July 18, 2011

Hi Family and Friends,Most of you know Gail has been in hospital this week with a fever and cough. At first it was thought she had double pneumonia, then on Saturday the Drs thought it could be a blood clot in her lungs. We are VERY happy to report there is NO blood clot. YEAH!

Since the antibiotics did not make an impact on the “pneumonia” The Drs have agreed that the condition appears to be a complication related to radiation that causes inflammation and other pneumonia-like symptoms. The new course of treatment is now steroids, but the doctor did prescribe 2 additional meds to offset the side effect as Gail was worried about the steroids keeping her up when she needs to be sleeping and resting.More good news - Gail is leaving the hospital today and going home!! She is very happy as you can imagine, even though she was in the nice new St. Anthony’s hospital (which is more like a hotel with private rooms), home is a much better place.

God is good – we stormed heaven both Friday and Saturday nights at The Centre in worship and intercession for Gail. He did answer our prayers!

In addition to your prayers for complete healing please pray that Gail can go to Houston for a consultation at the Burzynski Clinic. The link is below for those of you that would like to read more about this amazing place and the treatment they offer. If after the consultation she is accepted then Gail would go for 2-3 weeks then come home to continue the program, which is great – we all prefer our own homes when we are sick.   http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/

Thanks for your prayers for Rich and Gail, this has been a very hard time for them both. Gail is still heavily medicated and weak needing a lot of rest. They are still in the thick of the battle and both need our continued support and prayer.

Blessings to you all, we appreciate each one of you!

John & Sarah

July 16, 2011

Well, a new diagnosis from a new Internist today.  After 4 ½ days, the antibiotics should have made a big impact on the pneumonia by now.  Mom’s other doctors had suspected this may not be pneumonia after all, and now the new doc has agreed that the condition appears to be a complication related to radiation that causes inflammation and other pneumonia-like symptoms.  The new course of treatment is now steroids, which Mom is dreading.  The new doc did prescribe 2 additional meds to offset the side effects.  Mom was hoping to be heading home this weekend, but now it looks like she’ll be there a few more days.

 

Through this difficult time, all of your prayers and love carry us along… thank you for blessing our family in so many ways.

 

Valerie

July 13, 2011

Good thing Mom checked into the hospital yesterday.  The Internist found pneumonia in both lungs.  As frightening as this diagnosis sounds, he also said that Mom’s overall health is strong enough to fight this.  Double pneumonia can be deadly for people with poor health, but the doctor was very assuring when he told Mom the she is “a whole different ball game.”  She is already responding extremely well to the intravenous antibiotics, and she sounded better on the phone today than she has in a long time!

The Internist is also determined to get to the root cause of her persistent cough, which actually started before the cancer diagnosis.  Her other doctors have said the cough is not related to the lung cancer, but they have not be able to pinpoint the source.  I’m relieved that this specialist is now on a mission!

And once again, we are so very blessed by all of you for your continuing support, love and prayers.

Valerie

July 12, 2011

Hi Everyone from Valerie,

After struggling with some serious symptoms including a fever, Mom’s wonderful Dr. Schewe decided she needed to check into the hospital for a few days for some intravenous antibiotics.  Her white blood cell count is high indicating an infection, but as of tonight, they’re still not sure where.

After being moved to her room tonight, Mom sent me a text to say how impressed she was with the place!  St. Anthony’s is a brand new hospital just 10 minutes from their home, and she has a big private room.  What a blessing!

Although its nice, the goal is to get out of there as quickly as possible, so that means rest, recovery, and probably no visitors to speed the process along.  She does have her phone with her, or you can reach her at the hospital at (720) 321-0000, Room #423.

As you pray for comfort and healing for Mom, please include these same prayers for Rich.  I am so very grateful for him.

I am grateful to all of you as well!

Valerie

July 3, 2011

Quick Update – not on Blog yet but many of you are asking.

Well … this is the drug (Avastin) I started on Wednesday if you’ve been checking the news – it’s all over it!http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/29/fda-government-should-revoke-avastins-approval-for-breast-cancer/

Next injection in 3 weeks. Really seeking God on what to do!

