A Case Study by Rob Claridge

Initial Presentation

This patient was a 45 year old female, who was a working mother of two. She was recently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer of the left breast. The cancer was oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) negative, and had not spread beyond the local area. The lump had been present for two years prior to diagnosis and despite seeing 3 different practitioners was disregarded.  She had a scheduled lumpectomy. She was feeling very anxious and fearful about undergoing further treatments, as she had lost friends to treated breast cancer, and had low confidence in orthodox medicine due to the delay in diagnosis. She had a history of high stress levels, and was currently experiencing loose stools. She also had signs of compromised microcirculation, including poor peripheral circulation, telangiectasia, spider veins, and a history of repeated miscarriage.

Prescription

- Bioflavonoids and vitamin C tablets- 1 tablet twice daily: Containing ascorbic    
  acid 500 mg and citrus bioflavonoids 75 mg

- Zinc tablets - 1 tablet daily: Containing zinc 50 mg, pyridoxal 5-phosphate 50 mg
  and manganese 3 mg

Follow Up Consultation- 3 Weeks

The patient had undergone her lumpectomy surgery, which excised the tumour with clear margins.  Everything went well except for a large post-surgical haematoma. Her positron emission tomography (PET) scan was clear, with no sign of cancer spread or metastases and her serum cancer markers were within the normal range. She had raised liver enzymes, frequent stools, anxiety, and insomnia.  She was anxious, not sleeping well and clearly needed support.   Despite strong pressure from her oncology team, she refused any further treatment.  I did not try to influence her decision, however, I suggested that we set up a cancer marker scoreboard, (CEA & CA 15-3), to monitor the safety of her decision.

Prescription

Liver Detox Powder - 1 scoop twice daily: Containing a range of nutrients and fibre plus Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), St Mary’s Thistle (Silybum marianum) and Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)

Sleep Well Tablets- 2 tablets once daily in the evening: Containing Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 650 mg, Ziziphus (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa) 650 mg, Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) 600 mg, Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) essential oil 10 mg, pyridoxal 5-phosphate 25.9 mg, magnesium amino acid chelate 200 mg

Natto Bacilli Culture Tablets- 1 tablet twice daily: Providing Bacillopeptidase F.

Dietary recommendations - Macronutrient Balanced ‘Mediterranean Diet’ with an emphasis on Seasonality.

Lifestyle recommendations - Slow nasal breathing exercise to switch on Vagus nerve.

Testing - Cancer Markers (CEA & CA 15-3) & Oestrogen Metabolites.

Long Term Follow Up- 15 months

The patient remains cancer-free, and continues to vindicate her decision to choose lumpectomy alone as her only orthodox treatment.  Interestingly, her initial  2-16 oestrogen metabolite ratio was low.  However, after 6 months of treatment it was corrected.  At this point in time her liver enzymes are normal, and her chronic microcirculatory compromise is significantly improving both structurally and functionally.  Importantly she is relaxed, sleeping well and her cancer markers continue to be in the normal range. 

Prescriptions:

- Diindolmethane Tablets – 2 tablets once daily for 6 months: Containing  
  diindolmethane 20 mg

- St Mary’s Thistle Tablets - 1 tablet twice daily for 3 months: Containing St Mary’s
  Thistle (Silybum marianum) 16.8 g

- Licorice and Rehmannia for Adrenal Health Tablets – 2 tablets once daily in the
  morning for 2 months: Containing Licorice (Gycyrrhiza glabra) 1.75 g and
  Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) 750 mg

- Lifestyle recommendations - Regular YOGA (Yin & Flow)

- Testing - Cancer Markers now 6 monthly.

Clinical Reflections

All patients have the right to choose their treatment. I have not tried to influence any of her decisions, I simply monitor her health and encourage her to stay communicative with her oncologist. All health updates and prescriptions are shared with her medical and oncology team. My role as a natural health practitioner is not to advise my patients on what orthodox medical treatment they should pursue.  However, I do explain the risks and benefits of these options and then support them on their chosen path to healing. While their oncology team focus on killing cancer cells, I focus on improving my patient’s physical and mental health, coach lifestyle improvements, investigate the contributing causes of their cancer, and encourage hope rather than fear.