jamie-d

Kris;
I had 7 months of Gemzar/Xeloda after I was first diagnosed. I was on a 3 week on 1 week off schedule. After a few months my white cell count started getting low when I went in the 2nd week for infusion. The Dr I see for accupuncture started me on Echanacea. She adjusted the dose based on my WBC. I think at first I took 1/4 dropper twice a day and the last few months she upped to 3X daily after the first week of chemo. What was interesting was that I never ended up missing a dose until the 7th month. They would give me the 2nd dose even though I was low and when I came back for the 3rd dose my counts were always higher. I told the nurses it was because I took the Echanacea after the 2nd dose when I knew my count was low. I do believe the chemo has a cumulative effect also. Each month the counts got lower and didnt come back as well after the week off. When I tried doing chemo after my resection I didn’t tolerate it at all. Counts really bottomed out and I couldnt take the 2nd dose. Ended up not doing anymore after the 3rd dose.
Another thing I did when I was on chemo was get an ionic foot bath on the week I was off chemo. She said it would help get rid of the toxins, etc from the chemo. They did not recommend it the weeks I was on chemo, only on my off week. I don’t completely understand alot of the alternative options I have tried but I do trust the practitioner I use and therefore what she has had me try. If you could find a source for echanacea drops or a practitioner that could guide you it might help. I know what you mean about being disappointed when you can’t get the chemo. I was afraid if I missed a dose I had somehow not done my best. I think we need to try and do the best we can and not beat ourselves up when our bodies don’t keep up with our minds. Our bodies probably know more than we do and just needs a break to regather it’s strength. You are a fighter. You are doing an amazing job of fighting this war with cc. If you are interested in finding a practitioner/accupuncturist and need help let me know. I could check with Fiona. She was originally from Europe so she may be able to help. Give yourself a big hug from me and feel free to email me if I can be of any other help. God Bless,
Jamie

Hello and Welcome,
Just wanted to say hello. I think your Mom is very lucky to have you. As a patient, I would want to be made as comfortable as possible when my time comes and it sounds like that is what you are doing for her. I can relate to dealing with family. I was an only child but my husband is the oldest of five. I used to complain that I hated being an only child when I took care of my Mom (Alzheimers). No one to bounce ideas off. Turns out it was alot easier than trying to deal with siblings when you have one thats as you say “irrational”. Keep us posted on how things are going. You and your Mom will be in my prayers.
God Bless,
Jamie

Mary;
What great news!! I know what you mean about never knowing if we’ve made the right decision. This disease doesn’t play by any rules and certainly doesn’t play fair. I think for me the best thing I can do is get different opinions and then talk about it to others and most importantly pray and turn it over to Him. Easier said than done sometimes but I try Have a great summer. God Bless,
Jamie

The last I heard she was going home on Monday and was on Hospice care. Rose and I had emailed back and forth because we only live about 3+ hours apart. I had hoped to get down to see her after her resection but then the resection didnt happen and things seem to have gone down very fast since then. I emailed her Mom but havent heard back yet. If I hear anything else I’ll post it. I know Rose and her family would appreciate all our prayers.
Jamie

Welcome to our group. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
God Bless,
Jamie

Hi Karen;
Supplements I use and would recommend are:
Milk thistle seeds
Genesis – a whole food antioxident juice w/resveratrol and ellagic acid
Advanced Omega
Essiac Tea
Kefir
Pro-biotics
Echanacea drops as needed
Vit D3

God Bless,
Jamie

Hi Karen;
When I had my resection I knew they were taking 65% of my liver and a metastasis on my colon. I went in thinking I was having a bowel resection also but it ended up I didnt need it. He was able to lift it out because it turned out it wasnt attached to the bowel. During the surgery they found another met near duodenum and took it out along with my gall bladder. I dont remember them telling me about the gall bladder before but I may not remember. I was just so grateful that he was willing to do the surgery since I was told I was inoperable 7 months before. (Had an open and close surgery) This time I didnt care what they took out as long as it might help although we never discussed it. As far as the questions the main ones I think of are what they are planning to do, risks, recovery and what to generally expect. I’m not sure if this helps but if there is anything else I can do just ask. I will keep you both in my prayers. God Bless,
Jamie

Dear Jill;
I have added your aunt Etnah and uncle Gary and you to my prayer list. I truly believe in the power of prayer. My prayers and good thoughts are being sent your way. God Bless,
Jamie