Tuesday, June 5, 2018

What did we learn?

Always look on the bright side of life

Dear Friends
Today marks the 10th month since Rob’s death. I have not felt that I was able to write this blog entry until now. However, in the time since Rob passed away in August, many more of my friends have either passed away or been diagnosed with cancer. So I feel it is important to summarize what Rob and I learned from his 7 year experience fighting the disease, in case others may benefit from this.
First, please do not think that because he died, his treatment was a failure. Remember that his cancer was aggressive when it was found, and that he was able to live through 3 subsequent stage 4 diagnosis. Not only that, but his quality of life was good. He was not in pain, and he had enough energy and motivation to build our house in NZ. He confounded the doctors by reducing tumor growth several times, and after Rob died, his oncologist made a point of communicating to me how much he admired Rob for what he did.
Here is what we felt was the most effective strategy in Rob’s fight against cancer. I have written a lot about what he did and why through this blog. If you would like more information please feel free to contact me.

1.       ITS IN THE HEAD 
Many of the alternative practitioners we consulted urged meditation. How we respond to stress is up to us, and this is the hardest lesson to learn. Although he had been practicing meditation and reiki in various forms for years, it was mostly on ‘fighting’ the cancer.  In the last few months he gained an attitude of acceptance of self, and healing his own anger. Rob was at peace when he died, and final weeks were a joy to all those around him.

2.       NUTRIENTS AND POISONS
Gut health, detoxification, and supplementation are really important to maintain a healthy immune system. Rob had a food sensitivity test to determine those substances that his body would reject (ie cause inflammation). He maintained a LOW GI, HIGH ALKALINE diet. He focused on fresh vegetables, probiotics, protein (not necessarily meat) and superfoods (such as vitamin C and spirulina) needed to keep the immune system healthy. Removing toxins (through colonic irrigation, liver cleanse) and eliminating their sources (ie processed foods and additives, and foods grown with chemicals or hormones) was also critical.

3.       EXCERSISE
There is now a lot of research around exercise as a treatment/preventative for cancer, particularly for hormone based cancers. This was a big part of Rob’s daily regime, and his determination to regain his health with hikes up the mountain behind our house.

Rob's final week was a celebration of his life. His characteristic sense of humor was in full bloom, and he could be heard singing "Always look on the bright side of life" at any time of the day or night. He continued his daily walks, and loved to go out to ocean beach to watch the waves, which he did the day before he died. We also visited Blue Moon just a few days before. He passed peacefully at 4 pm 6 August 2017. Coincidentally, the ships clock was stopped at 4.00 when I next went aboard.

I am very grateful for the support of Rob's family during those last weeks, the professional and caring assistance from Hospice, the messages of support from so many friends around the world, making Rob feel so loved in his final weeks, and also the wonderful community of friends who surround me here that did so much for both of us during that time, and continue to light up my life. 

Saturday, March 18, 2017

The roller coaster continues – March 2017

Rob’s last update was about 6 months ago, just after he had his annual CT scan, which showed fantastic reduction in the size of the tumors. His PSA had reduced from 320 to 7.6 in that year (see the previous posts below for the protocol he was following). He had put on weight, was eating and breathing normally – all good!

Since then we have unfortunately proved once again that the effects of stress can be directly translated into disease. Rob’s PSA spiked from 7.6 in July to 26 in September. During this time the stress of dealing with yet another complaint from the neighbour and the subsequent process and expense of complying with council to keep my business operating took its toll. After several months of this, we received a legally binding version of consent and, better still, the hideous neighbors have moved away. So we put all that behind us and took 6 weeks away on Blue Moon over Christmas to recover. We had a lovely relaxing holiday in the Whangaroa Harbor, exploring waterfalls, hiking, gathering shellfish, and generally chilling out. Just what we both needed!

Whangaroa Harbour

At the top of Dukes Nose




Treatment August 2016 to March 2017

With the spike in Rob’s PSA to 26 in September, he reluctantly decided to take the mainstream option and began a course of Abiraterone (the latest cancer drug) and Prednisone. This halted the runaway PSA but, as the oncologist said during our last visit, was like applying a hand brake to a car parked on a hill. Eventually it will cease to become effective. The PSA reduced only marginally before it started climbing again. Rob sees no point in taking a drug that is not effective.  

