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Cancer by Ray Wegner Diagnosed with Cancer Trying Holistic Method First Possible Side Effects of Chemotherapy A Positive Experience Diet and Lifestyle Changes Supplements No Magic Bullet Updates The Cancer Industry Our Health Comes First Why So Little Support for Alternative Treatment ? Not Just Talking Practical Suggestions On Cancer Prevention Stress Can Do You In - If Not Handled Property Why the Choice of Chemotherapy ?
Diagnosed with Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Sometime in the early part of June 2007, I noticed a lump in my neck that did not go away. Thought it was caused by an injury, but the swelling did not go away. See the Doctor and he arranged for an ultrasound that same day. Results were in quickly, and I was sent to get a needle biopsy of the lump. Things moved extremely quickly, and I was told I had a type of cancer - called Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. So was referred to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre here in Calgary, Alberta. Further tests were arranged. Was referred to a surgeon at Foothills Hospital who did a surgical biopsy - that is he cut out a piece of one of the tumors. The tests showed - Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - and at stage two - and at grade three high grade (however when I recently saw a different Doctor at the same clinic - I was informed it is a stage four cancer). This means it supposedly is a more aggressive brand of Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This form of cancer is currently regarded as incurable, but generally slower growing. It is regarded as a chronic brand of cancer (it is interesting to note that with the two biopsies - I have been given two different versions as to what kind of cancer this is). An entire body Ct-Scan was scheduled for the end of July 2007. On August 2, 2007 they took a bone marrow sample. On August 9th I saw the Doctor at the Cancer Clinic to discuss treatment. Tests showed I only had this cancer in the one larger lump in the right side of my upper neck, and in two very small lumps in the middle left side of the neck (this is what I was originally told, but now apparently that information is not correct, and it is in the bones too). Did not consent to the treatment proposed (Chop-R treatment) 6 treatments of chemotherapy coupled with Rituximab. Had some problems with a tooth extraction done in the middle of July. There was a sinus perforation, and follow-up oral surgery, and my mouth was sore. Told the Doctor at Tom Baker that I was not prepared to go into any treatment until my mouth was thoroughly healed up. An appointment with him was scheduled for Sept. 13, 2007. The Doctor and his team wanted me to begin treatment. The Doctor said the lump would not go away by itself, and He said it would spread. He said I could be cured of this problem (but this is a chronic form of cancer), and he said I was lucky it was caught so early. He said it would shorten my life, but I could live maybe ten years more or so. I can see how easily those diagnosed with cancer can be pressured into conventional treatment. The pressure is enormous to just go along with conventional chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. If cancer patients happen to be weak - they can be very, very easily forced or bullied into treatment. I am not someone who will be bullied into anything.
Am trying the holistic, natural method of treatment first. This is due to my careful research on the subject, and due to the potentially harmful effects of standard cancer treatment, like chemotherapy and radiation. Another reason for this is my lack of symptoms of cancer besides the lumps. There is no fatigue, nausea, drenching night sweats or any other symptoms. My main problem is the stress this matter puts a person under. You need to be aware of all the various stressors, because if you don't handle that properly - the stress can do you in. I told these Doctors to just slow down and take it easy. Stop pressuring me. I have also found that so many ordinary people have so much misinformation regarding cancer, and figure being diagnosed with it is a death sentence, or figure standard treatment methods are the only things that will work.
Some Possible Side Effects of Chemotherapy These side effects are possible, and this information is taken straight from one of the booklets given to me at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
Some Possible Long Term Side Effects
Here are a couple of quotes from the booklet regarding treatment options for those diagnosed with follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: " Watchful waiting is used in the (indolent) non-Hodgkin's lymphomas because we are dealing with a chronic disease where we are not going to cure the patient. So if both Doctor and patient can live with that decision, and it's not affecting a major organ, there's no harm at all in waiting. " - Dr. L. Lacroix " Watch and wait ...is the best treatment option if offered by your oncologist ..... the least amount of chemotherapy or radiation you have over time, the better. Watch and wait is a very valid treatment option that more NHL patients need to understand. Being aggressive with this disease is not always the best course of action. " - Marc, 13 years post-diagnosis Additionally often after treatment and hopefully remission the cancer may come back in a more malignant form - after a few years. The immune system can be damaged (it is usually damaged) during treatment making you more vulnerable to getting some other health problem or sickness. And the Doctor cannot guarantee that chemotherapy or radiation treatment will be successful with treating your cancer. If it doesn't work - then you are in a much, much worse situation - your immune system is now in really bad shape, you will likely be fatigued and unable to work, etc. Not everyone gets fatigued when undergoing chemotherapy, but the Doctor told me that fatigue was the most common side effect of treatment and the fatigue may make it impossible for you to continue to work - so there are potential financial problems associated with treatment. So have opted for the holistic approach - if after a time that doesn't work - then chemotherapy - Chop-R is a last resort. The Doctor says the wait and see approach is a bad idea. However, I have no symptoms of cancer, except for the lumps, which are not bothering me at this time, and appear to be standing still or shrinking. Am resisting the pressure to jump into chemo, and am taking the go slow, get the body in good health first idea. We all have cancer cells in our bodies. Mostly always our immune systems are able to clean up these cancer cells successfully. In my case and in the case with others with cancer - somehow our immune systems have been compromised and our bodies are not able to clean up the problem. My aim is to greatly strengthen and clean up the body, and thus strengthen the immune system, which can then give the body the change to clean this matter up naturally (with Gods help of course for God is our healer.) Have subsequently done a great deal of research on cancer - its causes and the cures. So am deeply involved in treating myself. The Doctors at the Cancer Centre are my insurance (aside from the good Lord of course who comes first). If push comes to shove there is always the option of chemotherapy. Have generally had positive experiences at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic. They were not part of the Calgary Health Region, but were a separate entity until recently their status has changed some, due to the Provincial Government creating a central super board in Edmonton. I remember going to the Foothills Hospital to visit some sick relatives, and I'd look down the corridors of the wing of the Cancer Clinic with a kind of fear or dread. Used to see all the poor sick folks around the front door, and just did not want to deal with Cancer or the Cancer Clinic in any way. However, this has all changed now. Really don't mind going there. Am more curious than anything, and have met so many wonderful people there. Great staff, and excellent care. But, I will not be forced into treatment, and I am sure they understand this completely - and if they don't I will darn well make sure they do.
