Update for November 18

Houston - November 7-14 - My medical team at the Herman Memorial Cancer Center consider themselves Texans and seem to like where they live. A universal and singular impression of Montana among them is that it is: "COLD". "It's cold there isn't it?" "How cold does it get?" "Are there places where it doesn't snow in the winter?" I'm not used to this impression; it's so unlike the responses I've usually experienced which is Montana is one of those last best places to be....it's scenic beauty, the mountains, the unpopulated, rural, wild nature being desireable and enviable place to be. At least us Montanans won't have to worry about mass migration from the south!

So John and I returned this second time with a few Montana gifts. John's mother, Irene, and brother, Chuck, were kind to send us a 5# box of Shepard's candy (carmels, chocolates, nuts) - I love it! Interestingly, Shepard's doesn't have a website or do any mailing of their candy. We gave that box with a picture of Missoula to the chemo nurses and administrative staff and they enjoyed it. For the heat treatment staff (Dr. Bull, Dr. Sieu, Theresa, Rhonda, Tameka, Jacob) which reside over in the Research Unit of Herman Memorial Hospital, I brought boxs of truffles from La Chocolate. They seemed surprised and very excited. Of course, I missed some of the conversation because I was sedated and resting in the Heat Tent.

Above is a picture of the Heat Tent or bed that Theresa is preparing. I lay down and they attach all sorts of monitors to my body to measure temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. (I also have a catheter so I don't have to get up and pee if any of you were wondering!) The second time around was relaxing and I didn't have any discomfort. I was able to wake up enough afterwards so I didn't have to stay in the hospital. I went home to the Marriot and slept like a baby! The release of all the fluids is detoxifying and I come away feeling purified and peaceful. It's like doing the Sweat lodge that I used to do as a "change of seasons" ritual or an eating fast. I don't expect that this will continue to be the case as we progress and that is why there is a maximum of 6 treatments. The intense, continuous heat will begin to exhaust my cells and I may come away more tired. As Amy explains, so much fire in your system increases the metabolism of the cells. My aim is to rejuvenate in between with body work (Joanna and Deb) and acupuncture (Amy).

The first two days of the treatment, as I've explained before, are getting a chemo treatment and hydration in prep for the heat. I also get a lung xray and ekg. There were no tests this time to look at the effects of the 1 treatment. (I may be sensitive, but I feel burdened by people asking me what the results are and the energy and desire to talk about what all this means. I'll try to keep you all updated via blog.)

I tried to have a better attitude and experience spending the 2 full days in the chemo lab. It's not a large room filled with about 12 lounge/chemo chairs. Whether you like it or not, you absorb the nursing dramas (where are the labs for this person, where is the chemo, why does the department manager want to meet with me, and assurances that chemo protocols are followed) and the patients' stories. One patient, a regular participant, is a stately, 78 year old, african american woman who I call the opinion leader of the collective. She gathers many of the stories and befriends the families of many of the people who come. While she works away on her lap top, she has her ways with the nurses and staff and encourages others. The drama this time was that she arrived at 10am and it wasn't until 2pm before the chemo was delivered from the pharmacy for her. Her son transports her to and from the place, but when things are delayed to such a degree and he has to work at 5pm, she had to make other arrangements. So there was alot of finger pointing and discussion about why we patients tend to wait around all the time and have to spend as much time as we do there. Good question! I also brought along a Sue Grafton mystery .... O is for Outlaw and P is for Peril and that helped immensely to transport me to another world and who dunnit!

Other than that, John and I hung out at our Marriot room and went to Rice Village (near Rice University campus) for shopping and dinners. There is an Italian restaurant that was excellent. I got some new corduroys (for those of you who are used to hearing me walk the work halls) at Banana Republic!

This week and next - Just been hanging out this week and trying to come to grips with this snow and cold (OK, Montana is cold!) and lack of sun. The reprieve will be when John, Pat, Molly, Colin, Maddy and I all head to Hawaii tomorrow! I look forward to the ocean air and hanging out! Molly and Maddy are taking me for a manicure/pedicure and some girl time! Pat and Colin will drag John along to a golf course. Of course, a centerpiece will be enjoying some Michigan State basketball (3 games). I've already seen one pre-season game and reaquainted myself with the players. Looking forward to hearing Coach Izzo speak at a Coaches banquet we're attending.