More $$ came in this week – again totally unexpected sources! Also our Chiropractor did a fund raising for us (both Little Annie & me)Wednesday. Not sure of the results but really sweet. So maybe Houston could be a ‘go’. We’ll see.

In the meantime, the principal MD/Oncologist of the NatureMed Clininc in Boulder, Dr. Fran Mason, – who wasn’t taking new patients -  which is why I’m with Dr. Steve instead – had her office call me and offer me an appointment with her on Tuesday afternoon.  Hmmm. Interested to see what she’ll say. Rich will go with me, of course. She may have heard I was looking into Houston. Dr Steve had also endorsed Avastin but now we’ll see.

Side note for prayer for Annie – a 6.5 year old who has battled cancer since she was two. Her parents are patients of our Dr. Joe – Chiropractor. We are going to pray with her and the family at the hospital July 5 when she goes for yet another surgery.  Her parents – after thorough research for years – have already taken her to Houston(Burzynski) last week for the preliminary counsel & testing and plan to go back for treatment after the surgery.  She really needs a lot of prayer, poor baby, as you’ll read in the attached. I feel like mine is nothing to what she’s going through.

Another testimony from Burzynski (Houston) Clinic is a woman also at our Chrioprator’s – who had Stage IV liver cancer – went to Houston and now totally clear. She passed on a message to me to go sooner than later.

Started brain radiation this week – three more to go. Finally on the Vitamin C regime – mega doses intravenously and can tell a difference already. Had three so far (in Boulder) and more next week.

Need prayer for direction concerning Houston and another cancer fighting supplement we’re researching called Protocell. Whew! Need to make some decisions soon. Will know more clearly this week with God’s help and direction.

More as I know it.

Love you all,

Gail

June 20, 2011

6-20-11 BLOG UPDATE

A few changes this last week.  First, our vacation to Mexico was cancelled due to my health.

Steadily over the last couple of weeks, the chemo and radiation treatments have taken their toll on my body – leaving me almost incapacitated for most of each day. I’ve never slept so much in my life! Rich and I decided there was no way I would make it through airports – and even if I did, I would be a total drag in our beautiful resort. Food doesn’t set well – even the healthy stuff – and walking is an effort. But the good news is that our wonderful daughter, Valerie, was able to make the airline and timeshare cancellations with no penalties! Just a note from my doctor. (Feel like I’m in grade school again.) So we’ll go next year. It’s all paid for – just waiting for us to get there!

 

I will be visiting our Radiologist/Oncologist this week to get a further treatment plan. I know he plans to ‘zap’ the two new lesions in the brain – not sure if any more needed for the lung.

Then my Chemo/Oncologist has two new drugs he wants me on and we’ll start that within a week. One is a type of chemo without the side effects and the other an inhibitor that starves the oxygen to the cancer cells – which should address the new tumor in the Adrenal Gland and perhaps the rest in the lung. Then we wait six more weeks to see if the treatment worked and if anymore pop up. Stay tuned – I’ll know more this week.

 

There is only a 30% ‘cure’ rate with all of this. Not very encouraging but for God and the healthy diet lifestyle! The major concern is the apparent spreading of the tumors which took both my doctors by surprise – and especially us with all the naturopathic diet and such I’ve been on. This ‘thing’ is more aggressive than first thought.

 

But we want to mention another avenue. It’s called the Burzynski Clinic in Houston, TX.http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/

My chiropractor has done a lot of research on them as have we. In fact, we have had many recommendations from some of you also telling us about it. The Founder has paid his dues in the courtrooms with the FDA and has won them all. Still, you’ll find negative stuff if you search the web with the medical field – very common with this type of treatment. Suzanne Somers has a large chapter in her book, “Knockout” about them. There a video that explains everything but is 1.5 hours long so you’ll really need to be interested to watch it. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/11/burzynski-the-movie.aspx.  Their success rate with children and adults – even terminal patients – has been phenomenal.

