Another Good Doc - Cynthia Bye - Naturopath

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Yesterday we went to a doctor recommended by Nathan as a result of discussing my case with his chiropractor. Her name is Cynthia Bye and she specializes in working with Cancer patients and with their Oncologists and other doctors. She was exceptional in my opinion.

From the beginning, the first day I called her, I could tell that she knew what she was talking about. One of the main areas is "digestion" verses "what we eat". We are what we "digest" and not "what we eat". In my case, I knew that intuitively to be the case and I was intrigued to see what she said about the matter. One of my chief concerns has been constipation - over a lot of years - and to find a person that could understand that and make appropriate suggestions for remedying the situation makes a lot of sense to me. I have heard, too often, "stool softeners", "fiber", etc., etc., but nothing has worked. Give me something that works!

Dr. Bye's prescription seems to be in good stead and her understandings were well explained by her. She both understood "anti-nausea" and "constipation" as serious issues to remedy first and then to get started on other stuff once those things are dealt with. She was impressed that the radiation is IMRT, a very specialized form of radiation, and that the side affects should be minimal. There are other specialized treatments, but none seem to necessarily be better.

She also was concerned about the side affects of nausea and her suggestions for "anti-nausea" medications sound good too. One of the problems, not "anti-nausea", is sleeplessness. I explained that I use Melatonin and she like that a lot. She prescribed four times the Melatonin that I have been taking, so I took it last night and it did help. I slept fine until midnight and then had to take a sleeping pill. I managed to get through the night and I feel fine today.

I am quite pleased with the prescriptions she has prescribed for me. I am hoping they work fine.

I am also quite satisfied with the "hope" of success for this program. One of the good things I am doing, confirmed by her, is walking and getting exercise. This should also help a lot. I have a feeling that things will continue to go well and that is a good feeling.

"My times are in God's hands."

by grace,

Wade

Two Weeks Since Surgery - Getting Stronger!

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Today is now two weeks since I left the hospital after my tumor was "re-sected." I had another MRI of it take today and the original small tumor is still present (but somewhat beaten up by the biopsy), and the larger tumor is mostly gone, but there is a clear outer ring where it does tend to grow. I go to the radiologist today with the latest image and he will develop a plan of attack using radiation on both tumors. Dr. Neuwelt, my Oncologist will direct the chemotherapy and generally be in charge of my case. My radiation doctor's name is Dr. Aaron Hicks. I also have a neurologist in the area, Dr. Lupu, and he will supervise the Kepra dosage that arrests seizures and related issues.

I continue to be thankful for the work of Dr. Samuel Hughes for discovering and identifying the tumor together with his staff!

The next stage of the treatment, in my opinion, begins today with a visit to Dr. Hicks' office to be fitted for a radiation mask and then analysis for treatment. Since radiation is for 5 days a week, I presume that I can begin on next Monday, December 4th and then continue through the second week of January. Radiation is five days a week and can result in hair loss. YEAH! - I always needed a good reason to be totally bald! Chemotherapy, on the other hand, lasts seven days a week and is a pill that is taken at night before bed and hour after taking an "anti-nausea" pill. It is supposed to be a fairly routine pill to take, limited nausea and the expectation is that all will go well. I am crossing my fingers on that one. Once the 6 weeks of treatment are finished, then I will continue with chemotherapy for 6 months and see how things go. It is the expectation of the doctor that it will continue longer than that if it is doing its job because of the nature of my tumor. It grows in "tentacles", not in a "mass", and how to keep it under control will be the issue.

My prognosis given the art of the treatment is for one good year and then maybe a bad year before dying. But, that could also change. I am healthy and doing pretty good over all. 20% of the patients live beyond the 2 years - up to five years. Lots of things can happen in five years, so we will see.

I continue to be thankful for the prayers of my friends and brethren and well wishers everywhere. I am convinced that the arm of the Lord is not shortened in these things and he does listen to the sincere, and honest and righteous prayers of those that have faith in him. I will today begin to do my best to write to all of you now that I have some time and I am getting caught up on my chores.

