzalex in October 2019.
Here are two of my Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) with Immunofixation results as of 1/26/21:
In May 2021, I expect to have new numbers and information to report.
Anecdotal Evidence
I am aware of an individual who has a similar diagnosis as I and has started this new dosing protocol of Vitamin D3 and K2 as I just started. After 30 days on this dosing, her IgA level significantly decreased from 634 mg/dL to 300 mg/dL. However, her Kappa Light Chain, which was not elevated at the start, showed minimal reduction. She also reported that her hemoglobin level improved.
I must note that this person was taking Ninlaro (a proteasome inhibitor) intermittently. Ninlaro is an oral medication that inhibits proteasomes. Proteasomes break down other proteins that cells no longer need, as well as proteins that are damaged. Ninlaro attaches to the proteasomes and stops them from working properly. This leads to a buildup of damaged and unneeded proteins in the myeloma cells (malignant plasma cells), which causes the myeloma cells to die. But I am sure that proteasomes in healthy cells also are affected by Ninlaro in such a way that healthy cells will no longer be able to rid themselves of damaged and harmful proteins resulting in potentially severe side effects.
My Bottom Line
Without a doubt, my goal continues to be to maintain a quality life for as long as possible. Longevity has never been (and will never be) a determining factor for me. Avoiding chemical interventions that could destroy my immune system makes absolute sense to me. Why would I want to destroy the natural biochemical pathways of my body, which are critical for my overall health and healing?
I am already compromised with bone marrow cancer. In my opinion, my path to wellness is to enhance my body’s ability to fight the fight. If I can crowd out the pathology and replace it with functional cells, I might win this battle.
Keep an eye out for my updates in the future. I am excited about reporting additional positive results. You can count on me to be transparent with my successes as well as my lack of successes and failures.
I believe I’m here on this planet to share my experiences with all who want to read, hear, and see what I am doing. If I can be a motivational source for you, I have succeeded.
If you feel you need to contact me, here is a link to ask your questions. Your email comes directly to me, and I will personally respond to you.
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“Al, you have cancer.” My oncologist’s words are still ringing in my ears.
“It’s an incurable type of bone marrow cancer.” I felt the blood drain from my face.
“If you do nothing, you may have 3-6 months to live.”Just then my legs went limp. Nothing would ever be the same. My life was just thrown into an abyss of terror.
***
Over the last 21 months, I rallied beyond all expectations. You probably know my story.
My oncologist gave me 3-6 months to live after he diagnosed incurable aggressive multiple myeloma in my entire skeleton in September 2018. I rejected chemotherapy and progressed well while adhering to my Unconventional Cancer Protocols until a severe setback in August 2019. At that time, I was standing in my bathroom brushing and flossing my teeth with my feet planted on the floor. Then, I twisted to the left to throw the floss into the trashcan. In that split second, my right femur snapped in half. I collapsed to the ground. I was in excruciating pain. I also broke several ribs and fractured my right humerus in half. After being rushed to the ER to repair my leg, I was transferred to a hospice hospital to die! Amazingly, I revived and returned from the edge of death. On May 8, 2020, I had a new PET Scan that showed “no active cancer cells” throughout my entire body. Today at the age of 73, I am doing amazingly well.
Factors Responsible for Miraculous Recovery
What are the factors responsible for my miraculous recovery? I can’t be sure, but I think I know. Establishing a diverse, robust, and quality garden of gut microbes and an intact gut epithelial barrier (i.e. No Leaky Gut) is vital. Eating an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet is essential. Also, improving cellular metabolism using PEMF Therapy is a contributing component. I am convinced that my healthy gut, effective diet, and improved cellular metabolism enhanced my immune system.
Yet, an underlying deterrent has been the excessive number of cancer cells. As I have written in the past, I believe at least one malignant plasma cell got its initial start way back in my days in dental school over four decades ago. But the volume of malignant cells finally overwhelmed my body to eventually cause symptoms in 2018. So, it was necessary to beat back these excessive malignant plasma cells. To do this, several months ago my oncologist recommended two newly approved immunotherapies to target the enormous number of cancerous plasma cells. These are not chemotherapy drugs; they are human-derived monoclonal antibodies. I incorporated them into my Protocols to assist my immune system in getting the job done.
Taken in combination, I believe all these efforts were ultimately responsible for the repair and healing I am experiencing. I can’t prove this, but I am alive and thriving today with no active cancer cells in my entire body based on the PET Scan taken on 5/8/2020. An immune system functioning at peak performance stands out to me as critical.
Communication
The immune system takes its cues from the gut microbiome, which lies on the mucous layer of its mucous membrane.
