Is It Working: Cancer Remission Stabilizer (CRS)

Monitoring Clinical Markers

1. Oncologic Surveillance & Disease Status

  • Imaging per oncology plan (CT/MRI/PET): No new lesions; previously treated sites remain stable.

  • Tumor markers (as applicable: CEA, CA-125, CA 15-3/27-29, PSA, thyroglobulin, etc.): Stable or trending down; no unexplained rises.

  • Exam findings: No new palpable nodes/masses; surgical/radiation beds remain quiet.

  • Circulating tumor DNA (if used): Negative or decreasing signal.

2. Immune Function & Infection Risk

  • Infections: Fewer colds/URIs; quicker resolution without antibiotics.

  • WBC differential: Stable total WBC; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) not elevated.

  • Vaccine response/tolerance (if given): Typical side-effects only; normal recovery.

3. Inflammation & Metabolic Terrain

  • Inflammatory markers: CRP/ESR steady or lower; LDH not rising.

  • Metabolic stressors: Fasting glucose/insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides trending favorable; ferritin not chronically high.

  • Albumin/pre-albumin: Nutritional status stable or improving.

4. Hepatic Detox & Clearance

  • Liver panel (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin): Stable in normal ranges.

  • Bile flow/digestion: Less post-prandial heaviness; improved stool quality.

  • Medication tolerance: No new GI intolerance to ongoing therapies.

5. Gastrointestinal & Mucosal Integrity

  • Oral mucosa: No recurrent sores; faster healing.

  • Gut barrier: Regular bowel rhythm; less bloating/urgency; stools trend toward normal form.

  • Urinary/urogenital mucosa: Fewer irritation symptoms.

6. Energy, Recovery, & Cachexia Trajectory

  • Weight & lean mass: Stable or slight gain; no unintended >3–5% loss over 3 months.

  • Appetite: More consistent; fewer aversions.

  • Fatigue scores (e.g., FACIT-F): Improved stamina and daily endurance.

7. Pain & Symptom Burden

  • Pain scores: Lower baseline or less need for breakthrough meds.

  • Neuropathy (if present): Plateaus or small improvements in tingling/burning.

  • Sleep: Longer uninterrupted blocks; fewer nocturnal awakenings.

8. Psychosocial & Quality of Life

  • Distress Thermometer (or 0–10 stress line): Lower peaks; faster return to baseline after stressors.

  • Engagement: More consistent social/physical activity; fewer “down days.”

  • Cognition/mood: Less chemo-brain fog; steadier mood.

9. Safety Markers

  • Hepatotoxicity: No upward drift in ALT/AST/ALP/bilirubin.

  • Cytopenias: No unexpected drops in hemoglobin/platelets/WBCs.

  • Bleeding risk: No easy bruising or mucosal bleeds.

  • Drug–herb interactions: No interference with endocrine therapy, targeted agents, immunotherapy, or anticoagulants (coordinate with oncology).

  • Cyanogenic ingredients: If any apricot-kernel–type materials are in use, avoid or supervise medically due to cyanide risk.

10. Daily Function & Independence

  • ADLs/IADLs: Stable ability to handle self-care, meals, errands.

  • Activity tolerance: Walking, light exercise, chores maintained or improved.

  • Absenteeism: Fewer missed days from fatigue or symptoms.

11. Long-Term Trajectory

Recurrence-free interval: Continues to lengthen; no new treatment-triggered escalations.

  • Hospitalizations/ER: None for fever, neutropenia, dehydration, pain crises, or complications.

  • Oncology plan stability: Surveillance cadence unchanged; no need to advance therapy lines.

Timeline of Expected Change

  • Weeks (2–8): Better sleep, steadier appetite, GI/mucosal calming, early drop in perceived fatigue; CRP may nudge lower.

  • Months (3–6): Fewer infections; weight/lean mass stabilized; liver panel steady; tumor markers stable (as applicable).

  • Years (6–12+ months): Imaging remains stable; recurrence-free interval extends; quality of life and functional independence sustained.

Coordination & Documentation

  • Keep an updated medication/herb list and share with the oncology team.

  • Track weight, fatigue score, CRP (if available), tumor markers, and imaging results in a simple log; look for stable lines rather than quick drops.

  • Any upward trend in markers or new symptoms → notify oncology promptly.