Hero’s Dinner: celebrating the book

Left to right: Randall Reese, Paul Falk, Yvonne Cooper, Nancy Hamm, Hannah our waitress, Mark Lyons, Steve Scott, me and Beth Franks. Cathy Lyons is behind the camera, taking pictures!

Call it luck or divine intervention. Last month I was having lunch at Noodles & Company with a friend and put my card in their fishbowl. I didn’t think much about it until I received a call congratulating me that I won a “Hero’s Lunch,” a meal (actually lunch or dinner) for 10 people. Basically, people can order anything they want and you get treated ike royalty, making you (the person who won it)  the hero of the day.

Right away, I knew who I’d invite: all the people here in town who have made this book and blog possible. Everyone has contributed either by offering their services at no cost/reduced price or sharing their stories. They are the real heroes, in my opinion. My only wish was that I could invite all 27 people who will be in the book. But they are all scattered around the country.

Attending were Miracle Survivors Steve Scott, Nancy Hamm, Yvonne Cooper and Paul Falk, each who have shared their incredible stories for the book and this blog. Also there were Beth Franks, my amazing and caring editor/friend; Randall Reese, who is designing my cover;  and Cathy and Mark Lyons, fabulous photographers responsible  for my headshot and family photos you see on this site.

Unfortunately, my dear friend Jami Elliot, who is funding my expenses for publishing the book, couldn’t attend. He made it all the way down from Indianapolis only to succumb to a nasty bug he caught from his son.

It was wonderful to have everyone meet each other and have such a great time. It really felt like a book launch party even though the book is not yet launched. Cathy started taking a bunch of pictures (like the one on this post) and the people at the table next to us asked if someone famous was there! I laughed and jokingly said to the person next to me, “Not yet!”

Well back to the nuts and bolts: finishing the book. I need to have it done soon if I want it out by spring! Have a fabulous weekend!

Patty’s story: love motivated her healing

"Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all," as the song says.

With Valentine’s Day soon upon us, I wanted to share another story from my book, which I think exemplifies the healing power of love – especially self-love.

Patty Mele has had to overcome many challenges in her life – the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in college and a son (Andrew) with mitochondria, a metobolic disease that zaps his energy. She handled both beautifully until she was suddenly diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in 2007.

She was terrified she would no longer be there to take care of her teenage son. But she learned she needed to take care of herself in order to be around for him. Today she is cancer-free with a new perspective on life.

I asked my doctor if I was going to die. She told me, “We’re going to do everything we can do to save you and beat this.”

And I did everything I could do, too. I fought so I could be there for Andrew. I felt horrible; it wasn’t fair to my son. As a teenager, I had lost both my parents within two years of each other, and I didn’t want that happening to him.

I was so mad at this cancer; it was not taking me! I thought, “This can’t fall apart. If he lost me, it would change the whole outcome of his life.”

Perseverance kicks in when you have a goal. I was determined to beat this and be there for my child. So I had this attitude that we’ll get it done and get through it.

I think Andrew was a little angry and scared during this time. Mom’s always been there and cleared the path for him; then suddenly, he couldn’t depend on Mom. But I realized I had to take care of myself if I was going to make it.

Facing death has helped me slow down. I finally put the brakes on and took a real good look at my life. Now I try to put myself first instead of just tending to my son’s and every one else’s needs. I’m not as much of a people-pleaser as I was prior to my diagnosis, and am rediscovering what brings happiness to my life.

Avemar: cutting-edge cancer fighter?

It's pricey and awful-tasting, but it just might work!

One of the things Dr. Huber has prescribed to me is Avemar, a fermented wheat germ supplement that has great promise in fighting cancer. I first heard about it through my friend Pattie, who learned about it when receiving care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I also received information when I stopped by Avemar’s table while at the Annie Appleseed Conference.

My first impression of Avemar when I took home my box was, “Damn, this is expensive!” My second impression was, “This stuff tastes awful!” Actually, I used another word, but you get my drift. Thank goodness, it is much more palatable mixed with juice.

This weekend, I finally had time to dig through my materials from Annie Appleseed and look at the Avemar data. Since 1996, more than 100 studies were done on Avemar, and it’s pretty impressive. Still, I tend to look past what retailers provide and seek other sources.

