Well, I guess a blog doesn’t have to be a frequent thing… for me, in any case. Here I am, about 11 months after my last entry. My prostate cancer has been responding remarkably well to my program.
While my PSA has crept up somewhat, Dr. Bard in New York City has asserted (after another Power Color Doppler Sonogram and an MRI in June) that it is because my prostate has grown although the prostate cancer doesn’t appear to be aggressive. Even my urologist, who has been skeptical about my program, found that encouraging.
To add some new excitement to my life, I experienced a mild heart attack almost two weeks ago. I’d awakened around 1:30am Sunday August 10th. I went to the bathroom and upon returning to bed felt some discomfort in my chest. I’d felt that kind of pressure-like discomfort a number of times in the past several years. I figured it was acid indigestion or perhaps it had something to do with a hiatal hernia I’d been diagnosed with awhile back. So, I took some antacid tablets and waited. When the discomfort didn’t stop after about 10 minutes and somehow seemed to radiate into my arms, particularly my left arm, I decided it might be much more serious.
I know about early heart attack warnings. I’m 67- not too old, but not very young either. So, I went and took an aspirin, a regular 325 mg aspirin. Then I reflected briefly on what it would mean to awaken my wife Judy at this hour especially knowing we had our almost-4-year-old grandson Sam asleep with us in the next room. His mom and dad were away for the weekend celebrating their wedding anniversary. I didn’t reflect very long and awoke Judy and we called 911. Before long the EMTs arrived followed by an ambulance from Somerset Medical Center. I received a couple of sprays of nitroglycerin under my tongue, had an EKG done and a IV drip set up even as we headed to the hospital ER.
Judy stayed home with Sam and I checked myself into the hospital. I had my cell phone with me. All that stuff about cell phones interfering with medical instruments and equipment is now recognized as just so much crap as I’d always thought it was. I was grateful and delighted. So, I kept in touch with Judy using my cell phone. The EKG in the ambulance and another at the ER looked remarkably normal. They took blood samples and my cardiac enzymes also were mostly normal except for one that was just barely outside normal. They said that we’d proceed as if this were a full cardiac event, an MI (myocardial infarction), until it was either confirmed or turned out to be something else. It took another 8 hours… about 12 hours after when I experienced the initial discomfort, to confirm that it was a real heart attack. By then, the cardiac enzymes in my blood were clearly elevated.
It’s now almost two weeks later. I came home about four days later after an initial angiogram (using a catheter through my groin and up my right femoral artery) done on Monday at Somerset Medical Center and another including an angioplasty done on Tuesday (through my left femoral artery ) after being moved to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. The second procedure was done to install stents in two coronary arteries- one that was fully blocked and another that was about 70% obstructed. I was fully awake during the procedures, but found that there was very little pain, if any, except for some pinching when they gave me shots of Novocaine in my groin area where the catheter was inserted.
I’ll write more details at a later time. I feel there's lots to talk about and reflect on. Now I’m home feeling remarkably well. I’m taking it easy. I was told that I need to do that for about four weeks or so until the stents are integrated into my arteries. So, no lifting anything over 2 pounds and no bending over to tie any shoelaces. Overall, I'm feeling really good but extremely vulnerable. I’m aware that we never really know when it might be our time to go. Gratefully, I do not have any fear about death, though I don’t really want to die any time soon. Honestly, I don’t expect to. But, I do feel strongly now that we never really know.
Sadly, I missed attending an unexpected funeral of a cousin-in-law of my wife Judy while in the hospital. Ray was someone I really liked, though I didn’t get to see him very often. I remember how special he was with Judy's mom, Leah. And I remember how his wife, Judy's cousin Rikki, came to visit me when I was mourning the death of my mom and stepdad. While ill for several years with something that might take his life- Ray had been on regular dialysis, was doing well otherwise and was awaiting a second liver transplant (the first didn’t last very long) when he’d suddenly experienced a freak accident. He’d felt a bit woozy and fell and hit his head while at a neighbor's home… went into a coma and never recovered after being without oxygen for over 15 minutes before emergency help arrived. One never knows. My heart feels more pain for his wife and family at this point than anything related to it‘s own internal functioning.
