kimblanchard

Janet So happy to hear about your good news, it gives us all hope! Bess B

Bart Good vibes coming your way for good scans!

Janet I'll bet you can hardly sit still with this great news. What a welcomed relief. I will continue praying for you as I know the power of prayer is at work here. Good Luck and God Bless

Candy Wonderful news! I can sure indentify with you about the before news jitters. I know all about that "eye contact avoidance". No matter how many times I go through this, I still get those jitters. Keep up the great job. Good Luck and God Bless

Hey Let me be the first to "clink" to that. SHAZAM! After only a few treatments you have responded so greatly. Miracles abound everywhere we look. Your family support sounds like it is a great boost for your well being. Keep hanging tough, gal. Good Luck and God Bless

Rayroy- First of all - It's nothing like chemo. Chemo therapy is chemical therapy. Chemicals that are "foreign" to the body. That is why, in large part, chemo patients get so nauseated. It's our bodies natural "defense" to purge itself of poisons. Onocology research has worked hard to suppress this nausea to keep the poison in the body to kill the cancer cells. Unfortunately - they have not come up with an effective cancer killing chemical that doesn't also attack and kill healthy cells. The "natural or holistic" approach we are taking uses powders, liquids and pills which are all elements, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, or amino acids that our bodies normally produce or get from digesting our food. Unfortunately, the 'chemical therapy' leaves the body depleted of the natural "good stuff". And keeps the body from absorbing the nutrition of the food when the chemo patient DOES eat. The biggest reason that chemo therapy patients suffer from fatigue, anemia and nausea is that the chemo eats up or destroys the bodies ability to "regulate itself". I have found out that people on chemo are prone to have low potassium, calcium, magnesium, phospherus, glucose, and iron - in addition to the blood counts they DO watch for...like hemoglobin, hematocrit, white cell count and platelets. But our oncologist never checked Mike's blood for these deficiencies. Side effects to the holistic approach? Yes there are some - they are called symptoms of natural detox. As the body receives the proper levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes to properly "run" the body's digestive, respiratory and nervous systems, it starts 'purging' toxins in the system. For Mike this journey has caused him to "periodically" have a phlegm producing cough (he has never had a cough - precancer or during cancer treatment). His nose runs (he never had a runny nose). He will occasionally vomit and sometimes has runny bowels. He also will run a fever for a very short period of time and get the sweats. All of these uncomfortable symptoms come and go within 1/2 hour. As his body "builds up" to a purging...he feels more "sick" until his body momentarily "purges" - in any of the above described ways. Then he feels better for a few hours. Our biggest problem is that his digestive system was suppressed so much by chemo and other drugs he was on, that when he got the "proper" natural elements vital for the human digestive system, his gall bladder went on strike. There are no stones and no infection, just the bile which should run as freely as water is thick like toothpaste and as sticky. Gall bladder pain from a "non functioning at capacity gall bladder is intense." Through a concentrated effort -we started today - we are focusing all the attention on the gall bladder with pills, powders containing digestive elements. Is it better than chemo for killing cancer? It depends if you believe the stories that are not backed by "scientific" proof. But hey - you know what? There is no scientific proof of God either....and I know He exists. At least - when you have no options left with conventional medicine, holistic medicine realizes the tremendous capability of the body to "right" itself and heal itself. After all - Everyone has cancer cells. My body is doing it's job and it attacks those cells when they start running amuck. The holistic approach is to not TEAR DOWN with harsh chemicals but to build up with good nutrition and proper care of the body to allow the body to do what it is designed to do....repair itself. Hope I didn't tell you more than you wanted to know...but more and more....I've been convinced...and the more I'm convinced...the more I'm commited.

