Project Eliminate Cancer

 Over the years, I have always been somewhat trusting of the products available in the stores. But as I have had to deal with the ugly face of cancer, I am now in question of everything. Detoxing my life is first on my list and it has proven to be much more challenging then one might think. The more I learn, the more complicated it gets. So, I have decided to take baby steps, as I certainly cannot replace my entire environment at once. To start, I am eliminating the 10 most common and proven products that cause cancer in my home. Given poor government regulation on top of my list is cleaning products. Most products available on the market contain “everyday” carcinogens such as formaldehyde, nitrobenzene, methylene chloride, and napthelene, as well as reproductive toxins and hormone disruptors. Not to mention other ingredients that cause liver, kidney and brain damage, allergies and asthma.Take a look at the following list, you'll be surprised:

1. Air fresheners: Often contain napthelene and formaldehyde. Try zeolite or natural fragrances from essential oils.

2. Art supplies: Epoxy and rubber cement glues, acrylic paints and solvents, and permanent markers often contain carcinogens. 

3. Automotive supplies: Most are toxic. Keep them safely away from the house and dispose of at a hazardous waste disposal center.

4. Candles: Avoid artificially scented paraffin candles that produce combustion by-products, including soot. Beeswax only, with cotton wicks. 

5. Carpet and upholstery shampoos: Use only wet-clean, natural ingredients. 

6. Dry-cleaning: Choose clothes that don’t need perchlorethylene to clean them. Ask for the wet-cleaning option at you local cleaners, or seek dry-cleaners that use liquid C02 or citrus juice cleaners. 

7. Flea, tick and lice control: Avoid lindane-based pesticides.

8. Paints and varnishes: Always chose low- or no-VOC finishes. 

9. Household pesticides: Go natural. Make a Sugar Ant Hotel.

10. Microwaves: Never microwave or heat food in a plastic container. This is one that I am targeting and feel adamant about eliminating and replacing with ceramic or glass.

The TEST

Oh, how glorious it is to finally finish the prescribed Chemo treatments and begin tests that will show results. It has been a long road getting to this point, and now finally the follow-up CAT scan and Bone Marrow test. After six months of Chemo treatments it is these tests that will show us where we stand. The CAT scan has to be preformed at least 6 weeks after the last Chemo treatment to assure that the treatments have run their course and no remaining drugs are present in the body.

CAT scan: Computerized axial tomography scan. CAT scanning is a painless X-ray test in which a computer generates cross-section views of a patient's anatomy. It can identify normal and abnormal structures, and it will light up in areas that contain cancer cells. It takes approximately two hours. This test is definitely preferred to the PET scan as I absolutely hate that sugary iodine dye they make you drink before the test that gives you diarrhea for a week. When called back to start the test they inject you with radiation that has to disburse through the body over the course of an hour prior to entering the tube. Laying on your back you are moved in and out of the tube for approximately 45 min to an 1 hour. It is this part that you just sit back and pretend that you are not claustrophobic. You don't want to have more than one or two of these a year due to the radiation exposure.

After a week long wait, full of anxiety, the results came in and we are CLEAN! Great News! no areas of the scan lit up, meaning no sign of cancer!

This is the news we've all been waiting for, how fortunate I am! I do have to address some enlarged lymph-nodes in the abdomen and some remaining fluid on the lungs. At this time we are to believe it is scarring on the lymph-nodes that shouldn't be a problem. The fluid in the lungs are still a concern we have to get to the bottom of. It is very painful to try and remove it and I'd really like to avoid 6" needles.

The Bone Marrow Test: Second of the two definitive tests that determine were we stand. Thankfully this test was negative, Yah!!! This is another test you don't want to have very often, it can create a sore hip for weeks even months. This test is done by coring out a chunk of your hip bone, sucking out the marrow and sending it into the lab. It is done under a local anesthesia that only works so deep in and around the bone. The inner part of the bone that they tap into is usually painful. When a doctor say's that you will fill pressure and then they put their entire body wait on you, it usually means get ready to feel the pain. Fortunately, the Chemo removed what cancer was in the marrow and we are good to go.

Tuesday we will start the first round of maintenance treatments. This involves yet another infusion of a drug called Rituxan, and a few others they give you for side effects. Prior blood draws (always another poke) and about 2 hours in the infusion room at Huntsman Cancer Institute. This prescription is to be given every two months for two years.

