We have taken a breather and had a chance to absorb unwelcome news. During the three months of uncertainty as to appropriate treatment, we prepared for the next step by exploring options for each likely treatment outcome. We didn’t hope for this, but at least we are prepared to make an informed choice.
We are moving forward with what we believe to be the most sensible, productive and safest plan: to proceed with complementary treatments concurrently. We will initiate the oncologist-recommended chemotherapy as scheduled next week. Starting the same day, I will receive a 4-week program of in-patient care at the Issels Clinic across the border from San Diego in Mexico: www.issels.com .
This treatment program was first offered by an MD in the late 1940s in Europe and continues to be practiced at a clinic there as well as in Mexico. As science advances, new treatments have been added, including the production of an anti-cancer cell vaccine from my own blood, a method now being studied by several government agencies including the National Cancer Institute.
The Tijuana clinic is located in a hospital, a benefit for me since the current chemotherapy plan has harsh side effects at a time when my liver function is becoming increasingly stressed. I will feel very much better having emergency care available within seconds and Michael close by my side.
Meanwhile, I continue my own integrated program: prancing around the living room led by a Richard Simmons video, meditating (really works!!), eating my vegetables, thinking pure thoughts and happy to wake up to your greetings each day.
Copyright 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Not Good
The largest liver tumor has grown from 5.7cm to 8.3cm, a 46% increase in size. Therefore we are stopping the current protocol of Cisplatin and Irinotecan.
We will resume chemotherapy on March 1 with Temozolomide (Temodar) and Capecitabine (Xeloda), a self-administered treatment in pill form.
Of 17 patients monitored on this treatment with conditions similar to mine:
1 had a complete remission
9 had a partial response surviving for 9 months
6 had a greater than 50% decline in tumor markers (blood test results)
1 had a less than 50% decline in tumor markers
More later.
Copyright 2007
We will resume chemotherapy on March 1 with Temozolomide (Temodar) and Capecitabine (Xeloda), a self-administered treatment in pill form.
Of 17 patients monitored on this treatment with conditions similar to mine:
1 had a complete remission
9 had a partial response surviving for 9 months
6 had a greater than 50% decline in tumor markers (blood test results)
1 had a less than 50% decline in tumor markers
More later.
Copyright 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Crossing the Threshold: Independence
As first-born of ten I was expected to be independent.
Mother loved telling the story of how I learned to walk at the age of 8 months. One day she peeked into the nursery to see if I was still napping. She saw baby Linda, balanced upright, intensely concentrated, stepping hands-free from one side of the crib to the other. I had mastered this adult activity while no one was looking, assisting or encouraging. Fiercely and aggressively independent from the beginning!
Being a burden or bother to others has always been anathema to me, to ask for help, a sign of my incompetence and poor planning. Fortunately, those who don’t learn life’s lessons until later can learn them quickly! On Diagnosis Day, October 2006, I was alone and baldly inadequate to confront a stealth opponent that commanded the very resources essential for life.
I was back in that crib making the alternate choice. For help, I turned first to my stalwart companion of 26 years, my loving husband. He urged me to take the next step: to reach out for support and encouragement from others. The clincher was to take a step yet farther: to accept the aid of family, friends and an army of unknowns volunteering their caring and prayers for the strength to separate myself from the greedy appetite of this illness.
As we approach the first treatment benchmark, I take great comfort in feeling your presence at my side. You have been patient teachers of a most recalcitrant student who thanks you with unbounded gratitude.
Copyright 2007
Mother loved telling the story of how I learned to walk at the age of 8 months. One day she peeked into the nursery to see if I was still napping. She saw baby Linda, balanced upright, intensely concentrated, stepping hands-free from one side of the crib to the other. I had mastered this adult activity while no one was looking, assisting or encouraging. Fiercely and aggressively independent from the beginning!
Being a burden or bother to others has always been anathema to me, to ask for help, a sign of my incompetence and poor planning. Fortunately, those who don’t learn life’s lessons until later can learn them quickly! On Diagnosis Day, October 2006, I was alone and baldly inadequate to confront a stealth opponent that commanded the very resources essential for life.
