A good appointment with the oncologist yesterday in that he was pleasant and upbeat...it wasn't the usual "downer" as we've experienced with the bedside manner of others. Prayers answered.
We really like Dr.Hie not only for his bedside manner, but that he is working with us in the realm of what he can offer at a conventional hospital.
This post will be long...as I feel the need to explain much for family and inquiring minds..
A good profile of testing was ordered. Because insurance companies still believe prostrate cancer is caused by high testosterone, Dr. Hie said insurance would not cover the estradiol test (elevated levels are true cause of not only female cancers, but prostrate as well - learned this is 2010 from Dr. Stacey Bean's wellness seminar in Madison - and many subsequently read books). Since insurance would not cover it I asked to have it removed from the testing list...but as I viewed results today...it was included. I would not doubt this test will cost 100s, if not over 1000, whereas I could have gotten it from ZRT for $40.
Dr. Hie disagreed with me, and the many doctors who treat prostrate cancers by bringing estrogen down. When I named doctors using it he was aware of them and said none conform to conventional...to which I said, "yes, and are you aware of their success rate?" No response to that. (It is always hours later, no longer at the appointment, where I ask myself "WHY didn't you ask the MD to explain why we don't have an epidemic amongst 17 yr old boys?" Platt posed this question in his book "The Miracle of Bio Identical Hormones", which I read in 2011. It made so much sense I have to wonder why every doctor doesn't see this...it is more complicated than this, of course, as there are hormone conversions taking place; but just as for women - men require a BALANCE of estrogen to progesterone just as females do.
Hie then brought up a drug called Megace. It is a synthetic progesterone...aka progestin. Since progestin is known to cause cancer in women, I brought up my concern. I was told it is only proven to cause cancer in women...how fortunate that men are excluded! Or are they?
Interestingly enough, when I looked up the drug to see what it does - it brings DOWN estradiol levels...so in that respect - it is a very good thing as that is exactly what needs to happen. However, I am not sure if it is worth the risk. Since we already have Jesse on a high dose transdermal bHRT progesterone cream via. my hormone expert friend in California, Dr. Platt, my thoughts are that the bHRT dosage can be increased. Hie did not know if transdermal cream could be a high enough dose as compared to an oral drug. I will consult with Dr. P on this. Jesse is also on a number of supplements from Platt formulated to reduce estradiol. The first hormone balance test we paid out of pocket for in July did indicate that Jesse is estrogen dominant (aka cancer promoting state of being).
In discussing Lupron therapy Hie said his goal would be to get Jesse's testosterone below 25. Well, lab results posted today show it at 16. So already below the normal range for a man his age...and again- the estradiol is high.
Seeing that testosterone is already below Hie's goal on its own...we will have to ask his thoughts about that. Might he look a little more closely at my suggestion that estradiol contributes to prostrate cancer, not testosterone? PSA continues to rise, but I did tell Jesse to keep in mind that PSA measures all proteins - both living and dead cancer cells.
As I reviewed Lupron therapy and what is involved, the missing link I see is the lack of using progesterone - the only hormone that keeps estradiol in check. (in the write up on Lupron it states it addresses symptoms, not the cancer itself). It is no surprise that Hie said Lupron therapy does not have a success rate to 5 years for the most part. The root cause is not addressed.
this is getting long...watch for part two on discussions with oncology...
-Rita
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Lupron and Low Testosterone
Just wanted to share this article that came in my email from the local International Pharmacy - which always provides good information on hormone balance.
In this article it talks about dangers of low testosterone - which again, makes me question the wisdom of using Lupron or other testosterone lowering drugs. Are we working towards a remission of a prostrate cancer only to increase risk of stroke or heart attack later on?
I also am aware that the brain needs testosterone for memory function, amongst other things. I was reading the many possible side effects today of Lupron, and in my mind I ask, "really? why would we want to risk going there? ". The print out from the pharmacist says it can even promote tumor activity - that may be a small risk, but again, why go there? If a person already has tumors, why promote further growth.
