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Home » ARTICLES » CHRONIC ILLNESS » CANCER

Rick Stabilized Stage IV Colon Cancer

Bright smiling woman with glasses, Heather Cooan portrait.
Modified: Nov 9, 2024 · Published: Aug 10, 2022 by Heather Cooan, MBA, ONC, FDNP, NTP · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

DISCLAIMER: The success stories on this website reflect individual client experiences and do not guarantee similar outcomes for everyone. Heather Cooan and the Soil to Soul Nutrition Team are not licensed medical professionals, and our services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, manage, or prevent any medical condition. These services provide general wellness guidance for optimizing the overall internal environment of the body and its systems and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns before significantly changing your diet or lifestyle.

Rick and his wife Beth came to see me after battling stage IV colon cancer for over four years. Rick had been through all of the conventional treatments available, and the cancer had metastasized to his liver. Rick was about to embark on an intense round of chemotherapy, combining three heavy-duty chemo drugs to push back a tumor that had taken up residence in the bile duct of his liver. If they couldn't get this tumor under control, Rick was looking at liver failure. The goal was for Rick to stabilize stage IV colon cancer and avoid liver failure.

Rick stabilized stage IV colon cancer.

Rick's Main Complaint

This case was about stabilization to save Rick's life. If the tumor grew to a point where the bile duct was blocked, his liver would shut down, and he would lose his battle. Beyond the tumor in the liver, Rick was also facing a very rough round of chemotherapy that would also threaten his already frail body. The urgency here was palpable, and Rick and Beth were very concerned.

If this wasn't enough, we had one more emergency to contend with - muscle wasting. Rick was experiencing muscle wasting from following a vegan template while his cancer was very active.

To get Rick through chemotherapy to address the tumor in the liver and avoid liver failure, we also had to get his metabolism back under control and build up his strength.

Our Approach

Since Rick was starting a new round of chemotherapy, we began by working him into a therapeutic state of ketosis. Since he was in a state of muscle wasting, we increased overall calories, added more protein, and had him eat every hour to get in enough fat and protein to get his body to utilize what he was consuming rather than his tissues for energy.

Then, it was a matter of gathering the data-test, assess, address, don't guess! We ran blood chemistry with his oncology team and ran his genes. We then used this data to personalize his diet. We removed foods that were problematic according to his labs and DNA at the time, like dairy and red meat, and added foods that were supportive, like lots of phytonutrient-rich foods like greens and fresh herbs.

Rick's Outcome

Working with Heather and utilizing the metabolic approach alongside my treatments has been a game changer. I've done this kind of chemotherapy in the past and I was sick as a dog. This time was totally different, I actually felt pretty good and wasn't sick at all. The chemo also worked better. We were able to completely get rid of the tumor in my bile duct and avoid liver failure. I even managed to beat cachexia, gain weight and, regain my strength. I'm so grateful to have found Heather and change my nutrition to be anti-cancer.

-Rick W.

Become a Success Story!

Rick stabilized stage IV colon cancer and avoided liver failure by optimizing his terrain. If you'd like to work with me, I'd love to chat and learn more about your health goals.

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Heather Cooan in the kitchen chopping a cucumber on a wooden cutting board.

Hi, I'm Heather!

I'm an Oncology Nutrition Consultant and lived experience mentor providing education, data-driven nutritional recommendations, and trauma-informed strategic environmental and lifestyle design for those living with cancer, autoimmunity, and complex chronic illness.

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Disclaimer: Functional oncology nutrition consulting is not medical nutrition therapy and does not diagnose, treat, manage, or cure any disease. It is intended to support the proper functioning of biological systems as adjunct support to your licensed healthcare provider's treatment plan. Personalized diet, lifestyle, and environmental recommendations aim to optimize well-being but are not a substitute for medical care. Any lab or genetic information used is solely for personalizing diet and lifestyle, not for diagnosing or treating disease. You are required to work with a licensed healthcare provider, including a primary care practitioner and, if you have or have had cancer, a medical oncologist. All recommendations, including supplements and labs, must be approved by your healthcare provider before implementation. Heather Cooan and the other consultants at Soil to Soul Nutrition’s role is to provide support and guidance, not to replace your physician's care.

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