Cherry blossoms are a metaphor for life. The bloom is intense but fleeting. Savor your journey!
Mission Possible
Cancer is not a death sentence- make it a reaffirmation of life.
Despite medical advancements –pancreatic cancer alone claims over 46,000 lives annually. Survival post diagnosis is measured in weeks and months many times. Are there hope inspiring options? I have been treated with a revolutionary therapy plan and I have survived Stage 4 pancreatic, ampullary, and colon cancer for over 3 YEARS ….
My professional passion is to educate and make a difference for healthcare providers and patients
I have been a pharmacist for 28 years – dedicated to improving healthcare for patients. Part of my industry career has been devoted to analyzing drug studies and presenting the data to health plan and government bodies with the hope that appropriate choices will be made for patients. Some of my presentations have influenced drug therapy for millions of patient lives. My evidence review skills have earned me an affiliate assistant professor designation with the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and affiliate faculty designation with several other pharmacy schools. With decades of standard “by the book” training, I uncharacteristically opted for an unconventional integrative treatment pathway of radical surgery plus cutting-edge chemotherapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, and diet. This combined with exercise and relaxation strategies have yielded positive outcomes.
Empowering Patients
I have made a career of standing up for overwhelming drug evidence for proven and tried therapies. However, I am compelled to deviate from my career history to describe my treatment plan. When dealing with devastating cancers such as pancreatic- a patient’s time is paramount. On the whole, the medical community follows tried and true standard protocols for cancer treatment based upon large randomized studies. It could be years until the treatment plan such as mine is widely publicized and available to patients. The question I asked myself was – during those years how many potential patients could have benefited from my treatment regimen? In the end, I determined that discussing my therapy was an option other cancer patients needed to hear about and consider in their decision process. Why not use the best of all worlds from western, eastern, and naturopathic integrative therapy? Empowering patients to make informed decisions is a driving force of the book.
I do not intend to downplay the incredible contributions of medical practitioners who follow traditional cancer protocols as they are following their best judgment and are acting in the best interest of patients from their perspective. Part of following standard protocols is that doctors know what to expect from an action and side effect standpoint. This provides a more predictable and potentially safer treatment plan.
On the other hand, adoption of a less researched treatment plan can have unpredictable efficacy and safety results. Clearly my treatment regimen had the potential for severe negative results but I assumed the risk for the potential benefits beyond standard chemotherapy. With 3 plus years of survival, I am pleased with my decision pathway. As with all therapies, there is no one perfect universal therapy. Individual results will vary – just like the stock market. However, the decision on chemotherapy has more significant consequences than losing value in a mutual fund and therefore a patient’s decision is individual and critical.
Blitzing Cancer
The maximum blitz - hitting the big "C" - cancer with integrative therapy. Strategically using the best of all worlds in this fight for life!
I am a huge sports fan. When my beloved 1991 University of Washington Husky football team steamrolled to an undefeated national championship season it was a invincible defense which propeled them. The defense was a purple terror ravaging opposing offenses with an armenterium of blitzes devised by genius defensive coordinator Jim Lambright. Offenses did not know where the next Husky defensive misssile would strike. The concept of a maximum blitz has always intriqued me- a defense commits the majority of its defenders to a strategic all out charge on the opposing quarterback from every angle possible. In my case- I determined to use my maximum blitz against cancer. I would hit it with the best of all worlds integrative therapy and a very strategic gameplan. In a twist of fate, recounted by Gwen in my book- Coach Lambright visited me in the Intensive Care Unit post my Whipple surgery before my critical integrative therapy approach would be implemented.
More than Medicine
While impressive, life extension and revolutionary medical treatments should not be the sole focus of this story.
Making memories with our sons- Lane and James
The quality of the life and impact on others is more vital. Cancer provides the impetus to intensify relationships and prioritze the most important things in life. One of my driving messages is to not wait for a devastating cancer diagnosis to improve the quality of your life and those around you. Make a difference and memories! Throughout the recovery process my constant companion has been a wide spectrum of pain. Surgical pain, needle-like neuropathy, shooting neuropathic lightning bolts have been tormentors. Some would say the mental pain from anxiety and fear of disease progression and outcomes to my family and me are even more debilitating. However, during nonstandard chemotherapy, acupuncture, and naturopathy, I overcame a difficult treatment course and with optimism was able to work full-time and inspire others. Post cancer diagnosis perspectives, faith and relationships can change for the better- this is part of Living Lessons.
Attitude Therapy- as Powerful as Chemotherapy
I am posing on the famous Rocky steps in Philadelphia. Rocky could not have said it better " It's about how hard you get hit and keep moving forward."
The cutting edge Dr. Ben Chue and Dr. James Cunningham regimens combined with Dr. Paul Reilly’s naturopathic oncology and acupuncture from Darin Bunch MTCM, Lac. are a major factor in my recovery.
I am convinced that an additional critical factor is a person’s mental approach to meet challenges.
When faced with cancer, a patient can become depressed with the prospect of pain, suffering, and death. This negative perspective can lead to negative patient outcomes. I have chosen to attack my cancer disease state with a multi-pronged positive approach.
Perspective and Faith
Cancer is a burden. However, it is only a negative if I allow it to be. I can make it into a positive by educating cancer patients about other options. My cancer and response to it has inspired people- this is extremely rewarding.
Coach John Wooden is a philosophical legend. His teachings on faith, living, success, and work have had a profound impact on me. His wisdom has a prominent place within my day to day life, book and speaking engagements.
Cancer by its timeline creates a keen sense of focus. Everyday must be cherished. One of my philosophical models is legendary Coach John Wooden, who ascribed to the motto “To make each day your masterpiece.” I have taken this to heart. Every day you wake up, you set the tone with your attitude. Circumstances and environments can have an influence, but truly my attitude is the final determinant of if the day will be a masterpiece.
A key to perspective for me is my faith. In this world there are many religions and beliefs. For myself- a belief in God is the ultimate perspective builder. I know that my time on earth is finite and I must do the best that I am capable of with the gifts God has given me. There is a comfort in feeling that God has a role for me. No matter how difficult challenges get I find solace in believing it is part of a bigger picture. To know God is to know peace of mind.
An example of this peace of mind was the night of my 8 hour Whipple. Gwen and I were meeting preoperatively with a chaplain. After speaking with us for 15 minutes- he turned to Gwen and asked, “Has he been sedated already?” In actuality, I had no premedication. I was at complete peace with no anxiety.
I have been an invited speaker to motivate sales groups to confront job jeopardy fears, sales barriers, and produce enhanced sales results. Post presentations, these sales audiences have positively commented. They have gained challenge management skills and perspectives that will benefit them in the workplace and in their personal lives. In addition, I have lectured to college students on meeting challenges and achievement. The presentation has resonated with this younger generation as well.
Mark
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Please Note
The information in this book reflects the experience of the authors and is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a means of diagnosing or treating an illness. It is not a substitute for treatment by a doctor or health care provider. The author and publisher are not responsible for the use, effectiveness or safety of any procedure or treatment mentioned in this book.
The information and opinions contained in this publication are believed to be accurate based on the information available to the authors. However the contents have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