In Jesse's case, cachexia (muscle wasting) stems from an aggressive tumor.
Questioning the sensibility, or lack thereof, Lupron treatment...
Rita
In this article it talks about dangers of low testosterone - which again, makes me question the wisdom of using Lupron or other testosterone lowering drugs. Are we working towards a remission of a prostrate cancer only to increase risk of stroke or heart attack later on?
I also am aware that the brain needs testosterone for memory function, amongst other things. I was reading the many possible side effects today of Lupron, and in my mind I ask, "really? why would we want to risk going there? ". The print out from the pharmacist says it can even promote tumor activity - that may be a small risk, but again, why go there? If a person already has tumors, why promote further growth.
In Jesse's case, cachexia (muscle wasting) stems from an aggressive tumor.
Questioning the sensibility, or lack thereof, Lupron treatment...
Rita
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Silvery Anniversary - Celebrated in Oncology
I would have never imagined we would be spending our 25th wedding anniversary meeting with the oncologist. But that is where we spent our morning. I will say our meeting was an answer to prayer. Dr. Hie is SO different from any of the other doctors we have met and talked to on this journey. He is the only one that has not had the doom and gloom attitude.
He was positive, upbeat, did not argue or act condescending of our choice to approach this disease holistically. He understands we want more than 5 years... and he admitted that the treatment he has available for Jesse's type of cancer would not get us to five years.
Dr. Hie and I did have that usual conversation I tend to have with MDs re: hormones...where they feel testosterone causes prostate cancer, and I share that is is the estradiol and imbalance that happens when testosterone drops. I named doctors whom I have learned this from, and Hie's reply is that none follow conventional medicine. Which may be true, but I said they are healing 1000s of people. Because conventional medicine sees testosterone as the "cause" for prostrate cancer, I learned that insurance will not cover the request for an estradiol test for Jesse. Seeing as we would have to pay out of pocket, I had him take the test off the lab list as I knew it would cost probably $1000s to have that test run at the U.W. whereas I could have it done on our own at a lab for a couple of $100.
Every time I have this conversation with a doctor I always kick myself later, because I always forget to ask the question, "if testosterone is the cause of prostrate cancer, why then is there not an epidemic among 17 year old boys?" Does this make you wonder, as a reader? It makes no sense the way conventional medicine sees this.
Megace and Luprin were discussed as hormone therapies. If you read the link to describe Megace, a synthetic progesterone (ie. progestin) - it is clear that its purpose is to counter estradiol - the cancer causing estrogen.
I admit, I forgot my paper with written questions at home...and I forgot to ask if either drug KILLS cancer STEM cells. If they do not, then the cancer grows back - usually more aggressively. To my knowledge (listening to another cancer summit recording, discussing this topic) - there is not conventional method that eliminates stem cells.
The main focus of conversation at our appointment today was discussing pain management options, and how to increase Jesse's appetite. It is hard to follow the Budwig diet protocol when he is not able to eat the required amount of quark (CC/FSO) and flaxseed mixture. The Budwig protocol is the diet choice for patients experiencing cachexia (muscle wasting). We were given two prescriptions that hopefully will stimulate appetite as well as manage pain.
I was listening to a integrative oncologist last night, talking about the benefits of three 50 minute BioMat far infrared heat (thermo) treatments each day to reduce tumors, and I realized how important it is for us to do this daily. Right now Jesse is in too much pain to lie flat for 50 minutes. I don't care how loopy he gets..we need to manage the pain so he can lie on the BioMat and be sandwiched between the two for proper treatment.
On this special day celebrating 25 years of marriage, my request is for prayer that we get to celebrate a 50th one day, and that pain is lessened and appetite is increased,
Thank you for your prayers,
Rita
He was positive, upbeat, did not argue or act condescending of our choice to approach this disease holistically. He understands we want more than 5 years... and he admitted that the treatment he has available for Jesse's type of cancer would not get us to five years.
