My Basal Cell Carcinoma

MY BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

2/9/2018

Three biopsies confirmed the diagnosis I received early this year. During the lag time between getting the news and the scheduled scraping, I've explored natural options. The doctor had advised against scraping because the carcinomas cover a very large portion of my back. He can remove only one or two at a time so the process could take about two years. It will be painful. And there's no guarantee the carcinomas won't return. Instead, he recommended, Erivedge, a drug with so few side effects that I was open to taking it, but due to its prohibitive expense, my insurer declined coverage.

Inspired by the story of a woman who healed her mother's basal cell carcinoma, I chose baking soda as my first natural experiment. With Mike's help (he's my partner), the affected area was thoroughly swabbed with organic apple cider vinegar before applying a paste made with equal parts organic coconut oil and baking soda—I used Red Mill to avoid aluminum. We repeated the process morning and evening. Each time, I waited about two hours before showering. We continued this regimen for approximately two weeks. At this point, the baking soda was starting to feel very caustic, and I had the flu, so we took a break. Unfortunately, we did not take photos.

Meanwhile, I decided on another course of action. I had watched numerous YouTube videos showing positive outcomes using a product called Curaderm, which is made from eggplant extract. The product is not covered by prescription plans, and because my treatment area is so extensive, the cost once again became prohibitive. Inspired by others who had done so before me, I decided to make my own extract by cutting an organic eggplant into smallish cubes, putting them in a mason jar, covering the cubes with organic vinegar and allowing the mixture to steep for three days in the refrigerator.

During the wait, I received a care package from my dear friend and Master Healer Nicole Pigeault. Among the goodies she sent were MediHoney, for the painfully slow-to-heal biopsies—it's pure magic—and Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C to help me kick the flu. When I saw the consistency of the Vitamin C, which is suspended in lecithin, I did further research and concocted an emulsion using equal parts organic coconut oil, MediHoney, and one packet of the Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C. Kept in the refrigerator, the mixture doesn't separate.

Once the eggplant vinegar was medicine, we began the following procedure:

1. Thoroughly wash the affected area.
2. Measure a small amount of the eggplant vinegar into a condiment dish and dip Stridex pads in the mixture (salicylic acid is one of the Curaderm ingredients) and thoroughly swab the affected area (in my case, it takes numerous pads). Each root looks like a wick. When it's exposed, Mike works gently but aggressively to pry it out.
3. He then gently rubs the emulsion over the entire area (I make a new batch of the emulsion every two or three days). He wears surgical gloves through the entire process. Depending on the sensitivity of the skin, we do one or two treatments daily.
4. I expected the eggplant vinegar to burn, but after an initial stinging sensation that lasts only a few seconds, it feels soothing, and the emulsion even more so. Afterward, I allow it to dry a few minutes before wearing one of Mike's old t-shirts.

As previously mentioned, I have no photos before or after the baking soda experiment. These photos were taken at the beginning of the current regimen and today, one month apart.

1/10/2018

2/9/2018

A fascinating aside: If you look closely, you'll see a surgical scar in the middle of the right side. It's from the removal of a basal cell tumor in 2002. During a trip to India in 1999, a clairvoyant had recounted my close call with cancer before adding, "once the tumor is removed from your back, you will always be able to heal yourself vibrationally." There was no sign of the tumor; it made its appearance two years later.

Obviously, I'm not giving medical advice. Until I see the doctor, I'm not sure what course of action I of will take. Still, I'm encouraged by my progress. We will see what happens. Despite the ugly lesions, Mike has never made me feel less than beautiful.

The Scrape

2/13/2018

Yesterday I returned to the dermatologist for my first scraping session.

Without being unfriendly in the least, the doctor worked in a very fast, focused and efficient manner. While he opened his tablet to view photos taken during my initial visit, Mike intruded to ask the doctor if he noticed a difference. The carcinomas certainly aren't getting any smaller. The confusion that registered on the doctor's face didn't match his reply. 

He shifted his gaze from the image on his tablet to the carcinomas on my back, and once the chosen site of the operation was identified, he numbed it.

While he scraped, the doctor explained that he'd modified his previous stance on the Erivedge. In addition to the fact that insurance won't pay, there are apparently some alarming side effects. During the initial visit, he had asked my permission to post photos on a message board to get feedback from other doctors. Of course, I said Yes. His change of mind must have been based on feedback he received.

Benchmark Photo
1/10/2018

One Month After Daily Applications of
Homemade Remedy
2/12/2018

The Soon to be Scraped Carcinoma is on the Right
2/12/2018

The entire appointment, from start to finish, lasted approximately ten minutes. It was totally painless. A bandage was applied, and the doctor recommended keeping it on for 48 hours before applying imiquimod, the medication he prescribed.

After the doctor left the exam room, his assistant wanted to know, what had we been doing? Apparently, she saw a difference between the photos the doctor took at the outset (weeks before we began taking photos) and the reality of my current condition. Quickly, we explained our strategy. Had the doctor asked, we'd have shared with him as well. Upon our departure, at approximately 2:30 PM, his waiting room was filled to capacity.