A Positive Experience and a Test of Faith Problems are only opportunities. Stumbling blocks are merely stepping stones to success. When the going is tough and your life is full of problems then rejoice, for this just gives your faith in God the chance to grow. The flesh profits nothing - it is the spiritual that counts - for the spiritual life will last forever. The few fleeting years we have in the flesh will soon end - even if we live to be 120 and are never sick a single day in our lives. This being diagnosed with cancer has been a positive learning experience. It has given me more faith in God and Jesus Christ, and helped me to have more sympathy and understanding of others and the problems they have. Have a fresh and better perspective on things and certainly a more humble attitude. Resolved this matter regarding death and our mortality many years ago prior to baptism at age 30. Human life is really very frail and transitory. We can be snuffed out very quickly and very easily. We will never get out of this thing alive. However, there is the very real hope of the resurrection through Jesus Christ. Romans: 6-23 " For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. " It is so important to have a strong spiritual foundation to ones life - and that foundation is The Rock - Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:24-25 " Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. "
Changes in Diet and Lifestyle As soon as this problem was diagnosed in June 2007 and after some careful research into the matter a campaign was begun to self-treat this problem. Out went the micro-wave oven, and drinking of chlorinated water. Out went the exposure to harmful chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and various potentially harmful household chemicals. Out went showering in chlorinated water. Out went the eating of most processed foods, processed sugars, breads made from processed enriched flour, canned foods, fried foods, most meat products like beef (but have not stopped eating meat, but just am more careful about what kind of meat it is), and out went the eating out at restaurants (except very rarely). There were and still are lot of changes in diet. In came more fresh fruits and vegetables - more fish like salmon, and also following a more alkaline diet designed to raise the ph level. In came drinking more water - bottled spring water - and a chlorine filter on the kitchen water tap and on the bathroom shower. In came the use of natural supplements and healing herbs and foods, like zeolite, green tea, blue green algae, garlic, aloe vera, cottage cheese and flax seed oil mixed, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and a great variety of other delicious high alkaline foods like sweet potatoes, red grapes, mangos, broccoli, green beans, lemons, cauliflower, spinach, kale, papaya, beets, pineapple, watermelon etc. In came natural supplements like enzymes to help with digestion. In came supplements to boost the immune system. There has been a lot of very positive changes. My suggestion is for you to do the research (there are many reputable sources of sound information - the internet is a great tool for research, but use common sense when using it) - be properly informed - get different view points on the subject - get a second professional opinion if you feel you need one - there are two sides to every story, and then make an informed decision, based on common sense and reason - not a hasty decision based on fear, political pressure or misinformation. Make the decision you feel is best for your well being and health and that suits your needs, your current situation and your financial resources. As adults we can refuse certain treatment procedures, if we feel they are not in our best interests.
Disclaimer - A disclaimer needs to be attached here. This material is for educational and informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a qualified licensed professional. I am not a medical Doctor, and do not pretend to practice medicine. This site assumes no responsibility for how the material and supplements listed are used. Supplements - Here is a list of the supplements and foods I have been taking to boost my health and immune system, which are basically targeted to treat my current health issues. They are listed in order of importance for me. The ones I feel are the most important and effective are listed first and then on down the list, but his is just my opinion though - I am not a Doctor. Many different supplements are taken, and hopefully at least one or two of them will work, but don't ask me which ones specifically are the best. Don't really know. Maybe they all help. Maybe some of them do little or nothing, but you do your research and choose the supplements that have the good reputation for helping whatever you are treating. Maybe some complement each other and work better together than alone. Maybe they all help a little and the more the better. The supplements listed here - if taken correctly - can only help your health - they will not harm or kill you. But isn't 40 or so different supplements more than enough ? (Since starting chemotherapy on Dec. 31, 2009 the writer no longer takes all of these, since quite a few of them may interfere with the chemotherapy drugs. Follow the advice of your Doctor when undergoing chemotherapy in regards to what supplements to take during treatment. A few of them are still used. Three weeks after the last chemo treatment the Doctor said I can resume taking whatever supplements I want to)
Also have taken a few other natural supplements like organic coconut oil - and a few others too. Have also used a few body cleansing products - like those put out by Renew Life, since their products are not too expensive. You can ask the people at your local Health Food Store what products they recommend for body cleansing, but do your research and be careful, and consult a trained expert in this field like a naturopathic Doctor, if you just don't know what to do. It is strongly suggested by some you do cleansing on a regular basis - and some will say it is a must if you have cancer, but others will tell you it is not necessary if you are following a good diet, and have no constipation problems. There are natural products that are reportedly able to remove heavy metals and toxins from your system. Colon or intestinal cleansing and cleaning is considered very important by some. There are a lot of good holistic products out there that will help - just do your research. But again there are varying opinions on this subject, and some will tell you this is not needed, unless you perhaps have problems with constipation. For those who cannot afford all the expensive supplements - there are still alternatives. There are some that are relatively inexpensive, and dietary changes - eating better and more healthy doesn't cost much more than eating poorly. In the long run spending a bit more for better quality food is an investment that will pay off in reduced health care costs in the future. There are lower cost supplements you can turn too like garlic for example - just do your research. The very first thing I noticed after all these changes was an increase in my energy level. It was really surprising. I have always been very strong, and with quite a bit of energy. However, I have noticed a very real increase in the energy level- very surprised by this.
Too Many are Just Looking for a Magic Bullet Cure for Cancer The snake oil peddlers keep peddling their magic bullet cures for cancer, and vulnerable people keep falling for the various scams. From my experience with actually being diagnosed with cancer - I will tell you clearly there is no magic bullet. Yet people keep being fed this " dope a hope " I call it. This is where people are being mislead to believe that if they just throw enough money at the problem - like if they just raise enough money for cancer research, or just give more to cancer research - then the almighty god of science will just come up with some pill, or some simple procedure that will magically remove the cancer from your body. The truth is that there is no magic bullet. Cancer is a very complex thing, and there are many different causes of it. The real solution is that we need to realize that the human fleshly bodies we have been given by the Creator will not last forever. We are only temporary transitory beings here on the earth - made from the dust, and we return to the dust at death. The real solution is for us to work to enter the Kingdom of God. The real solution is to concentrate on the spiritual - the spiritual life that God can give you will last forever - but the body will die because of sin. The real solution is to follow God's ways, repent of our sins, and trust in Jesus Christ to wash away your sins through His shed blood. The real solution is to look to God the Father and God the Son for salvation. Romans 6:23 " For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. " Once you got that business straight then there are some real things you can do to deal with cancer, so you can live out your full years and not die before your time. But there is no magic bullet. Basically it is a long term solution involving following a very healthy diet, and avoiding contact with harmful substances and chemicals, and taking the right kind of supplements your body needs to help boost its immune system, and getting enough exercise, fresh air and so on. Basically you need to work as best you can to restore your health and restore your immune system, and then your body will be able to deal with the cancer much more successfully. This is long term - there are no quick fixes. So many things are instant these days - people can get instant entertainment at the flick of a switch, there are many instant foods, and there is the fast food restaurant, and people can just pick up the phone and almost instantaneously be talking to someone on the other side of the world. So there is this mentality out there that somehow the researchers and scientists will just come up with some instant cure for cancer. Too many are looking for an easy way out. Looking for the Doctor to fix them or to take some pills. It just doesn't work that way in the real world - it takes time to restore your health after years of neglect and abuse. So don't expect an instant fix when dealing with cancer. Don't fall for the " dope a hope " that so many will try to sell you.
The Cancer Industry This business of being diagnosed with cancer has been an eye opener for me, and the more experience I get from dealing with those involved with conventional treatment through the health care system (like chemotherapy and radiation) - the more I am forced to conclude we are dealing with an industry here. This is a multi-billion dollar industry, with the pharmaceutical industry making huge profits. And we are not getting the straight goods as to the effectiveness and success rate of standard cancer treatment. Only about 5 % of money raised for cancer research is earmarked towards prevention. This is too little. I would ask all those involved in raising money for cancer research to start questioning where all that money raised is going, and how effective is the money being used. People go out and feel they are doing a good thing by raising money for cancer research, but there doesn't seem to me to be enough awareness as to how exactly the money is being used, and who is using it. There should be more accountability. So many people figure that if we just raise enough money then a cure will be found for cancer. Where are the facts to show us this money is being used wisely ? How much progress is being made in this supposed fight against cancer ?
