Tijuana’s sunshine and balmy breezes aside, the Issels doctors set a tough regimen. Here’s how my hours are filled.
DAILY:
(Duration for each task includes preparation and clean-up time)
½ hr - vital signs 2x/day plus weight every morning
¾ hr consume nine juice doses spaced throughout the day (some require mixing with other compounds)
1 ¼ hr two coffee enemas
½ hr one juice enema
2 ¼ hr three meals in dining room; info exchange with other patients and companions, socialization, check daily schedule, eat
¾ hr walk or other exercise/physical therapy
½ hr IV Vitamin B17
3 hr IV Vitamin C
1 ½ hr castor oil poultice with heat for liver
1 hr clay poultice for liver
½ hr schmoozing with the nurses
½ hr doctor exam/consult
¾ hr admin, email, Internet, appointments, phone calls
1 ½ hr personal toilette, body maintenance
½ hr misc medical: blood draw, imaging
1 hr lecture (breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, home follow-up)
Oh, yes, and sleep, blessed sleep whenever possible (I am awakened at midnight for one scheduled medication.)
OTHER SCHEDULED:
1 hr intermittent treatments 2x/week, (photoluminescence, vaccines, etc) 1 ¼ hr colonic (weekly)
OTHER:
1 hr with psychologist, stress management (weekly)
2 hr evening video and popcorn (weekly)
Visualization
Meditation
A few of these can be multi-tasked, but require change of clothing because they are messy. This is just what occupies MY time; Michael takes care of everything else (and there is plenty of that).
FROM MICHAEL:
I haven’t added up all those time segments- maybe Linda has more than 24 hours in each of her days… something I have long suspected! She is a meticulous record keeper- as a look at her jump log will show. Anyway, Linda is just fine, in high spirits and completely engaged with life on its own terms with no preconditions- a great attitude. We have been here together in this room for nearly a month now- and it has been a good and constructive time for us both. We are closer now than ever before.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Newer Directions
We will have the next blood test results of treatment effectiveness perhaps by March 15. These tests are only indicators. A CT scan is the surest way to see what is happening to the tumors in my liver. The next one is scheduled for March 27, a 5 week interval after the previous one, probably the earliest that will show definitive changes in tumor size.
When we left home, we expected to continue the revised chemotherapy treatment recommended by our oncologist scheduled to begin March 1 concurrently with the Issels program. We reconsidered. We wanted to hear what the medical team here at the Issels Clinic had to say after reviewing all that had already been done plus the results of their incoming examinations and testing.
We have done that now. The doctors in the Issels program were willing to accommodate a concurrent chemotherapy treatment, but recommended the Issels program on its own. Our best assessment of the situation is that we gave chemotherapy alone a try with negative results (while delaying start of the Issels program). Now we feel that to continue chemotherapy with a new set of medications concurrently with an entirely different alternative regimen would only present mixed results and the inability to attribute success or failure to one of three treatment plans.
So we are going with the Issels program alone. At the end of the 4 week program, the most we will have lost is a month of treatment by whatever method we choose to proceed with at that point. We had already lost 6 weeks to unsuccessful chemotherapy treatment. We feel we have nothing to lose by full participation in the Issels program and quite possibly a lot to gain.
Copyright 2007
When we left home, we expected to continue the revised chemotherapy treatment recommended by our oncologist scheduled to begin March 1 concurrently with the Issels program. We reconsidered. We wanted to hear what the medical team here at the Issels Clinic had to say after reviewing all that had already been done plus the results of their incoming examinations and testing.
We have done that now. The doctors in the Issels program were willing to accommodate a concurrent chemotherapy treatment, but recommended the Issels program on its own. Our best assessment of the situation is that we gave chemotherapy alone a try with negative results (while delaying start of the Issels program). Now we feel that to continue chemotherapy with a new set of medications concurrently with an entirely different alternative regimen would only present mixed results and the inability to attribute success or failure to one of three treatment plans.
So we are going with the Issels program alone. At the end of the 4 week program, the most we will have lost is a month of treatment by whatever method we choose to proceed with at that point. We had already lost 6 weeks to unsuccessful chemotherapy treatment. We feel we have nothing to lose by full participation in the Issels program and quite possibly a lot to gain.