Way to GO SISTER! YA YA's all the way! You go girl.....I'm sick and tired of DOCTOR's deciding what's best for people they don't give a damn about. (please excuse my French!) YA YA! Love and hugs,

I am so glad his blood counts are back up. I know what a relief that must be for you Terry. We must celebrate ANY good news we receive and live on HOPE. Blessings to you, Peg

God bless you Adelina and I hope you find some relief soon. Peg

Welcome to a great group of friends, Peg

Prayers headed your way for you and your father Joyce. Peg

It sounds like your Mom is going to lose most of her hair. Mine started coming out after 3 weeks on Chemo, I could pull handfulls out at a time. I went to my hairdresser and she shaved it off very close to the scalp, there was still just some fuzz on top, not down to the skin. I got a wig and started wearing it that day, right out of the salon. She works with cancer patients and advised it. She said it would just be a mess and get all over my clothes etc. so I let her do it. You can get your mom some of these little caps or cloth turbans that are very pretty in a lot of department stores or wig salons if she doesn't want to wear a wig. They keep your head warm and are very cute, I wear them in the house instead of the wig which gets hot. Bess B

Linda I am sorry you have to go through so much of this. Know that you are being thought of right now and hope things get better very soon for you. Good Luck and God Bless

I so agree! Doctors can't be expected to stay up on EVERYTHING...but they sure the heck could be willing to research what you have found, or to research if you ask specifically. Medicine has definitely changed in the past 20 years. Doctors seem to only want to do things one way and one way only. I wonder if it has something to do with the insurance companies? It's frustrating though to have a group of "specialists" like oncology and my personal opinion is too many of them see every patient as "dead man walking". Love and hugs,

Bob I'm late clinking glasses with you too. so CLINK === here's to another wonderful cancer free year!

Sam I am so impressed with the amount of walking you are able to do (even with that miserable tank) and the weight loss! I know I have got to do something about this fluffy body I have acquired. I'm hoping this Pulmonary Rehab will offer a good diet for me. Have been thinking of something low carb. Is that like yours? Have you been able to decrease the amount of prednisone?

Doesn't it make you feel like you have just won the lottery. What a feeling!

Cathy I have always had good luck with my oncologist and am sorry you are not. But it does sound like your pulmonoligist will help. I feel so badly for your dad and I certainly understand what he is going through. I hope his stamina improves soon. Good Luck and God Bless

Kathy! I just knew you'd have good news! Sometimes I just get this "feeling".... I'm so happy for you. Just wanted you to know...Mike always played it "low key" when we got good news too. In fact, some of his "lowest points" emotionally was after the good news. Just wanted you to know that and be prepared if that happens. Love and hugs,

