Lymphoma: Alternative Treatment over Chemotherapy
This blog is a description of the alternative protocols I have used to treat my lymphoma and avoid chemotherapy, it is not a prescription or recommendation for what another should necessarily do. I’m writing about my personal experience so people know that there are successful alternative methods for treating lymphoma other than chemotherapy. There are numerous books on this subject, such as Suzanne Somers book, Knock Out or the book Fighting Cancer by Robert Gortheir, MD, Ph.D and Erik Peper, Ph.D. Both of these books were recommended to me, and I have read them.
My Journey

With permission from Pixabay
Please read Dr. Diane®‘s story, this tells my personal story of multiple brain injuries and Lyme Disease. What it does not include is my history of Epstein Barr virus in college or my bout with H. Pylori Bacteria. I did write a blog on that and how cranberries really helped me to feel better.
On my website, the story ends in May 2014 when I received the great news that my brain tumor (Meningioma) had not grown. This continues to be true! I directly attribute this to all I do to take care of myself through my brain rehabilitation program and a brain healthy diet. Alternative methods are viable (when done under the guidance of an experienced physician) and it can be a great relief to avoid or minimize the nasty side effects of many common drugs and procedures.
General Anesthesia
Brain surgery was recommended, however I chose NOT to have brain surgery because it involves general anesthetic that affects the brain’s cognitive functioning. For a person with no prior brain injury of any type (including concussion, stroke, MS, Parkinson Disease, Autism, ADD and ADHD) the effect of cognitive impairment from anesthesia can last from a few days to over a month. For a person with any type of brain injury, the effects can last for months, years to indefinitely, resulting in what is seen as dementia. I personally have seen numerous patients diagnosed with dementia that had a prior history of brain injury, and had an operation that involved general anesthesia.
Personal Decision about General Anesthesia
Having seen these results and conferring with my neurologist and neurosurgeon about the possible long term effects, I decided not to have brain surgery for my brain tumor.
Journey continues: Coping with the Unexpected
In my blog: Blast Injury: Coping with the Unexpected I shared that in May of 2014, an MRI found a tumor on my liver that indicated the possibility of liver cancer. I dismissed this at the time thinking it was a benign growth and was willing to watch and wait. In November 2015 I had another MRI and my doctors insisted that I have a biopsy, which I did on December 22nd. The results showed I had lymphoma, yet one of the strangest forms ever seen. It was so strange that a second biopsy was done on February 19, 2016.
Biopsy Results
The results of both biopsies were almost identical. I did have lymphoma, however my presentation was unusual, to say the least. If you look up the definition of lymphoma, it is a blood cancer of the lymph system, which includes your lymph nodes and spleen, none of which I had. I had a tumor on my liver. This type of lymphoma would be called a primary hepatic lymphoma, which in and of itself is extremely rare. Then if you did further research on lymphoma you would find there are T cell and B cell lymphoma and of the latter there are specific Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Any of these types can be either slow growing or aggressive (meaning fast growing.) The usual situation is a person with one of these presentations. It is extremely rare to have more than one type of lymphoma being presented, however I did. I read both the December and February pathology reports. What they clearly showed is that I had a tumor on my liver with 4 types of lymphoma with the majority being aggressive. My oncologist wrote the following to me:
“This lymphoma looks aggressive under the microscope, but has acted slow growing. It is similar, but not the same as Hodgkin, treated a little differently. I guess you could say that this is a primary hepatic lymphoma because it is primarily in the liver, but that is not a specific entity.”
Recommended Treatment
Both the oncologist at Beth Israel Hospital and my current oncologist at Dana Farber recommended chemotherapy. The oncologist at Beth Israel recommended a six month regimen that would have put me out of work and required a caretaker for the whole duration. The oncologist at Dana Farber recommended a less intensive, yet highly effective method of chemotherapy, called CHOP. In both situations, I declined treatment, because I’m keenly aware of the side-effects of chemotherapy that affect cognitive functioning, often called “chemo brain.”
