Table of Contents
- Diagnosis and Initial Treatment Plan
- Embracing an Engineer's Mindset
- Applying Engineering Skills to Cancer Treatment
- Researching Cancer Treatment Options
- Watching YouTube videos, reading books, and Googling news articles
- Searching PubMed for research papers and scientific studies
- Understanding different perspectives from scientists and biochemists
- Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan
- Eliminating sugary drinks and foods from my diet
- Reducing intake of white rice and pasta
- Starting a regimen of natural phytonutrient supplements
- Key Takeaways from My Journey
- Advice for Others on a Similar Journey
- Embrace a Problem-Solving Mindset
- Conduct Thorough Research and Seek Multiple Perspectives
- Be Open to Adjusting Your Plan Based on New Information and Feedback
- The Power of Research and a Personalized Approach in Cancer Treatment
- References
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This article explores how an engineering mindset can transform cancer research and treatment, helping cancer patients find new ways to navigate this complex disease. After being diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer that had spread to my liver, I was thrust into a world of cancer research studies and ongoing treatment plans. Like many patients, I wanted more than just the standard approach—I wanted answers.
Inspired by the methods engineers use to solve challenging problems, I began exploring scientific ideas, analyzing research on cancer, and studying immune system support to improve my chances of survival. This journey wasn’t just about understanding cancer incidence or statistics from the Global Cancer Observatory but about applying innovation and science to create a unique path for better health.
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment Plan
When I was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer, I felt like my world stopped. The cancer had already spread to my liver, and my tumor marker CEA level was over 2000—a grim statistic indicating the aggressive nature of my disease.
My oncologist quickly developed a treatment plan, combining chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumors, protect healthy cells, and improve my chances of survival. Each chemotherapy session involved three-day hospital stays with continuous treatment, pushing my body to its limits.
As part of my treatment, I underwent Microwave Coagulation Therapy (MCT) on my liver, followed by an advanced surgery to remove the rectal tumor. These procedures were tough, but I was determined to stay the course and use every available treatment.
My medical team emphasized the importance of weight maintenance and strength to ensure I could handle the heavy chemotherapy. Each step pushed me to a new level of resilience, learning how crucial it was to stay informed and actively involved in each decision.
Embracing an Engineer's Mindset
As an engineer, I’ve spent my career solving complex problems, and that mindset became invaluable in my fight against cancer. Cancer research and treatment options can be overwhelming, but my background taught me to approach challenges methodically, focusing on facts, patterns, and potential outcomes.
By thinking like a problem solver, I began to investigate aspects of cancer that might not have been included in my standard treatment plan—approaches that could support my immune system, reduce cancer growth, and improve my quality of life.
Applying Engineering Skills to Cancer Treatment
- Research: I dedicated time to researching scientific studies, clinical trials, and new treatments, seeking insights that could complement my traditional care and reduce my cancer risk.
- Data Analysis: I tracked my health statistics, such as tumor markers, immune health, and blood counts, using this data to inform my treatment choices and monitor my body’s responses.
- Critical Thinking: Rather than accepting standard treatment blindly, I applied critical thinking, exploring scientific discoveries and questioning how different therapies could benefit my unique situation.
Researching Cancer Treatment Options
After starting my treatment, I wanted to understand every possible way to fight this disease. I knew that cancer research had led to many breakthroughs, but I wanted to go deeper, looking for information beyond what my doctors could provide. I began immersing myself in resources that could expand my understanding of cancer and its treatments, searching for insights that might support my body and improve my quality of life.
Watching YouTube videos, reading books, and Googling news articles
I found that watching videos and reading books about cancer research helped me learn from experts worldwide. YouTube interviews with leading scientists and news articles on recent cancer studies gave me a complete picture of the treatments being developed and how they might benefit patients like me.
Searching PubMed for research papers and scientific studies
I started using PubMed to dive into scientific research on cancer. This platform allowed me to read studies from researchers around the globe, analyzing clinical trials, immune system studies, and cancer cells’ responses to treatments. I learned about potential treatment methods and promising developments that could improve survival rates by exploring these papers.
Understanding different perspectives from scientists and biochemists
On my journey, I found that scientists and biochemists often had unique insights into cancer prevention and treatment. While oncologists focus on treating the patient, scientists explore the biology of cancer cells and study how they grow, react, and respond to certain nutrients. This knowledge helped me think differently about my diet, exercise, and overall treatment plan.
Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan
As I gained more knowledge, I realized I could make specific changes in my daily routine to help my body in the fight. I researched what I was putting into my body, understanding that diet could impact my immune system and possibly influence cancer growth. I took steps to personalize my treatment plan based on the latest studies, aiming to support my health in every way possible.
Eliminating sugary drinks and foods from my diet
One of my first changes was cutting out sugar. Studies had suggested that cancer cells could use sugar as fuel, and although there wasn’t definitive proof, I chose to reduce my sugar intake to be cautious. I stopped drinking sugary drinks and eating sweets, focusing instead on foods that could provide lasting energy.
Reducing intake of white rice and pasta
In addition to cutting out sugar, I reduced my intake of starchy foods like white rice and pasta. I learned that these carbs quickly turn into glucose in the body, which I wanted to avoid. Instead, I focused on a low-carb diet with more vegetables and proteins to support my energy levels without relying on carbs.
Starting a regimen of natural phytonutrient supplements
I began taking natural phytonutrient supplements I’d read about in scientific studies. These supplements are rich in compounds that may help the body fight cancer cells by supporting immune health. Adding these to my diet made me feel like I was strengthening my body’s defenses in a natural, research-supported way.
Key Takeaways from My Journey
Through my journey with cancer, I’ve learned the immense value of taking a proactive, research-driven approach. For cancer patients, waiting for answers isn’t enough—exploring and understanding the latest cancer research, clinical trials, and scientific discoveries is crucial. By actively participating in my own treatment, I could make informed choices that supported my body’s fight against the disease, empowering myself in a challenging situation.
Combining conventional treatments with personalized strategies made a meaningful difference. While chemotherapy and surgeries were essential, adjusting my diet and exploring supplements added another layer of defense. This experience taught me the value of staying flexible and continuously learning, as new studies and data often bring insights that can help improve survival rates and quality of life for patients like me.
Advice for Others on a Similar Journey
For anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, taking an active, informed approach can be incredibly empowering. A problem-solving mindset helps you navigate the complexities of cancer treatment while focusing on your health goals. While it may be overwhelming at first, some strategies can make your journey more manageable and help you find a sense of control.
Embrace a Problem-Solving Mindset
Taking a problem-solving approach allows you to face each challenge directly. Treat each step as a puzzle to solve, using data, research, and medical advice to guide you. This mindset can help you stay resilient even when things feel uncertain.
Conduct Thorough Research and Seek Multiple Perspectives
Researching cancer and treatment options is essential. Look beyond traditional sources to include insights from scientists, nutritionists, and alternative therapy researchers. Seeking multiple perspectives gives you a well-rounded view of what might help in your unique situation.
Be Open to Adjusting Your Plan Based on New Information and Feedback
Cancer research is evolving, and what works today may change tomorrow. Stay flexible and ready to adapt your plan based on new findings or personal results. Continuous learning and adjustment can improve your chances and motivate you on the journey.
The Power of Research and a Personalized Approach in Cancer Treatment
My journey has shown me that blending a research-driven approach with a personalized treatment plan can transform how cancer patients navigate their care. Through a combination of conventional treatment and tailored lifestyle changes, I’ve learned to approach cancer not only as a patient but as a problem-solver.
For anyone facing a similar path, staying proactive, open to new scientific insights, and committed to learning can make all the difference. By embracing innovation, engaging with ongoing cancer research, and adjusting based on individual responses, more patients may find hope, resilience, and possibly new paths to improved health and survival.
References
- Hosios, A. M., Hecht, V. C., Danai, L. V., Johnson, M. O., Rathmell, J. C., Steinhauser, M. L., Manalis, S. R., & Vander Heiden, M. G. (2016). Amino Acids Rather than Glucose Account for the Majority of Cell Mass in Proliferating Mammalian Cells. Developmental cell, 36(5), 540–549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2016.02.012
- Kaplon, J., Zheng, L., Meissl, K., Chaneton, B., Selivanov, V. A., Mackay, G., van der Burg, S. H., Verdegaal, E. M., Cascante, M., Shlomi, T., Gottlieb, E., & Peeper, D. S. (2013). A key role for mitochondrial gatekeeper pyruvate dehydrogenase in oncogene-induced senescence. Nature, 498(7452), 109–112. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12154
- Luengo, A., Gui, D. Y., & Vander Heiden, M. G. (2017). Targeting Metabolism for Cancer Therapy. Cell chemical biology, 24(9), 1161–1180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.08.028
- Pfeiffer, T., Schuster, S., & Bonhoeffer, S. (2001). Cooperation and competition in the evolution of ATP-producing pathways. Science (New York, N.Y.), 292(5516), 504–507. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1058079
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