Missed a photo op. Packed my camera for my plane trip home.
Alone in my row, the view of my neighbors across the aisle was intriguing. He appeared to be sleeping - kind of! She lay across his lap with her head deep in his crotch. A photo would be convincing evidence of a try for the mile high club. If so, there was no heavy breathing.
Flight 32 will be loading soon. The flight from Charlotte to Phoenix should be exciting. There is a big wind storm, say dust, with winds up to 45 mpg. May get to see an haboob from the air. And the drive toTucson will be through a dust storm.
A few tears were shed when I left the Bahamas, and I miss it all ready. People in NC are helpful, but not happy and huggy. Going through customs in Freeport was pleasurable. When they saw that I was an IAT patient, they lifted my luggage on and off the conveyor belts, gave me hugs, and promises of prayers.
My blog will continue, even if I am not "in the Bahamas". I will need to return in three or four months. They can't send the serum to the US. (Expletive deleted) government. To maintain my recovery I will need to continue with the shots.
Boarding. Bye.
Saturday 17 March 2012
Thursday 15 March 2012
Oops!
Drawing captures your being 'til you loose track of time. My shot alarm didn't get set, and then it malfunctioned so my shots were really messed up.
Here is one of the last three charcoal portraits - I didn't get photos of the other two.
Bahamian women are so beautiful that charcoal and white chalk just can't capture that sparkle. They are impeccably groomed. Just the right amount of make-up, every hair in place, interesting clothing, but the most important thing is that they all look so happy. Hugs and laughter everywhere.
Wish I had time to do oil portraits. The skin tones are luscious.
Dr. Clement was at the clinic today, two weeks after a hip replacement. No cane. Chipper as could be. So glad I got to see him again before I leave.
The Bahamian patient, who was in such bad shape when he arrived, walked into the Clinic unaided. Before, he needed two people to help him move about. He was regaling folks with stories about the islands - with his most beautiful voice. I can't look at him and not be reminded of Harry Belafonte. He looked foxy today. It is hard to believe the incredibly fast improvement in patients. His wife and sister dote on him.
The Amish man enjoys the beach and doesn't look like the same man that came here. No kidding, I wouldn't have believed that either one of them would make it. Such improvement in so few days. Outstanding.
Here is one of the last three charcoal portraits - I didn't get photos of the other two.
Wish I had time to do oil portraits. The skin tones are luscious.
Dr. Clement was at the clinic today, two weeks after a hip replacement. No cane. Chipper as could be. So glad I got to see him again before I leave.
The Bahamian patient, who was in such bad shape when he arrived, walked into the Clinic unaided. Before, he needed two people to help him move about. He was regaling folks with stories about the islands - with his most beautiful voice. I can't look at him and not be reminded of Harry Belafonte. He looked foxy today. It is hard to believe the incredibly fast improvement in patients. His wife and sister dote on him.
The Amish man enjoys the beach and doesn't look like the same man that came here. No kidding, I wouldn't have believed that either one of them would make it. Such improvement in so few days. Outstanding.
Saturday 10 March 2012
Name that painting......
My newest painting. It is the National Park beach.
The title is? Well, I am open to suggestions.
It is of two girls that were playing there, but when I got into the painting mode, I kept thinking about the solid Bahamian, with the walking stick, helping the cancer patient balance in the water.
The shape between them became a bit heart shaped, and then I put a star fish in their line of sight. It's weird what comes out in a painting when you aren't paying attention.
This was painted with Dick Blick acrylic paint samples, just red, yellow, blue, white and raw sienna. 14"x11" wrapped canvas.
The title is? Well, I am open to suggestions.
It is of two girls that were playing there, but when I got into the painting mode, I kept thinking about the solid Bahamian, with the walking stick, helping the cancer patient balance in the water.
The shape between them became a bit heart shaped, and then I put a star fish in their line of sight. It's weird what comes out in a painting when you aren't paying attention.
This was painted with Dick Blick acrylic paint samples, just red, yellow, blue, white and raw sienna. 14"x11" wrapped canvas.
Dancing Palms
Well I found the old post that disappeared a week ago.
Four coconut palm trees danced in the sunlight with abandon. Wild wind announced the approach of a tropical storm. Sunlight played on the twelve foot palm fronds changing the colors as they bounced in and out of shadows. An exotic large plant below waved it's red, yellow and green leaves. It was as fascinating as watching a Cirque du Soliel performance. The second story screened in porch was the perfect place to ride out the storm. The rains brought a quick change in temperature and that wonderful fresh aroma. We missed our trip to the beach. Who cared? That was Sunday.
Today the IAT Clinic parking lot was filled to overflowing. New patients arrived. The shots were ready much later than usual, so we had the morning to chat. Three Amish folks from Indiana had taken the train to Ft Lauderdale and then the ferry to Freeport. Out of their element, they are a bit overwhelmed.
The new group is as friendly and helpful as the bunch that went home on Friday. Everyone wanted to help the newbies. What a world it would be if everyone had the same attitude as these cancer patients. I am proud to be one of them.
Four coconut palm trees danced in the sunlight with abandon. Wild wind announced the approach of a tropical storm. Sunlight played on the twelve foot palm fronds changing the colors as they bounced in and out of shadows. An exotic large plant below waved it's red, yellow and green leaves. It was as fascinating as watching a Cirque du Soliel performance. The second story screened in porch was the perfect place to ride out the storm. The rains brought a quick change in temperature and that wonderful fresh aroma. We missed our trip to the beach. Who cared? That was Sunday.
Today the IAT Clinic parking lot was filled to overflowing. New patients arrived. The shots were ready much later than usual, so we had the morning to chat. Three Amish folks from Indiana had taken the train to Ft Lauderdale and then the ferry to Freeport. Out of their element, they are a bit overwhelmed.
The new group is as friendly and helpful as the bunch that went home on Friday. Everyone wanted to help the newbies. What a world it would be if everyone had the same attitude as these cancer patients. I am proud to be one of them.
Happy Cows and Pigeon Peas
"The cows run up to the fence with their mouths wide open and we toss them the doughnuts." The Amish gather out of date food from grocery stores and restaurants to feed their cattle. Someone asked if they like sprinkles.
The Amish patient looks better and better, no longer coughing. He is smiling instead.
A new Bahamian patient is just getting settled in. I am betting he will throw away his cane very soon.
They have strange fish here. We had "fish fingers" tonight at a fishing contest at a yacht club. What a crowd. The Bahamians love to party. Lots of very loud music, jumping castles with water, toss the ball and the guy falls in the water, and great atmosphere.
The typical Bahamian dinner has mac and cheese (very solid and cut in a square) cole slaw, brown rice and peas (Pigeon Peas that looked like black beans to me). They dished up more food than anyone could eat. Harley, the Potcake dog had a feast when we got home.
