After the first week

Friday:  Yesterday we went to the Gastroenterologist, who put a scope down my throat, bored through the stomach and into the pancreas, and took biopsy from both the pancreas and from fluid that was present around the liver (he said this fluid was not supposed to be there in a healthy person).  Afterward, he told us it was definitely stage 4 cancer, the fluid contained cancerous cells, but the pathologist was not able to tell on the spot which type of cancer it was.  Thus it will be a couple more days before they know.  They will refer me to the oncologist of my choice, and Dr. Shephard at OHSU has been highly recommended.

I am still waiting to talk with a doctor at the Gerson Institute to learn when I can be admitted.  I was told they are full through November and in to December already.  This means I will need to begin my therapy at home with the help of Rodger, who has been to their 3 day program, has the manual with specific procedures to follow, and has done the therapy for himself to help rid him of debilitating arthritis.

So, how am I doing with all this?  Believe me, I am eager to get started now and the past week of waiting for tests and still waiting has been frustrating.  It has given me time to meditate, pray, and gather more information from friends and on-line.  Many of you have left messages or have written asking me to call.  Talking to 3-4 people a day is about the maximum I can do for now.

Sunday:  as you can see, it is harder for me to keep up with this blog than I thought.  I am noticeably weaker than i was a week ago, meaning by late afternoon I am often on the couch.  I have begun my therapy at home under the guidance of Rodger.  Yesterday I did 6 juices and 3 coffee enemas, along with many supplements as prescribed in the Gerson plan.  I can tell I am already eliminating toxins. Much of my discomfort comes from eating, as I do not have much room in my abdomen to hold food.  Eating makes me feel bloated, but I know I must keep eating to keep up my strength.  I have oatmeal for breakfast, soup and salad for lunch, soup and salad and potato for dinner.  This is in addition to the juices (today our goal is 9 juices).  How quick i progress to the 13 juices/5 enemas per day plan will depend on the guidance I get from the Institute. And, I hope to  hear Monday as to when they can take me into their clinic.

Bree and Kathy were in the kitchen all day yesterday.  This is a labor intensive therapy, with someone else doing the labor.  Something that would help them out is for those nearby to bring food for the caregivers, because taking care of me is a full time job.  Since many have offered to help, we will try to set up a schedule.  Thank you in advance if you are able to help in this manner.  Once I hear from the Institute, we will also figure out a schedule if some of you want to become part of our kitchen schedule and learn how to juice and prepare my daily nutrition.

Please remember this is an emotional time for my entire family.  They have their ups and downs throughout the day, and we are taking this one day at a time.  But, although I may feel physically weak, my spirit is unchanged.  Throughout my time with the doctors, my daily discomforts, and my restless periods at night at no time have I been fearful.  I still continue to receive daily blessings, and I am nourished and revitalized through everyone's efforts.  The outporing is overwhelming, I am in tears with gratitude, and I must remember that this is my time to receive and heal.

Bree has added a feature--a box on the right--that hopefully will allow you to enter your e-mail address so you will receive e-mail notification each time I post a blog.  This will make it easier for you to follow.  Sorry I didn't know about that when I first set this up.