Dr. Hie and I did have that usual conversation I tend to have with MDs re: hormones...where they feel testosterone causes prostate cancer, and I share that is is the estradiol and imbalance that happens when testosterone drops. I named doctors whom I have learned this from, and Hie's reply is that none follow conventional medicine. Which may be true, but I said they are healing 1000s of people. Because conventional medicine sees testosterone as the "cause" for prostrate cancer, I learned that insurance will not cover the request for an estradiol test for Jesse. Seeing as we would have to pay out of pocket, I had him take the test off the lab list as I knew it would cost probably $1000s to have that test run at the U.W. whereas I could have it done on our own at a lab for a couple of $100.
Every time I have this conversation with a doctor I always kick myself later, because I always forget to ask the question, "if testosterone is the cause of prostrate cancer, why then is there not an epidemic among 17 year old boys?" Does this make you wonder, as a reader? It makes no sense the way conventional medicine sees this.
Megace and Luprin were discussed as hormone therapies. If you read the link to describe Megace, a synthetic progesterone (ie. progestin) - it is clear that its purpose is to counter estradiol - the cancer causing estrogen.
I admit, I forgot my paper with written questions at home...and I forgot to ask if either drug KILLS cancer STEM cells. If they do not, then the cancer grows back - usually more aggressively. To my knowledge (listening to another cancer summit recording, discussing this topic) - there is not conventional method that eliminates stem cells.
The main focus of conversation at our appointment today was discussing pain management options, and how to increase Jesse's appetite. It is hard to follow the Budwig diet protocol when he is not able to eat the required amount of quark (CC/FSO) and flaxseed mixture. The Budwig protocol is the diet choice for patients experiencing cachexia (muscle wasting). We were given two prescriptions that hopefully will stimulate appetite as well as manage pain.
I was listening to a integrative oncologist last night, talking about the benefits of three 50 minute BioMat far infrared heat (thermo) treatments each day to reduce tumors, and I realized how important it is for us to do this daily. Right now Jesse is in too much pain to lie flat for 50 minutes. I don't care how loopy he gets..we need to manage the pain so he can lie on the BioMat and be sandwiched between the two for proper treatment.
On this special day celebrating 25 years of marriage, my request is for prayer that we get to celebrate a 50th one day, and that pain is lessened and appetite is increased,
Thank you for your prayers,
Rita
Friday, October 10, 2014
Improvement in one leg - yeah!!!
Just wanted to share, as this is exciting, that today Jesse was able to get in his truck and for the first time in a long time he DID NOT have to lift his left leg into the truck. His right leg still needed assistance, but the right leg is the one in which the largest cancer lesion was seen in the bone.
He is feeling optimistic today - weak still, but just the fact that he feels like he is getting better and that the cesium chloride and Young Living oils are making a difference, along with all the many other facets of his protocol, is a great feeling.
Thank you Father for hearing our heart's cry!
Rita
He is feeling optimistic today - weak still, but just the fact that he feels like he is getting better and that the cesium chloride and Young Living oils are making a difference, along with all the many other facets of his protocol, is a great feeling.
Thank you Father for hearing our heart's cry!
Rita
Thursday, October 9, 2014
When We Are Weak Christ is Our Stronghold
Wanting to give a short update as my sister and her husband are here continuing work on insulating the bay windows. If you live down Brodhead, WI way...Dale Earleywine does EXCELLENT work and we highly recommend him. He is making sure we get as much R value as we can so we don't lose a ton of heat this winter.
Jesse feels that things are changing...pain seems to have lessened. It also seems to shift...sometimes in lower right leg and knee, for days, but then yesterday, it was back in his hip and thigh again.
The greatest prayer need right now is for strength. Pain has lessened, but Jesse feels very weak. There is comfort in knowing that our strength need not be our own, and that our Savior holds us up. Each morning devotion with Jesus is Calling speaks to our hearts, and pretty much has us both in tears...that's a good thing...we need that release.
