Denise
July 17, 2023 at 1:45 pm

Hi Steve,
I’m alive and relatively well. Yes, I did get weary of maintaining the website, particularly because Facebook became the new way for CLL people to seek out alternatives. I tried maintaining a FB page, but was disheartened by the FB censorship over ridiculously safe suggestions regarding covid. So I stopped everything, but do keep in contact with a few of my “CLL Buddies” I developed over years of maintaining the site.

I did get your PM about your book and I did purchase it in ebook form, and I read through it. I do remember your story, and I’ve mentioned you in my website. Incidentally, maintaining a website and creating content for social media that points to your website is the way for people to find and buy your book. I’ve heard that even if your book repeats the same information, many will want to buy the book nonetheless to have all the information in their possession, in one place. I’m not sure I want to create a book.I’ve started the process a few times and gave it up. I’ve also written three mystery books and two poetry books, and oddly enough I have more success with the poetry — textbook publishers occasionally buy poems for their collections. It’s definitely not a living, but I enjoy it. I’m also working about 25 to 30 hours/week in our family business, so I’m booked up (there’s the matter of six grandkids local to me as well!)

I’ve been at this CLL thing since July 2001, so 22 years now. I’m still in stage zero, mostly from diet, exercise and a boatload of supplements, not to mention other lifestyle choices. Consider me a fan of your book. I admire the effort taken to put that all together and then put it into book form. I know it’s a lot of work. Are you having success marketing it? I know that it’s a tough slog for many. I wish you success. And more than that continued good health! – Denise
PS It took me a while to log onto this site to respond. Apologies for the delay…

Denise
June 16, 2018 at 12:32 pm

Wow. I didn’t post this right away, because I wanted to look over the book first. But this is all great information.It deserves its own separate post. Thank you for sending!!!

Denise
March 19, 2018 at 1:46 pm

Hi Lynn,
Thanks for writing, and sorry that you have the CLL diagnosis. Also sorry that you’ve needed chemo. However, I’ve spoken with a few people who’ve had chemo and then gone on to be quite well by making lifestyle and diet changes. I’ve addressed the “Where do I start” question many times, and so I made a post that gives a pretty comprehensive list of what to do to be as healthy as possible and therefore keep those leukemia cells at bay. I am going to cut and paste the list below, and also give a list to the page on my site. If you have a follow-up question or questions, please feel free to post again!
In addition to the list, I will add Eat Quality Fats (avocados, olive oil, coconut oil), cook and eat Bone Broth Soup, learn how to make an eat your own fermented veggies (sauerkraut, pickles, etc.)
All best!!!
– Denise
http://www.cllalternatives.com/2017/11/cll-diagnosis-15-natural-things-to-do/

When people first find my site, CLLAlternatives.com, it’s generally because either they—or someone they care about—has recently been diagnosed. Of all the gut-punches a person can sustain in their life, this is probably the worst. Even the word leukemia itself strikes terror. A blood cancer. A death sentence.

I get emails and postings from many people who are stunned and trying to figure out what to do. Getting well is possible, but there’s no quick answer as to how. There is no magic bullet; only magic ammunition. The list I’ve compiled here is in no means the entire answer to getting well, but it is certainly a good start.

There is so much to know, and to learn. But every journey starts with the first step, and this list is a very good step in the right direction. With that in mind, here are 16 things you can do to get a jump start on improving your health and either getting totally well – or at least getting well enough to be confident of your future and longevity. The list keeps growing, and I might add to it in a different post from time to time.

