ok, so I'm both nervous and excited. tomorrow is the BIG day i get my first "vaccine" shot! (first of six, each at monthly intervals) i am optimistic of the positive future it holds for me but nervous of the pain i will immediately endure after.
I have been informed i am NOT allowed to use my Emla cream to numb the area as it will effect the dentritic cells going in. I have also been told i will have 'flu like symptoms' for a few days after. yea, well, watch this space, I'll sure let you know the truth to this one ;-)
*I'm crossing my fingers all goes well* i am admittedly a little scared but you all know me as the fighting spirit so will keep up the fight to the bitter end.
signing off for a few days now.
lots of love
hugs and kisses too
xox
btw Stuart has kindly loaned me a 'Swiss cow bell' (he went to Zurich to see friends while i hid and recouped in the Brenners Hotel&Spa) The idea is so i may have him at my beck and call during this whole time i'm sick YIPPEE *though I'm sure he's going to tie it to my neck while i'm asleep* he he
pls call him directly if you need to talk to me as my phone will probably be off.
see you next week. xox
Thursday, February 26, 2009
leucopheresis
Upon arrival in the clinic, which i have to say looked like a very unassuming house, i was greeted at the entrance desk by a swarm of busy people.
I was asked to fill in the usual forms that patients are made to fill in and then asked to sit in the waiting room. I was then escorted into a small room for the nurse to place a needle in my arm (which will be left in for the leucroprthesis) so as they could take a blood sample – they claim to check for preganancy and AIDS... (?) but i think it’s to also check you are actually the patient ;-)
Shortly after Dr Neddlehut (JNR) and i had a full consultation, where he explained the process in great details (and in so many technicall terms my head started to reel) but it was nice to know there was some-one there attempting to help me feel more comfortable and relaxed with the whole procedure.
After the consultation i was escorted upstairs to a small room where they had thoughtfully placed the bed by the window, bringing in a welcome stream of sunshine, even while the snow fell softly behind.
The second needle was then placed in my other arm and tubes were then attacched to both arms and the machine – yippee, technology today!
A saline solution is first placed through the tube on the right arm, to ensure when my own blood comes through that there are no air bubbles.
I was then asked to squeeze a ball in my left hand to ensure the blood would flow through effortlessly. You are suppose to slowly squeeze it for only the first 10 minutes or so but as i was quite nervous, it would seem my blood did not flow as quick as most patients, hence i was asked to squeeze the ball for most of the whole morning the process was being done. (i was so tired at one point, my friend put my hand in his and sqeezed his hand to make my hand sqeeze the ball) this helped *eternal thanks*
The process is not painful, but i would say slightly uncomfortable.
I felt a tingling in my arms and lips as was told this is normal and they then inserted a calcium syringe into my blood system to ease this. The feeling then soon left.
There is a tv & DVD player at the bottom of the bed, though the dvd selection leaves much to be desired, i’d suggest bringing your own (though not sure the same code works, guess it depends on the player.....)
Luckily for me i had two friends to chat to me to help stop me being so scared, but the nurse kept saying they were distracting me and not helping my blood flow...(?)
The bed you lie on is heated (what a blessing!) and i was covered very snugly in a large duvet. Luckily i also had thick socks on as you will also feel very cold during this process.
Be prepared for efficient service but the cultural difference shows through that we’re not in Thailand! (let’s just say they are not strong on the smiles or gentle soothing words)
The whole process lasted approx four hours and i was very tired and dizzy after. I then tried to eat some lunch but gave up and went to rest there after. I rested a full day / night after, then as we had to wait a week for the ‘harvesting’ to be done of my blood cells i decided to vernture out of ‘DisneyLand’ and hit the land of the living – BADEN –BADEN.
Few tips for you as a patient:
1, wear very comfortable warm clothes. You will be lying down for many hours
2, bring dvd’s
3, you are told “to relax” so bring what it is that relaxes you i.e. comfort blanket, toy (yes, even we adults have teddys etc)
4, the nurse has to move around you the whole time, checking both tubes constatntly, so the less people around the better. (i know you may think you want every-one there, but once you are on that bed, a wave of self awareness and a moment of truth wash over you. You start thinking about all sorts of things. ALWAYS stay in the POSITIVE. If you’re doing this, it’s for a good reason!)
I would suggest one other person to be by your side incase you need anything and a good distraction that will make you smile i.e. favourite comedy film, or piece of music you can listen to on your i-pod.