I was back in that crib making the alternate choice. For help, I turned first to my stalwart companion of 26 years, my loving husband. He urged me to take the next step: to reach out for support and encouragement from others. The clincher was to take a step yet farther: to accept the aid of family, friends and an army of unknowns volunteering their caring and prayers for the strength to separate myself from the greedy appetite of this illness.
As we approach the first treatment benchmark, I take great comfort in feeling your presence at my side. You have been patient teachers of a most recalcitrant student who thanks you with unbounded gratitude.
Copyright 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
from MICHAEL
A note from me to everyone who has written, phoned, messaged, or faxed to Lynn:
Words cannot suffice to express my thanks to you all. Your messages of hope, support, humor, warmth and- yes, Love- are invaluable. Lynn is enormously buoyed up by the surety that out there in the great world beyond pain and anxiety there are so many folks who hold her in their thoughts with such great affection. Please keep the good feelings flowing to this valiant lady!
Michael
Composed 02 14 07
Copyright 2007
Words cannot suffice to express my thanks to you all. Your messages of hope, support, humor, warmth and- yes, Love- are invaluable. Lynn is enormously buoyed up by the surety that out there in the great world beyond pain and anxiety there are so many folks who hold her in their thoughts with such great affection. Please keep the good feelings flowing to this valiant lady!
Michael
Composed 02 14 07
Copyright 2007
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Anthem
With treatment underway, the new waiting game is checkpoint test results. While waiting, my busy little mind searches for ways to improve this situation: perhaps add a component that will contribute to a positive outcome. So far, the search has been for substances to put into my body to improve the physical condition, and into my mind to improve the mental state in which the physical operates.
For straight to-the-heart sustenance, however, music has fed my soul in a deep and complete way leaving me more whole than other artistic media. As I reflect on inspiring music, Schumann’s Symphony #4 in D Minor springs to mind. Right from the start, it is triumphant! I favor the version by Paul Paray conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for its vibrant intensity and architectural robustness, qualities that add a supportive dimension to my healing effort.
This choice represents a special legacy for me. Long ago, my sister bought it for her record collection and left me the original LP when she moved out as my roommate and married. A few years later she died, and the record became mine. I played that LP until the ridges and valleys in each groove wore down to a white hiss. Then I bought a tape cassette and played that to a howling whine. Now this music is on a CD, ready to serve as anthem for this journey, almost as if sent ahead by my sister’s spirit to help me through this time.
As the angst of waiting builds, I’ll keep cool with Schumann. So pass the ipod, and play on, Paray!
Copyright 2007
For straight to-the-heart sustenance, however, music has fed my soul in a deep and complete way leaving me more whole than other artistic media. As I reflect on inspiring music, Schumann’s Symphony #4 in D Minor springs to mind. Right from the start, it is triumphant! I favor the version by Paul Paray conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for its vibrant intensity and architectural robustness, qualities that add a supportive dimension to my healing effort.
This choice represents a special legacy for me. Long ago, my sister bought it for her record collection and left me the original LP when she moved out as my roommate and married. A few years later she died, and the record became mine. I played that LP until the ridges and valleys in each groove wore down to a white hiss. Then I bought a tape cassette and played that to a howling whine. Now this music is on a CD, ready to serve as anthem for this journey, almost as if sent ahead by my sister’s spirit to help me through this time.
As the angst of waiting builds, I’ll keep cool with Schumann. So pass the ipod, and play on, Paray!
Copyright 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Treatment Protocols
For those interested, following are the various protocols in their accurate and final forms during the treatment phase of this situation. Some of you have asked for this information.
