Cancer Camp at Shambhala- Red Feather Lakes Stupa

Great memories of Courageous Women, Fearless Lives!

Dear Fellow Cancer Camp Campers,
Yes, they tell me I have stage 4, metastasized breast cancer. I am very lucky because at stage 4 they are not pressuring me to do chemo and radiation unless I need it for palliative reasons. But my cancer has not yet formed tumors elsewhere or gone to my bones, it was just showing up in my lymph system outside the initial breast area. I think that is why my protocol which is designed to help my body be as healthy as possible is working to keep the cancer from progressing.

So my protocol involves a very careful diet (no sugar, no white flour, no toxins from processed foods- just fresh high nutrient foods like we learned about at camp). Plus cancer fighting, estrogen lowering and immune boosting herbs and herbal tonics. Plus a few other weapons like an alkaline water (ph 11) that I spray on like a deoderant that alkalinizes my lymph area on the theory that cancer cannot live in an alkaline situation. Plus marijuana processed for the cannabinoiods (not the "high" producing THC) that is a great cancer-fighting sleep aid- legal in Colorado. Plus good old Rescue Remedy (Bach flower dorps) that brings down one's stress levels on the theory that stress feeds cancer. Plus Logul's Iodine- applied to my skin near suspected cancer areas. Plus careful monitoring of my nutritional levels and getting nutritional IVs (like the Meyer's Cocktail) as needed for vitamin C, zinc, vit Bs and magnesium- which I am consistently low on in spite of my careful diet. Plus a strong belief system, and loving support, that our bodies can heal themselves. What a journey! But hey- it's working!

We loved our Oregon coast trip. On the way home we stopped in Ashland to visit in-person with my health practitioners there who are part of my team and develop my protocol. I work with the Mederi Center for Natural Health in Oregon, plus my MD Dr Jackie Fields who you might have met the afternoon she visited cancer camp. Plus my oncologist is very supportive in ordering whatever tests we need to monitor my progress.

Hope you are well and enjoying your family visit!

Great Trip to Alaska and home for good news on blood tests

Dear Family and Friends,
Yes, our Alaskan Adventure was awesome. The Alaskan mountains are like the Rockies on steroids. They flow down into cliffs of rainforest that flows to the beautiful, but cold, Pacific ocean, whose waves rock floating ice chunks and icebergs. The glaciers have a beauty and color that comes from within that pictures and words can not truly describe. We saw whales spouting and playing, lots of bald eagles, but no bears. We went crabbing and feasted on fresh Dungeness crabs, saw Russian folk dancers, touched magical glacier ice, and generally had an awesome time.

When we came home we found that Don and his Caregivers also had a great time. And Don's wife Hing, and two of his kids, Chris and Nicole, came for a week long visit shortly after our return. So we were immediately busy having a great family visit. And Ken ran off to Oklahoma for a fun wild boar hunting trip with his archery buddies.

I also returned to have a new series of tests as ordered by the Oregon holistic center, and my new primary care physician. These tests included a "Circulating Tumor Blood Test" ordered by my oncologist. We got really great news from this test which measures exactly how much cancer is actively in my blood stream. It is ranked with numbers 1-10. If my number was 5 or greater even my holistic doctors would want me to start chemo to slow the systemic cancer while working to strengthen my body, immune system and attacking the cancer botanically. My test results were ZERO. To be sure they ran them twice. This means, at this time I have NO cancer in my blood stream, contrary to what we were assuming when we found cancer in the lymph node near my heart.

So while I still have a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, because it is currently not moving in my blood stream there are a lot of great ramifications. Mainly, it can be considered to be "in remission." I will not have to consider chemo unless someday the cancer begins to "nest" somewhere else in my body. This gives us time to aggressively treat it with careful nutrition and cancer fighting botanicals without the debilitating effects of chemo. I have already started a careful diet and holistic treatments, but with my latest nutritional and hormonal blood tests, we can refine these treatments even more based on my body's needs. I am also starting to take an estrogen blocking pill prescribed by my oncologist since this cancer seems to be estrogen driven. We are currently testing to find the one with the least side effects for me.