We had a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday with my family here in Portland. Stephen and Vanessa picked up my father and they all flew in on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. My brother Dewan from Seattle drove down and spent several days with us before driving my father back to his house for an evening. We drove back half way the next day to pick him up. We spent a lot of time with them and at Nathan's home. It was a good weekend of games, watching TV, fellowship and making some music with our guitars.

Today I begin preparation for an "extravaganza" at the main house on Saturday. It is Sr. Kathy Brooks' "Candlelight Dinner." It has gotten quite popular over the years and Tim and Dawn will not be able to attend to coordinate the music this year. So, Sr. Sarah Lightfoot and I are coordinating the music and I think it will work out well. The evening will start with an hour of "horse' d'ouvres", followed by an hour meal and then culminating in a musical program for the holidays to be enjoyed by all. We are expecting about 70 brethren in all to attend.

The blessings of the Lord continue to shower upon us all even as the turmoil in the world continues about us. Some of us are struggling and some of us not so much, but most of us are getting by and rejoicing in the overruling providence of God our Savior. We studied Psalms last night and the scripture of note is

Ps 18:46-50

46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.

48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Day Seven Since Surgery

Dearest Friends,

Today is Day Seven since my surgery. I am doing quite well. Thank you to all who have prayed for me and remember me in your thoughts and prayers.

I went to church yesterday and it is was a very good meeting. We had a study in the Book of Romans, Chapter 8 and then a second meeting two of our brethren, Nathan Austin and Tim Lightfoot each gave a short discourse on a topic of their choosing.

Tim's was on the awesome authority of God over all of our lives. He reminded us that we once thought there was nothing faster than light, and yet now they have concluded that "neutrinos" are faster and who knows what the future will hold. Yet, God is outside of all of this. He created it all. Let us allow him the authority and give him the faith that all is in his hands.

Nathan gave a short discourse on "Encouraging The Brethren". It was quite well done also. He brought out many excellent points based on his experiences as a teacher and as a trainer for Casio that proved many good points. One of the thoughts that sticks with me is that we "take ourselves too seriously" when we exert pressure on others to believe as we do. I am hoping to more and more be graceful and to accept with patience the providence of the Lord in all things.

Many of the brethren were surprised to see me and to see me looking well. I did feel fairly good, but perhaps a little tired. The stitches in my head are moderate to see, being made of self-absorbing stitchery. So, I do look almost normal, and, except for being a little tired, I feel quite well. It was good to be out and about with all.

God has planned for a day of restoration of all things which he has proclaimed in his word for all to see and know. We have different ideas about that day, perhaps, but I for one believe it will be a day of blessing for every human being who has ever lived upon the face of the earth. I can think of no better description than the following:

Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 1:191

"Close your eyes for a moment to the scenes of misery and woe, degradation and sorrow that yet prevail on account of sin, and picture before your mental vision the glory of the perfect earth. Not a stain of sin mars the harmony and peace of a perfect society; not a bitter thought, not an unkind look or word; love, welling up from every heart, meets a kindred response in every other heart, and benevolence marks every act. There sickness shall be no more; not an ache nor a pain, nor any evidence of decay--not even the fear of such things. Think of all the pictures of comparative health and beauty of human form and feature that you have ever seen, and know that perfect humanity will be of still surpassing loveliness. The inward purity and mental and moral perfection will stamp and glorify every radiant countenance. Such will earth's society be; and weeping bereaved ones will have their tears all wiped away, when thus they realize the resurrection work complete. Rev. 21:4"

Hallelujah, What A Savior!

Post Surgery News

Hello Dear Friends,

Today is day three since my surgery to remove the tumor on the left side of my brain. It was a success as far as I can tell. I have no memory loss that I know of (hehe) and all seems to be working out well. The recovery was relatively fast and I am now home and feeling fairly well.

The tumor was described in an earlier post and it was totally removed - at least as much as they could see. There was a smaller tumor that does not seem to have grown and it was in a more precarious area, so they left it alone for radiation treatment. I will now have 6 weeks of radiation treatment accompanied by Temador chemotherapy. That will be followed by 1 week of radiation and chemo and then a 3 week rest for 6 months.

