Doug Prouty's Battle for Health

Sunday, July 30th

Stereotactic Radiotherapy

spineTumor (43k image) As you know, I am moving forward with radiation treatments directed towards the tumor on my 7th vertebrae. Bone metastasis can be trouble as these tumors are more stubborn than most. If left unchecked, it could deteriorate the vertebrae until it crumbles.

I am lucky, as recent technological advancements have moved the field of radiology well into the 21st century. In my case as in spinal column and brain tumors, they are now using machines that are extremely accurate with their delivery of radiation. They are even referring to it as “surgery.”

Beginning August 10th, I will lay under a machine called the Novalis, which delivers Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT). The machine will deliver radiation in small, divided doses over a total of 13 daily sessions. The doctor will feed my MRI and CAT scan data into the Novalis computer and the radiation beams will be shaped to match the exact contour of the tumor. The machine steadily moves around the table so that the radiation penetrates the tumor from different angles. As a result, the tumor receives the full dose of radiation and hopefully the surrounding healthy tissue gets very little. It greatly reduces the damage to healthy surrounding tissue such as my spinal cord.

radio_novalisjpg (16k image) “Shaped Beam Surgery” is the latest technology and allows precision down to sub-millimeter accuracy. Unfortunately, in order to get that level of accuracy, they have to lock the patient down to a precise immobile location for each treatment. Last Thursday they made a mask for me. It is like a mesh of fiberglass stretched within a frame. They heated and pressed it on to my head and shoulders as I lay on a hard table locking the frame in place. As it cooled and dried, it hardened. As I sat there with this form fitted cage locked around my head, I quickly realized why this office distributes more Ativan than any other. Now I don’t consider myself terribly claustrophobic but this feels like someone has pulled the covers over your face and sat on your head. And you have to sit there without moving for over 20 minutes. It is so tight that it left mesh marks on my face that lasted for half an hour. Considering how hi-tech this process is, it feels like I am in some medieval torture device. I will try to bring my camera in to get a photo for you.

Doug on 07.30.06 @ 10:50 AM PST [link]

Tuesday, July 25th

A Pain in the Neck

In the last couple of weeks the pain is starting to slow me down. Over the last year, I have had some discomfort between my shoulder blades. It has felt like a stiff neck or a slight cramp. Until now, it has been pretty easy to ignore it and not let it slow me down. Swimming in college taught me to accept pain and work through it. It is ironic that the practice ignoring pain caused me to ignore the early warning signs of cancer.

I have been avoiding painkillers so that I can monitor the progress or lack of. I want to know where it hurts and what degree of pain I am feeling. Unfortunately, that is changing. Now I am trying to decide which drugs will have the least side effects. Does Vicodin make your liver work harder than Codine? Maybe accupuncture?

I can tell that nerves are being pinched. You know how it is if your back or neck gets out of alignment and you get a shooting pain down your arm or leg? Sometimes it runs across my chest or shoulder. Now it is on the right side of my neck and upper back. The last few nights have been difficult to even lay down.

Going through cancer and my prognosis naturally causes my family to go up and down emotionally. Fortunately, we have been “up” these days and I think it is mainly because I have been pretty strong physically. I am still able to wrestle with Nick in the pool and give Alex a piggyback when she requests. Besides being too skinny, I am not showing signs of decline. This last week I even decided to get serious about running again.

Next week, I will begin radiation on this neck tumor. Join me in praying that it works to kill, or at least decrease the size of this thing and I can go back to living with manageable pain.

Doug on 07.25.06 @ 01:58 PM PST [link]

Saturday, July 22nd

Longevity Diet

I saw a news teaser the other day about a Longevity Diet and I immediately thought; “Now that is what I need!” Seems everything I do these days is motivated by my wish to live longer. My exercise, diet, attitude, and even breath, are all attended to with longevity as a goal. So I decided to dig around the Internet to find out more about this diet and see if there is anything new that I can use.

The first thing I find referencing a Longevity Diet is Calorie Restriction – www.calorierestriction.org. This information references various studies such as one where monkeys, rodents and fish were found to live up to twice as long when they are forced to eat less. The initial human research suggests that even exercise can't compete with cutting calories when it comes to living longer. The recommendation is to reduce daily calories to around 1800 unless you are very athletic.

