178: Dale Atkinson survived Stage IV esophageal cancer | palliative care | endoscopy | CAPOX | cold neuropathy

Dale Atkinson Description       In 2024, Dale Atkinson was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer.  His diagnosis preceded by the death of his mother and was preceded by his partner being diagnosed with lung cancer.  All this in the space of a few weeks.  Dale was active in sports and consumed a healthy diet, but in 2019 began to suffer chronic acid reflux.  His symptoms were repeatedly treated as acid reflux, but it wasn't until 2024 that he underwent an endoscopy, which immediately revealed a tumor and a diagnosis of Stage IV esophageal cancer.  Dale was told he didn't have long to live and was immediately placed in palliative care.  However, he did extensive research and essentially designed his own care plan, combining conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy with non-mainstream remedies.  In 2025, the tumor shrank and he was declared to have No Evidence of Disease.   In 2019, Dale Atkinson was still in his twenties, was on a vegetarian diet and was active in four sports, including rugby.  Then he began to experience chronic acid reflux and heartburn.  Sleep was interrupted by rising into his throat.  He had difficulty swallowing.  Dale sought medical attention, but his symptoms were repeatedly treated as reflux.   In 2024, Dale was scheduled for an endoscopy.  Because his partner had just been diagnosed with lung cancer, she could not drive, and because of that, Dale was not anesthetized for the procedure.  As a result, along with his care team, he viewed the endoscopy, which showed a 9.2cm tumor and with it a diagnosis of Stage IV esophageal cancer.    Doctors told Dale he did not have long to live and that his only treatment option was palliative care.  He was diagnosed on October 12, 2024.  Nine days earlier, his partner was diagnosed with lung cancer and on October 27, his mother passed away.  Overwhelmed with devastating news, once it all sunk in, Dale decided he would let determination  spearhead his journey, determination and not fear.   His palliative care regimen was supposed to consist of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but Dale said he approximately 5,000 research paper, concluded which non-traditional therapies could be of help and asked that his regimen include a combination of the non-mainstream medications along with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.   He learned in January 2025 his tumor decreased in size, he was able to swallow normally and could go hours at a time without any pain.  He was declared No Evidence of Disease, and thought things were getting back to normal.  He got off his protocol, but in March, cancer symptoms returned.  Dale got back on his protocol, and months later, again was declared NED.  He still suffers from chemo-related brain fog but enjoys life with his partner and two young sons.   Additional Resources:   Dale's charity: "Beyond the Standard."   Dale's blog: https://www.thelifeorganic.com   Dale's fitness center: https://www.peakhealthandfitness.co.uk