Written by: Christine Moretti
Dear Robb: I recently read an article in which you were prominently featured on the Indian Country Today website. I simply was inspired to write to you to share my story.
Last spring I tragically and suddenly lost my sister. Thirteen days later I suffered a seizure that caused total paralysis of my left leg from my waist down lasting approximately 15 minutes until feeling began to return. I was subsequently diagnosed with a Menningioma brain tumor. I was told at the time of my diagnosis that my tumor was approximately the size of a large green grape and that it was in a dangerous location for removal. The tumor was also pressing on my motor pathway, which is why I experienced the type of seizure I had. My neurosurgeon was certain that the shock of my sister’s passing had a lot to do with the tumor suddenly taking off in size but that the tumor had been there for quite some time. I am fortunate to have as my doctor a nationally recognized neurosurgeon/neuro oncologist from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in my hometown of Philadelphia, PA.
Not long after this first visit with the neurosurgeon, my youngest son, Jeremy, who has always been interested in health and fitness, researched and found your website and book, The Paleo Solution. With enthusiasm, Jeremy urged me to try this new way of eating. I have to admit I was skeptical at first, but I really wanted to make a change and I wanted to do all I could to boost my health in light of the life altering loss of my sister and brain tumor diagnosis. Jeremy and I both began to follow paleo in the early fall of last year. Immediately, we began to lose weight and to feel so much better. Our cravings for grains and sugar decreased dramatically. I was truly amazed at how I didn’t crave them as soon as I cut them out of my daily food intake. The weight just fell off us. I read your book and saw early on that you mentioned brain tumors specifically. I was even more determined to continue with this new way of eating.
My six month follow up with the neurosurgeon was scheduled for November. (I have had three MRI brain scans and three visits in total my since my diagnosis in May 2012.) The most recent scan was this June.
On my first visit, the doctor ended the consult with the words, “If anything happens to you, go to the ER first and call me second”. I was also put on anti-seizure medication at the first visit.
At my second visit and scan in November 2012, the doctor pulled up side by side images of my brain from May to November and you could visibly see the reduction in size. I asked him if that ever happened and he turned to me and said, “No!” with a look of total shock and amazement on his face. These types of tumors are not known to shrink on their own without benefit of radiation or other type of non-surgical intervention. I was happy to share with my neurosurgeon that I had begun eating the paleo way and he definitely approved.
This past June, I had another follow up MRI and visit with my doctor. This time the tumor had shrunk even further and he told me I had “the incredible shrinking tumor”! Not only have I lost approximately 70 pounds – going from a size 18 to a size 6-8, my tumor is also shrinking right along with me. I am beyond thankful and happy that all of this has happened. My son, Jeremy, has also lost about 40 pounds and we are both in the best shape of our lives – thanks to this way of eating. We also cook at home now six out of seven nights a week. It is my goal to make each meal we eat as bright and colorful and as fresh, organic and as healthy as possible. My whole family has benefited from this new way of eating. I won’t say I never have a bowl of ice cream now and again, but I know for certain I will never return to our old way of eating. Thank you for being such an advocate of this lifestyle. I just wish I had known about it years ago, but I firmly believe it is never too late to make a healthy change.
Thank you for letting me share my story.
Best regards,
Christine Moretti
*Update 06/07/2014
Recently I had a follow up MRI and neurological appointment to check on the status of my brain tumor. I am happy to report that the tumor is stable from last year – and although the neuro onocologist thought it was approximately the same size as last year (no regrowth or shrinkage); when I received the radiology report in the mail this week, the dimensions were ever just so slightly reduced from the last MRI. I am pleased and happy with any downward trend, even if slight, in the size of my tumor. I am convinced wholeheartedly that following the paleo lifestyle for the last two years has dramatically improved my health, not just regarding the brain tumor, but overall I feel such positive changes with eating healthy and grain and dairy free. I continue to happily spread the word about paleo as the inches from my waist continue to tumble.
