Maitake Mushrooms

[*_Barbara H._*]

Hi,
Has anyone seen the article "The Next Big Thing? Maitake Mushrooms" in the March issue of The Oprah Magazine. Quote: " A number of Japanese studies have shown that in test tubes and mice, D-fraction stimulates the immune cells that fight viruses and cancer." The article goes on to say that researchers at Sloan-Kettering are studying the effect of maitake extract on prostate and breast cancer. The article reports that the researchers have tried it themselves, and that it may also be used for hypertension, diabetes, and other disorders. The correct dosage has not yet been established.
I'm curious if anyone has heard anything about this. I just take vitamins, flaxseed oil, and drink tea, but I thought this article was interesting.
Best,
Barbara H.

[*_Susan M_*]

Thanks Barb for the Oprah article info, it checks out with what I've heard.
I've been taking Maitake extract for over a year.

This is my repost reply to Al's request to Let's Review Supplements
last week....

Here's a Sloan link I follow for latest on supplements and herbs research.
If something listed shows promise on mice, early lab studies, I keep researching.
Ask my doc.
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm

I am currently rediagnosed with lung mets Nov 2004.
Original diagnosis Her2 +++ as of March 2002.
For a time between chemo I was taking Maitake Gold mushroom from DaVinci Labs and I think I had far fewer colds and a low tumor marker of 16 in early 2004, it's now around 48.

I had shrinkage of mediastinal nodes, although mets in lungs followed.
The nodes may have been unrelated infection. I did take I.V antibiotics.

A friend/patient of Sloan was told they are researching the mushroom extracts.

To order Maitake Gold or D fraction. https://www.davincicon.com/

I am now on Herceptin and Navelbine treatment, six more weeks
to a scan. My WBC and hemoglobin have been excellent. I actually
had a rise of WBC this week from 4000 to 5000 range. Stable hemo of 13
I needed Procrit and Neupogen with chemos Adriamycin and Taxotere,
of course these are more toxic than Navelbine. My doses
were lowered due to neutropenia of 300 on the first round.
All lung mets disappeared in July CT of 2002. Then more Taxotere/radiation
I last had treatment of only Herceptin from Feb-July of 2003. Lung
mets reappeared approximately a year later. So I'm not sure
if the Herceptin helped.

At the time between chemo, I also took about 300 capsules of
Cell Forte from Enzymatic Therapy which is Inositol and IP6.
I took 2-4 per day, but it should be higher with active disease.
Oncologist gave the OK to take this with current Navelbine/Herceptin.

I have been taking a multi without iron from Douglas Labs, pycnogenol from Twin Lab and one digestive enzyme with supplements, along
with one Maitake D fraction and will add in Cell Forte( Inositol and IP6) from Enzymatic Therapy this week. You can purchase this at most health food stores. I'll try to keep you posted on my results.
I'm going by my recall and order receipts. I was not keeping good notes.
I have started noting my supps and meds daily.

Recently I went for a second opinion before lung biopsy with a top breast cancer onco at a leading center.
I was told that with my tumor size and aggressiveness, poor health history, she expected more mets at time of dx and now. Thought I probably had lung infection. Several other docs suspected mets, as did I.

I also do not drink soda, or sweetened bottled beverages for the past 25 years (ended migraines). I do drink tons of black tea, and almost never milk, switched to rice milk years ago for cereal and spring water.
I rarely eat sweets. Sugar definitely feeds bacteria, said to feed cancers,
and suppress the immune system.
I also recommend juicing, and plan to add carrot juice, apple, beet, celery, ginger blend. It helps greatly with fatigue.
I've begun to take 2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil about two weeks now.
hopefully it enhances Herceptin and slows HER2 as shown in a study
which is posted on this board last month.

I hope this helps someone's research.

Susan M

[*_Barbara H._*]

Hi Susan,
Thank you for your in-depth reply. I am going to print it out and keep it for reference. I wish you the best with your treatment plan.
Barbara H.