One study that I found on Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Web site, http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69418.cfm, showed that Avemar (known as Ave’ in Europe) increased the efficacy of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. The site points to other studies that showed Avemar has beneficial effects for patients with colorectal cancer, melonoma (when combined with chemo) and pediatric cancer.

Of course, they state that larger studies are needed, but I wonder how much of that is limited to the fact it is a supplement, not a chemo drug. Therefore, it does not have the big money behind it to fund these large studies.

According to an article in Health Sciences Institute’s December 2005 newsletter (which was provided to me at Annie Appleseed by the vendor), Avemar …

• Reduces cancer recurrence – one study of 170 colorectal cancer patients showed a 67 percent reduction in metastasis and 62 percent reduction in deaths in the group who used Avemar compared to the control group that didn’t.
• Cuts off cancer cell’s energy supply by selectively inhibiting glucose metabolism in cancer cells (the higher the glucose; the greater chance of spreading)
• Speeds cancer  cell death by inhibiting the production of PARP, which enables DNA replication of cancer cells
• Exposes “undercover” cancer cells by helping the immune system identify cancer cells for attack by suppressing their ability to generate a surface molecule called MHC-1, which tells natural killer cells not to attack.

All of this information made the cost and taste of Avemar go down a little easier. Cancer is a tricky thing, and I’m not advocating forgoing traditional treatments. I’m calling  my doctor today to make sure I can take Avemar with the Arimidex he prescribed.

Now, my disclaimer: I’m not even close to being a doctor or scientist, so please talk to your doctor and do your own research.

Benefit for my friend Cyndi

Here's a picture of Cyndi. Can't you tell what a sweet person she is by her picture?

Around the holidays, I put out a call for my friend Cyndi Wenck and her family. If you remember, Cyndi’s family was already facing a hard time financially after her husband lost his job and their house foreclosed. Then Cyndi was told her cancer came back and it was Stage IV. Now her family is facing mounting medical and other bills.

I just received an invitation for a fundraiser for the Wenck family. If you live in the Cincinnati area, here’s your chance to help a worthy family and relive your high school prom – in a good way! Cyndi gives the details:

Mark your Calendars! ….. Back by popular demand is the:
4th Annual “PROM NIGHT BENEFIT” in memory of Gregg Brinkdoepke – The Prom King. (Gregg passed away about two years ago from melanoma.) This year the benefit committee has chosen for their proceeds to go toward my on-going medical expenses. In my case, I will be going through chemo treatment indefinitely until a Cure is found

This fun benefit will be held at the: Nathaniel Greene Lodge Ballroom, 6394 Wesselman Rd., Cincinati, OH 45248. (513)598-3100 – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27th, from 8PM – MIDNIGHT. The cost is $10/person. Soft drinks, snacks, and appetizers are included. BYOB. Music and Dancing by Earl Epich & Bruce Pendleton, DJ Services. There will be a Silent Auction.
To make reservations call: Joanne(513)- 598-6170, Deena (Hair Mgmt)(513)-574-3337 ext.14, or Sue (Hair Mgmt)(513)-3337 ext. 45

Directions: 1-74 to Rybolt Rd. exit, turn onto Harrison Ave. Go past Meijer, etc. about 3 miles to Wesselman Rd. (United Dairy Farmer on Right), turn right onto Wesselman Rd. Go about 1/4 mile on the right. Look for the Nathaniel Greene Lodge sign.

My entire family will be attending and I hope you can join us. It would be great to see you again and enjoy this fun event together… so put on your party clothes and CALL any of the 3 phone numbers listed above to get your reservations in and Let’s PARTAY!!!!

If you can’t make the party, but still would like to donate, you can send them to: Joanne Brinkdoepke; 6979 Bridgetown Road; Cincinnati, OH, 45248.

Shannon’s story: hope for ovarian cancer survivors

Shannon has since shed hats and scarves now that she's out of treatment.

The last couple of months, quite a few people have contacted me through this site to share their stories. I really wish I could fit them into my book, but I’m determined to meet my editor’s deadline and finish it finally. Who knows, I may do a sequel with more stories!

Shannon Wood, age 30,was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer in February 2009. After three chemotherapy treatments, she sought a second opinion from another doctor, who changed the diagnosis to stage IV.

Less than a week later, she had full hysterectomy and removal of her spleen and part of her bowel. After five hours of surgery and a blood transfusion, they were able to remove all cancer except for one small tumor because of the location.

