By Dr. Danielle:
Each week, I have the pleasure of assisting quality of life protocols for patients experiencing side effects of conventional cancer treatments. My work with Cancer Support Sonoma at the Sonoma Valley Hospital is a humbling experience, one that I do not take for granted. This post is specifically for the patients that I have consulted with that would like to re-visit the melatonin research articles that have I presented at one of our visits.

As an overview of melatonin, it's use goes far beyond improving sleep. When it comes to cancer, melatonin has been cited as being effective for reducing the side effects associated with chemotherapy (hair loss, low platelets, nerve pain, weakness, etc) and may have direct inhibitory effects on the formation, growth and spread (metastatic behavior) of breast cancer cell types. While the majority of melatonin research is performed in relation to breast cancer, it has notable adjuvant benefits in prostate, lung, and colon cancers, as well. Below, are several notable articles and research studies on the effect of melatonin on breast cancer cells and prognosis. 

Melatonin in Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities

An Overview of Melatonin in Breast Cancer - Melatonin: an Inhibitor of Breast Cancer

Effect of Melatonin in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Markers and Invasive Properties of Breast Cancer Stem Cells of Canine and Human Cell Lines 

Circadian Regulation Metabolic Signaling Mechanisms of Human Breast Cancer Growth by the Nocturnal Melatonin Signal and the Consequences of it's Disruption By Light At Night 

Susan G. Komen's Description of Melatonin  


EDITED: Additional Melatonin Articles and Other Cancer Types

Role of Melatonin and Cancer Treatment

Melatonin Suppresses the Growth of Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

Benefits of Melatonin in Solid Tumors When Used Concurrently With Chemotherapy

 
Bieler Broth Recipe:
Zucchini or summer squash, 4 medium
Celery: 3 stocks
String beans: 2 cups, ends removed and chopped
Parsley: 2 bunches, stems removed
Water, filtered: 1 quart
Salt: to taste
Butter (grass-fed) or ghee: optional when consumed fresh

Directions:
Place water, zucchini, celery and string beans in a pot. Boil for 30 minutes. If freezing the broth, add parsley to boiling water for the last 5 minutes. Blend all ingredients in batches, adding the parsley and ghee or butter if consuming fresh. 

By Dr. Danielle Schwaderer
Bone broth is a timeless nutrient-dense broth that has been used among many traditions for centuries. When prepared properly, bone broth is rich in vitamins, minerals, collagen, healthy fats and proteins. There are many health benefits to cooking and consuming bone broth, with the most notable being it's healing effects to the gut, immune system, skin and connective tissues (bone, blood, tendons, ligaments, etc). Many cultures consume bone broth as a wellness tonic or with ailments that effect the skin, gut, immune system, blood, and/or bones & joints. During the winter months (cold & flu season), having a supply of bone broth in the fridge or freezer is always a great idea. 

Consuming Bone Broth:
Some sip, some use bone broth as soup stock. You can drink it as is or make a vegetable/meat soup. 

Ingredients:

• 4 quarts water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar OR 1 lemon halved
• 2 large onions, unpeeled and coarsely chopped
• 2-5 carrots, scrubbed and coarsely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• 2-3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
• 2-4 lbs. meat or poultry bones (carcasses)
• Optional: Fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) 

Directions: 
Combine all ingredients in a stock pot or crockpot and heat at high heat until a low boil develops. Turn to low, cover, and slowly cook for 12-24 hours. Strain and keep the bone broth. 

Spread the news about Sonoma's newest resource for cancer patients! I personally am thrilled about this amazing opportunity, as I am the Naturopathic Doctor involved in the program! Now available as outpatient services offered at the Sonoma Valley Hospital, Cancer Support Sonoma offers many alternative therapies at discounted prices to Sonoma Valley residents and beyond. 

As described on the Cancer Support Sonoma website: "The program offers complementary therapies to help cancer patients reduce the symptoms of treatment such as fatigue, nausea, depression and anxiety. We offer a variety of therapies including acupuncture, oncology massage, nutrition counseling, naturopathic counseling (vitamin/herb/medication review), jin shin jytsu (Japanese acupressure), Feldenkrais, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and sound healing.
Services are provided in a private suite of rooms, located on the third floor of Sonoma Valley Hospital, which has been remodeled to offer a healing environment. Our goal is to help cancer patients get back to more fully living their lives.   

Please review our FAQs for more detailed information about the program.  If you are interested in participating in Cancer Support Sonoma, please fill out our patient intake form and contact us at 707-935-5244, or email to us at [email protected] to schedule an interview. You will need to bring the patient intake form with you to your first appointment, so you do not need to email it to us. "