Not just Holistic, but how to use E: All of the Above!

I made this blog because I did tons of research on success stories and research worldwide and used it on my dog with nasal cancer named Lucy. So, now my hobby is molecular biology. The treatment uses combination of health store supplements, some prescription meds, diet changes, and specific Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal herbs. I just wanted her to have a better quality of life. I thought this combination of E: All the Above (except no radiation or chemo and surgery for this cancer was not an option) would help that for sure, but it actually put her bleeding nasal cancer in remission!
My approach to cancer is about treating the whole animals biologic system. But I do hate the word 'Holistic'. Sounds like hoo hoo. This is science based, research based data and results of using active herbal compounds that happen to be readily available and common. Some call it Nutriceuticals. Others may call it Orthomolecular cancer therapy. Or Cancer Immunotherapy.
I FEEL DIVERSITY IN TREATMENT IS KEY:
-Slow cancer cell reproduction
-Make cancer cells become easier targets for the immune system
-Kill the cancer cells
-Rid the cancer cells
-Remove the toxins it produces
- Stimulate and Modulate the immune system
-Control secondary symptoms like bleeding, infection, inflammation, mucous, appetite, or pain for a better feeling animal
-Working with your vet for exams and prescriptions that are sometimes needed when conditions are acute.
Just by using a multi-modal treatment approach that is as diverse in attack as possible. Both conventional and natural.
The body conditions that allowed it to develop in the first place must be corrected. If caught early enough, like with Lucy, this ongoing maintenance correctional treatment is all that was required at this point to achieve, so far, more than 10 TIMES the life expectancy given (more than 60 months) after diagnosis WITH remission. I did not use radiation or chemotherapy or surgery.
I hope this cancer research can help your dog as well.

My Lucy

My Lucy
In Loving Memory my Lucy December 2016
CURRENT STATUS - It was for more than 5 YEARS after Lucy was diagnosed by biopsy in March 2011 with nasal cancer that she lived. And she was in remission for 4 of 5 years using no radiation or chemo! Now multiply that by 7 to be 35 years extended!! She was 12.5 years old - equivalent to almost 90 human years old. She ended her watch December 1, 2016. I miss her so much.

February 26, 2014

New Less Invasive Option Being Tested For Dog Nasal Cancer - Freeze It!




The most common symptoms of nasal tumors in dogs are snorting sounds while breathing, nasal discharge, and nosebleeds.
The Typical vet treatment for nasal tumors involves radiation:
The mean survival time, after radiation, is 12-14 months. Side-effects of radiation treatments often impact a dog’s eyes and mouth as well. 4 months if zero treatment.
Michele Steffey, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, assistant professor of small animal surgery at University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, is testing a new treatment calledtransnare cryoablation.”
Essentially, she is using extreme cold to freeze and remove the tumor tissue.
Transnare cryoablation is considered less invasive that traditional treatments because it does not require any incisions. In addition, Steffey’s team can make several passes with the freezing probe while the pet is under anesthesia just once. Depending upon the specific case, some dogs may require additional sessions later.
For example, a 9-year-old chocolate Lab named Barkely had been in treatment for adenocarcinoma for a year when he became a patient of Steffey’s. The good news is that nasal adenocarcinoma often grows only where it begins without rapidly spreading to other areas of the body, such as the lungs or lymph nodes.
Barkely’s tumor stretched from the tip of his nose all the way to the back of his nasal cavity. While Barkely had some invasion from the left to the right side of his nose, the tumor had not broken through the cribriform plate, a bone that separates the nasal cavity from the brain.
In March 2013, while under anesthesia, Barkely received four consecutive treatments with the cryoprobe in about 45 minutes. He had a few nosebleeds afterwards, but Steffey says that’s to be expected.
Barkely’s four-month recheck CT scan showed no evidence of nasal tumor regrowth and no evidence that the cancer has spread to his lungs or lymph nodes.
The clinical trials of this new procedure are just beginning, so it’s hard to know how long these results may last. So far, things look promising.
Steffey says, “All types of nasal tumors may be enrolled in the study, and we will follow their outcome in order to eventually make more specific recommendations as needed. However, just like other local therapies for cancer (radiation, surgery), there may be anatomic or other limitations to safe administration of the treatment in an individual patient, and that decision can only be made on a case-by-case basis.”
ALSO:
Image-guided transnasal cryoablation of a recurrent nasal adenocarcinoma in a dog.

