A Dutch study of almost 4,000 people treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma using chemotherapy and radiation reports that 48% of those studied were diagnosed with a SECOND cancer in their lifetime.
It was also reported in the December 2015 study, which tracked people treated between the years of 1965-2000, that new advances in chemotherapy in the 1990’s had no change in the incidence of secondary cancers.
“The cumulative incidence of second solid cancers did not differ according to study period (1965–1976, 1977–1988, or 1989–2000)”
This study is EXACTLY why my husband and I chose to address my Stage 2 NLP (nodular lymphocyte predominant) Hodgkin’s lymphoma with nutritional and holistic therapies FIRST. We knew the risk for secondary cancers existed first hand when my aunt (mom’s identical twin,) who had Hodgkin’s as a teenager and was treated conventionally, was diagnosed and passed away from the effects of breast cancer treatment in her 50’s. Her doctor stated that her breast cancer (and heart problems resulting in multiple surgeries,) were caused by her Hodgkin’s treatment as a teenager.
When I was diagnosed at 26, I was perfectly healthy (besides digestive problems from my super poor Standard American Diet.) When the oncology nurse told us all of the effects of the chemotherapy and radiation, it was hard to accept the SIDE EFFECTS from the treatment that wouldn’t be there otherwise. They were pretty much going to ravage me.
After I finally agreed with my husband to pursue holistic/ nutritional treatment FIRST, we always knew that if for some reason it didn’t work, or my cancer progressed in the 3 month time limit we gave myself, THEN chemotherapy would be an acceptable next step. But if my cancer decreased or stayed the same, we would keep going and move forward with possibly additional natural therapies.
It’s important to know that I had a firm belief that chemotherapy and radiation would NOT bring me health. I also had a strong fear of them and how they would affect my longevity and ability to have children one day. They would probably do a decent job shrinking tumor bulk initially, but as far as long term wellness and fertility, it was too much of a gamble. I didn’t feel unreasonable at all giving myself time to try effective, well-researched nontoxic approaches for a set time limit while monitoring carefully.
And if you’ve been following my blog for long- I’m here 7 years later, no evidence of disease, and have 3 amazing daughters. No chemo or radiation needed.
Why isn’t this a reasonable approach with oncologists today? Could be that they wouldn’t be able to support their families if they didn’t prescribe drugs and could also be at risk for losing their medical license? It could also be that they truly believe that chemo and radiation (along with newer but still toxic immunotherapy) are the only tools they have in their toolbox because that’s what they were taught in medical school.
Hodgkin’s indeed has a high rate of remission (in the 80-90% range for 5 year survival,) but possibly HALF of those people will have to undergo treatment for another, more aggressive cancer in their lifetime.
If you have already been treated for Hodgkin’s using chemotherapy or radiation, please don’t let this scare you. Let it be motivating for you to begin an anticancer lifestyle that will give you the confidence that your remission isn’t so much about luck, but about intentional living that you can have a degree of power over.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What would you do if diagnosed with seemingly more curable Hodgkin’s lymphoma? Chat with me in the comments below or on Facebook.
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Hi Cortney,
What kind of tests did you use to monitor your treatment progress?
I was diagnosed with mediastianal lymphadenopathy (with multiple hyper metabolic lymph nodes with SUV >15 in my chest) along with many lymphoma symptoms. Hodgkins is strongly suspected, but not confirmed with biopsy yet. That was almost 3 months ago and I am delaying and trying to avoid going through the traditional biopsy/chemo route. I have lots of diegestive problems like IBS and leaky gut. I have been on a very restrictive diet for that reason alone, but since this diagnosis, I switched to raw vegan smoothies, juices and blended veggie soups. I still have gas, bloating and pain in my liver. Finding the right diet is the main problem for me. I found too much contradiction in cancer diets to know which one is right for me. Mercola also published an article against vegan diet. Many nutritionists are against it and especially for lymphoma that requires anymal protein to rebuild lymphocytes.
Did you experience any digestive problems and debilitating fatigue with your cancer diet?
Now back to testing ..
I did the most expensive Greece test and waiting for result.
Did anyone use thermographic imaging for lymphoma treatment monitoring?
Hi Vada,
That’s great you did the Greece. You’ll save money in the long run by targeting what will work rather than trying out a bunch of things. I also had digestive problems when diagnosed. A good naturally minded doctor can run food sensitivity tests to see what your body needs nutritionally. I’d start there! My digestive problems were not relieved by my diet change alone. I did a series of 7 colonics that changed EVERYTHING. I would also look into the Moritz liver cleanse for your liver health. I have found that really helpful. Blessing s to you. No place for fear right now- work on ACCEPTING what is and loving your body tenderly and unconditionally no matter what it is doing right now.