He had also been having intravenous vitamin C. He experimented from high dose twice weekly, to minimal amounts. The downside of the treatment was losing 2 days each time (one sitting in the clinic and the day after feeling washed out).

Chart of Rob's PSA

Aside from the PSA, the rest of his blood work continues to improve, showing healthy organs and bones. He feels well, has plenty of energy and is quite capable of the demanding hikes around our area. (Peach cove track has 834 steps, Mt Manaia 1094 and he regularly climbs Mt Aubrey at 422 about 3 times a week).


subcutaneous lesions March 2017

The most disconcerting symptom is the crop of subcutaneous lesions which have appeared on his chest. Just before Christmas, he investigated radiation but found he was not a candidate as they are too extensive. He has been treating them topically with frankincense oil.

What to do now

During our holiday, Rob took a break from the intravenous vitamin C (which would have meant twice weekly travel back to Whangarei). He tried a couple of doses when we got back but the benefits were inconclusive and the fatigue afterwards was more than previously. It seems whatever treatment Rob tries, it seems to work for a while but the cancer finds its way around it eventually.

In the past few months Rob has been turning more towards meditation and healing himself. We have read some excellent books on how the brain can heal the body, and the science around neuroplasticity. He has been following a site called the cancer tutor, which he highly recommends.

Rob has also decided to try changing his diet again – mainly vegan, following the Budwig protocol. 
Unfortunately he is losing weight as it is difficult to get sufficient calories for him on this diet. We are still fine tuning his diet to prevent the weight loss. It will be interesting to see the results of the blood tests at the end of March after he has been drug-free for a month.

Thank you all for sending your positive thoughts and prayers. The support of friends and family, and my clients during the council turmoil, means everything to us.

Go Rob!


Friday, August 19, 2016

Update from Rob Aug 2016



In April I posted my last blog about the remarkable recovery Rob has made from stage 4 cancer (please read below). The good news is he has continued to improve, feeling good most of the time, and defying the predictions of his doctors. We are writing these blogs for the benefit of others who find themselves fighting against the odds. It has been a tough journey, but it’s not over yet.  


The Results - 12 month comparison

Here is what Rob has achieved:

·         PSA steady at 7.6 after a peak of 321 one year ago
·         All other blood work normal
·         Weight steady at 70kg from a low of 52kg
·         Eating normally after being unable to swallow anything but smoothies for several months
·         Exercising daily, including 2-4 times per week up a 500m mountain behind our house, without becoming breathless – last year at this time he could not manage 500m on flat ground without stopping several times.
·         Working at normal tasks all day without resting – last August he spent most of his day resting.
·         His recent CT scan shows
o   All the metastatic lymph nodes are approximately half the size of the previous scan last year (he has these in his abdomen, pleural cavity, neck and around the aorta)
o   previously identified ascites and pleural effusions (fluid) are all clear now
o   previously noted extensive bone cancer is now showing a healing response (scar tissue)
o   new lesion on one adrenal gland, however this area was obscured by the swelling of other metastatic nodes last time so it may have already been there
·         new multiple subcutaneous cancer lesions around his left upper chest
·         Development of a hiatus hernia giving reflux (not cancer related)

All this has been achieved without any chemo drugs or radiation. Rob’s only ‘medication’ has been dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory steroid. The remainder of his regime has been natural therapies, notably an alkaline diet, exercise, intravenous vitamin C and Salvestrol. 

He has done the Liver and Gallbladder Flush twice (read The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush - Andreas Moritz) This is an amazing photo of the results the last one just a week ago. This was just one release of around 15 like this over 2 days. The 4 stones on the left side are soft and the others are all hard as rocks.







Up until we received the CT report, Rob’s doctors had suggested that Rob’s dropping PSA has been due to the orchidectomy, which has starved the cancer of testosterone. However, they have agreed that the result of the recent CT scan was ‘very impressive’ and ‘astonishing’ and that they could not attribute it to the orchidectomy alone. So clearly the natural methods are having a positive impact on Rob’s health.