Rituxan is a cancer medication. Common side effects include headache, fever, chills, nausea, heartburn, flushing, weakness, or dizziness. Studies have shown that 82% of patients who received rituxan maintenance were in remission compared to 66% of patients who did not receive maintenance therapy. The benefits were observed regardless of the patients' stage of remission, age, or previous treatment regimen. It is for this reason that I am continuing the therapy. 

Even though we are not completely out of the water. I want to Thank You All for your support and love. It is all of you that has given me strength to continue on this course to recovery. It has also made the difference in my ability to stay here and live in this beautiful place, among-st friends and family that I love. That my kids can feel stable and secure in our home in hopes of continuing on with a normal life. The Turkey Trot was a very inspiring moment in my life, and a realization that it is the community, friends, and family that make life worth living. A big THANK YOU to Katie Hafen and the entire Blanch Family, Guilana Willis, Kristin Petersen, Inter-mountain Health Care, numerous donations and countless others who helped with the event and of course those who participated. I have always made the Turkey Trot a family tradition every year and never thought in a million years that I could be the one in need.  Find out more at:

Lynden Legacy Turkey Trot 

Love to you all!

Side Effects

With treatment number 5 under my belt, I am seeing a pattern. It can be extremely hard to mentally gear up for Chemo Day, but the weeks following are I even harder. I've never been one to pop a pill, but with the side effects after chemo it's sometimes the only thing that keeps me going. Side effects vary for every person depending on their Chemo cocktail and regimen, but fortunately there are many remedy options to help lesson the pain. I have a plethora of prescription drugs that I pretty much have to take in order to deal. At least three of the prescriptions are for nausea and vomiting, as most of you know that is a real problem that landed me back in the hospital after my first treatment. There is also mouth wash and pills for mouth sores, as I have struggled with sores not just in my mouth but down my throat to my stomach. The steroids taken the five days around treatment can help with energy, but it is a short time before fatigue and insomnia set in. I have spent countless nights awake, wondering how or what to do (maybe that's why this blog is so long). I have at least two different heartburn medications that help, but sometimes there is no escaping it. The metallic taste that you get in your mouth really has no remedy other than a tong scraper, which I have found to be quite useful. There are countless other side effects from constipation, blood in your urine, soar throat and runny nose, depression, hair loss, skin changes, and a low white blood cell count, which makes you very susceptible to viruses and other illnesses. These are just a few that I have experienced but there are many. Some that can even show up later in life. I have been fortunate enough to find some very useful natural remedies that just feel right.
One thing is for sure, the sooner you rid your body of the chemo toxins the quicker you feel a little more normal. Mend Juicery has supplied me with many cold pressed vegetable and fruit juices as well as a little two ounce bottle of ginger that I put in my bath. Epson salt and ginger baths have proven to be a great way to draw out the toxins. As you know the skin is the largest organ on your body. Dry brushing and frequent baths are a great cleansing tool. My sister also brought me a plant from Southeast Asia called the Guanabana fruit plant. Claims have been made that the plant extract can slow the spread of cancer or make traditional cancer therapies work better. Weather its true or not I am wiling to try it and continue in remission in hopes of never dealing with this again. The tea that I've brewed from this plant is actually quit tasty and I enjoy drinking. 

I have also found a tong scraper to be very useful in battling the horrible metallic taste in my mouth, which can stop you from tasting or eating anything. It doesn't take it all away but it certainly helps. I know one day I will enjoy food again, but for know I've been told to eat whatever I can get down. As I have tried to keep it very healthy, I have been known to make dinner out of three creamies.  I know this has no nutritional value but the doctor said: get as many calories as you can for the day and that was the only thing I could gag down.

Six weeks and one more treatment before my next PET/CT Scan. This will determine if we have killed the beast. These are some of my pictures taken from the last PET/CT Scan I had in August of 2014. They say tumors have a face and are a living thing. After seeing these images, I know its real. I must fight the beast and win. 

It's frightening how the tumor has taken over my abdomen and would have continued to grow until it eventually shut down other functioning organs had I not caught it.
PET Scans create a true visual of the cancer in your body. A PET Scan uses radiation, or nuclear medicine imaging, to produce 3-dimensional, color images of the functional processes within the body. It takes several hours to complete as you have to drink this horrible sweet dye and then be injected with radiation. Once it goes through your body the sugary dye attaches to the cancer cells (FYI: they love sugar) then they are able to see how and where the cancer has spread. 

