Ten Days After Chemo

It is now a full week since I wrote and since I was disconnected.  Next Wednesday starts another round.  So how did it go?

I have experienced some side effects but they have been relatively minor.  If every round was like this it certainly would be fine with me.  However, we are reminded by the nurses that there is an accumulative effect so we need to be practical.

For those of you praying, here are some of the short list of common side effects to pray would be kept in check:

·         Nausea

·         Neuropathy in extremities

·         Sensitivity to cold (bringing on neuropathy)

·         Fatigue

·         Dry mouth and mouth sores

·         Dry eyes

·         Immune deficiency (this is the most serious risk of complications, of course)

So, for you detail people here is my two week routine:

• ·         Wednesday:  10 am at Block Center, begin infusion of various drugs; chemo starts at 1 pm or later for 2 hours.  After that I am hooked up to a portable pump.  This gets to be my snuggly for the next 48 hours.
• ·         Friday: 10 am back at the BC to remove the I.V. and disconnect from pump
• ·         Weekend: Lay low and recoup.  Immune system is now compromised so be careful with contact
• ·         Week later, days before chemo: get new blood work to inform medical staff as to blood count and acceptability for next chemo round

This past Wednesday I went for CT and MRI scans.  This may show any development of the cancer over the two months since surgery.   Kind of a base line, if you will.  However, they did not detect the large original tumor, that was found by the surgeon.   I’ll report back on the results.

A final pray concern is for our little one, Cy.   Cy is seven and in the last three years he has lost 5 family members.  He is, of course, worried I will soon follow.  Recently he has said some disturbing things about his own life (I want to go and be with Nate and Auntie Joy) and things like, “when you and Daddy die who will take care of me?”  We have found some great resources, including a terrific child psychologist who has begun to see us.  We have been counseled to take these concerns very seriously.

Thanks so much for caring and praying.

Disconnect Day

Yesterday was disconnect day – meaning the portable pump I was tethered to for two days had finished its work by 10 am  Friday.  So I have officially completed the first of these treatments.  One down, eleven to go.  (after that there will be follow up treatments of a different sort.)

So, how am I doing?  Amazingly well.  I’ve got some unrelated digestion issues since surgery but the other side effects have be mild.  (You don’t really want to hear about the 40 minute bowl movement do you?  Didn’t think so.)  I’m currently in the stage where my white blood cells have been knocked down and around day six will start to build back up.  They give a shot to help with that.  The shot costs $4,000 each! Do the math, as they say.

As good as round one went I am reminded that Chemo has an accumulative effect.  Neuropathy (tingling and loss of feeling) in the hands and feet is to be expected, aversion to cold – bringing on neuropathy --  nausea and fatigue are some of the issues.  So I would appreciate prayer regarding those specific side effects and that I will remain free of infection as my immune system is compromised.

We spent a very long time getting educated by an incredibly bright Chemo nurse with 12 years experience.  She took the time to go through all of what to expect, what to do, etc, etc.  Lonni works to keep it all straight while I try to sound like I understand.  The time the staff takes with a patient is quite incredible.  That is because the success of the program depends as much or even more upon what the patient does.

 Following the diet and nutrition regimen is extremely demanding (not to mention expensive.)  which was reinforced by our extensive time with the dietician.  We went over my extensive blood work to see where I was out of whack and inhibiting healing.  This is amazingly specific in the connection between nutrients and how they impact the specific biological aspects of fighting cancer down on the cellular level.  This helps greatly in understanding why all this diet and nutritional stuff really matters.

And now, to fortify this all with an amazing tale.

I know you are going to get sick of my praises for the Block Center but I’m afraid I must.  This time in the way of a testimony.  One of the big benefits of the BC is meeting others and hearing of their journey.  This is inspiring because they are not cherry picked testimonials rather whomever happens to be there and wants to talk.  It seems to be quite common that patients are happy to share their journeys.

Lonni and I met Nancy – only bad thing here is that she too is from Packerland – actually, from the belly of the beast -- the heart of Mordor itself -- Green Bay .  Nevertheless, I am compelled to tell her story.  Nancy was diagnosed with stage 4 liver and pancreatic cancer.  She had tumors with tentacles spreading across her abdomen and into most organs.  She went to Mayo, but they said there was nothing they could do, she probably had three months left so they sent her back to Green Bay.  The best oncologist in GB refused to take her if she was going to use nutrient supplements and bluntly said, “Lady you are terminal.  Get your affairs in order.”   Hopeless.