I feel so very blessed by my own loving family and friends. I was surrounded by people who love me. My wife Judy. All four of my daughters were here; two from a long way away- Tina drove up from Durham, North Carolina and Cassandra flew in from California with my youngest grandson, Will who is about 9 weeks old. My dear friends, Gerry and Sandie took days off and were with Judy and me at the most critical times during those days in both the hospitals. I was prayed for and sent loving energy and hundreds of email and phone messages by all my Shalom community friends and so many other friends and family members; some I haven't seen in ages. I hope to be around for a long time so I can continue to experience such love and caring affection for many years. I’m still receiving calls and cards and letters every day. And, I’m still doing my disciplined health program of nutrition, meditation, and other things, though my physical exercises are very limited for a few weeks. Life is precious. I’m very grateful. And, I’m feeling deep vulnerability… the vulnerability that comes from being very human. And to be sure, I send much love to you- reading this entry. Love is the best part of being alive!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, September 27, 2007
My Health - A Real Progress Report
It’s been over 4 months since I’d first seen Dr. Robert Bard in New York City. He’s a doctor I was referred to by my health coach, Dr. Larry Clapp who wrote Prostate Health in 90 Days and cured himself of prostate cancer. When I first visited Dr. Bard in mid-May he performed a Power Color Doppler Sonogram procedure that measured the size of my prostate, which was then about 61 cubic centimeters- about three times the normal 20 cc. The two tumors that he saw in my prostate using the specialized sonogram were 5x7 mm and 5x6 mm. Dr. Bard is only one of perhaps a handful of ultrasound professionals in the U.S. who have the special equipment and appropriate training and experience to handle this kind of diagnostic procedure, but it is extremely accurate. In fact, an MRI done the same day confirmed his results. Dr. Bard has himself written a book titled Prostate Cancer Demystified. And, not surprisingly, he also is an expert at diagnosing breast cancers far more accurately using sonograms than mammograms.
Back then when I first saw him, Dr. Bard recommended that in addition to whatever else I was doing, I take 600mg of CoEnzymeQ10 twice daily along with a half dozen of his proprietary blend of Targeted Antioxidants twice daily. And, I followed his suggestion faithfully. I also continued my daily interval training based exercise program called PACE (Progressively Accelerating Cardiopulmonary Exertion). I’ve consumed Norwegian Cod Liver Oil twice daily, primarily for its significant Vitamin D content. Twice daily I also consume a “Budwig shake” (named after Dr. Johanna Budwig) blended from freshly ground organic flaxseed, organic flaxseed oil, organic coconut oil, along with low fat organic cottage cheese and goat yoghurt. In addition to building strength in my immunity system, this shake is designed to chelate (remove) heavy metals such as Cadmium and Mercury from my body. These come from their abundant supply in our environment.
Once a day I drink about 16 ounces of fresh juices from organic vegetables including carrots, kale, collards, beets, sweet potatoes, cabbage, celery, broccoli, and a few other veggies plus, occasionally, an apple. Along with this I’ve pursued my personal journey including daily mediation for at least an hour, some work with my friend Sandie Rumold doing Core Energetics therapy to clear any emotional blocks in my body, personal journaling with the same objective, began a program of Sedona Method emotional release work, employed a methodology known as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and even did a mat trip on a Shalom Retreat in June led by John Bottone and Alistair MacMartin at Shalom Mountain. I’d started back in May with a 10 day cleanse fast (known as The Master Cleanser, developed originally by Stanley Burroughs) and continued eating primarily organic foods at home and often, though not always when we are away from home. Though I’ve been a vegetarian for a very long time, I’d begun to occasionally consume some quality organic protein on Larry Clapp’s recommendation, such as grass fed beef or buffalo or free range organic chicken. There’s other stuff I cannot fully remember… such as consuming several organic Brazil Nuts every day that each provided me with about 200 micrograms of Selenium daily to combat cancer and build my immunity system.
Anyway, I visited Dr. Bard once again on Friday September 21st and had another Power Color Doppler Sonogram with the results being that my prostate has shrunk by about one-third from 61 cc to 39 cc and my small tumors have shrunk from 5x7 mm to 3x4 mm and from 5x6 mm to 2x6 mm respectively. My program is working according to plan! Hooray and Hallelujah! I feel so incredibly blessed by and grateful for all the support and prayers my friends and family have offered and shared!! I cannot imagine making such progress without the gift of all that support. Dr. Bard has recommended a small increase in the amount of Targeted Antioxidant formula that I’m taking and recommended that we’d check again in 6 months. Perhaps by then, my health program will have completely eliminated the tumors. I ask for your continued support and prayers!