More research on longevity diets brings up a list of 12 superfoods that have anti-ageing and disease-fighting properties. These are: Avocados, Blueberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Omega 3 Oil from Hemp, Flax seed, or Fish, Live Yogurt, Oats, Onions, Garlic, Prunes, Sardines (mackeral, Salmon, etc), and Black Tea. What follows is a breakdown for each.

AVOCADO
They are mainly monounsaturated fat (the rest being mainly polyunsaturated), which can help to lower bad LDL cholesterol. Avocados contain folate, needed for cell division and blood-cell formation, essential for cell regeneration, and antioxidants. They include the antioxidant vitamin E (good for the skin); lutein, a carotenoid that protects against eye diseases; and beta-sisterol, a plant compound that can inhibit absorption of cholesterol and help to lower cholesterol.

BLUEBERRIES
One of the most health-protective, anti-ageing foods — their vitamin C content is high and their beta-carotene means they are good for free radicals. They contain potassium, very important in keeping blood pressure in check. Blueberries are best eaten raw, when their vitamin C content is at its highest.

BROCCOLI
High in fiber, with lots of beta-carotene, folate and vitamin C to help to prevent and fight heart disease. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals (glucosinolates), important for the prevention of and in tackling cancer. Try a handful every other day — raw if you can or lightly steamed.

CARROTS
High in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant — we absorb more beta-carotene from cooked carrots than from raw, but since vitamin C is highest in raw carrots I'd make sure you have raw or cooked daily. Carrots are delicious grated in salads, with a little lemon or orange juice and roasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top, or try carrot and orange soup.

HEMP or Flaxseed OIL
If you’re a non-fish-eater, hemp oil is a good vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids. It's also rich in vitamin E, a great antioxidant, and useful in preserving youthful skin.

LIVE YOGHURT
This contains probiotic bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifida, which are thought to help the gut produce anti-cancer substances called butyrates.

OATS
Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which can lower levels of LDL, so-called bad fat. They also have a low GI rating, which means that they help to keep your energy levels up and steady. When cooked as porridge, oats become a medium GI food, still great for energy and for fiber that keeps the gut moving and thus helps to prevent cancers, including bowel and breast.

ONIONS
Onions belong to the same family as garlic and are great for lowering bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and thinning the blood to minimize the risk of clotting and resulting strokes and heart attacks. They also contain flavonoids and sulphurs which may help to fight cancers, natural antibiotics which help with bronchitis, colds and flu, and a powerful antioxidant, quercetin. Spring onions, when very fresh, are also high in vitamin C.

GARLIC
This is a wonderful anti-cancer and heart-preserving food, but you need to eat it raw to enjoy its health benefits — throw a finely-chopped clove into a salad dressing or guacamole. Some people chew a fresh clove every day, but presumably they are not planning to breathe over anyone.

PRUNES
Prunes mop up more free radicals than any other fruit. They're high in soluble fiber, which is why they've traditionally been used as a laxative — they gently stimulate the bowel and soften the stool, great for helping to avoid bowel cancer. You need to drink plenty of water to help the fiber swell and kick-start the gut. The fiber and antioxidants also help to lower the levels of so-called bad cholesterol, cutting the amount of fat that can clog up arteries. To build up a good level of fiber and antioxidants, studies suggest 10-12 prunes a day.

SARDINES
Sardines — like herrings, mackerel, salmon and fresh tuna — are very high in omega-3 fatty acids. Two portions (a portion = 140g) a week for women, up to four a week for men or for women above childbearing age, are one of the best weapons against heart disease and stroke, and may help to prevent some cancers and reduce arthritis symptoms. Age spots and wrinkles are a sign of damage caused by free radicals — the omega oils will also help to prevent this.

BLACK TEA
Tea is full of antioxidants, but only when it's served black — milk reduces its powers drastically. Tea (green scores higher than black) is rich in antioxidants because of its high concentration of epigallocatechin gallate, which is 200 times stronger than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C. Scientists have shown that levels of these rise significantly in the blood within 30-50 minutes of drinking a cup of tea. Green tea also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.

WATER
Well-hydrated skin looks years younger. Drinking over ½ gallon daily will also help to keep your energy levels up and cholesterol levels down — water helps to swell the fiber in foods such as wholegrain, oats, pulses, vegetables and fruits, and to lower bad fat levels. And if you drink this amount and more each day you’ll also be able to digest food better and absorb nutrients.

Doug on 07.22.06 @ 11:28 PM PST [link]

Wednesday, July 19th

To Chemo or Not to Chemo?

