Helping Others With Cancer

Susan Has Finished The Race

2009-07-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me on that Day and not to me only but to all who have Loved His appearing."

Susan Kirkaldie: 1957- 2009

Faith Builds and Fear Recedes

2009-03-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

I have gone through some big changes over the past week. Last week I had a major unexpected bleeding episode while at the Dr’s office for a routine visit. Fortunately, it’s located right next to the hospital so they rushed me to ICU and got things under control.

While we waited to talk to a Dr, we prayed something could be done to fix this problem. I am so grateful that one of the best surgeons in the country walked into the room, telling me he can remove the tumor and fix the bleeding, so he did just that and I am now 6 days into recovery and doing well, this despite having to also take out several other major components along with it.

I am grateful to God and thankful for all the support and prayers from many friends and family members – especially my husband and children.

I trust in God to take care of me and to allow me to understand his will and purpose for me.

Happy New Year !

2009-01-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted a new blog. I am happy to have provided several books to other cancer patients lately. I would like you to help spread the word (my blog) around to your friends who may know of someone who has been recently diagnosed with cancer, so they may be able have as many resources as possible to help them.

The last few months have been very busy. The Xeloda chemo worked for awhile, but then lost its effectiveness. In November, we attended a pancreatic cancer fundraiser in Portland OR, where we met a ‘survivor’ who had a lot of good things to say about a Dr in Seattle at Virginia Mason. So we made a visit to him and he has prescribed a new chemo combination of Gemcitabine and Taxotere, which I had not tried before. After four infusions of it (two cycles), it appears to be having good results. It’s a great feeling when your Dr. uses the words “I have Good News” following CT tests. I will be having three more cycles of it over the next two months with the next test scheduled for March.

Praise God and Thank You for your Prayers.

Moving Forward

2008-10-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

The latest chemotheraphy, Xeloda, is working for me !

The tumors have stopped growing and there are no new indications from last weeks CT scan. My tumor marker number has dropped to 1/4th of what it was in early August.

Walt and I have started a new program (a clinical trial), called Caring and Cancer, which involves touch and massage theraphy. (see link: http://collinge.org/COUPLES.html ). We were lucky to get into it, as it filled up quickly. It was offered through the Providence Cancer Integrative Medicine Clinic in Portland OR.

It is a 20 week program to study the effects of touch and massage theraphy for cancer patients. It has been very good so far.

I also wanted to tell you about a new book that is getting a lot of attention lately, it's called "Anticancer" by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD.

For 23 months now, I have pretty much followed the nutritional approach that this book is all about, but there is much more great advice and in this book than nutrition alone. Here are a few links about it:

http://www.amazon.com/Anticancer-New-Life-David-Servan-Schreiber/dp/0670020346/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222466914&sr=8-1

and http://billritchie.blogspot.com/2008/09/back-in-saddle.html

Baptism Accomplished !

2008-09-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Last week we were baptized at the Crossroads Community Church. We have been preparing and planning for this since February. Words can't describe this wonderful experience. My husband (Walter) and son (Robbie) and I were baptized together - a complete spiritual (and underwater) experience! I had been weak and sick from the chemo for the prior 5 days, but managed to get myself to the church. I think the Holy Spirit came into our presence because immediately after, all of us felt uplifted. I have felt well every since (7 days in a row) !

New Plan

2008-08-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

I've had a 5 week break from the chemo called Irinotecan. It worked ok, but not good enough. So starting tomorrow, I am switching to Xeloda, which will be an oral medication. So last week I had my pic line removed ! It's been in my left arm for 10 months with tape over it - ahhh my arm can breath now.. Last weekend also celebrates 21 months surviving PC. I like to think of it more as a victory and knocking this stuff down and out.

We had a great time at the Oregon Coast this week with my family and that included my new beagle dog "Ruby".

Game Night

2008-07-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great night at the Beavers Baseball Game. The weather was perfect and a lot of goods friends showed up (wearing purple too !).

It was great to see the section full of PANCAN.org supporters from the Portland area.

Sorry - we didn't get a good photo at the PGE park stadium, but it was a "picture perfect" evening.

Beagle Blog

2008-07-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

I have a new addition to the household - a Beagle Dog. This was not an impulse, I've been wanting a Beagle for about a year.

Ruby is a very mellow, quiet and cuddly friend. I adopted her from a local family. She's very well trained and quickly adapting to her new home and friends.

