New Consulting Doctor.

I had the chance, while Matt and I were attending a major regional XangO convention, I had a chance to consult for quite some time.  He's widely considered one of the world's premier medical experts on the health usages of mangosteen juice, and other naturopathic treatments.  He is an MD, and licensed to practice in the U.S. and Canada, so he's got some "regular" credentials, and has treated hundreds and hundreds of patients.

I described our cancer situation and he confirmed that, though the Melanoma had been developing in one way or another for a long time, it is highly likely that my relative recent consumption of the Juice significanly enhanced the immunity (and other) properties of my body in stopping the growth beyond the tumor itself (no lymph node involvement, no other vital organs or healthy skin).

That's the good news.  However, he also said that current medical testing techniques (PET/CT Scans, blood tests, etc) are probably insufficient to detect - and subsequently treat until it's too late - microscopic traces of melanoma remaining in the body.  He gave specific instances of friends and patients who had recurrences, etc.  He recommended a natural regimen, with a specific plant-derived substance, that he assures me will kill any remaining cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells in tact.  It works by depriving energy to cancer cells (which need and consume energy at a very rapid pace).   He also recommended a special laboratory that is able to test the blood in the particular way in order to detect the presence of the trace cancer cells to pre-test and post-test this activity.  He also recommened a six-week dramatic diet change, to accompany the natural treatment. 

So, this was a little alarming - since we feel pretty good about the recent "cancer free" results.  (Recent removal of small lesion from my chest will be diagnosed within a few days, but fully expect a benign status.)   But, encouraged that there appears to be a solution.  We respect Dr. Templeman greatly, and will probably follow his prescription here.  He said there will be considerable fatigue as a result of the treatment, but that Xango will help to ammeliorate that side-effect.  But, I'm absolutely going to detest the diet restriction he's calling for.

Will let you know how things go. 

Update...

March 20, went for PET/CT fusion scan at Mary Washington Hospital.  We expected a good report, but when the Doctor called yesterday to give me the news, he said "Everything looks good.  No sign of cancer!".  I was surprised  at how good it made me feel just to hear him say that.  I guess after you have had the worst possible health news, and even though you have had good news since, you still sort of "hunker down" following a major test, to sort of brace yourself in case it is another blow.  Well, it wasn't!   I was in my office when I got the call and, after I hung up, I actually called out "I'm still cancer-free!!"  (There were only about three of us there at the time, and no one was on the phone so it wasn't too disturbing, I guess.)  My boss actually came over and embraced me.  Good feeling.  It was a pretty cool moment.  And the new intern seemed to be amazed with what he was gathering from my story.   

We are really rejoicing in this good news, and continue to be amazed that the dark prognosis we started with on September 22 , has become the positive - though cautiously received - reality that we are experiencing today. Thank you for your continued prayers.                                                                                             

The Latest...

We have received a number of kind inquiries about "how's Tom doing", so thought we should try to update everyone. 

Medically, nothing has really changed.  We are to schedule additional scans (quarterly for a while) soon.  Minor surgery scheduled at Georgetown University for December 5, was rescheduled to February 13 due to the untimely death of Mary Anne's brother, George (of Melanoma, by the way, which provided additional opportunity for "connectedness" with George's wife, Carol).  This minor surgery stuff is just to remove some "little places" that "aren't probably anything" but that are removed for sake of caution, given someone with Tom's history.

Facial muscles are coming back slowly, but still must wear glasses instead of contacts (bummer), and Tom feels his smile is "still crooked".  Minor things, really, considering.  The scar is improiving greatly in appearance, to the point that most people say, "Oh, that's not too bad." or - if they've seen it before - say, "Wow. It's looking so much better".  The bottom third of the ear is still missing, though. :)  Tom recently traveled to Boise, Idaho, Phoenix Arizona, and Lexington, Kentucky for presentations and lots of interaction with people - for his job.  Different reactions, but he's adjusting.  That part of it is interesting, though.  Providentially, and unexpectedly, had a chance to give his testimony at Phoenix prayer breakfast.  Many other opportunities to share individually to those who ask. 

Again, we have been so encouraged and humbled by the many words (and actions, and gifts) of encouragement and blessing from so many.  Thank you.  Thank you. Thank you.

Love,

Tom and Mary Anne

Big Guns

     Well, we've been meaning to get this blogged, but have neglected it badly.  Apologies. 

     Traveled to the Lombardi Cancer Institute at Georgetown University (in D.C.) this past Tuesday. (after voting, of course).  You may recall we were referred there by Hemotologist/Oncologist we saw end of September because they wanted Tom to see someone with greater expertise due in part to the nature of Tom's melanoma (only 5% are like his - no coloration, etc.  called "spindal melanoma" - which by the way, makes it very difficult to detect).  The Doctor at Georgetown is "considered" to be one of the top people in the country.  We were pleased to be able to get his perspective, and knew he would give us more "options" going forward.  We would have gotten to him sooner, but he - and the other docs - felt that we must have the "big surgery" first so that it could be absolutely confident about the lymph nodes and the "margins" around the original tumor.  If the nodes were "involved" it would dictate different treatment options (obviously) than if they weren't. 