The only issue is that it’s all cash or credit cards and very expensive. As we see it now, with all the generous donations we have received for this type of treatment, we are still anywhere from $10-$25K short unless they can offer some more discounts or some of the proposed costs would not be necessary. We’re checking into it more this week. We have enough for consultation fee, Medical Records Review Fee and the Laboratory deposit – totaling $5500 plus plane fares. But then they want a $10K Medical Services deposit right away after the consultation and they accept me and we no longer have credit cards to cover it or equity in our home. The costs past that could include expensive drugs (if needed) and a final $4500 Monthly Case Management fee.  How much of that that can be negotiated – and possibly not needing the drugs – could factor in.

 

Not sure why I’m telling you all this except to ask you to pray for a miracle.  Our God owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  We have wanted me to do the total Alternative route from the beginning but the door wasn’t open at the time. Now that these radiation & chemo toxins are making me so sick – and the thought of continued medication for months to come with only 30% cure rate – is even more sickening . . .both physically and emotionally to both Rich and me. We are totally trusting God for certain. If this is a door He is opening – He’ll make the way through. Please stand with us. $10 – 20K is a drop in the bucket to God – but not when you don’t have it!  Or He can do it another way. We just have to trust.

 

Thanking you again from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers and support. So good to know you are there.  I haven’t had the strength to write individual ‘thank you’ notes yet but please know we have been overwhelmed by your love.

 

Resting in His Arms of love,

 

Rich & Gail

 

PS After reading through this, we wish to make a disclaimer. We are NOT asking for more offerings to be sent.  If you should want to help toward going to the clinic in Houston in whatever way,  please let us know in the form of a Pledge. If sufficient funds are pledged to make this look possible, then we will contact you.  Should the Lord close the door to the Houston clinic, then many of you have already blessed us with enough funds to do what’s needed here as far as we know now (final medical bills are not in but we’re hoping our insurance has covered most of it ). Our Naturopathic needs locally and other expenses are being met with what has come in thus far for which we are most grateful! The remainder of those monies will be used for Houston should the Lord make it happen.

June 13, 2011

Hello Faithful Friends, Supporters & Family:

Today was spent undergoing a Pet Scan, MRI, radiation treatment and two Doctor visits. The results are not what we wanted with good and bad news. Here it is:

The tumor in the lung has shrunk 68% and the surrounding lymph nodes are now normal. The two lesions in the brain that were radiated have gone. That’s the great news.

However, two more very small lesions have popped up in the brain. And . . . a tumor has now presented itself in my adrenal gland – albeit only 6/10 of an inch in size.

Dr. Schewe (Radiologist/Oncologist) and Dr. Kantor (Chemo Oncologist) have consulted this afternoon. Dr. Schewe was very disappointed and teared up as he told us because, as he said, he truly loves Rich and me. He is still optimistic, however. His concerns are the two additional lesions are showing in the brain. Although he suspects they could have been there all along but too small to see – the same for the tumor in the adrenal gland – they are there nonetheless.  He has always wanted to spare me a whole brain radiation as that is extremely difficult on one’s body. His hope is that this will be the end of the new ones popping up.

He also was disappointed to see the lung tumor could have spread anywhere else other than the brain. The good news is that it’s not in a major organ such as liver or kidney. Again – he felt this could have been there all along but too small to detect six weeks ago in the earlier testing.

Where do we go from here?

• Dr. Schewe will continue the lung radiation treatments and hopefully dissolve the remaining 32% with more targeted radiation the rest of this week.
• Rich and I have been encouraged by doctors, family & friends to go forward with a long planned week long vacation to our time share in Cabo. We leave next Sunday, June 19. It has been planned for two years and is paid for.
• Upon our return, Dr. Schewe will go after the two new lesions in the brain – probably over three treatments.
• Dr. Kantor will embark on a new treatment plan. It will not be Chemo but are two drugs with less side effects as chemo, and more able to target the tumor in the adrenal gland. It is administered intravenously every two to three weeks – so it will take a while.
• In six weeks I’ll have another Pet Scan and MRI to see results and that no new “things” have manifested.  If that is the case, there will be no need to talk about full brain radiation!

Dr. Schewe told us today that they have me under a microscope. Had it not been so, most of these cells would not have been detected until much later – which could have been very dangerous, of course.  We give all credit to God that this is so.  The Lord has placed me in very caring, extremely capable hands. Because of this, this ungodly disease is being caught in its infant stages.

