Gerson juicing etc., MD, and others
Hi,
I have stage 4 prostate cancer. Diagnosed in May of 2023, Gleson 4+4 = 8, and PSA of 14. That same month I was put on Hormone Therapy (Zytiga, prednisone, and Eligard shot (all of which have hellish side effects). Then scan after scan, and some oncologist nut pushed needles through the tumor to place gold markers in my prostate to guide targeted radiation. However, that caused rectal bleeding (which scared me badly) and a hematoma that had to be "absorbed" before radiation could begin. Finally, after waiting months, I'm scheduled for 6 weeks of radiation therapy. The Dr.s tell me there are no side effects except fatigue. But I've read otherwise online. And the truth is, since I've begun this nightmare, I have to say what I learn online is more often than not far more useful than anything the Dr.s tell me.
I believe that diet is critical to my survival. But MD doctors do not agree, or rather don't/won't discuss diet. The only suggestion is the MD (Mediterranean diet). Other research says I should diet with the objective of reaching ketosis (when the body's non-cancerous cells use fat instead of glucose for energy) because cancer cells can not use fat but must have glucose, causing the cancer cells to "starve." As I understand it, that means no sugar (including sweet fruit) or carbs, but lots of fatty foods and low-carb veggies. One resource said only veggies that grow above ground. Gerson says no sugar or salt (one source says sea salt or Himalayan salt is good) at all and only organic food, period! Then I found some contradictions when it said I can have honey and stevia. A diet without any sweetness or salt is beyond difficult for me! The juicing, but not 13 cups a day as recommended; I am only able to do about 7 to 10 by doing a two-cup juicing 4 or 5 times a day. I have to say that juicing has had some wonderful effects (happy to share that on request). IMO (in my opinion), all of the above makes sense. However, I've been taught from many sources in the past that high-fat diets are very bad.
Okay, so I'm trying to eat organic, less sweet fruit, range (grass-fed or wild caught) egg, meat, dairy, salmon/shrimp... and staying away from carbs (except the weekly potato). Gerson says potatoes are okay! WOW! That coupled with daily juicing of orange juice (what happened to sweet fruit), green juice, carrot/apple (Granny Smith sour apples), and or just carrot (sugary veggie.) So I allow for a little (organic) potatoes too (mashed with skins, organic butter, and a little sea salt is divine). Gerson says I should do 13 coffee enemas a day! I've been very nervous about that! I'm thinking I'll try one a day and see how it goes. The theory is that it opens bile ducts to help the liver excrete toxins it has filtered from the blood but is "plugged up - my words." Sounds logical to me. I bought an enema kit and made the organic enema coffee and plan to give it a try. More on that procedure by request, if anyone is interested.
Buying organic is difficult and I have to travel to stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts. I'm moving in about 6 weeks and will only have a Smith's, Walmart, and Jubilee grocery store to choose from.
Finally, I'm told by some holistic health guru friends that everyone's body chemistry is different and therefore one particular diet may not work for everyone. Though that sounds logical, it sure doesn't make my dilemma any easier.
Okay now for suggestions/help: 1. Does anyone out there have experience with coffee enemas? Share? 2. Does anyone have difficulty buying organic and have a solution? 3. What about the conflict in diet, has anyone out there found a solution and willing to share?
I have been dealing with PC for over 20 yrs. Radiation, surgery, ADT, etc. Tried many 'diets'. the best I came up with is simple..... Avoid processed foods and 'fast food restaurants'. Eat what you like in moderation with lots of variety and common sense, fresh fruit & veggies whenever you can, frozen or canned when fresh is not available. Always add a pleasant attitude and a good wife 😉
Best of all: BenHi Ben, thanks for these valuable words from experience. I just have two questions. 1. What about eating organic? 2. Have you tried juicing?
For myself, eating organic is a matter of choice and/or convenience. I am doubtful if we can rely on what we are told is in the food available to us. Remember 'pink slime' and 100% Hamburger that was only 50% beef. I tried juicing and had stomach problems, also tried 'Smoothies' which are great when fruit berries, etc are in season. These can get expensive when not in season.
So now it's, no booze for youse, no nicotine, (except what may already be in the veggies), no caffeine ( which is in more than we know) ,no fizzy beverages. and no chocolate (well, maybe a little) 😉
While stuffing ourselves with whatever we're not supposed to eat at the best of times, remember to also praise your caretaker and feed your spirit. A short prayer goes a long way 😀May I ask one more question? Have you tried coffee enemas? I've found green (green peppers, lettuce, cabbage etc.), apple/carrot, and orange juices have helped. I try for organic apples/carrots/oranges/greens (yeah is it really organic or a scam?) But it's difficult to find them and as you said, expensive, so I often settle for what I can get. I believe, as you pointed out, that no matter what we do the world we live in is polluted with toxins. And I also believe that the toxins in the world is what has caused my cancer, I don't believe it's genetic. And also, that toxins continue to feed it. So, I'm dying (well I guess we're all dying) but I have a very good reason to try and live longer (an old man that I love... I need to outlive him so he doesn't end up in one of those god-awful care centers.) So I must "trust" and believe that organic at least reduces the toxins. My theory is that if I can reduce toxins in my body enough, it might have a fighting chance against cancer. I have serious doubts that the toxic drugs and radiation administered by my oncologists are going to do it. Logic says, add more toxins into the mix, how is that going to help? But people are not the same, and I hear some have been helped by it, so maybe this old body can get help from "more toxins", and those I love say "Do what the Doctor says." So I'm trying my best here.