Taking Action - PANCAN

2008-07-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

We are all outfitted with Purple and heading down to the Portland OR Beavers Baseball game this Saturday for the fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - an organization whose goal is to increase research funding.

I am now occasionally wearing my new hair - but most of the time I just like the hats. It gives me new shopping opportunities.

Speaking of that - I went shopping for Purple today with my daughter Karlie, and got something for almost everyone in the family for the game.

Here is the information for those of you living in the Portland OR Area:

Night with the Beavers - July 19, 2008

Please join us for this exciting event!The Portland affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network invites you to the second annual Night with the Portland Beavers on Saturday, July 19, 2008! Gather your friends and family to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer as the Beavers take on the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at PGE Park.When you purchase tickets here, a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. We also encourage you to wear purple to show your support.
First pitch is at 7:05pm. We look forward to seeing you at the ballgame!Night with the BeaversSaturday, July 19, 2008 7:05pm PGE Park1844 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97205

Hair Today --- Gone Tomorrow Or - It's been nice Growin You

2008-07-01T22:16:00.001-07:00

After more than 60 chemo infusions my hair finally fell out! It went fast – in 3 days it’s pretty much gone. So, with advice from my support group – I cut what was left down to a half inch. I don’t know why or how, but the medical staff always told me my hair would be gone within a few weeks. – but it ended up taking 20 months. Tomorrow I go back for round 2. Please send me your prayers.

We had our second support group meeting at the Crossroads Church two weeks ago. I encourage anyone who is going through cancer treatment to get involved in a support group. It took me 19 months before I went, but it was the right time and the right place. What a great group of people – they have really helped me a lot and I hope I have helped them too. Don’t forget to get a book from me. I have them ready to send to you.

Update

2008-06-08T21:49:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry it's been so long since an update. I've been off of Chemo for 7 weeks due to internal bleeding. However, I've been told from several Dr's that a long chemo break was needed. I finally completed the latest round of testing last week and the results show the tumor breaking through the stomach lining. But the better news is that I just started my chemo treatments back up again.

During the big chemo break, I have been feeling good and spent lots of time with my family. Both of my children (Robbie and Karlie) now live in the area as Robbie recently graduated college.

Some other and more positive changes that have happened recently are:
1. Started practicing Qigong (per my naturopathic recommendation). This has been very helpful for me. I was surprised to find that I really enjoy it. It's very relaxing while doing the Qigong and I find myself very energized when I'm finished. It takes about an hour, and I do it about 4 to 5 times each week

2. Switched insurance providers, mainly so that more options are available to me. But that also meant a new Dr and clinic. (see Professional Support on the left sidebar).

3. Joined a Cancer Support Group through our church . We had the first meeting today and it was very good for both me and my husband. We are looking forward to the next get together.

I am excited to have been able to provide a few books to persons stricten with cancer. One of them was for the senior pastor of our church, who recently was diagnosed with cancer.

Offer Of Books

2008-04-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

One of the ways I would like to help is to give you one of the books listed in ‘My Resources Column’. I love making greeting cards. I’ve been making them for years. I am selling my cards and will use the proceeds (as they become available), to purchase these books to provide to you.

If you see a book that you would really like to have, I would like to send it to you, free of charge . Just send me an email at ursuep@gmail.com with your name and address and the book you would like.

When Your World Falls Apart by David Jeremiah
Real life stories from Pastor Jeremiah. Mixed nicely with words of wisdom and encouragement from several Psalms. I loved reading this, I couldn't put it down.

Pray Big by Will Davis Jr.
This book teaches you how to pray with power and purpose. There are also some chapters on…- Pinpoint Praying
- Big Hairy Audacious Prayers
- Help
- Lord We Agree
- It’s Ok To Ask.

There's No Place Like Hope by Vickie Girard
I read this book in about a day. It is very uplifting, inspirational and at some points funny!

Nutritional Books.....

Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin
This book is my “Nutritional Bible”. For the most part this book is easy enough to use and understand. Some areas are a little confusing for me, but I highly recommend it.
- Nutritional Guide as to what is essential to eat.
- Recipes
- Scientific Information
- Many Charts
- Uplifting Stories.

Qigong (beginning practce) DVD with Francesco & Daisy Lee-Garripoli.
This is 'slow moving' excercise along with deep breathing. It helps to boost immunity and is very relaxing and energizing at the same time. I try to practice it 3 to 4 times weekly. This was recommended by the Providence Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Clinic.

