Friday, March 27, 2009

What is Bastyr Integrative Oncolgoy Research Clinic?

The information below was e-mailed to the Bastyr Community and I thought you might be interested in my participation in this research. This study addresses a missing link that exist in Western/Traditional medicine; Naturopathic medicine compliments western medicine by looking at the whole person which includes mind and spirit. With each day, I feel that my mind and spirit are healing (as is my physical) and as a result I am hopeful that I can beat this thing.

Side note: Seeking prayer request for my father, Noel, he was recently diagnosed with cancer, he had surgery two weeks ago and they believed they got it all. He is 83 and when I talk to him on the phone I can tell he's getting tired. He sleeps a lot in his recliner. I hope to visit him in late April. The thought of losing my father makes me very sad and would be a crushing blow. For now though, I am living very much in the moment, taking each day as it comes and doing what's in front of me to do. That truly is all that my mind can handle.
___________________________________________________________________


Bastyr University is pleased to announce the opening of the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Clinic (BIORC). This research clinic was developed through a grant from Cleavage Creek Cellars, producers of world class wines and contributor of 10 percent of gross sales to fight breast cancer.

Bastyr University’s Integrative Oncology Clinic outpatient facility provides naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine treatment and integrated management of cancer patients. The new clinic offers patients comprehensive support and treatment for each stage of their experience, from diagnosis to treatment decisions, and restoration of immune function and health after the completion of standard treatment. Providers include Steve Given, L.Ac., DAOM (traditional Chinese medical oncology), Brad Lichtenstein, ND (mind-body medicine), Eric Yarnell, ND (prostate cancer), and Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, L.Ac., FABNO (naturopathic oncology and clinic director). Therapeutic approaches include mind/body medicine, qi gong, yoga, acupuncture, botanical and nutritional medicine. Clinic doctors will communicate with each patient’s medical and radiation oncologists to ensure truly integrated care.

We are very grateful to Cleavage Creek for making the new Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Clinic possible. We also appreciate the assistance provided by the staff from Bastyr Center for Natural Health in setting up this new satellite clinic.

All patients with cancer diagnoses who receive treatment and care at the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Clinic will be asked to participate in the ongoing research study to monitor clinical and quality of life outcomes. Call 425.602.3311 to schedule an appointment. For more information, see our website at http://biorc.bastyr.edu

Timothy C. Callahan, PhD
Senior Vice President and Provost
Bastyr University
425-602-3110

The Morning Before Chemo #3

Hola and Buenos Dias,

As of today, I will have completed 50% of my treatment. Whew! 3 treatments down and 3 more to go.

The last 4-5 days have been good cancer days. I have felt good, had a little more energy, did a little reading, attended beginning African drumming class, and Qi Gong. About 90% of my taste buds returned - food never taste so good. I indulged in sweets a little more than I should have. I'd like to say it is becasue I'm pre-menstraul. Speaking of menstruation, I have noticed some slight changes with it. Blood flow last month was irregular and I am experiencing hot/cold flashes 2-3 times per week. My oncologist told me that chemotherapy could kick me into early menopause. I'm not sure what I think about that. Initally, I didn't want my body to go into early menapause - I didn't care for the fact that chemo drugs would alter my body in that way. It's so unnatural; I've also heard and read the horror stories of menopause - hot flashes, vaginal dryness, cranky and moodyness. I'm sure my menopausal friends could add more. I"ll have to do some reading on menopause and ask my ND what approaches can be taken to minimize side affects. In time, I'm certain that I will come to accept and embrace the change in my body. Any healing will require that my mind, body and spirit are in alignment.

I am still walking twice each day, yet I may be doing a little to much. Usually after my 45 minute walk, I feel fatigued and need to take a nap. Dr. Zucker, from the Active Program at Swedish, suggested that I may be overprescribing (the walking) and he directed me to listen more closely to my body. He suggested that I shorten the length of time so as not to become fatiguee. My endurance will come back (not fast enough) and I just need to be patient with myself. I did some exciting activities things this week.

On Sunday morning, I went for a hike with 2 of my friends (Tina and Linda Alva) in the North Bend area. Linda selected a flat trail that was easy - it may be sometime before I can hike a trail with any elevation sigh : ( It was a cloudy and cold day; we encountered a little rain and snow on the ground, yet it felt wonderful to be walking in nature and enhaling the fresh cool air - taking in the ENERGY. I guestimate that we walked 3 miles. I was very tired when I returned home and took a very long nap. I think I overdid it. Tina and Linda were very supportive and they told me that when I need to turn back just let them know. After our hike, we went to grab a bite to eat.

