Hi ladies
Just reading the Sunday Times
There’s an article about Metformin and how it alters the metabolism of cancer stem cells and can reduce their growth by up to 76%
There is a trial starting soon
This is one of the drugs prescribed by COC
Very interesting
Barb xx
Very interesting.
Hi Barb,
I heard about the article in The Times, but have not read it. That's good to know. I made a pact with myself to give the COC protocol a try for two years and then decide if I will keep going. It is encouraging to know that metformin is finally getting some more positive exposure. I will stick with it for the time being.
Sophie x
I just cancelled my first appointment with them this week while I wait to heard about another clinical trial... I had a different oncologist last week and when I mentioned COC she wasn't as dismissive as others... Will probably get an appointment back in once I know where I stand treatment wise... Thanks for sharing
Here it is, Barb:
thetimes.co.uk/article/metf...
Oh thanks for putting out the link...the other ladies can access it now
I’m going to COC on 9th July after I finish the radiotherapy so I’ll be taking those drugs soon....we’ll at least the Metformin
I haven’t decided on the other drugs but I’ll discuss when I’m there
Barb xx
You're welcome, Barb. Let me know how you get on at the clinic. My three month follow-up with Dr Mazibuko is on 5th July. All the best with the rest of the radiotherapy too.
Sophie x
Thank you for good wishes
I’ll let you know how I get on
I think it’s a case of leaving no stone unturned...investigate available options
Barb xx
You're welcome, Barb. That's how I feel too. I have watched several videos as part of the Anti-Cancer Revolution, hosted by Ryan Sternagel, this week. His son was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma before he reached his first birthday, and four years later he is in remission, so I found that inspiring and am digging deeper.
Sophie x
Have you been happy with Dr Callabout so far?
Mimi
Hi Mimi,
Yes, I am happy with Dr Callebout so far. I met him in person last month for my initial appointment and was impressed with how knowledgeable he was. His secretary is always on hand to answer my questions and will often email me back within minutes, just not today though as she is on holiday!
Sophie
Hi Sophie, I stupidly forgot my Metformin when coming away on holiday and am trying to get it online but don't know the dose we're prescribed by COC - can you help? Gill x
500 mg is starting dose
Barb xx
Hi Gill,
I take 500mg of metformin twice a day, so 1000mg total. How long are you away for? I would just start back up when you get back. Or if you are staying within the UK can you pop back home and get it?
Sophie x
Thanks Sophie - we are in GB but 6 hrs from home in sunny Cornwall. Have attempted to order via an online express pharmacy after getting no joy from COC out of hours number. We'll see! Gill x
You're welcome, Gill! Ugh! That's a pain, isn't it?! I also live six hours from Cornwall! My husband and I stayed in Pendoggett in 2013. We loved it. I just wasn't so keen on all those steep hills and bad phone reception. But other than that, I love Cornwall. Have fun and eat lots of Cornish pasties! I hope you are able to get an emergency supply of metformin.
Sophie
Just had to comment on something that isn't about cancer. I found your post so interesting because part of my ancestry, 1/4 of it, actually stems from Cornwall. I live in Las Vegas now, but am originally from Wisconsin. My great-grandfather was a shoe cobbler. When they moved to Wisconsin, Dodgeville, they lived in a cave until their home was built. It is the farmhouse that my Mom grew up in. Their last name was Smith, not too common! Also, I got on Metformin and have posted several times that I had skin cancer on my stomach that went away after 7-9 days on it. I also surprised my oncologist when after my last scans, the end of July, that he thought that one of my liver mets was dying. That was after a month on Metformin. It would be interesting for others to post their experiences with it.
Hi,
That's interesting about your ancestry. Maybe you should come to the UK and see where your relatives were born. I wonder if you still have any family over here?
I had an uncle who lived in Las Vegas before he repatriated back home. It was always nice to visit him when I lived in America. He would take us to the "other Las Vegas" (I don't gamble) where we experienced the international flair of the city or travelled to nearby sites, such as the Hoover Dam, and so on. I also got married in the city. So I really like Las Vegas.
I'm so pleased to hear that you have experienced such amazing results since you started metformin. Keep it up and hopefully you can achieve complete remission. That's my goal too!