Church

2008-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

In September of 2007, after God sent me a ‘wake-up’ call while I was in the used book store (see blog dated Feb 26, 2008). I soon began reading His word, watching and listening to Christian based broadcasts and reading all I could absorb. I had read in one of my books that I needed to hand this over to Christ - so I did just that. I handed over my illness to Him. I realized it is in His hands and He controls my destiny. This allowed me to now focus more on His Word, share it with others, and take some of the pressure off of me (this is an ongoing process). My husband and I knew we needed more than books and Christian broadcasts, we needed real live people. We had wanted to find a church for years, but kept putting it off.

How does a person go about finding a church? Do we open up the yellow pages? We were fortunate to hear about the Crossroads Church in Vancouver, WA and have been attending for about three weeks. (click on http://www.crossroadschurch.net/). If you are in a similar situation, I encourage you to go ‘church-shopping’ and attend a few services in your area. It is the most heartwarming and welcoming experience we have had in a long time. Most importantly, Pastor Bill Ritchie’s sermons help us connect with God; the way he presents the sermon provides us with a link between the common person in us and Gods Message. (listen at: http://www.brandnewradio.com/ )

Support from Family and Friends

2008-03-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

There are lots of therapies, drugs and foods available, but also of great importance is having the support of my family and friends. I have been married to my husband Walt for 27 years and have two children, Robbie (age 23) and Karlie (age 21).

I have been very fortunate to have other caring family members, some of who live out of the area, but still make efforts to care for me.

I also have very good friends, some that I have known since childhood that I still keep in contact with. Their support is what helps me keep my postitive outlook. You may be surprised at what friends will show up at this time in your life to support you.

Chemotherapy History

2008-03-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

Chemotheraphy was and still is a very mysterious thing. I'm not qualified to go into the scientific details of how chemo works but I can let you know what specific treatments I've had, explain the side effects that I experience and most importantly, how it is controlling my cancer.
I was very excited to get the theraphy started. I told my Dr. I wanted the most aggressive approach available.

I've had four types of chemotheraphy drugs: Oxaliplatin, Gemcitabine, Tarceva and Irinotecan over the past 17 months -- a total of 54 infusions. The drugs are combined and are infused a day apart, every two weeks. They have been very effective in reducing tumor size.

There are a lot of stories of how bad the side effects can be. I've had a lot of them but for the most part they have not been that bad, even my hair is still intact. The chemo that has given me the most problems is Oxaliplatin, however it has also worked very well in fighting the cancer. Trying to ward off the side effects get very complex at times.

My Naturopathic Dr. Loch Chandler, who specializes in working with cancer patients, provided the proper nutrients to keep the side effects to a minimum. You will need to nurture your digestive system so you can keep eating properly.

Prayer

2008-02-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

Early on, I began to read books about angels. I heard a first hand account about feathers as signs from angels helping. I had never been a church going or a very religous person, even though I have always believed in God and have always prayed.

One day last Fall, I was in a used bookstore looking for some craft books. I repeatedly kept turning around (at least five times) and all I saw were books about Jesus or God. I think this was a message from God that I needed to turn to Him. I think He was 'pointing' me to Him.

Since that day, I've been studying everything about God that I can get my hands on. It has really helped me a lot. I have great peace in my life now.

My husband and I pray together every night for my healing. We also pray for others during this time.

Nutrition

2008-02-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

Within the first month of my inititial diagnosis, I started reading "Beating Cancer With Nutrition" by Patrick and Noreen Quillin. This book is packed full of data on how nutrition directly impacts your body's ability to resist and even reverse cancer tumor growth. One of the first things I did was to eliminate sugars from my diet. I felt convinced by the author that reducing sugar intake could help, so I proceeded with a major change in my eating habits.

- Most of my meals are prepared from whole foods.
- I Avoid processed foods.
- I quit eating beef.
- I found a good Naturopathic Doctor - see My Resources Column.

There is a simple but excellent chart inside the back cover of "Beating Cancer With Nutrition". This chart breaks down most popular food types into five basic categories, from Best to Worst. It really made the chore of knowing what to eat or avoid very easy.

Overview - my first ever blog

2008-02-17T12:44:00.001-08:00

I have been fortunate to receive outstanding medical care from the professional Oncology staff of Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Oregon. I have learned a lot in the past year and want to share my knowledge to help you or someone you know.

My message to you is do all you can. I encourage you to pursue additional healing aspects, such as...

- Nutrition
- Naturopathic (probiotic supplements and accupuncture)
- Sprituality
- Family and Friends Support

See 'My Resources' for more information.