Vitamin D3
Take 8,000 to 10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 every day, and get your levels tested regularly. For those fighting cancer or leukemia, your level should be somewhere between 70 and 99. (See links in bibliography for more information.)
Stop eating sugar.
This is both simple and difficult, but it is also essential! Cancer feeds on sugar. Strive for a Paleo or Ketogenic diet. You don’t have to make the changes over night. You can start by cutting out all desserts–candy, cake, cookies, ice cream. If this sounds horrific, start by reducing the amount of sugar and find alternatives, or start making your own desserts at home. For example, I make my coconut-carob bars about once a week or so. They are made of just two ingredients, and they are so satisfying that I no longer crave chocolate! Not only that, they are healthy!!! It happens. Keep in mind that beyond desserts, you should eliminate white rice, white flour, and white potatoes from your diet. Try to eat more nuts and seeds, and fewer sweets. More details to follow.
No processed food.
This means shopping in the produce section of your supermarket, and preferably buying as much organic as available. This means buying organic turkey and chicken in its raw form, with no additives or preservatives. (Read the labels.) This means buying only those packaged foods with labels indicating ONLY ingredients like: frozen blueberries (in the frozen section), or a jar of raw, local honey, or almond butter that contains only almonds. Rice cakes that are made of brown rice. That kind of processed food is okay.
Cut out gluten.
There is increasing evidence that gluten is a culprit in robbing our health. This is especially important if you have a history of stomach upset or digestive issues. Cut out the gluten and you just might find that your gastric issues are history. The theory here is that the more items that are stressing your body, the less energy and immunity you have to fight your CLL. There are so many gluten-free items in the market these days, this shouldn’t be that difficult. (Don’t forget to check the sugar level on the label.)
Eat at home.
You know what you’re eating when you eat your own cooking. Even “healthy” restaurants will have foods with hidden ingredients, food cooked or grilled at high temperatures, food with sugar and/or gluten. At this point I’m eating out about one or two times a week. I choose restaurants with good salads, as I prefer to avoid eating meat out. I don’t trust their meats. (For example, it’s rare to find a restaurant that services wild-caught salmon, rather than farmed. And even wild caught salmon would be unhealthy if grilled.) If I have to, I’ll eat before I go out and have a bag of nuts in my pocket to eat after the meal, on the way home. Failing to plan is planning to fail. So look up the menu online and figure out what you can eat! I’ve even brought my own garlic sea salt to use instead of a restaurant’s GMO salad dressing. Think ahead and dine out infrequently.
Cook low and slow.
Another way to say this is: don’t eat food that was cooked at high temperatures! Grilled and burnt food raise your WBC temporarily. It also gives your body potential carcinogens that your liver and digestive system will have to tend to. Instead make stews and stews, roast in the oven at no higher than 300 degrees (with water and covered with foil), slow saute meats and vegetables, adding olive oil and seasonings when meal is almost completed. Make use of your crock pot, or simmer on your stove top using plenty of water to make certain it doesn’t dry out in your absence. This tip has been HUGE for me. When I started doing this at the end of 2012, I reduced my WBC to the low 20s in the span of three months. I’ve continued and now my WBC is (usually) in the mid-teens.
Baking Soda
Take 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in your water before bed each night to keep your pH at 7 at optimal levels. I buy the market brand and take this with my night pills. (All supplements.)
Peak Immune
Take Peak Immune, by Daiwa. Especially if you’ve ever had any problem with your neutrophil level. Buy the bottle at the best price you can, and take it religiously. I buy it on the re-order system on LuckyVitamin.com. Shop around for your own best deal. (I have no affiliation with this company. I do not sell anything that has to do with CLLAlternatives.com, or with CLL in general. I write my blog and help people on the phone because that’s what I do. This site and its upcoming book are non-profit in every sense of the word.) But back to Peak Immune…my neutrophil level remains in the safety zone so long as I keep taking this pill. It could be that some of the healing mushrooms could have the same effect, but I’m dancing with the one that brung me. I’m so grateful to have found a product that keeps my neutrophil level normal—with zero side effects—that I plan to take it (and recommend it) forever.
Natural Personal Care Products
