On my birthday, I felt like Queen for the Day with all the cards, emails and phone calls that I received. Thanks to each of you for remembering me. I share an October birthday with many of my old (guess former is a better word) classmates and I want to wish each of you a big Happy Birthday, as well. I'm sorry to say, that specific dates elude my memory, but I think of all of you during October. Sure as I start to name names, I'll forget someone and be in real trouble.
After getting the latest results from my blood tests, we returned home from Pocatello on Friday. Let's just say that the treatments failed and the cancer has spread into my liver, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. The Dr. suggested that I might try going to Germany for the additional heat treatment, but the 10-hour trip would just be too much and probably wouldn't change the end result anyway. So, I choose to just come home enjoy my family and friends for whatever time I have left.
Now that I've been off the treatments for a couple of days, I'm actually feeling better. I have a little more energy and haven't be nauseated as much. Last night, I celebrated by having pizza and a little diet coke! Tasted wonderful! My kids all came and helped us clean the trailer and pulled out all the dead flowers from the flower beds. They are just the greatest kids and I can't praise them enough. And, no, I'm not prejudiced. I'm so grateful that we have some time to just focus on all the important things like love, friendship, and memories. They want to have our annual pumpkin carving party next weekend so the grandkids and I can have a time together. We all carve pumpkins, then line them up outside and light them. It's quite a sight! I'll take some pictures and post after next weekend. This year, Angie is making sugar cookies so each child can decorate one (or more). Then we have hot soup, etc. It's always been an event that we look forward to each year.
So, family and friends, I hope to see most of you again--soon. If not, I'll be waiting for you when we have our reunion on the other side. Just think of the reunion I'll be having here in a short while--my parents, grandparents, siblings and many friends. I pray that I have lived the kind of life that will enable me to meet my maker without too many regrets. I wouldn't have choosen to leave right now, but guess we don't always get to chose, do we. It pains me a great deal to leave Brent and my family.
Love, Jinny
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
October 17, 2008 Update
Greetings from beautiful Pocatello, ID. Just the place I have always want to spend a month of my life! Not! I'll explain more about why I'm in Pocatello a little later.
I apologize for not answering emails for the last little while, but the past two weeks were from Hell! I was so ill that I felt like everything I'm doing is in vain. And if that was the case, then I just wanted to be freed from it all. Finally, the clouds lifted on Sunday, and I am doing much better. I hope that was the worst of it--so at least I have hope again.
I had the PET scan done two weeks ago Wed. The results showed that the cancer has mestastized into my right hip and femur and also in my spine. Not the best of results. I have continued on the original treatment of Cesium Chloride (CC) and the other gunk, but I'm also doing another treatment which compliments the Cesium regime. After learning of a clinic here in ID, we called and asked what their treatment consisted of and whether or not it complimented the CC treatment. The head doctor, himself, took our call and answered every question we fired at him. After the phone call, we made an appoinment for the following Thursday. (This is the same treatment received by Parker Jensen, the 12-year-old boy whos parents refused to get him chemo. If you can't remember the story, just Google his name.)
What we learned at the clinic is that the four things cancer cells can't tolerate aree: A body with an Alkiline PH (thus the CC), Vitamin C, oxygen, and heat. The only one I'm not able to get here in the States is the heat therapy. There's just not enough money in the treatment for the pharmacutical compies. The Vitamin C and oxygen, plus other nutrients are given via an IV. So, we stay in our RV from Monday afternoon until Friday early afternoon, then I go home.
I apologize for not answering emails for the last little while, but the past two weeks were from Hell! I was so ill that I felt like everything I'm doing is in vain. And if that was the case, then I just wanted to be freed from it all. Finally, the clouds lifted on Sunday, and I am doing much better. I hope that was the worst of it--so at least I have hope again.
I had the PET scan done two weeks ago Wed. The results showed that the cancer has mestastized into my right hip and femur and also in my spine. Not the best of results. I have continued on the original treatment of Cesium Chloride (CC) and the other gunk, but I'm also doing another treatment which compliments the Cesium regime. After learning of a clinic here in ID, we called and asked what their treatment consisted of and whether or not it complimented the CC treatment. The head doctor, himself, took our call and answered every question we fired at him. After the phone call, we made an appoinment for the following Thursday. (This is the same treatment received by Parker Jensen, the 12-year-old boy whos parents refused to get him chemo. If you can't remember the story, just Google his name.)