La Caya is the touristy place where they have a "Straw Market" tiny stalls of souvenirs and hand made crafts. One Bahamian lady was so nice to me when I told her I was a patient at IAT. She gave me a big hug. My eyes have just got to stop leaking when people are surprisingly nice.
It has been two months since surgery and I still haven't tried on my prosthesis. Braless feels good.
Five weeks without a car. Can't wait to see my PT Cruiser.
My plane reservations are for the 17th.
The Amish patient looks better and better, no longer coughing. He is smiling instead.
A new Bahamian patient is just getting settled in. I am betting he will throw away his cane very soon.
They have strange fish here. We had "fish fingers" tonight at a fishing contest at a yacht club. What a crowd. The Bahamians love to party. Lots of very loud music, jumping castles with water, toss the ball and the guy falls in the water, and great atmosphere.
The typical Bahamian dinner has mac and cheese (very solid and cut in a square) cole slaw, brown rice and peas (Pigeon Peas that looked like black beans to me). They dished up more food than anyone could eat. Harley, the Potcake dog had a feast when we got home.
La Caya is the touristy place where they have a "Straw Market" tiny stalls of souvenirs and hand made crafts. One Bahamian lady was so nice to me when I told her I was a patient at IAT. She gave me a big hug. My eyes have just got to stop leaking when people are surprisingly nice.
It has been two months since surgery and I still haven't tried on my prosthesis. Braless feels good.
Five weeks without a car. Can't wait to see my PT Cruiser.
My plane reservations are for the 17th.
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Great news
It seems as though, if you drag a body part across the touch pad on my computer it will send your blog off into never, never land. The last entry just disappeared.
No loss, just nonsense about the date palms dancing in the approaching tropical storm, like a Cirque du Soliel show.
After reviewing my lab results for the last month the Dr. said that I could go home a week from Sat. Two weeks early. My blood work was normal. I will need to come back four to six months from now to check the progress and pick up more serum. The shots will continue after I leave here.
Monday means new people. The waiting room is packed. We have three Amish folks, a retread that says he is five years old. He was told he was dying five years ago. He lived and started counting all over.
We have twenty years, twenty-five years. ten years of rebirth. Most impressive.
Someone said, "it is so good that the patients can afford to take the treatment". When putting the pen to paper I discovered that it would be cheaper to be treated in the Bahamas than go through the US cancer protocol. That costs about $800,000. You know the insurance isn't going to pay all of that. Much is not covered by Medicare, and there is that nasty doughnut hole pharmacy joke. Then you end up with horrible side effects and it takes a long time for your body to recover. If you recover it takes at least a year out of your life. This will take six weeks. I feel better than I have in many years, even though I just had a double mastectomy less than two months ago. My allergies have improved . More about that discussion later.
Gotta snooze,
Love,
Saltness
Oh, I painted another beach scene. Will photograph it tomorrow.
No loss, just nonsense about the date palms dancing in the approaching tropical storm, like a Cirque du Soliel show.
After reviewing my lab results for the last month the Dr. said that I could go home a week from Sat. Two weeks early. My blood work was normal. I will need to come back four to six months from now to check the progress and pick up more serum. The shots will continue after I leave here.
Monday means new people. The waiting room is packed. We have three Amish folks, a retread that says he is five years old. He was told he was dying five years ago. He lived and started counting all over.
We have twenty years, twenty-five years. ten years of rebirth. Most impressive.
Someone said, "it is so good that the patients can afford to take the treatment". When putting the pen to paper I discovered that it would be cheaper to be treated in the Bahamas than go through the US cancer protocol. That costs about $800,000. You know the insurance isn't going to pay all of that. Much is not covered by Medicare, and there is that nasty doughnut hole pharmacy joke. Then you end up with horrible side effects and it takes a long time for your body to recover. If you recover it takes at least a year out of your life. This will take six weeks. I feel better than I have in many years, even though I just had a double mastectomy less than two months ago. My allergies have improved . More about that discussion later.
Gotta snooze,
Love,
Saltness
Oh, I painted another beach scene. Will photograph it tomorrow.
Friday 2 March 2012
Chief Rain in the Face
Mr. Solie, our music teacher, used to call me Chief Rain in the Face. My eyes would always leak during my saxophone lessons. Guess I was angry at myself for not practicing. I cried a lot when I was young.
There were a few tears after I got my diagnosis of Stage III breast cancer, especially when they said it was aggressive and invasive. It was fleeting.
Last night my eyes dripped at we left Le Mer. There must have been eighteen of us at the last supper - before many of the patients went home. My emotional reaction was surprising. After only three or four weeks, these folks have become very important to me. I don't remember ever being cast into a group of more friendly, helpful and delightful people. All from different areas of expertise, and different parts of the country. The only thing we have in common is cancer, and the IAT Clinic.
This morning the outgoing patients picked up their frozen serum that will last them until their next tune-up. In the waiting room were two new gentlemen. From their beard style and clothing they appeared to be Amish. More new patients and old "tune-upers" should arrive at the Clinic on Monday. It should be an interesting week.
We watched the boats come into the harbor while we were eating lunch at Pier One. My host was returning from Florida by ferry. Tasty conch fritters was my seafood choice. They ring a bell at sundown and a herd of sharks appear waiting to be fed. Sounds gory, but it is a tourist attraction.
What an adventure. It could only make one stronger.
And I haven't worn a bra since surgery on Jan. 12th. What freedom. Feels good.
There were a few tears after I got my diagnosis of Stage III breast cancer, especially when they said it was aggressive and invasive. It was fleeting.
Last night my eyes dripped at we left Le Mer. There must have been eighteen of us at the last supper - before many of the patients went home. My emotional reaction was surprising. After only three or four weeks, these folks have become very important to me. I don't remember ever being cast into a group of more friendly, helpful and delightful people. All from different areas of expertise, and different parts of the country. The only thing we have in common is cancer, and the IAT Clinic.
This morning the outgoing patients picked up their frozen serum that will last them until their next tune-up. In the waiting room were two new gentlemen. From their beard style and clothing they appeared to be Amish. More new patients and old "tune-upers" should arrive at the Clinic on Monday. It should be an interesting week.
We watched the boats come into the harbor while we were eating lunch at Pier One. My host was returning from Florida by ferry. Tasty conch fritters was my seafood choice. They ring a bell at sundown and a herd of sharks appear waiting to be fed. Sounds gory, but it is a tourist attraction.
What an adventure. It could only make one stronger.
And I haven't worn a bra since surgery on Jan. 12th. What freedom. Feels good.
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Magic Moment
After the blood draw, I hung my laundry on the clothesline. Felt like I was back in the 1950's. As we drove out to pick up the shots, the heavens opened up in a downpour. Great soft water rinse. They were so soaked that they never did dry. I thought it was just washing cars that primed the rain clouds.