As you may know, my colon cancer has metastasized to my lungs and bones. This is very serious and almost always results in death within about two years. This fact, I try to keep from my thoughts as much as possible. I envision myself as healthy and see those nasty cancer tumors dissolving a little more each day.

My Oncologist insists that I be on chemotherapy at this time. Unfortunately, unlike the last time, there is no timetable. I would to be on chemo to prolong my life and would only go off it, if I get too sick to handle it. The problem is that chemo makes you really sick. At this time, I have chosen to stay off chemo. This is a very personal decision and one that is made by only a small minority of cancer patients.

Generally speaking, chemotherapy kills all fast growing cells. The hope is that the cancer cells will be killed off before the host (me) dies. My first round of chemo for advanced stage colon cancer was a mixture called FOLFOX 4. This is the standard regiment and includes the three drugs; Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU). Oxaliplatin is a platinum based drug that was recently FDA approved. The toxicity is primarily to the nervous system and the kidneys. Side effects include feeling sick, fatigue, bone marrow damage and numbness in fingers and toes. I stopped this drug in November and still cannot feel my fingertips or the bottoms of my feet. Trials show that this drug has an effect on tumors but actually shortens survival rates of patients. Leucovorin can cause diarrhea, lightheadedness, sores in the mouth or throat, vomiting, and damage to the kidneys. 5FU drops your white blood cells and increases the chance of you getting infections. Four months into my first treatment with FOLFOX 4 I was hospitalized with severe dehydration and a blood infection that almost killed me. It is also possible for 5FU to drop your immune system so much that it allows cancer cells to spread.

Going into my first round, my scan showed no tumors anywhere else in my body. Two months after finishing the treatment, the scans showed the cancer had spread. So the recommendation is to go back on chemo to address these new tumors. For this new round that I started my oncologist added Irinotecan and Avastin. These are new targeted drugs or angiogenesis inhibitors that are designed to kill the tumor’s life support. Irinotecan trials show a 1.3 month increase in survival time of patients. And side effects include bone marrow damage, hair loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. After my first treatment, I was driven to the emergency room because I couldn’t stop vomiting. In clinical trials, Avastin when combined with the standard chemotherapy was able to extend the average patient’s life from 14.6 months to 17.9 months. That is a boost of 3.3 months on average. Side effects can include congestive heart failure, persistent hypertension, gastrointestinal perforation and the spontaneous splitting of wounds and organs.

So chemotherapy drug companies and doctors do not talk in terms of cures, but in terms of extending a patient’s life by a few months. That is, if they can survive the side effects. I often question my decision to stop chemo. It is a very personal decision and one that has to be decided after weighing the information available. Besides the research, I credit the three weeks I spent at the BioCare hospital in Mexico as the reason for my decision. I am glad I have found alternatives such as the care I received in Mexico, diet and elimination of unhealthy habits and toxins. I do feel better and Jeanette tells me that my disposition is so much better.

Within the next few weeks I will begin radiation to try and kill the persistent tumor in my neck vertebrae. This too is a tough decision to make. I am still researching and questioning this move and promise that there will be much discussion to come.

Hope you are well.

Doug on 07.19.06 @ 09:20 AM PST [link]

Monday, July 17th

Conclusion of Noni Research

Polynesian healers have used Noni for centuries to enhance the immune system, strengthening the body’s natural ability to fight disease and infection. This type of approach sums up my current battle plan towards the cancerous tumors in by body.

Noni has been known to produce beneficial results with a wide variety of conditions. Studies have found noni to contain over 100 chemical constituents and have of those have known physiological effects on the body. It turns out to be one of the best anti-oxidant around.

Dr. Heinicke, while doing private industry research, was digging into the enzyme bromelain (found in pineapple) to understand how it benefited PMS, arthritis and cancer patients. This led him to the discovery of proxeronine. Proxeronine is one of the components the body uses to produce xeronine. This is an essential component of our cellular biochemistry. Unfortunately, modern agicultural methods as well as food processing has decreased the presence of xeronine in our current food. Also, aspects of today’s lifestyles have diminished the body’s ability to make xeronine. Dr. Heinicke discovered that xeronine’s main purpose is to properly activate and deactivate enzymes, hormones, antibodies and cell membrane receptors. So what turns out to be the best source of proxeronine? – Noni!

