kbienapfl's Cancer Blog

June 16, 2008

Official Test Subject Views: 873

Thought I would take the opportunity to post an update. I am currently resting in my hospital room at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Today was my first full vitamin C infusion. The procedure went well. Notice I didn’t describe it as ‘very’ well. There were a few very tolerable side effects. One of them was being sick to my stomach. I don’t care for that so much. Tomorrow’s infusion will be better as they will adjust certain dosages. Hey…I’m a breathing petri dish in a Phase I trial. These things are going to happen.

My diagnostic testing last week returned good results! I am very happy and relieved to report that there has not been significant tumor growth in my right lung. That is a reason to celebrate in itself. The best news is that my scans showed that these tumors are still just hangin’ in my right lung. No migrating to other organs! YES!

One concern I had during all of my testing was that my blood counts or kidney function might cause me to be ineligible for the the trial. More good news….I am a very, very healthy specimen. As I was educating myself on this specific trial, I found a website describing the individuals involved in this trial as ‘one foot in the grave and the other foot on a banana peel’. How dare they! I’m very far from that, thank you very much!

My days over the next four weeks will be very busy. I am required to be at the hospital every Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. My infusions and observation take place until about 2:00 p.m. daily, with the exception of Friday (they let me go early on Friday’s). After that I have a rigorous schedule of acupuncture, massage, reiki, massage and more massage. Hey somebody has to do it!

My dear friend, Basia, lives about 45 minutes from CTCA and is providing a relaxing and comfortable environment in her home. She even has a sweet puppy that enjoys sitting in my lap (sorry Bert!). A home away from home. We juice and create healthy food concoctions together. We’re having fun getting healthier as we learn. Thank you, Basia. Your gift of hospitality and friendship will be forever appreciated.

There’s the update. I am an official test subject. It’s hard to believe sometimes. Me…the girl from Zion, could be setting the course for future cancer treatment. Cool, eh?

Here’s the deal. I’ll keep the positive attitude…you keep those wonderful prayers coming. Good things are bound to happen.

My love to all of you.

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 5:19:39 PM by Kathy Bienapfl ( Link to this post.

Official Test Subject, Post a comment.

6 comments)

hi! im happy to read your blogs..help those who do not have money

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 5:22:55 PM by julius

Juicing is too cool.

Prayers and well wishes to you as you blaze a trail we may all be able to follow.

God’s work indeed

Mac

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 5:32:06 PM by rigidridr

Hi Kathy, I am so….glad to hear that upbeat, happy gal again! You know those healing prayers keep storming the heavens for you. Shalom, Lily

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 5:51:52 PM by stargazerlily17

Kathy,
How did you end up at CTCA? Your last news to us was the disappointment of not having the surgery. What inspired you to look into this next step? Does your insurance cover the current treatment? What is the course of therapy? Have there been other patients who have had results from this Vit C infusion before you? Please fill us in. I pray it goes well for you! Gaile

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 7:36:18 PM by gaile

That is great news Kathy. What a cool program. I will be praying for positive results.

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 8:23:50 PM by jill

Kathy,
I have heard great things about Cancer Treatment Centers of America. How do the people there seem? Positive I hope. What a great change that would be from other doctors. Tell us more of what it is like when you can.
Donna