Back then when I first saw him, Dr. Bard recommended that in addition to whatever else I was doing, I take 600mg of CoEnzymeQ10 twice daily along with a half dozen of his proprietary blend of Targeted Antioxidants twice daily. And, I followed his suggestion faithfully. I also continued my daily interval training based exercise program called PACE (Progressively Accelerating Cardiopulmonary Exertion). I’ve consumed Norwegian Cod Liver Oil twice daily, primarily for its significant Vitamin D content. Twice daily I also consume a “Budwig shake” (named after Dr. Johanna Budwig) blended from freshly ground organic flaxseed, organic flaxseed oil, organic coconut oil, along with low fat organic cottage cheese and goat yoghurt. In addition to building strength in my immunity system, this shake is designed to chelate (remove) heavy metals such as Cadmium and Mercury from my body. These come from their abundant supply in our environment.
Once a day I drink about 16 ounces of fresh juices from organic vegetables including carrots, kale, collards, beets, sweet potatoes, cabbage, celery, broccoli, and a few other veggies plus, occasionally, an apple. Along with this I’ve pursued my personal journey including daily mediation for at least an hour, some work with my friend Sandie Rumold doing Core Energetics therapy to clear any emotional blocks in my body, personal journaling with the same objective, began a program of Sedona Method emotional release work, employed a methodology known as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and even did a mat trip on a Shalom Retreat in June led by John Bottone and Alistair MacMartin at Shalom Mountain. I’d started back in May with a 10 day cleanse fast (known as The Master Cleanser, developed originally by Stanley Burroughs) and continued eating primarily organic foods at home and often, though not always when we are away from home. Though I’ve been a vegetarian for a very long time, I’d begun to occasionally consume some quality organic protein on Larry Clapp’s recommendation, such as grass fed beef or buffalo or free range organic chicken. There’s other stuff I cannot fully remember… such as consuming several organic Brazil Nuts every day that each provided me with about 200 micrograms of Selenium daily to combat cancer and build my immunity system.
Anyway, I visited Dr. Bard once again on Friday September 21st and had another Power Color Doppler Sonogram with the results being that my prostate has shrunk by about one-third from 61 cc to 39 cc and my small tumors have shrunk from 5x7 mm to 3x4 mm and from 5x6 mm to 2x6 mm respectively. My program is working according to plan! Hooray and Hallelujah! I feel so incredibly blessed by and grateful for all the support and prayers my friends and family have offered and shared!! I cannot imagine making such progress without the gift of all that support. Dr. Bard has recommended a small increase in the amount of Targeted Antioxidant formula that I’m taking and recommended that we’d check again in 6 months. Perhaps by then, my health program will have completely eliminated the tumors. I ask for your continued support and prayers!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Dialog with My Process (for living)
When I was at The Path of the Mystic retreat at Shalom Mountain a few weeks ago, I journaled a dialog between myself and the process I am currently living. The words feel very profound for me and worth sharing. I started out looking at how I am trusting the process with my health and my life and I said...
Me: So, what's this thing all about anyway?
My Process: It's about choosing a course that feels right to you; one that appeals to your own inner sense of what is right. You follow that course on principle even though it may lead you through the deeply shadowed valleys. And, regardless of the outcome, you know that you are a true warrior.
Me: But what if I'm wrong?
My Process: Then, there's nobody to blame!
Me: That's the bottom line? Nobody to blame?
My Process: Yes, not even yourself to blame. What good is blame anyway? It's the booby prize- you know what I mean?
Me: But nobody really has the answers here for what I am trying to do; everything is so confusing. There's so much data and information.
My Process: That's the point! Do you think you'll live forever? Live in the Mystery! Life always fulfills itself.
Me: Damn! I always look for the knowing, but I guess that's why I am a mystic... like all true mystics. I ultimately choose to live in the Mystery... albeit not without some occasional apprehension.
My Process: That's just being human!
So, I live in the mystery... with all the occasional fear and apprehension (and occasional screwups and feeling stupid) because I am only human. As my friend Jerry Jud would say, "Ah So!"
Me: So, what's this thing all about anyway?
My Process: It's about choosing a course that feels right to you; one that appeals to your own inner sense of what is right. You follow that course on principle even though it may lead you through the deeply shadowed valleys. And, regardless of the outcome, you know that you are a true warrior.