Alternative Treatment Why is there so little information regarding alternative treatment and prevention of cancer ? Why is there so much misinformation on this subject ? Is it because there is so much money to be made by the cancer industry - that knowledge of alternative cancer treatment is suppressed by the cancer treatment establishment ? If alternative treatment of cancer is or has been proven to be effective then the government through the health care system should be supporting such treatment methods. They should be making this sort of treatment a tax exemption or medical deduction. Why isn't the government actively looking into this matter, and insuring we Canadians are getting the best bang for our bucks regarding cancer treatment. If certain alternative methods are more successful then standard treatment - then why in the world aren't we actively supporting and promoting such treatment ? Why do poorer folks with cancer have to rely upon standard cancer treatment, if alternative treatment methods work just as good - if not better ?
I Am Experiencing Cancer - Not Just Writing About It In my research and study regarding cancer I have noticed an interesting phenomenon. There are so many who are ready to give advice as to what is the best approach and method in treating cancer, but so many of these people have never been diagnosed with cancer themselves. There is a big difference between the talkers and those who are really living it. There is no shortage of free advice on the subject. And there is no shortage of those who claim they have a cure, but you have to send them some money before they will tell you about it ! There are many different opinions on the vast subject of cancer. And it seems like most everyone figures their approach and method is the correct one. You go to the various web sites regarding alternative methods of cancer treatment, and most of the time these people have never had cancer themselves. Seems to me that there are just too many people out there who want to just make money off of the suffering of others. You are talking to someone who is living with cancer. So you are dealing with the real thing here.
Practical Suggestions On Cancer Prevention and Cancer Treatment Pesticides and Herbicides - The use of these should be drastically curtailed. I am not talking about banning these, but stopping the unnecessary use of them. There shouldn't be any spraying of herbicides in city parks. We live near Nose Hill Park here in Calgary, and a few years ago I noticed the City of Calgary sprayed the entire park with herbicides. This is insane and extremely unhealthy. These sprays are proven to be carcinogenic. The particular brand of cancer I have (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) one of the more likely causes is exposure to pesticides - and this naturally includes herbicides. Stop the systemic spraying of City Parks. Chlorinated and Fluorinated Water - We should be seriously looking at other things and methods besides chlorine to treat our water. Those who are experts on gardening will tell you to try and avoid watering your plants with chlorinated water, because the chlorine kills useful and beneficial bacteria. Chlorine will kill beneficial microbes. We have a couple of fish tanks here at home. We cannot just use straight tap water in our fish tanks when changing the water, since the chlorine in the water will kill the fish. We add Aqua Plus to the water, which neutralized the chlorine. Chlorine will kill fish. Yet we are supposed to drink this stuff. Your digestive system - especially the intestines - are home to a variety of friendly bacteria - that are essential to your health. Chlorine kills many of these beneficial bacteria. Ozone has been used for water disinfection for about 80 years in France, Germany, and other European countries. Some other methods to treat water are things like; W radiation, ultrasound, ultra filtration, reverse osmosis, heating, freezing, and ionizing radiation. We should treat our public water supply with the most cost effective and most green and in the most healthy way possible. Putting bleach (chlorine) in our water is not the answer.
Microwave Ovens - Is it just coincidence that the increase in cancer we are seeing in Canada and the United States mirrors the increase use of microwave ovens ?
Our Health Care Comes First - Not Ignorance, Politics or Favoritism The Natural Health Products Industry is an important link to Health Care in Canada. It is important that health products sold are correctly and accurately labeled, so that consumers can be sure what is listed as the ingredients - truly are inside the bottle or package. Therefore the need for regular government monitoring of these products to insure they are labeled honestly. We need to make sure dangerous and harmful products are not sold here. But basically products that have a long standing reputation, and tradition should be home free - except to insure accuracy in labeling and a healthy product. You know there are things like apple cider vinegar, and maca root, and ginseng, etc that have been around for centuries - so it is senseless to try and fix something that ain't broke, and which has been helping people stay healthy for centuries, and sometimes for thousands of years. We have a solid reputable Natural Health Products Industry here in Canada, and it is important government keep it that way, and just get out of the way of the industry and of consumers. Create a free, honest and open competitive business environment in regards to industries related to health like the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Natural Health Products Industry. Then leave it up to consumers to decide which products they feel are the best. Basically it is buyer beware. Do your research, and make informed consumer choices. Health care is after all your own personal responsibility. Move to make Natural Health Products a medical expense exemption on ones income tax return, if the products are needed and a proven remedy to treat a serious disease, or other serious ailment, like cancer. The Pharmaceutical Industry is also a very important link in Canadians Health Care. They provide many excellent products that serve our needs. It is important Governments not pick and choose winners and losers here, and not support the Pharmaceutical Industry over the Natural Health Products Industry. What is needed is good old honest competition between the various Health Care Industries, like the Natural Health Products Industry and the Pharmaceutical Industry. If their products really work - then consumers should find out soon enough. Open wide the doors of innovation, free enterprise, and free competition here. Governments must not take sides, but provide an honest open competitive business climate in this area, and let consumers choose the winners and losers. We know if something we are taking to treat an ailment is helping or hurting our health. We know the costs involved. Our health is our own responsibility not the governments responsibility. It comes down to this - Does it Work ? Does it hurt or harm our health ? Is it helping ? And if I want to spend my own money on things others feel are useless - well that is my business, and it is my money. Why is it that so many people here in Canada are such control freaks that they would even want to dictate how I spend my own money ? Doctors should not be playing favorites here, but should be working for the betterment of the health of you and me. And if something works without harming our health then it should be promoted - irregardless whether it is Pharmacy Drugs, change of diet, Natural Health Products or whatever. Doctors should not be merely peddlers of Pharmaceuticals.
Take the best of both worlds - and use these for the betterment of Canadians health. Look for innovative ways to reduce health care costs, while still providing Canadians with first class health care and health care products. Instead of fighting with each other I want to see all the players working for what is best for our health. Then let me and you pick and choose what really works for us, and for our wallet. Simple stuff - eh ?