Changes to his protocol in the past 6 months


Rob has continued to focus on natural remedies, and is replacing his Dexamethasone with a turmeric supplement for the anti-inflammatory properties. His Dex dosage has reduced from 1.5 mg in April to .25mg now and he is hoping to drop this in the near future.

A significant change has been his diet. After taking an IGG blood test (see food sensativity testing and contact me for a discount code if you are interested in taking this test) he discovered a high inflammation response to wheat and a medium response to a number of other foods, notably egg and dairy. His is now completely wheat free and has limited his egg and dairy intake. He has also cut out as much sugar as possible from his diet, including fruit (he had been eating only natural sugars since diagnosis). He has been focusing more on vegetarian meals with very occasional red meat.

To try to get on top of the new cancer lesions he will be taking intravenous vitamin C treatments twice weekly for the next 6-12 weeks.

Setbacks


Rob has had some setbacks along the way. He has been prone to injury while building up his weakened muscles, and these have slowed down progress physically as well as mentally. Its hard not to think the worst when he has a pain in his back, for example. He also developed a hiatus hernia which made eating extremely painful. The doctors rushed him off for a gastroscopy, and ordered the CT scan, which all showed a perfectly normal health complaint that was easily treated with a short course of medication. More worrying is a crop of new lumps across his chest, which the doctors have agreed are likely to be cancer. These are just under the skin, so not really affecting anything at the moment. Here is a photo of them.


Where to from here


Traditional medicine has nothing to offer at present. They are keen for Rob to keep doing what he is doing and monitor progress.

Rob’s natural therapists are concerned that the cancer is still there, and want to attack it more aggressively with intravenous vitamin C. None of the natural therapies are funded, so the cost of the additional treatment is going to be around $2000 per month. If anyone is willing to help out I have lots of cool stuff you can purchase – gift vouchers for massage, yoga, retreats or accommodation,  hand- made crystal and pearl jewellery, tshirts and pre WW2 glass fishing floats.  Please email me to find out more.

Rob’s regime August 2016



4 am
Take 3 salvesterol capsules
5.30
Reiki treatment and lymphatic brushing
6-7
Noni juice
Fresh lemon juice in warm water with “Turmeric Plus” supplement (1 teaspoon)
Yoga and meditation
7
Take 2 salvesterol capsules
7.30
Breakfast – 1 poached egg (per week) or avocado on gluten free toast
Supplements – immunity fuel (probiotic), glutamine, Good Green Stuff, Clean Lean Protein powder, liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg, 1 tsp baking soda in warm water
12
Lunch – salad, chicken or fish (3-4 times per week), goats cheese, avocado, 1 piece of fruit, 1 bliss ball (see recipes )
Supplements – mineral complex, vitamin B complex, Omega 3 and 6, , liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg, herbal concoction from naturopath (various depending on state of health- see previous blog note 6)
Medication – Dexamethasone .25 mg (see previous blog note 7)
4.00
Smoothie – coconut milk, flax oil, Clean Lean Protein powder, plus seasonal greens or aloe vera for reflux
5.00
walk
Snack on nuts if hungry
7.00
Dinner – mostly vegetarian, alkalizing foods (see previous blog note 2)
Supplements – mineral complex, cod liver oil, liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg
8.30
Far Infrared Sauna (30  Min)- Every second night
All day
In addition to drinking around 1.5 litres of water throughout the day,
1 litre of water with borax and magnesium (see previous blog note 8)
Intravenous vitamin C
75 grams (see previous blog note 9) – For the next 6 weeks he will have this twice weekly (he had been taking fortnightly treatments)

Thank you

We are continually grateful for the support of family and friends and the motivation that we receive from you!

More Information?

If you have any questions about our blog feel free to contact us by email.

We are also available for personal consultations, exercise or nutrition advice, and offer 3 to 7 day retreat vacations at WHYRetreat.

Continue reading the previous blog for Rob's full story...

Sunday, April 3, 2016

The Rebuilding of Rob

We have decided to publish this blog to describe the journey we have both travelled since Rob’s diagnosis of Advanced Prostate Cancer in June 2010. It is not meant as a prescription for a treatment plan for others, but perhaps will give someone a direction to start their own journey. There is always hope.
 
