Top 11 Greens to Use in Your Green Smoothies
1 year ago
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
I Looked Out the Window and What Did I See....
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Living Saga of Garvin Smith - Are you Dying to Read It? Part 7
I got my first dose of Cytoxan, Fludarabine, and Rituxan today. We ran out of time so I only got a little Rituxan today. Interesting initial side effects. A flushed face for a few minutes, a tightening in the throat (like a Darth Vader discipline), then aching in the body like when you have the flu and you ache all over. I went home and then got pretty dizzy and had a small amount of dry heaves. I ate some cooked broccoli (yum, yum!) and seem to be doing better. My oncologist says that because of my overall excellent health, I can reduce my treatment regimen from five days a week to three days a week. (It must have been from all that bacon, cheese, pizza, and circus peanuts that I've eaten over the years!) In the words of the famous American philosopher, Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane), "Just think, all those preservatives may be preserving you!" I just have to drink lots and lots of water to flush out the uric acid created by the mass murder of thousands of B cell lymphocytes. And people thought Stalin was bad! If I don’t flush my system, the high amount of uric acid can cause kidney failure. And we sure don’t want that! I ask if my changed eating habits can have a positive effect on remitting the lymphoma. He said no, but then went on to cite some longitudinal studies of families and eating habits in small Scandinavian towns, where it was discovered pretty much that, “You are what you eat,” or more likely, “You are what your ancestors ate.”
Follicular lymphoma is one of the most common types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. More is understood about the abnormalities that occur in the lymphocytes leading to this type of lymphoma than in many other lymphomas. A hallmark of this type of lymphoma is the presence of too much of a protein called Bcl-2. A gene called Bcl-2 produces this protein, and the excess Bcl-2 allows the lymphocyte to live longer than is usual. Because the abnormal lymphocytes fail to die as happens during normal cell turnover, too many lymphocytes accumulate, eventually forming lymph node tumors. The reason for the overproduction of Bel-2 is also understood. All humans have 23 chromosomes-46 in all-that contain many, many genes. The genes are made up of DNA, and each contains the fundamental information necessary for the manufacture of a protein. The process responsible for making a protein from message contained in a gene is normally regulated very closely in order to prevent too much of a protein being produced. Sometimes genes can get moved from one chromosome to another, an event called translocation. In the follicular lymphomas, the gene for the production of Bcl-2 protein (called Bcl-2) gets moved from chromosome 18 to chromosome 14. On chromosome 14, Bcl-2 is placed next to another gene that gives it instructions to keep producing Bcl-2 protein. As mentioned previously, the Bcl-2 protein prevents the lymphocyte from dying at the right time. Normal lymphocytes are programmed to die at some point during their normal lifespan. This built-in death program is called apoptosis (programmed cell death) and is essentially a cell suicide program. If this process is blocked (e.g., by having too much Bcl-2), lymphocytes accumulate and lymphoma may result.
And some people believe that this level of evolution is a result of natural selection as explained by Darwin. Nice try Darwin, but I’d wager that even Darwin, seeing this level of information about the body today would reject his own theory! That means that people who ascribe to this theory probably believe Al Gore’s proposal that the polar ice caps will be gone in five years (as stated in a syndicated AP news article in hundreds of papers in November 2009). Ha ha!
Don’t even try to tell me there is no God!
Don’t even try.
More to come. . .
Follicular lymphoma is one of the most common types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. More is understood about the abnormalities that occur in the lymphocytes leading to this type of lymphoma than in many other lymphomas. A hallmark of this type of lymphoma is the presence of too much of a protein called Bcl-2. A gene called Bcl-2 produces this protein, and the excess Bcl-2 allows the lymphocyte to live longer than is usual. Because the abnormal lymphocytes fail to die as happens during normal cell turnover, too many lymphocytes accumulate, eventually forming lymph node tumors. The reason for the overproduction of Bel-2 is also understood. All humans have 23 chromosomes-46 in all-that contain many, many genes. The genes are made up of DNA, and each contains the fundamental information necessary for the manufacture of a protein. The process responsible for making a protein from message contained in a gene is normally regulated very closely in order to prevent too much of a protein being produced. Sometimes genes can get moved from one chromosome to another, an event called translocation. In the follicular lymphomas, the gene for the production of Bcl-2 protein (called Bcl-2) gets moved from chromosome 18 to chromosome 14. On chromosome 14, Bcl-2 is placed next to another gene that gives it instructions to keep producing Bcl-2 protein. As mentioned previously, the Bcl-2 protein prevents the lymphocyte from dying at the right time. Normal lymphocytes are programmed to die at some point during their normal lifespan. This built-in death program is called apoptosis (programmed cell death) and is essentially a cell suicide program. If this process is blocked (e.g., by having too much Bcl-2), lymphocytes accumulate and lymphoma may result.
And some people believe that this level of evolution is a result of natural selection as explained by Darwin. Nice try Darwin, but I’d wager that even Darwin, seeing this level of information about the body today would reject his own theory! That means that people who ascribe to this theory probably believe Al Gore’s proposal that the polar ice caps will be gone in five years (as stated in a syndicated AP news article in hundreds of papers in November 2009). Ha ha!
Don’t even try to tell me there is no God!
Don’t even try.
More to come. . .
