This last Tuesday I met with my oncologist (Dr Brown). After looking over my Nerve Conduction Velocity and MRI results she decided that there was no reason why I shouldn't start back up on my Keytruda infusions every three weeks. The tingling down my legs is caused by the bulging disc in my lower back not as a side effect from the Keytruda. So, I started back on Keytruda that afternoon.
Dr Brown also got the results of my Signatera blood test back. I do still have some cancer DNA in my blood. She said it was only a little bit, the score was <20. They will retest me in 6 months.
Ever since my infusion I have been very tired. So I have been trying to rest more which is hard with all the therapies I do every day.
Prayers:
- That I can continue to receive Keytruda with minimal side effects.
- That in 6 months my blood test will show no cancer DNA
- Devin is still doing PT and seems to be healing very well.
Pic: Of me getting my Keytruda infusion. It only takes about 30 minutes once they get it from the pharmacy but it takes about an hour while we wait for it to arrive from the pharmacy.
Phew...it has been awhile since my last update. The old saying goes, "No news is good news."
I had two weeks were I didn't have any appointments so I just stayed home mostly and focused on all the home therapies I am doing. There's a lot and some of them are an hour long and I need to do them twice a day. So, it is very time consuming. Devin and I keep researching about neuropathy and finding new things to try. We figure why not give it a try. The worst that can happen is it won't work.
Devin reached out to a colleague of ours when we heard he was getting great results with patients who have neuropathy. Devin talked to him several times and we decided to give it a try. The program is called Blueprint to Neuropathy. It is a 90 day program that can mostly be done from home. It consists of nutritional shakes, clean eating and two therapies. The Anodyne which stimulates blood flow and the ReBuilder which stimulates nerve regrowth.
I've been doing this for 10 days now and I have to say that along with the other things I have been doing I have started to get feeling back in my heels and the middle part of my feet. This is huge because it means I can walk better and I am using less energy to walk. So I'm not as tired by the end of the day. I might still be wobbly at times while walking but I feel confident that we will reverse the damage done by the chemotherapy.
I know several of you have asked what all I am doing for therapies and nutrition. I will be putting together a list of everything in a different blog post, so stay tuned. Let's just say there are so many that I have to set reminders on my phone to remember to do or take things at certain times of the day. Lol! My brain isn't as good at remembering as it used to be. I'm working on that too!
Thank you to those of you who were praying for me on Monday, October 9th. I felt your prayers and because of that and a little help from some Valium I made it through my two MRI's. They scanned my lower back and pelvis.
On Tuesday, October 10th we met with Dr Patt (orthopedist) to discuss my results and my options moving forward. He went over the results of the Nerve Conduction Velocity Test and the two MRI's. The NCVT showed decreased nerve activity in both legs but more so on the left. The MRI's showed a large disc herniation at L4/L5 and a smaller one at L5/S1. He discussed how the radiation I had at the beginning weakened the bones and the metastasis that was in the bones and now healed have left some major holes in my bones which is allowing the discs to move into areas they aren't suppose to be in. Which is causing me significant pain when I am walking/standing.
For treatments we talked about doing a series of injections called a spinal block at L4. This will make it so hopefully I won't be able to feel pain in my legs when walking. He also discussed doing surgery to fuse L4/L5/S1 to hopefully stabilize the area. He gave me a 50-50 chance of feeling better and healing properly. It seems that my body has really taken a hit from all the radiation and 4 types of chemotherapy. He did talk to us about how 1/2 of all disc herniations might heal themselves within a years time. With this information we all felt that at this time my best option is to try the nerve block. It is scheduled for after Thanksgiving. That was the earliest time they had available. I am on a waitlist for an earlier opening. In the meantime I will continue to build my body back up both nutritionally and with therapies.
I have been off of Prednisone now for the last 5 days and my sleep schedule is slowly returning back to normal. However, this is also causing me to have more pain in my legs and low back. I am managing it with some over the counter creams as best I can and resting when it gets too bad.
I go this coming Tuesday, October 17th to get my blood drawn. meet with Dr Brown (oncologist) and get started with my Keytruda infusions again. At least I am anticipating the infusion since the MRI ruled out that this was caused by a neuritis from Keytruda.
Prayers:
- Continued healing for Devin's torn tendon. He seems to be healing well and has started PT.
- For me as I get started on Keytruda again. That my body will be able to use it to keep the cancer away and that I won't get any of the side effects from it.
Pic of me doing one of my therapies. Notice my hair is coming back in slowly!
Continued thanks for all who pray for us!
Just a little update as we wait for my upcoming appointments and tests.
I was supposed to have my Nerve Conduction Velocity Test last week but they called me the morning of and said I was only scheduled for a consult. The doctor had read my file and said there wasn't a need for me to come that day and instead he went ahead and just scheduled the test. It is scheduled for October 17th but I am listed on the cancelation list if something opens up sooner. Fingers crossed because I am supposed to meet with Dr Patt (orthopedist) on October 10th to go over all my results and formulate our game plan.
