Potcast 114: Thriving Through Chemo
This potcast is the first of a personal three-part series on cancer, family, individual wellness choices, and plant medicine. I hope you’ll share this alternative perspective on dealing with the c-word and thriving through chemotherapy with someone who needs it. Find and explore the natural supplements, tinctures, and resources we discuss in the show notes below.
‘After the Show’ Notes
Learn more about Dionne’s story and share your support here.
Dionne Robertson, one of my soul sisters, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer earlier this year. The c-word spread to Dionne's spine, causing multiple compression fractures. She travels from Lockhart to Austin each week for treatment at Texas Oncology and The Cancer Wellness Center. As you know, the C-word can be a real F-bomb. But Dionne seems to be thriving through chemotherapy.
During chemotherapy, loving awareness, detoxification, and immunity building are Dionne’s major focus. Dionne performs regular meditation - asking her body what it needs and feeling through the experience. She also recommends exploring oncology acupuncture.
Dionne discusses her holistic wellness experiments with us on the potcast. And we’ve included what seems to be working and the benefits below.
Detox
Raw Organic Celery juice - immediately following chemo and first thing in the mornings on an empty stomach
Infrared Sauna - powerful detoxifier, kills cancer cells
Epsom salt and Baking Soda Baths - Removes toxins from the body
Drink Lots of Water - Try to drink a gallon of water post-chemotherapy to help with the detox efforts.
Immunity Support
Graviola Tincture (Soursop)
Can kill some types of liver and breast cancer cells that are resistant to some chemotherapy drugs
helps support the immune system
rich in antioxidants
assists muscle function
Mistletoe Extract
Stimulates the immune system to fight cancer
Reduces side-effects of cancer treatments
May reduce tumor growth
Lessens symptoms of nausea and vomiting
Iodine with Potassium Iodide
Deficiency can lead to breast cancer
Reduced blood vessel growth to tumors
Support healthy immune function and regulate the stress hormone cortisol
Turkey Tail Extract
Anti-inflammatory and antiviral
Restore a weakened immune system
Reduce treatment-related side effects
Check out Paul Stamets TED Talk about Turkey Tail working in conjunction with the chemo drug Taxol.
Chaga Mushroom Tincture
Packed with antioxidants
Fights cancer and improves immunity
Fights chronic inflammation
Schisandra Rose Extract
Lowers inflammation, fights free radicals
Reduces side effects of chemo
Rich in antioxidants
Turmeric Tincture
High in antioxidants, reduces inflammation
Helps prevent several types of cancer
Stops metastasis of cancer cells
Flax Hull Lignans
High in antioxidants
Omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory
Excellent source of fiber supporting gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health