Nancy found her way to the Block Center and to make a long story short is completely cancer free!  Can you see why the BC is a hopeful place?  Reading the success stories is great but talking with a real person is quite amazing.  BTW that same doc now refers patients to the BC.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not believing this to be a miracle machine.  Yet miracles of healing are not uncommon, even for those cases that seem beyond hope.  Next I’m going to muse about how I see all this connected to God’s healing power.

This is long enough. Those of you who made it down to here go ahead and treat yourself to some fresh vegetables!!

The Dreaded Chemo Day

Since the day of the news that I had stage 4 colon I knew chemo was coming.  Healing from surgery  required a respite.  I don’t know what has happened inside my body (going for scans soon) since then but this time has been great emotional, educational and spiritual preparation.

Yet the dreaded day was coming.

That first day was yesterday.  Actually the treatment started yesterday and continues until Friday.  As I write this, next to me there sits a fanny pack holding a pump and a tube leading to a port implanted in my chest.   The chemo is being delivered over two days with side effects to follow.

But, back to the dreaded day, and in particular “the dread” of how horrible this could be...

Nothing could be further from the truth.  The day was just terrific – can you believe that?  Can you believe that starting chemo would be a good day – a great day?  Amazing, huh?

This place (The Block Center) we have chosen is amazing.  The entire atmosphere and everyone we meet is lovingly committed to my healing.  This is an important concept to grasp.  Generally speaking in standard care, managing cancer is the goal for people like me – extending life a few years is as much as I can expect.  Healing is not realistic.

This was my day: (Lonni was there throughout taking notes and keeping things straight, something I need desparately.

          ·         10 am arrival, welcomed, shown around the chemo side of the operation and given a room.  Each    person has a small private room for their chemo day, nice feature that reflects BC values.

•         Chemo nurse hooks up the port, starts with pre-chemo medications drips
  ·         Extensive talk with Physician’s Assistant regarding what to expect – dizzying amount of info – side effects etc.  Reiterates the commitment to work hard to lessen side effects as much as possible.  (She expects me to remain pretty active throughout. ) While this can feel overwhelming the confidence of the BC staff walking along side me is very tangible and comforting.  This woman, like everyone we encounter knows her stuff.  I am cleared to start chemo.  This clearing protocol happens each time chemo is delivered.
  ·         Penny Block PhD (wife of founder) runs a group from noon to one.  She brings a salad and her special cookies to illustrate what can be done to make acceptable good food (how about chocolate chip cookies without sugar or chemical sweeteners!) and a short lecture on how exercise of the body and mind fit into the healing process.  The rest of the time was spent with folks sharing their experiences.  It is certainly true that the toughest cases come here!  I breathe a prayer of thanksgiving to have come here early in the battle. 
  ·         While the meds are delivered I mill around the large demonstration kitchen.  It is filled with foods and snacks that everyone (including visitors) can enjoy.  Lots of terrific ideas to make the diet of no meat (but fish), sugar or dairy, possible.  This room with its glass wall is center stage, physically and demonstrates the significance diet plays in healing.  A meal is cooked every noon day except Wednesday.  Lonni begins to record all these great ideas.
  ·         Next is the physical therapist who tests me for neuropathy to start with a baseline.  Neuropathy (numbness and tingling) in the fingers and toes is a side effect.  She talks a lot about exercise and its importance.  

Finally, I purchase some supplements.  For a guy who never even took a multi-vitamin (insert question here: “And how is that working for ya, big guy?”), this supplement thing is totally new and a major league change.  Diet and cancer fighting supplements are critical to the plan.  The number of pills and capsules is amazing – reading about the role each plays is very interesting.

 The atmosphere of the BC is laid back and filled with, “what do you need?”, “sure you can do that!”, “yes bring your friends”  and also includes a lot of laughing and kidding around – just my kind of place.  Before the day is out Dr. Block drops by for a cameo meeting and handshake.  I thank him for hanging in there over the years so that when I needed it this place was here. He reminisces about the serious attacks first from establishment medicine and then from the alternative crowd.  Standing in the middle of the road means you get hit from both directions, he said.   It is interesting to note here that while conventional medicine has not embraced the alternative approach Dr. Block is now on staff at the University of Chicago medical school where he teaches integrative care.  History of medicine clearly shows it to be a slow adaptor – which is quite understandable.