I am feeling quite well. I feel stronger each day. I slept a little better last night. I didn't get up until 5 a.m. - my usual time to arise and I'll try to make it through the day today and every day and enjoy each day as it comes. There is so much to see and do and I have so much to be thankful for.

Now that the tumor is removed and Thanksgiving is almost upon us I am looking forward to a visit from my family over Thanksgiving weekend. My father and son Stephen and his wife are flying in from California. My brother Dewan and his wife Linda are driving down from Seattle and we will all meet at my son Nathan's home in Washougal, WA for the day and more. It should be a nice gathering. We will have to wait for another time to see Jay and his family and Josh and his family.

After that it will be time to concentrate on the radiation and the chemotherapy treatments for awhile. Six weeks to be exact. Then it will be followed by a week of chemo/radiation and then three weeks off.

I am looking forward to a lot of fellowship with the brethren here locally. It is time to slow down and to concentrate on studying God's word and applying it to my life. It is time to learn how to apply it to special situations like now. I need to know what to pray for and what to not pray for. I don't want to go against God's will. But I don't want to under capitalize it either. I do believe in the power of prayer and why God will choose to exercise a choice he has give to us all - "free will."

I want to look into other opportunities to serve the brethren here in the USA as I have opportunity. I am suspect of traveling now. We will have to see what the future brings. I also want to enjoy the works of God's creation and leave things well set up for Lois. It is funny how a couple of days leaves one with new hopes and dreams and a feeling of new possibilities. The reality of a resurgence of the cancer is an ever threatening incentive to keep busy and to to capitalize on the opportunities that God has given us each day.

I am so thankful for the prayers of the brethren and for the prayers of my friends over the years. They have all been well received and I am recovering well - or so it seems to me.

I now want to do some research on diet and reach out to the knowledge of clinicians and technophobes in this area. They all "know" more than they "know." Nevertheless, I'll do my best to ferret it all out. I do believe in the philosophy of "alkali or die". So I will start with that trend.

It seems relatively easy to do and some sacrifice on my part will surely help.

Better close this for now and get to work on the basics.

God bless you all.

by grace,

Wade

Ps 37:4-5

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

New Operation Scheduled

Yesterday we met with the surgeon, Dr. Johnny Delashaw, to discuss the removal of the tumor and the possibility of it helping with my situation. The appointment was for 9:45 am and we finished it around 11:00 am before going over to see the OMSI exhibit on the human body and the brain.

Dr. Delashaw is of the firm conviction that we should remove the tumorous tissue and then proceed with radiation and chemotherapy. This is the standard of care currently for this disease which is incurable at this point. It may give me a few more months or a few more years.

The surgery was scheduled for Tuesday, November 15th. I am to be at the surgery at OHSU at 6:00 am and we will proceed from there. The first item on the agenda is to get a new MRI that will be used during surgery to remove the tumor. Dr. Delashaw is confident that he can remove at least part, if not all, of the tumor. We have no idea where it has spread and what else is going on.

The surgery has its own risks, but they are minimal compared to the potential pay off of the surgery. It is close to the mid section of the brain, which means that is is likely to cross over to the right side of the brain and it will start to cause "all kinds of problems" according to Dr. Delashaw. It is scheduled to be finished on Tuesday with 2-3 nights in the hospital for recovery before being released to come home. He will cut over or near the old scar, so I am not looking forward to recovery from that cut again. Oh well!

The schedule after surgery remains to be seen. It will be partly determined by how quickly that I heal. If I heal fast then I can hopefully proceed with radiation and chemotherapy quickly. That is my hope anyway. I would like to finish the 6 weeks of treatment by the first week of the New Year. It is only 3 weeks until the business meeting from this coming Sunday. I think Brent should plan on leading that meeting. I don't feel like I will be up to doing it quite yet.