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Living Saga of Garvin Smith - Are you Dying to Read It? Part 6
Okay, it’s official. The biopsy revealed that I possess a strain of incurable follicular lymphoma. While it is incurable, conventional medicine is able to beat it into remission with a 70% success rate, with a median life span of ten years before reoccurrence, but with a wide (one to twenty year) variance. My oncologist said that he has never seen a case that hasn’t been beat into remission. Now this can be viewed two ways: one; that the medical profession is being cautious with its statistics, or, two; for each new case that my oncologist sees cured it brings us closer to seeing the 30% that doesn’t get cured (statistically speaking, of course). After discussion with my oncologist, we decided upon an altered chemotherapy approach, as the R-CHOP method Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Hydoxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin), Oncovin (vincristine), and Prednisolone was just too scary. However, after researching our alternate plan, it’s not much better: Rituximab, Fludarabine, Cytoxan, and Prednisone. (sounds almost evil, doesn’t it?)
I started the Prednisone yesterday. This is a member of the glucocorticoid class of hormones. This means they are steroids but, unlike the anabolic steroids that we hear about regarding sports medicine, these are "catabolic" steroids. Instead of building the body up, they are designed to break down stored resources. Glucocorticoids hormones are produced naturally by the adrenal glands.
The uses of glucocorticoids (like Prednisone) include cancer chemotherapy (especially in the treatment of lymphoma) Prednisone is activated by the patient's liver into Prednisolone. Prednisone is effective in destroying the lymphocyte cells that are a major problem with lymphomas. Your body creates some 17,000 lymphocytes a day, and they are programmed to die at a certain time so that the indicated reference number of lymphocytes in a normal person is 1,000 to 1,100. When I first sought treatment, about two months ago, my lymphocyte number was 5,300. Yesterday that number was 23,000! It is time. . . for the “juice” (chemotherapy)!
Chemotherapy is the general term for any treatment involving the use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer. As a result, chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment. Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells; unfortunately, it cannot tell the difference between a cancer cell and some healthy cells. So chemotherapy eliminates not only the fast-growing cancer cells but also other fast-growing cells in your body, including, hair and blood cells. Some cancer cells grow slowly while others grow rapidly. As a result, different types of chemotherapy drugs target the growth patterns of specific types of cancer cells. Each drug has a different way of working and is effective at a specific time in the life cycle of the cell it targets.
An undesirable consequence of chemotherapy affecting your body—not related to your cancer—is referred to as a complication of treatment, or a side effect. Some common side effects of chemotherapy are:
• Low white blood cell count
• Low red blood cell count
• Low platelet count
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
Some side effects may be temporary and uncomfortable. Some can cause dose reductions and treatment delays or even be life-threatening.
I start taking Rituximab, Fludarabine, and Cytoxan on Monday. Rituximab is a newer drug (approved 1997) that destroys both normal and malignant B cells that have CD20 on their surfaces, and is therefore used to treat diseases which are characterized by having too many B cells, overactive B cells or dysfunctional B cells, like Lymphoma. B cells are lymphocytes that play a large role in the humoral immune response (as opposed to the cell-mediated immune response, which is governed by T cells). The principal functions of B cells are to make antibodies against antigens, perform the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and eventually develop into memory B cells after activation by antigen interaction. B cells are an essential component of the adaptive immune system. Follicular B cells (FO B cells) are a type of B cell that reside in primary and secondary lymphoid follicles (containing germinal centers) of secondary and tertiary lymphoid organs, including spleen and lymph nodes. As shown above, in my case it’s the B cells that are out of control. Rituximab (Rituxan) is a new type of drug known as a monoclonal antibody, meaning it's 'trained' to do a very specific job within the body—something like a 'magic bullet'. Rituximab's narrow job is to seek out B-cell lymphocytes by finding a certain protein on the surface of the cell, and kill them.
Fludarabine is highly effective in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and is classified as an antimetabolite. Antimetabolites are very similar to normal substances within the cell. When the cells incorporate these substances into the cellular metabolism, they are unable to divide. Antimetabolites are cell-cycle specific. They attack cells at very specific phases in the cycle. Cancer is characterized by cell division, which is no longer controlled as it is in normal tissue. "Normal" cells stop dividing when they come into contact with like cells, a mechanism known as contact inhibition. Cancerous cells lose this ability. Cancer cells no longer have the normal checks and balances in place that control and limit cell division. The process of cell division, whether normal or cancerous cells, is through the cell cycle. The cell cycle goes from the resting phase, through active growing phases, and then to mitosis (division).
The ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells depends on its ability to halt cell division. Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division. If the cells are unable to divide, they die. The faster the cells are dividing, the more likely it is that chemotherapy will kill the cells, causing the tumor to shrink. They also induce cell suicide (self-death or apoptosis).
Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells only when they are dividing are called cell-cycle specific. Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells when they are at rest are called cell-cycle non-specific. The scheduling of chemotherapy is set based on the type of cells, rate at which they divide, and the time at which a given drug is likely to be effective. This is why chemotherapy is typically given in cycles.
Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) is a drug that is used primarily for treating several types of cancer. In order to work, cyclophosphamide first is converted by the liver into two chemicals, acrolein and phosphoramide. Acrolein and phosphoramide are the active compounds, and they slow the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the actions of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within the cancerous cells. It is, therefore, referred to as a cytotoxic drug. Unfortunately, normal cells also are affected, and this results in serious side effects. Cytoxan also suppresses the immune system and is also referred to as immunosuppressive.
So, there you have it. I apologize to any oncologists who are wincing at my brief and incomplete and possibly somewhat incorrect (due to its incompleteness) information. We all know what that’s like: when a fledgling novice tries to explain our area of expertise.