I am going for a guided ct scan tomorrow to biopsy some lymph nodes. My 1st ct scan showed enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen and chest. My yoga instructor told me about Chris Beat Cancer site and I am reading all of this amazing stuff regarding nutrition and healthy lifestyle instead of chemo/radiation. I am 59, teach exercise classes and feel I ate pretty good, except for drinking white wine (my downfall). Anyway, prayers appreciated for me tomorrow and I’ll follow your blog!
Evelyn Nowak, Grafton, WI
exerciseev5@yahoo.com
Hi Evelyn!!! I hope it went well. Love to you. 🙂
I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma December 2014 and out of pure fear and ignorance, I rushed in to chemo right away. After six months, and a clear scan, the HL was gone and I thought I would never have to worry again. In May of 2016 another scan and biopsy showed that the HL had come back. This time, they were unsure if the cancer was HL or another lymphoma called large B cell. While I waited for the results, I immediately started the cottage cheese and flaxseed protocol (yumm…not!) and now follow a vegan diet. I thought I might as well try to heal myself since the doctors can’t seem to give me a clear diagnosis or treatment option. And here I am, jumping from doctor to doctor trying to get a clear answer, yet still unsuccessful. It’s a frustrating process, but reading the success stories of nontoxic healing gives me so much hope and brings calmness to the craziness that is cancer.
Hi Jenny, I can imagine how frustrating that must be. Love to you! Hope you know a little more now!
Hi Courtney, I need your help please. I’ve just been diagnosed with B cell lymphoma & I don’t want Chemo. I want to try holistic treatment. Can you help me get started. Right now I am eating berries & veggies also doing the Essaic tea & dandelion root tea. I really need you to help me get on the right track. I’m desperate & trying not to cry as I write this.
Thank you
Paula
Hi Paula, I’m so so sorry it’s been awhile since you wrote. I hope you feel more peace about your diagnosis. I am not in a season right now to personally help, but my START page has everything I recommend to begin your research and help guide you along this journey. Here it is: https://www.anticancermom.com/get-started/
Hi Courteney, we are very grateful for this site. My hubby had Hodgkins lymphoma 2 years ago and underwent chemotherapy for 3 months. He had Pet scan and was in remission for good 2 years. He just had a review and found another small ball on a right side of his neck this time. We couldn’t believe it. We would live to do alternative treatments now. So 2 wks ago we started with budgie protocol every morning and are blending green vegetables plus lots of salads in the evenings.he is very good willing to give this a try I’m so proud of him. We also started with Essiac Tea, green Japanese tea and green tea. I just wanted to know after how many weeks have you noticed a change? It’s been 3Rd week now and ball on the neck is still there…. Would you recommend anything else? Thanks
My best advise: adhere to the diet and lifestyle 1000%. Be determined to heal. Detox emotional traumas, victim thinking, and overreaction to life. Forgive and “let it go.” 🙂 It took 8 weeks to really have a noticeable difference in the size of my lymph node. It waxed and waned for a little bit before it went down completely.
The article you sited is based chemotherapy regiments NO LONGER in use. Your post serves only to propagate ignorance and incite fear in people who are already terrified. I am happy your cancer is in remission but posting such irrlevant data is shameful.
Hi Jennifer…it’s not shameful. It’s extremely HELPFUL. And it’s true- these drugs cause secondary cancers. Even the authors of the study state: “The risk of second solid cancers did not appear to be lower among patients treated in the most recent calendar period studied (1989–2000) than among those treated in earlier periods. The awareness of an increased risk of second cancer remains crucial for survivors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”
Perhaps ABVD (what most classical Hodgkin’s patients receive today,) was not what recipients received in this study, but 2 of the chemo drugs in ABVD are also present in COPP which was the treatment of choice for Hodgkin’s treatment in the 70’s, 80’s , and 90’s. Who is to say it would be less likely to cause secondary cancers? Also- many Hodgkin’s patients (and Non-Hodgkin’s) still are offered CHOP or MOPP chemo cocktails, which I gather were what the patients in this study were given.
I’m sorry for you Jennifer you have been fooled by the Lies of Big Pharma and Oncologists. Do some history on Chemo and how it started and radio and the whole story of your medical establishments starting with the Rockefellers. You are sadly misinformed. Most oncologists will not use chemo for them or their families – enough said and good luck
Hi , I was just diagnosed with HL. I went to see a doctor today that told me I should do IPT (low dose chemo) along side IV Vitamin C therapy. Just hearing chemo scares me, I know it’s poison and can cause other cancers down the road. I’m reaching out to you to ask your thoughts on IPT? The doctor told me HL can not go away unless I do 6months of chemo to start.