The picture to the right shows all of the fluid that engulfed my right lung causing it to collapse as the tumor grew making it impossible to breath. This was the undeniable force in getting me to the doctor. Many people experience different effects from growing cancer cells, some of which are not as urgent. I urge any and all of you to listen to your body. The first doctor I went to had me convinced I had heart failure. I knew this wasn't true and continually fought to have other tests done to prove otherwise. While I never thought it would be cancer, I had to push the doctors into looking below my chest cavity for a cause. Doctors are trained in the most common cause and effect illnesses and will automatically assume those first. Today's warp-speed doctors' visits rarely address all of your questions, which is why its more critical than ever to be in tune with your body. I urge everyone that if you feel something is off, do not delay. I have had the opportunity to talk to many other cancer patients and found that many of them with lymphoma waited to long and are now facing much darker odds. Cancer is becoming more common in our society. We must get back to natural foods and environments. I visualize everyday a healthier, happier life. Stay positive, I now know more then ever "the quality of our human relations largely determines our quality of life, which of course includes our state of health".  As we all know, every illness contains a message. The mild ones, ranging from we don't get enough sleep, our reserves are exhausted, or to much stress. But, the undeniable message I have received is one of love, and to be thankful for the time I have with my family and friends. I have learned that over the years "What really matters is rarely on my to do list". It's the love we show to one another, because it's only the memories that are left in the end.

Family Turkey Trot

Why Chemo

10-14-2014

 I have been back and forth wondering why or if this all so sickening Chemo drug approach is the best why to treat my cancer. My Aunt has breast cancer and has fought it holistically with great success. This required a very strict diet, a long stay at a special health center and coffee enemas. As a single mother I could not leave home for any length of time, and the cost of this would also be expensive. Raising kids and trying to eat green is pretty tough alone without having questions as to whether I could rid myself altogether. So, I decided that I could not take any chances, and Dr. Sweetenham (who is really sweet) was very confident that Chemo would kill any cancer in my body, and assured me that I could live a healthy normal life again. This is what I wanted to hear and so the research process began.

Chemotherapy was first developed at the beginning of the 20th century, although it was not originally intended as a cancer treatment. During World War II, it was discovered that people exposed to nitrogen mustard developed significantly reduced white blood cell counts. This finding led researchers to investigate whether mustard agents could be used to halt the growth of rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells.

In the 1940s, two prominent Yale pharmacologists, Alfred Gilman and Louis Goodman examined the therapeutic effects of mustard agents in treating lymphoma. First, they established lymphomas in mice and showed that the tumors could be treated with mustard agents. Then, together with a thoracic surgeon called Gustav Linskog, they injected a less volatile form of mustard gas called mustine (nitrogen mustard) into a patient who had nonHodgkin's lymphoma.

The scientists found that the patients tumour masses were significantly reduced for a few weeks after treatment and although the patient had to return to receive more chemotherapy, this marked the beginning of the use of cytotoxic agents for the treatment of cancer. The initial study was done in 1943 and the results were published in 1946. This was all very interesting and I found that my nurses were in fact very informed. This video is one of our conversations during the Vincristine chemo drug push which has to be done with extreme caution.

The Chemo regimen that I am on is called R-CHOP (CHOP+Rituximab). This includes: Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin (Hydroxyl daunorubicin), Vincristine (Oncovin), and Prednisone. Combinations are more effective against cancer than single medication alone. Each one is given through an IV on a slow drip which can take up to 6 hours depending on how your body responds to each drug.

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. Most people do not experience to many side effects but can including: weakness, nausea, headache, cough, runny nose (thank you Scott and Melissa for all of the tissues), shortness of breath, and sinusitis.

Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer ("antieoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug which can cause nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, loss of fertility, mouth sores, bladder irritation and bleeding, discoloration of the skin and nails, and diarrhea. Recovery time is 21 days.

Doxorubicin is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug given by intravenous injection. Side effects are pain along the site where the medication was given, nausea and vomiting. Low blood counts are also a big concern increasing the risk for infection, anemia and bleeding.