Me: But what if I'm wrong?
My Process: Then, there's nobody to blame!
Me: That's the bottom line? Nobody to blame?
My Process: Yes, not even yourself to blame. What good is blame anyway? It's the booby prize- you know what I mean?
Me: But nobody really has the answers here for what I am trying to do; everything is so confusing. There's so much data and information.
My Process: That's the point! Do you think you'll live forever? Live in the Mystery! Life always fulfills itself.
Me: Damn! I always look for the knowing, but I guess that's why I am a mystic... like all true mystics. I ultimately choose to live in the Mystery... albeit not without some occasional apprehension.
My Process: That's just being human!
So, I live in the mystery... with all the occasional fear and apprehension (and occasional screwups and feeling stupid) because I am only human. As my friend Jerry Jud would say, "Ah So!"
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Checking In
I just sent off an email to guys in one of two men's groups I'm in. It seems like a good set of words for a current check in:
Life is always such an adventure. On Sunday we head up to Shalom Mountain for "Path of the Mystic" which is one of my favorite retreats- meditative and introspective. It keeps me close to my connection with God. I'm looking forward to it- to the restfulness of it as well as to the time to reflect. At the same time there are a lot of old friends with whom I get to spend some time with as well... and whom I only get to see during the summer Mystic retreat.
The past week has been somewhat challenging as well as reassuring. Last Thursday, after a couple of days of Judy feeling really punk and achey with fever mostly at night, we learned that Judy didn't have some mysterious virus but rather, Lyme Disease. The symptoms had just about reduced her to tears and, in spite of my own efforts to maintain a grounded presence, we were both struggling.
A visit to a doctor (her's was actually away on vacation) nailed it down clearly (clinically) and got her going on a 2 to 4 week dose of amoxicillin. Stronger medicine might be better but would require she stay out of sunlight or get nasty blisters and other awful reactions. In any case, she doesn't like to take antibiotics unless they're absolutely necessary. I agree. In the case of Lyme disease caught early, however, it's the only way to surely handle it and prevent serious chronic symptoms and complications. We've become knowledgeable about Lyme disease very quickly in the last several days. Judy's on the road to recovery- mostly symptom free except for some fatigue. I'm trying to catch up on rest as well.
We had our youngest grandson, Sam, who is 2.5 years old, with us for the weekend while his mom and dad (my daughter Jordana and her husband Mike) took a few days of their own R&R and celebrated a long planned wedding Anniversary vacation in Cape May. The time was delightful and demanding- both extremes... especially since Sam arises around 6:30am every day. By Monday, the day his mom and dad returned, Judy was feeling better and I slept until almost 9am while Judy played with Sam.
My health is remarkably good and I am feeling good. I've kept up with my health plan very rigorously and I think it shows. It'll be at least another month or so until I get my next physical exam and blood work including a PSA... so no official reports at this point. I'll probably blog an entry in August or September when I have anything of a progress report. My exercise is paying off daily. I'm adjusting my exercise following a program called PACE- it stands for Progressively Accelerating Cardiopulmonary Exertion. It actually reduces the time I need to exercise while significantly producing results. Judy and I bought an e-book on it that we'd be happy to share about it if you're interested. Send me an email to kenfrank@att.net
I had a great experience doing a mat trip at the Men's Shalom Retreat in mid-June led by John Bottone & Alistair MacMartin. My core energetics work with Sandie Rumold feels like it's paying dividends in my feeling of well-being. I'm beginning to work on my own with a technique called "The Sedona Method". You can Google it or go to sedona.com if you want to find out more... but it fits well with what I'm up to in my life. It's a way to release feelings- fears, anger, resentment, struggle, stuckness and most anything. I'm excited about the results.
I've finally completed laying out the spring FSM Newsletter and it will be distributed to the entire community shortly after being reviewed for errors and typos. I hope to have it posted soon on the friendsofshalom.org website. This is the first time in over five years that I've been anything like a month and a half late in getting it out. I have very mixed feelings about that... it's good that I'm clear about my personal and health priorities and bad that I had to put professional considerations on a back burner. Still, I'm actually feeling comfortable about it, overall.
After "Path of the Mystic" we'll return for a day or so and then probably head up to Canada for a week where we'll visit with our friends Joy and Lawrence and help with an addition they're building on their cottage there. When I return I will be working on the Friends of Shalom Annual Report getting set for the FSM Annual Meeting on the Labor Day work weekend. Also, Judy and I will be cooking for The Body Sacred early in August and also for the Extended Couples Retreat at Shalom toward the end of August.