Sophie 💓
I know what you’re saying and I’ll find out more when I go to the COC
As you say....all the studies are done on earlier stage breast cancer patients...that’s one of the questions I need answering...what/if studies are being undertaken for us ladies with advanced cancer
All the best for your scan tomorrow..bloody hideous isn’t it?!
Barb xx
what is COC?
It stands for Care Oncology Clinic...they supply off label drugs...there’s a clinic in London Harley Street
Barb xx
I was wondering the same thing! You beat me to the question! ❤
This is SO interesting! I could not read full article in the link provided (without subscribing) so here's a link to pdf.
ww5.komen.org/uploadedFiles...
I'll ask my onc about it, but I do think this is possibly connected to the discussion re: fasting, i.e. reduce level of sugar?
Hi Lynn
Just read this...as Sandra pointed out...these trials as always are conducted on early stage breast cancer patients
However as I’m in a positive mood today...there is a chance that Metformin will help mbc patients also even though not proven
I’m willing to take a chance as I doubt I have the time to wait for more trials to be done
Barb xx
Did you girls read Jane Mclellands book , " starving your cancer" ? She had stage 4 cancer and a similar protocol definitely helped her. She was fed up and maxed out with the chemo ( and was thinking more would ill her) and went with this and the vitamin C IVs . Many alternative practitioners consider Liposomal Vitamin C as just as effective and more affordable. There is yahoo group is teaching how to make your own liposomal C. I am so glad Barb is looking into this.
Sandra, you are always so positive so I know you are stressed! I’m sending positive and encouraging thoughts your way for good results from your CT scan and as many hugs as you need. Elaine
Barb, the NHI in the states is also doing trials with metformin. I hope they have answers in time for us. Go to their website and put in metformin and breast cancer.
Good luck with the radiotherapy. Blessings, Hannah
Hi Hannah
Thanks for your good wishes for my radiotherapy...I’m actually champing at the bit to get on with it now....get done and move on...there are risks involved as liver met is adjacent to my gall bladder and kidney so they could be damaged...however I have another kidney and a gall bladder can be removed so these are not life threatening....whereas the tumour is!!
I will have a look at the NHI website...actually never heard of it
All the best to you
Barb xx
NHI or NIH? National Institutes of Health? (maybe for instead of "of") The National Cancer Institute is a division of NIH and has alot of info including a list of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The CCCs are the top tier of Cancer Centers in the US and are mostly/all affiliated with university medical schools. I've gone to the CCC at U of MI a couple of times in the 15 years I've been living with MBC and had good expereinces both times. My local oncs have recommended going there for second opinions.
You are right. I wrote it wrong. It is the National Institute of Health (NIH). Sorry. Blessings, Hannah
Sandra. Nothing I will say will ease the anxiety but I wish you all the best for your scan tomorrow. You were so supportive to me when I had my last wobble... I wish I could pay it forward...Thinking of you.
Thanks for that Barb. Just started on the COC regime myself so a nice piece of Monday morning positivity 😊
Hi there
Gosh so nice to know another one of us ladies has started the COC
I’m assuming you’re taking the same four drugs as Sophie?
I do hope they help us....heaven knows we need it
All the best
Barb xx
Hi, yes, I assume I'm on the same 4, got the sense their protocol is the same but doses may vary, is that right? Anyway, I'm excited about it, thought 'just call me Pad!' made a convincing argument for its efficacy. No side effects either so far - you? Gill x
Hi Gill,
Yes, I'm on the same four drugs as you. My doses are: mebendazole 100mg, metformin 1000mg (two 500mg tablets a day), atorvastatin 80mg (two 40mg tablets a day), and doxycycline. I can't remember the dosage of the doxycycline, as I have finished with that for now, as I am rotating it with the mebendazole, and have thrown the boxes away. I'm having my first follow-up appointment on 5th July and will continue with the protocol.
