Update from Derek

I wanted to comment on my journey with cancer (liposarcoma), and my current treatment through Camelot Cancer Care in Tulsa, Ok. For those of you new to this blog, I was diagnosed with Myxoid Liposarcoma with a tumor in my left posterior thigh in October of 2008. Sarcomas are 1% of adult cancers and liposarcomas are 1% of that. A local surgeon tried to take all of the tumor out, but...it came back, of course. Needless to say, I started out my journey with cancer with a lot of fear and confusion. I went to CTCA in Tulsa, OK only to be told this by a doctor: "I don't see these types of cancer, this is rare, I don't know how to treat you, I am concerned for your life, I don't know what the next step is, you need to be at either Sloan-Kettering or MD Anderson!" At least he was honest. So, I went to Houston. MD Anderson was like a cancer holocaust. I felt like a number, not a person. I have never seen so many pale, scarred, hairless, and scared people in my life. My wife kept bursting into tears. I took their scans, waited patiently for the results and their coveted medical opinion, and decided never to return. I respect most doctors, but this time, I felt they did not have the answer for me. I decided, much to my wife (at first) and family's dismay, to go alternative to "cure" my condition.

After countless hours of research, I realized that I had a "terrain" problem. I had to make my body a hostile environment to cancer. I have embraced many alternative protocols, but more specifically the Bill Henderson Protocol and those on cancertutor.com . I also embrace and agree with Todd Bolinger's book, "Cancer: Step Outside the Box". Through these, (along with many other protocols, faith in God, and trust in my body's ability) I overcame my fear of cancer. It has now been over a year since my diagnosis. I recently was urged by family to consider getting treatment at a clinic so as to not get backed into a corner with the cancer. My mom said, "If I were to sell stock and pay for it...would you go somewhere to get help?" I told her there was only one place that I would consider in the states, and all of my research pointed to Camelot Cancer Care in Tulsa, Ok. The science behind the DMSO made sense to me. I also was also interested in the work of Dr. Coley and the induced fever therapy for cancer, specifically Sarcomas, as mentioned in the Ralph Moss reports.

Camelot Cancer Care

I started treatments at Camelot with the DMSO and other ingredients on Nov 2-21, 2009. I had a recent PET scan on the 23rd and the results showed a large 8 cm tumor in my thigh, with outer 8.8 SUV value,...BUT, with a necrotic center!! The center of the tumor is dying...clinic director Maureen said, "We have it on the run!, We can't stop now, we can beat this!" I also have NO distal metastatic disease!! I am encouraged by the results.I am continuing with take- home treatments. The people at CAMELOT are phenomenal. They are passionate about what they do. Queen Maureen- she is feisty and not afraid to call it like it is. She comes across awkward at first, but then, you see the Einstein-like genius emerge when she starts talking cancer! When I think of Maureen, I think of Emily Dickinson's poem, "Much Madness is Divinest Sense" Within 5 minutes of being there, I knew I was in the right place. They talked my language. Lady Belinda, the vascular nurse (she loves what she does,she said I had a "beautiful" vein) I have never met anyone more skilled, more passionate, more caring or determined person to have at my side. Sir Noel -a true nobleman, gentleman, and friend. It was Noel that gave me analogies and pep-talks, that encouraged me to stand strong. Just ask for his speech on the primary immune system and the Spartans!! There was also John, the clinic manager/guitar prodigy, and... Meticulous Michael, the IV tech. Oh, and not to forget, Noel's dog...the Camelot mascot...CHAMP the doberman! I count myself blessed to have met these individuals. They continue, as I write, to monitor my progress, coach, and encourage me in my fight against this. I feel like the captain in the Apollo 13 movie, I am out there in space with dangerous odds, but I am not alone...and I know that even if all I have on board is duct tape and few canisters...Maureen,Belinda, Noel, John, and Micheal will not stop until they see me back home safely!

Update: I have a few more iv bags to finish and then I will be scheduled for another PET scan soon in February. I feel great. Still believing that the tumor is dying or necrotic and will eventually dissolve or may be able to be removed safely with surgery. Please continue to pray for me. I covet your intercessions on my behalf. My utmost thanks to those who have given to us financially. Your kindness is overwhelming.

Derek

Slowly, But Surely Beating Cancer Butt!

Hi Dear Ones!
I felt it was time to give a quick update. God is more than good to us. Things are going well...we are continuing the treatments that we began in November at Camelot Cancer Care in Tulsa. I administer the daily drip treatments through his Picc line, and I change his dressing every seven days. If you know me at all, you know that I have an extreme fear of needles (a phobia I've had since childhood)! I hate needles, syringes, IV's, and I become very weak, even to the point of passing out (a time or two) at the sight of blood!! So...most of these things are COMPLETELY out of my COMFORT ZONE! However, I can tell you (TESTIFY!), that God has given me a supernatural strength to get through this time. I can also, honestly say, that I absolutely love taking care of Derek in this way. I count it an absolute joy to walk this path with him and to feel like I have a part in his healing! We have become such a great team over this past year. Derek continues with the supplements, juicing, diet, and enemas. I help him with the juicing, supplements and meals, where I can. We are blessed that Camelot staff has come up with a wonderful plan for kicking cancer booty and long term health for Derek. A plan that hasn't completely taken over our lives. Derek continues to work and feel great! The treatments do require time, effort and energy..but are not a hassle at all and I know things could be so much worse! I feel such thankfulness, to God, for the path in which He has so obviously led us!! I can so clearly see God's hand in every step that we have taken over this past year and three months and His provision throughout is nothing short of overwhelming!! Just as we run out of a treatment bag, God's unexpected provision shows up, yet again...in the most amazing ways!! The director, Maureen, and staff at Camelot are amazingly generous (outright GIVING on more than one occasion) and will literally work every angle to provide us with the treatments needed to finish this fight. They absolutely have gone above and beyond for us. Even to the point of offering to drive the three hours from Tulsa to us, here in Texas, when our transmission went out on the van. That is right! John, from the clinic, offered to make the six hour, round trip to bring us the supplies and treatment bags! Instead, our buddy, Troy, who lives up near Tulsa and is working in our area, delivered the bags! Thanks Troy ! The financial help from friends and family is amazing every time..in that God's timing is perfect!! It never fails (His love never does!) that a need arises and the EXACT amount comes in the mail from an uncle or cousin. So many have blessed us! Thanks for being God's hands! We have another PET Scan in February, to see how much more of the tumor is dead (I hope the whole thing will be dead!), so please keep us in your prayers!
God bless!
~Misty

Welcome 2010!!

Wow! What a difference a year makes!! This time last year, we were months into 'the diagnosis', without a plan, and unsure of what our next steps should be. We had been to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (in November), only to be turned away, then sent to M.D. Anderson (in December), and we were waiting on their 'treatment plan'...I was feeling anxious, scared, and quite honestly, as the New Year was being celebrated, I wondered how many New Year's Derek and I would face together.. BUT that was THEN!! This is NOW...as we celebrated this New Year, I felt so full of HOPE!! I felt tremendous peace. I realized that I lost something in 2009 that won't be joining me in 2010...FEAR! I am so hopeful that this is the year that we will see cancer eliminated from Derek's body!! Keep praying, we are very excited to see what the February PET Scan reveals!!
~This is going to be a great year!!
May 2010 bring nothing but blessing your way!!
Misty