As I researched these chemo drugs and their effect on the human body (pretty drastic I must confess) I discovered an inkling of the complexity and beauty of the human body and thought about how fun it would be to be a medical doctor (maybe I’ll go back to school!) to study this complex beauty. For example I discovered that the human body makes millions of different types of B cells each day that circulate in the blood and lymphatic system performing the role of immune surveillance. They do not produce antibodies until they become fully activated. Each B cell has a unique receptor protein (referred to as the B cell receptor (BCR)) on its surface that will bind to one particular antigen. The BCR is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin, and it is this molecule that allows the distinction of B cells from other types of lymphocyte, as well as being the main protein involved in B cell activation. Once a B cell encounters its cognate antigen and receives an additional signal from a T helper cell, it can further differentiate into one of the two types of B cells listed below (plasma B cells and memory B cells). The B cell may either become one of these cell types directly or it may undergo an intermediate differentiation step, the germinal center reaction, where the B cell will hypermutate the variable region of its immunoglobulin gene ("somatic hypermutation") and possibly undergo class switching.
B cells exist as clones. All B cells derive from a particular cell, and thus, the antibodies their differentiated progenies (see below) produce can recognize and/or bind the same components (epitope) of a given antigen. Such clonality has important consequences, as immunogenic memory relies on it. The great diversity in immune response comes about because there are up to 109 clones with specificities for recognizing different antigens. A single B cell or a clone of cells with shared specificity upon encountering its specific antigen divides to produce many B cells. Most of such B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies into blood that bind the same epitope that elicited proliferation in the first place. A small minority survives as memory cells that can recognize only the same epitope. However, with each cycle, the number of surviving memory cells increases. The increase is accompanied by affinity maturation which induces the survival of B cells that bind to the particular antigen with high affinity. This subsequent amplification with improved specificity of immune response is known as secondary immune response. B cells that encounter antigen for the first time are known as naive B cells.
Plasma B cells (also known as plasma cells) are large B cells that have been exposed to antigen and produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies, which assist in the destruction of microbes by binding to them and making them easier targets for phagocytes and activation of the complement system. They are sometimes referred to as antibody factories. An electron micrograph of these cells reveals large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, responsible for synthesizing the antibody, in the cell's cytoplasm. These are short lived cells and undergo apoptosis when the inciting agent that induced immune response is eliminated. This occurs because of cessation of continuous exposure to various colony stimulating factors required for survival.
Memory B cells are formed from activated B cells that are specific to the antigen encountered during the primary immune response. These cells are able to live for a long time, and can respond quickly following a second exposure to the same antigen.
B-1 cells express IgM in greater quantities than IgG and their receptors show polyspecificity, meaning that they have low affinities for many different antigens, but have a preference for other immunoglobulins, self antigens and common bacterial polysaccharides. B-1 cells are present in low numbers in the lymph nodes and spleen and are instead found predominantly in the peritoneal and pleural cavities.
B-2 cells are the conventional B cells most texts refer to. These are called B-2 Bombers and are now used to bomb other countries into oblivion and are stealth as they fly to their missions! Just kidding!
Marginal-zone B cells
Follicular B Cells
A critical difference between B cells and T cells is how each lymphocyte recognizes its antigen. B cells recognize their cognate antigen in its native form. They recognize free (soluble) antigen in the blood or lymph using their BCR or membrane bound-immunoglobulin. In contrast, T cells recognize their cognate antigen in a processed form, as a peptide fragment presented by an antigen presenting cell's MHC molecule to the T cell receptor.
Anyway, as I lay musing on this complex beauty of only this one very small aspect of the human body, I commented to Debbie about it, and how I was amazed that certain cells are activated by “need”, that they have “memory”, and can “learn” what role is needed and become that role! Debbie said, “Knowing this, there is no way one can deny the existence of a God.” What a beautiful concept! How can any medical doctor deny creation by a greater intelligence? I’m confident that there are some medical doctors out there who do not believe in God. I cannot go to that medical doctor for advice. To even think, or to even imagine that there is not a greater being that we, borders on lunacy and idiocy. Just think of the one Item I discussed above. And medical doctors don’t even know all there is about B-cells as it is!
I testify that there is a God in yonder heavens and that he is aware of you and me. He created us, complete with more complex beauty than just B-cells. He is our Father and His love is infinite and incomprehensible. If we ask, He will give. I asked for the gift of faith, the gift of charity, and the gift of gratitude, with real intent to do and go through whatever He required. He has provided more than I could have ever imagined. Believe me. But I have also grown closer to Him than I could have ever imagined. I love Him more than I could have ever imagined. I testify that He lives.
More to come. . .
I started the Prednisone yesterday. This is a member of the glucocorticoid class of hormones. This means they are steroids but, unlike the anabolic steroids that we hear about regarding sports medicine, these are "catabolic" steroids. Instead of building the body up, they are designed to break down stored resources. Glucocorticoids hormones are produced naturally by the adrenal glands.
The uses of glucocorticoids (like Prednisone) include cancer chemotherapy (especially in the treatment of lymphoma) Prednisone is activated by the patient's liver into Prednisolone. Prednisone is effective in destroying the lymphocyte cells that are a major problem with lymphomas. Your body creates some 17,000 lymphocytes a day, and they are programmed to die at a certain time so that the indicated reference number of lymphocytes in a normal person is 1,000 to 1,100. When I first sought treatment, about two months ago, my lymphocyte number was 5,300. Yesterday that number was 23,000! It is time. . . for the “juice” (chemotherapy)!
Chemotherapy is the general term for any treatment involving the use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer. As a result, chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment. Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells; unfortunately, it cannot tell the difference between a cancer cell and some healthy cells. So chemotherapy eliminates not only the fast-growing cancer cells but also other fast-growing cells in your body, including, hair and blood cells. Some cancer cells grow slowly while others grow rapidly. As a result, different types of chemotherapy drugs target the growth patterns of specific types of cancer cells. Each drug has a different way of working and is effective at a specific time in the life cycle of the cell it targets.
