Herceptin and Vitamin C and Artemisinin

[Veronica]

HI,
i am newcomer, was diagnosed in late 1999, had lumpectomy in April 2000, refused radiation and chemo, went on a strict diet and supplements in 4 categories: cytotoxic, antiangiogenic, prevention of met, and enhencement of the immune system. It worked till 2003 when tumer reappeared, went on Herceptin for 10 months, was off Herceptin till Sept 2005, started Herceptin again when tumer cut through skin. Presently tumer is smaller( from 8 to 6cm ). All tests are nagative (Xray,ultrasound,bone scan and heart reading is 78 , Ca 15.3 is 11)
There has been a great deal of interest in IV Vit C as a BC therapy, a clinical study is apparentky underway, up to 65 grams per infussion 2 - 3 times per week, there is a strict protocol for this therapy. My question is: do you know if Vit C is contradictory to Herceptine therapy?
In a similar way UofW experimented with Artemisinin, a herbal extract used for treatment of malaria in Asia and Africa. Artemisinin was found highly toxic to breast cancer cells and has no effect on normal cell, preferential up take of iron by cancer cells is the reason.
In both cases (Vit C and Artemisinin ) the compounds are metabolized by cancer cells to highly toxic peroxides.
I want to start Artemisinin and/or Vit C therapies if there is no interference with Herceptine. My search(internet, telephone consultations with experts) has not found any conclusive answer.Do you or your oncs have any opinion?

THE BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!! HEALTH ,HEALTH and more HEALTH and some HAPPINESS!!
Veronica, Toronto, Canada.

If you have time would you post the essence of the diet you are on?

How strict are you in relation to your diet?

What is the view on fats - omega three and six?.

What supplements do you consider valuable and why?.

AND have you seen the post on mistletoe and the response from CA. I would emphasise I know nothing about the treatment but am curious.

There are some posts on artimesian below, but I do not recall then answering your specific question.

RB

[RhondaH]

it seems to me that Gina Popp (she TOO is very knowledgeable about HER2, Herceptin, diet and supplements and I think you 2 could do some serious brainstorming) mentioned something about high doses of vitamin c not being good for Her2, you may want to email her regarding this AND I could be completely wrong. Also, I agree w/ RB about your sharing your regimen as I do the breast cancer diet, but would welcome as much new info as possible. Thank you.

Rhonda Hoffman

Unrelated - have you looked at the Mistletoe link or any knowledge in this area?

Here are some links I found on a site called THe Vitamin Foundation from a google search.

This looks like research on the edge and so definative answeres on how it works with Herceptin I guess will not be easy to find. I found nothing on the first page of a search for Herceptin and Vitamin C.

The first is worth skimming at least. It is informative on the role of antioxidants and cancerous cells. More reading! The rest I have no looked at but a glance look relevant to the generality of the question.

RB

http://www.positivehealth.com/permit.../calvino71.htm

ntravenous Ascorbate as a Tumor Cytotoxic Chemotherapeutic Agent
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials...allpages/print

http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/140/7/533.pdf

Vitamin C Pharmacokinetics: Implications for Oral and Intravenous Use
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/140/7/533

Ok, Im confused is Vitamin C Good or bad if your on Herceptin?

[Veronica]

Hi, Veronica asked me to reply to your questions. My name is Frank, Veronica's husband.
Her diet is modified macrobiotic. She eats two-three servings of meet per week, fish(wild salmon, sole or haddock), free range chicken or turkey. lots of vegetables, selected(low sugar) fruits,flax seeds. All is ORGANIC.
NO alcohol, sugar, red meat, coffee, very low fat;
Avoid mercury, lead, copper. Have your blood tested regularly for mercury, lead, copper and adjust your choice of food.
Supplements include:Co Q10, curcumin, quercetin, boswellic acid, I3C, folic acid, zinc, selenium,magnesium, calcium,garlic, EPA, fish oil, IP6, vitamins, enzymes.
We hope this could be of some use. Veronica's pathology is HER2 neu 90%, 10% hormonal.
Very best in 2006 to all of you.
Frank