Vincristine is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug given by intravenous injection. Extreme caution is given when administering because it can cause extensive tissue damage and blistering if it escapes from the vein. The nurse or doctor who gives vincristine must be carefully trained to administer this drug.  Side effects can be Abdominal cramps, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, diarrhea. loss of appetite, and taste changes (I hate this one).

Prednisone has many uses in the treatment of cancer. It is an anti-inflammatory medication that can prevent allergic reactions. It also treats autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, asthma and other lung conditions. Side effects are increased appetite, irritability, difficult sleeping (I concur) nausea, heartburn, and impaired wound healing. My kids love this one because it makes me want to clean.

There is also Benedrahl, tylenol, and various other remedy drugs to mask the side effects of Chemo. I have a pharmacy of drugs in my cupboard that I would love to get rid of. But it is these discoveries that has made the Chemo process more tolerable then ever before. I've got to hand it to the those people willing to do phase one clinical trials, knowing that it might not benefit them but the many who would follow.

Over decades, combination chemotherapy regimens gain popularity. The concurrent use of drug mechanisms for action has lead to further improvements in patient survival and to the decline in mortality rates, which have declined every year from 1990 until now. This fall in death rates is due to both early detection and treatment with chemotherapy agents. 

I hope none of you ever have to face cancer, but the with increasing numbers it is likely that someone you know will. The unexpected journey of cancer often brings exhausting emotional challenges, but the team support to fetch the week's groceries or cook meals, a willing individual to coordinate doctor appointments, or maybe just a hand-written note to say hello has made the journey much more bearable. Thank you to all who have lent a hand, sent a card and had me in your prayers.

9-25-2014 Treatment #3

What a relief to drive free of rush hour traffic to the northeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley today. The hour long drive gives me time to reflect on the past treatments and what awaits.

Parking at Huntsman Cancer Institute is well thought out: valet or underground the entrance is easily accessed and inviting.

My first visit to Huntsman had given me a slight pause as only an elevator greeted me. Today I am confident it will take me to my destination and my sister. As always I am anxious to see the sparkle in her eye which has recently made a welcome return.





Curved architectural lines define the building's layout giving the impression of endless possibility. Interesting how a facilities design can influence the mind and calm the spirit camouflaging the necessity of it's presence.

The noon appointment which seemed to be a nice change caused extended wait times and allowed for anxiety to build. Labs were behind and the doctor visit slipped into regular general practitioner wait room expectations.

Dr. Sweetenham is a cheery, slender gentleman with a comforting demeanor and a pleasant accent. With my secretarial duty in full swing, notes sounded something like this: Feels good, eating everything in sight, this week anyway. No sweats, fevers, or chills, no lumps or bumps. Lymph node going down. Lungs sound good. Ankle swelling nearly gone. Will use same meds this treatment.

We ask, "What may have caused the cancer?"

Reply- "We just don't know". Possibilities include a genetic piece,  virus or infection and tied to a damaged or defect in the immune system.

And, "How do I know how I am doing?"

Response- Unless the unexpected happens a scan at end of treatment will determine cancer status. Maintenance treatments will be recommended as there is still a risk the cancer can return. They will be just the Rituxan, no chemo medications,  so no side effects. Should feel fine and hair will grow back. Yeah!!!!!!

The visit was short and informative and fortunately allowed for a lunch at the Bistro on the 6th floor before a 2 o'clock treatment. It was somewhat telling leaving a full patient waiting room and the subsequent difficulty in making the next appointment. Fitting us in will put us at the front of the line even if it means sleeping in the parking lot.
 

Waiting for the infusion room was also lengthy which had not been our prior experience. A surprise visit from family provided a pleasant diversion.

3pm-Finally treatment begins.

Each medication is crosschecked with name and birthday to ensure accuracy. Signs of reaction are closely monitored. If evident the dose is backed off immediately and re-evaluated. Fine tuning of the meds is obviously still in progress. Soon drowsiness sets in and chit chat is replaced with relaxed sleep leaving me to once again reflect and helplessly watch and wait.

The view from my chair reaches across the valley. As a helicopter takes off from the pad at the U of U Hospital just across the way, I can't help but once again marvel at the efforts taken to make this building of pain a place of healing for every aspect of wellness: from the learning center to internet access to classes which highlight symptom management.

After 7 1/2 hours, the nurse announces the conclusion of our stay is near and reassures us that any needs should be relayed and will effectively be met. All that's left is the drive ahead and hopefully a restful, uneventful evening.