An undesirable consequence of chemotherapy affecting your body—not related to your cancer—is referred to as a complication of treatment, or a side effect. Some common side effects of chemotherapy are:
• Low white blood cell count
• Low red blood cell count
• Low platelet count
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
Some side effects may be temporary and uncomfortable. Some can cause dose reductions and treatment delays or even be life-threatening.
I start taking Rituximab, Fludarabine, and Cytoxan on Monday. Rituximab is a newer drug (approved 1997) that destroys both normal and malignant B cells that have CD20 on their surfaces, and is therefore used to treat diseases which are characterized by having too many B cells, overactive B cells or dysfunctional B cells, like Lymphoma. B cells are lymphocytes that play a large role in the humoral immune response (as opposed to the cell-mediated immune response, which is governed by T cells). The principal functions of B cells are to make antibodies against antigens, perform the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and eventually develop into memory B cells after activation by antigen interaction. B cells are an essential component of the adaptive immune system. Follicular B cells (FO B cells) are a type of B cell that reside in primary and secondary lymphoid follicles (containing germinal centers) of secondary and tertiary lymphoid organs, including spleen and lymph nodes. As shown above, in my case it’s the B cells that are out of control. Rituximab (Rituxan) is a new type of drug known as a monoclonal antibody, meaning it's 'trained' to do a very specific job within the body—something like a 'magic bullet'. Rituximab's narrow job is to seek out B-cell lymphocytes by finding a certain protein on the surface of the cell, and kill them.
Fludarabine is highly effective in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and is classified as an antimetabolite. Antimetabolites are very similar to normal substances within the cell. When the cells incorporate these substances into the cellular metabolism, they are unable to divide. Antimetabolites are cell-cycle specific. They attack cells at very specific phases in the cycle. Cancer is characterized by cell division, which is no longer controlled as it is in normal tissue. "Normal" cells stop dividing when they come into contact with like cells, a mechanism known as contact inhibition. Cancerous cells lose this ability. Cancer cells no longer have the normal checks and balances in place that control and limit cell division. The process of cell division, whether normal or cancerous cells, is through the cell cycle. The cell cycle goes from the resting phase, through active growing phases, and then to mitosis (division).
The ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells depends on its ability to halt cell division. Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division. If the cells are unable to divide, they die. The faster the cells are dividing, the more likely it is that chemotherapy will kill the cells, causing the tumor to shrink. They also induce cell suicide (self-death or apoptosis).
Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells only when they are dividing are called cell-cycle specific. Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells when they are at rest are called cell-cycle non-specific. The scheduling of chemotherapy is set based on the type of cells, rate at which they divide, and the time at which a given drug is likely to be effective. This is why chemotherapy is typically given in cycles.
Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) is a drug that is used primarily for treating several types of cancer. In order to work, cyclophosphamide first is converted by the liver into two chemicals, acrolein and phosphoramide. Acrolein and phosphoramide are the active compounds, and they slow the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the actions of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within the cancerous cells. It is, therefore, referred to as a cytotoxic drug. Unfortunately, normal cells also are affected, and this results in serious side effects. Cytoxan also suppresses the immune system and is also referred to as immunosuppressive.
So, there you have it. I apologize to any oncologists who are wincing at my brief and incomplete and possibly somewhat incorrect (due to its incompleteness) information. We all know what that’s like: when a fledgling novice tries to explain our area of expertise.
As I researched these chemo drugs and their effect on the human body (pretty drastic I must confess) I discovered an inkling of the complexity and beauty of the human body and thought about how fun it would be to be a medical doctor (maybe I’ll go back to school!) to study this complex beauty. For example I discovered that the human body makes millions of different types of B cells each day that circulate in the blood and lymphatic system performing the role of immune surveillance. They do not produce antibodies until they become fully activated. Each B cell has a unique receptor protein (referred to as the B cell receptor (BCR)) on its surface that will bind to one particular antigen. The BCR is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin, and it is this molecule that allows the distinction of B cells from other types of lymphocyte, as well as being the main protein involved in B cell activation. Once a B cell encounters its cognate antigen and receives an additional signal from a T helper cell, it can further differentiate into one of the two types of B cells listed below (plasma B cells and memory B cells). The B cell may either become one of these cell types directly or it may undergo an intermediate differentiation step, the germinal center reaction, where the B cell will hypermutate the variable region of its immunoglobulin gene ("somatic hypermutation") and possibly undergo class switching.
B cells exist as clones. All B cells derive from a particular cell, and thus, the antibodies their differentiated progenies (see below) produce can recognize and/or bind the same components (epitope) of a given antigen. Such clonality has important consequences, as immunogenic memory relies on it. The great diversity in immune response comes about because there are up to 109 clones with specificities for recognizing different antigens. A single B cell or a clone of cells with shared specificity upon encountering its specific antigen divides to produce many B cells. Most of such B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies into blood that bind the same epitope that elicited proliferation in the first place. A small minority survives as memory cells that can recognize only the same epitope. However, with each cycle, the number of surviving memory cells increases. The increase is accompanied by affinity maturation which induces the survival of B cells that bind to the particular antigen with high affinity. This subsequent amplification with improved specificity of immune response is known as secondary immune response. B cells that encounter antigen for the first time are known as naive B cells.
Plasma B cells (also known as plasma cells) are large B cells that have been exposed to antigen and produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies, which assist in the destruction of microbes by binding to them and making them easier targets for phagocytes and activation of the complement system. They are sometimes referred to as antibody factories. An electron micrograph of these cells reveals large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, responsible for synthesizing the antibody, in the cell's cytoplasm. These are short lived cells and undergo apoptosis when the inciting agent that induced immune response is eliminated. This occurs because of cessation of continuous exposure to various colony stimulating factors required for survival.
Memory B cells are formed from activated B cells that are specific to the antigen encountered during the primary immune response. These cells are able to live for a long time, and can respond quickly following a second exposure to the same antigen.
