DAY 2 AT THE OASIS

Today has been MUCH busier.

It started out with them getting an IV started at 9am.  They gave her a shot of insulin and then started an IV drip of something.  We asked what it was and they said "chemo."  We were surprised because the doctor had recommended against starting with chemo - he said we should start with something more gentle.  So, the doctor came in and said that it's a very low dose gentle chemo that, when combined with the insulin, is a greatly enhanced tool to stop the tumor growth.

After that the doctor came in and said that her blood work looks good.  Her liver enzymes have been up for several weeks and they are still a bit high but not concerning.  The calcium has stayed within normal limits since we left the hospital.

Her next treatment was a process where they take out some of her blood - then ozonate it - then run it under ultraviolet light - then put it back in her.  Sounds weird, I know, but we had read about this as a fairly common alternative cancer treatment.  It helps clean out your blood and supports your body while it's fighting.

Then she was given a shot (through her IV) of 2 different pain meds to counteract any side effects of the next IV - which was Perftec.  The doctor described it as being like artificial blood - he said it's used in surgeries.  This helps get oxygen into the blood and tumor (it doesn't like oxygen). 

I can't really do justice to explaining exactly what these all do... but if you are more interested, here's where they explain it:   http://www.oasisofhope.com/irt_ch5_oxidizing_cancer.php.

And to enhance the oxygen getting into her system even more, she was given oxygen from about noon - when she started the perftec - until 9pm - about 1/2 an hour after all IVs were done.

They dripped the perftec very slowly because some people have bad reactions (muscle spasms and nausea) -- and for those of you who have been paying attention, you know those are 2 things that she does NOT need more of.  She had NO adverse reaction. As a matter of fact, between one of the IVs, she wanted to get up and walk a little and she sat up so quickly and easily, we both just kind of stared at each other for a minute.
  **UPDATE: (for those of you just getting caught up on Valerie's health) - she has been having immobilizing back pain and spasms for about 2 months with nausea off and on (mostly on) **

So this was great news.  We assume that the pain meds before the perftec REALLY helped her.
  **Valerie has been on morphine since leaving the hospital on 7/28 and she has never been WITHOUT pain.

She then did a round of high dose vitamin C IV - also very common in alternative cancer treatment, and something that she has been doing with her naturopathic doctor 3 times a week since March.

That was followed by Laetrile or Amygdalin - something that you HAVE to come to Mexico for and can't get in the states (like much of this treatment I'm explaining).  I'm here to tell you that we (U.S.) do NOT have the best healthcare system - far from it.  It's gotten better under this, because in 2014, Valerie, now with her pre-existing condition, can not be denied health insurance.... but we still have far to go, especially when it comes to natural treatment and choice.   None of us has any idea how poorly our healthcare system works until we actually NEED it - us included.

End of soapbox...for now. :)

Valerie ended the day (just a short while ago) with another round of high dose vitamin C.

In the midst of all of that, I have been going to the dining room and getting to go plates for us.  Since her appetite has been so bad for about 3-4 weeks now, I have no idea (and neither does she) what she will want.....sooooo, I get a little bit of everything. :)  Today there was quinoa, chunky avocado salsa/salad, baked potatoes, fresh juices, and mushroom omelets, just to name a few of the yummy things.  Valerie has not eaten a lot, but she is eating SO much better than she was just a few days ago.

Since arriving early yesterday, she has only left the room to walk up and down the hallway.  Today - between IVs - we walked outside once AND up and down the hallway several times. 

I think just being here, amongst people who talk to her as if she will live a long, healthy life, is already curing some of the stuff going on inside of her.  The U.S. doctors sent her home with no/little hope and these doctors have nothing but hope.

Off topic comment for the day:  Most staff here speak English or make a huge effort to communicate with us in English.  I went to Calimex today (think Vons, Kroger, Piggly Wiggly - did I leave anyone out?) ... and I realized no one may speak English and why should they?!  Most of us don't speak more than one language.  I got a little disgusted with myself for expecting someone to speak English and for me not making ANY effort to communicate with them in Spanish.  I realized that everywhere I go I just assume someone will speak at least a little English... how arrogant.  And I know enough to at least make an effort.  It's embarrassing and uncomfortable, but they do it constantly for me/us.  How arrogant to not at least try.  In case no one noticed, I AM in Mexico for crying out loud.  So that's my goal for the next 10 days - to at least make an effort to say please and thank you in Spanish.  Tonight I said "Necessito practicar mi espanol" and "uno mas plato por favor" and "gracias."  I'm chalking that up to a good start. 

All in all, day 2 is meeting all expectations - high though they may be.  :)

love you all