So I got an e-mail from one of the “camp counselors” at the place we take our dogs, and she had had a friend whose dog had had cancer put together an e-mail of all the supplements her little guy was on.  Most of them were just more immune boosting things and Jack is already on k9 immunity, but there were a couple on the list that seemed to be worth trying.  Has anyone tried these before?  Both seem to have useful benefits for 2 different things…

Astragalus: This comes from the root of the plant, Astragalus membranaceus. It has been used in China to fight respiratory infections including colds and flu. Studies in the West have confirmed its immune-boosting and antiviral properties. Follow adult dosing directions.

Shark Cartilage: This has anti-angiogenic properties which reduce blood vessels in tumors.  You can use 1000-2000 mg of shark cartilage if recommended by your vet or oncologist
  

They are pretty inexpensive so even if no one has tried them, I think I'm going to go ahead and order them.  Just thought I'd check if anyone has used them first!

We received our Astragalus extract in the mail today, but the cartilage is on back order.  I decided to go to a nutrition store to see if they had any in stock (which they didn't), but ended up coming home with more things!  I'm posting them here to see if anyone has used them or heard anything about them. 

Pau D'arco: Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is native to South America, where reportedly it has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, arthritis, inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), fever, dysentery, boils and ulcers, and various cancers

Flax Oil: Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as joints.

SerraGold: This super protein digesting enzyme breaks down “non living” matter in the human body, including cysts, arterial plaque, blood clots and scar tissue. It can reduce the levels of dead tissue in the circulatory system, promoting smoother healthier flowing blood. Serratiopeptidase fights fibrin build up in the cardiovascular system, organs and muscle tissue. In addition, histological studies also show it to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also is an anti-edemic, preventing swelling and fluid retention

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Cell Power: CellPower™ kills infectious bacteria and viruses, fungi, mold, and parasites. It has been shown to boost T-cell numbers and activity. It does not harm the beneficial flora and microorganisms needed by the body.

huh, i posted a reply to this but I guess it didn't show up.  I'm not sure of any correct way to give them, but I plan on 1/2 in the morning 1/2 in the evening, with k9 immunity and transfer factor in the afternoon (most are 2 pills per day, so one pill of each in the morning and same in the evening).  Throughout the day I feel is better than BAM all at once…should be easier on his system.  The past couple days Jack has been perking up his ears like he used to do as a puppy and actually initiated play time with his brother yesterday for the first time ever (i mean, not even since amputation, but literally, he has NEVER been the one to start play time)j.  It's heartwarming to watch.  Even though he has cancer, he is happier than ever and that's all we can ask for :)

So, we finally got our shark cartilage, and when I opened the bottle the smell of ammonia and fish jumped out and smacked me in the face.  So now I'm trying to decide if the possible benefits outweigh the proven side-effect of horrible HORRIBLE dog breath.  I also got IP6 & Inositol tablets, and am trying to decide the best combination of supplements to have him on.  We have so many options, but I don't think he needs to be on 8 million different pills.  I'm also trying to decide if I should suck it up and pay the $65 for a holistic vet appointment when chemo and x-rays have brought us down to basically nothing…GAH!