My diet is currently extremely restrictive as I must avoid all toxins to support my cancer-fighting liver, and avoid all sugars (except stevia sweetener) to not "feed" the cancer. Everything I consume must be organic and fresh, very little animal proteins (limiting even the grass-fed beef and free range chicken), and daily to include lots of dark leafy green and broccoli or cabbage family veggies. I take large quantities of capsules, tablets, powders, potions, tonics, and teas everyday- all at special times of the day. It is hard to manage to protocol, but yummy to eat. I drink a coconut milk smoothie full of special supplements every morning- delicious. I'm learning to make coconut milk fudgsicles for the summer with dark chocolate flavored stevia- yum!

Meanwhile, since it apparently is my confused adrenals which are creating all the cancer-feeding estrogen, I am rapidly reducing any outside stress in my life. I'm resigning all my volunteer activities (even the ones I like), reassigning all my part time businesses to others (even the ones which actually make money), and turning over the caretaking responsibilities for Don to him and his team. I'm spending more and more time quietly alone (or with Ken) at SunHaven. And Ken and I have great plans for spending 3 weeks together in July- first a week of camping on Horsetooth Reservoir, then 2 weeks at SunHaven together. For my birthday we have reservations at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Meanwhile Ken is taking more 3-4 days weekends so we can relax together, or go on an adventure together. Studies show that terminal cancer patients with lots to look forward to keep the cancer at bay far longer. So we are adding this technique to our cancer-fighting arsenal- and it’s great fun!

As always I appreciate your support, prayers and well wishes. They mean a lot to both me and Ken. Some of my women friends are gathering in July for a Healing Circle for me. Isn't that just heartfilling? Please let me know if you would like to be included- in-person or from a far.

Healing Circle Ceremony Invitation from Deanna

Dear Wyms ~
As all of you know, our dear friend Kate is going through a huge healing process right now. We are all sending her love, light and healing and now it's time to party. We want to celebrate Kate and all she has done for each one of us, our community and the world. We have picked a date and we’re getting organized. Kate would love to have us up to her mountain home. Please RSVP by hitting reply ASAP so that we can keep this organized and easy on everyone. So here’s all the details:

Sunday • July 17, 2011 • 2 - 4 pm
Sun Haven (directions upon RSVP)

Deanna Estes <deanna@lotusdesign.biz> will be handling
    • RSVPs, directions and helping you connect for car pooling

Mary Whalen <whalenmarya@gmail.com> and Kim Pentecost <kim@wisdomdance.com> will be organizing the ceremony
    • Please bring a flower(s) from your garden. We will be making a bouquet for Kate
    • Be ready to share a SHORT story about Kate. It can humorous, about how she has helped you or anything that is relevant to who she is in the world.
    • We will be chanting so bring rattles, drums or other instruments.

Mary Raymond <mary@marykayray.com> will be organizing food
    • Right now, food will be organic. We will keep you posted if Kate’s dietary needs change before our gathering.

We are excited to come together for celebration. Know that it is important to be flexible. We want to be very organized to keep this easy and simple in respect for Kate’s process. If anything changes with her healing process, we may need to make changes.

Love and blessings,
Deanna, Mary, Mary and Kim

May Update- Building My Healing Team

Dear Family and Friends,
Some of you may already have this updated information, so forgive me if I already filled you in. At this point we have pretty much completed all the major tests needed and have pulled together my healing team of doctors and naturopaths. There will still be some hormone tests before I start the official cancer fighting protocol, but mostly we know what is what, and what the next steps will be.

Basically all the testing and retesting was because my medical oncologist wanted to be able to downgrade the cancer from stage 4 to stage 3. At stage 3 she has much more effective chemotherapy and radiation results than stage 4. In addition, we did a series of tests on the tumor that was removed to determine what, if any, type of chemo would be best. Unfortunately, no matter how we tested things, because of the tiny lymph node near my heart that has cancer, they have determined that while the cancer is gone from my right breast area, it has metastasized outside that area. So I am classified as stage 4 invasive ductal breast cancer.

Furthermore, at this point even the medical doctors are no longer recommending chemo or radiation, because the success rate for these treatments is considerably less than the chance that they would cause blood clots, a stroke or a heart attack. The tiny effected lymph node is to close too my heart to risk radiation on it. So, even though it is just a tiny spot of cancer, the medical prognosis is not very good with the tools the medical profession currently uses.

