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07/02/2007: "Self-Inflicted Chemo"

Like giving yourself a shot, it is one thing to figure that it has to be done, and have someone else deliver it. It is another to give it to yourself. I can remember getting psyched up to get chemotherapy for the first time. Once again, I had just come out of a surgery (part of my colon removed) and a week long hospital stay. I spent a few weeks recovering and my doctor insisted it was time to start. He sat me down and showed me the statistics and odds of going on it versus not. It felt like my only option.

So for three days in a row every couple weeks, I would go into the office and sit in the recliner while they hooked me up to an IV that would run for hours each day. I would start to feel sick almost immediately, the sickness only letting up a few weeks later when it was time for another sitting.

Now, I stare at the prescription bottle, pop the top twice a day and do it to myself. We had the prescription home for a day or so before I got the nerve to start. It has been a little over 2 years when I had to psyched myself up the first time and over a year when they discovered more tumors and I started again. Those memories were refreshed this weekend. But instead of feeling like I am out of control with the decision and the administration, this time I own it.

For being such an advocate for alternative approaches and solutions, I marvel at the number of prescription drugs I now have on the shelf. Without exaggeration, there must be twenty of them, between the pain pills, blood thinner injections, creams, and other medications. Many of them will sit and be tossed, others I am on. The other day, I finally had to make a list of everything so I could keep track.

AM
Conventional Drugs
- Lovenox injection (blood thinner for clots post surgery)
- Xeloda (Chemotherapy)
Alternative Supplements
- Essiac Tea (American Indian Cancer Support)
- RM 10 (Immune system boost)
- Barley Power (Immune System Boost)
- Liquid Zeolite (chelator/cure)

Afternoon
Conventional Drug
- Prednisone (steroid for lungs)
Alternative Supplements
- Multi-vitamin
- Vitamin C
- Selenium
- Coral Calcium
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- RM 10

PM
Conventional Drugs
- Lovenox
- Xeloda
Alternative Supplements
- Liquid Zeolite (chelator/cure)

Replies: 4 Comments

on Monday, July 2nd, linda said

Hey Doug: You are only doing the right things for you and the family. Glad to see you are taking Zeolite. I also think it is time for "The Secret". I will get a copy this weekend and bring it by. I love you and the family and always have you in my prayers!! LG

on Monday, July 2nd, Bonnie Marks said

Time to get out the guitar and write a tune about being a

Hip Hoppin'
Pill Poppin'
Vein Stabbin'
Chemo Grabbin'
Man!

You know you Rock in our book.

on Monday, July 2nd, Cindy said

Probably very untactfully put but i don't know how to say it..I'm happy to see it's two years later and you are fighting the fight as strong as ever. Your journal is such an emotional read. Your honesty, humor, candidness, I hear your voice reading it to me. Keep up the great fight.
Love Cindy

on Monday, July 2nd, pam said

Hi Doug,
You wouldn't want to go back to the Chemo Room anyway, it's change so much....they painted the room yellow, took the T.V. out, put in a couple more reclinder, it's so pack that hardly any room to walk. Conversations is heartly heard, (everybody is napping ) Lots of luck on this new treatment. Take Care!