     Anyway, Dr. Cohen looked over our situation, reviewed the test, and files, and then gave Tom his own exam.  He basically said the following:  "There are some treatments I could recommend (interferon injections - which he explained in much detail, including the significant side-effects, including liver impact, depression, flu-like symptoms, etc), but somehow you're immune system stopped that tumor from spreading any further than the tumor itself.  Not sure why that is, but, if it was me, I just might want to 'sit tight' and do nothing more than you're doing right now, and just keep an eye on it."  (Interestingly, we had a conversation with Dr. Vaughn Johnson, following a Xango meeting last Saturday, who said that the xanthones in the Mangosteen juice we have been drinking may have indeed helped my immune system to contain the tumor, which - given its size - should have certainly spread to other organs, or at least the lymph nodes.)   Of course, we give all the credit to God for his merciful intervention on our behalf.

     Dr. Cohen also suggested we might explore some experimental treatment that is basically a "melanoma vaccine" program being conducted at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville.  We did think about this over the last several days, but have concluded that we probably will not pursue this, opting to hold tight to the current facts, maintain our current focus on naturally building immunity.  Dr said we have a "50-50" chance that the melanoma will return. 

     Our good Fredericksburg surgeon, Dr. Dash, and his staff, were able to get us an appointment with a Dermatology team at Georgetown while we were there, and had a quite *thorough* whole-body exam.  Though no cancer was found - of course - they did identify a few minor "things" that should be removed.  Drs said that normally they would leave them alone, but given the history, and the fact that Tom's particular type of melanoma is so difficult to detect, they should remove them surgically.  That is scheduled for Dec 5.  minor thing. 

     Also are scheduled for detailed dermatology exams at Georgetown every 3 months for a while, and Dr. Cohen suggested PET scan every three months for a while, also.  So, we know that we can count on several thousand dollars worth of medical bills each year for a while on this deal.   Other consultations will conclude before settling on a "watch and see" schedule.

     Tom still struggles greatly with his facial muscles, but it is slowly improving.  His discomfort (usually not painful) remains, but he is tolerating it better.  He is still self-conscious about his appearance, but realizes - at least in his head - that it represents a "mark of testimony" that can be an ultimate blessing.  Other surgeries may be possible in the future for potential modification. 

     We continue to count this trial as a blessing.  We have learned at least these several things:  1)  That when faced with pending death, the assurance of eternal life through Christ shines as the ultimate truth.  2) God's grace is in sufficient supply for every trial, for those going through it and those who go through it alongside them.  3)  The love and support that comes from family and friends, far and near, is a humbling, surprising, sustaining, joyful experience.  4) Nutritional supplementation isn't optional.

Love to you all,  Tom and Mary Anne

"Minor Setbacks"

We're getting some extra opportunities to respond positively to difficult circumstances. 

1)  Hoping to get into the Lombardi Cancer Institute at Georgetown University before now, it appears that it will be one week from today (Nov 7, ELECTION DAY, by the way. Make sure you VOTE!).  Not really a problem, but it causes to have more "unknowns" for a longer period of time.  We're anxious to hear their further prognosis, and to hear their recommendations for next steps.  Of course, Tom continues to take the miracle juice, Xango.

2)  Tom's first day actually back in the office - following the surgery - was yesterday.  Warm welcome from his colleagues was very encouraging.  He was pretty charged up about being "back in the saddle" - though he had been working from home almost every day - but....

3)  Developed a "moderate to severe reaction" (Doc's words) to some of the medications, resulting in a severe whole-body rash, with intense (almost painful, as he puts it) itching, a very red face - as if sunbured badly - and  which is also swollen, particularly his lips and mouth - with sores throughout his mouth, making it difficult to speak.  We were thankful that the hives - or whatever - did not block his airway in the night last night.  Needless to say we had a very long night.  Doc has prescribed some steroids to reduce the swelling and rash (along with other meds to counteract the side-effects of the steroids), and is taking some Benedryl also, which soothes some of the itching.

4)  Car troubles have caused extra expense right as some of the medical bills are coming due, and then more troubles with the car developed within about  36 hours of getting the car out of the shop.  So, it's back in while we await the "damage" on the second trip. (first: transmission, second, electronic ignition problem). 

But, we are striving, by God's abundant grace and provision, to not be discouraged.  This experience has been, and continues to be, a unique blessing from God.

Again, we cannot thaink you all enough for the wonderful expressions of love, prayers, and support.

Lovingly, Tom and Mary Anne