Rob on Mt Manaia March 2016

The diagnosis


What goes through your mind when the doctors use words like ‘you’ve drawn the short straw’ or ‘you are not long for this world’ or ‘you know it will kill you’? Seriously? Rob has heard all of these words. At the beginning it sent us both into a tailspin. As time wore on, with every small win, we took another step forward. After such a hard road traveled against the odds, the diagnosis in August 2015 that it had metastasized through his entire lymph system, was blocking his digestion and surrounding his lungs and threatening to close off his aorta came as a shock. Everyone thought they knew – Rob was dying. Only one dear friend pulled me out of my melancholy when she took me kayaking around the bay as Rob lay on his deathbed. She said ‘ I am just waiting to see what Rob does next’. And she alone was right.

 Aug 2015 - Rob in hospital, sense of humor intact, posing for Mr Puniverse. Lymph nodes in his neck clearly visible. Rob lost another 7 kilos after this.
Feb 2016  - after the rebuild.


Today I saw a facebook post from the Marshal Islands, one of my favorite places. The words in the mural are translated -
The words on the wall
Likit peim ioon menono ne am, kwoj ke enjake? Etan mene ej wun kwoj mour rainin kon wun ko, kon men in jab epwer.

Place your hand over your heart, can you feel it? That is called purpose. You’re alive for a reason, so don’t ever give up.

Rob went through a lot of trial and error since his original diagnosis in 2010. He has been told he was at the end of the road 3 times now. Each time he recovered, we thought we had found the regime that would keep him healthy. Unfortunately the cancer returned more aggressive each time. This week was a milestone - we received a copy of the report from his oncologist essentially discharging him with a ‘commendation’. 

The question on everyone’s mind is ‘what did he do?’ So here we will set out the stages and steps. I have referenced notes to add depth and clarity when necessary.

The first rebound

At the initial diagnosis (2010), the cancer had already spread to his lymph system, and was a Gleason 10 with a PSA of 31 (footnote 3).  We researched the internet to learn about the disease, and any natural remedies there might be. We mainly found out about diet, the importance of lymph system (footnote 1) and baking soda. We took the doctors’ advice and Rob had extensive radiation therapy on his pelvis and prostate for 6 weeks, and was put on a testosterone blocking drug which he took by injection every 3 months. At the same time, based on the research, he cut out sugar, preservatives, meat, dairy products and toxins (footnote 2). I began a regime of lymph brushing for him, along with a reiki treatment every morning. He was on a whole host of supplements which may or may not have been helpful. We discounted the baking soda – too bad because this turns out to be really important.

The diagnosis was made in New Zealand when Rob was visiting family. I was in Canada, also visiting family and Blue Moon (our home) was moored in El Salvador. I joined Rob in NZ and we spent 6 months there for his treatment. When he was well enough to travel, we returned to Blue Moon, and sailed from El Salvador to Mexico before doing the ‘puddle jump’ back to NZ. We arrived back a year after treatment had finished. Rob was feeling good and his PSA had remained less than 0.05 which meant the blocking drug was working. We felt our ‘natural’ regime had helped him to make such a good recovery.

Back in NZ, Rob began building our house. We had come up with a plan to create a health retreat for ourselves and others. We already had the land, a small block in an area which has its own special energy and beauty. WHY Retreat was born.

Time Line

Date

PSA

milestone

Jul-10
31
Diagnosis advanced prostate cancer
Aug-10
38.6
Radiation treatment started,
Zoladex – antiandrogen medication
Sep-10
5.4
Oct-10
1.5
Nov-10
0.45
Radiation treatment finished
Feb-11
1.22
Mar-11
0.83
Sep-11
0.05
Nov-11
Blue Moon back in NZ
Feb-12
0.05
May-12
0.05
Jul-12
0.05
Sep-12
start building house
Nov-12
0.05
Feb-13
0.21
May-13
1.5
Jun-13
2.3
Bicaludimide – antiandrogen medication added
Jul-13
1.2
Aug-13
1.4
Nov-13
2.1
Various antiandrogen medications tried
Feb-14
4.4
stop  all drugs
Mar-14
6.7
Red Blood Cell crash
Apr-14
began detox, baking soda
May-14
19.2
Jul-14
finish building house
Sep-14
hospitilized with pain
Oct-14
Homeopathy treatment began
Feb-15
190
weight loss, digestion fail
Jul-15
stress!
Aug-15
315
hospitilized with pain
Sep-15
320
Orchiectomy, intravenous vitamin c, salvesterol
Oct-15
115
Nov-15
105
Began immunity fuel
Dec-15
75
Jan-16
47
Feb-16
21
Mar-16
10.7
Apr-16
8.8
Climbed Mt Manaia