B-1 cells express IgM in greater quantities than IgG and their receptors show polyspecificity, meaning that they have low affinities for many different antigens, but have a preference for other immunoglobulins, self antigens and common bacterial polysaccharides. B-1 cells are present in low numbers in the lymph nodes and spleen and are instead found predominantly in the peritoneal and pleural cavities.
B-2 cells are the conventional B cells most texts refer to. These are called B-2 Bombers and are now used to bomb other countries into oblivion and are stealth as they fly to their missions! Just kidding!
Marginal-zone B cells
Follicular B Cells
A critical difference between B cells and T cells is how each lymphocyte recognizes its antigen. B cells recognize their cognate antigen in its native form. They recognize free (soluble) antigen in the blood or lymph using their BCR or membrane bound-immunoglobulin. In contrast, T cells recognize their cognate antigen in a processed form, as a peptide fragment presented by an antigen presenting cell's MHC molecule to the T cell receptor.
Anyway, as I lay musing on this complex beauty of only this one very small aspect of the human body, I commented to Debbie about it, and how I was amazed that certain cells are activated by “need”, that they have “memory”, and can “learn” what role is needed and become that role! Debbie said, “Knowing this, there is no way one can deny the existence of a God.” What a beautiful concept! How can any medical doctor deny creation by a greater intelligence? I’m confident that there are some medical doctors out there who do not believe in God. I cannot go to that medical doctor for advice. To even think, or to even imagine that there is not a greater being that we, borders on lunacy and idiocy. Just think of the one Item I discussed above. And medical doctors don’t even know all there is about B-cells as it is!
I testify that there is a God in yonder heavens and that he is aware of you and me. He created us, complete with more complex beauty than just B-cells. He is our Father and His love is infinite and incomprehensible. If we ask, He will give. I asked for the gift of faith, the gift of charity, and the gift of gratitude, with real intent to do and go through whatever He required. He has provided more than I could have ever imagined. Believe me. But I have also grown closer to Him than I could have ever imagined. I love Him more than I could have ever imagined. I testify that He lives.
More to come. . .
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Alisha's 25th Birthday (03/22/2010)
The bestest looking of the group!
Nathan having fun with the whipped cream
Want some?
Happy Birthday
Alisha won...
Sarah and Alisha
The Jazz Game
The Winter Olympians who were from Utah
US as the game
Can you spot the Prophet?
GO JAZZ!!!
Monday, March 22, 2010
BLONDE MOMENT!
So Saturday the 20th of this month, me, Angel, Alisha, and a friend Sarah, all went to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Alisha's 25th birthday, as we are walking up to the restaurant Nathan (angel's son) notices the 2 sea gulls flying around above us and starts pointing at them. Angel then says, "I think it is so weird to see sea gulls out here." I then ask, "You do know why they are here right?" Angel then totally confident states, "Of course! because of the GREAT SALT LAKE!" All of us other girls look at her and bust up laughing! "Angel..." I say, "It's because of the grasshopper story" and she then responds, "oh really? I thought because they are at the beach and the beach is salty that they are here because of the salty lake."
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Living Saga of Garvin Smith - Are you Dying to Read It? Part 5
Between a rock and a hard spot.
I have stage four lymphoma. We will know exactly what type when the results of my biopsy come back next week. Stage one roughly means the cancer is located in one spot or lymph node. Stage two means its located in two nodes. Stage three roughly means the cancer is found on both sides of the diaphragm. Stage four means the cancer is in the bone marrow.
Now there are two philosophies about curing this. One, the conventional medicine philosophy (CMP), is based on scientifically proven studies. This simply means that enough studies involving enough observations have been conducted according to the criteria of science and statistics, allowing for the studies to be replicated. Then there is the alternative medicine philosophy (AMP), which is not based on scientific studies due to a variety of reasons.
I have discovered that BOTH THESE METHODS CONTAIN TRUTH. However, advocates in both camps eye members of the other camp with, at best with suspicion, and at worst with distain, either because of conspiracy theories (AMPs) e.g. pharmaceutical companies will not allow for U.S. governmental and American Medical Association acceptance of homeopathic remedies because it will cut into their profits (do secret combinations exist? See President Benson’s talk, “I Testify” Ensign 1988, Nov, 8, p. 87.) or, homeopathic “quack” theories because the established medical profession (CMPs) has not found any scientific (see definition above) proof that they actually work, even though there are many testimonials that they have worker for some.
I have seen with my own two eyes that some of these AMPs do work. (Remember, for years the CMPs would not accept any chiropractic treatments). Debbie recently rubbed my feet and then looked on a Reflexology chart for the lymph system “pressure point” which she rubbed. Shortly thereafter I developed a headache, and had only partial vision in my right eye. Coincidence? I think not! Recently I had acupuncture performed to relieve pain in my spleen. After the acupuncturist finished on my back he asked how I felt. I said I still had pain. He explained that he could not reach all the points and I had to now lay on my back. When he finished with my stomach and side the pain was gone. Last week we went to an iridologist in Provo. These AMPs read your body, not from your feet, but from the irises of one’s eyes. She asked what my problem was. Being ever so wise to hooligans, I said, “Oh, no! You read my eyes and you tell me what is wrong!” She proceeded to do just that. She did not state that I had a form of lymphoma (the CMP term) but did tell me that, among other things, I had big problems with my blood and my bone marrow.
Now here we notice an important difference. The CMPs will diagnose the symptom (lymphoma) and treat the symptom (too many lymphocytes of some kind). But the iridologist (AMP) diagnosed the problem: bone marrow failure leading to blood problems (too many lymphocytes).