That is all for now. I hope I have answered the questions of my followers, but if not, please write to me or call me at your convenience.

God bless you all.

by grace,

Wade

Oh, What a week will do!

Dear Friends,

Let me say, that Wednesday of last week, I had no idea what would transpire in the week in between. So, let me do my best to describe it.

More in line with the old adage, "it's who you know and not what you know", we were talking with our niece, Debbie Paneta in New Jersey. Debbie had inquired about coming out and being of support when we spoke with my radiologist at Adventist Hospital. Debbie took down a lot of information and consulted with experts on the East Coast about experts out here in Portland. One of them suggested seeing Dr. Johnny Delashaw at OHSU and intervened by sending an email to his office. Consequently, we received, in less than an hour, a call from Dr. Delashaw's office and we were scheduled to go in the same day, Friday, November 4th, for a consultation. We were told that all of the images heretofore taken would be of assistance to him, so we called Adventist and while we prepared to leave for the scheduled appointment at OHSU they made copies of our files that were in the hospital and were in Dr. Samuel Hughes' office. We stopped on the way and picked them up for delivery to Dr. Delashaw. At Dr. Delashaw's office we consulted with him and he stressed the importance of getting a fresh picture, so we arranged for another MRI on Monday, November 7th at 5:45 pm.

On Monday, we went back to the radiology department and got an MRI that evening. We were told that it often takes 24-48 hours to get results, so I really did not expect to hear anything back from Dr. Delashaw until today at the earliest, but he called me yesterday with the results. He did not mince words. He said that he thinks we should go back in and re-sect what is there and then proceed with the radiation and chemotherapy. I asked if the pictures showed other lesions and he said no. At that point he said that he would have his office call to schedule an appointment for this coming Friday. They called today and we have an appointment scheduled for Friday at 9:45 am.

Based on the above information, it is my belief that I will agree to the "re-section" and go back for surgery as soon as is practical. Hopefully it will be within the next week. I do not look forward to recovery from another surgery, but so be it. I will ascertain the risks, but I think the benefits far outweigh the risks. If I can get surgery within the next week, then we can go from there.

I called Adventist today and gave a heads up to Dr. Hicks, my radiologist and to Dr. Hughes my neurosurgeon. I felt encouraged by the response of both.

So, the next step will be a "re-section" to remove the tumor as much as possible. Then will be radiation and chemotherapy to kill as much as what remains as we can hope to kill. I'll try to keep you all up to date as we go forward from this point.

Ps 148:13-14

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 He has raised up for his people a horn,

the praise of all his saints,

of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

The Latest as of November 2, 2011

Dear Ones,

I will try to summarize the current state of things for all who desire to stay abreast of things.

First, I want you to all know that I appreciate your prayers and good thoughts on my behalf. I am doing pretty good. The scar on my head is hard to see now except for how it comes down on the left side of my head. On the whole it looks good. Again, good job doc!

Next, I went to the radiologist at my hospital yesterday and heard what he had to say about the current state of treatment for glioblastoma metaforme. It is a disease that is very very difficult to treat, but the current treatment has relatively good results using radiation and chemotherapy. The radiation will be done at the hospital, about 15 minutes from home, and the chemo will be directed by an oncologist at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University). The radiation treatments are as targeted as they can make them with the state of the art equipment available these days. The they will "bombard" the area of the tumor five days a week for six weeks and then a small area out from it. Simultaneous with this I will commence chemotherapy.

After the six weeks are through I will go on a regimen of chemo that includes one week on and three weeks off for six months. Presumably I will be monitored during this time for necessary followup treatment if needed. It might be that additional treatments will be needed.

The nature of the brain, as I'm sure most are aware these days, is that we make memories by sending out new neurons, dendrites and whatever else the brain does to make a memory. The interesting thing about this cancer is that it tries to duplicate itself in the same way. It sends out new pathways and creates new tumors that then have to be treated also.

I have an appointment with the oncologist for two weeks from today that will include a new MRI. He will customize my treatment accordingly.

Ps 24

1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty — he is the King of glory.

NIV