Featured Friends - Barb Plattes and Janet Kekich - These two have come out to share a glass of wine with me a couple of times and I thoroughly enjoy catching up. The picture was taken at Pat and Molly's wedding weekend that we all enjoyed in May. Janet made me a photo album which has been wonderful to have!

Barb Plattes (in the middle of picture) and I go back to the beginning of our careers with the Forest Service. I say this a million times, but she's been my role model for enjoying life. You know how you have those preconceived notions of what motherhood and marriage is all about -- she's showed that you can maintain your girl friendships and having a balance in life with work, being a mom, and having fun. Now, she was the first one of us three to "retire". She's educated us on the ways of facebook, catching Dr. Oz, taking your cruises around Hawaii or across the Atlantic, and exploring the northwest. She's now newly a grandmother to Eli! Thanks Barb!

Janet Kekich (right in picture) - What a big heart! She and I also herald the Forest Service as our base, and she's still at work and enjoying it. Through this cancer crisis of mine, she's one person who is comfortable with being in that "life and death" realm that I'm experiencing. Her daughter, Mandy, died tragically in a car accident in 2001(?) and Janet has continued to feel Mandy's spirit and presence. Janet acknowledges the spirit world and the thin veil that exists. Thus, conversations amongst us are at ease and with a richness that I enjoy. Thanks Janet!

Update for November 6

Houston - Here we come! Tomorrow John and I head back to Houston for a second treatment. This is part of the protocol, to have these treatments about once a month. As I've mentioned the routine before, Monday will be spent getting chemotherapy; on Tuesday I will get filled with hydrating fluids; and then on Wednesday I will spend at least 6 hours where my body temperature is at 104 degrees - enough to kill the cancer and help the chemotherapy be effective. Thursday I will recuperate and then on Friday we will return to Missoula.

I've enjoyed the time off that I've had from having weekly chemo sessions in the past three weeks. As I've mentioned in the previous blog, my digestive system continues to be unpredictable. I'll feel normal or well for part of the day and then another part, I'll need to hang close to home.

When I return next friday, I'll have the better part of the week to rest up....and then the whole crew - John, Pat, Molly, Colin, Maddy and I will go to Hawaii for a Michigan State Basketball Classic. Michigan State has been joining some other teams like Kentucky or Conneticut each year for some preseason basketball. Since I'm an alum of MSU, we've followed the Jud Heathcoate/Tom Izzo coaching legacy and all become fans. Plus, we'll enjoy Maui and the sun and warm weather! More on that next time!

Featured Friend - Sherry Munther - This friendship is another one that goes back to the early 1980's and was initially a Forest Service connection. Sherry is a seeker of the wisdom in life and continues to inspire me with her quest for knowledge --taking Molli classes at UM, book club, and taking in womens' or other conferences. She's also a big community contributor thru Kiwannis, Big Brother/Sister, Missoula Business Women's Network and others. My connection, however, has been more on the personal, self-exploration level. We always say -- I need a "Sherry fix" or a "Kerry fix" and then meet for breakfast at the Shack. She's also got those farm girl skills, like canning peaches, making applesauce or jams and has had me help out. I love it but it still hasn't rubbed off enough that I've used my canning jars! Whatever! Sherry's always been there for me! Thanks Sherry!

Update for October 31

Happy Halloween!! Not sure if I'll go as my usual Ninja turtle (I like turtle energy) or something else from our costume box. I'll have to put something on Katie, our boxer, so she'll rememember this is a different occasion when people come to the door...not to scare them with the big bark!

Extreme Makeover! Since coming from my treatment in Houston, I feel as if I've been in recovery mode. My digestive system is constantly in some stop or start and challenge in feeling comfortable. Thus, this puts me on edge as far as plans to go somewhere, meet people, etc. Yet. overall, I feel well. As I mentioned, it's been wonderful to have my appetite back and I've been on a cooking streak...turkey lasagne, 5 hour stew, jambalya, pad thai, chicken lasagne, and yes....vegetables!!