Now comes the rub between the rock and the hard spot. I can attempt to try to cure this problem with AMP treatments, or I can attempt to try to cure this problem with CMP treatments. If I try to cure the problem with AMP, it may not work and I’ll die (according to the CMP oncologist) within six months. But it may work and I’ll live on without any problems for many years. Or I can attempt to cure the problem with CMP (R-CHOP chemotherapy). However, this also may not work and I will spend my last days sick and weak from the chemo. But it may work and I’ll live on without any problems for many years. What to do? What to do?
This week I will see my oncologist again. I will request another blood test and I will plot the results. If there is improvement, I will put the CMP on hold and continue with the AMP as long as there is improvement. However, if there is deterioration, I may opt for the CMP R-CHOP chemo.
Since this lymphoma experience has been thrust upon me I 1) lost 30 pounds (good thing), 2) have been eating better than I ever have in my entire life (good thing), 3) have enjoyed my new Church calling (Ward Mission Leader) more than I ever thought I would (good thing), 4) have been able to be a more powerful witness for God and His goodness, mercy, love, and condensention towards His children (good thing), and 5) have grown closer to Father than I previously could conceive possible (good thing). My quest for the gift of faith and charity may end up costing me my life, but what a cheap price to pay to come to know God in a way that qualifies me to be exalted and inherit all He has! I knew God, sort of, before. I prayed, attended Church, served, home taught, went to the temple, etc., etc., etc. But now, when I sing a hymn, or pray, or listen to others pray, or read the scriptures, I often weep from the sheer joy of feeling Father closer to me. This is something I rarely did before. The goodness of God is so great that mortal language fails in its attempts to express God's goodness. I have an idea of what it means when teh scriptures relate that the words of Jesus could not be written, as they are to be understood only by and through the Spirit.
To be continued.
I have stage four lymphoma. We will know exactly what type when the results of my biopsy come back next week. Stage one roughly means the cancer is located in one spot or lymph node. Stage two means its located in two nodes. Stage three roughly means the cancer is found on both sides of the diaphragm. Stage four means the cancer is in the bone marrow.
Now there are two philosophies about curing this. One, the conventional medicine philosophy (CMP), is based on scientifically proven studies. This simply means that enough studies involving enough observations have been conducted according to the criteria of science and statistics, allowing for the studies to be replicated. Then there is the alternative medicine philosophy (AMP), which is not based on scientific studies due to a variety of reasons.
I have discovered that BOTH THESE METHODS CONTAIN TRUTH. However, advocates in both camps eye members of the other camp with, at best with suspicion, and at worst with distain, either because of conspiracy theories (AMPs) e.g. pharmaceutical companies will not allow for U.S. governmental and American Medical Association acceptance of homeopathic remedies because it will cut into their profits (do secret combinations exist? See President Benson’s talk, “I Testify” Ensign 1988, Nov, 8, p. 87.) or, homeopathic “quack” theories because the established medical profession (CMPs) has not found any scientific (see definition above) proof that they actually work, even though there are many testimonials that they have worker for some.
I have seen with my own two eyes that some of these AMPs do work. (Remember, for years the CMPs would not accept any chiropractic treatments). Debbie recently rubbed my feet and then looked on a Reflexology chart for the lymph system “pressure point” which she rubbed. Shortly thereafter I developed a headache, and had only partial vision in my right eye. Coincidence? I think not! Recently I had acupuncture performed to relieve pain in my spleen. After the acupuncturist finished on my back he asked how I felt. I said I still had pain. He explained that he could not reach all the points and I had to now lay on my back. When he finished with my stomach and side the pain was gone. Last week we went to an iridologist in Provo. These AMPs read your body, not from your feet, but from the irises of one’s eyes. She asked what my problem was. Being ever so wise to hooligans, I said, “Oh, no! You read my eyes and you tell me what is wrong!” She proceeded to do just that. She did not state that I had a form of lymphoma (the CMP term) but did tell me that, among other things, I had big problems with my blood and my bone marrow.
Now here we notice an important difference. The CMPs will diagnose the symptom (lymphoma) and treat the symptom (too many lymphocytes of some kind). But the iridologist (AMP) diagnosed the problem: bone marrow failure leading to blood problems (too many lymphocytes).
Now comes the rub between the rock and the hard spot. I can attempt to try to cure this problem with AMP treatments, or I can attempt to try to cure this problem with CMP treatments. If I try to cure the problem with AMP, it may not work and I’ll die (according to the CMP oncologist) within six months. But it may work and I’ll live on without any problems for many years. Or I can attempt to cure the problem with CMP (R-CHOP chemotherapy). However, this also may not work and I will spend my last days sick and weak from the chemo. But it may work and I’ll live on without any problems for many years. What to do? What to do?
This week I will see my oncologist again. I will request another blood test and I will plot the results. If there is improvement, I will put the CMP on hold and continue with the AMP as long as there is improvement. However, if there is deterioration, I may opt for the CMP R-CHOP chemo.
Since this lymphoma experience has been thrust upon me I 1) lost 30 pounds (good thing), 2) have been eating better than I ever have in my entire life (good thing), 3) have enjoyed my new Church calling (Ward Mission Leader) more than I ever thought I would (good thing), 4) have been able to be a more powerful witness for God and His goodness, mercy, love, and condensention towards His children (good thing), and 5) have grown closer to Father than I previously could conceive possible (good thing). My quest for the gift of faith and charity may end up costing me my life, but what a cheap price to pay to come to know God in a way that qualifies me to be exalted and inherit all He has! I knew God, sort of, before. I prayed, attended Church, served, home taught, went to the temple, etc., etc., etc. But now, when I sing a hymn, or pray, or listen to others pray, or read the scriptures, I often weep from the sheer joy of feeling Father closer to me. This is something I rarely did before. The goodness of God is so great that mortal language fails in its attempts to express God's goodness. I have an idea of what it means when teh scriptures relate that the words of Jesus could not be written, as they are to be understood only by and through the Spirit.