Now for the good news. Because of all of the above, my medical doctors are totally on board with using any natural, holistic treatments available to me to stop the cancer from growing, moving, or creating tumors anywhere (and to strengthen my body and immune system). Tomorrow I complete the intake with the Medeari Center in Ashland, Oregon. Their panel of nutritionists, herbalists, Chinese medicine, practical and holistic medicine MDs will recommend a complete protocol designed for me. My local oncologist, my general care physician, and my local naturopath have all worked successfully with the Medeari Center. Also, because I am just barely "stage 4" that gives me an even better chance of stopping the spread of the cancer naturally.

My oncologist will be testing me every 3-6 months with blood tests and PET scans to track how we are doing. If the cancer starts a tumor anywhere, at that time we will revisit whether cyber knife radiation or chemo will be helpful. Meanwhile, since this cancer seems to thrive on estrogen, I will be prescribed an estrogen inhibitor which is a chemo-like pill. It works well with the natural therapies and will be a part of my new protocol to discourage the cancer from spreading. I expect to officially start the new treatments in June. Meanwhile, I am on a very careful diet and already have symptoms that my estrogen levels are dropping.

The other good news is my first choice for my local general physician, Dr Jackie Fields (who was no longer taking new patients), has agreed to make an exception and be my Primary Care Doctor and direct my treatments. She has a good success record of combining both medical and holistic treatments for stage 4 cancer patients.

Even more good news- in checking to be sure he was following the rules correctly for family sick leave from his job at CSU, Ken learned he has almost 6 months of saved up sick leave from his many years working for the state. With a note from my oncologist, he can take that leave so we can spend more time together in the next few years. So he is already taking several 3 day weekends, and this July we plan to take 3 weeks just to spend together up at SunHaven. And in October we will take several weeks for some Oregon beach kite festivals and to visit my team at the Medeari Center in person. We are busily planning what we want to do, where we want to go, now that we have received this "gift of time," while Ken is still on full pay and his job is secure. We plan to pack up our 5th wheel to visit family and friends, and see festivals all over the country.

Speaking of travel, this Friday we leave for our Alaskan Cruise, and we can hardly wait. We will be gone May 13-22. I don’t expect we will be available by phone or internet from that week. Spenser is going to spend the time at a neighbor’s house near SunHaven. Don’s caregiver team is scheduled and prepared to take over. This will be a good trial run for future trips.

Thank you everyone for all your good wishes, prayers and loving thoughts! In spite of the dire stage 4 diagnosis, I believe everything is progressing just right so that I could have the full support of my healing team to strengthen my body and have the best chance to really cure it. Meanwhile, I feel great! I’m eating well, taking good care of myself, and if I did not have medical tests saying otherwise, I would think I am in tip top shape! Plus I get to play with my beloved Ken more! So your positive thoughts are working, thank you all.

Found the Right Oncologist Today

Dear Family,

I finally met with Dr Miho Scott for the second oncology opinion. She was not satisfied with the pathology and PET scan results, and was shocked that no blood work was done yet. So she took 12 vials of blood for extensive testing, and ordered an MRI for next Tuesday. She is not yet willing to say stage 3 or 4 without results from these tests, and feels her suggested treatments will be very different depending on the stage. She is also VERY willing to work with my natural/holistic practitioners and encourages her patients to use all resources to build their strength and ability to fight the cancer. At this point she does not see the point to any radiation, but may consider the cyberknife after testing and seeing how things progress. What a relief to find a western medicine doctor who sees the bigger picture and treats me like an individual, not like a cookie-cutter, stage 4 cancer. Some of the new test results will not be available for 3 weeks, but she does not feel we must rush as the cancer does not seem to be fast moving.

Also saw the surgeon today. Still struggling to heal the inflammation around the surgery site, but at least he is no longer pushing for a second surgery. My naturopathic doc suggested caster oil packs to reduce the inflammation, and the surgeon concurs, so we will start that this weekend. May take as much as a month if it works, but at least no scalpels are involved.