Hi Randi, well…it’s definitely NOT true that HL can only go away with chemo. There are several testimonies off the top of my head of people going into remission without chemo with Hodgkin’s. Jared Bucey (Kid Against Chemo), Billy Best, and me, too. Most people do chemo because of the “cure rate” with chemo and Hodgkin’s…but MOST people don’t even give alternatives a try. With a 48%-ish chance of second recurrence after chemo, I’d definitely try a natural route first (just my opinion of course.) IPT is still toxic just not as bad…but definitely better than full-on chemo as long as you are also on an intense nutritional protocol and addressing the other causes of cancer such as emotional healing and dental toxins and detox (which will be hard to do while going through IPT.)
Hi
I was diagnosed in 1975 with Hodgkins Disease. I had extensive radiation no chemo. I have been getting squamous cells developing in my upper gum. I just finished surgery # three. My question is why didn’t they follow me during my remission? After about 10 years the medical community knew about the side effects. Additionally I am going bankrupt with all the medical bills and many of the things are not covered. I’m an American, with a career, and I have been paying for insurance my whole adult life, I can’t wrap my head around hearing “it’s not covered”
This must be happening to others.
Hi. Firstly im sorry for my broken english. Im from TÜRKİYE and this moment that is the moment i found you here is my sweetest moment. Im diagnosed HL stage2 last year..and like you i refused chemo i tried some therapies myself.unfortunately i couldnt succeed. In my country every cancer patient takes chemo.almost noone knows the truth about chemo..except doctors i think. But they dont tell the truth.. DEAR COURTNEY im very happy because i found you.. please help me. Last week i decided to take chemo..my cancer is getting worse and i cant do anything.. where will i start.. thank you ❤
Hi Meral, I’m glad you reached out! A great place to start is my Get Started page. It has many great resources and practical ways to get started!
Thank you for telling us not to be scared if we did accept treatment. I’m living a very clean life but it’s still quite scary. Reoccurrence is a scary word.
Great for you, Kristen! 🙂 I know several Hodgkin’s survivors and they are doing the same. It’s so important.
Family member Diagnosed with CML
Told as long as you take Gleevec you’ll be fine. We wonder how much harm is it causing to other parts of the body. I have trouble finding any information about treating it with nutrition instead. Would appreciate any information!!!
Hi Diane, see my Get-Started page. 🙂
Is there a particular green drink recipe if one were to get breast cancer?
I recently got a new juicer and am trying to ward off any concern even
though I was recently told I don’t have breast cancer, after a thermography test. I had a sore breast, but changing bras, the soreness went away and I’m hoping all will be well. To the lady readers: Never, Never get a mammogram. I’m told it can
squeeze a cyst and spread the problem!
Hi Dorothy! 🙂 My favorite juice is 1 cucumber, 1 medium beet, 2 stalks celery, 6 carrots, and 1/4″ piece of ginger, along with 1 green apple. The beets, carrots, and ginger all have anti-cancer properties. If you’re concerned about sugar, use half of the green apple or none at all.
My 17 y.o. son was diagnosed with HL in the summer of 2014. Because he was a minor we believed he would be forced into chemo, so we fearfully consented and he underwent the 4 rounds prescribed. Soon after completing the regime he was declared “cancer free” after a PET scan. The following PET scan 6 mos later revealed that the cancer was back (surprised?). By then, he was nearly 18 and we were told they wouldn’t take us to court because chemo had been tried and he was near legal age. The next day we found Cortney’s site and soon after began the Henderson Protocol she used. For the next several monthes he followed the protocol and we saw his Hcg numbers level off and then fall. We then decided to see a funtional med dr. to have his blood tested. He was told that he has gut inflammation, his cholesterol was dangerously low (around 100) and that he needed to eat meat and eggs. This sounded good to him, so he began to follow a paleo diet, and take additional supplements recommended by the dr. The dr. also told him he could drink a (much missed) cup of coffee every morning. Since making these changes his cholesterol has dropped to 86 and his Hcg has gone up. Now, he is not drinking coffee, and back on coffee enemas.
All this to say, this isn’t a cake walk. We wish every day we had started out with alternatives and wonder how many of the problems he is having now are caused by the chemo.
Keep getting the word out, Cortney.
still seeking,
leah
Leah- has he tried the Budwig Chocolate pudding, and some tastier salad options along with a cooked vegan dinner? During this healing time I don’t believe meat would be a great idea, especially since his numbers were dropping until he went Paleo. And try some green tea instead of coffee. I grew to love it!