PET Scan Update: Navigating Challenges and Adjusting Protocols

Hello everyone! I know I’m overdue for an update, and thank you to Sami, who reached out to ask what was going on. It’s funny that no one in my family asked about my results—maybe my mom has already spread the news! 🙂

So, I got my PET scan results, and unfortunately, there’s been some minimal progression—just like last time. This isn’t great news, and I was hoping for a clearer indication of whether my metabolic protocol is working. Instead of crumbling under disappointment, I went straight into analysis mode, trying to figure out what went wrong—or if the protocol itself doesn’t work. This might actually be one of my superpowers: always looking for ways to improve things. It’s also a weakness when you can’t let things go.

The last two protocols weren’t perfect. I compared them to my earlier ones, where my breast tumour disappeared, and the main differences were in how I was taking DON. Previously, I was taking it as a dry powder, straight out of the bag. Then, in an attempt to improve absorption and save money, I switched to enteric capsules. However, I realized I might have miscalculated the timing for its effectiveness, so I’ve switched things up again. More on that later.

I had an eye-opening appointment with my oncologist. He finally agreed that my current treatment wasn’t working, so I’m officially off anastrozole and ribociclib—scary, right? He suggested I move to my second-line treatment right away, but I’m hesitant. They always rush us into decisions, and if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that panicking usually leads to bad decisions. And he just offered me a toxic, life-altering, health-diminishing, quality-of-life-destroying palliative option. So, I’m going to think about it. I’m not against the standard of care (SOC) but against stupidity; they often go hand in hand. Now, he wants to move me to a second-line treatment: an oral chemo called capecitabine. It’s not the worst in the chemo lineup by far, and I’m not against the idea, but I need time to think it through.

During our appointment, my oncologist accidentally threw down a challenge by saying I have “zero chance of getting NED” (No Evidence of Disease) with just metabolic therapy. Did he just dare me? He even said that if I did achieve NED, he’d write my case study and advocate for metabolic therapy through the BC Cancer Agency. I reminded him I was recording the conversation and that I’d hold him to it! I’ve got a lot to think about—not just the chemo, but the potential impact I could have if I did get NED without SOC. This could be huge for cancer treatment advocacy. So, while I’m considering chemo, I’m also thinking about what this means for humanity. I’m not kidding, that’s a lot to think about.

This means I have a bit of time to think, and I’ve decided to go hardcore on my next protocol. I’ve switched from oral DON to subcutaneous injections—yes, I’ve gone full Breaking Bad and turned my kitchen into a lab! I’ve done two doses so far, and everything is going well. I’m working with actual studies for dosing now, which is way more reliable than the guesswork involved with oral dosing.

Now, I just need to get my glucose under control, which has been a challenge.

Here’s the current plan:

1. Eat four meals a day under 300 calories, with a 4:1 caloric ratio (four times more fat calories than protein and carbs combined).
2. Meals are timed at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00.
3. Meds 3 times a day at 09:00, 12:00, and 15:00.
4. A 30-minute brisk walk every morning after my 09:00 meal, followed by some mindfulness or meditation.
5. Squats or push-ups after the other meals, alternating upper and lower body exercises each day.
6. And of course, drink more water!

I plan on getting some blood work next week and will keep this protocol going until I start to feel any signs of GI damage. Yes, I’m taking this very seriously but monitoring myself closely.

Thanks to all of you for your support and understanding as I navigate this challenging path.