Help James Conquer Melanoma

We are Kate & Nathan, James’ children, dad needs financial support to help him beat melanoma. Since 2009 he has managed his melanoma diagnosis using both medical treatment and natural, non-toxic approaches. A recent scan has revealed an increase in metastatic melanoma. We want to support James, so he has access to as many treatment options as possible both in Australia and overseas to overcome his diagnosis. We need your help to make this happen!

It has been an incredible journey of highs and lows over the past 9 years and through it all dad has remained committed to his health and been an inspiration to both myself, Nathan and many others in his life. Anyone who knows James would know he is an extremely passionate, loving and caring man, he will do anything to help others and he has so much more to contribute to those around him. He has so many people who care about him and who need him here, including us! We want to be able to share many more special times with him including being here for Nathans wedding at the end of this year and continue to spend time and watch his grandson Archie grow up!

The cost of managing a diagnosis like dads is exhaustive, he has been unable to maintain his working life and has had to utilise his life savings to support himself financially for almost a decade!

Dad has been able to utilise the best of medical treatment here in Australia including surgery, BRAF (genetic inhibitor) and immunotherapy (keytruda). He received an autoimmune injury from keytruda and is understandably cautious of using keytruda or similar immunotherapy pharmaceuticals long-term. Dad continues to seek medical advice regarding treatment options available in Australia.

Due to his autoimmune injury we have researched non-toxic immunotherapy treatments offered overseas, we found several to help him overcome his current diagnosis but to do this he needs our financial help.
First option is to attend a hospital in Mexico and receive non-toxic immunotherapy with the possibility of getting to the cause of his diagnosis. There are hospitals with similar immunotherapy services available in Germany and Thailand. With a funding target of $110,000 we hope to be able to make the most beneficial and cost-effective treatment choice whilst providing back up funding for therapy when dad returns home. If this option is not possible dad will need to access similar therapies (not the same) here in Australia. The more funds we raise the more options dad will have and this is important when dealing with a diagnosis such as melanoma.

James is a loving son, brother, uncle, father and in his latest role a grandfather. He has made many friends, throughout the world, over the years with his work as innovative educator and therapist in massage, remedial movement and strength and conditioning, as well as a player and coach in sport. If there is anyone who deserves the opportunity for exploring treatment options, it is James. His commitment and dedication to his health and the lengths he has gone to make it this far in his journey are inspirational, we don’t know many people (including ourselves) who could do what he has done over the last 9 years.

We would love you to support dad in his quest to conquer melanoma and share this page. Thank you for taking the time to read this campaign and for your donation and or page share. We will keep you updated on his progress.