Chemotherapy single session, 4-1/2 – 5 hours (from nursing discharge notes) in sequence delivered (cycle=Treatment Day 1, Treatment Day 8, Rest Day 22; repeat):
Saline w/electrolytes:
Potassium 20mg IV
Magnesium 1 gram IV
Kytril 2mg orally )30 minutes before
Decadron 20mg IV )Cisplatin (for nausea)
Cisplatin 42mg IV
Irinotecan 70mg IV
Post therapy for side effects:
Zofran 8mg orally 2x/day for 3 days following treatment (for nausea)
Compazine 10 mg 1ea/6 hours if needed (for nausea)
Ongoing:
Potassium 20mg 1 ea 2x/day orally ongoing for low potassium levels
Pain medication: propoxyphene HCl 65mg, 2ea every 5 hours while awake
Supplementary Protocols:
Systemic Formulas OXCC Cleanser Cell #482 (combines the characteristics of healthy cells as it normalizes, maintains and cleanses), 1 ea 2x/day
Systemic Formulas OXOX Activator Cell #483 (supports healthy cell structure in deep tissues), 1 ea 2x/day
Systemic Formulas P #78 (nutritionally supports normal function of the pancreas), 1 ea 2x/day
Acupuncture: points for boosting immune and liver functions day following chemotherapy
Coffee enemas, 2x/day (facilitate elimination of toxins)
Renew Life, Digest More Ultra: Plant Enzyme ProprietaryFormula (digestive enzyme blend)
Renew Life, Essential Flora 50 blend Proprietary Formula (acidophilus blend)
Complementary Therapies:
Meditation: 20 min/day
Visualizations: Daily
Exercise: ~30 minutes/day, 6x/week, Rotating: Cardiovascular, resistance, QiGong
Yoga Class: 1-1/2 hr, 1x/week
Diet/Nutrition Counseling, as needed
Stress Management Counseling, as needed
Cancer Support Group, 2x/month
Vitamins & Minerals:
Vitamin E, 400 iu, (as di-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), 1 ea / day
Vitamin D, 800 iu, (as Cholecalciferol), 1 ea / day
Includes: calcium 119mg as dicalcium phosphate)
Selenium, 200 mg (as Selenium Yeast)
Includes: Vitamin C, 60mg (ascorbic acid)
Bioflavanoid 386mg
Brewers Yeast Debittered
Selenium Yeast
Citrus Bioflavanoids (orange peel extract=citrus sinensis)
Folic Acid, 400mcg
Includes: Calcium 75mg
"Other" = dicalcium phosphate
Vitamin C, 1000mg (as ascorbic acid), 1 ea 2x/day
Omega 3 Fish Oil, 1000mg softgels, 1 ea 3x/day
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat less than 0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5 mg
EPA 180mg
DHA 120mg
Each treatment team has this information. If anyone sees worrisome interactions, please notify us so that we can review for suitability.
Thank you with gratitude for your participation in my care.
Copyright 2007
Chemotherapy single session, 4-1/2 – 5 hours (from nursing discharge notes) in sequence delivered (cycle=Treatment Day 1, Treatment Day 8, Rest Day 22; repeat):
Saline w/electrolytes:
Potassium 20mg IV
Magnesium 1 gram IV
Kytril 2mg orally )30 minutes before
Decadron 20mg IV )Cisplatin (for nausea)
Cisplatin 42mg IV
Irinotecan 70mg IV
Post therapy for side effects:
Zofran 8mg orally 2x/day for 3 days following treatment (for nausea)
Compazine 10 mg 1ea/6 hours if needed (for nausea)
Ongoing:
Potassium 20mg 1 ea 2x/day orally ongoing for low potassium levels
Pain medication: propoxyphene HCl 65mg, 2ea every 5 hours while awake
Supplementary Protocols:
Systemic Formulas OXCC Cleanser Cell #482 (combines the characteristics of healthy cells as it normalizes, maintains and cleanses), 1 ea 2x/day
Systemic Formulas OXOX Activator Cell #483 (supports healthy cell structure in deep tissues), 1 ea 2x/day
Systemic Formulas P #78 (nutritionally supports normal function of the pancreas), 1 ea 2x/day
Acupuncture: points for boosting immune and liver functions day following chemotherapy
Coffee enemas, 2x/day (facilitate elimination of toxins)
Renew Life, Digest More Ultra: Plant Enzyme ProprietaryFormula (digestive enzyme blend)
Renew Life, Essential Flora 50 blend Proprietary Formula (acidophilus blend)
Complementary Therapies:
Meditation: 20 min/day
Visualizations: Daily
Exercise: ~30 minutes/day, 6x/week, Rotating: Cardiovascular, resistance, QiGong