Hormone Refractory stage 

A year after we arrived back in NZ, Rob’s PSA had started to climb. (footnote 3). After subjecting Rob to some unsuccessful drug experimentation, the doctors proclaimed he was yet again at the end of the road. Rob decided to scrap the medical advice and go it alone.

Briefly, the main areas that Rob worked on then were:

1. Detox (remove heavy metals, petrochemicals, pesticides etc that have accumulated and avoid adding new toxins –drugs included) Remove root canal and mercury fillings. Liver and gallbladder flush and colonic irrigation (be careful - your body must be strong enough to withstand these aggressive detox therapies). Organ support is also essential in this phase - homeopathy works well.
2. Diet – eat clean and maximise nutrient value (footnote 2)
3. Gut health – 2 areas here – most of the body’s immune system cells are generated in the gut; and toxins can result if food is not being digested properly as it putrefies.
4. Alkalize – Cancer can’t live in an alkaline environment and all inflammation is acid. Baking soda and diet are the main treatments that brought his PH from 6 to 7.
5. Exercise – oxygen kills cancer.We have another hypothesis which has no basis in science. Men build muscle using testosterone. Rob has none of his own now (after the orchiectomy) any yet he has put on a significant amount of muscle mass. Prostate cancer feeds on testosterone, and has the ability to manufacture its own in the hormone refractory stage. So is Rob starving the cancer by exercising to build muscle mass?
6. Mind over matter – this should be number 1.  Whether you think you can beat it or you think you can’t beat it, you are right.
7. Supplements – there are a million cancer cure supplements on the market. Some work really well, some may work for one person and not for others. Nothing stood out in this period.
8. Intravenous vitamin C. A trained practitioner needs to advise on this. The antioxidant properties have been proven to combat cancer. (see note 9)

We decided to stop having his PSA tested because it was becoming stressful to see it rise. He was feeling well and things seemed to be going well for about 6 months, then he began having pain in his side. One awful night we took him to hospital with it, but they were unable to diagnose anything. After the maximum dose of morphine didn’t touch it they sent him home. From here he found a homeopath who diagnosed internal shingles, and the treatment relieved the pain. However, 6 months later his weight was dropping, he had completely lost his appetite, and his PSA was an alarming 190. The doctors were still unable to diagnose anything, let alone provide a treatment plan. We plodded along with a ridiculous number of supplement bottles on the kitchen sink, smoothies, saunas, ozone treatments, you name it. He was holding his own, but only just.

Stress, the killer


The end of the road came again in August 2015, after a heavy dose of stress.  There are many studies to support the effect of stress on our health and I have a blog on my web page about it. Just when we thought we had set up a nice business for the future with our yoga studio and B&B, a complaint to the council threatened to shut us down. Not only would this have a disastrous effect on our financial situation, it would also mean that the work and love Rob had poured into the project for the past 3 years would have been for nothing. This took months to sort out. Rob was unable to sleep, spending his nights redesigning things and pouring through regulations and building codes looking for whatever fine print we might have missed during our planning stages. After hiring a consultant to help us liaise with council, it turned out there was no issue and we were left to carry on as we had been doing. But the process involved took its toll on Rob. He was hospitalized again when he stopped eating or drinking, was unable to breathe if he lay on his back, and had lumps in his neck the size of a fist. A CT scan confirmed his cancer had taken over, his Red Blood Cell count had crashed, and many other blood markers indicated he was in poor health. He was sent home and Hospice was called in.
Aug 2015 - Awaiting biopsy on nodes in neck. Blood supply to the tumors visible on his chest.
close up of the lumps Sept 2015
May 2016 

Phase 3.

