Hi all,

First, thank you to each of you for taking the time to reply. I very much appreciate it. And I apologize for not writing this response sooner.

Just to follow up and let you know what I decided, I have started the Budwig protocol but I do so with some reservations because it goes against my vegan approach to trying to strengthen my system. In fact, some reading/research I have come across says that dairy products in particular are not healthy for us as adults. Nonetheless I have decided to try it.

Specific replies:

Cheryld: thank you for your thoughts, hugs and healing vibes.

Charm: I appreciate your input. I don't know what the statistics are (or if anyone has even kept track) of the Budwig protocol's survival/healing rates. But, as you said, hopefully it can't hurt. As for "real" treatment, please read the continuation of this entry below.

Malka: I understand your suspicion. I share it and am not convinced that the Budwig approach will help. However, as for consulting with a dietician or other medical personnel involved in my treatment, none of them have a clue regarding non-conventional diets. The dietician in my oncology department was very up front in saying that she had not been trained regarding a vegan approach so she has been of limited help. She initially suggested I eat 27%-fat sour cream on a regular basis when I was receiving my first round of chemo+rad, to help boost my calorie count. (I did not follow that advice). Happily, as you noted, there is a good supply of organic (non-pesticide, non-hormone) grown foods here and they are definitely de-lish!

The latest development for me is that a new sore on my tongue was biopsied yesterday. I will have the results soon but the doctor who did the biopsy confirmed my suspicion (based on the location, appearance and soreness of the sore) that is is likely a new tumor. If it is cancerous this would put my entire 18 months of conventional treatment into question, especially given that it developed while I have been full-on in chemo+biologic treatment for the last six months. So I'm not sure that "real" treatments are working for me. It is scary.

Thank you again, all for your help. It is greatly appreciated. May we all experience healing and health soon.

Eli
~~~~~

02/21/10: Dx SCC tongue;
03/08/10: Part glossect;
05/08/10: Further part. glossect left-side PND; 2 tumors in lymph nodes;
06/27/10-08/09/10: RAD+Chemo (Cis);
01/12/11: Dx SCC on skin of neck;
01/26/11: 14 wks Carboplatin, Taxol and Erbitux;
12/6/11: 4 wks RAD;
01/23/12: Remission(!); on Erbitux 2xmonth