Make sure all your personal care products are either organic or home-made. Don’t let it touch your skin if you wouldn’t eat it! These days I keep a small glass container of organic coconut oil in the bathroom to use as skin “cream.” Works wonderfully! This also goes for toothpaste, soap, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, the whole ball of wax. (If the wax is organic. )
Natural House Cleaning Solutions
Clean your house without toxins, as well. My husband was after me to do this for years. I wish I’d listened to him sooner. I use baking soda, organic dish wash liquid, white vinegar, peroxide, and occasionally a lemon to clean my kitchen and bathroom. I’ve recently added the Mr. Clean Eraser as I can’t find anything on the Internet showing that it’s toxic. Now that I use all these nontoxic items to clean, it’s funny how noxious even products like Ajax and Comet smell. Glad to have them out of my house! Once again, this is getting the irritants out of the way and allowing your body to heal!
Reduce Your Stress
Arrange your life to reduce your stress. I know, easier said than done. But sometimes you have to step back and make changes in your life, if your life is killing you. Does your boss make your blood boil? Look for another job, or even consider changing careers to something more peaceful or meaningful. Avoid friends or relationships that cause your pain. Step back and take a look at your life and try to set things up to make yourself happy. Happy people have a better chance at healing. Which brings us to:
Get Eight Hours of Sleep Per Night
Plan to get into bed at 10 PM and do your best to make that happen. I will admit that many times I make it there a half-hour later. But 10:30 is a LOT better than 11:00 PM. I truly feel the difference! For example, if I’ve been stressed (it happens) by life or by minor illness, like a cold, my salivary glands tend to swell and get tender. If I get enough sleep, voila! In the morning, my neck feels normal again. In fact, when I get good sleep regularly, I feel wonderful. This is simple and free, and I highly recommend it!
Exercise!
You don’t have to run a marathon. In fact, it might not be a good idea. (See number 11.) However, going for long walks, jumping on a rebounder (mini-trampoline), lifting weights, going on a treadmill or other exercise equipment like a stair-stepper or elliptical trainer, is a great idea. It stresses your body the right amount. This is the “use it or lose it” issue. If you let yourself become, a couch potato, this is terrible for your general health. And when dealing with CLL, your general health matters! It is your keep to getting well!
Find your meditation.
I know this can sound strange. And truth be told, I don’t really meditate. But I do crave silent alone-time when I can sit with my journal and write. This is my own method of ‘meditation.’ Find your own way to de-stress, preferably daily. Listen to your favorite music, pray, relax with a good book. Color in those adult coloring books. Whatever works for you. Don’t make it a chore; that’s not the point. Find something relaxing that you really want to do to get inside yourself and leave the world behind for at least 15 minutes each day.
Never Stop Learning
Get acquainted with Mercola.com for a treasure trove of past articles on all things health-related, as well as a daily email of more and more health-related articles and news. Also, log onto westonaprice.org and sign up for constant contact from this valuable organization. This is where you can learn how to make your own fermented vegetables (sauerkraut and pickles) and bone broth soup. Both are essential for getting well. (Do some of the other steps first, and work your way to making your own healing foods.)
Buy The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Winters and Kelley
I was so excited when reading this book. Because…I’m already doing about 90% of what she says. Why is this exciting? I was diagnosed in 2001, told by my pathologist uncle that I’d likely have symptoms in two years and be dead in five. (That didn’t lead to a good night’s sleep, let me tell you.) But here it is, sixteen years later, and my numbers are similar to what they were at diagnosis, and other than those salivary glands that have been swollen since the beginning of time and one “palpable” (but barely visible) node on my neck, I’m symptom free. This didn’t happen by itself. And I didn’t read this book until this past summer. Over the course of time, I’ve shifted my diet from SAD (Standard American) to what I thought was “healthier” (yogurt on an organic, store-bought cookies), to Macrobiotic (beans, greens, brown rice and sea weed), to my current amalgamation of Paleo, ketogenic and Weston Price Foundation. You can cut out a lot of wasted time by reading this book! I recommend it with my whole being.
There is so much more I could say, but I’m leaving it here at Lucky Sixteen. Please read and consider all these suggestions if you’re just starting out. Please post with your experiences and thoughts, and with your own suggestions. I do answer private emails, but I think we all help each other when we’re willing to post. You can do it anonymously, but do it!