I'm looking forward to spending some time around home in mid-August and catching up on a million things and/or spending a few days at the Jersey shore where several friends have homes and we have invitations. My daughter Tina and her husband Matt are moving from California to North Carolina around the end of September. We just might go down for a day or two to help them unpack and get settled in.
Life is always such an adventure. On Sunday we head up to Shalom Mountain for "Path of the Mystic" which is one of my favorite retreats- meditative and introspective. It keeps me close to my connection with God. I'm looking forward to it- to the restfulness of it as well as to the time to reflect. At the same time there are a lot of old friends with whom I get to spend some time with as well... and whom I only get to see during the summer Mystic retreat.
The past week has been somewhat challenging as well as reassuring. Last Thursday, after a couple of days of Judy feeling really punk and achey with fever mostly at night, we learned that Judy didn't have some mysterious virus but rather, Lyme Disease. The symptoms had just about reduced her to tears and, in spite of my own efforts to maintain a grounded presence, we were both struggling.
A visit to a doctor (her's was actually away on vacation) nailed it down clearly (clinically) and got her going on a 2 to 4 week dose of amoxicillin. Stronger medicine might be better but would require she stay out of sunlight or get nasty blisters and other awful reactions. In any case, she doesn't like to take antibiotics unless they're absolutely necessary. I agree. In the case of Lyme disease caught early, however, it's the only way to surely handle it and prevent serious chronic symptoms and complications. We've become knowledgeable about Lyme disease very quickly in the last several days. Judy's on the road to recovery- mostly symptom free except for some fatigue. I'm trying to catch up on rest as well.
We had our youngest grandson, Sam, who is 2.5 years old, with us for the weekend while his mom and dad (my daughter Jordana and her husband Mike) took a few days of their own R&R and celebrated a long planned wedding Anniversary vacation in Cape May. The time was delightful and demanding- both extremes... especially since Sam arises around 6:30am every day. By Monday, the day his mom and dad returned, Judy was feeling better and I slept until almost 9am while Judy played with Sam.
My health is remarkably good and I am feeling good. I've kept up with my health plan very rigorously and I think it shows. It'll be at least another month or so until I get my next physical exam and blood work including a PSA... so no official reports at this point. I'll probably blog an entry in August or September when I have anything of a progress report. My exercise is paying off daily. I'm adjusting my exercise following a program called PACE- it stands for Progressively Accelerating Cardiopulmonary Exertion. It actually reduces the time I need to exercise while significantly producing results. Judy and I bought an e-book on it that we'd be happy to share about it if you're interested. Send me an email to kenfrank@att.net
I had a great experience doing a mat trip at the Men's Shalom Retreat in mid-June led by John Bottone & Alistair MacMartin. My core energetics work with Sandie Rumold feels like it's paying dividends in my feeling of well-being. I'm beginning to work on my own with a technique called "The Sedona Method". You can Google it or go to sedona.com if you want to find out more... but it fits well with what I'm up to in my life. It's a way to release feelings- fears, anger, resentment, struggle, stuckness and most anything. I'm excited about the results.
I've finally completed laying out the spring FSM Newsletter and it will be distributed to the entire community shortly after being reviewed for errors and typos. I hope to have it posted soon on the friendsofshalom.org website. This is the first time in over five years that I've been anything like a month and a half late in getting it out. I have very mixed feelings about that... it's good that I'm clear about my personal and health priorities and bad that I had to put professional considerations on a back burner. Still, I'm actually feeling comfortable about it, overall.
After "Path of the Mystic" we'll return for a day or so and then probably head up to Canada for a week where we'll visit with our friends Joy and Lawrence and help with an addition they're building on their cottage there. When I return I will be working on the Friends of Shalom Annual Report getting set for the FSM Annual Meeting on the Labor Day work weekend. Also, Judy and I will be cooking for The Body Sacred early in August and also for the Extended Couples Retreat at Shalom toward the end of August.
I'm looking forward to spending some time around home in mid-August and catching up on a million things and/or spending a few days at the Jersey shore where several friends have homes and we have invitations. My daughter Tina and her husband Matt are moving from California to North Carolina around the end of September. We just might go down for a day or two to help them unpack and get settled in.