We also met with Dr. Steve, (the naturopath) last week and he gave me new supplements to help restore the energy on which chemo took its toll. Unfortunately, he can’t get into the further body rebuilding until at least radiation is finished.  But what he can do has been a lifesaver. Along with that, I am still on the Hallelujah Diet and will be able to take my juicing in pill form on vacation with us. We’ll see what he and Dr. Kristen (Meridian Health Center) advise after hearing this new report

Sorry to make this so long. I’ve left out some things and will put them in the next Blog. But there are two other important issues we want to share, so please bear with me:

• Rich had some moles removed last week only to find one was cancerous. It will be surgically cut out July 1. Our MD is not too concerned and feels he can get it all.
• Rich’s 95 year old Mom’s doctor just called him tonight to say they suspect cancer in her colon. Further tests need to be done soon. (It’s like a plague is loose in our family!!!) She lives alone and Rich is her primary care giver with some help from his brother who is suffering from prostate cancer and severe back issues and is limited in what he and his wife can do. Rich does her weekly shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc. We need to get her in assisted living, but with my issues cropping up, time and energy has not allowed us to get the ball rolling. To say my wonderful husband is stretched a little thin is an understatement.

There is no need to give a list of prayer requests. All of the above speaks for itself. Please pray as you are led in whatever area. We have to tell you that without your love, prayers and support, we simply would not have made it this far.  There is no doubt God is on our side.  The battle will be longer, perhaps, than anticipated but will be won, nevertheless! Of that, we have no doubt. A testimony and even greater ministry will come from it as we have said all along. (It’s already forming!)

The Cabo vacation to our timeshare will be for us a time of soaking in the Lord and regrouping. We are exhausted as might be expected. It’s a beautiful, 5-Star, quiet resort with a private beach and a Master Suite with amazing views. We plan to soak, write, rest and pray. With everything that came about today, it was tempting not to go. But all the more reason we need to. Please pray for smooth ‘sailing’ and no distractions. Just God and us!

We love and appreciate you all more than words or time to tell you individually. For now, just know you’re in our hearts and prayers.

We are all under His wing,

Gail (and Rich!)

June 6, 2011

A  HUGE “Thank You” is the way I want to begin this week’s update! And that doesn’t even begin to say what’s in our hearts.

The love and support Rich and I have received from so many of you over the last few weeks have been overwhelming. The “Gail’s Wedding Dance” Benefit this last weekend was more than words can describe.  A special “Thank you” to Sarah Roth and her team of volunteers that made the Benefit possible. And then, of course, JoAnn McFatter and her friend, Bonita Blakeman, offering to come to make this a special weekend was not only a blessing for us – but for all who were able to attend. Her worship was, as always, a trip into the Throne Room and part of our band, John, Pete, & Bill – with help on drums from our friend, Harry, were blessed to be part of it.  Her teachings Friday and Saturday nights were something we believe the whole Body of Christ needs to hear! (In fact, CD’s are available to order – see our WebSite @ http://www.livingwordevents.org . We hope you’ll order them if you missed them).

A fun time was had by all at the Benefit on Saturday. The kids – including Grandson, Grady, sold lemonade, great raffle prizes and silent auctions were won plus Brian Fenimore’s teaching on “Anointed to Heal” Saturday AM.  Then the great worship bands of David Lewin, Debbie Miligan and Ernie Trujillo throughout  the day. A BIG special Thanks to all of them for giving of their time and giftings.

Most of all, the love that has been shown to us is deeply humbling. We saw and heard from many old friends we haven’t seen in quite a while. SO good to reconnect!  Even made some new ones! Of course, our LWMI Centre Family always amazes us. How in the world does one express gratitude for that?? . . . except to give God all the glory as it comes from Him through you. And so we do. Thank You, Precious Lord!!  The financial support was and has also been amazing and will help to get all the healing my body needs and get Rich and I through this difficult and unexpected time. Wow. What a God we serve! We plan to pay it forward as opportunities arise.