I only thing I would change in the whole place is that I don’t think Packer fans should be allowed to speak in the group!  Not this week anyway!! J

Well, that is probably more info than anybody needed.  If you have made it down to here, you might have a particular concern for yourself or another.  If you are interested in visiting the Block Center  (for any reason) let me know and we can time it with my visits.  I’d enjoy the company!  The BC is are very welcoming.  Email me at glenk@circleurban.org with any questions or requests.

Your prayers, love and support continue to bath over us.  Thanks so much.

Very Funny, God

Actually, I have to admit, that it is.  It is funny that a guy so committed to the SAD (standard American diet)  has become a health food nut.  In fact, if I didn’t eat eggs and fish I would be termed a “Vegan”!  Before, as a committed SAD advocate, I had to rationalize/justify my bad habits by giving little to no credence to healthy food and nutrients.  (Like the smoker who says, “well we are all going to die from something!)  So God has a sense of humor, as it seems my life revolves around becoming educated about how to fight this invasion of my body.  

Like so many areas of this complex and amazing world you walk through a door and a vast universe of learning opens.  Before, in my denial state, I was completely ignorant.  So it has been fascinating to explore and realize – contrary to my assumptions – the amount of research and science is behind alternative/complementary medicine.  Free radicals, antioxidants (not to be confused with Oxiclean)  inflammation etc, etc.  It is a dizzying learning curve but it makes a whole lot of sense.

I’ve told the story of the two nurses (below) often.  It makes me feel good and hopeful.

So, I am enjoying my final weekend without Chemo.  Tomorrow I do one of my favorite ministry things – host a city tour for Willow Creek Church (Chicago).  So you can get a sense of the strength that has returned (80%).  I am so grateful.

Don’t think I’ll blog again before I start next Wednesday (unless the Bears and Packers both win J) so as you think to pray, pray that I will look to my God for strength and endurance, limited side effects and that my body will tolerate the drugs without infection.

Bless you for caring enough to follow our journey.

Getting in The Game

Our family Christmas season lasted nearly two weeks and was everything we wished for, snow on Christmas eve painted everything beautiful and made for great sledding.  The hill is right outside the family room so I could watch the kids with great joy.  It was a sweet and loving time.  I enjoyed the role of royalty – I was coddled and served by our kids the whole time.  Lonni didn’t cook, I didn’t do the dishes.  It was great, but alas all things must end!!

We returned to Chicago (and doing the dishes) and reentered the cancer fight.  On Jan 5 we visited our third and final option – the Block Center.  Lonni and I were totally impressed with this organization.  We knew their approach (called Integrative Care – i.e. wholistic) which blends Western and alternative methods of care (they call their program Life Over Cancer.)   The approach puts the patient at the center of the fight.  How?  Through radical change of what you do and do not eat, plus other healthful things like exercise and stress reduction techniques.  It is a complete reversal of the Standard American Diet (SAD) – meat, dairy and sugars are a thing of the past, replaced by fresh, healthy foods.

Like anything else, this is a totally new world with an incredible learning curve.  I am suspecting there are a fair number of you reading this respond with skepticism.  Fully understandable, I’ve been there and led my life ignoring healthy living.  I will not try to convince anyone.  I will say this, however:  the American Cancer Society and tons of medical research have found that colon cancer victims commonly have diets high in sugar and fat.  And an unusually high number are named Glen!!  (yes, I did make that up.)

So we are fighting this disease through diet and nutrition that will give the chemotherapy the best chance to work.  Today I had my “port” installed.  You may know that a port is a small device placed under the skin in the chest just below the collar bone.  Chemo is delivered through the port.  A week from Wednesday chemo begins.  The regimen is that every two weeks I will receive 48 hours of infusion.  Two hours will be given at the Block Center and 46 hours through a portable pump that allows for activity even during delivery.

We continue to run into people who have high praise for the Block Center and the success of LOC.  But today was, perhaps, the most encouraging and came from folks with no personal investment, yet are close observers. The Block doctor uses the radiology department of a nearby large hospital (not Northwestern) for this procedure.  Nurses in this department regularly see Block patients as well as patients from the oncology department of their own hospital.  Observing how much better the Block patients perform through treatment has made them BIG Block Center fans!  One nurse said, "I wish I could tell our patients, 'Go to the Block Center.  You will do much better that here.'  But, of course, I would not have a job for long if I did that".  Both nurses have radically changed their own personal diet, one totally eliminating sugar.

Who knows how it will play out in my case, I do know, though, that I want to be in the game and I want to have hope.  The Block Center puts me at center court.