Yesterday a patient (Ph.D./author/Andrea Bocelli look-alike) wanted an acrylic painting class. We went to Banana Bay for lunch. The handsome Italian owner let us set up our easels on the dining deck. He had stashed some shark and dolphin carcasses out on the edge of the deep water, and was going to fish for eel. He wanted to be in the painting. Giggle. Our eyesight wasn't that good. He was just a speck.
We got into the "zone", and lost in the doing. The afternoon flew by. As I was putting away my paints I glanced at the scene one more time, and held my breath. Four boats had sailed into view at the end of the jetty, and a rainbow appeared above them. I quickly painted them. When I looked up again, the boats were gone. The rainbow had faded.
He said it was "one of those magic moments".
Tom asked me to post the painting. It was just a quickie, battling the drizzle, wind, tide, sun and clouds. Certainly not a masterpiece. But the doing was fantastic. So here is a bit of my healing.
I used a very limited palette. Red, blue, yellow (Dick Blick samples), viridian, raw umber and white on canvas paper. (Silly airlines and their weight and size limitations). I did manage to get my easel into my suitcase. There are no art supply stores on the island.
Several patients will be heading home tomorrow. I will miss my new friends.
It is unbelievable - witnessing patients coming to the clinic looking very sick, and in a matter of a week or two they look restored to health. Some folks have titanium femurs and hips from bone cancer, lungs filling up with fluid from mesothelioma, difficulty walking because of neuropathy, breasts and kidneys removed, et al. Almost all of the patients have a family member with them. The K-9 Law Officer is the only other solo act.
I feel better than I have in years. Even my allergies are not bothering me. Only the mosquitoes. For some reason they have decided that I am quite tasty. Maybe it is because I have eaten no meat, just lots of seafood and veggies. Well chocolate and coffee.
I love this Dr.
He said to use Hersheys powdered chocolate. It has no sugar, but lots and lots of vitamin C. Hot chocolate in almond milk before bed. Yum. Much better than the IV vitamin C infusion.
Off I go..........
Well, in a minute. Couldn't figure out why there was so much congestion when we were coming out of the grocery store. Everybody was just standing around. The Bahamians cover their heads when it rains, or stay inside until it stops. They believe that if it rains on your head, you will get in a draft, catch pneumonia, and die.
Yesterday a patient (Ph.D./author/Andrea Bocelli look-alike) wanted an acrylic painting class. We went to Banana Bay for lunch. The handsome Italian owner let us set up our easels on the dining deck. He had stashed some shark and dolphin carcasses out on the edge of the deep water, and was going to fish for eel. He wanted to be in the painting. Giggle. Our eyesight wasn't that good. He was just a speck.
We got into the "zone", and lost in the doing. The afternoon flew by. As I was putting away my paints I glanced at the scene one more time, and held my breath. Four boats had sailed into view at the end of the jetty, and a rainbow appeared above them. I quickly painted them. When I looked up again, the boats were gone. The rainbow had faded.
He said it was "one of those magic moments".
Tom asked me to post the painting. It was just a quickie, battling the drizzle, wind, tide, sun and clouds. Certainly not a masterpiece. But the doing was fantastic. So here is a bit of my healing.
I used a very limited palette. Red, blue, yellow (Dick Blick samples), viridian, raw umber and white on canvas paper. (Silly airlines and their weight and size limitations). I did manage to get my easel into my suitcase. There are no art supply stores on the island.
Several patients will be heading home tomorrow. I will miss my new friends.
It is unbelievable - witnessing patients coming to the clinic looking very sick, and in a matter of a week or two they look restored to health. Some folks have titanium femurs and hips from bone cancer, lungs filling up with fluid from mesothelioma, difficulty walking because of neuropathy, breasts and kidneys removed, et al. Almost all of the patients have a family member with them. The K-9 Law Officer is the only other solo act.
I feel better than I have in years. Even my allergies are not bothering me. Only the mosquitoes. For some reason they have decided that I am quite tasty. Maybe it is because I have eaten no meat, just lots of seafood and veggies. Well chocolate and coffee.
I love this Dr.
He said to use Hersheys powdered chocolate. It has no sugar, but lots and lots of vitamin C. Hot chocolate in almond milk before bed. Yum. Much better than the IV vitamin C infusion.
Off I go..........
Well, in a minute. Couldn't figure out why there was so much congestion when we were coming out of the grocery store. Everybody was just standing around. The Bahamians cover their heads when it rains, or stay inside until it stops. They believe that if it rains on your head, you will get in a draft, catch pneumonia, and die.
Sunday 26 February 2012
Wonderful World
George Clooney is on the flat screen. Drool. Yes, I am watching the Oscars.
They just scrolled through the list of movie makers that we lost last year. "It's a Wonderful World" was sung during the film clip. Talented people. Made me ponder.....
What I have learned since I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer is, without a doubt, life changing. It pretty much clarifies priorities.
Here in the Bahamas I have met some of the most wonderful people - the staff at the IAT Clinic, and especially, the patients. A few are new patients, but many are back for a "tune-up". You know, I have lived in ten states, moved over twenty times, worked in varied jobs, and I have never found people so willing to help each other. A real "Pass it Forward" culture. Attitude, it is all about attitude. Wish I could find the words to explain how overwhelming this experience has been. Friday a couple arrived that I met ten years ago, when I was here with my friend Rueben. At least three patients have more than twenty years since their diagnosis. They have really learned how to live!
This charcoal portrait of the nurse's daughter was photographed before I completed it, but you get the idea of where I was going.......
Today I finished two more portraits from life, but haven't downloaded them yet. Five more are waiting in line. And there is an acrylic that is calling to me - to be completed. But I really wish I had my oil paints with me.
During the last three days, patients have driven me to the beach. The sound, sight, smell, and caress of the wind is so healing. Love it.
Gotta get up in six hours. They keep telling us to get a lot of sleep. I just don't want to miss anything.
G'nite
They just scrolled through the list of movie makers that we lost last year. "It's a Wonderful World" was sung during the film clip. Talented people. Made me ponder.....
What I have learned since I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer is, without a doubt, life changing. It pretty much clarifies priorities.
Here in the Bahamas I have met some of the most wonderful people - the staff at the IAT Clinic, and especially, the patients. A few are new patients, but many are back for a "tune-up". You know, I have lived in ten states, moved over twenty times, worked in varied jobs, and I have never found people so willing to help each other. A real "Pass it Forward" culture. Attitude, it is all about attitude. Wish I could find the words to explain how overwhelming this experience has been. Friday a couple arrived that I met ten years ago, when I was here with my friend Rueben. At least three patients have more than twenty years since their diagnosis. They have really learned how to live!
This charcoal portrait of the nurse's daughter was photographed before I completed it, but you get the idea of where I was going.......