I'm starting the intake process for the Centre for Natural Health in Ashland, Oregon. This is Donald Yance's organization. He wrote "Herbal Medicine, Healing, and Cancer." This organization provides a comprehensive program for cancer prevention and treatment. I can work with my local naturopath, Dr Mike Sutton, and the CNH, and they will help me find which of the holistic treatments offered by Dr. Billica (Don's local holistic MD) would be most effective for me. They have a comprehensive intake process, using all the reports and tests so far, plus the new ones ordered by Dr Scott, plus more of their own tests will be ordered. Then there is a 2 hour phone consultation with one of their master practitioners, then a board of five meet to discuss my case, and they get back to me and Dr Sutton with their recommendations. They use some of the Gerson Therapy (natural cancer fighting) techniques, plusa lot of nutritional treatments and recommendations, but will even recommend chemo, radiation, western medicine hormone therapy or surgery if they think it is warranted. So I like their holistic approach and look forward to learning what they recommend for me. My oncologist, Dr Scott, is currently working with them and another of her patients and is willing to work with them again for me. She can order any western medicine testing needed to track my progress, regardless of what treatments we all decide on.

So I'm very encouraged today. Thanks everyone for all your well wishes, love and support! Right now I'm asking everyone to visualize my right chest as flat (not inflamed) and the skin as a healthy pink. That is my most immediate healing need. Also please share this update with Dorothy and Gene for me- thanks!

Love you all! -Kate

Dear Family- Update on living situation

Dear Family,

Ken and I have been living with my brother Don since November of 2009. To help Mom we found Don a townhome and renovated it for him. Then we moved in with him so Mom could have a break. Unfortunately she never regained her strength since we did not know she was dealing with colon cancer until it was too late. Did you know she passed away on the same day I had my PET scan last month? I have felt her there with me several times during this scary process. Cancer sure can sneak up on you!

This past year (2011) Ken and I (and Don) began to build and train Don's caregiver team with the goal of us returning to our mountain home every weekend. When the lumpectomy became a mastectomy with the cancer diagnosis we changed that to building his team to full time since we just don't know what the future will bring me- in terms of treatments, energy etc. We have been successful enough that starting this month, Ken and I are able to live at SunHaven 4 days a week and spent only Tues, Weds and Thurs at Don's townhome. So when I am in town with Don is when I schedule doctor appointments, tests, healing treatments, errands and shopping.

For contact info-

All three of us- Don, Ken and I have the same mailing address-

305 West Magnolia St PMB228, Fort Collins, CO 80521.

That is a mail stop that always has someone there during business hours that can receive FedEx, UPS and mail for us. We need that for the many packages and medications Don gets.

Don named his townhome "HobbitHouse" and it is located at 924 Gilgalad Way in Fort Collins, but none of us get mail there. Our mountain home, SunHaven, is located at 1154 Mount Ethel Rd in Bellvue, but we don't get mail there either. Don has a phone at HobbitHouse that his caregivers can answer for him. It is 970-224-2495. My cell phone is 970-402-4031 and that is the only phone we use, except Ken's cell at 970-305-0678.

Healthwise-

The PET scan was an easier process than I expected, but the results were somewhat mixed. We were not able to rule out stage IV since the cancer still shows up on the scan. But there appears to be no tumors on organs or cancer in my bones- Yeah! Just in 2 more lymph nodes. Still the oncologist wants to treat it as stage IV and do aggressive chemo, radiation and then hormone therapy for several years. Nothing can start until I'm more recovered from the surgery so I'm reading, researching, and visiting with all kinds of experts like a 2nd oncologist (this Weds), MDs, my surgeon, Don's holistic MD, and my naturopathic doctor to help me decide what course(s) of action to take. Meanwhile I'm on a strict, but yummy, anti-cancer diet, and doing a number of holistic treatments designed to help me recover from the surgery and fight the cancer. 

Don is doing well. He is enjoying the team of caregivers we've developed and trained for him these past few months. (Just in time!) Most of them are young college coeds who share his interests in music, movies and adventures. He text messages with all of them often and they share pictures with him of their ski trips and rock climbing adventures. His 54th birthday was last week and several of his caregivers took him shopping for birthday cake ingredients, then off to one gal's apartment where together they all baked his birthday cake. So even though he can not eat it, he had birthday cake to share with the many birthday well-wishers who stopped in the next day.