Personal Decision about Chemotherapy
I had to make a quality of life decision. Many chemotherapy patients I know have experienced months of cognitive (memory, thinking, judgment) problems after their regimens. I lived with these symptoms for almost 7 years as a result of my initial brain surgery and concussion, as well as with subsequent concussions and Lyme Disease. I had NO choice in those situations. Since there was NO doctor who was willing to say I would not have some form of dementia from the chemotherapy, I chose not to risk such an experience again. Yes, the chemotherapy might stop or cure my lymphoma, but I might not be able to function again: I might not be able to write another blog, see patients, or remember my children and grandchildren. I had reached the point where quality of life was far more important than the quantity of years lived.
Other Methods that are working: Plus Hypnosis
It dawned on me that maybe what I was doing for my brain injury, Lyme Disease and brain tumor might be keeping this aggressive cancer growing slowly or not at all. I told my oncologist that I wanted to continue what I was doing for the above condition along with doing hypnosis. I suggested this since I’ve been using hypnosis for over 38 years with cancer patients. In fact, I’m published in the Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestion and Metaphor for the use hypnosis in the treatment of cancer. My oncologist had never heard of its use, yet agreed to my program, which I called my “Concoction.”
I asked him if I had chosen chemotherapy how would I know if it was working. He said by a PET scan. I asked could we do the same for my treatment, and he agreed.
PET Scan results
I’ve had two PET scans since my diagnosis. The first shows stage 1 with the tumor and cancer only on the liver and nowhere else on my body. The second shows the same results with a slight decrease in the tumor. This decrease came as a result of absolutely no chemotherapy, it is due solely to my method of treatment (aka my “concoction.”) My oncologist said my next appointment for a PET scan was in 6 months and a blood test in 3 months. They were very surprised, and I was definitely a happy camper, doing a happy dance.
My Treatment Program for My Lymphoma
This is not a recommendation for anyone else, yet I know it has worked for me.
I start my day with a 4 oz. glass of Essiac tea from Haverhill, MA on an empty stomach. Then I take one 8 oz. glass of lemon juice along with blue green algae (Mind) and (Body) by New Earth along with Probiotics, Ultimate Flora 100 Billion – Flora 2-14- by Innate. I follow this with
2 oz. of Organic Elderberry Juice from either Maine Medicinals Inc. and/or Honey Gardens. I wrote a blog about the benefits of elderberry syrup. This is followed by 2 oz. of Ningxia Red by Young Living Oil and 2 oz. of Siberian Pine Nut Oil- Extra Virgin- by Siberian Tiger. Then, I take a variety of Nature Sunshine or Standard Process whole supplements that our Nutrition Educator, Martha Lindsay has approved for me to take.
Essiac Tea
Essiac Tea has been documented as a powerful herbal cancer remedy (which I can certainly attest.) It was formulated by a Canadian nurse, Rene Caisse, who treated thousands of cancer patients that had seen little success with any conventional methods. The foundation herb, sheep sorrel, is a common wild herb that was recommended to Rene by a Native American man. He told her that the herb had been used by northern indigenous tribes for centuries to treat illnesses with symptoms similar to cancer. The other herbs in the formula are Burdock, Slippery Elm, and Turkey Rhubarb. It is not the best tasting tea I have ever had, but I strongly believe that it is a cornerstone of the formula that is helping me to get better. I highly recommend this Essiac company (they use whole-herb sheep sorrel!) in Haverhill MA.
Prayer and Positive Thinking
Another foundation of my “Concoction” is prayer and positive thinking. Science has begun to document the power of positive thinking in healing. Nowhere is this phenomenon more evident than in the “Placebo effect.” If a doctor tells a person that a pill will make them better, and the person believes this is true, often they will show significant improvement over a control group, even if the pill is simply sugar. Our minds are intimately connected with our bodies, and positive thinking and positive moods are beneficial to health.
Prayer is more a matter of personal belief. There have been some interesting studies on the power of prayer to help others heal, but more data is needed. Personally, I feel that it is a powerful help to my well-being. When I was diagnosed I asked friends and family to pray for me. Even if it is only helping my positive thinking, that is something in itself, but I believe there is more to it. It is up to the individual.
The supplements are the following:
- Gabba from VitaCost: (This is for my brain injury), while the next three are for my Lyme Disease. (I’m allergic to antibiotics.)