What we learned at the clinic is that the four things cancer cells can't tolerate aree: A body with an Alkiline PH (thus the CC), Vitamin C, oxygen, and heat. The only one I'm not able to get here in the States is the heat therapy. There's just not enough money in the treatment for the pharmacutical compies. The Vitamin C and oxygen, plus other nutrients are given via an IV. So, we stay in our RV from Monday afternoon until Friday early afternoon, then I go home.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Memories are what life's all about.
Stella & Grant Watson with B&J taken in New Hampshire in 2001.Other than my own family and my parents, the two people who have influenced my life, probably more than any one else, has been my sister, Stella, and her husband, Grant Watson. They have been an island in the middle of the storm for Brent & I and our family many, many times.
When our mother died in 1977, Stella very quickly took over the mother role in our family. Each one of us turned to her for comfort and/or advice more than once. She always gives of herself, opens her doors to anyone in need, and shares whatever she has. She has fostered many young people and helped them through difficult times. And, Grant has always been right there beside her with an open heart.
Many years ago, Stella and I discovered that we are as close to twins as two sisters can be despite the eight years that separate us. We can and do read each others thoughts, show up at social functions dressed almost alike, etc., etc. We share confidences that we don't share with anyone else including our husbands (sorry Brent & Grant). We even feel what the other is feeling. When Stella learned of my illness, she said that she felt like half of her was being torn away.
The four of us have traveled and shared so many wonderful experiences over the past few years. They have owned travel trailers for many years and invited us to go with them on several trips. Once Brent & I discovered how much fun it was, we signed on the dotted line and bought our first fifth-wheel. Since then, the four of us have covered almost every state between Texas and the West Coast. We have been fortunate enough to be able to accompany them "Snow Birding" to Yuma, AZ each winter for a month or so. We also took a Caribbean cruise and took the fall foliage tour through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachussetts (one of our favorite trips). We weren't nearly through traveling yet, so I have to get better very soon.
Since I became ill, Stella has been by my side almost daily. I don't know what I would have done without her. I call her my "slave for the day," as she takes over all the household tasks plus cooks and nurses me. When her time comes to return to Heavenly Father, she will be welcomed with a host of singing angels and a huge celebration as she has certainly earned her place there. I would feel much better about my own homecoming had I lived as exemplary a life as she has.
Thank you, Stella and Grant, for your love, devotion and the example you are to so many. Words cannot express my love for you two and your family. We hope to be able to create many, many more wonderful memories.
Love, Jinny
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
September 23, 2008
I haven't posted now for almost a week. I've had some not-so-good days and just didn't feel up to sitting at the computer. I'm feeling quite perky today, so wanted to write an update on what's happening the Larson household.
Again, my thanks to those of you who stopped by this week and/or brought in food. Your visits, concern and the food are all much appreciated. One thing about an illness in a family, it brings about visits from people we haven't seen as much as we'd like to during the past years. It really drives home the importance of keeping in touch with those we love and care about.
We had our family picture taken on Sunday. We left a place for our new little great-granddaughter so her picture could be added after she gets here (around Oct. 24). Our entire family was there and we're very anxious to get the pictures on Friday. As always, the hard part will be trying to narrow down the ones we want to under 500. The photographer took a lot of pictures!
As I said, I've had a few days that past week that have been a little tough, but I've also had some good days. It's now been over a week since I started on the witches brew. The instructions said I would probably feel worse before I felt better as my body gets rid of all the toxins, so I was prepared to not feel well. Sunday and Monday were about the two worst days, but today I'm feeling stronger and not nauseous. I am scheduled to have a PET scan on Wednesday. From that, they should be able to tell where else the cancer has spread. My sister said that perhaps it would just be better to be like an ostridge and stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best. But, I want to know, as much as possible, what I'm facing.
I met with the oncologist last Friday, and he said there is a zero percent chance of surviving this type of cancer with as big as it is and being inoperable. He suggested chemo to perhaps buy some time. But, I've decided against it as I don't want to risk losing any quality time I have just to get deathly sick from the chemo in hopes of prolonging the inevitable for a few weeks. This is the MEDICAL prognosis. So, alternative treatments are my only hope. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!
My family continues to be a rock for me with their love and support. How I will hate leaving them if this all goes south! We are such a close family, and almost daily go through a full range of emotions--from laughing to crying. I hope they remember the laughing more than the crying.
I'll write more after the PET scan.
Love to you all,
Jinny
Again, my thanks to those of you who stopped by this week and/or brought in food. Your visits, concern and the food are all much appreciated. One thing about an illness in a family, it brings about visits from people we haven't seen as much as we'd like to during the past years. It really drives home the importance of keeping in touch with those we love and care about.