To help with my surgery healing process and recovering my range of motion, Ken and I found a small used hot tub online on Craigs List. We set it up on Don's deck at his townhome. So while Ken and I are having a peaceful retreat this weekend at our mountain home, Don can have a hot tub party for his friends. Even paralyzed in the wheelchair, they can help him dabble his feet in the water while they soak. As you know, he loves to try all kinds of new adventures. Very little gets him down- he is my model for dealing with challenges.

Thanks for your encouragement and support.

Dear Family- Updating letter

Dear Family,

As many of you know, the PET scan results came yesterday. They showed cancer in one one lymph node near my heart, and another suspicious looking lymph node under my collar bone. No tumors on my organs, bones or elsewhere. It also showed my other breast is very clear of anything suspicious. Yeah! I get to keep that one!

Unfortunately since the PET scan shows anything at all, it is classified as a very low level Stage IV cancer. Naturally the oncologist that Don, Ken and I visited with yesterday wants to do some very aggressive treatments designed for stage IV cancer. She recommends 12 weeks of very ugly IV chemo to poison me, and hopefully- the cancer, 2 months of radiation, then 5 years on a hormone therapy that is still a poison, but only in pill form with lesser side effects.

I visited with Don's holistic MD, Dr Billica, with the results and recommendations. He says if I decide to do the chemo/radiation his therapies can help me survive the treatments. Then we can use natural remedies to inhibit the estrogen (this cancer seems to be estrogen driven) instead of another poison.

I will be visiting with a Naturopathic doctor who is not in favor of any poisoning, to learn more supportive ways to stop and cure cancer that requirement a big lifestyle commitment. And I have an appointment with another oncologist so I can get even more opinions on my medical options.

I've, of course, already made big changes to my nutrition, started some IV vitamin C and Bs today, and some other natural health boosting treatments these past weeks. Chemo can not be considered until May- not until my surgery is fully healed. The surgery site unfortunately has an infection, so I'm treating it with antibiotics. Plus I have what is called torso edema from the loss of the lymph nodes, so I need more healing time until they can consider poisoning me. Good! I need the time to decide how I want to spend the rest of my life.

One of the first things Ken and I need is a new adventure to look forward to during this ugly process. So we are heading on a cruise to Alaska in May, before any chemo would start. We are so excited! We've always wanted to see Alaska, and this way we will be pampered all the way! We are taking Holland America from May 14-21. Want to sign up and join us?

Meanwhile it is a matter of actively gathering information and recommendations, visiting with doctors and collecting success stories. I love all the success stories! Keep them coming! Thanks everyone for helping me keep a positive attitude everyday, for all your prayers, candles, and healing circles. Thanks to all Don's awesome caregivers- starting this month I will be mostly focusing on my own journey- they have Don covered! And he feels very safe and well cared for. Wahoo!

Thanks for all your love and support!

Post-Surgery Letter to Friends and Family

Dear Family and Friends,

If I have already sent you this news, please forgive me for repeating myself. I have learned that many of you have not heard about our latest challenges in Colorado.

First of all Don is doing well. His health is stable, he is surrounded by an excellent team of caregivers, and his treatments are going well. So he is really enjoying his time in Colorado.

As you know, we lost our Mom to colon cancer just one year ago this month and we are still recovering from that terrible loss. Then one year later, early this month, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On March 9 I went to the outpatient surgery for a lumpectomy and left after an overnight stay having had a full mastectomy. My surgeon believes the entire cancerous tumor itself was removed. Unfortunately, it had already spread to 7 of the 15 lymph nodes he also removed. This means it is considered to be stage 3 cancer and possibly in my bloodstream. Tomorrow (on the first anniversary of Mom's death) I go for a PET scan to hopefully rule out stage 4 cancer. Stage 4, or metasasized cancer ,would mean it is active somewhere else in my body. We will know more tomorrow. Discovering whether it is stage 3 or 4 will determined the type(s) of treatments recommended. In addition to Ken, I think Mom will be with me during this test tomorrow.