To be continued.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
New Additions to our Family Blog - HEALTH BLOGS and SITES
I thought it would be helpful to add some of the new HEALTH BLOGS we have been discovering that would be WORTH your time to read...
I added links to other HEALTH companies...also, for consideration...
In my recent studies of the WORD OF WISDOM, I am REDISCOVERING...the VALUE of this latter-day revelation...and how much...we have all neglected the DO's of this incredible counsel from the Lord...
Why is it...that we have something so valuable as the WORD OF WISDOM...and yet...have not truly studied it out in our minds...as to the BLESSINGS it contains...Without our health...we are limited in what we can do each day...
We each have a MISSION to fullfil in THIS LIFE...but, it takes every bit of STRENGTH...and HEALTH...to do all that is required of us...
I added links to other HEALTH companies...also, for consideration...
In my recent studies of the WORD OF WISDOM, I am REDISCOVERING...the VALUE of this latter-day revelation...and how much...we have all neglected the DO's of this incredible counsel from the Lord...
Why is it...that we have something so valuable as the WORD OF WISDOM...and yet...have not truly studied it out in our minds...as to the BLESSINGS it contains...Without our health...we are limited in what we can do each day...
We each have a MISSION to fullfil in THIS LIFE...but, it takes every bit of STRENGTH...and HEALTH...to do all that is required of us...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The LIVING Saga of Garvin Smith – are you dying to read it? PART 4 by Garvin Smith
Today was a “bad” day. Overall I feel pretty good and have for some time. But in the afternoon I bumped into the director of the nursing program. We talked, and my situation was discussed. She mentioned that she noticed that I didn’t look too good, but didn’t want to say anything. She said my coloring was poor. I said, “What, like someone who is dying?” She responded in the affirmative. (Everybody else says how much better I look than I did a few weeks ago. But we put more weight on the opinions of those in the medical field.) So I have been struggling with my attitude today, trying to stay positive.
Tonight was especially difficult, with Debbie in Provo with Angel and their new baby. I longed for her to be by my side and to comfort me. I felt alone. But almost immediately my self pity turned to sorrow as I thought about our Savior and his loneliness in working out the great and Eternal atonement. While in the Garden He was strengthened by an angel while all of His earthly friends slept. But when He hung on the cross, alone, and according to Elder McConkie, “all the pains and sorrow of Gethsemane returned”, He was alone, so alone. I wept for Him, and my bowels swelled with compassion, for Him, who suffered so much. And I was reminded that he suffered exactly what Garvin is suffering (not just what any large B-Cell lymphoma patient suffers, but what I particularly am suffering) so that He is able to succor me in my time of need. I testify this is true. What love! What mercy! What charity! The great condescension of God! (1Ne. 11: 16, 26; 2Ne. 4:26; 9:53; Jacob 4:7)
But then I thought of Darrell Pierce, who is alone every night with no one to comfort him in his battle with cancer, and I wished I had been more compassionate and charitable when I had the opportunity to be so. I’m sorry Darrell.
Now maybe I can get some sleep.
To be continued . . .
Tonight was especially difficult, with Debbie in Provo with Angel and their new baby. I longed for her to be by my side and to comfort me. I felt alone. But almost immediately my self pity turned to sorrow as I thought about our Savior and his loneliness in working out the great and Eternal atonement. While in the Garden He was strengthened by an angel while all of His earthly friends slept. But when He hung on the cross, alone, and according to Elder McConkie, “all the pains and sorrow of Gethsemane returned”, He was alone, so alone. I wept for Him, and my bowels swelled with compassion, for Him, who suffered so much. And I was reminded that he suffered exactly what Garvin is suffering (not just what any large B-Cell lymphoma patient suffers, but what I particularly am suffering) so that He is able to succor me in my time of need. I testify this is true. What love! What mercy! What charity! The great condescension of God! (1Ne. 11: 16, 26; 2Ne. 4:26; 9:53; Jacob 4:7)
But then I thought of Darrell Pierce, who is alone every night with no one to comfort him in his battle with cancer, and I wished I had been more compassionate and charitable when I had the opportunity to be so. I’m sorry Darrell.
Now maybe I can get some sleep.
To be continued . . .
Monday, March 1, 2010
Husband and Wife
“Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)
God made Adam first and put him in the Garden with a job to do, a mission to fulfill. In the heart of every fallen man is the self-doubt that wonders, “Am I man enough to climb this mountain God has called me to? Can I fulfill my destiny?” A wise wife will understand that question at the center of her husband’s heart. And she will spend her life answering it, communicating to him in various ways, “Honey, I believe in your call. I know you can do this, by God’s power. Go for it.” In this way, she will breathe life into her man.
God made Eve from Adam, for Adam, to help him follow the call. In the heart of every fallen woman is the self-doubt that wonders, “Do I please you? Am I what you wanted?” A wise husband will understand that question at the center of his wife’s heart. And he will spend his life answering it, communicating to her in various ways, “Darling, you are the one I need. I cherish you. Let me hold you close.” In this way, he will breathe life into his wife.
God made Adam first and put him in the Garden with a job to do, a mission to fulfill. In the heart of every fallen man is the self-doubt that wonders, “Am I man enough to climb this mountain God has called me to? Can I fulfill my destiny?” A wise wife will understand that question at the center of her husband’s heart. And she will spend her life answering it, communicating to him in various ways, “Honey, I believe in your call. I know you can do this, by God’s power. Go for it.” In this way, she will breathe life into her man.