- Nutri-Calm: by Nature Sunshine
- Golden Seal: by Nature Sunshine
- Olive Leaf: by Nature Sunshine
- Norwegian Kelp: Country Life
- Resvertrol Golden: NutriGold
- Bromelain: Vita Cost
- Vitamin E by Dr. Mercola
- Milk Thistle by Wild Harvest
The following are more general nutritional supplements for my whole system, from a company called Standard Process.
- Cataplex D
- Cataplex E
- Cataplex C
- CyroFood
- Ligaplex II
- Cal-Ma-Plus
- EHT by Nerium International – This is for cognitive enhancement- brain injury and Lyme Disease
- Prince of Peace Red Ginseng Royal Jelly 30 Vial(s) – Amazon – for Lyme Disease and brain injury
Aroma Therapy
- Essential Oils from Young Living Oils
- Endo/Flex
- Myrtle, Frankincense and Sage
- Bach Remedies:
- Rescue Remedy
- Olive
- Wobenzym N by Garden of Life, LLC: This is for the joint pain from the Lyme Disease
I recently found out it is very effective for lymphoma too. - Claritin for allergies: Also for the rash and itchiness on my body.
(For over 4 years, I went to my PCP, allergist, and dermatologist about this rash on my upper body that caused itching.) No one could explain it, only to take Claritin, which worked. I only discovered after being diagnosed with lymphoma that one of the major symptoms of lymphoma is… itching.
Neurofeedback and Reiki
Along with the above, every day I do my hypnosis and neurofeedback specifically designed protocols. Weekly I have a Reiki and/or massage session.
Final Diet Remarks
When I can, I exercise 3-4 times per week, either in the pool or walking in the woods.
In conjunction with all of the above, I’m on a brain diet and now a cancer diet. Both are very similar, meaning no Cane Sugar, no wheat, oats, or barley. I can eat fruits including papaya and all berries, and of course my cranberries. No juices or smoothies are allowed. I can only eat foods I can chew, except green tea and lots of water. There is a priority for lots of vegetables, especially artichokes and asparagus and protein from fish and grass fed animals. You can go on many websites and get what foods to eat and what not to eat. Dark chocolate is a definite yes. Dairy is extremely limited. Raw, unprocessed Honey from our local bees is approved to use. Along with this all my offices have wide-spectrum lights.
I may have missed something. I hope not. I can’t tell you what item or thing is working or if it has to be together. All I know is… My tumor is slightly smaller and I do not have to see my oncologist for 3 months and another PET scan for 6 months. And there is NO, absolutely NO side effects from what I’m doing!!!
On August 2, 2016 I received more great news when I was given my latest test results. It turns out that all of my tests are better than normal, which is due to my healthy lifestyle and diet. These results mean that I do not have to see my doctor or have another PET scan or blood test until November. Doing a Happy Dance!
November 2016:
The tumor is 3x smaller. My blood work is better than normal. I am feeling great and optimistic. I am still here and continue to provide Solutions and Resources™ along with help & hope to others on their own journeys.
For the latest updates on my cancer journey
There is a Way!™
– Dr. Diane® Roberts Stoler, Ed.D.
Copyright© May 2016 (updated 12/20/16)
I’m surprised to find no comments here. I am currently being tested for Lymphoma (with no clue as to type), and I find your journey encouraging.
Assuming lymphoma, I will be following your plan exactly.
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for commenting! At Dr. Diane Brain Health, we recommend that you tailor your treatment program to fit your specific needs. Every body is different, ergo every cancer is different. What works for one person might not work for another. Nevertheless, we wish you nothing but the best. There is a Way!
Sorry, I just realized it was the author who was replying….I thought somone was using your comment space to advertise their own clinic! Teeheehee. Please delete my comment about “being stunned!”
I am wondering if there is anything I can do for a 13 year old Labrador retriever diagnosed with splenic lymphoma. I have so many natural remedies I am giving him but today I need to get down to a precise regimen.
Goodday
Just being given the news that after 5 Yers in Remission with Follicular Lymphoma Stage 3, The Cancer is back Aggressively with Big B cell Lymphoma
First Round did R Chop, 9 Sessions, after changing Adriamycin to Etopiside.
Red Devil (Adriamycin) leaked into my left Arm’s Tissue, due to negligence of Hospital Staff.