Once the 48 hours has expired, we will apply the imiquimod to the scraped carcinoma, and continue our own regimen with the others. Will keep you posted.

72 Hours After the Scrape

2/15/2018

Springtime in Sugarite Canyon, New Mexico

BELOW: The photo on the left is the first one we took, several weeks into self-treatment. On the right, you can easily see where the doctor scraped because it's extremely red and irritated. The photo was taken just before Mike administered the second application of imiquimod to the treated area (he also applied numbing and antibiotic ointments which the doctor prescribed). As directed, he covered it with a bandage to keep a scab from forming so the imiquimod will penetrate to the roots. We will see how it goes, and YES, it does hurt!

Benchmark Photo 1/10/2018

72 Hours After the Scrape 2/15/18

Meanwhile, we are both feeling very encouraged by the progress we've made with our homemade remedies. Tomorrow, we will add Black Salve to the moles. According to numerous YouTube videos I've watched, many people are using it to good effect on the carcinomas and melanomas. I've personally used it in the past to remove moles, and it worked. However, the surrounding skin became very irritated unless I protected it with petroleum jelly, which I don't like to use, so we'll stick with our current regimen and add the salve just to the moles.

Scraping is Definitely Not for Me

2/25/18

The dermatologist was correct. Scraping does feel like torture. Unfortunately, I also experienced severe flu-like symptoms and mild anaphylactic shock from the imiquimod. Between the side-effects and the recommended antidote (Benadryl), I was a zombie. Eleven days after the scrape, I decided to stop the imiquimod. That's not to say I won't seek out another doctor for a second opinion. But it won't be soon. Every dermatologist in town is booked solid until summer. Meanwhile, Mike continues to treat me with my homemade emulsion.

BELOW: These photos of the scraped carcinoma were taken while we followed the medically prescribed procedure. Without medical training, I won't attempt to evaluate the results, but I will say that enduring the cleaning process and application of the medication was excruciatingly painful.

8 Days after the Scrape

Day 9

Day 10

Progress Overview

Benchmark Photo 1/10: the diagnosis had been made, and Mike had been applying my homemade emulsion pending the appointed scrape. Unfortunately, the only photos showing the condition at it's worst are on the doctor's tablet.

2/25. Four days prior to this photo, we discontinued the imiquimod and used only MediHoney on the scraped carcinoma. The excruciating pain was relieved almost instantly, and the following day, Mike began treating it with the emulsion. Comparing it to the first photo, we believe we see progress. With the exception of cleaning the medically treated carcinoma, the process is not only painless but actually soothing.

Continued Progress

3/4/2018

Mike at Morphy Lake State Park, NM

Just to be clear, the basal cell carcinomas I am in the process of treating are the side effects of radiation therapy administered long ago. I refused chemo. Had I been warned beforehand of eventual skin breakdown, I may have refused the radiation as well. But, here we are, and I cannot claim with certainty that I'd be alive today had I refused.

Every day, I read articles touting amazing advances in medical research. Unfortunately, the way society is currently structured, most medical miracles are reserved for the 1%, a few hopefully willing guinea pigs, and a lucky few who are gifted treatment by kind doctors. Thirty years ago, I fell into the latter category.

Since fewer and fewer people have access to quality medical care, I believe it is important that we humans embrace our natural healing abilities. Who hasn't recovered from a cold or the flu, or watched a wound scab over and heal? Without discrediting or discouraging the advances we see in medical science, I hope to see equal advances in the embrace of our personal power to heal ourselves. I do not believe these two approaches to maintaining and restoring health are mutually exclusive.

My success or failure with my homemade remedy remains to be seen, but I believe the photos below attest to progress.

Left: Benchmark Photo from 1/10     Right: 3/4  The scraped carcinoma (lower left, closest to the spine) is finally starting to heal. Today, for the first time, removal of the bandage was not painful. Approximately ten days ago, we stopped using the imiquimod, and Mike began applying the homemade remedy to all the carcinomas.

Update

3/9/2018

Seeing Double

Since my last post five days ago, we've seen minimal change in the carcinomas, so we've decided to change the routine. We are wondering if my negative reaction to the imiquimod, which is topically applied chemotherapy, was due to the daily dose which the doctor had prescribed. It may have been too much. Google searches on dosage for the drug show twice weekly.

Also, I'd like to share some information I've found on the combined efficacy of manuka honey with chemotherapy. According to a study conducted by a Dr. Al Ramadi in UAE, manuka honey from New Zealand can, by itself, inhibit cancer growth by 30%, but when combined with chemotherapy it inhibits growth by 61%. And, the study indicates there is a mechanism in the honey that induces death of the cancer cells. Here's a link to the article.