Denise
November 3, 2017 at 5:07 pm

Hi Geri, Yes. Cooking at high levels of heat creates acrylimides (I believe that was the word.) Regardless of the chemical names, each time you eat cooked food, and especially foods cooked at high heat, your body treats it as an invader and ramps up your white blood cells and lymphocytes. Not a good thing if you are fighting CLL. Here is an article about this by the editor of the LEF (Life Extension Magazine — I highly recommend that you join and get the magazine!) Be sure to read page 2 where it discusses highly heated foods and carcinogens.
Again, thanks for writing. Come back now and again and let me (and this community) know how you’re doing.
All best, Denise

Denise
October 18, 2017 at 12:55 pm

Hi Karen,
So sorry you’re dealing with this. I’m glad to share what I know, which is in no means comprehensive. Platelets below 100 is a concern. I’ve been down there myself as well, dipping below 100.Thankfully, not by much–and more thankfully that I’ve been able to reverse that marker without any conventional therapy. I think your doctor is advising immunotherapy because (at least to my knowledge) there is no platelet-specific treatment short of a transfusion, which would only be a temporary fix. I’ve found that my platelet count has improved (not in the normal range, but always well above 100) as I worked on my general CLL-related health. This means increasing my iron count (for hemoglobin) and reducing my WBC by discontinuing all burnt or overly browned foods cooked at heat above 300-degrees — or dried out with excessive heat.

A more platelet-specific action has been to try and eat organic/free-range chicken skin and beef fat, and also to drink 4-8 ounces of bone broth soup 5-6 days/week. I also have about 2 tablespoons of Great Lakes collagen (made from organic bone) in my smoothie each morning. So lots of factors have gone into improving and maintaining my platelet score. I’ve read that papaya leaf extract helps, but I tried it and it didn’t work for me. It’s a good idea to test whatever you do by getting blood tests frequently, every two or three months. I pay out of pocket by having tests done through directlabs.com. If you want to have insurance pay, discuss with your doctor having frequent tests. (I find it less stressful to do this independently.)

I’ve heard good things about immunotherapy, like ibrutinib. Keep in mind that you don’t have to leave all “alternatives” behind if you choose out of necessity to have conventional treatment! I would look for an integrative oncologist/hematologist. At least in Metro Detroit, where I live, it’s hard to find an integrative hematologist (only).

Please let me know what you decide to do, and how it works out for you. Sharing the information here helps other people who check in to read (without asking questions).

Wishing you the best of health! – Denise

Denise
September 1, 2016 at 4:20 pm

Hi Martin,
You’ve read correctly. I’ve never been ill with CLL, (no terrible symptoms) but it was progressing as observed by blood test results, and like your mother, I’d been advised to have Rituximab (maybe it was Rituxin, which I believe is the same thing). Unlike your mother, I don’t have faith in traditional medicine. And so began a long (and continuing) odyssey to find a way to stay well. At first, I wanted to stay well long enough so that when “they” found a cure, I would still be alive to enjoy it. Now that 15 years have passed, I would prefer to stay alive and well without the help of conventional medicine. That said, conventional medicine has made great strides for presenting us with non-chemo treatments. There may be a time when CLL is treated like a chronic disease with meds that do the trick. For my part, now that I’ve experienced my own recovery and stabilization, I prefer the DIY method. It’s not for everyone. The fact that your mother is resistant is not a good sign for her going along with this. It isn’t easy. It takes a lot of determination and time, and money. I really don’t want to be discouraging, but it’s a fact. You can’t make people believe as you do, and you can’t make someone want something the way you do. I know it’s frustrating. I’ve tried to help other people with cancer, and I’m mostly ignored. (Not the people who contact me through this site, but friends and acquaintences who I’ve approached pretty much brush me off. I’m never offended, but it does make me sad.

Now, all that depressing stuff aside, you’ve asked for 7/8 points. I will do this, but keep in mind that each point could easily be a whole article, or even a book. But it is a good place to start.

1. Clean food. This means eat organic as much as possible. 80% vegetables, either raw, fermented, or lightly cooked. Oils are important…olive oil, coconut oil. Eat free range organic chicken and eggs, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed organic meats. Eat the size of a deck of cards each day. (not a lot, but enough) Fruit, mostly berries. Drink water, herbal tea.

2. Clean water. Use a water filter in your kitchen and bathroom. Drink and cook this filtered water. When you shower, the hot water opens your pores, so this is also a good time to be using filtered water.

3. Clean air. Do NOT use regular household cleansers. There are many natural substitutes. I use baking soda, white vinegar, peroxide and lemon. There are many youtube videos on how to use these effectively. I also used baby wipes to do quick clean jobs in the kitchen and bathroom.