More details on dad’s journey - time line 2009-2018

• June 2009 diagnosed with melanoma in right inguinal lymph node.
• July 2009 surgery- radical excision R inguinal lymph nodes 14 in total.
• 2010 – CT clear.
• 2011- No CT.
• June 2012 – CT revealed melanoma progression formation of node mass in right iliac region with additional lymph node swelling in iliac nodes and abdomen.
• July 2012 – began Kristine Matheson protocol.
• September 2012 – Attended Gerson Clinic Mexico.
• March 2013 – CT 17% regression of disease.
• September 2013 – PET Scan no significant progression.
• February 2014 – Increase in symptoms (swelling, pain R groin & thigh).
• Unable to stand on feet had to discontinue Gerson.
• March 2014 CT Scan & ultrasound – Minimal progression.
• Melanoma unit Sydney not able to operate due to hardness of node mass referred to oncology who suggested BRAF inhibitor pending criteria for Yervoy or similar.
• Researched lymphatic system found Robert Morse ND in Miami specialises in detoxification and the lymphatic system. Consulted Marcie Troyer began a Morse Protocol in March - a raw food protocol supported by herbal formulas.
• March 2014 relocated to Nth Queensland to rest upon arrival not able to stand or sit for longer than 5 minutes, had 4-6 weeks bed rest.
• During this time followed Grape feast (grapes only) for 40 days, followed by lemon juice only for 30 days.
• After the combined 70 days consumed raw food for 6 weeks then did 12 days on lemon juice followed by 4 weeks of raw food taking me to August 2014.
• Consult Dr Greg Schwartz - Gore St Medical Clinic Re. BRAF inhibitor.
• Mobility and pain levels have improved significantly still getting oedema with some symptoms in R lower limb.
• Nodule mass is still present I think has increased in size.
• September 2014 Returned to Sydney attended melanoma unit PET scan revealed melanoma stable with minimal progression.
• September 2014 commence BRAF inhibitor a genetic pharmaceutical designed to block mutating BRAF gene. The BRAF treatment consists of dabrafenib and trametinib.
• After one month on BRAF, recommenced Dr Morse herbal protocol.
• Maintained detox food protocol.
• PET scan March/April 2015, glucose uptake minimal in right node mass.
• Midway through 2015 diagnosed with hypothyroidism refused to see endocrinologist. Consulted Ayurvedic Doctor - Raman Das Mahatyagi and completed 12 sessions of panchakarma - a detox/cleansing process.
• Returned to oncologist after 6 weeks thyroid returned to normal.
• PET scan March/April 2016 glucose uptake increased in right node mass. This indicates BRAF is beginning to become ineffective.
• Ultra sound revealed blood clot R common femoral vein and long saphenous vein appears collapsed/chronic, possibly from surgical procedure in 2009.
• Put on clexane injection 160 mg per day remained on it till April when I got a superficial hematoma left lower leg anterior compartment- stopped the clexane.
• Currently on curcumin, fish oil and vitamin E for anti - clotting.
• Remained on BRAF for 18 months till May 2016.
• Medical advises to transition on to immunotherapy treatment - keytruda.
• Currently on no medication making decision on my next move.
• Still taking Morse protocol herbs and supporting supplements.
• Commence Keytruda immunotherapy June 2016.
• Mass in Iliac decreases over 1-3 months, continue keytruda cycle once every three weeks.
• Beginning 2017 experienced some swelling in iliac nodes, continue treatment.
• Few months later diagnosed blood clots R leg one in inguinal, inside thigh, popliteal region. Go on clexane, it again makes me sick revert to fish oil, curcumin, vitamin E.
• May /June 2017 begin again to get some symptom iliac nodes, receive scan and minor activity present.
• Blood test showed my cortisol levels had dropped, symptoms included joint pain, weight loss and ongoing edema in R leg.
• During May/June consulted Ayurvedic Dr Raman Das Mahatyagi he tried to raise level after 4 weeks little change, but did have improvement in immune markers.
• Dr pressure me to take hydrocortisone and resulting consult with endocrinologist reveals Addison’s disease. My anterior pituitary been damaged by keytruda inhibiting ACTH production.
• I consulted my GP for clarity around my situation and oncology referral.
• Consulted integrative practitioner mid -June referred to integrative oncologist and endocrinologist.
• Did 20 days on greens for pituitary (lutein production) in June.
• Appointment with integrative oncologist July 3rd, 2017.
• Consulted integrative endocrinologist during August first appointment went over history and asked to maintain hydrocortisone at 20mgs per day.
• Felt some change in the lymph node mass in August consulted integrative oncologist decided to have a PET scan, it came back clear aside from slight increased physiological activity in lymph node mass. Decide to continue with food and lifestyle, wait and see.
• Consulted integrative endocrinologist after PET scan, has dropped hydrocortisone to 16mgs per day.
• Began using essential oils frankincense, manuka, sandalwood.
• Osteopathy for my lymphatics and general health.
• Maintaining fruit and vegetables, herbs intermittently for lymphatics, kidneys, liver and gallbladder, chemical detox, upper circulation, vitamin C, D each day, chlorella plus heavy metal remover, aloe vera.
• September/October 2017 – remaining stable, experiencing some discomfort in R Iliac due to see integrative oncologist Oct 23.
• Had another PET Scan – results showed some improvement decrease physiological activity centre of mass not active.
• Maintaining fruit, veg, herbs from Jivana Detox – all body systems, Siberian ginseng, frankincense, osteopathy for lymphatics, vit C, ashwaganda, green banana powder, moringa, maca powder, methyl—active.
• November green fruits and vegetables for 2 weeks.
• December 2017 Incorporated Amino Neuro Frequency (ANF) Therapy for lymphatic function.
• Have been experiencing discomfort R iliac, appointment with integrative oncologist to discuss. Has given me some pharmaceutical options if required. Making decision.
• There is a definite change in my iliac region pain has increased, mass has increased.
• Integrative oncologist suggests four options; chemo, radiation, BRAF, immune therapy. I choose to do BRAF (same one I used in 2014-16). Started December 19th, 2017.
• Consult acupuncturist/herbalist.
• December 30th – there has been a reduction in pain and the mass size seems slightly less, my mobility is better.
• Maintaining fruit, veg, herbs and supplements, using Essiac tea as well.
• I have been researching over the past 2 months the possibility of attending an overseas clinic. Medical oncology in Australia has no non-toxic treatment options.
• Current supplements January 2018- moringa, ashwagandha, maca powder, raw greens, banana powder, zeolite powder, probiotic, BRAF frequencies (kinesiology), Vitamin D, Essiac tea, heal all and kidney tea, turmeric, black seed oil, frankinsense, Chinese herbs re; immune function.
• PET scan reveals metastatic involvement L and R lung, whilst minor changes to iliac node mass. Currently waiting for medical options relative to changes.
• Maintaining fruit and veg, supplements, researching treatment options, waiting to consult melanoma institute in Sydney.
• Keytruda immunotherapy 19th March 2018, continuing food – fruit and veg and supplements including Ayurvedic herbs, Budwig protocol.
• June 2018, I have received 4 cycles of keytruda had a PET scan 31st May my lungs have improved but I have a few lymph nodes inflamed in my pelvis, plus a slight increase in the size of the lymph node mass in my iliac region.
• Currently doing a few days on lemon water and Ayurvedic herbs, supplements. No Budwig for a few days.
• Mid-June experienced infected tooth prescribed antibiotic, had a whole-body reaction to medication resulting in 10 days of illness lost 5 kg.
• End of June keytruda stopped.
• Consulted radiologist at Melanoma Institute Sydney.
• Spoke to Sydney oncologist discussed going overseas for treatment prior to beginning any further consultation with Melanoma Institute.
• Confirmed booking at St Andrews Mexico for 28 day treatment plan for variety of immunotherapies and rest.
• July 5th 2018 begin treatment at St Andrews Clinic Tijuana.
• August 11th return to Sydney.
• August 13th Melanoma Institute schedule PET scan August 28th.