During the last three days, patients have driven me to the beach. The sound, sight, smell, and caress of the wind is so healing. Love it.
Gotta get up in six hours. They keep telling us to get a lot of sleep. I just don't want to miss anything.
G'nite
Monday 20 February 2012
No Tatas For Me
Too soon after surgery I went to get fitted with tatas (prothesis, aka fake boobs). To the touch they feel like the real deal - better than a blow-up doll. They should be - at $350. each, compliments of Medicare. Only one breast had cancer, but Medicare paid for both to be lobbed off, in the name of balance. They also pay for six bras a year at about $60 each.
"Why are they so heavy?" I asked. "To hold the bra down" was the reply. So I have to hang these weighty tatas from my shoulders, worry about chinning myself with them, or pulling up bra straps? "Why?" "In case you bump into a man it will feel like you have breasts", was the answer. Can't remember the last time my breasts ran into an unsuspecting man. They weren't so perky after fighting gravity for seventy-three years. Well, maybe sixty years. I didn't get my first bra until I was thirteen.
Actually it is kind of nice to speak to a man, and get eye contact. They can have intelligent conversations when they aren't distracted.
Silly me, I think it is unfair to seduce a man with fakery. If I were a man and became enamored with a woman, unwrapped her, and found more things coming off than clothes, finding no luscious breasts, no tempting nipples, only a 23" scar running from arm pit to arm pit, I would run out the door with, or without, my tighty whities.
Of course this may be subject to change, but right now I choose to be honest, and flat chested. It actually feels pretty good. It is easier to stand straighter, and easier to breathe. The lungs don't have to do weight lifting.
Along with my seven other shots today, I had another heat shock therapy shot in the groin. Groan. It stings like a killer bee, but only for a moment. The groin gives it the best access to the lymphatic system. I could feel it working in the lymphatic webbing in my arms. Every once in a while I will feel a little sproing. I imagine that it is the treatment shooting some rogue cancer cell.
E'nuf nonsense for tonight. The island Potcake Dogs barked all night last night. By four o'clock they sounded hoarse. Didn't see even one of them today. Hope they weren't sleeping up for more harmonizing after dark.
"Why are they so heavy?" I asked. "To hold the bra down" was the reply. So I have to hang these weighty tatas from my shoulders, worry about chinning myself with them, or pulling up bra straps? "Why?" "In case you bump into a man it will feel like you have breasts", was the answer. Can't remember the last time my breasts ran into an unsuspecting man. They weren't so perky after fighting gravity for seventy-three years. Well, maybe sixty years. I didn't get my first bra until I was thirteen.
Actually it is kind of nice to speak to a man, and get eye contact. They can have intelligent conversations when they aren't distracted.
Silly me, I think it is unfair to seduce a man with fakery. If I were a man and became enamored with a woman, unwrapped her, and found more things coming off than clothes, finding no luscious breasts, no tempting nipples, only a 23" scar running from arm pit to arm pit, I would run out the door with, or without, my tighty whities.
Of course this may be subject to change, but right now I choose to be honest, and flat chested. It actually feels pretty good. It is easier to stand straighter, and easier to breathe. The lungs don't have to do weight lifting.
Along with my seven other shots today, I had another heat shock therapy shot in the groin. Groan. It stings like a killer bee, but only for a moment. The groin gives it the best access to the lymphatic system. I could feel it working in the lymphatic webbing in my arms. Every once in a while I will feel a little sproing. I imagine that it is the treatment shooting some rogue cancer cell.
E'nuf nonsense for tonight. The island Potcake Dogs barked all night last night. By four o'clock they sounded hoarse. Didn't see even one of them today. Hope they weren't sleeping up for more harmonizing after dark.
Sunday 19 February 2012
the Essence of Herbal
My late hubby suffered through chemo and radiation with the help of MJ. An oncologist said if we could find it, use it. In the middle of the winter of '92 I would get a wheel chair from the nurse, bundle him up, attach the IV chemo to the chair, wheel him outside to smoke some weed. It was the only thing that got him through the nausea, pain, and misery of traditional chemo. The Doc said that if he was allowed, he would prescribe it to all of his cancer patients. I stayed with Stan in the hospital, but when we got home I started baking it in brownies. Then he could eat, sleep, and live life. Dramatic difference in the quality of life.
Since then I have been checking it out. Patients have said - all of the long term survivors they know also used pot on a daily basis. Appetite is key to survival. Dr. Burton used to say that he never lost a "fat one". Now is not the time to lose weight. Thought I might loose my belly fat. Without my boobs I look a bit like TwiddleDee or TwiddleDum.
Arizona voters passed the Medical Marijuana Act and I got a "green card". I can legally possess two and a half ounces, and grow twelve plants in a locked closet. Then the Gov. closed the dispensaries. What's a gal to do?
I walked down 4th Ave. like a druggie looking for a fix, asking everyone that looked like they might know where I could buy some legal pot. Ended up potless and in tears.
It seems that Pot Clubs are legal and patients with green cards can obtain the herb from other patients. There are three clubs in Tucson. What a crock.
Didn't mean to rant, but if you have ever used pot, you know that you are not going to go pillage and plunder, you would be giggling, and eating too much, to bother. Or, even leave the house, for that matter. Or making love, or wishing you had someone to love. You just want to say, "Oh, God".
It certainly needs to legalized. The entire plant is useful. Farmers would benefit. They could sell it for hemp rope, fabric, paper, food, and a gazillion other products. High fructose corn syrup and other corn products will soon be banned, or forgotten. Corn won't be that valuable a product unless it used as fuel. Save the farmers. Cut our dependency on oil. Legalize pot!
Plop. Sound of Saltness jumping off of her soapbox.
Mahi-mahi, and pistachio cake at the yacht club - as the sun was setting over the water. Great fun. People left their pedigrees and pocket-books at the door, so mingling was great sport. Folks were from many US states, the UK, and the Bahamas. Idiot me - they were talking about Long Island, and I began talking about fishing off Long Island NY. It wasn't until later that I realized they were talking about an Island in the Bahamas. Duh?
Painting small is difficult. Big is better when it comes to oil painting. Standing and painting vertically with an easel is my vice of choice. However, small stuff fit in the suitcase. The pool became the model for an easel attempt at a small water color. After all, it was working with color. With marvelous weather and an ocean breeze the time stood still. When I paint I don't have a clue how long an hour is. I keep messing up the times on my shots. I had eight today.
Since then I have been checking it out. Patients have said - all of the long term survivors they know also used pot on a daily basis. Appetite is key to survival. Dr. Burton used to say that he never lost a "fat one". Now is not the time to lose weight. Thought I might loose my belly fat. Without my boobs I look a bit like TwiddleDee or TwiddleDum.
Arizona voters passed the Medical Marijuana Act and I got a "green card". I can legally possess two and a half ounces, and grow twelve plants in a locked closet. Then the Gov. closed the dispensaries. What's a gal to do?