Recovering from the mastectomy has been more painful, and takes longer, than I ever thought, but everyday is better. I'm asking all my family and friends to join my Care Team in this new adventure. I need lots of support in terms of encouragement to eat right, get exercise, and take advantage of the many holistic, spiritual tools and resources we all know make a big difference. But first and foremost I need each and everyone of you to always "see" me as well, healthy and whole even when I might be whining. Ken has been my rock and he will need your support too.

I am so grateful for all the prayers, candles and good wishes I've received over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me. Please keep them coming, and ALWAYS "visualize" me as healthy and joyful. 

Love, Kate

The Very Beginning - letters to my friends and family

February 27, 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

As expected, I do have to have a partial mastectomy. It is scheduled for next Wednesday morning, March 9. The surgeon will remove the entire large lump in my right breast, plus 1-2 lymph nodes for testing. He will remove about the size of a lime from my breast, but that should take care of any possible cancer. After the pathology report, we will know if cancer was involved, but the pre-signs are bad enough the surgeon will err on the side of removing possible cancer over worrying about saving parts of my breast. Ken has given his approval.

Ken will be with me all day Wednesday at the hospital. It is an out-patient procedure, but at Poudre Valley Hospital. Ken is actually going to take all day Wed, Thurs and Fri off. We will find someone to be with Don Wednesday, Ken will handle Thursday and Brian will be here for Friday. So Ken and I will go up to SunHaven Friday, Sat and Sunday for further recovery time.

If all goes as planned, even if it is cancer, I will done at that point. If not, then depending on the pathology report I may have to go back for a complete mastectomy and/or consider radiology. He says chemo will be highly unlikely.

Thanks everyone for all your love and support. I appreciate all the success stories, candles and prayers! They make a difference!

March 10, 2011

Message from Deanna-

Kate Taylor went in yesterday to have a lumpectomy to remove a lump in her right breast. Once they got into surgery they determined that it was cancer and took her whole breast and 15 of her lymph nodes on the right side. They think it is stage 3, not 4 cancer (into her lymph nodes, but not any further). They'll know for sure once they test the tissue. They are hoping they got it all and that she won't have to have radiology. She was looking good, but in pain when she woke up. Originally it was supposed to be outpatient surgery, but since it was a more major surgery than they anticipated they suggested she spend the night at the hospital. When I left, the hospital yesterday that was what she was going to do.

Keep her in your heart and send her healing energy as she heals.

March 17, 2011

Last week my out-patient "lumpectomy" became a full mastectomy when cancer was discovered in my right breast. News from the doctor today was not as good as expected and hoped. First bad news was the doctor did not remove this @#$%^* drain from my side, or my stitches, although he did finally remove the bandages. Hopefully the drain and stitches will come out next Tuesday.

Secondly, pathology showed while the cancerous tumor was completed removed, 7 of the 15 lymph nodes removed also had cancer. This indicates the cancer made it to my lymph system. This means I will need a CAT scan or PET scan soon to see if the cancer has spread. If so, the doctor will recommend chemo. I will visit with an oncologist and listen, but I am unlikely to chose any kind of aggressive chemo. This means it is time to get really serious about my health. I intend to get as serious about my health and recovery as I am about Don's health and care.

So I'm asking you to join my Care Team. I need lots of support in terms of encouragement to eat right, get exercise, and take advantage of the many holistic, spiritual tools and resources we all know make a big difference. But first and foremost I need each and everyone of my support team to always "see" me as well, healthy and whole even when I might be whining. Ken has been my rock and he will need your support too.

Thank you for all your prayers, candles and good wishes over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me. Please share my "news" with anyone who might be willing to be part of my positivity support group. I welcome the good vibrations!

Even though today was discouraging, I'm looking forward to this new challenge in this adventure called life!

March 21, 2011

Right now I'm still trying to recover from the surgery. Last weekend was particularly difficult as I had some painful complications. I think next step is a PET scan and talking to an oncologist about possible hormone treatments- supposedly a kinder, gentler form of chemo- we will see. Apparently the cancer is estrogen driven, and I do run high estrogen. I'll know more after my doctor appointment tomorrow. It's a lot to understand and decide in a short amount of time, plus I have my brother's care to manage at the same time. I'm reeling, but Ken is my rock.