The Stress Can Kill You if not Handled Successfully Severe or prolonged periods of bad stress can often precipitate the onset of cancer. There is good stress and there is bad stress. I would suggest you do some research to determine the difference between the good stress and bad stress and how powerfully this affects your health. The stress from being diagnosed with cancer is awesome, and it comes from everywhere. Being under so much pressure and stress can easily result in you making hasty unwise decisions, because you don't have time to think things through properly in a calm, rational way. It is especially difficult and stressful if you don't have the financial resources. You can face financial ruin. And there is pressure for you to make your last will and testament, because so many people figure being diagnosed with cancer is a death sentence. There can be pressure from insurance companies - which just add to your woes. I found in my case that the pressure came from outside forces primarily, but the pressure can easily influence you negatively and lead you towards hasty unwise decisions. When the Doctor gave me the diagnosis he was far more concerned and worried than I was. I told him - that you know we don't live forever, and we will all die someday. He was kind of surprised by my calm reaction. The Oncologists at the Cancer Centre were really perplexed when I told them that I was not prepared to go into any chemotherapy when they wanted me to. But I did the research, and it was a well thought out rational choice. And I did not reject their help outright - I have kept that option open. There was severe pressure from the medical staff for me to go into treatment. In fact the nurse had the chemotherapy session all booked for me during one of my appointments - without my knowledge or consent. Her motivation was no doubt good - I am sure she just wanted to help me. But I had to intervene forcefully, and tell them plainly that I will be the one who decides if I go into chemotherapy or not - and I never gave any of them the permission to start treatment. It is vital you maintain control. If you give up control - then you are giving up your personal responsibility for your own health to others. Then you will lose much of your self-motivation here. Remember that your health is your own responsibility. The Doctor can help - God can help - but your health is your own responsibility. There is also societal pressure to just go along with the Doctors, and to submit to chemotherapy or radiation. This is because of the faith so many Canadians have in the Doctors and health care system, and we are living in a strongly socialist society. Being in such a stressful situation can result in you running into additional health problems. You do not want to make things worse, but this can happen easily due to the pressures and bad stress. You have to be really careful to not make things worse for yourself. It can harm your relationships too, if you don't handle it properly. For me I have faith in God. God is strong. God says that we should cast our burdens and cares upon Him - for He cares for us. So just ask God to carry these burdens for you, because you are just not strong enough to do it all on your own. This is what I did, and continue to do. Ask others to pray for you. You can call or write me and I will pray for you. I do not reject the Doctors, or the treatment they can offer (if it is useful and needed) - it is just that God is our healer, and the Doctors are just someone who perhaps can help in the healing. So please do not think that I am advocating sick people to avoid Doctors. Christ said that He would never leave or forsake us. So we can trust in Christ to see us through. But this does not mean I am telling people to stay away from the help the medical profession can offer. A Doctor cannot heal you - they can only help in the healing - that is if they do the right thing. The Doctor cannot cause your body to heal, or your broken bones to mend - they can only assist and help in the healing. They can sew you up, set the broken bones, and put on a cast, but they cannot make the bones grow back together. The Doctor is not God. Don't be ashamed, or too proud to admit to God that you need help. Humble yourself, and ask God to carry these burdens and shoulder these cares for you. And God and Christ will see you through, because you are trusting them, and believe in Jesus to heal you. And don't be too proud or too stubborn to go see the Doctor, if you are really sick. They are trained to give professional medical advice and help, but remember that your health is your responsibility. So take care of your health.
Lack of Support Have had excellent support from my immediate family members, and employer (supervisor, manager and general manager). Am especially grateful to our former General Manager who had been very supportive of the alternative treatment route, and who had given moral support. There have been also a good number of fellow employees who are genuinely supportive, and who are mature enough to understand. There are also the people at the Health Food Stores who have been really, really helpful. However, that is about as far as it goes as far as support is concerned from people. From the public and through the internet have had one very wonderful lady from Ft. Lauderdale Florida contact me and offer her support, and just a few others too, but only a hand full. It is God who will decide when my time is up, not the public. God is my strength and healer. I just have a tremendous amount of faith in God and His promises in the Bible. Through Christ's stripes we are healed, and we just need faith in Jesus. But this must be a living faith. So God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ) have been my greatest support group for sure.
Update February 28, 2008 Did another body CT-Scan at the High River Hospital on February 22, 2008. Was very impressed by the service and cleanliness at the High River Hospital. The scan revealed no other lumps other than the ones diagnosed in July 2007. A follow up appointment is scheduled in three months. Have no symptoms of cancer other than the lumps. Update April 26, 2008 About a month ago (sometime in March 2008) I noticed the larger lump in my right neck decrease in size, and then not come back up to the same size again. The steady shrinkage of the tumour has continued, so that today it is roughly about one third to one half (½) the size it was in July 2007. I had started taking a few additional, different supplements around that time - and whether that was what got things rolling in the right direction - I have no idea. So it looks to me that this is finally some real progress - so I'm pleased but this satisfaction is tempered by caution. I am not going to start bragging and boasting (and anyways God is our healer not me or the Doctor) - all I know now is that those damn tumours are finally starting to shrink substantially. We are moving in the right direction, but there is still a ways to go. So I shall just keep up my regiment. This is very important. Am cautiously optimistic.
June 9, 2008 Was in to see the Doctor at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre here in Calgary on May 29, 2008. The blood tests come out as normal again, and I was quite happy. I explained to the Nurse and Doctor that the large tumour had shrunk to about half the size it had been in July 2007, and I was feeling fine with plenty of energy, and no symptoms of cancer except the lump. However, they were not too happy about it (as I was) and they did not share my joy whatsoever. So their reaction really disappointed me a lot. Another follow up appointment is scheduled for at the end of September 2008.
August 4, 2008 The cancer tumour in the right side of my neck has been shrinking at a slow but steady pace since around March 2008. Used to be able to grab it with my fingers, and my neck was quit swelled up. However, now the tumour is so small I can barely feel it with my fingers. Feel just great, and have absolutely no symptoms of the cancer, like fatigue, night sweats, nausea, etc. So shall continue my regiment. I have not received any treatment or medicines from the Doctors, whatsoever, and have never had any chemotherapy or radiation. I am not going to start crowing as of yet, and anyways God is my healer, so if this cancer is going away for good - then give God the credit first - please. December 18, 2008 I was in for my regular 3 month check-up at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre here in Calgary, Alberta on Dec. 18th. Doctor Daly saw me as well as the Registered Nurse Cheryl Howe. I feel just great, and have lots of energy, and have no symptoms of cancer except for that one tumour in the lower part of my left neck. So Dr. Daly says he will see me in 6 months - at the end of June 2009. He said that if I begin having symptoms or feel sick before that time I should come in to see them earlier. I do not anticipate that scenario, but am glad to still have that option open for me. The blood test turned out normal as usual. Have never once received any treatment for the actual cancer at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (like chemotherapy, or radiation) but just have had the diagnosis done through biopsy of the tumours, CT Scans and a bone marrow sample being taken - plus each time they do a regular standard blood test - and the blood tests have all come out normal so far. Have never taken any prescribed medication to treat the cancer - at Tom Baker, or outside of Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The only treatment I have been getting is the change in diet I have undertaken, and the various supplements I have purchased with my own money. Dr. Wong took the bone marrow sample from me at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre a good long time back in 2007. Never had a problem with it. The Doctor who originally spotted the problem and referred me to a specialist for a needle biopsy of the lump in my neck was Dr. Patrick Lee working out of the Doctor's Office at Beddington Town Centre Mall here in Calgary. The Cancer Centre later referred me to a Dr. J. Gregory McKinnon - a surgical oncologist, who did surgery and took out a piece of one of the tumours to test it for cancer. The operation was done in the Foothills Hospital. Dr. Carl Young was the Doctor who fixed up the sinus perforation I suffered while getting a tooth extracted back in July of 2007 - this was shortly after I was diagnosed with cancer. He did an amazing job, and is well aware of my cancer. He is a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. These people like Dr. Young do amazing work. I have a great deal of admiration for them. Fixing up the mouths of accident victims, and the broken teeth and jaws of men involved in fist fights, etc. One of these Doctors told me of him having to do surgery on a young lady during the Calgary Stampede when her horse kicked her in the mouth ! It seems like the cancer is going away - the key is for me to keep up with my diet, and continue with supplements (but maybe not so many) , and continue with the other changes I have made. My energy level is really quite amazing really. I have so much energy that quite often I overdo things and stay up too late just doing things, and get overtired. So I need to consciously slow down late in the day, and make sure I get enough rest. The only thing that really bothers me is the callused and indifferent attitude so many people here in Calgary have towards people like me, who have cancer. There is a real and genuine prejudice that I can feel. There is also a tremendous amount of ignorance and unwarranted fear by so many when you bring up the word " cancer. " It is astonishing the level of ignorance so many have towards cancer, and its causes and cures. Like I said before - God is my healer, and He will decide when my time is up - not the public.
