Hi Beth,
First, I am sorry you are going through this. Did your prognosis come from doctors at a melanoma center? Did they determine the mutation of your melanoma?
My brother was recently diagnosed with stage IV melanoma — a 6-inch tumor on his liver. His LDH was >2600 at his first appointment at MD Anderson in January. After three treatments of Ipi/Nivo combo, his LDH is now in the normal range. We don't know how much or if the tumor has shrunk at all… we don't know if it has spread elsewhere. A 6 inch tumor paints a grim prognosis, though. However, we are not giving up.
His tumor was negative for all mutations except TP53, which apparently is present in almost every cancer type and means the cancer is aggressive according to his oncologist. There are no targeted therapies that apply to him, so essentially it's a race against time. if this treatment stops working, we will be ready with a list of clinical trials to pursue as plan B, C, etc.
He went to see a nutritionist early on and started on a special diet that protects him from his jacked up immune system during treatment … and also he started taking something called Metatrol… see here:
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/wheat-germ-extract
Who knows if it's helping, but there are research studies that show a benefit.. anyhow, we are taking all the help we can get in this fight.
I would say…. what is currently considered conventional is also totally revolutionizing cancer treatment and survival rates… this is the time to go conventional if there ever was one.. and coming from a self-professed natural medicine advocate… some of the natural remedies in this case are harmful, esp if you have liver involvement. Proceed with caution. Best wishes to you and your family. Don't give up!
-A.M.