4. Sleep. It’s important to get eight hours of sleep each night in a dark room to enhance your melatonin production. We heal while we sleep. Many times I’ve had swollen glands (part of the CLL issue), and the swelling goes down after a good night’s sleep.

5. Stress. We all need a certain amount of stress or challenges. However, it’s best to change your life over to make it as stress free as possible. You hate your commute? Look into a new job that is closer. Look over your relationships, business and personal, and see how you might improve your life and be calmer and happier.

6. Vitamin D. Yes, there is one supplement I can safely recommend to every one. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many cancers, including CLL. During my first few years at this, I was finally tested and my vit D hydroxy test score was an abysmal 19! My goal is to keep it as close to 100 as possible, without going over that 100 mark. For a long time I took 10,000 IU of Vit D3, but now have dropped to 9,000IU/day. It’s a lot, but people with cancer are recommended to take more than those trying for prevention. (I think 5000IU/day is fine for prevention.) People with cancer are recommended to keep vit D level at 70-99.

7. Find a good alternative doctor. I’ve had many, many practitioners, and I learn from each of them. Look at their web sites, research the doctors, Google them and see if there are complaints (or praises). And give them a try. I am skeptical of ALL medical professional advice. This means that I ALWAYS think for myself, and don’t think of it as “doctor’s orders” but instead as well-informed advice, which I may question. It’s my life, my body, and my choice.

8. If you have problems with neutrophils, take Peak Immune by Daiwa, as directed on the bottle. This has improved my neutrophil numbers twice. I continue to take them regularly.d

9. Tell your mom it is okay to do some of the alternatives AS WELL AS anything the conventional doctors advise. Of course, once you go the conventional route, you must tell them what you are doing, in case it could conflict with their offered treatment.

10. Take probiotics! I mentioned, in passing only, that it is good to eat fermented food, particularly home-made fermented foods. This is nature’s probiotics (good bacteria) and it’s best to eat some of this every day. That is a tall order (to start making your own, even though it gets very easy with practice). That said, there are probiotic pills out on the market that are excellent. I like Dr. Ohira’s brand, which I buy on iherb.com. (available on Amazon and elsewhere, do a search). There are also refrigerated brands available in health food stores and Whole Foods, if you have one nearby. It helps your immune system be well to keep feeding it this good bacteria which crowds out the bad and prevents illness.

11. Watch this video on Chris Beat Cancer. http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/david-refused-chemo-and-healed-leukemia-naturally/ It is very inspiring and might give your mom the desire to do some of these things.

12. Foods to avoid: sugar, wheat, gluten, artificial colors, soda pop, fruit juice (have the whole fruit instead). Think in terms of eating as close as possible to the way God made it.

Okay, you asked for 7 or 8, and i went overboard. But believe me, this is all just a start. There is much more to know from each of the 12 items. Please feel free to write again, and let me know how Mom feels about this information. I hope she’s accepting of your help, and sees this as a loving gesture.

Wishing you and your family the best of health and happiness! – Denise

Denise
August 1, 2011 at 9:55 am

HI Michael,
By now, we’ve already had many private emails, and I’m glad that you finally got ahold of me by emailing me directly at info(at)cllalternatives.com. Unfortunately, I get so much spam that I miss true messages. I wonder if the symptoms you’re feeling were there before your doctor visit, or if they cropped up after you found out you had CLL? If they came up afterwards, it is the result of the shock and trauma you’re dealing with from the diagnosis. If it was there before, it’s still iffy that it’s the CLL, if you are at stage zero. As we’ve already “discussed” via emails, there are a lot of great options out there. One i’ve already told you about, but I’m repeating for the readers of the blog, is http://www.polymva.com and the same product, but a CLL testimonial, http://www.polymvasurvivors.com/testimonial_leukemia_cll_perlmutter.html.

Glad you wrote, Michael, and please, anyone else who cares to contact me, either leave a post, which I will get to (after I wade through the spam), or contact me directly at cll alternatives @ gmail.com.
All the best, Denise

Denise
April 7, 2011 at 5:35 pm

I can’t say that it’s affected a cure, but I’ve been at this for nearly ten years now, and I don’t stop taking things that i believe help. I consider it to be part of a a plan — not the magic bullet. If you’d like to email me directly, please write to info(at)cllalternatives.com