Shannon faced more surgery when fluid built up after the surgery and she needed a drain placed in her stomach. She also discovered, after feeling shortness of breath, that she had three pulmonary embolisms, which doctors treated with medication.

Thorugh it all, she kept her faith. Today Shannon is cancer-free and sharing her story:

I completed my last chemotherapy treatment in September of 2009 and went for my three-month CT scan. Everything was and continues to be clear. My CA-125 ( a tumor marker for ovarian cancer) is staying at 8 (anything under 35 is considered normal).

I know first-hand what it is like to go through a storm and I tell you, you have to keep your focus on God. He gave me so much peace through all of this. I started my journey with the attitude if it was my time to go, then I was going to count my blessings  for everything in life. I have a wonderful husband and three wonderful kids. I consider myself blessed.

I look back now and am thankful for all I went through. I know that may sound crazy to some, because no one wants to go through cancer. But I look at the bigger picture. I met so many amazing people. I strengthened my relationship with God and my family. I have found a deeper understanding and appreciation of life.

I never take any moment for granted. I feel God has a plan for me and part of it is to encourage others to never give up hope. Miracles happen every day, and I am one of them. May each and every one of you stay strong.

Shannon asked me to share her email address so she can connect with other survivors: talk2shannon2002@yahoo.com.

Hell yes, because I’m worth it!

Oh, if it were only as easy as coloring my hair!

Remember those Preference by Loreal commercials where the model emphatically states, “Because I’m worth it”?  Well, that’s going to be my mantra these days. It strikes me how absurd it is to worry about money when it comes to saving my life.

Over the past two years, I’ve read books, researched the Internet and piggybacked on what other fellow survivors are doing when it comes to approaching cancer holistically.

I’ve done a lot: adding supplements, going organic, eliminating sugar, drinking turbo-charged green tea, juicing … But go to an integrative practitioner? No, that’s too expensive! 

After going to the Annie Appleseed Conference, http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/, I learned there’s a lot of solutions out there, and I needed guidance. So yesterday, I had my first visit with Dr. Gary Huber, www.healthyalterego.com, a Miracle Survivor guest blogger and integrative physician extroidinaire.

Tears almost came to my eyes when he told me how we’re going to create an environment where cancer can’t thrive in my body! Yes, I’m finally doing a regimen that heals rather than something toxic and temporary like chemo! Finally a doctor is saying, “We can do this,” rather than, “You know you’re going to die from this,” as two doctors who I sought second opinions told me.

They started out with a metabolic assessment with an instrument called eletro-dermal screening. It’s FDA-approved, but pretty wild-looking. I held a metal bar attached to this probe that they press onto pressure points in the hands and feet. A graph comes up and shows problem areas, such as the liver, spleen, sinuses, etc. They even use it to determine which supplements to prescribe.

After that, he prescribed a course of action. Basically, we’re using diet, supplements, exercise  and even an old-fashioned prescription to hit this cancer at all levels:

• Detox my body of all toxins, heavy metals, fungus, etc.
• Starve the cancer of things it feeds on like sugar/carbs
• Promote healthy metabolism of estrogen (which feeds my type of breast cancer)
•  Build up my immune system to ward off cancer activity

I came home with a bag of supplements, a container to pee in, and a revived sense of hope and enthusiasm. I’m going to get some lab work this week to determine my Vitamin D, hormone and insulin levels, among other things.

The bad news is that most of this is not covered by insurance - which I think is just plain stupid, by the way. Someday our health care system will catch up with our eastern counterparts and even some European countries that promote holistic health. In the meantime, I’ll shell out some bucks to save my life … because I’m worth it.

Strongest Mary: Cancer survivor really pulls her weight

I am so excited to report that Mary Jacobson, a world-champion Strongest Woman and miracle survivor is going to be in my book. I interviewed her today, and you won’t believe her story! I’ll share more in later posts, but in the meantime, take a look at this video that AARP (her employer) produced and posted:

http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/reinventing/articles/mary_jacobson.html

Blessings and blooms: Susan Farmer

I happened to be one of the first people to benefit from the program. On the first day, I saw this army of people coming to my house. The youngest person was in high school; the oldest was my neighbor who was in her 70s. They came up to me and wrapped their arms around me. They sincerely meant from their heart to give to another human being. It was such a beautiful experience; everyone was crying.