Yoga Class: 1-1/2 hr, 1x/week
Diet/Nutrition Counseling, as needed
Stress Management Counseling, as needed
Cancer Support Group, 2x/month
Vitamins & Minerals:
Vitamin E, 400 iu, (as di-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), 1 ea / day
Vitamin D, 800 iu, (as Cholecalciferol), 1 ea / day
Includes: calcium 119mg as dicalcium phosphate)
Selenium, 200 mg (as Selenium Yeast)
Includes: Vitamin C, 60mg (ascorbic acid)
Bioflavanoid 386mg
Brewers Yeast Debittered
Selenium Yeast
Citrus Bioflavanoids (orange peel extract=citrus sinensis)
Folic Acid, 400mcg
Includes: Calcium 75mg
"Other" = dicalcium phosphate
Vitamin C, 1000mg (as ascorbic acid), 1 ea 2x/day
Omega 3 Fish Oil, 1000mg softgels, 1 ea 3x/day
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat less than 0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5 mg
EPA 180mg
DHA 120mg
Each treatment team has this information. If anyone sees worrisome interactions, please notify us so that we can review for suitability.
Thank you with gratitude for your participation in my care.
Copyright 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Treatment
At last! Chemotherapy has such a bad reputation, I never thought I’d be looking forward to it! This transition marks the end of a long period of intense anxiety and suspense between the first diagnosis of cancer and the final treatment plan. During that time, the cancer was presumably progressing at an unknown rate, the tumors in my liver further curtailing functions essential to life.
The low point came between Thanksgiving and Christmas, skating on thin ice without treatment and a feeling of slipping away. Unanticipated setbacks (death of our oncologist) and holiday downtime prevented developing the diagnosis while adding to uncertainty and tension. We consulted qualified professionals to learn what could be done to bolster liver function and my immune system while waiting. Herbal supplements, vitamins and a rigorous nutrition/diet plan to reduce toxins as much as possible apparently worked. Just before Christmas, I began to gain a bit of strength with less fatigue, improving my spirits. A rekindled clarity appeared in my eye along with a sense of purpose.
Now we’re back in unknown territory. Each person responds to chemotherapy individually, just as they manifest the symptoms of the illness uniquely.
The mechanics are simple: a 6-hour IV drip delivering in order: hydration, Cisplatin, anti-nausea medication, and Irinotecan. The cycle: two consecutive Thursdays, skip one; repeat. Blood tests provide weekly glimpses of my response to the treatments. Monitor progress at the 6-week mark with a CT scan.
These benchmarks are engraved into our calendar; we eagerly await results.
Copyright 2007
The low point came between Thanksgiving and Christmas, skating on thin ice without treatment and a feeling of slipping away. Unanticipated setbacks (death of our oncologist) and holiday downtime prevented developing the diagnosis while adding to uncertainty and tension. We consulted qualified professionals to learn what could be done to bolster liver function and my immune system while waiting. Herbal supplements, vitamins and a rigorous nutrition/diet plan to reduce toxins as much as possible apparently worked. Just before Christmas, I began to gain a bit of strength with less fatigue, improving my spirits. A rekindled clarity appeared in my eye along with a sense of purpose.
Now we’re back in unknown territory. Each person responds to chemotherapy individually, just as they manifest the symptoms of the illness uniquely.
The mechanics are simple: a 6-hour IV drip delivering in order: hydration, Cisplatin, anti-nausea medication, and Irinotecan. The cycle: two consecutive Thursdays, skip one; repeat. Blood tests provide weekly glimpses of my response to the treatments. Monitor progress at the 6-week mark with a CT scan.
These benchmarks are engraved into our calendar; we eagerly await results.
Copyright 2007
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