Friday, May 11, 2007
About My Health
I've been monitoring my PSA for the past five years as part of my ongoing health care and it had been creeping up slowly. In February I learned it had jumped to 8.8. I decided that a prostate biopsy would be prudent and had it done. The results in mid-March showed that although five of the six biopsy samples were unremarkable, approximately 2% of the sixth sample showed positive for cancer.
This was somewhat frightening. I've been working at taking good care of myself and my health, but this felt like a sign that I needed to get more focused. And this seemed at first to come at an inopportune time. Judy and I were soon to leave on a trip to Argentina for three weeks. Our time before leaving was filled with scurrying, both to prepare for our trip and to assemble a plan to deal with the very early warning of cancer.
We met with my urologist and got his assessment and we began phone consultations with Larry Clapp who'd written a book about how he cured his own prostate cancer twice and has helped many other men do the same over the past 17 years. Before we departed I felt I had a good general plan scoped out. I had done a cleanse for about 10 days before we left and would do another on our return... including a rigorous parasite cleansing that would continue (and still is continuing) for ninety days.
While we were in Argentina I'd eat carefully and begin taking Norwegian Cod Liver Oil that would provide me with appropriately rich Vitamins A, D, and E along with DHA and EPA. I'd also continue taking NingXia Red daily, a powerful natural blend of antioxidant juices, and a variety of other supplements including CoEnzyme Q10, Saw Palmetto, Selenium, and grape seed extract. After we'd return and I completed a cleanse, I'd begin a new nutrition plan and resume the daily exercise program of walking and running for about a half hour every morning.
We had a wondrous time in Argentina. I've uploaded over 260 pictures to my Picasa Website at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/kgfrank/KenJudySArgentinaTrip?authkey=BcXnLhMu3s8
I may write more about the trip to Argentina at another time. Yesterday I began sending the following letter to many friends and family members. I'm still sending it to others... I'm struck by the number of people whom I love and who love me! I feel very blessed!!!
Precious Friends and Family Members,
Several weeks ago I learned that I've been diagnosed with early prostate cancer. The diagnosis came primarily as a result of careful regular monitoring of my general health since recovering from colon cancer 17 years ago. Early diagnosis means that I have a few months to use alternative methods of overcoming prostate cancer before having to consider traditional surgery or radiation which is known to be highly effective when done early but is risky with side-effects. My urologist agrees that what I am doing is potentially effective, though not one that is easy or for everyone.
In recent weeks I've been working with coaching from Dr. Larry Clapp, who wrote "Prostate health in 90 Days" and cured himself (and many others) of prostate cancer without surgery or radiation. I've begun almost daily exercises (walking and/or running). I've gone through a rigorous dietary cleanse, more stringent than my "usual" lemonade cleanse to clear my system of real and potential irritants. I've shifted into a diet plan focused primarily on raw foods and high protein, eliminating most sugary and starchy foods. I've begun consuming some specialized supplements and foods designed to combat cancer cells and to promote maximum physical health.
On the spiritual/emotional/psychological side, I'm continuing to meditate a minimum of 1 hour daily. I have begun working regularly with a friend who is a certified Core Energetics therapist to clear and heal unconscious blocks to my well being. With Judy's help I'm also beginning to use a methodology recommended by Dr. Joseph Mercola called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to deal with issues that block my full experience of well-being.
I am working with several doctors and specialists to monitor my health and the effectiveness of my efforts and I'm getting lots of support and assistance from Judy in all of this. I believe strongly in the power of focused energy and prayer, so, as one of my family and/or family of friends, I'm asking you to support me that way, in your thoughts and hearts as I go through the next several months. I will certainly keep you apprised of my progress and I am happy to talk with you about this and answer any questions you may have.
Warm loving wishes and hugs,
Ken
This was somewhat frightening. I've been working at taking good care of myself and my health, but this felt like a sign that I needed to get more focused. And this seemed at first to come at an inopportune time. Judy and I were soon to leave on a trip to Argentina for three weeks. Our time before leaving was filled with scurrying, both to prepare for our trip and to assemble a plan to deal with the very early warning of cancer.
We met with my urologist and got his assessment and we began phone consultations with Larry Clapp who'd written a book about how he cured his own prostate cancer twice and has helped many other men do the same over the past 17 years. Before we departed I felt I had a good general plan scoped out. I had done a cleanse for about 10 days before we left and would do another on our return... including a rigorous parasite cleansing that would continue (and still is continuing) for ninety days.