It was great for my spirit and for my husband’s too. He thought his wife was dying from cancer. Having a garden was and continues to be such a great distraction for him.

For me, my garden is something to love that loves me back. I’m a very nurturing person, and the biggest heartache of my life was my inability to have children. When you love these flowers, they bloom over and over. It’s something to look forward to.

 It’s wonderful that I’m now able to plan for the future instead of thinking, “I’m not going to be here next year, so why plant tulips?”

Thanks to aggressive surgery, Susan has been cancer-free for more than three years! You’ll hear more about her amazing story when Incurable to Incredible is published – another spring arrival. To see Susan and her beautiful garden, go to http://www.hopeinbloom.org/gardens/jamaica.htm.

Incurable is a dare!

That's what I would look like -skinnier, taller, with long hair and a clean desk - writing my book!

The other day we received LiveStrong Magazine in the mail. It was their first issue, and they had a great article about Kris Carr, the Crazy Sexy Cancer author whom I’ve mentioned in past posts.

They included a wonderful quote/tip from her book:  ”Nobody can predict the future; don’t be gunned down by what you hear. Incurable isn’t a declaration; it’s a dare!”

Wow, what a powerful statement! I don’t remember it from her book, but it somehow must have settled into my sub-conscience when I came up with the title for my book: From Incurable to Incredible. Every person I’ve interviewed certainly has followed this advice whether they’ve read Kris’ book or not!

You may notice I haven’t been posting as often. I’m busy finishing my manuscript and continue to get excited as I compile my Miracle Survivors’ stories. My intention is to have the manuscript complete by the end of February so the book will be released this spring. Ten percent of my proceeds are going to LiveStrong, speaking of that wonderful organization!

It’s an interesting process. I always start by interviewing  people, usually on the phone since most live in other parts of the country. I record each interview, then transcribe, edit and piece it together so it’s a cohesive story.

Sometimes weeks, even months will pass before I’m able to actually get around to transcribing and writing a story. And with my memory, it’s often like I’m hearing the story told to me all over again!

Tomorrow I’ll share the story of Susan Farmer, a Stage IV breast cancer survivor from the Boston area who has been cancer-free for more than three years. Like me, you’ll be blown away by this woman’s spirit and loving nature. She’ll share how family, friends and a beautiful garden lifted her out of the depths of despair and led to her amazing healing.

If you want to make sure you receive updates and notice of my book’s arrival, I suggest signing up for an email subscription to this site. Or if you don’t want to make that committment, contact me and I’ll add your email address to my list.

Back to writing!

Salad days: saying bye bye to carbs

I'm changing my ways once again ...

It’s been an interesting couple of days. Yesterday I met with Dr. Gary Huber who has guest posted on my blog (www.healthyalterego.com). It was a real eye opener.

Here I was, all proud of myself for not eating sugar. Now I learn  the rice crackers and even Ezekial bread I’m eating are converting to sugar in my body. After sharing my medical history with Dr. Huber, he told me I am probably insulin-resistant. I’ll need to get a blood test to be sure. When people are insulin resistant, their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, their bodies need more insulin to help glucose enter cells. Excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, setting the stage for diabetes and giving those cancer cells a big feast.

I mentioned on previous posts how I want to lose weight because excess body fat stores estrogen … and I want to look good, too. Well, not eating a box of rice crackers in one sitting would certainly help! This won’t be easy for me, but I did it with sugar, and I can do it with this. Who would ever think that someone like me who loved ice cream so dearly hasn’t had it in almost two years?

So instead of my usual steel-cut oatmeal this morning, I had a couple eggs scrambled with onion and spinach. And I had a big green salad with watercress (a cruciferous, cancer-fighing veggie). Tonight: chicken breast and broccoli. I’m still going to have the occassional grain, like quinoa and brown rice, but it’s going to be once a week rather than every day.

Speaking of glucose, today I officially received the results of my PET scan at my  oncologist’s office. PET scans measures glucose uptake to detect cancer activity. One of my affected lymph nodes’s SUV (standard uptake value) was cut in half (almost to the point of normal activity), while the others also decreased. The Arimidex is helping and with the new diet, I’m going to starve those little monsters so they are back to normal.

The other part of the equation: I’m going to get some new clothes when I lose this weight.  I lost a pound this week, thanks to Weight Watchers, but this should really kick it up a notch.  I’ll post a picture of my new, slim self after I’m down 12 pounds!