Recap of Nicholai’s Treatment Regimen

New readers are frequently visiting Nicholai's blog, referred by a veterinarian, a canine cancer group, or a friend, with questions about specific treatment. I hope this recap helps you understand what we're doing and how it's working.

Nicholai was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma in January of 2009. At that time it was determined that he had the multicentric form, present in many lymph nodes around the body. Lab work showed no abnormalities, indicating that if disease had spread to his organs, it was not enough to interfere with function. Still, the prognosis was guarded – three months survival at most without treatment, nine to twelve months survival possible with a chemotherapy and radiation protocol.

Knowing Nicholai, and knowing the down side of the chemo/radiation route, I opted for "aggressive alternative care." That program has garnered Nicholai sixteen months (so far) of excellent quality of life – eating and pooping brilliantly, walking and hiking with energy, bright-eyed and happy-faced. I am ecstatic. (A cure would be even better, but that it seems, is not to be …)

The Regimen:

1. Real food. Leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, blueberries, apple, carrot, sweet potato, organic yogurt, fresh home-grown eggs, free-range (a checkered term, I know) meat with bone and a bit of organ meat, green tripe. I can't say enough about real food.
   
2. Anti-oxidant vitamins – Vitamin A, Mixed carotenoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Grape seed extract, Milk thistle, Alpha lipoic acid (I use Small Animal Antioxidant by Thorne)
   
3. Mushroom Complex – Coriolus hirsutis, Cordyceps sinensis, Maitake, Reishi, and Shitake mushrooms – great help to the immune system
   
4. Herbal tinctures – Red Clover combo and Hoxsey formula, both cancer fighting herbal formulas with long histories in the US and Canada.
   
5. Enzyme complex – help cells have healthy metabolism and do their cellular jobs
   
6. Probiotics – helps the gut stay healthy
   
7. Omega – 3 fatty acid, 1 Tbs/day – fights inflammation
   
8. Chinese herb blends as prescribed by a veterinarian trained in Chinese medicine – two different blends so far
   
9. 20 mg of natural hydrocortisone
   

Every individual and every cancer is different. It would be ideal for each animal companion to be evaluated by and work with a veterinarian versed in alternative care. It may seem hard to find the right veterinarian to work with, but the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) could help you find a referral if you don't already have someone to work with.

Every day my thoughts and good wishes are with everyone whose dog or dogs have been diagnosed with cancer. I hope for lengthy quality of life for each. More importantly, may the journey be filled with love and peaceful acceptance of the outcome.