Another opportunity within the last few months to be my own health advocate occurred when my primary care physician was insisting it was time to take statins to reduce my overall cholesterol number. My HDL “good” cholesterol has reached an all time high of 94, triglycerides are excellent, however, the LDL “bad” cholesterol has also increased a bit now bringing my overall number higher than the “recommended” range. I refused to even consider taking a statin because I honestly think they are very dangerous. My doctor agreed to give me a script for the detailed blood test, NMR LipoProfile. This test was so unheard of that when I went to my local lab where I routinely go for blood work, I was told that I had to go to the local hospital to get it done. And even with going there, the hospital staff had never heard of it. It took at least two weeks to get the results. I am sure you won’t be surprised when I tell you that when my doctor got the results back, she was no longer was saying I had to take statins.
In conclusion, I will be forever grateful for reading Robb’s book, “The Paleo Solution” and discovering all the fabulous health benefits that comes with following this lifestyle. Dealing with a serious health issue and being able to make a difference using food as my medicine has empowered me. I will continue to be my own health advocate and I urge everyone out there to do the same!
Thank you and best regards –
Christine Moretti
That’s an amazing story!
Thx for your comment! I am so happy I shared my story. Wishing you all the best.
How are you doing today? I just saw my doctor today and my meningioma is slowly growing and they want me to think about surgery. I asked about diet and if that would help but the neurosurgeon said it’s not diet related but hormone related but I knew better just by what I was reading about paleo. I feel better off dairy and doing low/good carb diet and high protein. Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Heidi, I once had a dermatologist tell me that diet had nothing to do with my acne. I know this is not nearly the same, but wanted to say I understand how frustrating it can be to hear that from a doctor. I wonder why the doctor did not consider how hormones are related to diet.. I’m glad you are feeling better.
Really glad to see this story. I hope it helps a friend who has a brain tumor.
I love data 🙂
While I was never officially diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma… I had elevated prolactin for years and was told that it’s likely that I had a tumor on my pituitary gland. I was on medication for a few years to bring my prolactin levels down (so I could ovulate again).
After going paleo for 3 months – and feeling sooo much healthier… I decided to test whether or not I needed this drug anymore. After eliminating the meds for 4 months, I had my prolactin tested again – and it was normal. So, whatever the cause of this elevated prolactin – tumor or not – the issue has resolved.
Congrats to you!
Congrats to you too w your levels returning to normal and/or your tumor disappearing! That is awesome! I just sorry I didn’t know about this years ago, but we sure are on the right track now! All good wishes to you!
Wonderful story…. Thanks so much Christine for making it available to us….
Over the past year I’ve read numerous articles about treating cancer with carbohydrate restriction & other lifestyle changes …. Here’s a video seminar by Dr. Eric Westman that may be of interest to you ….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9-OkTOq-n0
Thx so much for your comment and for sending me the video. As a former carboholic, I can’t tell you how happy that I have found this diet and have had such wonderful results w my tumor reduction. I do truly feel blessed. Thx again and best wishes to you as well.
That’s great! What is your substitute for rice?
THIS. IS. AWESOME.
Thx Amy B!
This testimonial is really awesome! I’m so happy for Christine. Not all people who have tumors were lucky like this. I’m so amazed with Paleo diet right now. I will definitely try this! 😀
I do truly feel blessed and so lucky to have the tumor reduce! I just had to share my story. :). Wishing you all the best too.
Hi, who was your Dr. at Jeff? I am just starting my meningioma journey. Thank you. Daphne
This is a touching story and I certainly hope everyone can recover like you are! 🙂
Thx Mary, I truly and sincerely hope my story helps people out there. I believe 100% in the power of this program. Take care.
Christine – what an amazing turn around for you! Well done to your son for looking out and researching.
Paleo is great for so many things, severe migranes (my problem which is now non-existent) colitis, celiac(sorry never could that spelt right)etc…..let alone weight loss, good skin, hair nails etc…….
Come back and let us know how you get on at your next visit …… please????
Hi, Sue, thanks for your comment. I think that paleo is great for so many other illnesses and diseases too. You are so right! I will definitely check back and let you know how my next scan goes. Fingers crossed the tumor will be gone! 🙂 Thanks again. All best wishes to you as well. Take care.
Hi Christine – how are things since I last posted? Was thinking of you the other day – explaining everything to a friend. Hope all is well with you and that you are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with family!