5, make a plan for what you are going to do for the week you are waiting for them to harvest your blood cells, this will give you something to look forward to and keep your mind off the waiting time. i went to Baden-Baden, will tell you about it on my next blog ;-)
6, SMILE, LAUGH, JOKE, STAY POSITIVE.
i know this sucks, trust me, i know, but you just gota laugh! trust me please, it helps.
;-)
Upon arrival in the clinic, which i have to say looked like a very unassuming house, i was greeted at the entrance desk by a swarm of busy people.
I was asked to fill in the usual forms that patients are made to fill in and then asked to sit in the waiting room. I was then escorted into a small room for the nurse to place a needle in my arm (which will be left in for the leucroprthesis) so as they could take a blood sample – they claim to check for preganancy and AIDS... (?) but i think it’s to also check you are actually the patient ;-)
Shortly after Dr Neddlehut (JNR) and i had a full consultation, where he explained the process in great details (and in so many technicall terms my head started to reel) but it was nice to know there was some-one there attempting to help me feel more comfortable and relaxed with the whole procedure.
After the consultation i was escorted upstairs to a small room where they had thoughtfully placed the bed by the window, bringing in a welcome stream of sunshine, even while the snow fell softly behind.
The second needle was then placed in my other arm and tubes were then attacched to both arms and the machine – yippee, technology today!
A saline solution is first placed through the tube on the right arm, to ensure when my own blood comes through that there are no air bubbles.
I was then asked to squeeze a ball in my left hand to ensure the blood would flow through effortlessly. You are suppose to slowly squeeze it for only the first 10 minutes or so but as i was quite nervous, it would seem my blood did not flow as quick as most patients, hence i was asked to squeeze the ball for most of the whole morning the process was being done. (i was so tired at one point, my friend put my hand in his and sqeezed his hand to make my hand sqeeze the ball) this helped *eternal thanks*
The process is not painful, but i would say slightly uncomfortable.
I felt a tingling in my arms and lips as was told this is normal and they then inserted a calcium syringe into my blood system to ease this. The feeling then soon left.
There is a tv & DVD player at the bottom of the bed, though the dvd selection leaves much to be desired, i’d suggest bringing your own (though not sure the same code works, guess it depends on the player.....)
Luckily for me i had two friends to chat to me to help stop me being so scared, but the nurse kept saying they were distracting me and not helping my blood flow...(?)
The bed you lie on is heated (what a blessing!) and i was covered very snugly in a large duvet. Luckily i also had thick socks on as you will also feel very cold during this process.
Be prepared for efficient service but the cultural difference shows through that we’re not in Thailand! (let’s just say they are not strong on the smiles or gentle soothing words)
The whole process lasted approx four hours and i was very tired and dizzy after. I then tried to eat some lunch but gave up and went to rest there after. I rested a full day / night after, then as we had to wait a week for the ‘harvesting’ to be done of my blood cells i decided to vernture out of ‘DisneyLand’ and hit the land of the living – BADEN –BADEN.
Few tips for you as a patient:
1, wear very comfortable warm clothes. You will be lying down for many hours
2, bring dvd’s
3, you are told “to relax” so bring what it is that relaxes you i.e. comfort blanket, toy (yes, even we adults have teddys etc)
4, the nurse has to move around you the whole time, checking both tubes constatntly, so the less people around the better. (i know you may think you want every-one there, but once you are on that bed, a wave of self awareness and a moment of truth wash over you. You start thinking about all sorts of things. ALWAYS stay in the POSITIVE. If you’re doing this, it’s for a good reason!)
I would suggest one other person to be by your side incase you need anything and a good distraction that will make you smile i.e. favourite comedy film, or piece of music you can listen to on your i-pod.
5, make a plan for what you are going to do for the week you are waiting for them to harvest your blood cells, this will give you something to look forward to and keep your mind off the waiting time. i went to Baden-Baden, will tell you about it on my next blog ;-)
6, SMILE, LAUGH, JOKE, STAY POSITIVE.
i know this sucks, trust me, i know, but you just gota laugh! trust me please, it helps.
;-)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
3. Where + when Thursday 19th February 2009.
Arriving in Duderstadt and starting Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy @ The Institute of Tumor Therapy, Duderstadt.
I am currently undergoing Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy at ‘The Institute of Tumor Therapy’ in Duderstadt, Germany.
To get here, you have to either fly Frankfurt and drive approx 4 hours or it’s an 1.5 hours from Hanover.