Last night Jesse was awake ALL night...not in pain...but he said he just felt wide awake. I think at 3 a.m. I finally heard him snoring...indication of deeper sleep. How odd that I find myself grateful to hear snoring, but he needs sleep. I just move to the living room couch... I think we better get more blankets in that room!
The Young Living essential oils arrived yesterday, although a friend had loaned me Frankincense until ours arrived, as it has been known to heal cancer, including that set into the bone. Studies on the use of Boswellia Sacra oil for cancer can be found at BioMed. Boswellia serrata, discussed in this article, is a component of the Arbonne joint formula, and once I learned the benefits in regards to cancer of this ingredient, I doubled Jesse's daily supplement allowance. Studies are in infancy, but promising. I had published additional links and information on my Purely Living blog a couple of weeks ago.
I've been using Wintergreen followed by Peppermint to lessen the pain. I basically alternate massages with essential oils, cessium chloride spray, DMSO, and the Arbonne muscle massage gel, and the SeaSource Renewing Body Gelee - the latter of which helps draw lactic acid out of the muscles, which I had read the lactic acid contributes to the problem of cachexia. Honestly, he should probably be getting a massage every two hours to get the greatest benefit, but I do what I can.
We just keep plugging along, praying, waiting and asking, "How long Lord must we wait?" Each day is tough when you want to see more pronounced improvements...
Time to go mix up the trio drinks of liquid potassium and cesium chloride for the morning round... I feel like a bartender mixing drinks a.m. and p.m., or more likely, a chemist in a lab...what a routine we have come to know, and I feel for every family who goes through this and all the extra tasks it puts on their plate.
A toast to my husband's health! We pray over each drink, food, and massage ...asking for it to heal.
Rita
Jesse feels that things are changing...pain seems to have lessened. It also seems to shift...sometimes in lower right leg and knee, for days, but then yesterday, it was back in his hip and thigh again.
The greatest prayer need right now is for strength. Pain has lessened, but Jesse feels very weak. There is comfort in knowing that our strength need not be our own, and that our Savior holds us up. Each morning devotion with Jesus is Calling speaks to our hearts, and pretty much has us both in tears...that's a good thing...we need that release.
Last night Jesse was awake ALL night...not in pain...but he said he just felt wide awake. I think at 3 a.m. I finally heard him snoring...indication of deeper sleep. How odd that I find myself grateful to hear snoring, but he needs sleep. I just move to the living room couch... I think we better get more blankets in that room!
The Young Living essential oils arrived yesterday, although a friend had loaned me Frankincense until ours arrived, as it has been known to heal cancer, including that set into the bone. Studies on the use of Boswellia Sacra oil for cancer can be found at BioMed. Boswellia serrata, discussed in this article, is a component of the Arbonne joint formula, and once I learned the benefits in regards to cancer of this ingredient, I doubled Jesse's daily supplement allowance. Studies are in infancy, but promising. I had published additional links and information on my Purely Living blog a couple of weeks ago.
I've been using Wintergreen followed by Peppermint to lessen the pain. I basically alternate massages with essential oils, cessium chloride spray, DMSO, and the Arbonne muscle massage gel, and the SeaSource Renewing Body Gelee - the latter of which helps draw lactic acid out of the muscles, which I had read the lactic acid contributes to the problem of cachexia. Honestly, he should probably be getting a massage every two hours to get the greatest benefit, but I do what I can.
We just keep plugging along, praying, waiting and asking, "How long Lord must we wait?" Each day is tough when you want to see more pronounced improvements...
Time to go mix up the trio drinks of liquid potassium and cesium chloride for the morning round... I feel like a bartender mixing drinks a.m. and p.m., or more likely, a chemist in a lab...what a routine we have come to know, and I feel for every family who goes through this and all the extra tasks it puts on their plate.
A toast to my husband's health! We pray over each drink, food, and massage ...asking for it to heal.