As I go thru this body makeover, the house is also immersed in a makeover. The exterior facelift of removing the aluminimun and vinyl siding and replacing it with a beautiful wood porch cover and collumns and fly-tight hardy plank has ensued over the summer months. The living room has been out of commission because we replaced windows, changing carpet to wood floors and new cabinetry. Just this last week it has become more "in our face" as the entry way was full of scaffolding and being painted along with the living area. Now onto wood floors and more interior work.

All in all, it's been a good experience. It seems fitting to go thru a physical change in my home, as my body also goes thru physical change. Additionally, my cousin, Mac, is doing the work...see featured friends below!

Many of you ask if I'm still doing the chemo treatments here -- NO - I'm just doing the clinical trial out of Houston which are the periodic heat and chemo treatments. I've continued with my therapies with Joanna Lester and Debra Sharrock which don't interfere, but discontinued some of the supplements and efforts with Amy for the time being as Dr. Bull wants fewer possible conflicts.

During this last week, I've enjoyed a facial and massage from Joanne Synder (how wonderful!), visited with friends, dinner from the Jacksons (what loving energy!) and attended "Festival of the Book" featuring local authors. Thanks to Greg and Sue Super for the movie, "Some like it Hot" (Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon) - how fitting with my heat treatments!

Featured Friend(s) - Mac and Connie Campbell - What an interesting, synchronous, and supportive event! I feel like my Dad (who died in 2004) sent Mac (his nephew, my cousin) to work on this project. My Dad, who was so into family, mentored many of his nieces and nephews, but the relationships never stuck or became part of our family - we are an extended family on my Mother's side. Then, Mac and Connie, living in Seattle in 2006?, became close and visited each day at the Seattle Children's hospital where my cousin, Jami (my mother's side), was with her son, Levi at the Burn Center. There she and my other cousin, Genine, valued the "rock" that Mac and Connie provided.

I didn't even know that Mac did the kind of remodeling work that we needed done until last Christmas when we visited. He and Connie were amidst moving from Seattle to the Big Arm area near Flathead Lake. Connie took a transfer from Home Depot and now works in the Kalispell store. Thus, Mac is our contractor! My garage has never been cleaner or more organized and I've realized what a project we took on! Mac's got the expertise and handles all the extra help that we've needed. In going thru the treatments and efforts that I have, it's been nice to have someone here with a great sense of "down to earth". Connie has also made the occasional visit on days off and we've enjoyed doing some walking and she's got me going in making some wool felted slippers (we'll see!) Thanks Mac and Connie!

Update for October 20

I'm back home in beautiful Montana - feels like a sanctuary from the peopled world and of course, the large medical institutions like the Texas Medical Center. I love the drive up and down Grant Creek, trees turning fall oranges and yellows and Lolo Peak tracks the fall weather...collecting clouds or the clear, crisp fall days that are before us.

I apologize for leaving some of my fellow bloggers up in the air -- what about the treatment?? How did it go? What was it like, etc? Yes, I had a successful treatment. Dr. Bull said I got an A+ for my ability to handle it. Here's a summary:

The hyperthermia clinical trial combines chemotherapy and heating of the body to kill cancer cells and tumors. They like to do at least 2 treatments spaced about a month a part and can do up to 6 treatments. They remeasure the effectiveness of the treatments after 2 treatments (so no, I didn't get immediate feedback on its success in that way). The protocol includes a first day of receiving Cisplatin chemo drug; a second day of taking in 2 big bags of fluid because you're going to sweat it out all; a third day of the actual heat treatment; and then a fourth for recovery (spending the night in the hospital). Of the experience, the 2nd day is the most difficult or uncomfortable because you have to sit in the chemo area for a long time and you feel bloated and uncomfortable from the fluids. On the day of the heat treatment, I bundled up with blanket, etc. to get to the hospital at 7am. Sam picked up John and I and led us to the room. The heating area is just like a tanning bed with a lot of comfort...pillows, etc. I initially took Meranol (marijuana) as the relaxant. Laying in the bed, they put a lot of monitors on my body to monitor temp and body response. I felt very relaxed. They also give other sedatives and administer gemzar during the procedure. I don't remember and didn't have discomfort until the last hour or two when the drugs begin to wane. They fixed that and I made it thru. They kept my body temperature at 104 degrees for six hours. In recovery, I was mainly tired and thirsty and spent most of my time sleeping. John stayed the night as well.Then with a few more blood work tests, pills, etc., you're done! Back at home, I'm injecting myself with leukine which is a drug to enhance immune recovery. I'll get blood work done each week to see how my immune system is recovering and I need to be at certain levels for the next treatment which is scheduled around November 8. One other prescription that I got was for Megestrol Acetate as an appetite stimulant....as Dr. Bull said, "see if we can't fatten you up a bit." It works wonders and it's great to be able to eat larger portions and a variety of foods.