Toxins in our environment are increasing every year. These toxins cause cancer by damaging the chromosomes on our cells. Noni has been shown to protect against this chromosome damage. The Center of Disease Control did a study where they took fat biopsies of 256 people and looked for 120 specific fat-soluble toxin residues of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. All 256 people had all 120 residues. Even the small subset that ate organically still had all toxins present. There’s however was at 1/6th the level of the others. It also helps with digestion, alleviating gastritis and the resulting Leaky Gut Syndrome. Naturopaths have a saying: “Death begins in the colon.” It is certainly true in my case.

Add to the other benefits, the fact that Noni works to make you a less favorable host for infections. It has been shown to be beneficial topically as well. Field first aid kits in World War II explained how to use the leaves of the Noni tree to treat cuts, scrapes and insect bites. Since I was small, I would always get fever blisters on my lips, mostly in the summer and winter months. I have been on and off Noni for a couple of months and have not had an outbreak. It is a huge boost to your immune system as it has been shown to stimulate the production of T cells and increase the activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells. Consider it if you have allergies.

Noni also will increase how much your body absorbs of what ever you are taking in. This means nutrients in your food as well as medications. I have read a couple of warnings regarding people taking blood thinners such as Coumadin in combination with Noni.

There are many other benefits to Noni including inflammation, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, musculoskeletal and central nervous system. Thank you to those that commented on my last post. Kevin had a good recommendation for other sources and Anne points out that Costco carries it. Costco’s brand does blend water and fruit juice to make it more palatable.

To your health!

Doug on 07.17.06 @ 09:35 AM PST [link]

Tuesday, July 11th

Researching the Healing Elixir, Noni

hammock-me-web (71k image) I write to you from Hawaii as I am here doing exhausting research on Noni la’ au. Noni is a fruit that was brought to the islands by the Polynesians as a healing plant. It has been used worldwide to assist with chronic fatigue, depression, skin disorders, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, gout and pain relief. Studies have shown Noni to be high in polysaccharides, which help with cell energy and is also a great source of natural Selenium. It is also known for its powerful anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and cancer prevention. It is one of the fastest growing nutritional supplements on the market. I have heard of several people who credit daily Noni doses for their recovered health.

It seems that nothing good for you taste very good and Noni is no exception. Luckily, this nasty tasting juice only has to be taken in small quantities to reap huge benefits. The bottle recommends a couple of teaspoons a day. I try to take a shot (1 ounce) in the morning and before bed. You will need to either mix it with something sweet (passion fruit juice here in Hawaii) or chase it with water or other favorite juices.

Thinking purely of my readers and your health, I have traveled far to bring you this information. There are several growers and distributors here on the islands. Yesterday, I learned of a farm near here, on the North Shore of Oahu, that looks very promising. If you are interested, you can virtually visit (I recommend a trip however) Kamauoha Farms at www.kamauohafarms.com.

I also captured this self-portrait above, to let you know of the pains of my journey.

To your health! cool eh?

Doug on 07.11.06 @ 10:36 AM PST [link]

Thursday, July 6th

Net Worth

I want to give a shout out to Jeanette’s cousin Rick Gunn. He is an amazing man with an independent spirit unlike any I know. He is a travel journalist and photographer. I have done some solo world traveling, backpacking and spent a night alone on top of El Capitan. All these experiences brought me closer to myself and helped me to discover the important things in life. But these experiences pale in comparison to what Rick is going through these days.

Rick has decided to ride a bike around the world. He started out here in the San Francisco area one year ago and after traveling 10,000 miles, in temperatures ranging from zero to 107 degrees and a couple of bikes and replacement parts later, he is now facing the Silk Road entering Indo China. I encourage you to check his progress, writings and images at www.rickgunnphotography.com.

As Rick and I parallel each other with our journeys of struggle, hardship and inner discovery, we have come to the same conclusion. This year he has seen so many amazing things and met an incredible variety of people. And of all those treasures, which one is it that he has learned he cherishes the most? What is it that you tally up at the end of your life to really count your net worth? We have both come to understand that it is our friends and family that matter the most. And it is not the sheer number, but the quality of those relationships.

I have been thinking a great deal about a person’s legacy here on earth. The word comes from the Medieval Latin word legatio meaning to bequeath. There are those like my father who loves to build. He has built houses, cars and beautiful furniture. These will last well past his lifetime and into many others. There are photographers like Rick or painters like my teaching pal Dave Miller who capture beautiful images to be enjoyed for years to come.