Rita
Friday, October 3, 2014
Overwhelmed with Gratitude This Day
Cancer is draining, not only physically, mentally, but also financially. It has been incredible how fast we are burning through our savings. We also learned that Jesse does not have disability. I can only imagine the stress this has caused him - which does not help one heal from cancer.
My own business is also realizing an impact. I am spending so much time trying to figure out a protocol that can help deter the pain and help heal the bones, that I have had very little time to focus on new business. I am very grateful for the residual income that I receive from clients who re-order on line, and was amazed last month at my month end numbers despite so little activity on my part. Still, my paycheck is about half of what it could be if I were "out there" presenting the benefits of the products.
As I viewed our savings account, and did a quick calculation - it is scary. I am trusting in the Lord to provide in our time of need, and He has just blown us away by generosity of others.
We received a card yesterday with a personal check near equivalent to one of Jesse's paychecks. Thank you Lord for the amazing generosity of this couple. We had not heard from them, but were assured they have been praying.
Jesse used up his vacation this week to take time off to heal, and he was planning to take off next week with pay. He called his boss to request time off with pay...and learned that his co-workers at Electronic Theatre Controls donated FOUR WEEKS of paid time off to help Jesse fight this battle. I cannot even type this without tears...we were both crying at this news. For those from ETC reading this - may you and your families be blessed tenfold for your generosity!
This morning in our devotion God asked us to CRY OUT TO HIM...and we did. We sob through many of our devotions as of late...crying releases some hormone that is good for healing...so we just let the tears flow and eventually we can finish reading the passages before us.
I wanted to share our gratitude right away, before I head out doors for a work project with the neighbor coming over to help. A friend with stage 4 breast cancer is coming over early afternoon to use the BioMat for therapy, and share what she learned at the Budwig Center for cancer treatment in Spain. Later, I am teaching a class and helping a wonderful woman launch her Arbonne business... which means I will be exhausted when I get home.
Tomorrow my sisters and their families are coming to help us with yard work, insulating the bay windows, and a long list of things that we are simply behind in.
With much gratitude for all of you, words cannot express our appreciation.
Rita
My own business is also realizing an impact. I am spending so much time trying to figure out a protocol that can help deter the pain and help heal the bones, that I have had very little time to focus on new business. I am very grateful for the residual income that I receive from clients who re-order on line, and was amazed last month at my month end numbers despite so little activity on my part. Still, my paycheck is about half of what it could be if I were "out there" presenting the benefits of the products.
As I viewed our savings account, and did a quick calculation - it is scary. I am trusting in the Lord to provide in our time of need, and He has just blown us away by generosity of others.
We received a card yesterday with a personal check near equivalent to one of Jesse's paychecks. Thank you Lord for the amazing generosity of this couple. We had not heard from them, but were assured they have been praying.
Jesse used up his vacation this week to take time off to heal, and he was planning to take off next week with pay. He called his boss to request time off with pay...and learned that his co-workers at Electronic Theatre Controls donated FOUR WEEKS of paid time off to help Jesse fight this battle. I cannot even type this without tears...we were both crying at this news. For those from ETC reading this - may you and your families be blessed tenfold for your generosity!
This morning in our devotion God asked us to CRY OUT TO HIM...and we did. We sob through many of our devotions as of late...crying releases some hormone that is good for healing...so we just let the tears flow and eventually we can finish reading the passages before us.
I wanted to share our gratitude right away, before I head out doors for a work project with the neighbor coming over to help. A friend with stage 4 breast cancer is coming over early afternoon to use the BioMat for therapy, and share what she learned at the Budwig Center for cancer treatment in Spain. Later, I am teaching a class and helping a wonderful woman launch her Arbonne business... which means I will be exhausted when I get home.
Tomorrow my sisters and their families are coming to help us with yard work, insulating the bay windows, and a long list of things that we are simply behind in.
With much gratitude for all of you, words cannot express our appreciation.