Featured Friend(s) - John! It's wonderful to find that your life partner is also your best friend after all these years (32+). He's shown me such support...positive, upbeat, open to talking the heartwrenching issues, and the tenacity and energy to manage the administrative requirements of all this treatment and hang in there with me! He makes me laugh....like his foibles as our travel agent where we stayed in 3 hotels before settling in or as my caregiver at the hospital where he slept like a baby leaving all that responsibility behind! Thanks John!

Update for October 11

Hi all! I qualified for the clinical trial using hyperthermia!! I was so relieved and thrilled on thursday when we received the news. As one friend recently wrote me, "Your blog is so positive, I'm sure that you've been through your ups and downs.", and yes, this is an emotional, spiritual and well as physical trial.
Last week I started off with a lung test (blowing into tubes) and a heart function (injection and watching how blood moves thru my heart. Then Tuesday, was scan day; starting with an MRI on my brain; then a CAT scan which is the usual to see the status of the pancreatic tumor; and then a PET scan which I'd never had before. The doctor explained that you're injected with a glucose that the cancer loves, but not the rest of the body. As he injected me, he said "Let the marinating begin!" All I could think of was my body lighting up like a Christmas Tree!! Wednesday was the painful day with a bone marrow biopsy where 7 attendees witnessed going into my bone but to get a piece - again wondering what that would show. And then for a bone scan. Thursday started off with a hearing test - apparently chemo affects your sense of hearing and you can be more likely to be affected by loud noises. No wonder John's and mine main arguments are his reading magazines or newpapers in bed at night or the TV volume because of John's hard of hearing! Anyway, after all that John and I had to take an emotional time out at Hermann Park where we talked about the scenarios that could unfold with our meeting with Dr. Joan Bull at 1:00. Mortality isn't easy to face!
I skipped over our initial meeting with Dr. Bull. She is a warm, wonderful woman that we met on Monday. She smiles and you feel that she likes you - I feel that she wanted to adopt me when we met. Of course, Theresa, her professional, serious and likeable nurse warned not getting ahead of ourselves. Dr. Bull is probably in her 70's, blond pony tail, wears bright beautiful clothes with a characteristic red waist pack. At our initial meeting there were the 2 of them and 2 other doctors in training.
So come 1:00 on Thursday we were delivered to Room #3 with the examining bench and one chair....I thought....well someone will come and give us the bad results and we'll be done. Prior to seeing Dr. Bull, however, Sandra came by to introduce herself and said that in the future we'd need to be doing all the scheduling for the trial. Does she know something we don't? Not getting our hopes up, we continued to wait. Fairly soon, Dr. Bull came in and jumped up on the examining bench and said, "Well, I suppose Sandra spilled the beans? You qualified! Your tests are great! Your liver looks good....there are a couple of spots on your lungs that we'll watch but I'm not worried. Last thing is that you need to meet Dr. Sue (he's the 3rd person in the triage that handles the trial). He'll look at the test results and run you up a couple of stairs and make a call on physical fitness. I met him and all went well. While we're waiting for Dr. Sue, we send out our text messages to annouce the qualification. Then we take off....We get a call from Theresa that she didn't realize that we'd left and that there were still a couple of things to cover and could be come back.
When we came back we met with the full crew this time and Dr. Bull said that there was one glitch that came thru - my bone marrow item was 35% and not the required 40% for the trial and they had to get an exception. Dr. Bull was working on a letter as we spoke, but they just wanted us to know. Later that evening I got a call from Dr. Bull that all was well!! Finally!
I finished my 1st day of chemo today, have more hydration tomorrow and then the heat on Wednesday. I envision this hyperthermia analogous to Montana hyperthermial (sweatlodge) so hopefully won't be too bad!
Love to all of you and thanks for all your prayers and wishes! -- Kerry

