Pills and Promises
Today’s post is a little different from the other updates I’ve shared, because I wanted to give you a peek into what we do on the daily to keep Troy healthy.
I thought I would share what supplements Troy is taking to support his health and hopefully lower the risk of another recurrence. All are suggested by his naturopath and research from prominent Integrative Oncologists to boost his immune system, fight inflammation, and protect his cells from further damage.
I’ll briefly describe the benefits of the supplements we’ve incorporated into his daily and weekly routines and how they fit into his overall health strategy. We’re taking proactive steps to support his body as a whole, not just his brain. We have the long view in mind, not just the here and now.
You’ll hear a lot about anti-inflammatories, detoxification, immunity, and cell death, however, each bottle is different in the role it plays. These supplements are specific to his recovery and are not intended to be medical advice or an endorsement of a particular brand.
In addition to aaaaallllll the things listed here, we (Troy & I) are doing our very best at eating a ketogenic diet. I still have quite a way to go in figuring out how to get into full ketosis, yet, meal by meal, we’re getting there. We’ve eliminated sugar, but the girls are still eating grains and carbs.
(In no particular order)
Quercetin: Blocks the transport of sugar from the bloodstream into cells by blocking a mechanism called “GLUT1,” disrupts a cellular process called ‘oxidative phosphorylation,’ another energy pathway that cancers can use to survive, and blocks fat metabolism in cancer cells
Resveratrol: An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property, cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and weight management.
NAC: plays a crucial role in replenishing glutathione, a powerful antioxidant essential for brain health, improving cognitive function, and helping detoxify the liver and kidneys.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by the body. It is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. Antioxidants attack "free radicals," waste products created when the body turns food into energy, and protect the brain and nerve tissue.
Magnesium Glycinate: Improves sleep, relaxation, and mood, as well as supports muscle and bone health, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar management.
Turkey Tail: Turkey tail acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy microbiome is linked to better immune regulation, which is essential when fighting cancer. It stimulates immune cells like T-cells, NK (natural killer) cells, and macrophages.
Selenium Curcumin Phytosone: Inhibits cancer cell growth and metastasis, boosts mood, memory, and cognitive function, and can neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting cells from damage.
Berbine: Lowers glucose and insulin levels, essentially starving cancer. Supports gut health and immune function.
Aloe Vera: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, aloe vera can help improve oral health, boost the immune system, and aid in weight management and blood sugar regulation.
Colostrum: Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and protective during radiation.
Black Seed Oil: Anti-inflammatory that reduces inflammation linked to cancer, boosts immune function, supports brain health with thymoquinone, and supports liver function.
Oil of Oregano: A compound that can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines, helps eliminate damaged or abnormal cells before they can proliferate into tumors, and is antibacterial.
Soursop Graviola: Fights cancer cells with acetogenins, compounds shown to target and inhibit tumor growth.
Bitters: Stimulates gastric juices to release bile, saliva, stomach acid, and pancreatic enzymes. Facilitate better absorption of nutrients, and regulate appetite and fullness.
Dandelion Root: Contains vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc, protects against liver damage, improves insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption, potentially helping to manage blood sugar levels.
Olive Leaf Extract: OLE is an alternative parasitic treatment to Iver and FenBen. We have been using it for about 10 years, at least twice a year.
Milk Thistle: Enhances liver detoxification, protects brain cells from oxidative stress.
Pancreatic Enzymes: Help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
Omega-3 with CoQ10: Supports brain function, is essential for brain health and development, reduces inflammation, and enhances cellular repair.
Fulvic Acid: induces cell death by binding to toxins, heavy metals, and glyphosate, which helps with deep detoxification from radiation.
Green Tea: An ancient and powerful antioxidant that inhibits tumor growth and metastasis.
Alterative Tea: Contain nutrients, minerals, including trace minerals, electrolytes, and hormonal precursors that nourish and stimulate metabolism, stimulate digestive and absorptive functions, promote eliminative functions and removal of wastes, minimize toxic accumulations, and enhance intestinal aerobic flora.
Serious Relaxer: An oral tincture for deep muscle tension and relaxation for Troy’s compound back fractures and herniated discs. Contains skullcap, Wood Betony, Hops, and Ginger Root.
MCT Oil: Benefits cognitive function and memory, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates blood sugar levels.
Frankincense Essential Oil: Targets cancer cells with boswellic acids which hve shown to induse cell death. reduces infalmation, aids in detoxification, and promotes cellular repair and regeneration.
Epson Salt & Bentonite Clay Baths: Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and can help relax muscles, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Bentonite clay binds to and draws out dirt, impurities, and toxins from the skin, including heavy metals.
Grounding Mat: Reduces inflammation by neutralizing free radicals, improves sleep, and reduces stress.
Lymphatic Vibration Table: Stimulates lymphatic circulation whuch helps detoxification, cardivasular health, bones desnity, and improves balance.