Have not made any updates for such a long time. Have run into some problems. Injured myself at work around early fall of 2008. Strained hips from pulling pallets of boxes with a hand jack - the left hip strain healed up, but the right hip never really healed up good, and kept bothering me. It would occasionally get reinsured, because of the heavy, hard work I was doing almost every work day. It got to the point where it would hurt me after sitting down for awhile - after I got up I would sometimes limp a bit, but invariably the pain would only last a short while, and just go away. So figured this matter was under control. On October 13, 2009 - went into work as usual, and was good for the first couple of hours. Then the pain started up in my right hip area, but this time it would not go away, and I could not work through it. So naturally had to report this to my employer, and was forced to apply for Workman's Compensation. The employer put me on easier modified duties. WCB and my companies health insurance company asked me to undergo a MRI on the injury. The MRI doesn't lie and has no agenda. It showed that the cancer has been gradually spreading in the bones. It showed abnormal bone marrow characterized by focal marrow replacing lesions, in the hips, pelvis and lower back and spine. I always knew the cancer was in the bones, but felt it was under control - due to the lack of symptoms, and the positive blood tests. So my adjudicator at the Workman's Compensation Board refused my claim, saying my injury was caused by the cancer. I tried to point out that just because a person has cancer - this doesn't mean the injury they may suffer is cancer related. People with cancer get injured just like anyone else. However, it was to no avail. Also I was put on modified work, and have healed up fairly well. However, the modified work is scheduled to end on January 5, 2010 - then I was to go back to the heavy hard job I have been doing for well over two years before. They do not have any other easier work for me. After looking at all my options, and after having discussed this matter thoroughly with our Human Resources Worker, and having gotten a second medical opinion, and seen my Naturopathic Doctor - I have decided the time has come to deal more aggressively with the cancer. There are times in ones life that you get stuck between a rock and a hard place. This was my situation. I could continue with alternative treatment, and get one of the alternative Doctors to try some more aggressive method of dealing with the cancer in the bones. The problem was the work situation, and the progression of the cancer in the bones. This weakens the bones over time, and that is bad, and in such circumstances a broken hip can be fatal. Saw Dr. Daly at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre on Dec, 17th, 2009. Asked him specifically if he thought this injury of mine was cancer related, or just muscular. His opinion was that it was cancer related. So I told him I thought it best this matter be treated, since I have not been able to stop the advance of it in the bones. And you really can't do much without bones. The decision in the end was mine, and I was and am very happy about it. I have done all I can do (to the best of my knowledge and resources, but probably I could have done more if I was smarter) to self-treat this matter. Was diagnosed with it in June 2007, and gotten a good 2 ½ years out of this without treatment. This has given me time to get the old body cleaned up, and follow a better healthier diet, and put myself in pretty good health. I feel really good, but there is the problem with the bones - really. They creak and pain and without bones you are just mush. So I made the decision and I feel really happy about it. Fortunately my employer provides some benefits, and one of these is Short Term and Long Term Disability. The Doctor said I will be unable to work for at least 6 months - not until sometime in June 2010, but this may drag on longer. Chemotherapy is scheduled to start on December 31, 2009.
Will give you readers a blow by blow description. Still have faith that God will heal me of this matter, but I am not going to refuse the treatment the Doctors offer (and I am in need of this now). Anyways the Doctor cannot really heal you - they can only help in the healing. Jesus Christ is my Healer, and I have not lost my faith in Christ whatsoever. Am really looking forward to this, and really quite curious. There are things you can do to mitigate the side effects. And there naturally are risks involved, but life is full of risks. They have already done a Muga scan on the heart, which sounds frightening, but really isn't. They do this to monitor your heart during treatment - to make sure your heart is working okay, and not being harmed. A small amount of a radioactive substance called a tracer is injected into a vein. A gamma camera detects the radioactive material as it flows through the heart. What may give people a scary perception of this is because it is called - nuclear medicine. No doubt the work " nuclear " may frighten some, but the amounts of radiation one gets from this treatment are very small. Had no problems and was quite curious. Also received some bone strengthening treatment - called Intravenous Bisphosphonate Therapy - one treatment in early January 2010, and another in April 2010. This seems to be very useful. I could especially feel the first treatment working in my body. The Doctor likened it to Popeye after he eats his spinach. Apparently it works by taking calcium from your blood and putting it into your bones. It helps decrease the risk of breaking a bone by 40-60 percent and helps prevent bone complications of some kinds of cancer. The bisphosphonates are drugs that work by interfering with the cells that cause bone to break down. I asked the cost per drip bag - the cost of the medication for each treatment - and they said it was just $90.00, which to me is a huge bargain. One of the ladies there said they had given a patient treatment there with some special drug, and the cost per drip bag was around $40,000 dollars !! But for what I got - I was told it is just $90.00 and seems to work wonders by strengthening the bones. (After looking into the Intravenous Bisphosphonate Therapy moe critically, have decided to discontinue this, if the cancer in the bones is in remission. If it is not then will probably keep up with it. This is because it seems like prolonged use of these drugs - like more than one year can result in more harm than good.) I also met a couple of interesting fellow patients while doing these treatments, and had long and interesting conversations with both of them, since you are sitting there for over 5 hours in that chair. One lady was in her mid 70's and suffering from a host of health issues, but she had good support from her husband. Another lady was frail and weak, but hopeful. The nurses in this unit are very friendly and helpful - and the care is excellent. One lady there her neck was grossly swelled up due to the cancer tumours, but there she was still working at her job - amazing. Noticed there were mostly women there, getting iron intravenously, since iron deficiency seems to be more a problem with women. There are so many who are suffering and sick these days - even in supposedly rich and prosperous Calgary, Alberta. I saw one young fellow brought in on a stretcher, and given a blood transfusion and some other stuff too. He was a cancer patient and very thin and weak. Felt sorry for the poor man, but never talked to him - he was very, very quiet. They took him away in the stretcher. He seemed to have a look about him of resignation and acceptance of the terrible health state he was in, and maybe was just resigning himself to death. He did not seem to have much hope shining through those dull eyes of his.
Chop-R This includes the following drugs: Rituximab, Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Prednisone (a steroid). The prednisone is taken orally in a tablets, while the rest are given intravenously - into your veins during the treatment in the hospital. Have dramatically cut back on the amount and number of supplement that were taken previously. This is because the Doctor and Nurse said certain supplements can interfere with the chemotherapy drugs, and so should be eliminated from ones diet, until after the treatments are finished. Gave the Doctor a list of the supplements my Naturopathic Doctor prescribed, and he went over it and gave me a list of the ones he regarded as okay, and the ones that need to be stopped during treatment. Basically he said that any kind of supplement that is an immune booster or a antioxidant needs to be cut out, since they can interfere somehow with the immune system during treatment. Probiotics and enzymes are okay as are the greens. What I would like to see (if this is possible or practical) is for chemotherapy patients to be provided with a fairly comprehensive list of supplements they can, or should not take during the treatment period - like during the 21 weeks of treatment. Right now there seems to be quite a bit of confusion as to what patients are allowed or not allowed. So a person gets mixed messages. And it doesn't make any sense to me to tell patients to just stay away from away from all supplements - if certain supplements do not interfere with the treatment. Why handcuff cancer patients like that ? Am about half way through the treatments now as of March 2010. Have noticed the preoccupation of so many about the side effects of treatment - including Doctors and Nurses. Yes there are side effects - I have experienced them, but the point of the treatment is to try and eliminate as much of the cancer from your body as possible. So that is the aim. Is it working for me ? I don't really know 100%. The lump in my neck went away shortly after the first treatment - about 4 or 5 days after my first chemo. This was expected. The pain in my right hip is still there, at the end of February 2010, but it seems to be less, and more of a good pain, versus a really bad pain. It feels marginally more to me like a healing pain rather than the pounding aching kind of pain. Have begun taking long walks, and walk up some steep hills regularly. The hip still pains a bit, but am able to take long walks, where before in October 2009 - was hobbling along. So whether this means the chemotherapy is killing the marrow replacing lesions, or not - don't know 100 %, but apparently that is what it is supposed to do. We shall find out later on.