I walked down 4th Ave. like a druggie looking for a fix, asking everyone that looked like they might know where I could buy some legal pot. Ended up potless and in tears.
It seems that Pot Clubs are legal and patients with green cards can obtain the herb from other patients. There are three clubs in Tucson. What a crock.
Didn't mean to rant, but if you have ever used pot, you know that you are not going to go pillage and plunder, you would be giggling, and eating too much, to bother. Or, even leave the house, for that matter. Or making love, or wishing you had someone to love. You just want to say, "Oh, God".
It certainly needs to legalized. The entire plant is useful. Farmers would benefit. They could sell it for hemp rope, fabric, paper, food, and a gazillion other products. High fructose corn syrup and other corn products will soon be banned, or forgotten. Corn won't be that valuable a product unless it used as fuel. Save the farmers. Cut our dependency on oil. Legalize pot!
Plop. Sound of Saltness jumping off of her soapbox.
Mahi-mahi, and pistachio cake at the yacht club - as the sun was setting over the water. Great fun. People left their pedigrees and pocket-books at the door, so mingling was great sport. Folks were from many US states, the UK, and the Bahamas. Idiot me - they were talking about Long Island, and I began talking about fishing off Long Island NY. It wasn't until later that I realized they were talking about an Island in the Bahamas. Duh?
Painting small is difficult. Big is better when it comes to oil painting. Standing and painting vertically with an easel is my vice of choice. However, small stuff fit in the suitcase. The pool became the model for an easel attempt at a small water color. After all, it was working with color. With marvelous weather and an ocean breeze the time stood still. When I paint I don't have a clue how long an hour is. I keep messing up the times on my shots. I had eight today.
My beeper just went off signaling the last shot of the day. Off I go..................
Friday 17 February 2012
I'm in Withdrawal
Upon awaking the thought crept into my mind - I am in withdrawal. It has been eleven days since I have drawn or painted anything. I grabbed my charcoal and gray-paper drawing pad on my way out the door While waiting for my shots I sneaked into the conference room and sketched - from a large photo of Dr. Burton. The photo is deteriorating, as photos do. I would love to paint portraits of the Drs. at Iat. Everyone who saw the quick sketch wanted to pose. Tomorrow I will bring my easel and drawing board and do some proper ones from life. Can't wait.
The patients are absolutely amazing. One had ovarian cancer twenty-seven years ago. It had spread to her cervex and vagina. They operated on the young woman, but weren't thorough enough. She developed bone cancer and was told that they had to amputate her leg at the hip. She hadn't told anyone, and at the end of a work day she sat sobbing at her desk. The boss came by, literally took her to the airport immediately, and on to the Bahamas. She didn't have time to pack and literally came with only the clothes on her back. He took her to Dr. Burton's house. He started the treatment immediately. You should see her now. A tall, exotic, gorgeous woman with long wavy black hair. A former model. Her mother is Japanese and was in Hiroshima during the war. All of her children are sterile and all have cancer. The father's German genes gave her the height and curly hair. An absolutely gorgeous woman. She is the official U.S. contact for IAT. I will post her web site later.
Sure, the medical folks among you will say, "oh well, that's just anecdotal." Wish you were here to witness hear these patients first hand. Today there were patients with Hogkins's Lymphoma, Mesotheleoma, Breast Cancer, Kidney cancer, Colo-Rectal cancer, Ovarian and Gone cancer, et al.
Written on the sixteenth. My battery was too low to post last night.
Off I go for more shots.
The patients are absolutely amazing. One had ovarian cancer twenty-seven years ago. It had spread to her cervex and vagina. They operated on the young woman, but weren't thorough enough. She developed bone cancer and was told that they had to amputate her leg at the hip. She hadn't told anyone, and at the end of a work day she sat sobbing at her desk. The boss came by, literally took her to the airport immediately, and on to the Bahamas. She didn't have time to pack and literally came with only the clothes on her back. He took her to Dr. Burton's house. He started the treatment immediately. You should see her now. A tall, exotic, gorgeous woman with long wavy black hair. A former model. Her mother is Japanese and was in Hiroshima during the war. All of her children are sterile and all have cancer. The father's German genes gave her the height and curly hair. An absolutely gorgeous woman. She is the official U.S. contact for IAT. I will post her web site later.
Sure, the medical folks among you will say, "oh well, that's just anecdotal." Wish you were here to witness hear these patients first hand. Today there were patients with Hogkins's Lymphoma, Mesotheleoma, Breast Cancer, Kidney cancer, Colo-Rectal cancer, Ovarian and Gone cancer, et al.
Written on the sixteenth. My battery was too low to post last night.
Off I go for more shots.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Don't flush - add a scoop
Let's call him Sam, so he can remain anonymous. So, Sam picked me up this afternoon and we drove toward the East end of the island, to a state park. Made of limestone, the area has sink holes that fill with salt and fresh water. Mary Anne used to scuba dive in the two caves we explored today. Now endangered species call it home - so you are no longer allowed to swim there. Can't tell you how tempting it was. Mary Anne said that when you pass through the area where the salt and fresh water meet you can't see anything. When you go deeper it clears up. So which is on top, the salt or the fresh water? We pondered that awhile.
Coral paths lead to a long bridge over a mangrove swamp on the way to the beach. Sam tossed bread crumbs to a herd of fish. When we started the trek I didn't know about the fish. When he appeared with the bread crumbs I wondered if we were playing Hansel and Gretel.
The needlenose fish looked like a long blue string as they aggressively went after the crumbs. Snappers snapped, Sergeant fish were just cuteness, and the Baracuda lurked, waiting for something better than bread.
Finally, I got to see the water. It's been eleven days, and that was my first glimpse of the turquoise sea. After strolling up and down the beach, we sat and watched the high tide go out. Gotta go back there at low tide. As the water recedes it leaves very unusual markings in the sand. Looks like a photo op to me.
"Don't flush - add a scoop of wood chips to the toilet". Honest, that's what the sign said in the rest room. There was no running water, toilet paper, or paper towels - just hand sanitizer. The scoop was on a chain in a bucket that was attached to the wall. I added.
More patients showed up for tune-ups. Most of them stay in condos on the beach, or in time-shares. A cancer diagnosis really changes your life. These folks are living every minute, and squeeze joy out of even the smallest event.
You know, I said that it was a privilege to be a 24 hour care giver for my hubby when he battled cancer. Now I see that having cancer makes you a part of a very brave and strong group of people. Much to admire.
G'nite
Coral paths lead to a long bridge over a mangrove swamp on the way to the beach. Sam tossed bread crumbs to a herd of fish. When we started the trek I didn't know about the fish. When he appeared with the bread crumbs I wondered if we were playing Hansel and Gretel.