Sophie
Interesting! I'm only on one 40mg statin a day. Instruction is to up dose of Metformin to 1000mg after two weeks. Will you have had your bloods done before follow-up? I need to ask my GP to do them as not due back at hospital until August. Hope your follow-up goes well. Gill x
Yes, I was also told to increase the dosage of the metformin after two weeks. I increased the statin as well after the first two weeks. I in April and had my last blood test in May, which Raphael said is fine for my July appointment. But I will also send a copy of my pathology report from August once I have had that done. I don't really fancy having another blood test before July. I feel like enough of a pin cushion as it is!
Sophie x
Interesting article. I really hope this is true and Metformin can help even Stage 4 patients. xx
Hi Eva
I do hope so
As Sandra pointed out...the majority of studies are undertaken on early stage breast cancer....however it doesn’t rule out that it could benefit us also
It’s so hard to feel positive as we haven’t got years and years to wait for trials and treatments to be approved
That’s why I’m going to COC soon as I feel I have nothing to lose apart from wasting money on something that doesn’t work...and hell I waste money on other crap so who cares
Barb xx
They also said that the Metformin helped with metastatic breast cancer. They said it starves the mets.
That is my hope too. I have been taking off-label drugs, as part of the COC protocol, since April.
Hi Barb,
Because there is not a large study to prove it, it does not mean it does not work. As you mention we do not have time to wait!
As we know some large studies are sponsored by pharmaceuticals and there is no money to be made out of 1p metformin. It could also be that it does not work but at least it is not too expensive or toxic to try. Let us know how you get on with COC.
All the best,
Eva xx
I just read this morning that lycopene ( tomatoes) with olive oil to help it absorb has the same effect on Cholesterol as statin drugs. And no side effects of muscle or heart pains. It was a link on the Jane Mclelland FB page.
Yes there was a big deal over lycopene several years ago in relation to prostate cancer...cooking the tomatoes increases the effect...so tomato ketchup ( the one without sugar) is very good for you...I actually hate the stuff reminds me of blood!!
Interesting about it being as good as statins...is that from a published study?
Barb xx
Wow! Hope the trials have good outcomes and something becomes available soon.
Sandra never apologize! Scanxiety is real and I wish you good results and a return to your wonderful positive attitude.
Praying for good scans!
Barb! I literally just read about using Metformin last night in the book “How to Starve Cancer”! The author used it in her “cocktail” of drugs to successful beat cancer.
I know!!... I read it some time ago....she didn’t have mbc though but who knows how it works
Barb xx
Yes, you're right, Barb. Jane did not have metastatic breast cancer. But she did have cervical cancer that metastasised to her lungs. Then she developed leukaemia. I remember reading in her book that once she was diagnosed as stage IV her prognosis was very poor, possibly months, rather than years. I think that if cancer really is a metabolic disease then by following the COC protocol, and use other off-label drugs and supplements it's possible to beat this disease.
That's why I am taking an integrative approach by using conventional medicine prescribed by my oncologist, the COC protocol, seeing Dr Callebout and trying to figure out Jane's protocol too. I still have a lot more to research, but that's where I am right now. I just had some tests done today that Dr Callebout ordered. I went last Wednesday for the blood draw, which was a complete disaster (three of my veins collapsed!) so I went to another private practitioner who could do the tests (in Essex this time), and there was no problem today.
Oh, and I am also trying to work on "me" as in resting, getting enough exercise, eating a healthy diet and looking for other ways to help myself.
Sophie x
Wow, good for you! Please keep us in the loop!
Thank you! I will. I am just so tired, as it's been such a busy day and very muggy too. I don't cope well with humidity at all! I am sitting in front of a fan right now and it still isn't helping. Ugh!
I am sitting in front of a fan too 😂
Are you in the UK? I'd gladly head back to Iceland right about now! I had such fun over there in January. Now I could do with some cold weather. 😂😂
Georgia in the US. I was just reading about Iceland and the recent decline in tourism. Apparently an airline that serviced them went out of business. They experienced a real surge with Game of Thrones.
I've driven through Georgia on my way to South Carolina (I lived in North Carolina and California for seven years), so you must be able to relate to the humidity. I didn't hear about the decline in tourism in Iceland. That's a shame because it's a lovely country. I would love to return. There is so much I didn't get to see last time I was there.