While we were in Argentina I'd eat carefully and begin taking Norwegian Cod Liver Oil that would provide me with appropriately rich Vitamins A, D, and E along with DHA and EPA. I'd also continue taking NingXia Red daily, a powerful natural blend of antioxidant juices, and a variety of other supplements including CoEnzyme Q10, Saw Palmetto, Selenium, and grape seed extract. After we'd return and I completed a cleanse, I'd begin a new nutrition plan and resume the daily exercise program of walking and running for about a half hour every morning.
We had a wondrous time in Argentina. I've uploaded over 260 pictures to my Picasa Website at:
http://picasaweb.google.com
I may write more about the trip to Argentina at another time. Yesterday I began sending the following letter to many friends and family members. I'm still sending it to others... I'm struck by the number of people whom I love and who love me! I feel very blessed!!!
Precious Friends and Family Members,
Several weeks ago I learned that I've been diagnosed with early prostate cancer. The diagnosis came primarily as a result of careful regular monitoring of my general health since recovering from colon cancer 17 years ago. Early diagnosis means that I have a few months to use alternative methods of overcoming prostate cancer before having to consider traditional surgery or radiation which is known to be highly effective when done early but is risky with side-effects. My urologist agrees that what I am doing is potentially effective, though not one that is easy or for everyone.
In recent weeks I've been working with coaching from Dr. Larry Clapp, who wrote "Prostate health in 90 Days" and cured himself (and many others) of prostate cancer without surgery or radiation. I've begun almost daily exercises (walking and/or running). I've gone through a rigorous dietary cleanse, more stringent than my "usual" lemonade cleanse to clear my system of real and potential irritants. I've shifted into a diet plan focused primarily on raw foods and high protein, eliminating most sugary and starchy foods. I've begun consuming some specialized supplements and foods designed to combat cancer cells and to promote maximum physical health.
On the spiritual/emotional/psychological side, I'm continuing to meditate a minimum of 1 hour daily. I have begun working regularly with a friend who is a certified Core Energetics therapist to clear and heal unconscious blocks to my well being. With Judy's help I'm also beginning to use a methodology recommended by Dr. Joseph Mercola called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to deal with issues that block my full experience of well-being.
I am working with several doctors and specialists to monitor my health and the effectiveness of my efforts and I'm getting lots of support and assistance from Judy in all of this. I believe strongly in the power of focused energy and prayer, so, as one of my family and/or family of friends, I'm asking you to support me that way, in your thoughts and hearts as I go through the next several months. I will certainly keep you apprised of my progress and I am happy to talk with you about this and answer any questions you may have.
Warm loving wishes and hugs,
Ken
Saturday, January 27, 2007
2007 Shalom Mountain Mid-Winter Mystic Retreat
It's Saturday January 27th. This morning we did holotropic breath work and it was awesome. I went into the process with an expectation that I knew what might happen. In fact, it was quite unique.
I first got in touch with memories and feelings about my first stepfather, Ralph. For many years in my childhood, perhaps from around 5 through 12 or 13 he'd pay me anywhere from 25 cents to a dollar and a half to give him a scalp or foot massage or to scrub callouses on his soles with a pumice stone.
Back then, I was glad to have a way to earn spending money though I didn't always like that I "had to" do it when asked or risk being treated as ungrateful or misbehaving. As I reached the end of that age range I began to feel exploited and taken advantage of. I became angry and resentful. I carried the anger actively for a long time... even beyond his passing in my early thirties.
In the breathwork I got in touch with Ralph's humanity- with his need to be touched in the way all of us human beings need to be touched. I could sense he hadn't gotten that kind of attention when he was younger and his parents were alive- probably struggling with survival demands as immigrants early in the 20th century and during the depression years. I could feel empathy and compassion. I was able to picture myself surrendering my resentment and anger and forgiving him for any offenses I'd been carrying. He forgave me for carrying the resentment and anger for so many years. I pictured us hugging each other. I felt a burden lifting from my soul.
There was more to my experience of the breathwork, but that's all I'm writing about now. I feel so grateful to have Shalom Mountain in my life and my world. I celebrate that I have been a supporter of the work of Shalom Mountain for many years. (see www.shalommountain.com and/or www.friendsofshalom.com)
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