God made Eve from Adam, for Adam, to help him follow the call. In the heart of every fallen woman is the self-doubt that wonders, “Do I please you? Am I what you wanted?” A wise husband will understand that question at the center of his wife’s heart. And he will spend his life answering it, communicating to her in various ways, “Darling, you are the one I need. I cherish you. Let me hold you close.” In this way, he will breathe life into his wife.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The LIVING Saga of Garvin Smith – are you dying to read it? PART 3 by Garvin Smith
I went in for a PET scan Friday, February 26. Earlier I had a CT (CAT) scan (see my earlier post on this subject). Not that I am skeptical about modern medicine, but if you had these two scans you just might wonder like me. The same machine is used, and with the CT scan, you lay on your back, they put some dye in your blood, and you go into the machine feet first. But with the PET scan you also lay on your back, they put some radioactive sugar in your blood, but you go in head first! So far the main difference between the two experiences is the way you go into the tube. I suppose the stuff they put in you has something to do with the difference and possibly the way the machine works is different. I will get the results on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. I will then have a second blood test, and the results will be returned by Friday, March 5. But by then I will be traveling to Provo, Utah, to participate in the blessing of our thirteenth grandchild. So don’t expect any new news until after Tuesday, March 10.
However, I awoke this morning with greater insight to the scriptures, life, and the gospel. Praise the name of the Lord who hears and answers my prayers.
I thought of how I used to eat: anything and everything. I used to boast that I had a “cast iron” stomach. And I did! But after years of eating “nuclear radioactive” foods, my cast iron stomach gave way. Had I used zirconium clad stainless steel instead of cast iron I might still be slamming down those BLTs with a pound of bacon and the mayonnaise oozing out of the side. But I digress. The point is that to eat simply, used to be simply . . . painful! But recently I have been forced to change my eating habits. I remember eating dinner with Debbie recently and having simply an avocado with some tomato slices. Oh, how delectable, how scrumptious, how enjoyable! Just a short while ago I would have turned away from this simple meal after the food of the great and spacious building. (Actually an awesome blossom does sound pretty good right now!) But this morning as I remembered how good this simple meal of avocado and tomato tasted my memory was touched by the Spirit and this scripture came to mind: “. . . let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full. Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.” (D&C 59:13-14) It was now clear that the simple foods God gave us, would bring us joy and rejoicing! Oh, I’ll be the first to admit that lavish meals provide plenty of pleasure, but in this life we are to be seekers of joy and rejoicing, through obedience to God’s commandments, not seekers of the pleasure that is served up in the great and spacious building, e.g. awesome blossoms followed by a thick, juicy, tender, steak, and topped off with a fudge brownie and ice cream. (1Ne. 11: 35-36)
And then the promise, for God NEVER reveals a law designed to bring us joy and rejoicing without a providing a promise, so that our choices will be completely informed. And the promise is, “And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance— Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fullness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. (D&C 59:15-20)
My mind has been thus enlightened. As Debbie reads this, she is now jumping for joy herself.
Immediately following this enlightenment, my mind was prompted to think about this church. I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ is the Kingdom of God on the earth. Now, the Church either is, or isn’t, the Kingdom of God on the earth. But we must not only know this, we must ponder on it daily. For this knowledge will affect our actions. If this church is the Kingdom of God on earth, then we must be diligent in our duties. If this church is not the Kingdom of God on earth, then it doesn’t matter what we do, or how valiantly we perform our duties. Dip that thought in awesome blossom batter and eat it!
To be continued . . .
However, I awoke this morning with greater insight to the scriptures, life, and the gospel. Praise the name of the Lord who hears and answers my prayers.
I thought of how I used to eat: anything and everything. I used to boast that I had a “cast iron” stomach. And I did! But after years of eating “nuclear radioactive” foods, my cast iron stomach gave way. Had I used zirconium clad stainless steel instead of cast iron I might still be slamming down those BLTs with a pound of bacon and the mayonnaise oozing out of the side. But I digress. The point is that to eat simply, used to be simply . . . painful! But recently I have been forced to change my eating habits. I remember eating dinner with Debbie recently and having simply an avocado with some tomato slices. Oh, how delectable, how scrumptious, how enjoyable! Just a short while ago I would have turned away from this simple meal after the food of the great and spacious building. (Actually an awesome blossom does sound pretty good right now!) But this morning as I remembered how good this simple meal of avocado and tomato tasted my memory was touched by the Spirit and this scripture came to mind: “. . . let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full. Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.” (D&C 59:13-14) It was now clear that the simple foods God gave us, would bring us joy and rejoicing! Oh, I’ll be the first to admit that lavish meals provide plenty of pleasure, but in this life we are to be seekers of joy and rejoicing, through obedience to God’s commandments, not seekers of the pleasure that is served up in the great and spacious building, e.g. awesome blossoms followed by a thick, juicy, tender, steak, and topped off with a fudge brownie and ice cream. (1Ne. 11: 35-36)
And then the promise, for God NEVER reveals a law designed to bring us joy and rejoicing without a providing a promise, so that our choices will be completely informed. And the promise is, “And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance— Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fullness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. (D&C 59:15-20)
My mind has been thus enlightened. As Debbie reads this, she is now jumping for joy herself.
Immediately following this enlightenment, my mind was prompted to think about this church. I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ is the Kingdom of God on the earth. Now, the Church either is, or isn’t, the Kingdom of God on the earth. But we must not only know this, we must ponder on it daily. For this knowledge will affect our actions. If this church is the Kingdom of God on earth, then we must be diligent in our duties. If this church is not the Kingdom of God on earth, then it doesn’t matter what we do, or how valiantly we perform our duties. Dip that thought in awesome blossom batter and eat it!
To be continued . . .
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