my-life-as-art-blog

The “Greek Test”

Thu, 28 May 2009 06:14:52 +0100

I love Google! Essentially, I live in a time where the equivalent of the Library of Alexandra, exists at my fingertips for me to peruse and use. This is a wondrous thing. As a research tool the Internet combined with the power of a good search engine is really unprecedented or unparalleled. Short, of course, of a really good intuitive connection to the Akashic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashic_records Records.

Information is shared, data directed, and thoughts, thought simultaneously. As in any system the info is only as good as the data entered and shared. Good stuff in, good stuff out. So, when I Googled “Greek Test” and got the latest “quack” reports only I was not stymied, but held in judgment to further investigate first hand.

This is one of the recommended tests used at the Integrative Cancer Care Center in Oceanside, CA. It is a $2000.00 test that is not FDA approved in this country but used quite frequently abroad. What does it take to gain FDA approval? Apparently, it takes millions of dollars and many years to get any drug, test or treatment protocol approved so many treatments go un-utilized in this country.

There is a lot of blood involved. Probably 20cc, in addition to the 2K from my bank account, is withdrawn. With my doctors reassurance I went ahead and gave it up to God, the overnight shippers, and some lab in Greece (the test is performed in countries other than Greece.)

The so-called Greek test was developed by an MD to test for cancer sensitivities to various treatments from chemo to supplements. It shows various genetic variances that might make cancer resistant to certain chemo-therapeutic agents and remedies. I liken it to a “Culture and Sensitivity test” for cancer like the one used for infections like urinary tract or wounds.

The limited and negative information online regarding this test really is unfortunate. One of the main negative claims online is that there is never information available about how the test is done. Well the test results I received from the lab were very detailed as to how the test done and result obtained.

It was impressive to get the results in a multi-page report with graphs but more impressive were the results (I will link to a copy of my test soon.)

Previously, I had submitted to current standard of care, genetic testing, including BRCA 1, BRCA2 breast cancer testing which included an in depth history and assessment by a genetic specialist.

Though, I was negative for the known genetic expression for these particular genes (which would have shown increased risks) the extensive family history for cancer made them council me, and MD’s, to treat as if I were positive for the genes.

The Greek test confirmed and somewhat explained that I expressed a tendency, for a MDR or multi-drug resistant cancer. Yes, I did say that calmly. Frightening! This is where a good doctor comes in and I am impressed with my guys in California. They explained that based on the test they could target this cancer by using specific drugs the test showed the chemo drugs to which the cancer was most vulnerable too.

They said that there are ways to weaken the cancer or make it more vulnerable to chemo or trick it to let it’s guard down, “so to speak.” So the choice of chemo drugs and supplements are then geared to my needs increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Cancer is selfish and highly self-preserving. It high-jacks you like a parasitic serial killer beginning at the cellular level. It will produce it’s own chemicals (including blood thinner) allowing it to take over the metabolism of cells in its the neighborhood. So the treatment has to be smart, targeted and on all levels of the body mind and soul. More links for the test will be added to this post in several days.

Composed 5/22/09

First Chemo

Thu, 28 May 2009 05:41:18 +0100

Targeted, Low Dose Chemo, Potentiated With Insulin (A.K.A Insulin Potentiated Therapy IPT).

Ok, the labs are in and now the fun begins. This is not a cakewalk but much better then the standard (Andriamyacin-Cytoxin) chemo I received in 2003. No vomiting, hair-loss, weakness, just a really strange buzzed feeling when the blood sugar is dropped just prior to injection. Then, “Glory Halleluiah” energy!

I cleaned the house from top to bottom, did laundry, road my bike to the store and with a back pack full of groceries and a laptop bag I road back all in one day, the second day after treatment.

Granted, this happened initially with the first series of chemo treatments back in 2003. In fact, the tumor shrunk by 2/3rds within the first week of treatment, and I felt as if I had an energy parasite removed, I was energized the same way. Funny, how this energy, boost manifested in a housekeeping rampage also, back in ‘03. Not to say I haven’t cleaned my house since then just not with this stamina!

Then of course, in 2003 the nasty side effects hit. It was tiredness, to the point of feeling weak, mostly because of loss of appetite with the nausea, hair-loss, then fluctuating blood values. Fortunately, my blood values, especially the Neutraphils needed for immunity from sickness remained just above the normal side of low. This was due to a supplement I was taking called “9405.”