It is very close to Gottingen which has the highest Nobel Peace Prize winners per capita than anywhere else in the world. They are EXTREMENLY innovative in regard to finding ‘cures’ to illnesses and have received more accolades’ than Cambridge and Oxford put together (so my Dr’s assure me)
It is a very small sleepy town and quite picturesque. Not at all what I was expecting!
When I arrived it was snowing and I really felt like I was walking down ‘Main Street’ in Disney Land outside my hotel as it seems so perfect (like a film set!)
I chose to stay in Zumen Lowen Hotel, which is the best in the town (It’s a SMALL town but let’s just say it’s NOT like the Four Seasons here ;-) )
I have a large corner suite but it’s VERY basic. One thing I cannot get used to is that the Germans seem to like to sleep with a single duvet, even if you book a double bed but I shall not waffle on about this again he he.
The hotel has wonderful friendly staff, who try their very best to be accommodating.
Hotel tips:
As before bring what YOU need.
There is no internet connection from the bedrooms, you have to go into the restaurant to connect, however it is free! ;-)
The hotel is very reasonably priced, so please do not have great expectations.
They have an indoor heated pool ;-)
My friends LOVE the cake shop in the lobby, the slice of cake is enough to use as a major door wedge, both generous and tasty.
The Hotel is 5 minutes walk to the Insitute.
Other recommended Hotel walking distance is Hotel Budapest; expect small basis B&B style.
Arriving in Duderstadt and starting Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy @ The Institute of Tumor Therapy, Duderstadt.
I am currently undergoing Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy at ‘The Institute of Tumor Therapy’ in Duderstadt, Germany.
To get here, you have to either fly Frankfurt and drive approx 4 hours or it’s an 1.5 hours from Hanover.
It is very close to Gottingen which has the highest Nobel Peace Prize winners per capita than anywhere else in the world. They are EXTREMENLY innovative in regard to finding ‘cures’ to illnesses and have received more accolades’ than Cambridge and Oxford put together (so my Dr’s assure me)
It is a very small sleepy town and quite picturesque. Not at all what I was expecting!
When I arrived it was snowing and I really felt like I was walking down ‘Main Street’ in Disney Land outside my hotel as it seems so perfect (like a film set!)
I chose to stay in Zumen Lowen Hotel, which is the best in the town (It’s a SMALL town but let’s just say it’s NOT like the Four Seasons here ;-) )
I have a large corner suite but it’s VERY basic. One thing I cannot get used to is that the Germans seem to like to sleep with a single duvet, even if you book a double bed but I shall not waffle on about this again he he.
The hotel has wonderful friendly staff, who try their very best to be accommodating.
Hotel tips:
As before bring what YOU need.
There is no internet connection from the bedrooms, you have to go into the restaurant to connect, however it is free! ;-)
The hotel is very reasonably priced, so please do not have great expectations.
They have an indoor heated pool ;-)
My friends LOVE the cake shop in the lobby, the slice of cake is enough to use as a major door wedge, both generous and tasty.
The Hotel is 5 minutes walk to the Insitute.
Other recommended Hotel walking distance is Hotel Budapest; expect small basis B&B style.
2, ARRIVING IN EUROPE
Wednesday, 11th February 2009 VENICE Hotel Bauer
I managed to have a nice ‘long weekend’ without too much problem with jet-lag and getting acclimatised to the European temperature -coming from 38 degrees in Singapore, there was quite a difference! Lucky for me I had the opportunity to spend an amazing, fantastic, out of world experience celebrating my friend’s birthday in Venice over Valentines week-end in Venice, Italy. Being in Venice during ‘Carnival’ was quite an experience, though little tiring.
After bidding farewell I continued my journey to Frankfurt to meet my friends Chen + Stu who would guide me through the path I was to take.