Rob says he was lying in bed one day and thought to himself ‘I either have to die or get out of bed’. By then his weight had dropped from 70 to 52 kg. His butt was just a pelvic bone with a flap of skin hanging off it. He need both hands to lift a water jug. But he was determined. He used the staircase as his rehabilitation since he had to pee every couple of hours, and our toilet is downstairs. So up and down he went, counting the steps – up to 100 every night. He decided he needed a project and set about building himself a workshop. Mentally this was a huge incentive, because it meant that he expected to be able to use it in the future for Blue Moon’s projects. Before long he got back to his morning yoga, and then began taking walks. We would drive him to the flat road by the beach and he would walk down as far as he could (about 500 meters) then I would pick him up again. Easter weekend, just 6 months later, he achieved a milestone of climbing Mt Manaia behind our house (elevation 400 meters). The track includes 1400 steps in the steepest sections. He does 40 push ups and a full yoga practice in the morning. He is 69kg, the lumps in his neck are pea sized, his PSA has come down from 320 in August to 8.8 on 1 April and all his other blood results are normal.

Rob’s current regime


Rob still eats fresh and helathy but has incorporated small amounts of animal protein in his diet now. He gets intravenous vitamin C and is taking a supplement called Salvestrol (footnote 4) which is working well for him BUT he did all of the above first which gave it a good foundation. It is a sensitive product which has a lot of inhibitors so it will not work in a toxic, acid person. Also it has a specific protocol that must be followed. He also takes a probiotic called Immunity Fuel (footnote 5) which he credits for returning his appetite and digestive health.

A typical day for Rob looks like this:
4 am
Take 3 salvesterol capsules
5.30
Reiki treatment and lymphatic brushing
6-7
Fresh lemon juice in warm water
Noni juice
Yoga and meditation
7
Take 2 salvesterol capsules
7.30
Breakfast – 2 poached eggs on toast
Supplements – immunity fuel, glutamine, Good Green Stuff, Clean Lean Protein powder, liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg, 1 tsp baking soda in warm water
Mid morning
Snack on fruit if hungry
12
Lunch – salad, chicken, cheese, avocado, fruit
Supplements – mineral complex, vitamin B complex, Omega 3 and 6, , liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg, herbal concoction from naturopath (various depending on state of health- see note 6) Turmeric
Medication – Dexamethasone 1.5 mg (note 7)
4.00
Smoothie – kale, cucumber, watermelon, coconut milk, flax oil, Clean Lean Protein powder, brazil nuts, quark
Or banana and almond butter sandwich
5.00
walk
7.00
Dinner – mostly vegetarian, alkalizing foods (note 2)
Supplements – mineral complex, cod liver oil, liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg
8.30
Turmeric drink (coconut milk, turmeric, ginger,  pepper)
Far Infrared Sauna (30  Min)- Every second night
All day
In addition to drinking around 1.5 litres of water throughout the day,
1 litre of water with borax and magnesium (see note 8)
Monthly
Intravenous vitamin C – 65 grams (note 9)

 A book could be written on each part of Rob’s journey. It seems that each person has to find their own path as everyone has a different set of circumstances. The best thing is for the person to do their own research and do what resonates with them. This helps them to take ownership of their own health which is essential in the process of healing (the mind is your best medicine).

 
Mt Manaia - elevation 400m (1400 steps to the top)

FOOTNOTES:

1. The lymph system is of vital importance, and it is essential to understand how it works. I posted a blog on the WHY Retreat web page which explains our thinking from the early diagnosis.
2. Our thinking on diet initially was about eating fresh and healthy, limiting animal protein, sugar and other toxins such as preservatives, colourings and flavourings. When we learned about the importance of an Alkaline diet, we began following the 80/20 rule and now try to keep Rob’s saliva and urine PH 7-8. See this list of acid and alkaline foods
3. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is the standard blood test to determine any problems in the prostate. It’s normal level is around 4. Of more interest is the PSA Doubling time which indicates how aggressive the problem is. A doubling time of less than 1 year ususally indicates cancer.  Prostate cancer is treated by blocking the body’s testosterone which feeds the cancer. This can be done through drugs, which keeps the PSA at less than 0.05. As the cancer progresses it becomes hormone refractory and begins manufacturing its own testosterone. Rob had minimal testosterone but his PSA was doubling every 4 to 6 weeks once he became hormone refractory. The alternative to drugs is surgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy) which Rob had in Sept 2015.
Chart of Rob's PSA