First Chemotherapy Treatment - Dec, 31, 2009 The experience was totally new for me. They administer the drugs intravenously - except for that nasty fellow prednisone, which is taken in tablet form. It took about seven hours to do the first treatment. They say that it is best to go slow the first time to see how the patient reacts. Managed quite well with it. The first day after treatment is usually pretty rough - and I was feeling a bit nauseous the first night, but never threw up. Have never once vomited so far. Have been very, very careful to avoid vomiting, if at all possible. The predisone toke my sleep away the first night. Experienced intense constipation the second day after treatment, and felt horrible like dying, but phoned up the emergency number, and the Nurse said to get some laxative called Senokot and also some Lactulose. Was amazed at how quickly that stuff worked - especially the Lactulose. After that first horrible experience I found a way to get the constipation problem under control. Figured that the chemo drugs may kill off or reduce the intestinal flora in your bowels - especially the good bacteria. So got some probiotics from the local supermarket - one is called Kefir, the other is Bio-K+ and also got some organic yogourt with active acidophilus, bifidus and L. Casei cultures. Take this regularly, and it seems to do wonders for the intestinal tract. Also take some of the Senokot during only the first couple of days after treatment, and a bit of the Lactulose too, but definitely not regularly. Found that exercise helps a lot here too, and drinking lots and lots of liquids. After the constipation problem was fixed I then got really bad bladder pain , and it was so horrible that I went to my family Doctor to get it checked over. Some tests were done, but apparently nothing is wrong. Just more side effects of chemo or what ? My first experience taking steroids - that nasty fellow predisone. Was very irritable, and yelling at my wife. Why on earth anyone would be so stupid to take steroids if they did not have to is beyond me. The predisone also gave me some stomach problems plus heartburn. They give me 2 tablets during the treatment and then 8 tablets which are good for 4 days. Found out the way to mitigate the bad effects on the stomach is to eat a larger meal earlier in the morning - with foods that are easier to digest, and of course the predisone needs to be taken with the food. The predisone made me so hyper and pumped up that I started doing some exercises kind of violently - well must have overdone it, because I got swelling and pain where they had injected the intravenous needle - in my left hand. It was quite painful for a number of days. They told me your hair will start falling out about 14 days after the first treatment, and sure enough they were bang on. I could just pull it out in clumps, and there was no pain. Decided against shaving it all off, and so just shed it. It did not all fall out.
Second Chemotherapy Treatment - January 22, 2010 The day prior to each treatment they do a blood test and you get to see the Oncologist. This time I had problems with a tooth - it was hurting bad, so I had an appointment later on that day. Chemotherapy can really mess up your mouth, especially if you must undergo some emergency dental work. You are supposed to get your teeth checked over and taken care of before treatment begins, and to avoid any kind of dental work - even teeth cleaning, during the weeks of treatment. Well this damn tooth starts hurting, so I could not avoid it. The Oncologist was adamant that any kind of root canal treatment was out of the question. If there was serious problems with the tooth, like an infection the Dentist was to call him and ask him how to deal with it. I was really worried about this tooth, but fortunately it was just a cavity. So they didn't kill me off, and I'm right back for more punishment. The second treatment went faster, since the Nurses knew I tolerated things fairly well. They connect you up with this machine, with all the drip bags hanging from it. You can walk around with it, since it has wheels. It starts beeping when the drip bag is empty, and the Nurse comes over and pushes a bunch of buttons, and gets it going again. I find the actual chemotherapy sessions go very well for me. They said the chemotherapy drugs are all manufactured in Canada, but I cannot verify this. Experienced the same old sleepless night, but felt very strange after a few hours at home. My upper legs felt very thick, as did my upper arms. That first night it seemed like my kidneys or bladder shut down, and there was fluid retention. I was drinking loads of water and other liquids - huge quantities, but there was no urine coming out at all. This was frightening. Man alive this was really scary. Why wasn't the urine coming ? Am I dying or what ? Are my kidneys destroyed ? I kept drinking loads of water, and a around midnight or so I was able to pass a little tiny dribble of urine - whew. An hour or so later a little more came out. Slowly the kidneys, or bladder or whatever started working again - this was a huge relief. The next day the bladder was expelling huge quantities of urine, which quickly cleared up the swelling in my legs and arms. Called the emergency number they gave me, but had a problem contacting a Doctor with my first call, so phoned another number and connected up with this Doctor, who was on call. He was very busy on his way to assist some really seriously ill cancer patients (who may have been dying), and since others were more in need he had little patience with me. Then the other Doctor calls me up - the one I had tried to contact first. She is friendly and responsive. I asked if I could reduce the dosage of that nasty steroid, but she no, since it was a part of the treatment. So I was just supposed to tough it out. I was doing quite a bit of writing (am right handed), and noticed the place where they put in the needle in my right hand - it became all discolored, like it was bruised. So had to stop the writing and let the hand heal up. The first few days after chemo are the worse, and the first week is usually hardest, but I start feeling better later on. The second week is not too bad, and the third week I start feeling really good - then it is time for the next round of treatment. And you go through the whole rigmarole again, but you never seem to know what to exactly expect.