The “mucous membrane” lines the body cavities and tubular organs including the gut and respiratory passages. It’s an epithelial barrier that secretes a protective mucous layer. The mucous membrane makes up about 4,300 square feet in the human body. That’s like the square footage of a huge home.
Approximately 37 trillion microbes cover the mucous membranes. The far majority of these living organisms are in the gut. In the gut, the microbiome is several layers thick. And this ocean of microbes talks between themselves and among all the other microbes located on all other mucous membranes in the body. It’s like a huge communication network that alerts the entire population of microbes to what’s happening on their turf simultaneously.
Practically all pathogens and irritants that enter the body must pass through the mucous membranes. The microbiome sitting on the mucous membranes becomes aware that there may be strangers in its midst. The friendly microbes have a unique and critically important role to play. They are the neighborhood watch group. They signal the immune cells in the epithelial barrier that there is something foreign that has just invaded and needs to be eliminated.
The gut microbiome and its mucous membrane are the central command center for the entire body. About 70-80% of the body’s immune system is located in the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the gut. When there is an invader anywhere in the body, the microbiome associated with its local mucous membrane relays messages to the gut microbiome. Then, the gut microbiome alerts the gut immune system that there is a pathogen or toxic element that needs to be removed. Effects from the gut immune system travel to all corners of the rest of the body directing all areas to react to the invasion.
The beneficial microbiome also communicates with the immune cells located in the lymph tissues throughout the body. All immune cells become involved with the fight to remove the invaders. This communication system rivals the most complex systems created by man. The human body is an amazing machine operating beyond comprehension.
Method of Action
There are two divisions of the immune system – the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.
First, the innate immune system is immediately called up to action. It creates inflammation that promotes a pathway to get to the sites of the invasion. It also sends an army of cells, which rush to the area of infection and begin gobbling up the invaders. Other cells in the innate immune system begin telling the adaptive immune system the specific antigens that are responsible for the infection. An “antigen” is any substance that is capable of stimulating an immune response.
The adaptive immune system gears up to mount the ultimate battle. The adaptive system mobilizes specialized lymphoid cells to attack these very specific antigens. Moving forward, the adaptive system stimulates the production of antibodies, which can produce immunity against these specific antigens if they invade again in the future.
There also are complex feedback loops to temper the immune system’s fight and eventually bring it back to a non-inflammatory state.
Immune System Support
As I mentioned, the microbiome is essential for the immune system to function properly and efficiently. To raise the level and function of friendly bacteria in the gut, specific probiotics, prebiotics, amino acids, and immunoglobulins have been shown to (1) improve the population and quality of the gut bacteria, (2) restore a healthy mucosal layer, and (3) repair damage to the epithelial gut barrier.[1],[2] My Protocol to Restore Healthy Gut Bacteria explains the specifics to make this happen.
In addition to the gut microbiome, the food we eat must provide all the nutrients for health and not carry “irritants” that can damage the gut microbiome or damage the gut barrier. A way of eating that was prevalent in primal societies and has current medical evidence is the animal-based (Carnivore) diet. My 30-Day Transition to the Carnivore Diet guides a person to get onboard.
Since the cancer I am fighting is a malignancy of a specific plasma cell in my bone marrow, it is important for me to take down these aberrant plasma cells if I can. Eliminating this pathology will help me redevelop my vibrant immune system. So, my gut, diet, improved cellular metabolism, and targeted immunotherapies are working together to support my immune system and to regain my health and wellness.
It is interesting to note that only 20-30% of individuals who are candidates for immunotherapy and who accept it gain a measured success. The majority of patients obtain limited or no beneficial results from their immunotherapy.[3] The far majority never become “cancer free”. The reason has been reported to be due to an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria[4],[5],[6], which compromises the immune system. All the more reason for me to continue my Unconventional Cancer Protocols for the rest of my life.
Cancer Recovery Summary
I am only a study of N=1. There are no controls in my personal experiment. It’s important to understand that I am not claiming to have a cure for cancer. I do not have the magic bullet. I am not recommending my protocols to anyone to treat his or her disease. However, I do have a method from which I have enhanced my body’s ability to repair and heal. In my way of thinking, my current success is due to a combination of modalities I follow in my Unconventional Cancer Protocols. Specifically:
Ensure a healthy, functional, and intact gut
Consume an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet devoid of chemicals and other irritants
Target specific malignant plasma cells using recently approved human-derived, monoclonal antibodies
Repair dysfunctional cellular metabolism using PEMF Therapy
Based on my recent PET Scan, I’m cancer free! This has been a long time coming – 21 months to be exact since my diagnosis in September 2018. But first, let me catch you up to date.