Abstract
PMID:


"We took our dog to UC Davis' soft tissue department.  Dr. Michelle Steffey saw her on January 23rd and determined the nasal cancer had not yet (operative word) crossed the brain barrier and therefore she was a candidate for Cryotherapy.  They kept her a couple of days before releasing her after the procedure.  The next four weeks she sneezed out, literally blew out black, sticky, smelly chunks and had a continuous pinkish brown nasal discharge.  I continued the organic cooking, the Pepsid A/C , Piroxicam (9mg), fish oil and chinese herb (Yunnan Baiyo, to prevent nose bleeds).  
"The cost:  pretty much depicted in the study info but it ran $1000 for the CT scan they had to do because it is "layered", different than what most local vets can do.  This past recheck cost us $328.  However, there were "extra" charges, such as medication (piroxicam, pain meds post treatment, various blood workups, anesthesia, boarding for 3 days" which added another approximate $900 to our first bill. You must also factor in hotels (we stayed at the crappy EconoLodge on D Street (about somewhat under $100 night after taxes), but it was a great environment for walking dog) and the hotel, the rental car. Rental car cost us $350 this last time but hotels were about the same.  Food, this time around for the 2 of us was about $100 over a 3.5 day period (2 adults and, of course dog). Plus airfare for non area people."


16 (yes you read that right) radiation treatments over three weeks
Each one requiring anesthesia



New Less Invasive Option Being Tested


Steffey explains, “The cryoprobe is basically a large needle that is closed at the tip. Inert gasses – argon and helium – are cycled through the cryoprobe to control the temperature and vented back through the system, so the patient is never directly exposed to the gasses. The argon is the gas that causes the drop in temperature around the probe due to the expansion of the gas (Joule-Thompson effect) within the probe. We take the temperature down to about -60 to -80 degrees Celsius to kill the tumor.”










 2011 Jun;52(6):329-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01071.x.
An eight-year-old female spayed Airedale terrier with rapid recurrence of a nasal adenocarcinoma following image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (BLOGGER NOTE - MEANING THE RADIATION DIDN'T WORK) was treated with transnasal, image-guided cryotherapy. Ice ball size and location were monitored real-time with computed tomography-fluoroscopy to verify that the entire tumour was enveloped in ice. Serial computed tomography scans demonstrated reduction in and subsequent resolution of the primary tumour volume corresponding visually with the ice ball imaged during the ablation procedure. Re-imaging demonstrated focallysis of the cribriform plate following ablation that spontaneously resolved by 13 months. While mild chronic nasal discharge developed following cryoablation, no other clinical signs of local nasal neoplasia were present. Twenty-one months after nasal tumour cryoablation the dog was euthanased as a result of acute *haemoabdomen*. Image-guided cryotherapy may warrant further investigation for the management of focal residual or recurrent tumours in dogs, especially in regions where critical structures preclude surgical intervention.

*NOTES: Hemoabdomen*, defined as the accumulation of blood within the peritoneal cavity, is a relatively common finding in dogs but rare in cats. The underlying cause of hemoabdomen can be either traumatic or spontaneous. The most common cause of traumatic hemoabdomen is a motor vehicle accident, but penetrating trauma can also result in abdominal bleeding. (Odd if the dog above also had yet another cancer!?)
Spontaneous hemoabdomen is caused by neoplasia 80 percent of the time in dogs but only 46 percent of the time in cats. The spleen is the most common organ in both species to develop neoplasia, and hemangiosarcoma is the most common diagnosis. Regardless of the cause, intra-abdominal hemorrhage can be life-threatening. 

© 2011 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
21627662
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

  She had her four-week checkup on Monday and the tumor is g-o-n-e.  Gone!  Gone!  The freeze worked.  Within a week we suspected success because Sam could once again breathe out of her left nostril.  
  We realize that there is no "cure" for nasal cancer.  Nevertheless, the tumor is gone -- it does not mean it won't come back -- but it is gone and we will continue to keep our eyes on things.
  I will also say there were no side effects, it is a better treatment option than radiation (in my opinion) we do not need her on chemotherapy drugs, yet the cost is less than chemo and probably less than radiation therapy."







LINK TO CALIFORNIA UC DAVIS VET TRIAL FOR THIS UCD – Nasal Tumor: Transnare Cryoablation of Nasal Tumors Study Trials
PROCEDURE
THIS IS A PARTIALLY FUNDED STUDY. Dog owners participating in this study will be given special financial considerations. The cost of cryoablation procedure (excluding the costs of general anesthesia) will be covered by the study (an approximately $4000 benefit to the client) but standard medical costs (hospitalization, medications, etc) are the responsibility of the client. There will be no charge for the study rechecks at 1 month, 4 months, and 8 months. You will be financially responsible for the charges associated with the clinical care of your dog beyond the stipends provided. Owner Responsibilities: The owner will be responsible for the individualized costs of the patient’s care at the time of the treatment (anesthesia, hospitalization, medications, other individualized diagnostic tests needed to ensure the patient is safe for the procedure), and for scheduling recheck appointments post-treatment and keeping those appointments as required by protocol. Owners also have the responsibility to cover the cost of the initial examination, pre-treatment workup, pre-treatment CT scan, and any additional diagnostic tests needed to determine their dog’s eligibility for the study, and medications prescribed. Initial Evaluation for Participation: All dogs must be examined by a VMTH oncology, internal medicine, radiation oncology service or soft tissue surgery veterinarian, and require the baseline evaluations described above at the owners expense before a dog can be considered for enrollment in the trial.Procedures: Cryoablation procedure is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia. Special cryoablation needles are inserted through the nostrils, and freezing sufficient to kill the tumor is applied.
 - I found a quote:




I buy most of my pill stuff from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found

February 11, 2014

Lucy Nasal Cancer Status at 2 years 10 months after diagnosis

Still ok.
 Sometimes she snores but both sides are still open.
No bumps, very tiny bleed - very small amount mixed with watery mucous about once a month lasting a few minutes during last 2 months occuring after abrupt blood pressure change and nervous system hyperalert (UPS delivery...). 
Medically I am now admitting not full 100% remission at this point during last 2 months, but it will be almost 3 years in a month and a half after diagnosis.
I have put her back on Stasis Breaker and Wei Qi Booster twice a day again. I went to only once a day during the last 2 years. I wanted to be able to up the dosage if she needed it. I guess now she needs it. I have been giving the Yun Nan Bai Yao again since as well. She did not need any for 2 years.
I have not changed her pill list protocol. I may need to also consider finding substitute herbs for some that are similar but slightly different if cancer is adapting to treatment.
She is also almost 3 years older since diagnosis meaning her immune system has aged almost 20 years in human terms.
But again, she is fine. Eating fine, weight fine. Looks good. Acts fine. Not one infection for 3 years.  I would say I am very happy.
 Let's keep our fingers crossed.


February 6, 2014

Hemangiosarcoma and Bleeding Tumors in Animals

 Hemangiosarcoma and other Bleeding Tumors in Animals such as Nasal Cancer

Hemangiosarcoma is a very deadly cancer in dogs, mainly Goldens and German Shepherds, which generally isn't diagnosed until the dog collapses or dies. This sort of cancer is genetic, hereditary, and it runs in bloodlines. It causes a tumor in the heart (also seen in the spleen, and other organs) that leads to fluid build-up in the pericardium. Yunnan Baiyao has been used successfully to relieve the fluid build up and help with the dog's comfort level. Typical dosage for active bleeding med-large dog: 2 capsules, twice a day, with food. 

For general Canine Cancer information:
TESTIMONIAL (Veterinary):
"Yunnan Bai yao has been found to be beneficial in both our oncology and emergency patients for many reasons. Patients with excessive bleeding caused by trauma, hemorrhagic pericardial effusion,cancer,  bleeding skin tumors, and hemorrhagic abdominal effusion may benefit from this Chinese herbal supplement. Patients with single or multiple internal masses are prone to bleeding or can sometimes rupture causing a large amount of blood to build up in the abdomen. The patients we expect to benefit the most from this product include: hemangiosarcoma, heart based tumors, liver tumors, mast cell tumors, any bleeding nasal tumor, and some types of melanomas. Unfortunately most tumors have the potential to bleed either due to their type and/or location. We have been using both the oral and topical form of the Yunnan Baiyao. They are very helpful.

Quoted "The red pills are used for acute bleeding or discovery of acute bleeding. We have recently started using the red pill on the day of surgery, such as stable splenectomies. If the red pill is used in acute emergencies, we will start the regular capsules 2-6 hours later. We dose our pets as follows: Cats and dogs <10 lbs 1EOD, dogs 11-20 lbs 1 every 24 hours, 21-89 lbs 1 every 12 hours, >90 lbs 2 every 12 hours.
With some cases as they progress in their disease, the tumors grow larger, or the bleeding/oozing is more frequent we may have the owners increase the frequency to every 6-8 hours. "


TESTIMONIAL (Dog Owner):
"Dear Suigetsu[sic] Shop,

Saige was diagnosed with hemangiosarcomo October 24, 2009 by a highly regarded specialized vet hospital. There was a tumor on her heart that caused blood to collect between the heart and the pericardium. The blood was drawn off from the sack between her heart and the pericardium. Her life expectancy according to the vet at that time was 5 minutes to 3 months maximum. She was with us 4 months - and those 4 months were very good - normal activity, eating and all bodily functions performing perfectly normal . We are of firm belief that the capsules - Yunnan Baiyao - had a very positive affect on her condition. We're of strong conviction that Yunnan Baiyo's affect on controlling bleeding was a strong factor in her being with us as long as she was - especially with her being her happy - playful - loving self right up to early this morning. She took no other supplements."