You just made my day! Blessings to you both, Peg

Many have asked what we are giving Mike. The purpose is to supplement his body's minerals, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes to cause his body to purge itself of toxins and to get his system "disgesting" properly. Chemo therapy is a "killer" of cells including the good ones. The holistic belief is that if the body is in balance, it's own natural defense mechanisms will suppress and kill cancer. This is a known medical fact that every person has cancer cells. Something in every "healthy" person suppresses the cancer cells from growing amuck! Does holistic medicine have the "key" to permanent health? I do not know. But when conventional medicine offers no hope, no treatment, no supplements, no NOTHING...you are willing to give anything a try. While I give Mike these supplements...doubt creeps in. But we have no options...so it is this...an avenue God will use to "heal" Mike. Because there is a big difference between trying to find a cure....or praying and waiting for a healing. Here is the list: MetaGest - Betaine HCl, pepsin and Gentian root. Mag-Chlor - Calcium, magnesium, potassium (About 60% of Americans do not get enough magnesium from their diet. Diet, ingestion of alcohol, sodas, and certain medications cause a loss of magnesium. In the healthy person, only half of the magnesium ingested is absorbed. However, many lifestyles, environmental and dietary factors can further lower the availability of magnesium. Remember, most magnesium is present inside the body’s cells and is almost impossible to measure with blood tests. Vitamin B6 - Needed for more than 100 enzymes invloved in protein metabolism. Essentioal for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need viatmin B6 to function. Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin. Vitamin B12 - Helps maintain helathy nerve cells and red blood cells. Needed to make NDA. Hydorchloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Folic Acid - Necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. Medications that interfere with folic acid utilization are anti-convulsant meds (Mike was on these for neuropathy pain), liver disease (liver cancer). If you take folic acid, be sure to talk to your health provider about also taking Vitamin B12 as folic acid can mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Ultra CLA, which is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), in the triglyceride, rather than free fatty acid. CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid that may support healthy glucose and insulin metabolism. Methionine - a neutral, genetically coded amino acid. It is essential in human nutrition. (It is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Arginine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. As a supplement, it is being promoted not only to prevent heart disease, but also to boost muscle growth, improve wound healing, combat fatigue, stimulate the immune system, cure impotence, and fight cancer. Fola Pro features Metafolin® the active, preferred form of folate called L-5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF). Provides L-5-MTHF, a metabolically active form of folate, helping to ensure all of the critical benefits of folate nutrition are realized. Requires no additional metabolic steps to be utilized by the body, making it a preferred choice for many individuals. Nutritionally supports many metabolic processes, including hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, homocysteine metabolism, and nervous system function. Disodium phosphate, a blood buffer salt, has properties which have been shown to be clinically effective in treatment of gallbladder and liver disorders. This product acidifies the urine while at the same time it combats acidosis indicating a breakdown to its components, sodium and phosphorus, apparently the sodium being retained and the phosphorus excreted. Powdered whey protein - Because of a compromised liver, vegetable protein is easier for the liver to "break down" and derive nutrition. Acidrophilus powder - (Just like you find in milk) Acidophilus is the healthy bacteria normally found in the large intestine. It is especially helpful in fighting harmful bacteria which create carcinogenic compounds. Powdered acidophilus can be found at your local health food store. Enzyme powder - to aid in the digestion of food. Contains all enzymes necessary - to break down fat, proteins, starches, etc. I blend this with fruit juice (organic) L-Tyrosine - has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration, and productivity. Liquid water soluble Iodine - is crucial for the health of the thyroid gland and is essential for the production of two key hormones that help regulate a host of body processes including resting metabolic rate, heart rate, heat production and energy levels.* Aqueous Selenium - A trace mineral in our bodies that as Americans can not get enough from food. Helps the Thyroid and is believed to suppress cancer cells. Mycelized Vitamin A provides pure vitamin A in a special water-soluble, micellized form. Supports vision, immune function, reproductive function, bone and cartilage development, and healthy epithelial tissue—the tissue that lines the body's external and internal surfaces. Features the micellization process—a technique that may enhance absorption by producing extremely tiny droplets (micelles) that are easily assimilated by the body. Organic Black Strap Molasses - To build blood - Rich in natural nutrients such as iron, potassium and calcium. And last but not least. A nutrient supplement that may hold a lot of "hope'" for many people. It is a supplement called PolyMVA (the MVA stands for Minerals, Vitamins and Amino Acids.) Check out their website PolyMVA.com. It would be worth it to any having cancer to check this out. Just see what you think. It's very spendy - but it's cheap compared to chemo and other drugs and treatments! What impressed me is the man who developed this "nutritional" supplement is a biochemist with 40 years of research in cancer "molecular" and "cellular" development. Love and hugs, _________________ Shannon & Mike Mike dx w/ SCLC w/mets to liver 01-02-02 Remission 07-22-02 Reoccurence 12-03-02 with brain mets Brain radiation successful No options from Mayo 04-01-03 Continuing Cytoxin 4/07/03 Started nutritional supplements 4/17/03

Dear Connie..I am so sorry for you loss, I too lost my husband last fall to NSCLC and I understand how you feel very much, I pray you will find peace and strength again soon, it feels like it will never come, but it does little by little. I am happy you have such a strong family.. they are the greatest source of comfort. If I didn't have such good friends and family, I never would have made it out of darkness. Please stay in touch with us here so we know how you are doing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time....Kim B.

Peggy, My heart goes out to you and your sister. You have done so much to help her and I wish I could offer you some other course of treatment. I know that there are lung vaccines being tried successfully for NSCLC but do not know if trials are continuing. Blessings to you, Peg

Spunky - Hugs - It must be hard to watch mom make decisions that we don't agree with. But ultimately it is the cancer patient's choice. Make the most of every moment...and who knows...things can change, people can change their minds. The only thing constant in this world is change! Love,

I'm late - But YIPPEE! Congratulations! There's nothing like good news! Love and hugs,