Nearly lost my Arm, but an Angel were send to my Bedside and after a big SKINCRAFT, Operation and many Prayers I just have this ugly Remembrance and after 8 years, my Arm is still busy growing Tissue. But Thanks to our Lord, can use the Arm fully, wirhout pain.
This is why I did Decline any Chemo for the Big B cell, now!
I am with a Naturologist who helped my 46 year old deceased Son, till hus last Days in 2018, to have more quality Life till he passed away with Bladder ca, Spreaded to his Liver.
I would like to have co- Friends on your web, having Big B Cell, Journey’s and Experiences.
Maryna South Africa
I’m so grateful to hear your good news, and helpful information. My lymph glands are hard and have been quite sore for 6 months, and I’m not going to get diaganosed by an MD because they have never been able to help me. But I am going to follow some of your suggestions. I was cured of a stage 3 cervical cancer once by accpuncture alone, so I’m a firm believer in natural health. Blessings for your journey, maybwe all wake up to our true natures.
Luma,
Thank you so much for commenting. I removed the other comment as you wished! No worries. Thank you so much for your well wishes. I’m sorry to hear of the new symptoms you are experiencing but I’m happy to know you’ve had so much success with holistic treatment, as I whole heartedly stand behind it having had so much success with it myself. If there is anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to reach out. I wish you the very best of luck in your natural health journey. Thank you so much, again.
Have a wonderful rest of your day.
I am so gtateful for you sharing this information. I have been diagnosed with large b cell lymphoma. I did do 4 rounds of chemo but had to stop due to an allergic reaction but then did 2 rounds of a different drug that didnt do anything, in fact, tumor grew a little bit more. Havent had any trratment in 3 months and PET scan shows tumor has shrunk some. I’ve been drinking hreen tea since November and praying constantly. They now want to do CAR T Therapy and Im at a crossroads.
Hi, how does acupuncture cure cervical cancer? Just got diagnosed with hodgkin’s lymphoma. Would love to know more info. Thanks!
I ran across this article while searching for articles for my child development students!
I’m very interested in talking to you about our 20 y/o son who is magically CNS lymphoma free after being placed on hospice in May 2019 from a world renowned medical facility. We’ve been doing alternative treatments alone. I am a mom trying to save our son’s life! Some of his regimen is similar to yours but interested in more of your regimen and willing to share with you what we are doing. Would you be interested in communicating with me via email?
I should also include that our son had stage 4 lymphoma at age 14, relapsed in 2015 followed by a bone marrow transplant from our daughter. The diagnosis in Dec. of 2018 is what Drs. believe as a relapse in CNS (tumors in brain only). The alternative treatments we’ve been doing is a result of doctors ended his chemo regimen because they believed it wasn’t effective. I had to find something to save my son’s life or give us more time. I believe there are alternative therapies that are very successful! You are living proof! I would love to talk to you in private! There aren’t too many people in the world that have been were we have throughout this disease!
Really informative as I have lymphoma from breast cancer, won’t do chemo and have been searching for alternative.
Hi Dr Diane
We are eager to have a consultation with you. My fiance has been diagnosed with Hodgkins lypmhoma and undergone 6 cycles of chemo. Unfortunately there still seems to be some cancer cells there and doctors here wish to attack it more aggressively. He has already been through 1 year of hell and we really would like to find a less poisonous and painful treatment. We wanted to try alternative method but family dissuaded us from doing so the first time around. Please if you could have a consultation over the phone we would be very grateful. The road to conventional cancer treatment is full of bright lights and neon signs and looking for an alternative natural treatments is like hacking your way through a dark forest in the middle of the night! Please help us.
Hello Sara,
Dr. Diane conducts virtual appointments worldwide, online or by phone. Please contact our office at (800) 500-9971 or submit online form. There is Help. There is Hope. There is a Way!
Dear Dr. Diane,
I hope this mail finds you doing very well. I found your information interesting
and informative. In 2018 I was diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma, Stage 4
along with other serious issues. After going thru chemo for six months, it was
discovered that I had another cancer growing in me during chemo – Hodgkins.
Not to go into a long story, I am doing ok on my own. Through alot of searching
I found that now B cell Lymphoma is being connected with Lyme disease, which
I have had since 2004 – severely may I add. God Bless You and thank you, Nancy