More Appointments & The SUPERBOWL

Monday I had my appointment with the Lexington Natural Health Center.  They specialize in treatment of oncology patients and serve to complement conventional treatments with natural therapies aimed at reducing side effects, making chemo more effective on cancer cells, and homeopathic remedies as another tool in the fight against cancer. Before my visit I listened to some interviews with the doctor on YouTube.  He described cancer as analogous to storming a castle - first you have to get by the walls, then the guards, to take the king.  In his interview he discussed different natural products effective in each of those three areas.  I was really looking forward to meeting him and hear what he recommended for my type of cancer.  At my appointment it was interesting to learn what makes up a cancer cell, how it pairs with certain enzymes and amino acids naturally occurring in the body to trick the immune system, and how certain blood tests could show specifics of the cancer cells and white blood cells.  After reviewing my medical history he drew labs and sent them away for chemosensitivity testing, killer cell testing, and I will go for testing to determine my insulin response to sugars as a possible cancer growth factor.  As an engineer this is all very interesting stuff.  My cancer has been aggressive from day 1, and chemo didn't kill it, so can't hurt to supplement it with an individualized nutrition plan. Of course the tests aren't free either, nor are they covered by insurance, but thought it was worth my life.

Tuesday I went in to have my port put back in at the same office as the liver biopsy.  Two bad I couldn't have both done the same day last week.  Also meant another day of fasting.  If the cancer won't kill me all these procedures, fasting, and blood draws just might good Lord.  The procedure was delayed about an hour, but when I eventually went in it all went well.  This procedure was done in a neurosurgery room with a very skinny patient table and 10 large computer screens.  Like the biopsy I was mostly awake for this one and could hear, smell, and sense everything happening without any pain.  That includes all the pushing, tugging, and stitching.  I recommend asking the nurses to just knock you out.  I won't be able to shower for two days with the dressing, or take baths or go in a pool for 2 weeks once the dressing comes off.  And I can't hold anything heavier than a gallon of milk for a week, that includes my bouncing 2 year old son.  Poor Gary will have full time kid duty this week, no easy task with a 2 and 4 yr old.

I've been experiencing some nausea before the port procedure and have been constantly nauseous since the procedure.  I relayed that to my doctor who called me immediately.  Seems he has me on speed dial these days.  Because my liver function is compromised he thinks it's just residual from the procedure and my liver not being able to flush it quickly.  Hopefully I feel better tomorrow, if not he wants me to have more labs (more blood really?).  If the proteins in my liver are too elevated I won't qualify for the clinical trial.  And since I'm having more symptoms he wants me to start chemo as early as next Tuesday (6 days from now).  If we do that I won't qualify for the trial either.  Honestly he doesn't seem that enthusiastic about the trial.  Still waiting on the liver biopsy results to confirm I have the indicator needed for the trial, but they did confirm it is secondary cancer in the liver.

In better news, our friends did us the most incredibly caring thing - they are sending me and Gary to Super Bowl LI to watch our beloved Patriots play the Falcons!!!  How cool is that?!?  I have never been one to seek assistance, and I have no idea how I'll ever repay them, but wow the amazing power of friendship and giving.  They've already made me feel like a million bucks and I haven't even packed yet (but I did pick up a SB LI Brady jersey, youth XL of course which is $35 cheaper than a Women's).  It has been amazing to see the outpouring of support and well wishes, along with those who've reached out to share success stories of their friends or church members.  Love you all right back!!!