Background
I have a bone marrow cancer, which is a malignancy of my plasma cells. From my research, I believe that these malignant plasma cells running around in my bones and blood system were born when I was in dental school in the early 1970s. While seeing patients for 6 years in the school’s clinics, I could have been significantly overexposed to free mercury from placing mercury fillings in patients and to low dose ionizing radiation from the numerous dental x-ray machines in the clinic. I wrote about how I contracted multiple myelomain a previous post.
The fact is that it only takes one cell to create a malignancy. If that damaged cell does not die naturally (apoptosis), then it could grow exponentially into a full-blown cancer. But it might take years or even decades for a malignancy to manifest clinical signs and symptoms. This path most likely occurred in me.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about thriving. You might imagine the joy I get from maintaining my quality of life for the most part over the last 21 months. However, I experienced a serious setback that landed me in the hospital and then in hospice for several months around the fall of 2019. At that very difficult time in my journey, I was preparing to die.
But since then, my path forward has been encouraging and reassuring for my immediate family, close friends, and me. My goal, aside from healing my body, has always been to maintain a quality of life. Longevity never was at the top of my list. However, I never went into remission.
At my first meeting with my oncologist in 2018, he told me that my malignancy was incurable by conventional medicine. To get to where I am today, I rejected chemotherapy and researched various unconventional protocols to help my body heal naturally. My protocols have not stayed the same. On the contrary. I’ve tweaked my therapies significantly since starting them right after my diagnosis. And I also incorporated cutting-edge conventional treatment along the way to help my body fight its fight.
The major categories I included in my Protocols are: Diet, Gut Health, Immune System, Bone Metabolism, Mitochondrial Support, Targeted Immunotherapy, and Efficient Exercise. If interested, send me an email, and I’ll send you a PDF of my current Unconventional Cancer Protocols: Dr.Danenberg@iCloud.com.
MRI
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a procedure that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. My original MRI, which was taken in September 2018, helped my doctors diagnose the bone marrow cancer which was coursing through my body at that time.
My original MRI revealed that I had a 2.6 cm soft tissue growth adjacent to my spine around T6 area. In addition, the scan showed a vertebral compression fracture in the area of T4/T5, several cracked ribs, and a hairline fracture in my pelvis.
I had a new MRI on 4/29/20 which showed the soft tissue lesion shrank to 2.2cm. But the MRI could not identify the activity of the cancer cells. In addition, the MRI confirmed the bone lesions peppered throughout my skeleton were the same as 21 months ago.
PET Scan
My oncologist wanted to get a better picture of what was happening with these cancer cells throughout my body. So, he ordered a new PET Scan. (My first PET Scan was in September 2018, and my last PET Scan was in June 2019. All showed signs of active cancer.)
A PET Scan creates a 3-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. PET stands for “positron emission tomography”. Radioactive glucose is infused through a vein to “light up” areas of the body where cancer cells are active. Cancer cells “eat up” glucose for their energy source. If there are no active cancer cells, the PET Scan will be completely negative.
So, on May 8, 2020, I had a new PET Scan from head to toe. My oncologist called me at home that Friday night. He first said, “Al, put your wife on speaker phone.” Then he preceded to read the radiologist’s interpretation of the PET Scan.
George, my oncologist, explained that the PET Scan showed no active cancer cells. I had him repeat this several times. I could tell he was beaming. Without a doubt, my wife and I were emotionally struck. The essence of this report was that my entire body was free of active cancer cells.
Now for the reality. I’m not out of the woods yet. Some of my specific cancer blood tests still report a high level of protein from malignant plasma cells. These test results may reflect the dead or dying cells that my immune system has not metabolized so far. Also, I still have severe and innumerable lytic lesions throughout my skeleton as a result of the destruction up to this point from this aggressive cancer. My risk is dangerously high for additional pathological fractures. I must be prudent and proactive to protect my bones from breaking. So, I’m not able to say that I am in complete remission today. But maybe I am close!
Moving Forward
My Unconventional Cancer Protocols make up my therapeutic blueprint, which helps heal my body. For the most part, they have allowed me to survive and thrive as best as possible over the last 21 months. I am awed by my recent results and grateful to all who have supported me in so many ways. As I move forward, I will continue with all my protocols to assist my body. And I’ll keep updating my progress.
I’m not popping the champagne or dancing to the music just yet. That would be premature. But I’ve put the bubbly in the fridge and am booking the band. Hopefully, you’ll get an invitation to the party soon.
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