The needlenose fish looked like a long blue string as they aggressively went after the crumbs. Snappers snapped, Sergeant fish were just cuteness, and the Baracuda lurked, waiting for something better than bread.
Finally, I got to see the water. It's been eleven days, and that was my first glimpse of the turquoise sea. After strolling up and down the beach, we sat and watched the high tide go out. Gotta go back there at low tide. As the water recedes it leaves very unusual markings in the sand. Looks like a photo op to me.
"Don't flush - add a scoop of wood chips to the toilet". Honest, that's what the sign said in the rest room. There was no running water, toilet paper, or paper towels - just hand sanitizer. The scoop was on a chain in a bucket that was attached to the wall. I added.
More patients showed up for tune-ups. Most of them stay in condos on the beach, or in time-shares. A cancer diagnosis really changes your life. These folks are living every minute, and squeeze joy out of even the smallest event.
You know, I said that it was a privilege to be a 24 hour care giver for my hubby when he battled cancer. Now I see that having cancer makes you a part of a very brave and strong group of people. Much to admire.
G'nite
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Good Grief
All of the paragraph breaks we're left out when I posted it. Good luck trying to read it.
Rumbles
"Rumbles" and some squiggly lines. The fact that the traffic signs are on the left hand side of the road is unnerving enough, but "rumbles". Huh? Then the car rumbled! Ah ha, It was group of Mimi speed bumps. Across the road another sign said "Squeeze" Huh? The four lane road became a two lane road. Guess our version would be "Merge".
Wifi shut down for most of one day. When it came back on my Mac Book Pro. iPad, and Droid phone were all left clueless.
Today I took them to the Clinic to see if it was my machine, or the router or modems. A very clever patient spent the morning trying to get my "expletive deleted" wifi turned on. No luck. Later the iPad recovered. So here I am tapping away.
Dr. Bethel said that my blood tests were all normal, except the sugar was a little high. It always is. Cholesterol,is fine, and that is controlled with diet. We are going to try an allergy skin test on that Vitamin infusion that the drug company in Canada says is made from corn - "but there is no corn antigens left after all of ate a processing". If that doesn't work we may try hydrogen peroxide. The deal is - the Vit C in the blood becomes hydrogen peroxide and a runs around and kills cancer cells. So why not just go with the hydrogen peroxide? I mentioned that an old lover said that I used so much Hydrogen Peroxide around the house, and that was why my hair was white. Never used it on my hair. Doc said that there might be some truth to that. It affects the color in the skin. A bit on a Q-tip, up your nose, really clears your sinuses and stops post nasal drip. And it is great as a mouthwash.
Yesterday Was my first experience with the dreaded heat shock therapy. While lying on my back the nurse injects cells right under the skin so it looks like a blister. So she says,"I want you to.see this. My belly is a still a bit swollen from the breast removal, plus my normal belly fat. So lying on my back there was no way I could see into the crease between my leg and my body. If I still had breasts, it would have been even more difficult. A bigger shot of dendritic cells is then stabbed just below the first shot. Shots in the groin. Wish I had had a bikini wax job.
Later, a very, very thin patient had the same shots. You could hear her scream two rooms away. She hasa very a little flesh. Sometimes it is good to have some body fat.
Ten of my hostesses friends went out to dinner at Priate's Reef for a Valentines dinner. It was so crowded that it took three and a half hours. It's the first time using a public restroom to administer shots - three of them. I had eight today.
Tomorrow my computer guru and I are going hiking to find some caverns to explore. He is a nurse with mesothelioma.
A bunch of patients showed up Monday and today. Former patients here for a "tune-up". An Andre Botticelli look alike (I think - he had his eyes open) has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He went through the program years ago, and then dropped out. He got so bad that he wasn't well enough to come here in Oct. He had some standard treatment until he was well enough to. travel.
Oh, our dinner. What a hoot. Wine and beer for hours til the food arrived. The conversation was hilarious. One couple has 22 Chihuahuas. One of their neighbors won't let their dogs in their home. It was cold so they took all of his dogs into their house, but forgot to ask if the males were neutered. One toothless old dog wasn't. He had a great time, and now they have a bunch of new puppies.
Did I mention my Coffee CIO cure? I'll read my posts.
Man, I don't know how to cut and paste on the iPad. This is really stream of conscienceless and the currents carry me every which way.
I need to get horizontal. This night person is getting up at 6 am every day. I really miss going to bed with Craig Ferguson. Later
Sunday 12 February 2012
My hair is turning grey while I am waiting for the wi-fi to load. Grin. Everyone on the island must be pecking on their computer. It is too cold and windy to do much else. Only the kiddos went outside today. At five this morning it was 30 degrees. There doesn't seem to be a furnace or heater, and the kids kept leaving the doors open. I will sleep with socks on tonight. It is just a quick rogue cold front from Florida. No biggie.
Ratsnose. It took so long to load that I have to go give myself a shot. My last shot of the day. Last week I had three shots a day, then Saturday I had five, and today eight. Back in a jiffy.
Harley followed me back to the computer. A Potcake dog, about the size of a lab, he is a charmer. Island dogs all look alike, but he is larger than most. The dogs run loose. If you threw all of the dog breeds into a pot, out would come a "pot cake". He is favoring his back leg, so I am practicing some Reiki on him. He keeps coming back and presenting his left flank for more touch d' touch, touch. My kinda dog.
Coming home, as we drove through the white iron gate we spied a large ripe avocado on the brick driveway. It looked delish. Upon investigation it was only the peel and the pit. A raccoon had washed it in the pool, somehow managing to eat all of the good stuff and leaving it under the avocado tree looking pristine. The trickster. They are the only wild critters on the island.
Imagine this. Gigantic ginger roots cobbled together with reckless abandon. Add fern like leaves and eighteen inch hanging seed pods. They turn dark brown and look like half of a boomerang. This tree spreads out so far that it just can't be real. Looks like it is out of a fairy tale. It's a Poinciana. Love this place.
Tomorrow I start the Heat Shock Therapy. Two days a week you give yourself two shots - it may be twice a day?? The first shot is right under the skin. Later you give a shot of dendrite cells - that learn to recognize my cancer cells, then rush around the bod wrapping their tentacles around them and squash the little rascals.
The IV infusion of Vitamin C had to be cancelled because it was made from corn - manufactured in Canada. Because of my allergies we will have to get anti-oxidents some other way. Cocoa powder, green tea extract, and turmeric are great sources.
It has only been six days of shots, but I am feeling much better already. I swear my skin looks younger, the loose skin above my eyes has tightened up and I notice a change in my nail beds.
The house was filled with Grandkids and Mothers today. Hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks were on the indoor grill. I was the lucky one and had left over vegetable lasagna. Mary Anne was married to an Italian and spent some time in Italy. This was the real deal. Yum! One layer had homemade tomato sauce, the next had béchamel. I love this place.
