A year in review

It’s been a while since my last update, but I have some news to share. Tomorrow finally marks the beginning of protocol 4, and I’m hopeful that this will be the final one! For those who may have forgotten or are new to my journey, here’s a summary:

On January 13th, 2023 I was told that I had stage 4 breast cancer. A month later on February 13th, I learnt that I was going to die from it. I immediately began palliative treatment at the Cancer Clinic which has been shown to slow the progression and give me as much time as I could get. The standard of care involved a combination of hormone therapies and targeted drug called Ribociclib. There was some initial remission followed by a period of stability. During this time, I delved into extensive research, exploring areas outside my oncologist’s expertise (why reinvent the wheel). This research uncovered a wealth of information, including the intricate political and corporate dynamics surrounding cancer research, studies, and treatments around the world.

My exploration led me to a treatment rooted in peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies and case reports, based on the Mitochondrial Metabolic Theory of Cancer championed by Dr. Thomas Seyfried. Unfortunately, this treatment isn’t within my oncologist’s purview to prescribe. Consequently, I’ve taken it upon myself to self administer the treatment regimen and its already demonstrated significant promise!

I embarked on a therapeutic ketogenic diet in August 2023 upon learning that a lymph node had swollen more than twice its normal size. Despite this isolated setback, I was otherwise faring well. In September, I initiated Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and began a protocol incorporating intermittent use of a Glutamine Antagonist known as DON (6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine). While this drug was once considered for cancer treatment, it failed to progress beyond stage 2 of clinical trials due to adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Moreover, since the drug is no longer under patent, there’s no financial impetus for further clinical trials, despite advancements in knowledge since its initial testing over fifty years ago.

My first significant scan post-commencement of my metabolic treatments occurred just three months later, revealing complete disappearance of the breast tumor in December 2023, along with signs of remission in my bones. It was a significant milestone and validated everything I had been doing.

However, this January, just as I was gearing up to confront the remaining cancer, I encountered a setback: I lost access to the glutamine antagonist needed to complete the treatments. This medication is virtually impossible to get and insanely expensive. I have a go-fund-me page set up and I appreciate each and every contribution. My donors, friend and family have carried me so far, significantly reduced my stress, and given me hope and strength.

Since then, I’ve been in a holding pattern, relying on solely on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and the continued adherence to the therapeutic ketogenic diet.

So, that brings us up to speed, and the promising news is that I’m ready to embark on another protocol as early as tomorrow.

Stay tuned for updates!