One final perk to the weekend.  Valerie, Tim & Grady, our daughter, son-in-law & grandson were able to be here from California, joined by my niece and nephew and their families. It was a special family time.  And the best part of all,  5-year-old Grady danced with me both Friday & Saturday night!! It was a prophetic gesture of dancing with him at his wedding!! (Later found out from his Mom- he’s never done that before – in fact, has flatly refused at other times. But he didn’t refuse me! Made for a very happy Nana!!)

Health update and more test results should be forthcoming by early next week. We’re believing we will have wonderful results! Although I’m on the nutritional and naturopathic path now – there is much more that can be done after the chemo and radiation comes to an end to rebuild my body and prevent any more reoccurrences – ever! (For most days, I feel like I have a bad case of the flu!)

In future Blogs, I’ll be sharing what all has been learned in this adventure – still ongoing – and how we see the future of the ministry God has entrusted to us. Pretty exciting!  Stay tuned!

Watch for Blog updates next week.

With so much love and gratitude,

Rich & Gail

May 24, 2011

GREAT NEWS!  Yesterday I had my weekly counsel with Dr. Schewe, my Christian Radiologist/Oncologist. He agreed to do a Cat Scan yesterday (has the equipment right in his office) which he usually waits 5-6 weeks to do to determine progress.

After my radiation treatment today, he wanted to see me.  He was beaming from ear to ear while he took me into his private office and pulled up the scan on his computer. He said he wanted me to actually see this.

Results are that the tumor in my lung has decreased over 1/3 after only three weeks of radiation and four low dose chemos! He said he is completely thrilled and very surprised. Also said a good report like this only happens 1/3 of time – and that after the 5 or 6 week period! This means that the primary tumor in the lung which has the capability to feed into the brain and/or other places, is drastically shrinking! (The results of the brain radiation which took place over three days is presumed successful – no symptoms. Another MRI will be done in a couple of weeks to confirm). Lymph nodes are no longer stressed!!

After my time with him today, had an appointment with, Dr. Kantor, my Jewish Chemo/Oncologist. When he heard the report he exclaimed, “That was fast!”

Upcoming treatment plans were discussed and agreed upon with both doctors. I will have three more chemos – possibly even lower dosage for the third – skipping the week before the Benefit since our kids and JoAnn will be here and I don’t want to miss a thing! The radiation continues daily over the next 3-4 weeks, if necessary.

All praise goes to our wonderful Lord for hearing and answering so many precious prayers.  Rich and I are so grateful for your love, prayers and support.  There’s still a race to finish. After the medical side is complete, I start the journey of rebuilding my body through the support of the Naturopath, Dr Steve Parcell, who has already had me on a healthy supplemental program that is making a huge difference along with the Hallelujah Diet. Your financial support has made that possible – for which we are so grateful.

I am excited about the testimony that has already begun and the one to come. I pray I am able to help many as I follow the path on which the Lord has so clearly led me. First and foremost, prayer is the key. From that, His Wisdom can be clearly discerned and victory is the prize. I am learning so much – more than room to share now.

Thank you more than words for standing with us. We are truly humbled by the love of so many. Thank you also for the cards, E-mails and comments on Rich’s Facebook.

More good reports to come! If you subscribe to this blog, I can keep you updated and also hear your comments.

May Psalm 91 be your portion!

Gail (Rich too!)

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things

and be in health, just as your soul prospers”. 3 Jn 2

May 17, 2011

Some encouraging news this week!  

Last week was extremely difficult.  I had two lesion radiations at once which kicked my hinder parts, and I lost an entire weekend.   But now, after a total of 13 lung/lymph node radiations, plus three brain radiations and three low-dose chemos, I’m happy to report –

Latest Medical Lab tests:

• My White Blood Cell count has gone from High to normal.
• My vitals – blood pressure, oxygen, heart rate are excellent.

From a Bio Meridian test at our wonderful chiropractor’s yesterday, the results are:

My overall scores are back to the 800’s after dipping to the 600’s when all this started.  (Tested in March)

• At this previous test, I showed parasites – gone now!
• Lymphatic congestion previously shown – gone! Lymph is functioning well – not inflamed.
• Liver, Blood & Kidneys look great. Handling the chemo well. MAJOR!
• NO WEIGHT OR HAIR LOSS!!! (Found a great product for the hair and it works!)