Monday 16th February 2009. FRANKFURT Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden
I stayed a few days in Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden outside Frankfurt, and although this is ranked 5* and a member of the ‘Leading Hotels of The World’ it was FAR from it. Living in Asia sure has set the boundaries high and Europe Hotels sure have a lot to learn from Asia counter parts! The rooms here are small and VERY basic. The TV set was back from the 70’s and there was absolutely no-where for me to listen to music, no radio, no place to plug my I-pod etc. Excuse me, but if you’re paying Euros 700++ per night which I was, I have certain expectations. I expect more than one English speaking TV channel available on a flat screen TV’s that I can hopefully attached my lap-top. A docking station to charge and listen to my MP3 player. A DVD player and / or pay per view movies on the TV. The hotel had NONE of these! It had BBC world +CNN on TV in English and THAT WAS IT! Luckily for me my friends who are accompanying and helping me on this trip took a Euro 1600++ suite connecting to my room, so the hotel bent over backwards to be nice to them. Unfortunately during this time I was very very ill, weak and unable to move around -think I may have contracted Strep on top of everything! So was bed-bound and unable to move. My friends wanted to remain close as I floated in-between sleeps so we requested cables so we could plug my lap-top to e TV (I have movies etc loaded into my laptop) but as the TV is SO old we found it was not possible. We then requested a DVD player (seriously!!!! How can you NOT have a DVD in a thousand euro suite!!!!) It took them nearly two days to arrange one, then a further 12 hours to send some-one to a DVD rental company to get us a selection of English language films! May I also add, my friend was charged for all this!
One thing I cannot get used to is that the Germans seem to like to sleep with a single duvet, and even if you book a double bed (even on my own, I like my space) they ALWAYS just push two single beds together and STILL insist on two separate quilts. It took them nearly two days to source a double duvet in their hotel! I was so exasperated by it all I screamed at the Housekeeping ‘we’re paying more than Euros 2000+ a night GO BUY A DUVET FROM SOMEWHERE!!!’
Amazingly enough, not soon after we were all given a double duvet ;-)
I found this situation to be odd but have been told it’s a German thing. As I am here during winter I wish I’d have brought my own large feather down KING duvet, but then maybe it’s just me being a bedding snob ;-)
Besides, it’s an International Hotel, not a LOCAL German B&B. So I expected more than this.
My lesson learnt, DONT STAY HERE AGAIN.
My friends did say the ‘Michelin Star’ restaurant food was very good +I’ll take their word for it, I was too ill to eat solids. I craved Congee desperately but unfortunately this is not possible around this area. The Hotel did however try to follow our recipe and instructions but I was presented Risotto, which was too difficult for me to eat.
Ok, enough of my whinging and a few key tips for you –
1, you’re probably quite sick, so if you have a favourite blanket, cushion / pillows etc BRING IT!
2, Europe is EXPENSIVE. Expect to shell out again and again and again.....
I’m sure there are cheaper alternatives but I want to feel comfortable and know anything-everything is only a call away should I need it, hence my ‘guide’ so far. I DO NOT recommend this Hotel is you are looking to be ‘entertained’ i.e. TV channels etc. They do however have a pool and Spa but the spa seems permanently booked. Hotel is opposite a Casino – if that’s your thing
3, PRE BOOK ANY SPA TREATMENTS BEFORE ARRIVAL. I am learning this is key for most hotels.
(most hotel websites have the spa menus)
3, Should you decide to stay at the Hof, Tony from Concierge is the only saving grace in this Hotel, and the guy really does try.
4, there are very few Asian restaurants. If you are like me and after a week or so you are craving local delicacies i.e. congee (Asian Porridge) than I suggest you bring a little rice cooker. This may sound excessive but I wish some-one had told me. Finding ingredients is easy, but finding some-one to cook it is not ;-( also handy for immediately after Vaccine when you don’t feel like eating, I personally feel soft soupy food s easier to metabolise than solids. You can buy small travel size rice cookers in most department stores these days.
5. if possible bring one of those electronic translators, as we found very few people actually spoke English!
FYI, alternative hotel- friends have recommended the Hilton Hotel Frankfurt, it is new, modern, has pool, spa and all modern amenities. This is their words.
Personally, on my return next month, I think I will just skip being in Frankfurt and go direct to Duderstadt.
There is not much to do/see in Frankfurt but as I was on bed-rest this did not affect me.
We booked a driver to take us from Wiesbaden to Duderstadt, where we would be spending periods of time over the next six months.
As we were 3 people with lots of luggage we booked a mini bus from a recommended taxi service. The bus was comfortable as the seats tilted (ever so slightly) and even though we had a few issues with the GPS system (luckily my friend was in good spirits and helped as navigator for the driver with his map!) we arrived safely approx 3.5 house later in Duderstadt paying the driver Euros 500 as per agreed.
Wednesday, 11th February 2009 VENICE Hotel Bauer
I managed to have a nice ‘long weekend’ without too much problem with jet-lag and getting acclimatised to the European temperature -coming from 38 degrees in Singapore, there was quite a difference! Lucky for me I had the opportunity to spend an amazing, fantastic, out of world experience celebrating my friend’s birthday in Venice over Valentines week-end in Venice, Italy. Being in Venice during ‘Carnival’ was quite an experience, though little tiring.