We had our family picture taken on Sunday. We left a place for our new little great-granddaughter so her picture could be added after she gets here (around Oct. 24). Our entire family was there and we're very anxious to get the pictures on Friday. As always, the hard part will be trying to narrow down the ones we want to under 500. The photographer took a lot of pictures!
As I said, I've had a few days that past week that have been a little tough, but I've also had some good days. It's now been over a week since I started on the witches brew. The instructions said I would probably feel worse before I felt better as my body gets rid of all the toxins, so I was prepared to not feel well. Sunday and Monday were about the two worst days, but today I'm feeling stronger and not nauseous. I am scheduled to have a PET scan on Wednesday. From that, they should be able to tell where else the cancer has spread. My sister said that perhaps it would just be better to be like an ostridge and stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best. But, I want to know, as much as possible, what I'm facing.
I met with the oncologist last Friday, and he said there is a zero percent chance of surviving this type of cancer with as big as it is and being inoperable. He suggested chemo to perhaps buy some time. But, I've decided against it as I don't want to risk losing any quality time I have just to get deathly sick from the chemo in hopes of prolonging the inevitable for a few weeks. This is the MEDICAL prognosis. So, alternative treatments are my only hope. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!
My family continues to be a rock for me with their love and support. How I will hate leaving them if this all goes south! We are such a close family, and almost daily go through a full range of emotions--from laughing to crying. I hope they remember the laughing more than the crying.
I'll write more after the PET scan.
Love to you all,
Jinny
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Again, our thanks goes to all of you who have read the blog and then emailed or called us. I don't know what I have done to deserve all the love and concern that you continue to show.
Last weekend was three of the best days of my life. We had many, many family members and friends visit us. After a few initial tears, the rest of the time was spent reminiscing, laughing and having a wonderful visit. Each night, I was on an adrenalin rush! Thanks to all of you who helped make that weekend so special. I'll be writing more about those visits later.
Today is the third day that I have now been on the "brew." It keeps my family busy just keeping all the organic fruits and veggies on hand and then preparing it each day. We have experimented on the best way for me to get everything taken in forms that I can tolerate. We make about 24 oz. of pure, organic vegetable and fruit juice a day. I found that if we just mix 6 oz. of the juice and all of the other stuff in with it, I can just chug the nasty brew down without taking a breath so I don't taste it. It's pretty terrible tasting! Then the rest of the day, I can just have the good-tasting juices. I get very hungry (a good sign) for normal foods, so we're also experimenting on some recipes using the whole foods. Any of you who may have some good recipes that contain no sugar, whole or refined grains, dairy products (including soy and whey), or refined anything, PLEASE email them to us. That pretty much leaves cardboard, right? But, as I said, anybody can do anything for a day; and that's how I take this--just a day at a time.
During the past week, I have only had three days that I haven't felt quite as well. I am pretty much pain free because of the block I had; and the bloating is all but gone. Other than getting easily tired, I think we're all excited that I'm doing so well. On Friday, I have an appt. with the oncologist who will then order a PET scan. Then we'll know exactly where the cancer is, etc.
That's about all for today.
Love, Jinny & Brent
Last weekend was three of the best days of my life. We had many, many family members and friends visit us. After a few initial tears, the rest of the time was spent reminiscing, laughing and having a wonderful visit. Each night, I was on an adrenalin rush! Thanks to all of you who helped make that weekend so special. I'll be writing more about those visits later.
Today is the third day that I have now been on the "brew." It keeps my family busy just keeping all the organic fruits and veggies on hand and then preparing it each day. We have experimented on the best way for me to get everything taken in forms that I can tolerate. We make about 24 oz. of pure, organic vegetable and fruit juice a day. I found that if we just mix 6 oz. of the juice and all of the other stuff in with it, I can just chug the nasty brew down without taking a breath so I don't taste it. It's pretty terrible tasting! Then the rest of the day, I can just have the good-tasting juices. I get very hungry (a good sign) for normal foods, so we're also experimenting on some recipes using the whole foods. Any of you who may have some good recipes that contain no sugar, whole or refined grains, dairy products (including soy and whey), or refined anything, PLEASE email them to us. That pretty much leaves cardboard, right? But, as I said, anybody can do anything for a day; and that's how I take this--just a day at a time.
During the past week, I have only had three days that I haven't felt quite as well. I am pretty much pain free because of the block I had; and the bloating is all but gone. Other than getting easily tired, I think we're all excited that I'm doing so well. On Friday, I have an appt. with the oncologist who will then order a PET scan. Then we'll know exactly where the cancer is, etc.