Hydrogenated Water: Neutralies free radicals, supports mitochondrial function, supports gut health by balancing bacteria nd reducing inflamation.
Water Filters: Removes heavy metals, chlorine, flouride, and bacteria. Everyone should have one, especially if you are on city water! A recent study was done on water and chemical abortion pills. The active metabolites from Mifepristone have been found in tap water at low doses.
Troy is still working from home, but each morning we drive to the Cancer Center where he receives his radiation treatments. We check in 15 minutes before his appointment, where we’re greeted by the same faces: Todd and Henry. Todd is waiting for Henry to finish his radiation before it’s his turn. Todd likes to keep to himself, but Henry is more outgoing and friendly. As Henry walks out, he joyfully greets us all, and Todd heads back. Then we wait for Todd to complete his treatment before it’s Troy’s turn. We’re all friends, and we all feel like we’re walking through a revolving radiation door.
After his appointment, we head home, Troy gets to work, and I make his breakfast. Lately, it’s been buttered eggs with microgreens, broccoli sprouts, and pickled onions. While he eats, I prepare his teas and supplements.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are pool and sauna days. The other days are for Espson baths. He needs gentle movement for his back muscles and sweat to detox from radiation.
If you're looking for ways to help Troy in a tangible way to stay strong and supported, you can find all these supplements and more in an updated Troy’s Recovery List on Amazon. Thank you to those who have already purchased items!
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, and for many of us, it’s more than a cause; it’s personal. Whether you've walked beside someone through their diagnosis, lost someone you love, or faced the journey yourself, this month holds weight.
Brain tumors change lives in an instant. They don’t discriminate by age, background, or lifestyle. The symptoms are terrifying and confusing. But what’s just as real is the courage of those who fight, the families who rally, and the communities that hold each other up. Behind every appointment, every prayer, and every sleepless night is a story of resilience. The gray ribbon is a tiny symbol with a big meaning. It represents not just awareness, but hope. This month, we honor the fighters, stand with the survivors, give thanks to the caregivers, and pray for their friends & family members.
Even in suffering, pain, and uncertainty, we are never abandoned. Yeshua walks with us, and His presence is our peace. More than that, He has conquered sin, death, and all brokenness—including disease. It doesn't always mean physical healing in the moment, but it does mean our story isn't over. It certainly doesn’t mean that we are alone in our suffering. On the contrary, he promises he is with us. Eternal life and wholeness are promised to those who trust in Him.
He will never leave or forsake you: Deuteronomy 31:6-8 "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
He will give you rest: Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
He will keep you in perfect peace: Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
He will supply all your needs: Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
He will never forget you: Isaiah 49:15-16 states that a mother may forget her infant, but "I will not forget you. Have I not put my love in you?"
He will prosper you and give you hope: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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As always, with each subsequent post, I’ll update you on our progress in meeting some needs. For transparency, you can click on each link, and it should take you directly to the source, where you can contribute online using his account number.
The total estimated goal we are trying to raise is $12,000.
We’re looking into an Integrative Oncology Center in Orange County, California. I’ve also found Doctors who have gone through the Metabolic Approach to Cancer Training by Dr. Nasha Winters. You can listen to her cancer story here. There are several, however they are also out of state.
Integrative Cancer Specialist—This Doctor is local to us and referred by our naturopath. $750 for first visit, individualized written protocol, and second visit.
IV Therapy. This is a priority! High-dose vitamin C helps keep his immune system strong while undergoing radiation, keeping the cancer away! The first visit to establish care is $450, with each dose being $199. There is a package of 10 treatments for $1791 that saves 10%. Ideally, he should go in twice a week. What’s not ideal is that we could stretch this out to once a week, every other week.
Anestesia Associates of Boise, Account # 8480598, $833.02
Canyon County Ambulance District, Run # 24-13902. $939.00
Boise Radiology Group, Account # BRG748704, $479.00
Natrupath for palliative care. ($237) Need Met. Thank you!
Rec Center Membership for muscle strength. Need Met. Thank you!
Vibration Table for Lymphatic Drainage & Circulation Need Met. Thank you!
The estimate of $12,000 should cover all the items above with a small buffer for anything else that may arise, like additional supplements or increased IV care. I have not listed his ENT or Audiologist. Both are outside of St. Luke’s, and we’re not sure what insurance will cover for the appointment and earplugs, (while this would benefit him, it’s something that will have to wait for now while there are other pressing needs.)
If you’d rather donate through Venmo (@StephanieHdb) or PayPal at sheconsiders@gmail.com, I’ll send you a receipt for how your donation was used.
For now, we have decided against creating a GoFundMe. There is a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation and 5% for recurring donations, however, we may change our minds later.
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"But in my mind I keep returning to something, something that gives me hope — that the grace of Adonai is not exhausted, that his compassion has not ended. [On the contrary,] they are new every morning! How great your faithfulness!"~Lamentations 3:21–23