Update

I'm sorry it's been so long since an update. I've been off of Chemo for 7 weeks due to internal bleeding. However, I've been told from several Dr's that a long chemo break was needed. I finally completed the latest round of testing last week and the results show the tumor breaking through the stomach lining. But the better news is that I just started my chemo treatments back up again.

During the big chemo break, I have been feeling good and spent lots of time with my family. Both of my children (Robbie and Karlie) now live in the area as Robbie recently graduated college.

Some other and more positive changes that have happened recently are:
1. Started practicing Qigong (per my naturopathic recommendation). This has been very helpful for me. I was surprised to find that I really enjoy it. It's very relaxing while doing the Qigong and I find myself very energized when I'm finished. It takes about an hour, and I do it about 4 to 5 times each week

2. Switched insurance providers, mainly so that more options are available to me. But that also meant a new Dr and clinic. (see Professional Support on the left sidebar).

3. Joined a Cancer Support Group through our church . We had the first meeting today and it was very good for both me and my husband. We are looking forward to the next get together.

I am excited to have been able to provide a few books to persons stricten with cancer. One of them was for the senior pastor of our church, who recently was diagnosed with cancer.

Offer Of Books

One of the ways I would like to help is to give you one of the books listed in ‘My Resources Column’. I love making greeting cards. I’ve been making them for years. I am selling my cards and will use the proceeds (as they become available), to purchase these books to provide to you.

If you see a book that you would really like to have, I would like to send it to you, free of charge . Just send me an email at ursuep@gmail.com with your name and address and the book you would like.

When Your World Falls Apart by David Jeremiah
Real life stories from Pastor Jeremiah. Mixed nicely with words of wisdom and encouragement from several Psalms. I loved reading this, I couldn't put it down.


Pray Big by Will Davis Jr.
This book teaches you how to pray with power and purpose. There are also some chapters on…- Pinpoint Praying
- Big Hairy Audacious Prayers
- Help
- Lord We Agree
- It’s Ok To Ask.

There's No Place Like Hope by Vickie Girard
I read this book in about a day. It is very uplifting, inspirational and at some points funny!

Nutritional Books.....

Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin
This book is my “Nutritional Bible”. For the most part this book is easy enough to use and understand. Some areas are a little confusing for me, but I highly recommend it.
- Nutritional Guide as to what is essential to eat.
- Recipes
- Scientific Information
- Many Charts
- Uplifting Stories.

Qigong (beginning practce) DVD with Francesco & Daisy Lee-Garripoli.
This is 'slow moving' excercise along with deep breathing. It helps to boost immunity and is very relaxing and energizing at the same time. I try to practice it 3 to 4 times weekly. This was recommended by the Providence Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Clinic.

Church

In September of 2007, after God sent me a ‘wake-up’ call while I was in the used book store (see blog dated Feb 26, 2008). I soon began reading His word, watching and listening to Christian based broadcasts and reading all I could absorb. I had read in one of my books that I needed to hand this over to Christ - so I did just that. I handed over my illness to Him. I realized it is in His hands and He controls my destiny. This allowed me to now focus more on His Word, share it with others, and take some of the pressure off of me (this is an ongoing process). My husband and I knew we needed more than books and Christian broadcasts, we needed real live people. We had wanted to find a church for years, but kept putting it off.

How does a person go about finding a church? Do we open up the yellow pages? We were fortunate to hear about the Crossroads Church in Vancouver, WA and have been attending for about three weeks. (click on http://www.crossroadschurch.net/). If you are in a similar situation, I encourage you to go ‘church-shopping’ and attend a few services in your area. It is the most heartwarming and welcoming experience we have had in a long time. Most importantly, Pastor Bill Ritchie’s sermons help us connect with God; the way he presents the sermon provides us with a link between the common person in us and Gods Message. (listen at: http://www.brandnewradio.com/ )

Support from Family and Friends

There are lots of therapies, drugs and foods available, but also of great importance is having the support of my family and friends. I have been married to my husband Walt for 27 years and have two children, Robbie (age 23) and Karlie (age 21).

I have been very fortunate to have other caring family members, some of who live out of the area, but still make efforts to care for me.

I also have very good friends, some that I have known since childhood that I still keep in contact with. Their support is what helps me keep my postitive outlook. You may be surprised at what friends will show up at this time in your life to support you.

Chemotherapy History

Chemotheraphy was and still is a very mysterious thing. I'm not qualified to go into the scientific details of how chemo works but I can let you know what specific treatments I've had, explain the side effects that I experience and most importantly, how it is controlling my cancer.
I was very excited to get the theraphy started. I told my Dr. I wanted the most aggressive approach available.

I've had four types of chemotheraphy drugs: Oxaliplatin, Gemcitabine, Tarceva and Irinotecan over the past 17 months -- a total of 54 infusions. The drugs are combined and are infused a day apart, every two weeks. They have been very effective in reducing tumor size.

There are a lot of stories of how bad the side effects can be. I've had a lot of them but for the most part they have not been that bad, even my hair is still intact. The chemo that has given me the most problems is Oxaliplatin, however it has also worked very well in fighting the cancer. Trying to ward off the side effects get very complex at times.

My Naturopathic Dr. Loch Chandler, who specializes in working with cancer patients, provided the proper nutrients to keep the side effects to a minimum. You will need to nurture your digestive system so you can keep eating properly.

Prayer

Early on, I began to read books about angels. I heard a first hand account about feathers as signs from angels helping. I had never been a church going or a very religous person, even though I have always believed in God and have always prayed.

One day last Fall, I was in a used bookstore looking for some craft books. I repeatedly kept turning around (at least five times) and all I saw were books about Jesus or God. I think this was a message from God that I needed to turn to Him. I think He was 'pointing' me to Him.

Since that day, I've been studying everything about God that I can get my hands on. It has really helped me a lot. I have great peace in my life now.

My husband and I pray together every night for my healing. We also pray for others during this time.

Nutrition

Within the first month of my inititial diagnosis, I started reading "Beating Cancer With Nutrition" by Patrick and Noreen Quillin. This book is packed full of data on how nutrition directly impacts your body's ability to resist and even reverse cancer tumor growth. One of the first things I did was to eliminate sugars from my diet. I felt convinced by the author that reducing sugar intake could help, so I proceeded with a major change in my eating habits.

- Most of my meals are prepared from whole foods.
- I Avoid processed foods.
- I quit eating beef.
- I found a good Naturopathic Doctor - see My Resources Column.

There is a simple but excellent chart inside the back cover of "Beating Cancer With Nutrition". This chart breaks down most popular food types into five basic categories, from Best to Worst. It really made the chore of knowing what to eat or avoid very easy.

Overview - my first ever blog

I have been fortunate to receive outstanding medical care from the professional Oncology staff of Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Oregon. I have learned a lot in the past year and want to share my knowledge to help you or someone you know.

My message to you is do all you can. I encourage you to pursue additional healing aspects, such as...

- Nutrition
- Naturopathic (probiotic supplements and accupuncture)
- Sprituality
- Family and Friends Support

See 'My Resources' for more information.