We've decided to give the imiquimod another try, following the manufacturer's recommended dose of twice a week. We started today. After cleaning the carcinomas with the eggplant vinegar, Mike sparingly applied the imiquimod to each one. He waited a few moments for it to absorb into the tissues before applying my homemade remedy of equal parts manuka honey, lypo-spheric vitamin C, and organic coconut oil. We left out the black salve, which we'd been using on the moles. Barring another negative reaction, we will follow this routine every fourth day. In between, we'll resume our normal pattern. Will update again in a week or so.

A Milestone

3/13/2018

Our dogs, Lola and Goof

Below: After following the procedure outlined in the previous post, Mike took the photo on the right.

Benchmark Photo from 1/10

3/13

Update on my reaction to the imiquimod: Since we resumed, I've had applications on the 9th and 12th, both in the morning. Immediately after each application, I felt foggy brained, a vague sensation of strength draining from my body, and a slight loss of balance. These symptoms persisted in varying degrees throughout the day. The night of the first application I felt slightly feverish. The following morning I felt fine. The night of the second application I had stomach and abdominal cramps. Maybe the burrito I had for lunch? Again, I awoke feeling fine. So far so good. We plan to continue.

Home Sweet Home

3/16/2018

Miss Pod is 17 feet long Tongue to Tail

After a longheld fantasy of living in an Airstream Travel Trailer, I find myself living in an r-Pod. What Miss Pod lacks in luster, she gains in headspace...at 6'2", Mike clears the airconditioning vent without ducking...and the kitchen slideout (not an Airstream feature) gives us a bit of wiggle room in front of the stove. Next month, we will have enjoyed her confines for a year. We've traveled near and far. She has sheltered us from wind and cold, hail storms and scorching heat. She came equipped with an entertainment center, so we watch DVDs and listen to NPR. Her mattress is a short queen: not the best size for a tall man nursing a spinal injury, as he must lay diagonally to stretch. Being a camping trailer, Miss Pod wasn't designed to be lived in. Overuse has put her under a great deal of stress. Her bedroom curtain is tattered from sun rot. Her shades are threadbare. Her dinette cushions have gone dingy and flat. Time for a makeover! 

Miss Pod's Kitchen and Her Daytime Bed

Nighttime Bed

The Necessities!

(Fridge to the Right)

Dining Area/Office/Craft Space

The Loo

Yes, it is possible to shower while sitting on the john. Towels hang on the opposite side of the door, directly opposite the kitchen sink.

The Makeover

4/3/18

MISS POD'S current view is the ORGAN MOUNTAINS

The Bedroom

Before

After

Miss Pod is currently in the process of phasing out the brown. The camera was kind, but her window coverings were badly deteriorated, so much so that the back curtain actually fell apart during removal. After salvaging the track glides, I sewed them to the new sheers, which were modified from premade panels purchased at Ross (cheaper than buying cloth). Same with the blackout grommet panels and rods. The new mattress is upholstered with outdoor canvas (60" for $5. per yard on Amazon). The old mattress was repurposed into new dinette cushions. Pillow covers are a future project. No change to the memory foam bedroll hiding behind the pillows. Sheets are attached with the comforter on top. Old skills from my futon manufacturing days live on.

The Dinette

Before

After

Notice the handy access to my sewing supplies on the left! When I look up from my work, I have the breathtaking view of the Organs. The installation of Mike's new dinette system was no easy feat!

We repurposed the rounded-corner cushions from the previous dinette for Mike's well-deserved rest on his recliner on the right. The covers are made of Tommy Bahama outdoor canvas ($9.94 per yard, 54", on Amazon). The bottoms and backs are made from left-over mattress canvas and repurposed material from the previous cushion covers. I predict the new ones will outlast us. Lucky for me, I was also able to salvage some of the zippers from the worn out cushions. Lots of work! Lots of Fun!

And we're not done. Next, the raw wood will be whitewashed, and urethane applied to the table. Then, all our stuff will be properly arranged. The unsightly one-dollar tubs on the overhead storage shelf will soon be replaced with four little bins in gray (finding a size that accommodates the slope at the back of the shelf has been no easy task), and someday in the not-too-far-off future, when we are no longer living in Miss Pod, we will empty her out and paint all her cabinets with Novo Titanium Fusion, ending her brown phase, once and for all.

Mike at work making the new Cornice Boxes

AND NOW, my progress with the Carcinomas! In less than three months, following the procedure outlined in previous posts, we are seeing significant improvement. As a retired massage therapist, my goal is to heal sufficiently to receive massage again. Oh, how I've missed it!

Benchmark 1/10

3/30

WOW!

4/21/2018

A week ago, we changed the treatment by replacing the imiquimod with Dragon's Blood, which some people have used effectively for various types of cancer and for reversing the effects of scarring. At first, Mike applied it after the emulsion, but now I've added it to the emulsion. So far, we're impressed.

Obviously, we haven't reached the end of this road. Initially, the above material was posted as separate blog entries which appeared in random order to viewers. For those of you who are tracking progress, chronological order is essential, so I deleted the original posts and combined them here to maintain that order. You will find all future progress reports by scrolling to the bottom of this page.

4/29/2018

WOW! WOW!

The skin is starting to normalize!