4. Once the doctors had determined that Rob’s cancer had metastasized to his entire lymph system and was heading into his bones, they suggested a palliative drug called Abiraterone which they hoped might settle things down for a few months. Coincidentally the scientist who developed this drug also found that the compound exists in nature. Rob decided to take this natural product instead, Salvesterol,  rather than the drug. However, he kept the protocol for Abiraterone, which is zero testosterone (hence the orchiectomy) and complemented with a steroid (Rob was prescribed Dexamethasone). The Salvacare book recommends exercise to deliver the enzymes, and specific timing for taking the product as well as a strict diet regime. It is important to follow the advice of the company rather than just expecting to pop a pill and solve the problem.
5. A friend recommended a probiotic product called Immunity Fuel which Rob believes helped to get his gut working again. Since the gut is the major organ for dealing with toxins, it makes sense that it is necessary to have this working properly. Rob wrote a testimonial for the company "My prostate cancer had reached stage 4 in August 2015. I weighted just 52 KG and had a PSA of 320. Despite the previous 18 months of detoxing and immune support, my lymph system was found to be totally clogged with tumors to the point that I was unable to eat solid food at all and had no appetite. I was prescribed a number of medications to assist me to eat but none were effective. I prefer to follow a natural health regime and found 2 products that I feel helped turn around my cancer. I began taking Immunity Fuel 2 times per day and within a couple of weeks began to enjoy my smoothies and eat some solid food. I also take Salvestrol, a product that reportedly causes cell death in cancer. Now (Feb 2016) I have a great appetite and am eating 3 meals per day. I have gained 12 kilos, and my PSA is 21. I have a good energy level and feel fit. I am sure the Immunity Fuel has helped to stabilize my immune system, and helped me to recover my appetite." 
6. Since embarking on the natural route in February 2014, Rob had been to many natural health practitioners. Muscle testing, and bioresonance has worked well for him to help determine the herbs and dosages that he needs. These are constantly changing as his body moves into a new phase. 
7. Dexamethasone is a steroid which Rob takes to help combat the inflammation in his lymphatic system. As the cancer cells die off, the lymph nodes have been shrinking (they are clearly palpable in his neck to monitor progress). In keeping with his efforts to stay on a natural regime, he has been reducing the dose of the Dex and replacing it with turmeric and other natural anti inflammatory herbs. He started off at 8mg in Sept and is currently on 1.5mg (April).
8. Trace elements are of vital importance in the cell metabolism. Rob takes a mineral complex as well as magnesium. Another anti inflammatory and anti fungal agent is Borax. Rob follows the regime from Walter Last 
9. Intravenous vitamin C has been proven effective against Cancer. Rob tried a few doses of it when he first began his natural regime, but it is expensive and didn’t feel any immediate benefit. Since September he has been taking regular treatments. They started weekly and increased the dose to the maximum for his body weight. He now takes monthly treatments, with high dose lyposomal vitamin c between treatments.

Other Useful LINKS

 A comprehensive list of alternative treatments is found on Wikipedia. They all state that there is no scientific evidence to prove that they are effective against cancer. Rob has tried many of these, with varying results. It’s great to have the entire list in one place. 

A wealth of information can be found on Walter Last’s site 

Good Books to read –
Salvestrols 

EPILOGUE

Experiencing a health crisis teaches us many lessons, for both the one who is sick and the caregiver. You can’t plan for the future and it is pointless going over what we should/could/would have done, so living in the present moment becomes the only option.

We are both deeply grateful for the support of our family and friends, and all those who helped to lighten our burdens along the road to recovery. We also are fortunate to have found some excellent health practitioners who’s advice and therapies have been invaluable. Namaste.

Feb 2016 - WooHoo

More Information?

If you have any questions about our blog feel free to contact us by email (please use this link)

We are also available for personal consultations, exercise or nutrition advice, and offer 3 to 7 day retreat vacations at WHY Retreat.