Overall, I am doing pretty well. Energy levels are increasing and I seem to be getting more stamina. I get easily tired and have more left leg pain as the day goes on. The sharp sciatic pain comes and goes throughout the day. I have noticed that as we drop down in Prednisone dose my leg pain increases also. Not sure what Dr Brown will do with this information but I see her on Tuesday for a followup.
The Prednisone continues to keep me up at night. I'm averaging 6 - 7 hours of sleep but I really like to get 9 - 10. I am getting a lot of books read so that is nice. I hadn't read much over the past few years and I am reminded how much I enjoy it.
Update on Devin. His tendon appears to be healing as he doesn't need to wear the boot anymore. He either tapes it or wears a support stocking. So praise God for this blessing!
Prayers:
- That I might get in earlier than Oct. 17th for my Nerve Conduction Velocity Test
- That Dr Brown won't increase my Prednisone prescription again on Tuesday. I want to start sleeping better and losing the water weight I have gained.
- That Devin's tendon will continue to heal
Pic: One of the many areas we laser each and every day! These treatments have helped me so much.
My next Keytruda infusion is on Wednesday September 13th.
Since my last update I have been focusing on gently detoxing and getting back into taking my supplements that I was told to stop while I was doing chemotherapy due to possible interactions. Dr Brown (oncologist) gave me the go ahead to resume while I do immunotherapy.
Here is a list of what I do on a daily basis. I will expand upon them in the coming weeks since I get asked a lot about what I am doing.
Therapies -
- vibration plate
- lymphatic drainage cream
- laser treatments to my leg, feet and brain
- liver and thyroid castor oil packs
Nutrition -
- H2 Boost Molecular Hydrogen
- Oola AM (Mind) & PM (Body) multivitamin
- Lysosomal Glutathione
- Regenerate stem cells
- Various homeopathic sprays for bone and nerve regeneration
I am happy to report that I feel like I am getting some feeling back in my heels! I am praising God for this as my oncologist said I probably wouldn't be able to improve the tingling and numbness. Since I have just recently within the last two weeks started adding these additional items I am very hopeful that it will continue to get better with time.
Prayers:
- For sleep. Still having troubles due to the steroids. I have ordered some organic tart cherry juice that hopefully will help.
- For my upcoming appointments next week with ALL my doctors. We will be forming our game plan moving forward.
- For Devin. He is scheduled for an MRI on his left ankle/lower leg on Saturday.
Pic: Some of the additional homeopathic sprays I've added into my routine.
Liposomal glutathione is a supplement that helps to boost the immune system and combat oxidative stress. It’s an especially helpful supplement for cancer patients as it can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Let’s take a closer look at what liposomal glutathione is and how it can benefit you.
What Is Liposomal Glutathione?
Liposomal glutathione is a supplement made from liposomes, which are tiny bubbles filled with liquid nutrient like vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants. It also contains glutathione, which is an antioxidant that helps combat environmental toxins, boosts the immune system, and reduces inflammation in cells. The liposomes make it easy for the body to absorb more of the nutrient quickly and efficiently.
There are numerous benefits to taking liposomal glutathione (here are just 7):
1) Protects Against Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This can lead to cell damage, inflammation, and even cancer itself. By taking liposomal glutathione, you can protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
2) Boosts Immune System Function: The antioxidants in liposomal glutathione help boost the immune system so your body can better fight off infections or illnesses while undergoing treatment for cancer.
3) Reduces Side Effects Of Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatments: Many cancer patients suffer from nausea, fatigue, hair loss, stomach pain, skin irritation or other side effects. Taking liposomal glutathione can reduce these side effects so you feel better during your treatments.
4) Improves Energy And Cognitive Functioning: Liposomal glutathione helps improve energy levels by boosting oxygen uptake in cells and providing your body with more energy-producing nutrients like B vitamins. It also helps improve cognitive functioning by reducing inflammation in brain cells which improves memory and concentration levels.
5) Increases Production Of Healthy Cells: The antioxidants in a liposomal glutathione supplement help increase production of healthy cells while decreasing production of unhealthy ones that could lead to further health problems down the road.
6) Prevents Skin Damage From Radiation Treatments: Radiation treatments can cause skin irritation or discoloration in some cases but taking a liposomal glutathione supplement before treatment can actually prevent this damage from occurring.
7) Prevents Hair Loss During Treatment: Chemotherapy drugs often cause hair loss but taking a liposome supplement beforehand can help prevent this from happening as well as stimulate new hair growth after treatment has finished up.
As you can see, taking a liposome glutathione supplement has many benefits for cancer patients including protecting against oxidative stress, boosting the immune system function, reducing side effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatments, improving energy levels and cognitive functioning, increasing production of healthy cells, preventing skin damage from radiation treatments, and preventing hair loss during treatment periods. If you’re currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer then talk to your doctor about incorporating a liposomal glutathione into your diet today!
*The glutathione that I use is from Quicksilver Scientific and can only be bought from a healthcare practitioner. Reach out if you need help getting this product.
