Love the moment you are in…
May 9, 2009 by Karen
Post insulin... I can't wait to eat my fresh papaya!!
Ok- can I eat now??
Week 2 has come to a close… already! It is amazing how the time is flying by.
I am truly happy that I made the decision to come to the San Diego Clinic in Tijuana. Dr. Munoz and his staff are wonderful people- so caring and informative and cutting edge, really. Some of the protocol that Dr. Munoz is able to do here have been stuck in trials in the US for 15-20 years!!
The woman who is in charge of patient relations and I have become friendly and she has explained to me that she is working in partnership to get more solid information out there on the internet, but the place is so busy with word of mouth clients that it keeps taking the back burner. I wish they had a better web presence so that I could share more with you. And if you know anyone dealing with cancer issues- especially breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers- PLEASE urge them to research this themselves.
As for my protocol, it has been relatively easy- my energy is better here than it was in Denver over the past few months- and that is saying a lot! I am walking 2 miles a day, going to the beach, eating fantastic food, meeting interesting people from all over the globe. I am still in school and taking classes on-line. I really do feel great. Oh- and I met a woman from Las Vegas who owns a restaurant here with her husband who has invited us to her yoga classes!!
I am receiving hour-long Hyperthermia daily- they put me in a machine that resembles a tanning bed and turn it up to 104 degrees. The idea is that heat heals, while it makes the cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. (They just announced a new hyperthermia clinic in Long Beach, CA.) It is not easy- I listen to spiritual books and lectures on my iPod and try to block it out… but the last 20 min or so I find myself getting crazy-restless!
I am getting vitamin therapy in the form of C and K and a few others, as well as a medicine designed for bone strengthening (not unlike the Zometa I was on for a year and a half). And once a week is IPT day- the toughest day of the week, but that was today and I am feeling pretty fantastic. IPT is Insulin Protein Therapy. What they do is have me fast and then give me insulin to lower my blood sugar and make the cell walls more permeable. Then as my blood sugar drops, all I want to do is sleep!! But I have to stay awake- sheer torture! Then they give me glucose and then my chemo- a low dosage of Navolbene and Gemzar combination. THEN I am allowed to eat (while the chemo drips)- Whew!! It is quite an exhausting morning!!
The “Greek test” is a blood test that is sent to- yep, Greece (I keep forgetting the actual name of it but I will post it when I can). The first day I arrived I gave multiple vials of blood and sent em off. Yesterday the results came and I had a long consultation with Dr Sanchez (Dr. Munoz’s partner in life and business) and she explained the findings. Essentially it broke down for us exactly what medications were most beneficial for my treatment. There will be some protocol changes next week to further advance what is being done. It is remarkable to me that this technology is not used in the US. It seems so simple! Anyway, I have ultimate confidence in this treatment.
One thing that was explained to me earlier this week is that based on his experience, Dr. Munoz expects 50-100% remission by the end of 8 weeks- thus the 8 week commitment. After that, depending on where I am (I am visualizing the 90-100 range!!) he will send me home with a program to do in Denver. After 2 months of the home program, his “normal” response rate for Stage IV cancer is complete remission. After that, we keep an eye on things and if necessary I will make another trip down here in a year (more or less depending on my personal progress). He is confident and so am I!
My daily treatment is typically at 8 am so I am free from noon or so most days. Laura and I usually walk to the beach and get some sunshine or go back to the room for an afternoon cat-nap. Dinners are fantastic!! Whether we cook in the room or go to a local restaurant. Believe it or not, some of our favorites are two little Italian bistros!
Laura is amazing! She arrived last Wednesday and is by my side all day- except the moments when one of need some space and we respect each other’s needs for that as well. We work well together. And when I am not feeling well, she is a wonderful nurturer- but knows how to handle the balance. When I need to indulge myself in the “why me”- which still happens now and again- she lets me cry and offers no judgment or advice- just active listening. She is truly a soul sister in so many ways!
Not much else to report. But I am feeling strong enough to venture into San Diego for the weekend. If you are in So Cal and feel like trekking south, please email me- maybe we can connect.
The only thing that will make my two months complete is to have Zaiden come visit for ten days. I am really hoping to make that a reality. I miss her sooooo much! Thank goodness for “Jetsons technology!” We Skype whenever possible. She wanted to see my hotel, and I was able to indulge her with my handy web-cam- she loves hotel rooms! “Oh, Mommy, I LOVE your hotel!!” Never mind the beach J She will have a wonderful visit and I think it will give her peace of mind seeing where I am and meeting my doctors. I know it would me.
She told me before I left “Mommy, I asked God to make you all better at Mexico because I really love you a lot. So Ok? I hope you feel better soon.” She also told me “even if you get bald again, I will always love you and think you are the most beautiful woman in the whole world!” She is my precious angel baby.
As always, I count my blessings- Life is loaded with them if you look in the right places. I am at peace and loving the moment I am in.
REACH FOR THE JOY! (It’s right in front of you…)
Karen
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Cup Half Full
Cup Half Full is a beautiful, important book of women and men on the journey with breast cancer, photographed by the incredible Katy Tartakoff. I was lucky enough to participate in this important project. It's an amazing book and 75% of all proceeds go to support breast cancer charities.
You keep it up Karen. You are in my prayers every day and I know that you will be home healthy happy and vibrant soon. There are a lot of people waiting for you to return to show them that miracles are possible and to expect them. I look forward to your updates and for your triumphant return to Denver.
God Bless You!
Randy Kluber and Family
Hi Karen: I’m so glad things are going well. We’re all looking foward to your return and
we miss you very much.God bless you.Love George
Hey, girlfriend!! Just got your email regarding your Mexico treatment and will do all that I can to help. I think and pray for you constantly. Your name was on my Komen race tag “In celebration of…..”. I have seen miracles hapen and am thoroughtly praying for yours. I am done with my treatments. Let me know if you lose your hair and I’ll shave mine again as well in support!!! Love always to you!!! Keep strong and joyous!!!
Karen and Laura,
I am so glad you two are there together! Thinking of you daily and so glad we discussed the power of positive thinking at breakfast that day after church! I am so incredibly encouraged by your determination to live long and strong! Keep reaching for the joy, baby!
hello is me,been thinking of you and how u are doing?its been crazy here Ron fell broke his hip and cracked some ribs ,, crazy, my thoughts and love are with you ,
live love and laugh
ken