Friday 10 February 2012
Want a coconut Mum?
"Want a coconut Mum?" With that, the father of three and son of my hostess, picked up a coconut from the ground and whacked it with a big machete. Once, twice, three times - exposing a finger tip size hole. He presented it with a bendy straw. The coconut water was sweetly delicious. Then he whacked it again, scooped out the gel and urged me to eat. It looked much like a raw albino oyster. It tasted like candy. Two days in a row I have downed a fresh coconut. I could get spoiled.
Coconut trees abound on this ten acre estate that is my home for eight weeks. They are huge trees with fronds that would measure a dozen feet long. The Poinciana tree is absolutely magnificent. One tree in the front yard is the largest of it's kind on the island. Sorry I don't remember it's kind. It has the biggest stag horn fern plant ever grown (I swear) hanging from a branch. Most impressive. I have tried to grow those rascals and failed miserably.
Avocado trees, mango trees, all sorts of foods and herbs are growing with reckless abandon. The swimming pool is dormant during the winter, but when it is running it is oxygenized. Sparkling water. Like swimming in 7-up. It isn't a standard pool - a free form pool with a smaller pool that has a water fall spilling into the big pool.
My corner room is on the first floor with open windows letting in the ocean breeze. The humidity has done away with my annoying post nasal drip. Worth the trip already. I had my choice of eight bedrooms as I am the only patient staying here. If there were more I would be sharing a bath, but as it is I use an additional bedroom for my computer, so I feel like I have my own private office. The rec room is huge, with wide screen TV, a bar with coffee maker, cold filtered water, refrigerator, wi-fi, four couches, an exercise machine, a phone to the US, and just lots of open space.
"Just give your clothes to the housekeeper and she will wash them for you and hang them on the line. They will smell so fresh". She is here three days a week and makes sure you have whatever you need.
A circular stair leads through a collection of wrought iron irons - to the second floor. Everywhere you look there are wonderful works of art, paintings, statues, eclectic collectibles. When you enter the living room you are greeted by the brilliant shine from the old parquet flooring. Floor to ceiling glass doors in the living room and dining room slide into the wall, exposing the entire rooms to the veranda that wraps around two sides of the house. There are two huge tables, twenty chairs, large screen TV and three ceiling fans. Heaven couldn't be any better. You are right up in the treetops. At one end the bougainvillea blossoms are taller than the two story home. Sitting on the veranda at night you are serenaded by the entertainers at the La Caya hotels about a mile away. Only a golf course is between us.
A few days ago I decided to walk to the touristy area, but there are two large dogs blocking the way. They are probably harmless, but they do bark a lot and chicken me, I turned around.
We went to the port today to pick up Mary Ann's hubby. He took a ferry (say cruise ship) to Florida to have some stitches removed from his eye. Another cruise ship was in port. The traffic was at a stand still while cherry pickers accompanied a truck with a very tall load. They would position themselves on either side of the truck and lift up the power lines so the truck could get through. Five times we happened upon traffic stops where they were checking car registrations and insurance. They have them taped to the top of the windshield to make checking easy. They have check points every month to make sure everyone is up to date. It was a slow moving day. We only did what needed to be done.
Nope, I am going to go for a stroll in the last bit of light. Later........
Coconut trees abound on this ten acre estate that is my home for eight weeks. They are huge trees with fronds that would measure a dozen feet long. The Poinciana tree is absolutely magnificent. One tree in the front yard is the largest of it's kind on the island. Sorry I don't remember it's kind. It has the biggest stag horn fern plant ever grown (I swear) hanging from a branch. Most impressive. I have tried to grow those rascals and failed miserably.
Avocado trees, mango trees, all sorts of foods and herbs are growing with reckless abandon. The swimming pool is dormant during the winter, but when it is running it is oxygenized. Sparkling water. Like swimming in 7-up. It isn't a standard pool - a free form pool with a smaller pool that has a water fall spilling into the big pool.
My corner room is on the first floor with open windows letting in the ocean breeze. The humidity has done away with my annoying post nasal drip. Worth the trip already. I had my choice of eight bedrooms as I am the only patient staying here. If there were more I would be sharing a bath, but as it is I use an additional bedroom for my computer, so I feel like I have my own private office. The rec room is huge, with wide screen TV, a bar with coffee maker, cold filtered water, refrigerator, wi-fi, four couches, an exercise machine, a phone to the US, and just lots of open space.
"Just give your clothes to the housekeeper and she will wash them for you and hang them on the line. They will smell so fresh". She is here three days a week and makes sure you have whatever you need.
A circular stair leads through a collection of wrought iron irons - to the second floor. Everywhere you look there are wonderful works of art, paintings, statues, eclectic collectibles. When you enter the living room you are greeted by the brilliant shine from the old parquet flooring. Floor to ceiling glass doors in the living room and dining room slide into the wall, exposing the entire rooms to the veranda that wraps around two sides of the house. There are two huge tables, twenty chairs, large screen TV and three ceiling fans. Heaven couldn't be any better. You are right up in the treetops. At one end the bougainvillea blossoms are taller than the two story home. Sitting on the veranda at night you are serenaded by the entertainers at the La Caya hotels about a mile away. Only a golf course is between us.
A few days ago I decided to walk to the touristy area, but there are two large dogs blocking the way. They are probably harmless, but they do bark a lot and chicken me, I turned around.
We went to the port today to pick up Mary Ann's hubby. He took a ferry (say cruise ship) to Florida to have some stitches removed from his eye. Another cruise ship was in port. The traffic was at a stand still while cherry pickers accompanied a truck with a very tall load. They would position themselves on either side of the truck and lift up the power lines so the truck could get through. Five times we happened upon traffic stops where they were checking car registrations and insurance. They have them taped to the top of the windshield to make checking easy. They have check points every month to make sure everyone is up to date. It was a slow moving day. We only did what needed to be done.
Nope, I am going to go for a stroll in the last bit of light. Later........
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Cancer Clinic
In 1992 the love of my life was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma mediastinal (stomach cancer) and told to go home and die. Dr. Milton Fried in Atlanta recommended that we go to the IAT Clinic in Freeport the Bahamas. We literally had our bags packed when there was an emergency. The EMS took him to a different hospital and different Doctors. It was a misdiagnosis and they convinced my hubby that they could treat the lung cancer, and that the Bahamas would always be there. We never made it to Freeport. The chemo and radiation destroyed him.
A friend of a friend, Reuben Best, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and prostate cancer. The Mayo Clinic said there was nothing more to be done. Reuben said that he was ready to walk off the face of the earth and be with his departed wife. I told him about IAT. He changed his mind, and I accompanied him to the Bahamas, staying two weeks until he felt comfortable finding his way around the island - while driving on the left side of the road. He was old, but lived nine years - playing golf and working. He died, cancer free, of a stroke.