PROHIBITED INTERNALLY DURING PREGNANCY.
Before surgery: Take 1 red pill and 2 capsules.
After surgery: Take 2 capsules 2x daily for several days.  If necessary, combine with a tonic formula such as mushroom extracts.


Externally:
Apply directly to bleeding wound (clean first, and bandage afterwards).
In deep or wide wounds, squeeze cut together, pour powder on, and apply pressure or keep closed for 1 to 2 minutes, or until bleeding has stopped.

 
About the red pill included in the Yun Nan : The manufacturer recommends that one take the single red pill (bao xian zi) be taken in cases of serious wounds or bleeding. This is used to prevent shock from blood loss. It does not stop bleeding. Use only one red pill per day. Ingredients are unknown. The red pill is very small and located in a tiny dimple in the center of the foil sheet of capsules (1 red pill per sheet of 16 capsules). In the bottle of powder, the red pill is encased in the wad of cotton found when you open the bottle.

 

Veterinary Application:
(recommendation from this article YUN NAN BAIYAO-WHERE'S THE CLINICAL EVIDENCE? ©2006
Lynelle Graham, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVA University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences)
As with many herbal therapies, dose ranges of yunnan baiyao are poorly defined and widely variable. Dosing is often 'to effect' and may vary depending on the cause of the bleeding. 


The following dose recommendations have been gathered from a variety of sources, including VIN postings, the CAVM list discussions, textbooks and continuing education talks: 


Animal Suggested Dosage

Dog

open capsule and sprinkle on superficial wounds, bleeding tumors, etc.
one (250 mg) capsule per 10 kg, once to twice a day

one capsule per 5 kg daily, given as divided doses, if possible ¼ tsp per 5-7 kg, OR 60-75 mg/kg, at least once a day
75-100 mg/kg daily, given as divided doses

<15 kg = 1 capsule P.O. twice a day

15-30 kg = 2 capsules P.O. twice a day

>30kg = 2 capsules P.O. three times a day

Cat

open capsule and sprinkle on superficial wounds, bleeding tumors, etc. ½ -1 capsule P.O. twice a day, adjusting appropriately

Horse

open capsule and sprinkle on superficial wounds, bleeding tumors, etc.

1 bottle (4 gm) P.O. three times a day with water

2 bottles P.O. twice a day for six days, then 1 bottle twice a day for six days

Bird

(400-1000gm) open capsule and sprinkle on superficial wounds, bleeding tumors, etc.

one (250 mg) capsule dissolved in water, given by oral gavage, once a day

Yunnan Baiyao is gaining popularity as a herbal medicine to support EIPH in horses. This information on dosage for race horses is copied from www.racetowin.ca. This information has not been verified and is provided only for its informational content.
Suggested Use: The day before competition, give 1 full bottle of the Yunnan Baiyao powder, AM & PM, but save the red pills. On the morning of competition give 1 full bottle of the powder again saving the red pill. Then at the Lasix shot use the 4th bottle of Yunnan Baiyao powder. At this time give all the 4 red pills that you have saved to the horse.
Special Note: If the horse has bled thru everything that vets, herbs, vitamins, acupuncture can do, you may try 2 bottles at a time. 



I give Lucy who has nasal cancer 1 Yunnan capsule per meal at her 85 pounds or double dosage for a few days during a bleed.

I buy it from Amazon. It has unfortunately become more expensive. But it does work. Read the Amazon testimonials on the Yun Nan and where to buy link.


Scientific Papers and Studies
The effect of herbal supplementation on the severity of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage TS Eppa1, P McDonougha1, DJ Padillaa1, JH Coxa2, DC Poolea1 and HH Ericksona1 c1
a1 Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
a2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
Article by Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS. Copyright, 2007.
Yunnan Baiyao-Where's the Clinical Evidence? ©2006 Lynelle Graham, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVA University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Yunnan Paiyao: Uses for injury and surgery; gastro-intestinal, respiratory, and urogenital disorders Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon
The effect of Yunnan Baiyao on reduction of intra-operative bleeding of the patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate Li NC, Pan BN, Wang HJ, Li HZ, Wei Q, Wang XH, Cai SL, Gan WM, Na YQ.
Institute of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
MEDLINE website There are a number of published medical papers at this website, (PubMed comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books.)
If you enter "Yunnan Baiyao" in the search bar you will find them. Below are links to two of them.
Effects of Yunnan Baiyao on peri-operative bleeding of patients undergoing cervical open-door laminoplasty: a multi-center randomized double-blind placebo-control trial OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Yunnan Baiyao on peri-operative bleeding of the patients undergoing cervical open-door laminoplasty.
CONCLUSION: Yunnan Baiyao is effective and safe in reducing the amount of intra-operative bleeding of cervical open-door laminoplasty.

Effects of the preoperative administration of Yunnan Baiyao capsules on intraoperative blood loss in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.