Sophie ❤
I love the heat...apart from riding in it...get surrounded by hundreds of flies...it’s the horse sweat...well that’s what I tell myself lol
Barb xx
I wish I liked the heat and humidity, but I don't. I have always suffered really badly from it. I woke up with a headache this morning, but at least we had the rain overnight, which has freshened things up a bit. I'm off to hospital shortly. It's for my husband this time, which makes a change.
Sophie ❤
Do you have a home bargains shop near you? They do anti-mozzie wipes, that you rub on you and your horse. All my horsey friends use them, and it helps keep away the bugs (including horse flies)
Sandra I know the feeling about the scans try to be busy I will keep on my prayers
Thanks for sharing! Metformin is very similar to Berberine. They both block the Glucose pathway.
Mimi
I asked my oncologist about berberine months ago...said she’d never heard of it!!!
Makes you wonder
Barb XX
I asked my local pharmacist about berberine and she had never heard of it either! I still take it though.
Sandra everything you wrote makes so much sense, thank you. The anxiety sucks. I wish you the best, my friend and wish I could do much more ♥️
Thank you, Barb! I just started back on metformin 3 months ago, as I had lost some weight and lied to myself thinking I didn't need it anymore since I lost the weight and glucose seemed stable. I've been borderline diabetic for years. Glad to know it's helpful against the beast! Blessings! <3
This is reassuring about taking off label drugs...if I was diabetic...which I’m not...they would be prescribed for me so taking an ‘unnecessary ‘ drug shouldn’t be a problem and if it helps slow down the cancer then why not?!
Hope that makes sense!
Barb xx
I have also heard metformin keeps alzheimers away! <3
Amazing how drugs for one complaint end up being useful for another
Look at aspirin..cheap and useful for so many disorders
Barb xx
i know, and I was taking 8 or so aspirin a day for pain, then started the ginger root powder for anti-cancer properties and lo and behold it took away my pain, still amazed at that, sorry to go on and on about ginger LOL
Because of your ‘ginger’ posts...I’m a convert..have a chunk in my juices and it’s lovely...I’m having more and more of it...always loved ginger things as a kid..ginger beer cookies etc...even have a ginger cat and a ginger (chestnut) horse!!
I believe it’s of benefit
Barb xx
When my Southampton hubby started calling ginger snaps ginger nuts, I didn't know that I would become one LOL ... like you, I have always loved all things ginger; saw cookies yesterday at the bakery that looked like the big nestle toll-house cookies but alas, they were pumpkin and ginger with loads of choc chips! I almost bought them but then realized hubby wouldn't touch pumpkin and I'd end up eating the entire package ... self-preservation ... if you know it will hurt you don't buy it and bring it home, right? lol Guess I should color my hair ginger <grin> Much <3 to you and just adore your wit!
I could just devour a packet of gingernuts now.....having my radiotherapy today but not till 4 p.m...had to starve 8 hours....so hungry!!
Might indulge later lol
Yeah be a redhead!!
Barb xx
you're almost there! 9:20 a.m. here, so 3:20 p.m. your time. I can tell you this, the single beam radiation doesn't hurt! I only had a boiled egg so far this morning, and in honor of you I will not have any ginger nuts until AFTER 4:30 p.m. God grant you peace, ease and healing in Jesus name, amen! <3 xo
You’re so caring
You’re right it didn’t hurt...boring though lying fixed on a couch for an hour...totally wedged onto the cast they made when I went to Birmingham
Didn’t have the gingers in the end....fancied an omelette and fruit!!!
Barb xx
Not to worry, I had my share AND yours of the ginger nuts! Glad you made it through it unscathed! Beast be gone in Jesus name, amen! <3
Four more sessions then I’m done
Kill the beast
Hope all ok with you...I’m always going on about me...sorry
Barb xx
Yes, thank you, my cough is much better! yay ... one down 4 to go! slay the beast, amen! <3
Oh that’s great...you can look forward to getting out and about more?
Barb xx
So happy you got your first session over with! Glad you had no pain!
Sandra
Please????!!!!you are always there for all of us. Let us be there for you now. Who the hell is positive going in for scans? And waiting?’! I would be concerned if any one was nonchalant about it. I do not like words like -or+. We are dealing with a damn beast; we have ups and downs, friek out attacks and acceptance. Anytime we have to find out what the beast is doing, not doing is nerve wracking. You will be Sandra still, the one we know and love♥️ I hope after the scan today you decompressed and get results real soon.