On Monday, Krisitn (my fabulous roommate) and I went for a bike ride to the bookstore. It was so much fun being on my bicylce again. On the ride back from the bookstore, I slowly began to run out of juice (energy). My heart was working hard and I experienced shortness of breath.
I think I came home and took a nap. Love my naps.....

Wishing each of you health from your cells to your spirit.
Love Debbie

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I'm 25% through my Treatment

Dr. Standish, my ND, said she likes to look at things from the positive side. She told me last visit that I've completed 25% of my treatment. I like her viewpoint. I have six treatments and I've completed 2. I though about it in terms of months - I won't be done with chemo until June. It sounded like such a long time.

Future Chemo Treatment Dates
March 27
April 17
May 8
May 29
Appt. dates for radiation not set yet, but it will be for 6 weeks/ 5 days per week.

I don't know if I mentioned it in a previous blog, but I will be returning to school for Spring Qtr. I will only enroll in one class (not to difficult) and I will do an independent study with Dr. Leanna Standish. I will meet with Dr. Standish on Friday to discuss the details and nature of my work in the Bastyr Oncology Research Clinic (BORC). I am a current participant in the BORC. Next blog I will explain the the study of the BORC. I can tell you that it is integration medicine between Swedish, Fred Hutch, and Bastyr. It is very healing for me to have the best of both medicines - allopathic and naturopathic. I believe that the quality of my life (mind, body and spirit) will be enhanced - through naturopathic approaches. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

I was at Curves yesterday (Tuesday) and saw several familiar faces. It was wonderful to see them and exchange hugs. Their encouragement and genuine support warmed my heart and caused the light within me to shine a little brighter. I hope to pay a visit to Curves next week, but I'm not sure the day yet.

Since surgery, I've lost about 15 pounds, but I don't look goulish. I still have another 10-15 pounds that I could safely lose. By no means am I trying to lose weight, it's as a result of the side effects of chemo - loss of appetite, nausea, and taste buds. I'm trying to stay healthy by walking several times each day. Some days, especially following chemo, I can't walk very far - but I do what I can. Other days, I can walk about 30 minutes (its been good for the pups too). My pace is not fast, yet I know that walking is good for my healthy tissues. It's important to raise my heart rate and bring in fresh oxygen into my lungs and cells. I have millions of healthy cells that I want to nurture.

Theresa has told me that she has raised 50% of monies needed for the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk. This is awesome! Meoka (my daughter) plans to participate in the walk as well. She will be registering soon and will also need to raise $2300 dollars in order to participate. Thank you to those who have donated.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Chemo Experience #2

Treatment #2
This experience was far less traumatic than my first treatment. I had come prepared and as a result, I felt calm and at peace. I had taken a long walk before treatment (the farthest I've walked since before surgery) I brought some CDs for my listening pleasure. As I listened to my Indian flutes CD, I visualized the river at the cabin, and Mt. Tatoosh. It's peak was almost entirely covered with snow and the evergreen trees on its mountain side were gently sprinkled with snow - looked like powdered sugar. I also listened a meditation tape. Before I started listening to my CDs, Tina massaged my feet; it felt wonderful!

Day 1 (fri) - felt pretty good and had some energy - must be the steroid pills. The steroid pills do make me a bit anxious and on edge. I feel as though I have to be doing something and I try, but I tend to run around in circles from room to room; my mind is fuzzy, difficult to recall words and my motor skills seem slow. I especially notice this when I'm texting on my phone.

Tina and I had lunch after treatment then she drove me to get my head shaved. I had several balding spots and my hair was falling out like crazy. It was more disturbing for me to see my hair falling out in the sink, on my pillow case, and anytime I ran my fingers through it. I was ready and up to the task of baldness. I watched as the stylist shaved my head and I actually liked it. The shape of my head is to not to bad, no protruding bumps or scars. Overall, I'm pretty content with it. When Tina dropped me off, I went for another long walk.

Day 2 (sat)- taste buds gone, woke up with headache, dry mouth, throat hurts and diminished appetite. Energy level was pretty good- tried to get things done around the house since in the coming days I predicted that I would be useless on part of day 3, and all of day 4and 5.

I attended the free beginning drumming class (African drums) that I signed up for through Cancer Lifeline. I really enjoyed myself. I laughed and chuckled inside because my hands were doing something other than what I wanted. I missed the beats many times, but the instructor and the women in the class were very patient and kind. I never played really played a musical instrument as a child, but I thought music would be very healing for me. Sometimes you just gotta get out there take risks and have fun.

Later that day, Meoka (my daughter), came to visit. We hung out together on the couch at healthy pizza and watched movies. It was very comforting and relaxing to spend time with her. Meoka and I had not spoken for a little over a year, and she called me within days before I knew that I had cancer. In addition to my physical healing from the surgery, my heart is healing as well. Gods timing is perfect!