That's about all for today.
Love, Jinny & Brent
Monday, September 15, 2008
Welcome Family & Friends
Dear Family & Friends,
My granddaughter and grandson, Ashli & Ben Paynter, created this blog for Brent & I so that we could keep in touch with everyone with one fell swoop. Unless you already have a blog, you won't be able to post comments on my site. Just email me at jinnylarson@hotmail.com or jinnylarson@gmail.com. My plans are to post updates as to how either I or the cancer is progressing. Hopefully it's me that will be progressing, not the cancer.
We are so completely overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and concern from all of you reading this, and from others who don't have access to read it, that we don't have the words to describe how you have all made us feel. If it's like Brent's sister, Marlene, said; "You just weren't getting enough attention," then I've received more attention now than I could ever hope for.
Another purpose for this blog is that I now have a place to recognize and pay tribute to the many people who have influenced my life (and Brent's). I owe so much to so many, that I wondered how I could ever get around to telling their stories without actually writing a book.
As I've explained "my story" to all of you about this pesky disease, I explained that about my only option at this point is alternative treatments. As my one dear neighbor described it, I'm going to be a Jinny-pig and experiment with this new treatment. Brent and I and our family feel encouraged with what it's supposed to do. I've decided that the reason I was "given" this disease was to be one of the Jinny-pigs who can be a testimonial as to it's effectiveness and help others. If that happens, it will all have been worth it.
So, with all that said, my kids started me on this new treatment last night. Many of you have asked me for the information to pass along to a family member or friend who is facing a similar battle. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in it, to do what my children did for me, and thoroughly research the information for yourself. The link to the website where you can find all the information is: http://www.essense-of-life.com/. From there you can do research on the many topics on the site. If you click on "Aliments," "Cancer," and then go from there, you can select specific types of cancer. Be sure to read all about Cesium Chloride as that's one of the most important ingredients. As this treatment is not FDA approved, you will see disclaimers all over the place. My personal belief is that the drug companies can't make the billions of $ they do now, so won't allow any type of cancer cure to be approved.
As the days progress on the treatment, I'll post updates as to how I feel, etc. As my body will be trying to rid itself of toxins, I'll likey feel worse before I feel better for a couple of weeks. Anyone can tolerate anything for two weeks, right???
Again, our love and appreciation goes out to all of you.
Love
Jinny & Brent
My granddaughter and grandson, Ashli & Ben Paynter, created this blog for Brent & I so that we could keep in touch with everyone with one fell swoop. Unless you already have a blog, you won't be able to post comments on my site. Just email me at jinnylarson@hotmail.com or jinnylarson@gmail.com. My plans are to post updates as to how either I or the cancer is progressing. Hopefully it's me that will be progressing, not the cancer.
We are so completely overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and concern from all of you reading this, and from others who don't have access to read it, that we don't have the words to describe how you have all made us feel. If it's like Brent's sister, Marlene, said; "You just weren't getting enough attention," then I've received more attention now than I could ever hope for.
Another purpose for this blog is that I now have a place to recognize and pay tribute to the many people who have influenced my life (and Brent's). I owe so much to so many, that I wondered how I could ever get around to telling their stories without actually writing a book.
As I've explained "my story" to all of you about this pesky disease, I explained that about my only option at this point is alternative treatments. As my one dear neighbor described it, I'm going to be a Jinny-pig and experiment with this new treatment. Brent and I and our family feel encouraged with what it's supposed to do. I've decided that the reason I was "given" this disease was to be one of the Jinny-pigs who can be a testimonial as to it's effectiveness and help others. If that happens, it will all have been worth it.
So, with all that said, my kids started me on this new treatment last night. Many of you have asked me for the information to pass along to a family member or friend who is facing a similar battle. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in it, to do what my children did for me, and thoroughly research the information for yourself. The link to the website where you can find all the information is: http://www.essense-of-life.com/. From there you can do research on the many topics on the site. If you click on "Aliments," "Cancer," and then go from there, you can select specific types of cancer. Be sure to read all about Cesium Chloride as that's one of the most important ingredients. As this treatment is not FDA approved, you will see disclaimers all over the place. My personal belief is that the drug companies can't make the billions of $ they do now, so won't allow any type of cancer cure to be approved.
As the days progress on the treatment, I'll post updates as to how I feel, etc. As my body will be trying to rid itself of toxins, I'll likey feel worse before I feel better for a couple of weeks. Anyone can tolerate anything for two weeks, right???
Again, our love and appreciation goes out to all of you.
Love
Jinny & Brent
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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