Down side:

• Lung still inflamed due to radiation & chemo
• Immune system still struggling due to radiation & chemo. (Taking LOTS of immune building supplements to fight off ill effects from chemo)
• Digestion still struggling
• Adrenals are in exhaustion (getting help for that from Dr Steve – Boulder Naturopath I’m seeing. Prayer needed!!)

All this good progress is due primarily to prayer, Hallelujah Diet, and good counsel for anti-chemo, cell building supplements from the wonderful clinic in I found in Boulder (previously mentioned) Dr Steve Parcell, ND at NatureMed Integrative Medicine. (I had wanted to go to Reno but have come to trust Dr. Steve at NatureMed, and Dr. Joe & Kristine Singh at Meridian Health – our (Christian) Chiropractors, and the help I’ve received in helping me get on and stay on this juicing/Vegan diet from my friends, David, Deb & Debbie). My wonderful husband, Rich, has stepped up to the plate in every area – praying for me constantly, helping me with the laborious task of cleaning veggies, juicing, etc. Even cooks dinner for us – finding new and scrumptious recipes and joining me in a vegan lifestyle. (Pretty muchJ)

By the way – our Dr Joe has been picked as the Judo Team Chiropractor for the 2012 Olympics!!!

There aren’t enough words to thank those of you who are praying for us. We know that’s key. Some have sent us pages of scriptures and proclamations. They lift our spirits high. I’m cutting out some of them and putting them all over my bathroom mirror and refrigerator!

Also – the financial support we’ve received has gotten us this far with so many extra expenses. Thank you!!! We couldn’t have made it without it. Thankful for good insurance – hopefully covering a lot of the medical side  - but we had no credit cards, savings or house equity going into this surprise attack. There will be months of follow up with the NatureMed Clinic to get my system and cells strengthened after the radiation & chemo stops its poisoning – none of which is covered by insurance. We want this thing to go and stay gone!! (Learning to manage stress is a huge part as well. We believe that’s what got me in this mess in the first place.)

27 more lung/lymph radiations (daily – 5 days a week –  (brain is complete)and five more chemos to go (weekly) before I’m finished and able to go on that natural program fully. (Some things can’t be done until after finished with that stuff).

I’ve been asked when Dr. Schewe (Radiologist/Oncologist – primary Dr. in my treatment) will order another MRI or Pet Scan to see the progress. He says another two – three weeks. We are believing they will find NOTHING at that time!

Sorry this is long but many of you are asking and it’s easier to write it all and at once. Hopefully the Blog will take over from here so only those of you who want to be kept up – can. Please try going on it in a few days and sign up to comment or hear mine.

We are so excited that JoAnn McFatter has offered to come do a Benefit for me. Wow! What a blessing and honor! Sarah Roth, our worship leader, John’s wife – our spiritual kids, is working hard on it with some of you faithful volunteers. Promises to be a blast!Several bands will play during the day Saturday, Debbie Milligan, Ernie Trujillo, David Lewin & ?? along with great raffle prizes. JoAnn has a Gold Machine and will weigh your gold and cut you a check on the spot!  She’s bringing her Essential Oils too.

It’s Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night June 3 & 4. Hope many of you can make it! JoAnn is teaching on Quantum Healing besides her awesome, prophetic worship. She’s a dear friend and we’re honored that she is doing this.

 A VERY exciting part for us is that our daughter, Valerie, son (in law), Tim, & grandson, Grady, are coming to be here from California for the Benefit!  (Maybe Grady will dance with me then too!) So excited for them to meet so many of you and you to meet them. Other family members will join us too! What a fun weekend!  Please See attached flyer. Please pray I have the stamina to enjoy this precious time.

 Thank you again for standing with us. Isn’t the Body beautiful when we lift up one another’s arms? We pray we have, can, and will, do that for you in return  as you need it.

 Abundant blessings to you and may Psalm 91 be your portion,

 Gail (Rich too!)

For Ministry updates, visit www.livingwordministriesintl.org