Reuben and I were at IAT during a Thanksgiving gathering. There were former patients there from all over the world. Some alive thirty years after they were to go to hospice and die. What an experience to see these vibrant folks, healthy and happy. Many of the patients were family of Drs. Curious that they didn't follow the chemo protocol!
Close to a year ago I noticed what felt like a small cyst in my right breast. Last summer the Dr. said we would keep an eye on it. By Oct 11th there was another mass. I started trying to find treatment. The Doctors are so booked up that even though I had been put through many tests including, MRI's, CT scans, I didn't get to a biopsy until the middle of November. No form of treatment until mid January!
The ultrasound biopsy seemed like a Three Stooges episode. A scalpel with a suction device was poking and slicing in three part s of my breast. All of a sudden there was a splash of tan "stuff" splattered everywhere. The doctor's white blouse looked like it had freckles. Her face and clear eye shield were rained on. Then, somehow, the tube of gel used on the skin for the ultrasound got squeezed, and a big glop of it ended up in my hair. By then, all three of us were laughing. Someone said, it looks like a scene out of "Something About Mary". Haven't seen the movie. It is on my Bucket List.
The biopsy determined that I had Interductal Carcinoma Triple Negative, described as aggressive, and invasive - Stage III.
Six months of chemo was first on the agenda, to see if the meds would work on the tumors (two and four lymph nodes). Then a double mastectomy and radiation. Of course my hair would fall out, maybe my fingernails and toenails would fall out, nausea, pain, neuropathy (losing the feeling in my hands and feet) weight loss - all the devastation of chemo.
A randomized Clinical Trail of something that sounded much like the IAT treatment accepted me. It was to be run in tandem with the chemo. Then they rejected me because of my corn allergy. It seems all US meds contain some inactive ingredients derived from corn products. To take chemo without meds to help with the side effects is unthinkable. We searched and finally found a patch that would help with nausea. $320. with $120. out of pocket - for one patch. It might last a week. We're talking about six months of chemo! The only other option was Medical Marijuana. That's another blog.
I just didn't fit into the typical protocol. The cost would be outrageous, because it wouldn't be what Medicare approved. When I compared costs - it was less expensive to spend two months in the Bahamas taking the Immune Augmentive Therapy.
On Jan. 12th (3 months after I looked for treatment in the US) I finally had a double mastectomy, lymphectomy. Cancer cells had spilled into my lymph system and vascular system after the biopsy - for way over two months.
When my most generous sister offered to pay my way, I jumped at the chance to take the Immune Aumentive Therapy. If you are curious - here are several videos that describe how it works. It has been successful for over thirty years. Copy and paste:
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=B_gxgddE0Uc
And check out
www.immunemedicine.com
A friend of a friend, Reuben Best, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and prostate cancer. The Mayo Clinic said there was nothing more to be done. Reuben said that he was ready to walk off the face of the earth and be with his departed wife. I told him about IAT. He changed his mind, and I accompanied him to the Bahamas, staying two weeks until he felt comfortable finding his way around the island - while driving on the left side of the road. He was old, but lived nine years - playing golf and working. He died, cancer free, of a stroke.
Reuben and I were at IAT during a Thanksgiving gathering. There were former patients there from all over the world. Some alive thirty years after they were to go to hospice and die. What an experience to see these vibrant folks, healthy and happy. Many of the patients were family of Drs. Curious that they didn't follow the chemo protocol!
Close to a year ago I noticed what felt like a small cyst in my right breast. Last summer the Dr. said we would keep an eye on it. By Oct 11th there was another mass. I started trying to find treatment. The Doctors are so booked up that even though I had been put through many tests including, MRI's, CT scans, I didn't get to a biopsy until the middle of November. No form of treatment until mid January!
The ultrasound biopsy seemed like a Three Stooges episode. A scalpel with a suction device was poking and slicing in three part s of my breast. All of a sudden there was a splash of tan "stuff" splattered everywhere. The doctor's white blouse looked like it had freckles. Her face and clear eye shield were rained on. Then, somehow, the tube of gel used on the skin for the ultrasound got squeezed, and a big glop of it ended up in my hair. By then, all three of us were laughing. Someone said, it looks like a scene out of "Something About Mary". Haven't seen the movie. It is on my Bucket List.
The biopsy determined that I had Interductal Carcinoma Triple Negative, described as aggressive, and invasive - Stage III.
Six months of chemo was first on the agenda, to see if the meds would work on the tumors (two and four lymph nodes). Then a double mastectomy and radiation. Of course my hair would fall out, maybe my fingernails and toenails would fall out, nausea, pain, neuropathy (losing the feeling in my hands and feet) weight loss - all the devastation of chemo.
A randomized Clinical Trail of something that sounded much like the IAT treatment accepted me. It was to be run in tandem with the chemo. Then they rejected me because of my corn allergy. It seems all US meds contain some inactive ingredients derived from corn products. To take chemo without meds to help with the side effects is unthinkable. We searched and finally found a patch that would help with nausea. $320. with $120. out of pocket - for one patch. It might last a week. We're talking about six months of chemo! The only other option was Medical Marijuana. That's another blog.
I just didn't fit into the typical protocol. The cost would be outrageous, because it wouldn't be what Medicare approved. When I compared costs - it was less expensive to spend two months in the Bahamas taking the Immune Augmentive Therapy.
On Jan. 12th (3 months after I looked for treatment in the US) I finally had a double mastectomy, lymphectomy. Cancer cells had spilled into my lymph system and vascular system after the biopsy - for way over two months.
When my most generous sister offered to pay my way, I jumped at the chance to take the Immune Aumentive Therapy. If you are curious - here are several videos that describe how it works. It has been successful for over thirty years. Copy and paste:
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=B_gxgddE0Uc
And check out
www.immunemedicine.com
Monday 6 February 2012
a new beginning
Seventy-five love birds, living outside my open windows, have become my alarm clock. The ocean breeze wafts me to sleep at night. Only a lover in my bed could make it better.
The healing has begun even before I start the cancer treatment tomorrow. Today I had a blood draw, a physical, and spent five hours the AIT Clinic here in Freeport the Bahamas. They know more about me than I do. The injections start tomorrow.
Strangers were so helpful on the eight hour flight. They offered, I never even had to ask. The last leg was on a small turbo jet. The aisle was so small I was glad that I had trouble finding time for food between flights.
The healing has begun even before I start the cancer treatment tomorrow. Today I had a blood draw, a physical, and spent five hours the AIT Clinic here in Freeport the Bahamas. They know more about me than I do. The injections start tomorrow.
Strangers were so helpful on the eight hour flight. They offered, I never even had to ask. The last leg was on a small turbo jet. The aisle was so small I was glad that I had trouble finding time for food between flights.
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