Sue
Christine, I was at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia for a month for a brain aneurysm between the middle of May and June 2013. The docs and staff there are great. I had read Robb Wolf’s book and had been Paleo a number of months prior and had previously lost 70 pounds myself. My recovery from the aneurysm has been quite miraculous. I listen to Robb’s Paleo Solution podcast regularly and truly appreciate his compassion for people, in spite of the cocaine & hookers and Bunny Ranch stuff. 🙂 Thank you, Christine, for sharing your story, and thank you, Robb, for your contributions to us all.
Anna, I am so happy that you had such a miraculous recovery from your brain aneurism! That is so fabulous! Maybe we passed each other in the waiting room since I was there for a visit in June as well. 🙂
The doctors at Jeff are great. We are so lucky to have some of the best hospitals in the country at our doorstep. Congrats on your weight loss too! It is so fun and amazing, isn’t it? Robb Wolf has been a true inspiration and I must check out more of those podcasts a little more often for the fun stuff. haha
Seriously, I am so happy for you and your recovery. What an inspiration you are! Wishing you all the best and for all good things in your future. Take care and thank you so much for commenting.
Hi Christine, how is your tumor going now? I had a Meningioma removed 20 years ago and three years ago they found 9! I am on watch and wait with 7 of them very small but two are about 3cmx2x2. One is against the sagittal sinus so they can’t completely remove it so I am desperate to shrink it. I will be starting on the Paleo diet soon. Adrienne
Oops. Forgot to mention that my aneurysm occurred three weeks after the my mother passed away.
Anna
Anna, I am so sorry about your mom too. Stress really is a factor. I lost my mom in 1996 and I still miss her everyday. God bless you.
Awesome! This is a great testimony of someone suffering from a tumor and made it shrunk because of this Paleo diet. May you continue be healed with your condition!
Thanks for your comment, George. I certainly hope you are right. Paleo is powerful! Take care.
CHRIS is a dear friend of mine. I’ve had a front row seat to her transformation. I am so happy and thrilled for her.She looks great and the positive medical side effects are so exciting. She so deserves this!
Wow this is truly inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing. I know you tumor will shrink till it disappears. 🙂
Christine,
Thank you for sharing your story! My family is in the beginning of the Paleo lifestlye change, and I also happen to have a Meningioma (Right lateral ventricle). Mine has not shown any signs of growth in 3 years and is not causing any problems that we know of (luckily).. It will be interesting to see what my next MRI shows (on Halloween)
I love to see stories like this. Just amazing what an impact food has on us. Best wishes to you Christine for continued good health and happiness.
I am 51 and my wife and I have been paleo for just over three months now, and we have never felt better.
I’m 40 and I have brain tumor. Paleo diet I use about 2 monts. I was very hapy when I found your story!
I hope that this diet can help decrease size of tumor.
Hello Christine
you story is great. my wife has a brain tumor. she is doing budwig, colonics, coffee enemas and ketogenic plus lots of supplements. hoping for success like yours. Mike
Hi I’ve got an inoperable brain tumor, I’m happy to do a diet that will shrink the tumor. Can you tell me which diet has the best results in decreasing the brain tumour size. Is it the budwig? The ketogenic? Or paleo?
Thanks louann
Hi Christine
Your story has inspired me to carry on with my change of diet. Having been diagnosed with an inoperable meningioma this year which I have had for 7 to 10 yrs. I was experiencing facial and eye symptoms, which was how they found it, having had an MRI. I have been going to a nutritionist and have cut out wheat, gluten, eating organic fruit, veg, lean meat and fish. I do eat natural grains,,such as polenta, buckwheat and quinoa. I have goats milk and goats cheese which I assume isn’t part of the paleo diet and lots of supplements. But I will also read Robb Wolfs book which sounds very interesting.
I have had a letter from the hospital stating that the tumour is stable and wont have to have MRI for another year.
I hope that my tumour will start eventually shrinking like yours.
Thank you for your inspirational story.
Sharon
Hi Sharon, I also have multiple Meningiomas. Let me know how you go with the diet and shrinking your tumor. I will be doing the same. Adrienne
Hello Adrienne
I have had another MRI this year and tumour is stable. Although I am not a perfect paleo dieter and every now and then I have to remind myself to eat well, I am sure that the changes have helped considerably. Hope you are doing well. Keep me updated.
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Unfortunately my largest is still growing. I am now on a ketogenic diet and hoping to get it stable at the very least. Would love to hear what you are doing
I’ve just been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, and am switching my eating habits to Paleo in order to maintain well-being during what time I have left.