Rita
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Past Due update
We have had computer issues...laptop is not working. Jesse struggles on stairs and cannot make it to the downstairs office to post. And I have been engrossed in wrapping my brain around the new addition of cesium chloride to the protocol, as well as recommendations by Walter Last, "Overcoming Cancer".
We did talk with the oncologist, Dr. Hie, this past Friday eve. The MRI indicates diffused cancer in the spine. Which means it is spread out, and Dr. Hie said does not provide a targeted area for radiation. He would like us to consider Luprin - Hormone Replacement Therapy.
I am not sure if he has looked at the list of supplements Jesse is already taking. I have read previously on Luprin and what it is intended to do...and it seems the DIM and EstLess from Platt Wellness is already addressing the hormonal issues of the prostrate gland; along with the high dosage of bio-identical progesterone cream.
Also in the forefront of our mind are those we know personally - who have used Luprin therapy. The cancer always seems to come back in the bones. Now, since Jesse's cancer is already there...I am not sure where this would leave us. Perhaps we need to ask, "why does Luprin cause cancer to resurface in bones?".
When I asked for a 5 year success rate on Luprin, and if it had been tracked, Dr. Hie said that the data did not offer a 5 year success rate. When I asked why, he did say (appreciate the honesty) that it comes back as another form of cancer. That being said...a release of the "elephant in the room" so to speak...neither of us can see the logic in using a treatment that has very short term success.
It is October 1st. Treatment options aside...these past few weeks seem to be more difficult for me emotionally than for Jesse. As I picked up a freezer in Lyndon Station last Friday - I realized the interstate exit led me to the park Jesse and I discovered last October for our annual anniversary date day.
This year we celebrate our silver wedding anniversary on the 14th...unless God performs the miracle we are praying for by that date, I don't see the two of us discovering any new park, holding hands while kicking up leaves, bird watching..we are not likely going to have the weekend away celebration hoped for. Fall is our very favorite time of year...and each day is a precious gift...we continue to pray that we learn from this journey so it is not without purpose, and continue to trust in the Father for deliverance from this disease.
Blessed by the kindness of our Sisters and Brothers in Christ, we thank all of you.
Rita
We did talk with the oncologist, Dr. Hie, this past Friday eve. The MRI indicates diffused cancer in the spine. Which means it is spread out, and Dr. Hie said does not provide a targeted area for radiation. He would like us to consider Luprin - Hormone Replacement Therapy.
I am not sure if he has looked at the list of supplements Jesse is already taking. I have read previously on Luprin and what it is intended to do...and it seems the DIM and EstLess from Platt Wellness is already addressing the hormonal issues of the prostrate gland; along with the high dosage of bio-identical progesterone cream.
Also in the forefront of our mind are those we know personally - who have used Luprin therapy. The cancer always seems to come back in the bones. Now, since Jesse's cancer is already there...I am not sure where this would leave us. Perhaps we need to ask, "why does Luprin cause cancer to resurface in bones?".
When I asked for a 5 year success rate on Luprin, and if it had been tracked, Dr. Hie said that the data did not offer a 5 year success rate. When I asked why, he did say (appreciate the honesty) that it comes back as another form of cancer. That being said...a release of the "elephant in the room" so to speak...neither of us can see the logic in using a treatment that has very short term success.
It is October 1st. Treatment options aside...these past few weeks seem to be more difficult for me emotionally than for Jesse. As I picked up a freezer in Lyndon Station last Friday - I realized the interstate exit led me to the park Jesse and I discovered last October for our annual anniversary date day.
This year we celebrate our silver wedding anniversary on the 14th...unless God performs the miracle we are praying for by that date, I don't see the two of us discovering any new park, holding hands while kicking up leaves, bird watching..we are not likely going to have the weekend away celebration hoped for. Fall is our very favorite time of year...and each day is a precious gift...we continue to pray that we learn from this journey so it is not without purpose, and continue to trust in the Father for deliverance from this disease.
Blessed by the kindness of our Sisters and Brothers in Christ, we thank all of you.
Rita
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