Third Chemotherapy Treatment - February 12, 2010 Things went well again at the chemo session, and the Nurse had no problem hitting the vein with the needle. Have noticed some Nurses are better at hitting the vein than others, and you hardly feel anything. The first night was sleepless again. The bladder felt better, and even though slow to start flowing kicked right in later on that night. There was no fluid retention, and no bladder pain. Why the bladder stopped hurting suddenly - I have no idea. Have had no problems with it this time. Felt a bit more tired, but no big deal. My hair is very much thinned out, but some tough scraggly old stubborn hairs on my head refuse to give up. Good for them. I am therefore not bald all the way - only maybe two thirds bald. The beard is the same - most of it has fallen out, but some course old tough bristles remain and are even growing. Happened to accidentally drink some tea that was too hot. Normally such minor burns will heal up in a day or two. However, during chemo - the fast growing cells in your mouth - some of them get killed off. So the mouth is more sensitive during this time. I noticed also I had neglected to keep my mouth moist, and so was a bit dehydrated. So I get this weird pain in the mouth around the front lower lips. Called up the Hospital about it, and the Nurse suggested gargling as often as needed with Club Soda. So picked some up and it seems to work very well, and the sore mouth is healing up, but much more slowly than normally. It is very important to keep the mouth clean while doing chemo. Noticed much more pain in the hip than normal. But it seems to be a bit more like a good healing kind of pain rather that the sharp stabbing kind. Wow - a healing pain - instead of a stabbing, sharp pain - oh the thrill of it all. Fourth Chemotherapy Treatment - March 5, 2010 Treatment went well again as usual - it took about 5½ hours. Asked one of the Nurses how much the treatment costs, and she said around $ 8,000 to $ 10,000 per session, but this is just an estimate, so I cannot verify 100 % the cost, but this seems realistic. Felt really horrible for about 36 to 48 hours after treatment. The steroid (the Prednisone) caused my face to be bloated, puffed up, red and feeling hot, but there was no fever. Then felt not too bad for a few days. However, experienced severe anemia a few days later. Never had this sort of thing before in my life. Had a headache, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath after minor exertion, cold hands and feet, and my skin was very pale. The problem was the lack of iron (anemia), and naturally this is also one of the consequences of chemotherapy. So what I did was research the matter a bit, and find out what foods are richer in iron. Got some of these and ate a lot of them, and this helped take away all the symptoms of anemia, except for the fatigue, which remained. So I was basically fatigued most of the time, and slept and rested most of the time. Just had no energy for anything much else. Apparently this is kind of normal - so the Doctor says - to feel worse towards the end of your treatments. Also my mouth was sore most of the time, and my hip ached like hell. Basically felt just like shit most of the time. Fifth Chemotherapy Treatment - March 26, 2010 Asked the Doctor if he would prescribe some iron supplements for the anemia. He suggested it was not a good idea, since iron supplements can cause severe constipation. He said also that iron supplements probably wouldn't really do much good anyways. Regarding the anemia he offered a blood transfusion, but I did not think this necessary at the time, and I am also really tired of getting stuck by needles. Treatment went well again. Have been feeling weak, and fatigued most of the time since then. Other than that was hanging in there pretty good, but ran into a problem of my own devising. One morning I decided to try doing some extra activities - not too much, but just a bit - to get moving around a bit more. So went to the little park near our place, and took a baseball bat and a couple of balls, and was just hitting the balls against the backstop for a short while. This was going really well, and I felt good. So I decided to do just one more, but I had to kind of stretch, and reach in order to hit the ball, and must have tried too hard, and felt a pain in my right sacroiliac joint. Went for a little run, and felt not too bad, but there was now a dull pain in the right hip, and lower back. This has been bothering me a lot since then, but it seems to be getting less painful each day. Whether this has to do with the bones, and the cancer, of is just muscular - don't know. But it has been hurting like hell - especially in the lower back. A CT scan is scheduled for April 3rd. This is to check, if the treatment has removed the cancer from the body - other than the bones. To find out if the cancer has been removed from the bones - a different set of tests will be done after all the treatments are over. If it is still there - then we will have to discuss what, or if anything more can be done. The Doctor said that if everything goes well (knock on wood), and the cancer is in remission - I may need until the end of August to recover sufficiently before being able to go back to work. Did the CT scan at the Peter Lougheed Centre here in Calgary. This was on a Saturday, just after Good Friday, and before Easter Sunday. The staff I encountered there appeared to be miserable, and unhappy and just going through the bare routine - maybe they were upset about having to work on the holiday, and would have preferred the time off. Don't really know, but they were quite miserable looking. The receptionist, who booked me in, and gave me this solution to drink offered only the basic support. She asked me if I had taken this before, and I said yes, and then she said I must know how to take it then. I told her I forgot the exact procedure, and then she explained to drink one glass per half hour. I was then sent for a chest x-ray, and the man doing it basically treated me like some piece of meat, and he just seemed uninterested, and went through the whole procedure as quickly as possible. Similar with the lady doing the CT scan, but she seemed not quite as miserable as the others. Then there was this guy who took the needle out and escorted me out of the room - he was not very helpful, and like all the rest just seemed to want to get me the hell out of there. Was not very impressed by the service at the Peter Lougheed - but it was early in the morning, and on an Easter weekend - so maybe that was a factor. There was one bright thing that happened though. You can always get something good, out of the worse situations. While sitting in the waiting room, and drinking this horrible tasting solution - there was a lady there doing the same. Uninvited she struck up a conversation with me. She is a Hutterite lady from a colony near Strathmore, and we had a very interesting and stimulating conversation, and I am quite grateful to her for the enjoyable time we spent together. Also I got to talking to another patient for just a short while - an older man, and again we had a good exchange. Seems like the sick and the patients are coping better, and are more alive than the healthy. The Ct scan made me feel ill - all that dye in the system and then all that radiation - felt horrible, and a little nauseous for almost 48 hours. Feel really awful, with pain in the bones (back ache), weakness and fatigue, stomach pain (heartburn), sore mouth, and a sort of stiffness in the legs like they are thick and congested. If anyone tries to tell you chemotherapy is easy - they are liars. I am a really strong person, and it has hit me hard. Think about how difficult this is for those who are weak, with other underlying health issues. Little wonder there are patients who die during these treatments. If you get hit by too many things all at once - the body cannot cope and may just give up, and shut down. So I am trying to cripple through this - and make sure to avoid being too vulnerable. Like right now for example - if I were to get an infection, or a flu, this would further weaken me. Then maybe add something else into the mix (something unexpected - and it seems like there is always something unexpected lurking around the corner) and all these added factors can serve to kill you off. So you need to reduce your vulnerability as much as possible. Don't expose yourself to unnecessary risks, during your most vulnerable times. This of coarse is easier said than done. Sixth (and Hopefully Last) Chemotherapy Treatment - April 16, 2010 Treatment went well again, and there was the same sleepless first night after chemo. Have generally felt very fatigued and weak throughout the period. I tried to do some work around where we are living - replacing some old busted up sidewalk pads with some new ones. These are very heavy. I was not too bad or weak the first day, but was amazed at how little energy I had later on - just had no staying power or stamina at all. After carrying some of the larger pieces of the old cement sidewalk pads - was short of breath, my heart was racing and pounding like crazy, and I felt extremely weak, so had to sit down and rest often. Ordinarily would have breezed through this work, but not now. This no doubt is due to the effects of the chemotherapy, and the resulting low red blood cell count. You need your red blood cells to transport oxygen to your muscle cells. If the blood cell count is down significantly - and you do vigorous things then the cells in your body are deprived of oxygen. So if you do some more strenuous activity, like lifting and carrying something heavy - the muscles need more oxygen. However, your cell count is down and can't therefore carry as much oxygen as normally, so your heart needs to pump harder to deliver more blood to the muscles being used more. You need to breath harder, because of the shortage of oxygen because there are not enough red blood cells to meet the increased demand. You do not have the energy, and tire quickly. I had to give this work up, and got help in getting it finished. Just was not able to do it, and was not going to risk pushing myself too far. I do not need a heart attack, on top of this cancer. Had some problems with a sore mouth and tongue, but used the Club Soda, and got this fixed up. The Doctor said I could start taking supplements again 3 weeks after the last treatment. Then apparently the effects of the chemotherapy