Day 3 (sun) - woke up with headache, sore and dry throat, had tingling lips throughout the day, still loss of taste buds and lack of appetite. Neck pain began to surface towards evening. The side effects of chemo appear to be on the same track as my first treatment. I took a long walk in the morning and a shorter one in the afternoon with Linda and Meoka. Shortly thereafter, fatigue set in. Although my appetite is reduced, I am making myself eat. I understand the importance of feeding my good cells. My portion size is very small, so I'm trying to eat 4-5 meals per day and drink water throughout day.

Day 4 (mon) - not much energy - took dogs out to go potty, but didn't walk very far, feeling tired, slight pounding headache, dry throat, tingling lips, and no appetite. Made myself drink a friut smoothie that Krisitin (roommate) made for me.

My friend Janelle from Olympia will be here today and will stay through Wed; she'll take me to Dr. appts, take care of me and the pups. I'm trying to find the right balance between my prescription pain meds and over the counter pain relief. My oncologist encouraged me to do this. I don't want to feel the pain of chemo on my joints and muscles, and I can't be knocked out either because of Dr. appts today, tomorrow and Wed. Thank goodness I'm not driving.

March 18, 2009
Day 5 (tues) - Day 10
no change in side effects. similar to what I experienced in the previous days.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Wonderful Quotes

I have recieved some wonderful cards that have inspiring quotes on them and I'd like to share them with you. I will continue to add quotes from cards, e-mails, or others that reach out and grab me. Enjoy!

"Nature, time, and patience are the three great physicians."
-Bulgarian Proverb-

When you come to the edge of all the light you know,
and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown,
faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be
something solid to stand on or you will be taugt how to fly.
-Barbara J. Winter-

I believe in you... your spirit, your goodness in the way that you face
each day with a commitment to your life and the things that really matter.
I believe in the decisions you make, in the careful consideration you give
each challenge in the perseverance you've shown when others might have
given up. I believe that you possess an extraordinary strength and
endless reserve of resilience-even more than you realize.
You are a person of enormous courage, someone truly special in this world,
a rare and beautiful gift to all of us... And I hope you'll never forget that
I believe in you!
-Jennifer Fujita-

Sometimes only one person is missing
and the whole world seems depopulated.
-Alphonse de Lemartine-

What lies behind us
and what lies before us
are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

2nd Chemo Treatment - March 6, 2009

Hello,

I spoke to soon about not losing hair. The day after I wrote that I still had my hair, it began to fall out. I am shedding like a dog. It's just a matter of a week (if that) before its time to shave my head. I have big ears like my dad, so its not going to be a pretty sight. I found two cute wigs; one is dark black and about shoulder length and the other (my goddess wig) is dark brown, long and wavy. The great news is that I didn't have to buy them. At the Swedish Education Center, they offer two free wigs (gently used or new). I"ll be sure to post pictures of me in the wigs when I wear them. In addition to the wigs, I plan to wear scarfs and hats.

Gearing up for Treatment
I have taken some steps to prepare myself for chemo. I went alone to the cabin for 4 nights and it was wonderful! It snowed the evening I arrived about 3-4 inches. I went to the river often to take a snapshot in my mind of what I saw, smelt, heard, and felt. I will recall these images when I have my next chemotherapy. I am using visualization to help with my healing process. My aim is to heal my body, mind and spirit. For me, the challenge is my mind and spirit.

Things that have contributed to my spirit healing are nature and a healing circle. What is a healing circle? I'm not sure exactly what the definition is, but I can describe the process and my experience following. Several of my girlfriends (7) came to my home on Feb 21. They each described there intention of what they hoped to bring to me. I stated my intention of the healing circle - that I would come to have wisdom, joy and happiness. The gals sat in a circle around me and they held hands. There was silence for a period of time in which each of them prayed or meditated. Then each touched me (feet, arm, shoulder, head, leg) and directed their energy and light into me this went on for sometime as well. I did feel their energy and I felt like I was shining bright like a star. At one point, I felt like I was flying. I was tense in the beginning, but I felt my body melt into the floor. After a period of time, it became apparant that fear had been dominating my thoughts and my emotions and I had to and wanted to let it go. FEAR BE GONE is what I said aloud. I left this experience feeling so loved, energized, hopeful and most important the my flame inside of me shining a little brighter. The next time we have a healing circle, we will have a Reiki Master that has offered to come. I felt so much love from these ladies and I'm ever so grateful for their presence in my life; This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!

Some fun classes in the next coming days. I will start QiGong on Wednesday and on Saturday I will start beginning African drumming. These classes are free and offered through Cancer Lifeline. I will use all the resources available to help heal my body mind and spirt.