“9405” is a Traditional (/Modern) Chinese Medical supplement with main ingredients, Taurine, Vit E and Maitake, combine to combat the side effects of cancer treatment. At around $100 per bottle, I ran out on several occasions and needed to get the “Neupigen” shot once to increase white blood cells and prevent infection.

As soon as I started taking the mail ordered “9405" and within a short time, felt better then, next lab would be normal. This was all without the bone painful side effects of the shot.

Fast forward to now. Monday was my 4th dose within 14 days or to be clear, my 4th treatment as there are multiple doses of multiple medication, supplements and even, multiple chemotherapeutic drugs.

The beauty of IPT is because of the lower less toxic doses of chemo, a variety of different acting chemo drugs can be used creating a broad spectrum approach. I am getting five different kinds of chemo including Cisplatin.

So far, I am impressed with my initial results. Though I do not have a tumor to gage like last time, having had the surgery to removed prior to treatment, I certainly feel the same good effects minus the lousy toxicity of the 2003, non-IPT treatments.

5/22/09
Composed

I Had To Do It Bare Foot!

Sun, 10 May 2009 07:28:15 +0100

Sedona, AZ is a vortex of healing and natural beauty. Everywhere you look is a movie frame from many of the great classic Westerns. My introduction to the area was dramatic driving down 89A through Oak Creek Canyon considered the number one scenic highway in the US. Twisting down into the canyon from 6600 feet the vistas unfurled through high alpine terrain to red red rock of the dessert below. Tears were streaming and words wouldn't come when my mom called on the cell and asked where I was on the road. This is how I entered the town of Sedona.

I arrived at my friend Frankie Laino's like cottage at around 12 noon. After the grand tour we headed out to the first of 4 vortex climbs starting with Bell Rock. Between the altitude and low stamina, on this 1st climb I had to stop, out of breath every few yards. By the third climb at Cathedral Rock my energy was up and rest stops less frequent. Because of blisters I choose to climb bare foot. It actually feet great my feet on the smooth rock! This earned my the name of Pocahontas by my seasoned hiking teacher. I finally earned a little respect! Hey if did feel good on my feet.

The last of the climbs was up the rock at Boynton Canyon, a sacred place to the local Native Americans. Our day started well but quickly broke down to a down and out fight. Turning around and heading back to base before we even got started. I packed and headed out to eat and find a place to stay before heading onto San Diego, California.

While sitting at the diner, reflecting and praying I got to my part called my friend and made amends. He said to come back and pick up things I left. By the time we kissed and made up we were ready to finish what we started and headed to Boynton Canyon for my last vortex hike before California and chemotherapy. Timing is everything and ours was impeccable. As we made it to the top, found our meditation spots a Pipe Carrier, a Healer came and asked us to help her up on the high part of the rock. She was to then perform a pipe ceremony, a healing moment which came at the end of a vision I had on the way up the rock. All was as it should be. Frankie looked at me from his high perch and mouthed, "this is why we had the fight, so we could be here for this."

This sweet healer gave me a wonderful gift with a healing and became my car caravan companion for the last leg of my journey to California. Thanks Terri You Rock!;))

Treating Cancer, Treating Cancer With Respect

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:44:05 +0100

This is the first in a series of entries about my healing journey. I hope, a journey of empowerment, forgiveness, love and understanding. This would be a forgiveness toward me, the cancer and any other poor B--stard I have been angry with and blamed for the bumps in my road.

It is the first reaction to the words, "you have cancer." Numb, dumb, befuddlement, then a sort of anguished no, what? Then, the begging and pleading with the Maker. This can not be happening to me!?

The only real lightening to this shock of news came for me when I confronted God with, "Ok, is it my time to come home? If it is just let me know. If not I will do what ever it takes to change this and fight, heal, change what ever, to make it right! Just let me know." This how I first let go to a Power greater than myself, this upheaval of life.

This first event November 1, 2002 was the first time I got this kind of news and then again in January 2009 I got news of a recurrence, in the same spot. The kicking and screaming lasted about 48 hours. This time no begging just anger. A the prospect of going through the same stuff. Treatments that make you feel like crap, losing hair that has taken 5 years to grow to my middle back. But worse the uncertainty that I can trust. To trust that every thing is ok and that life isn't out to get me. Then again it always is. To get me to fully live each moment while I can.