Copyright 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Getting There
Inspiration is a fine pole star. Schumann’s Fourth Symphony is mine, elevating the goal, tapping glorified energy to direct my path. What is lacking is the push to handle the daily grind on the way to exultation.
Molly (the unsinkable) Brown is my guiding light for simply plowing through whatever the daily grind throws at me. I first made her acquaintance when Burgess Meredith’s Broadway production came to fruition as I was blooming early on in my New York City phase. Three times I returned to soak up the relentlessly upbeat score, a natural affinity for a former cheerleader. Tammy Grimes, a petite powerhouse, epitomized Molly for me, infusing my imagination with an energy that has survived the decades. Her husky voice conveyed Molly’s grit and determination to make a better life for herself. In the Hollywood version Debbie Reynolds added sparkle to grit: a more polished, less earthy Molly.
Molly’s spirit is very much with me these days, the original cast recording filling my hospital room with energy and life. The very first number says it all: “I Ain’t Down Yet!”. Here she sings: “Sure I’m tuckered and I might give out, but I won’t give in. … There’ll come a time when nothin’ nor nobody wants me down like I wants me up. … Oh I hate that word down, but I love that word up. ‘Cause up means hope and that’s just what I got. Hope!”
Molly Brown’s energy accompanies me- along with all of you- on this journey … “WE AIN’T DOWN YET!!”
Copyright 2007
Molly (the unsinkable) Brown is my guiding light for simply plowing through whatever the daily grind throws at me. I first made her acquaintance when Burgess Meredith’s Broadway production came to fruition as I was blooming early on in my New York City phase. Three times I returned to soak up the relentlessly upbeat score, a natural affinity for a former cheerleader. Tammy Grimes, a petite powerhouse, epitomized Molly for me, infusing my imagination with an energy that has survived the decades. Her husky voice conveyed Molly’s grit and determination to make a better life for herself. In the Hollywood version Debbie Reynolds added sparkle to grit: a more polished, less earthy Molly.
Molly’s spirit is very much with me these days, the original cast recording filling my hospital room with energy and life. The very first number says it all: “I Ain’t Down Yet!”. Here she sings: “Sure I’m tuckered and I might give out, but I won’t give in. … There’ll come a time when nothin’ nor nobody wants me down like I wants me up. … Oh I hate that word down, but I love that word up. ‘Cause up means hope and that’s just what I got. Hope!”
Molly Brown’s energy accompanies me- along with all of you- on this journey … “WE AIN’T DOWN YET!!”
Copyright 2007
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
There
We were hit with a lot all at once; even as we walked in the door treatment began. We are confident we are getting the best possible care available anywhere in the world. The individual treatment protocols constitute a holistic plan tailored for each patient. Twice a week the doctors from all four clinics review the status of every patient in the hospital.
This hospital treats the whole person, a concept not well communicated on the Issels website. First hand experience is the best educator.
For physical well being, interventions are administered one to two times every hour and include juices, probiotics, supplements, vitamins & minerals, IV for delivery of ozone, vitamins, and later in the program some vaccines, IntraMuscular injections and the most delectable yoghurt I have ever tasted. An education component includes training for 6 months of home treatments following discharge, coping methods and sessions for caregivers only.
The schedule for therapies for the emotions includes relaxation guidance, laughter, breathing, art, music and more. The spiritual component of the body-mind-spirit triad is addressed with (optional attendance) morning and evening devotions as well as Sunday services. This is an institution functioning frankly as a non-denominational spiritually-based medical delivery system. I know we have faith-funded medical institutions in our culture, however I am not acquainted with how they operate in this context if at all.
Volunteers from an organization comprised of former cancer patients join us at lunch and dinner. They provide perspective on the focus and purpose of the hospital programs. Their presence provides a needed social context in a rotating hospital population.
After six days of treatment, it is too early to identify trends in the course of this illness, but the spirit of this place and the kindness of the staff has brought us a measure of optimism.
Copyright 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
New Directions
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
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
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
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