Thursday, September 26, 2013

Oxygen and Experts

You know when you meet someone, and spend a little time together, and you get that sense of kismet? Well, that's how I felt when I met Mackenzie, my colorist. And guess what she did...she clued me into an exciting conference happening tomorrow in Bellevue. The keynote speaker is Ben Williams, PhD, a rockstar in the brain cancer world. He's a man who cured his glioblastoma well over a decade ago by doing a variety of standard treatments, off label drugs, and supplements. There are, I believe, seven different speakers, and two different video chats (one with my new nutritionist Jeanne Wallace, PhD and the second with Dr Charles Cobb - the man doing the research with Valcyte). I'm very excited to learn about the most up-to-date drugs, treatments, and all-over care. The conference is an all day affair, starting at 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. The entire thing is free, and they even provide lunch (can't wait to see what they serve...my nutritional voice is skeptical, yet hopeful). Unfortunately, since it's happening on a Friday, Dan can't join me, but my parents got really excited and asked if they could drive over from Wenatchee and come with me. I guess it actually works out pretty well since my parents don't work on Fridays anyway, and it will give me an excuse to give them hugs. If you want to attend, check out the Chris Elliott Fund website, they are hosting. I just can't believe how fortunate I am that I get to attend this, and meet so many influential people in the brain cancer network. This. Is. Huge.

I'm so excited about this!!! It's going to be exhausting, and I'd better record a bunch of it or I'll forget most of it (maybe they'll have transcripts later?). I just love it when people send me information about brain tumor stuff, I am SO grateful. It's impossible to keep up-to-date on all the goings on. I feel like I have all these helpers, like an army. You guys are like my own brain tumor seals, or those super awesome reconnaissance peeps. That what's you guys are. Totally stealth. Totally amazing.

Also, I am very excited to share that I have my first hyperbaric oxygen session on Monday. I will have three consecutive sessions on three consecutive days, then the following day (Thursday) is my Dopa Pet scan and MRI scan down at UCLA. The oxygen therapy is very exciting. Cancer hates oxygen, so the more oxygen you take in, the more you starve the cancer. That's one of the reasons why walking, and meditation are so beneficial. Mentally, I'm looking at my sessions as lung massages. Very fun! Even Professor Seyfried touts the benefits of HOCs along with a low carb diet.

One Example of a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

Ok, I'm off on my walk to the blood lab again, apparently they didn't draw enough blood for all of my panels the other day. Ugh. More needles. Oh well, at least I don't have to pay for their mistake. Well, I guess my veins have to pay for it, but whatever. Not the end of the world, and I guess it forces me out for a walk, so maybe it's a good thing. :)

8 comments:

  1. Jessica, following you most every day. My boys grew up in FH and knew you through other friends. We also have many mutual friends through your parents. So excited about this for you! Yea!!!! Really praying and hoping for healing and health. Much love to you and Dan.

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  2. So cool!!! I'm so excited that you guys are going to this! I wish that I didn't have to work and we could come down and go with you. I hope you get tons of great new info and meet lots of knowledgeable, inspiring new people!

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  3. So very excited for you Jessica!! This will be an amazing experience for you and your parents!!! How incredible that it is right near you!! I can't wait to hear all about it when you are ready to share!!!
    Love, Maleka

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  4. jessica, pls skim this site - hope catherine's experiences might be informative for u. as always, our blessings and prayers going yr way.

    http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/catherineblotner/mystory

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  5. If only we were on the west coast, we would be there - please post what you learn! This is a great opportunity for you Jessica !

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  6. I'm so envious. These are some of my heroes and the people who have given me the best advice and greatest amount of hope. Ben and Jeanne are rock stars in my book. I'm supremely excited about the Valcyte work being done. Could you find out the dosage used in the studies? I have some and I'm going to begin soon. They really should videotape these events and post them on youtube so that the greater brain tumor community can benefit!!

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    Replies
    1. Hey Scott, I'm so excited about you having the Valcyte!! Kill that tumor :)

      They did not say anything about dosing, and Hobbs only came via prior recording. Sorry about that. Maybe email him directly? Wish I could give you more info.

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  7. Hey, call me about the hyperbaric chamber, I have some info for you

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