I met with my oncologist to discuss the results of my 6 month PET/CT scan. The report used the phrase “progression of disease” and specified at least 6 new tumors in my lung. They are all measured in mm since they are less than 1 cm in size. The cancer is still very slow growing and not an emergency. I don’t have any symptoms. But if it keeps going like this, it’s a matter of time till I have symptoms and it becomes an emergency. I need to do something to stop the growth.
About the time that I received my results, I also got the news that Jeremy Geffen had died. Jeremy was a great integrative oncologist and a great person. I thought if anyone had the resources to overcome cancer, it was Jeremy. I thought, “What chance do the rest of us have if Jeremy couldn’t beat it?”
I had been following Jeremy’s cancer journey for the past few years in his blog, and it was devastating. Jeremy was diagnosed with high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma that metastasized to his bones and was very painful. He used his medical knowledge and connections to focus the best of Western medicine on treating his cancer. He said he was also using complementary modalities, but he didn’t write about them. The focus in his blog was mostly on the surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation that he used to fight his cancer.
I heard Jeremy say frequently, The Essence of Healing is found in Focused Action and Intention . . . Wrapped in the Arms of Surrender.” In other words, we do our best with what we have, knowing that we are not in charge of the outcome.
As I am in the midst of deciding what to add to my personal healing tool box now, the information I am taking from Jeremy’s story is that conventional Western medicine may not offer the best choices for me.
There are several behaviors that can support my body in healing that I can up the ante on. I can be more conscious and more consistent in my exercise, imagery, meditation, and nutrition programs. I am feeling motivated to improve on all of those fronts.
I recently attended the Integrated Health Conference in San Diego and heard stories from and about people who have done various alternative therapies. The ones that resonate with me and that I am looking into now are Cannabis and dealing with my root canal tooth.
I heard Constance Finley speak about Cannabis and the blend of CBD and THC that she has developed that has led to the disappearance of cancer in many cancer patients (www.cbdfarm.org). Since she piqued my interest, I have found tons of information online from others who have had similar results (www.phoenixtears.ca teaches you how to make your own). There is a lot of agreement about what blend really works to kick cancer. I have found a local source of that blend that is more affordable than some of the others, so I’m giving it a try. This is taken for the purpose of medicine, and not to get high. I’m sorry that my source isn’t yet equipped to accept new patients, so I can’t share it with you.
Several speakers at the San Diego conference shared the experience of healing from cancer after removing a tooth with an infected root canal. I have one root canal that I’ve had since I was 13. It has recently gotten my attention by developing a little bump right behind it. I am looking for a biological dentist who is trained to treat this in a way that doesn’t spread the infection. If you have had any experience with this, I would love to hear about it, and get the name of the dentist.
I am also continuing to work with my Naturopathic Oncologist and following her recommendations on which supplements to take. She made several other suggestions that I need to think about more before I’m ready to take the plunge. More about those next time.
Jan, Here are resources to find a biological dentist
Dentists
Holistic Dental Association
http://www.holisticdental.org
305-356-7338
International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine
http://www.iabdm.org
281-651-1745
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
http://www.iaomt.org
863-420-6373
I strongly suggest you consider being tested for heavy metal toxicity and consider chelation if you are found to have them. I just edited a book on this subject if you want more info on this, contact me.
Hi, Jan,
I had a similar reaction to Jeremy’s death. I have a milder and similar reaction to the growth of your cancer. Clearly that is unfair to you and to Jeremy.
So, my friend, I continue to prayerfully walk beside you on the journey and I know you walk with me on mine.
Did have a wacky thought – one problem with being a survivor and thriver is you get old in the process! Ok, here’s to being crones!
Love you.
Jan,
I continue to send healing thoughts your way, and am fascinated (as always) by the resources you corral to improve your health. You remain an inspiration, but I’d like to encourage you to VENT as much as necessary along the way. This is the first that I’ve heard of Jeremy’s death, and I am saddened by that . . . the world needs more integrative oncologists. While I am sorry that he didn’t spend more blog time on complementary therapies he was using in his own journey, I don’t think there is one of us who would question his path. Take care of yourself. You mean so much to so many people, including me.
Jan,
I continue to be inspired and encouraged by your journey . . .
Thank you.
Blessings,
Cecile
Hi Jan,
I just called my dentist on your behalf to see if he can recommend a biological dentist in or around Sac who can address your root canal. I left a message with the front desk person because my dentist was on the phone. But he’s very good about returning my calls.
I’ll let you know what he says.
Much love,
Cathy
Jan,
Thanks so much for this update. I had no idea you had a root canal. If I’d known, I would have immediately suggested that you have it reversed and cleaned out. There are a few dentists who specialize in this work for cancer patients. Here in NY, Dr. Winnick is well regarded. Also, it may be interesting to see which TCM meridian the tooth is on. Often the tooth is on the same meridian that passes through the site of cancer. Sending you much healing energy.
Best,
Kelly
OH Jan, on you go through your extraordinary journey (made extraordinary by YOU). Thank you for keeping us with you. You are surely with me. I will light a candle every morning before sitting. I am so glad you are companioned by all you are companioned by, and so glad that the path before you is beginning to become visible through the trees. Sending love!
Dee
I have no offer of help except to congratulate you on your phenomenal courage & stamina in dealing with this new information. You are an inspiration to us all. You will stay in my heart & prayers as you make your way on your journey. You are not ready to surrender now & hopefully you will not need to for many years (we all surrender eventually, as we are human mortals!). Love to you, Jan & thank you for all the good you have done for us folks who are dealing with cancer. Pat
May The Sun Rest On Your Face Jan,
I marvel at how you glean and collect the resources along the way always able to refill your glass as you go-you see I never see the glass as half full or half empty merely refillable. When you were in San Diego was that the same gathering that included Dr. Lee Berk? I heard about this after the fact and so wish I could have attended myself. There was a doctor there who had participated in my laughter therapy session last December and shared my survival story with Dr. Berk. Out of curiosity-are you eating fresh picked seaweed? And will there be the Healing Journey gathering in Utah this year? Blessings to you Jan-I keep you in my prayers.
Hugs,
Teena
Hi Jan I’m sorry to hear that you have developed more tumors. I know that we all have to be on our own path and encourage you to continue with what you are doing. I had a regimen of Bendamustine and Rituxin when my tumor came back and did not have many side effects. Bendamustine is a chemo that has been used successfully in Germany for 50 years, you might just check it out, we accepted it in the U.S. in 2008, thats how far behind we are with western medicine. My concern is that you have developed 6 more tumors even tho you have been following a complementary protocol. I also remember Jeanne Wallace telling me that the supplements she was giving me were not going to cure my cancer but that they would keep me healthy. I know how much you hate the chemo and radiation and so do I but it has put me into remission for a year and a half now. I was supposed to die in 2010 and know that the combination of western medicine and wholistic measures have kept me alive for 5 years. I support you totally in whatever choice you make just putting my thoughts out and holding you in my heart wanting you to stay alive for many more years. Love you Dottie
I’m sorry to hear this news. My heart surrounds you with love and prayers.
June 18th. I am sorry to hear of the continuing growth of the lung tumors.
Sending love and prayers as you listen for what to do next.
My choices after the surprise Mastectomy are to listen and follow my intuition.
Wishing you well, Carolyn