I’d be most grateful if Christine and/or others would care to share experience and results of eating the Paleo way. (I’ll be buying Robb’s book and following his programme rather than hunting and pecking around the web).
Kind regards,
Monk
Your story is so inspiring. I have a non-malignant Glioma, diagnosed in 2/2010, with slight growth in 05/2013. Since I became aware of the Paleo lifestyle, I have cut back my bread. processed food and sugar intake. I have almost completely cut out soda. My Neurosurgeon said that my tumor also looks like it might be “ever-so-slightly smaller” and is definitely NOT growing. I am going to try going full Paleo to see if I can shrink it even more!
Thank you for sharing your story. I recently went on the paleo diet on February 8, 2016 because, I too, want to keep my Acoustic Neuroma tumor the same size or shrink it. I already had surgery a year ago but they didn’t get it all – I refuse to have surgery again or go down the road of radiation. You give me hope!
Thank you for sharing your story. It gives hope for meningioma s. I’m 37 and was diagnosed a few weeks ago with a 9mm in the parasagital area. It was by far the scariest and most breath taking phone call of my life. I cried hysterically in fear for days especially when I would look at my 3 yr old little girl and would wonder if something will happen to me and prevent me from raising her. That above all tortured me. Needless to say I made appointment s FAST. I saw both Jefferson and Penn. They both advised to watch and wait in which I’m going to do for 6 months. My initial reaction was get it out now !!!! But all of the those solutions have risks which are scary as well. So last night I began to search for a natural way… Asking what vitamins or food can shrink this??? Then I read this. I appreciate the article and advice . I’m going to try this approach and PRAY it’s effective. This has consumed my life….. All i do is read about it and try to make sense of it…….. Thanks again
Michele, I just saw your post and I had to comment. I was 37 yo when I was first diagnosed with a memingioma. My children were 5 and 2 yo. I was completely overwhelmed with fear and depression and was especially worried about my children. I let those feelings rule me for almost two years and essentially wasted 2 years of my life. My children are now 24 and 22 and my meningioma is stable. Most people with meningiomas live long and full lives whether or not they need treatment at some point. Tumor or not, none of us know what is going to happen tomorrow. Please enjoy the present and your daughter and try not to let fear overshadow your life.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your encouraging words here. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor this week and have many feelings of concern for my wife, 6, 3, and 1 year old. Could you give me more details on your decisions and journey?
Hi Michelle, can you tell me the drs you saw at Penn and Jeff. I am just beginning my meningioma journey. Thank you.
Hello Adrienne
Sorry to hear about your tumour. I think both paelo and ketogenic are good for you. Let me know how you are doing.
I must admit I must get back to eating more healthier. I have had another year of a stable result from my MRI but i still have to look after myself. I find that having enough sleep and not taking on too much stress helps.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Sharon.
I hope Christine is still doing well, because she stopped answering here quite a while ago.
I’m sure that traumatic experiences trigger specific biological programs in our psyche/brain/organ and especially the effect on the brain can be troublesome at times (as I’m sure was the case with Christine Moretti, who suffered a tremendous emotional shock when she heard the news about her sister). There’s a complete theory about all this out there and it’s called ‘German New Medicine’ (GNM). Anyone interested should study it and also get acquainted with the placebo/nocebo effect (which simply states that your expectation greatly influences any outcome in life – it can make any therapy a success or failure). Good luck everybody!
It’s heart warming and comforting to read all of your post. I’m new to site and very interested in hearing all of the advise from such nice people. I’m 59 and was diagnosed with a 1 .7 cm meningioma a year ago. 6 month MRI showed no growth and I’m going for new MRI next week. I’m praying that it is stable. I am slowly changing my diet and plan to see a nutritionist ASAP. I’ve cut out all sugar, salt, alcohol, bread and milk. Does anyone have any further advise? I value your information. Thanks and good luck to all of you. ❤️
For some reason I felt the need to find this woman and see how she is.
She’s still alive and looks great. She kept the weight off, so I assume she still eats well.
She was dxed with a rare variant of ALS four years ago or so. She looks quite healthy despite that.
In case anyone else was wondering.
Thank you for that update, I was wondering! Doing some research right now for my father in law…