Hugs, love, prayers,
Frances
Hope the metformin works for you all. 3 years prior to being diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer in 2006 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and on Metformin 1000mg per day, then june last year I was diagnosed with 2 serious auto immune diseases and put on massive doses of prednisone which increased my blood glucose and they upped the metformin to 2000 per day .About that time they also found the MBC and put me on Ibrance and Letrozole with which I had significant progression.Lost 15 lbs and down to 109 lbs. now again on 1000mg of metformin. Now on Faslodex and Ibrance and getting my 3rd injection this week. Tumor markers still up. Starting radiation to spine mets next week then a pet scan in September. Over the years I tolerated the Metformin well with no side effects. God bless
I had progression with Fluvestrant and Ibrance. The only thing that seems to have helped me is Metformin, cleared up skin cancer on my stomach, may have killed a liver met and my bone mets didn't progress.
Can someone explain what COC stands for?
Care Oncology Clinic
It’s in Harley Street London...they prescribe off label drugs
Barb xx
I have an excerpt from Life Extension Magazine about Metformin that stated that: "Metformin not only extended a major protective effect against cancer development, but those who developed cancer exhibited a significantly higher survival rate including those with malignant cancers of the lung, colon and breast."
I started taking Metformin tonight. I was diagnosed as a borderline diabetic over forty years ago by a diabetic specialist that my neighbor/friend worked for. He did the 8 hour glucose testing right before they went to the 3-hour one. He told me that I am definitely a borderline diabetic. I have a brother who was a Type I diabetic that passed away almost two years ago. He was on dialysis for four years. He developed leukemia shortly before dying. The article that I referred to said that they think that there is a definite link between diabetes and cancer. It does make sense. The specialist also told me that because they switched to the 3-hour glucose testing that many people would be misdiagnosed. He told me that all of my doctors would tell me that I was normal, but that I'm not. I think this is a logical explanation for the fact that though fluvestrant started out helping that it quickly didn't. I was told to drink Coke, eat brownies, cake, shakes, etc., to bring my phosphate levels up. I am sure that obliterated the initially encouraging results of the fluvestrant. I did two rounds of Ibrance and my numbers went up 230 points. My oncologist wants me to try it for a longer time, but I would rather try the Metforin alone to see how it works. I go between Denver and Las Vegas for cancer treatment. I have been told that not enough research has been done on the Metforin. I called Pfizer to see if they are working to fine tune the Ibrance so that more women can endure it. They don't fine tune their drugs, they just move on to the next one. In the meantime, just one of their CEO's was paid $28M last year, which is outrageous!
I did start taking Metformin a week ago today. I have also been diagnosed as a borderline diabetic. I also read that they think that there is a connection between diabetes and cancer, so to take Metformin seems like a positive, much more than drugs that poison us, killing our healthy cells along with cancer cells.
yay! so glad I'm taking that! you know I stopped it for a few years because I had lost weight and my blood sugar kind of normalized, now I'm wondering if that didn't have something to do with my mbc? nice to "see" you Barb, hope all is well! I had some good news yesterday, CA test numbers came down substantially! God bless you and heal us all in Jesus name, amen! <3 xo
Hi
I’ve just replied to your latest post re statins
Barb xx
LOL ... I just realized that your post was from 4 mos. ago. I found this article which I may have found before and posted but it's good news so I'll share it again right here 
I'm like a goose, I wake up in a new world everyday! ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
I have posted several times that I am on Metformin and that I have gotten positive results, it got rid of a skin cancer on my stomach, after 7-9 days on it and my oncologist was surprised because it looked like one of my liver mets was dying after a month on it!
I have posted several times that Metformin seems to be helping me. I had skin cancer on my stomach that went away after just a week. My oncologist was very surprised when it looked like one of my liver mets was dying after a month on it.
Breast Cancer on Brain.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
UPDATE - Breast cancer awareness month
Metastatic Breast cancer 
Recent Metastasic Stage IV Breast Cancer