Update for September 30

This week has been one of making arrangements to go to Houston, Texas to try out for the Hyperthermia Clinical Trial. Thanks to John for the constant followup and scheduling, we leave for Houston on Sunday. Initially we'll meet with Dr. Joan Bull on Monday and then begin a series of tests...like catscan, blood work, heart test, chest x-ray, etc. If I'm in near the margins they may do some additional adjustment on Thursday or Friday. If I'm accepted, I could do the initial hyperthermia on Monday or Tuesday. I saw a picture - looks like you're in a body wrap for about 6 hours and are given chemo during the time. You're sedated to some extent to relieve the discomfort. This will be an interesting adventure and at least learn more about this trial.

Thought I'd give a little more info on one of my Healing Team:

Amy Haynes - Master Healer! I'm so fortunate to have Amy helping me out. I'm not a statistic with her, but an individual dealing with cancer. She told me last session that she's avoided taking on cancer patients, but now is getting back into it. She just attended a naturopathic session in Boulder, CO on cancer just last weekend. (She said she was star pupil and sat in the front row and asked all the questions!)

She's done a lot of research in my case and is the one who pushed John and I to look outside Missoula for complementary therapies. She proposed the consultation with Dr. Ralph Moss and from that consult, this particular clinical trial with Joan Bull emerged. While they do hyperthermia in Canada and Europe, Dr. Bull is the foremost leader in the U.S. It's a treatment that focuses on the whole body system and not just the tumor. I had initially thought that Amy's role would be one of more seeing how I was doing each week and giving me the supplements. But she's taken on much more in terms of the research, of calling people and exploring options and being somewhat the strategist in our operation. She's clarified John's and my role - my focus on maintaining my health to the extent possible and to make the decisions about treatments...and John and the boys to help out with research and logistics. That's been so welcome to me since I don't have much capacity (emotionally) for the research and energy to do the contacting and follow-up.

I first went to see Amy in the 1980"s after taking her class in alternative health. She cleared up my continuous sinus infections and then helped me raise the boys thru their childhood years without using anti-biotics for the multiple colds and flus. I've always admired her whole body approach (mind, body, spirit) and the way she uses her intuition as well as medical knowledge. There are so many more tools in the toolbox with natural medicines, acupuncture, etc. than with conventional and primary reliance on pharmaceutical drugs.....although a definite place for those tools as well. Thank you Amy!

Featured Friends - Toni and Bob Ogg These are relatively recent (within the last five years) friends of ours. John got to know Bob thru golfing. They invited us to a weekend at their Whitefish place and introduced us to hiking in Glacier Park. I remember our first hike was to Avalanche Lake. As we were heading back from the 2 mile hike, John tripped on a tree root. As he was falling forward, he grabbed onto Bob and poor Bob cushioned his fall! John maybe surprised them that his athleticism doesn't cover hiking! We were fortunate that they forgave us for this and we've had some marvelous hikes (Highline trail, Siyeh pass, Grinnell Glacier) each year! We've had great conversations, laughs and times together. Bob keeps John's spirits going....going for coffee in the morning. Toni has been a great friend and supporter during this health challenge. She's a wonderful cook and bolstered my menu with vegetable soup, clam chowder, turkey tetrazini, etc. Thanks to Toni and Bob - we are blessed by your friendship!

Update for September 25

Hey, it's me! This is a short blog this week because I'm feeling lazy and going out to enjoy the sunshine!
I finished 2 weeks of GX (gemzar/xeloda) chemo and am excited to have this week off! We finally heard back from our contacting Dr. Joan Bull and the hyperthermia therapy. It's an experimental trial out of the University of Texas. In a couple of weeks I will go to Houston for tests to see if I qualify for the therapy. John's been busy making the arrangements. Otherwise, not much is new. I'll have to post some pictures of our house remodel which is moving along - Mac, my cousin, is doing the work and it's great to have him around. I've enjoyed some visits from Olleke, Janet, Barb, Sherry, and Kathy and have been continuing my other therapies.
I'll write more soon! Love, Kerry