Till next time as the sun sets over the Oquirrh's. Three Down - Three To Go.

Snake Creek Grill is Astounding

Snake Creek Grill Fundraiser, Sept. 20, 2014

It's absolutely remarkable the love and support received last night at the fundraiser. I am absolutely humbled and brought to tears by the amazing display of humanity. I have worked at Snake Creek Grill for Dean and Jillian Hottle for 10 years. I have been truly blessed with an extended family that I have an undeniable love for. If you have not had a chance to enjoy Dean's incredible food, you need to get in there. 

I want to send a HUGE THANK YOU! to my family, friends, anonymous donors, and to total strangers who felt it in their heart to give; you are all AMAZING and my heart continues to cry THANK YOU!!!!
Give it up for Jenna Powell, Theresa Morin and Judy De Los Cobos for working so hard at caring and serving all those who came to enjoying dinner. Ian Lowell, Elissa Glass, and Steve for jumping in and backing up the servers to make it all possible to give the quality of service that we do at Snake Creek Grill. Lucille Jalbert is an amazing hostess and makes everyone feel welcome when they walk in the door. Lisa Barber was fundamental and a do it all person from flyers, reservations, making drinks, running checks, setting up and taking down the silent auction which took till wee hours of the morning. 
The Kitchen staff, Fernando, Timmio, Roga, and Chris were essential and key to feeling our bellies with delectable and artful plates of food in a timely fashion. These guys work over hot grills with smiles on there faces. What a great team!
Thank you Zibber Stockman and Connie Greene for helping with the raffle and silent auction essentials. Jillian Hottle and Daniel Powell orchestrated the auction and raffle like pro's managing the tables and making everyone feel the importance and gratitude of the event.
Thank you Dean Hottle for not just being a great boss, but a true friend. He offered up his restaurant and incredibley delicious food to warm our hearts and tummies. This fundraiser could not be possible with out his generosity. He is a genuine person and has always  been a bright light in my life.
Jenna Powell worked tirelessly to assemble and promote this fundraiser and completely blow it out of the water. She gathered thousands of dollars is auction and raffle prizes in just one week. She is a great example to humanity and someone I really look up to. I hope that someday I can be the example that she has set. I love you all more than words can say.
Let's not forget the donors who generously donated some incredibly awesome items for the silent auction and raffle. Anyone would love to be the recipient of these great items! 
The news has come in. The fundraiser was extremely successful. These folks donated all of their time, tips, and services, collecting $9,280.00 including the silent auction and raffles. This is going to go along way to help with the increasing cost of medical bills and the loss of work due to medical. Each Chemo Treatment can run upwards of $40,000.00, for which I have two years to look forward to. It really makes you wonder whats wrong with healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. It is and has always been family, friends, and the people that surround you in your community that make life worth living. Thank You!

Huge shout out to the Donors:
Snake Creek Grill                                                      Five Penny A Floral
Park City Dermatology                                           Water from the Moon
Park City Coffee Roasters                                      Michelle Barnhart de Ramirez, SOSM
Black Diamond Equipment                                    Crazy Cricket Photography        
Starshine Studios                                                    Timpanogos Valley Theater
Jonelle McDonald                                                    Days Market
Jupiter Bowl in Park City                                       Real Foods
Kobayoshi Studio of Martial Arts                        J. Go Gallery
Cheryl Laub with Right Weigh Health Center   Arlene Sosnowski
Scott James Jewelry                                             Mattressezz
Waldorf Hotel                                                         Soldier Hollow Resort
The Office! A Vertical Fitness Studio                  Duke Brothers Horses
Kaelee Everett with My Dear Hazel                   Slim and Knobby's Bike Shop
St. Lawerence Thrift Store                                  Heber Valley Cross Fit
Barbara Lowe Brereton                                       Balance
Zermatt Resorts                                                     Anytime Fitness
Tire Factory                                                           Nicole Jensen Robinson
Nicole Cardona's Photography                          Mind Ur A Bees Wax
Waldorf Astoria Park City                                   Lifestyle Chiropractic and Wellness
Rejuvenate Day Spa                                             Stephanie Neal Photography
All that Stuff in the Barn                                      On the Fringe Salon and Spa
Jill Conner Tuttle with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Wasatch Chiropractic                                          Whimsey Lane
Heber Handspringers                                           Papa Murphy's
Neways