Thanks to my practitioner and education support over the years……

Ian Gawler (Lifestyle program), Kristine Matheson (Specific anti-cancer protocol), Gerson Clinic Mexico, Kathryn Alexander (Gerson), Jo Thompson (Gerson), Louise Eddy (Yoga therapy), Sherrill Sellman (Genetic profile), Metatherapy (Frequency therapy), Anissa Au (Acupuncture and herbs), Greg Fitzgerald (Naturopath), David Lomman Naturopath (RBTI & Spiritual Counsel), Petrea King (Quest for life), Marcie Troyer (Robert Morse Naturopathic Protocol), Don Tolman (Treatment plan email consult), Oasis of Hope (Dr Contreras treatment plan email consult), Linda Dedekind (Lymphatic drainage & body talk) Mick Miller (Performance coach), Matt Griggs (Kelee meditation), Donna Lambert (Massage Therapy), Core Naturopathic, Lynnette Arkadie (The Soul Factory - Energetic reading and healing), Christine Harpley (Yoga therapy), Linda Apps (Yoga therapy), Clive Farrelly (Kinesiology), Raman Das Mahatyagi (Ayurveda), Peter Dingle (Associate Professor Environmental Scientist), Brett Stevens (Kinesiologist), Tracey Jones (Osteopath), Chris Solomon (Chiropractic), Aideen Osborn (Physiotherapy/Acupuncture), Do terra– essential oils, Rod Wainwright (Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy), Dr Chen (Acupuncture and herbs), David Freeland (Osteopath), Kevin Niv Farrow (Acuenergetics).

Many thanks to family, friends and organisations who have supported dad in his quest for health.