But for them and the rest of us, it is the people we touch. It is the relationships we have with others that make them a better person and allows them to pass on that beauty to others. In this way, our friendship and good deeds take on an exponential effect. And still flourish long after we are gone. It is the reason I went into teaching. That is our legacy. Maybe it is even a key to the meaning of our existence here.

Doug on 07.06.06 @ 08:03 PM PST [link]

Wednesday, July 5th

To Your Health - Summary

Over the past several months I have blogged (www.thesnorkel.org/blog) a great deal about health suggestions that have come from my readings. Here is a summary for you to use as a reference or pass along to a friend.

Diet:
* As many raw fruits and vegetables as you can stand (organic if possible)
* Get a juice machine and use it – carrots, beets, celery, apples, etc.
* Greatly reduce or eliminate coffee, caffeine, and alcohol – no sodas
* Greatly reduce or eliminate red meat. Hormones, antibiotics and feed for cows are unhealthy for us.
* Chicken and Turkey should be free-range – avoid fast-food dining
* Greatly reduce or eliminate sugar, sugar substitutes and processed flour.
* Explore sprouted grains and historic ones such as Quinoa, Kamut, Spelt, Barley & Millet.
* Check out the book “Eating Right For Your Type” by Peter D'Adamo

Water:
* Drink at least one gallon a day of pure or filtered (no tap) water. Chronic dehydration is responsible for stomach trouble, arthritis, joint pain, back pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, allergies and other ailments.
* Start and finish each day with a glass of water and fresh lemon juice.
* Read Dr. Batmanghelidj’s work at www.watercure.com

Supplements: (Fruits and vegetables are also an important source.)
* Start with a good multi. I take Vita-Sprout Caps by Maximum Living www.maximizeyourlife.com
* Selenium – prevents free radical damage to cells
* Vitamin C – Linus Pauling’s work suggests this vitamin in large doses can be a cure-all.
* Folic Acid and B-12 – Find a good B complex vitamin
* Vitamin E – Protects cell membranes from heavy metals, drugs, radiation, toxins and free-radical damage. An excellent anti-carcinogen and anti-oxidant.
* Fish Oil or Flax Seed Oil (either raw or in a capsule) – Don’t miss this one!

Exercise:
* Daily if possible. Include a stretching routine as well.
* Long walks are considered the best.

Toxins:
* Understand that our water, air and food are getting more and more toxic.
* Buy organic to avoid pesticides and other chemicals
* Your skin, the largest organ, absorbs everything it touches. This includes the chemicals in lotions and cosmetics, aluminum in deodorant, and the chlorine in the hot tub and swimming pool.
* Wear gloves when handling cleaning products or gasoline.
* Improve your body’s toxic elimination system. This includes colon hydrotherapy, liver flushes, etc.

Stress:
* Breath deep and frequently. Oxygenating your body is so important to your cellular health.
* Remember the big picture and let the little things go. “Zen and the art of commuting.”
* Try Yoga, Tai Chi, relaxation tapes and other forms of “forced” relaxation.

Doug on 07.05.06 @ 11:47 AM PST [link]

Tuesday, July 4th

Camping

I have spent the last 10 days or so away from computers and cell phones. Always interesting when you are so used to being “connected.” Every summer, Nick and I spend a week together on some adventure. Last year it was Yellowstone and the years before that included the East Coast and Lassen National Park. This year we decided to travel up the California coast and camp in the redwoods state and national parks. We spent a lot of our time on the coast while Nick sampled clam chowder. While it was hot at home, we enjoyed 60+ degrees and foggy weather.

Because of the stress that our daughter Alexandra has put on the family, we always try to make special time with Nick. Jeanette takes him each year to a family camp outside of Yosemite and he and I take our trip. We also used to have a “Nick Night” where one of us would take him to a dinner and a movie.

Today, we returned from a 4 day weekend at a camp site on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. This place is up Hwy 4 just past Calaveras Big Trees State Park. They were beautiful days on the river with family and friends.

Below are a couple of pictures from the trip up north. You may notice Nick sitting on Paul Bunyan’s boot.

deer (32k image) redwood (63k image)

NicknPaul (56k image)

Doug on 07.04.06 @ 09:35 PM PST [link]

Past Posts

Doug's Battle for Health

Life's too good to leave it unfinished!