drugs will be finished. So this is my plan, but I intent to reduce the amount of supplements taken, and concentrate more on diet. A PET Scan is scheduled for June 16, 2010. There may also be a MRI later on. Will keep readers in touch. I sincerely hope this account of my experience has been useful to readers, and those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Hopefully this will show you some of the nuts and bolts matters regarding chemotherapy, and the challenges involved. I do not yet know the situation with the bones. We shall see. If the cancer there is in remission then there will be a recovery period. Now it is easy to assume that if the cancer is in remission - that is if the tests cannot detect any more cancer - then you are home free, and cancer free. No ! No ! This is not the case. None of us adults are ever cancer free , since all (except maybe newborn infants or the very young ) have cancer cells in our bodies. It is just that after chemotherapy the cancer levels may have been driven down so low, as to not be detectable by tests. You will still almost certainly have some cancer cells left, and none of us can really say this with 100 % certainty since we cannot know this because of the vast number of cells in the human body. You may now have more malignant and nasty ones than before. These will start growing again, and may take over your body again, but there are things you can do to greatly reduce this possibility. The key is to strengthen your health and immune system, so your own body will be able to beat down and kill the cancer cells, and keep in check those that were left after treatment, and keep any new ones produced also in check. The challenge now is to build up your health and immune system, so that your body itself will be able to effectively remove most of the cancer cells produced, so that a recurrence of the cancer won't happen at a later date. And I will remind you that a relapse or recurrence of cancer after chemotherapy happens a lot - sometimes soon, but sometimes in a year or two or maybe later. Will do my best to prevent this from happening. You can't just think now everything is fine, and you need not concern yourself with eating right, and exercising and taking care of your health. It is now more important than ever to do what is right for your health. So for me, if the cancer is in remission - the challenge is to follow a strict diet to help build up my health and immune system, so that the body itself will be able to kill any cancer cells left and produced. This will be a real test of character - will I have the necessary self-control, and self-discipline to follow a strict regiment of diet, exercise and supplements ? We shall see. It is going to be very interesting and difficult, but I trust God will see me through whatever happens. There may be the need for further treatment, like radiation, or a bone marrow transplant, or something else the Doctor might recommend. Hopefully this won't be needed, but you never know. So for me now - my major focus is going to be on diet and exercise, but still taking a maintenance dose of supplements I figure are needed. I can no longer afford a large number of expensive supplements. Let food be your medicine. Am looking towards going organic in a lot of foods, but not all, since this is not practical with my income. There are some non-organic fruits and vegetables that do not carry very much pesticide and other chemical residue - things like onions and pineapple for example. Other fruits and veggies are easily contaminated - like peaches, apples and celery. Have noticed that some of the organic food prices are fairly reasonable like with apples and potatoes, so for these going organic is within my means. Will be definitely going almost exclusively organic with the meats. There is also the option of going hunting and fishing too - as long as the waters are not polluted. They say that in the coming years almost half of the population in Canada will be diagnosed with some kind of cancer. Apparently if currents trends continue, nearly half of all Canadian males and close to 40 per cent of females will get cancer at some point in their lives. One in four will die from this disease. Cancer robs Canadians of more ' potential years of life lost ' than perhaps any other cause. Cancer in Canada is an epidemic, so hopefully my experience will help you and others in this matter. Maybe we will be able to come up with workable, practical solutions, so we all can live healthier lives. Perhaps we will be able to confound the predictions of the experts, and start taking care of ourselves better, and so therefore less of us will be diagnosed with it. You know many years back - in the 1800's - they say cancer was very, very rare. People had other health challenges, but very little cancer. Why so little cancer back then ? Well the obvious connection has to do with environmental factors, like increased pollution and increased use of chemicals, the invention of the automobile, increased industrialization, and also loss of soil fertility, and the fact that today most of us live in urban areas an so few of us can grow much of our own food, and also the fact that people were more physically active back then. We can't turn back the clock, but we can learn from this and try and recapture some of what we lost along the way. So how can we reduce our exposure to the vast host of chemicals out there ? How can these be more strictly controlled and monitored ? How can we get back to growing more of our own food, on healthy fertile soils, or at least have access to such foods at the market ? How can we support our farmers better, and encourage more organic farmers ? There is a movement going on. Government is not part of it - they always seem to be about 30 years behind the times. It is being driven by people like you and me - by regular consumers. An army of us are moving more towards taking control over our health, eating better, eating more organic foods, and drinking better water, and taking organic supplements, and staying away from harmful chemicals. The demand for healthier foods and products is growing, and there will be those who will fill that demand. Simple supply and demand economics. You will see the fast food joints, the fast food convenience stores, and the pharmacies losing more and more market share, because more and more of us are going elsewhere. These businesses will have to adapt to the changing times or go out of business. So why not join the quiet revolution ? Maybe it will lead to other even bigger and better things. June 12, 2010 It has been almost 2 months since the last chemotherapy treatment on April 16, 2010. My hair is growing back now, but a bit slow on the head. It is more white now than before. Just yesterday I was doing some work, and noticed I did not tire out quickly. This is the first time I noticed this boost in my level of stamina while doing physical activity. It has taken almost two months since the last treatment for this to happen. The hip is still sore, but seems to be slowly improving, but the continual soreness is a problem that must be resolved. My colour in the face is much improved - not sickly and pale and anemic like before. Have resumed taking the supplements, but not as often and as many as before.
Doctor Appointment June 24, 2010 - after PET Scan on June 16th Will have a much better idea if the cancer is in remission or not after the Doctor informs me of the PET Scan results. Surprisingly I am not concerned about the results one way or the other. Why ? I have no idea why - it just does not seem to worry me. What worries me more is all this radiation I am getting from these numerous tests. I may start glowing in the dark, if my old body gets anymore radiation.
PET Scan Results Apparently there is no evidence of cancer shown in the PET Scan. The Doctor said he would contact me, if there were problems, and I have not heard anything from him. My hair is growing back quite thick. When it first came out right after the chemotherapy it was all white. However, I have noticed that some of the hair on the head and the beard is starting to grow out darker from the roots - a darker brownish colour. So I am getting less gray each day, but for sure not all of the gray will go away, since I am no spring chicken. The hair that had fallen out all over my body is sprouting out now, but it takes a long time for some to grow back.
Scheduled MRI for August 11, 2010 So it seems like there is just one more hurtle, before I can receive a "cancer in remission " designation from the Doctor, and this is a scheduled MRI, which will show us if the cancer is gone from the bones. My bones and joints still hurt me, but less than before. The right hip is much less painful now, and I can go for long walks without pain. My lower back and left lower leg and knee often hurt, but less so than before. Have also began a regiment of regular exercise to strengthen the joints and muscles, especially the muscles around the right hip joint. The follow up Doctor appointment is scheduled for August 19, 2010. Will keep readers up to date as to the results. There is no use in counting my chickens before they hatch, and so will just have to take this one day at a time. Am prepared for the worse, but am hoping for the best. Live one day at a time, for tomorrow never comes, and yesterday is history we cannot change.
Mailing Address: Ray Wegner P.O. Box 475 Stn. Main Calgary, Alberta T2P-2J1 Telephone (403) 274-5253 E-mail Guarantee of Rights and Freedoms and Fundamental Freedoms (from the Canadian Constitution) " The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and (d) freedom of association. " This web site built, designed, and owned by Ray Wegner 19/07/10
" Medicine is a collection of uncertain prescriptions the
results of which, taken collectively, are more fatal than useful to mankind.
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" I am dying from the treatment of too many physicians.
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"But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near." Andrew Marvell (1621-1678)
" A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships. " Helen Keller (1880-1968)
" Don't worry about dying - that part will take care of itself. " " Don't worry about dying - everybody before you who died - lived through it. " quotes by Ray Wegner - hey these are mine, but I'm not in the same league as those other guys.
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