After bidding farewell I continued my journey to Frankfurt to meet my friends Chen + Stu who would guide me through the path I was to take.
Monday 16th February 2009. FRANKFURT Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden
I stayed a few days in Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden outside Frankfurt, and although this is ranked 5* and a member of the ‘Leading Hotels of The World’ it was FAR from it. Living in Asia sure has set the boundaries high and Europe Hotels sure have a lot to learn from Asia counter parts! The rooms here are small and VERY basic. The TV set was back from the 70’s and there was absolutely no-where for me to listen to music, no radio, no place to plug my I-pod etc. Excuse me, but if you’re paying Euros 700++ per night which I was, I have certain expectations. I expect more than one English speaking TV channel available on a flat screen TV’s that I can hopefully attached my lap-top. A docking station to charge and listen to my MP3 player. A DVD player and / or pay per view movies on the TV. The hotel had NONE of these! It had BBC world +CNN on TV in English and THAT WAS IT! Luckily for me my friends who are accompanying and helping me on this trip took a Euro 1600++ suite connecting to my room, so the hotel bent over backwards to be nice to them. Unfortunately during this time I was very very ill, weak and unable to move around -think I may have contracted Strep on top of everything! So was bed-bound and unable to move. My friends wanted to remain close as I floated in-between sleeps so we requested cables so we could plug my lap-top to e TV (I have movies etc loaded into my laptop) but as the TV is SO old we found it was not possible. We then requested a DVD player (seriously!!!! How can you NOT have a DVD in a thousand euro suite!!!!) It took them nearly two days to arrange one, then a further 12 hours to send some-one to a DVD rental company to get us a selection of English language films! May I also add, my friend was charged for all this!
One thing I cannot get used to is that the Germans seem to like to sleep with a single duvet, and even if you book a double bed (even on my own, I like my space) they ALWAYS just push two single beds together and STILL insist on two separate quilts. It took them nearly two days to source a double duvet in their hotel! I was so exasperated by it all I screamed at the Housekeeping ‘we’re paying more than Euros 2000+ a night GO BUY A DUVET FROM SOMEWHERE!!!’
Amazingly enough, not soon after we were all given a double duvet ;-)
I found this situation to be odd but have been told it’s a German thing. As I am here during winter I wish I’d have brought my own large feather down KING duvet, but then maybe it’s just me being a bedding snob ;-)
Besides, it’s an International Hotel, not a LOCAL German B&B. So I expected more than this.
My lesson learnt, DONT STAY HERE AGAIN.
My friends did say the ‘Michelin Star’ restaurant food was very good +I’ll take their word for it, I was too ill to eat solids. I craved Congee desperately but unfortunately this is not possible around this area. The Hotel did however try to follow our recipe and instructions but I was presented Risotto, which was too difficult for me to eat.
Ok, enough of my whinging and a few key tips for you –
1, you’re probably quite sick, so if you have a favourite blanket, cushion / pillows etc BRING IT!
2, Europe is EXPENSIVE. Expect to shell out again and again and again.....
I’m sure there are cheaper alternatives but I want to feel comfortable and know anything-everything is only a call away should I need it, hence my ‘guide’ so far. I DO NOT recommend this Hotel is you are looking to be ‘entertained’ i.e. TV channels etc. They do however have a pool and Spa but the spa seems permanently booked. Hotel is opposite a Casino – if that’s your thing
3, PRE BOOK ANY SPA TREATMENTS BEFORE ARRIVAL. I am learning this is key for most hotels.
(most hotel websites have the spa menus)
3, Should you decide to stay at the Hof, Tony from Concierge is the only saving grace in this Hotel, and the guy really does try.
4, there are very few Asian restaurants. If you are like me and after a week or so you are craving local delicacies i.e. congee (Asian Porridge) than I suggest you bring a little rice cooker. This may sound excessive but I wish some-one had told me. Finding ingredients is easy, but finding some-one to cook it is not ;-( also handy for immediately after Vaccine when you don’t feel like eating, I personally feel soft soupy food s easier to metabolise than solids. You can buy small travel size rice cookers in most department stores these days.
5. if possible bring one of those electronic translators, as we found very few people actually spoke English!
FYI, alternative hotel- friends have recommended the Hilton Hotel Frankfurt, it is new, modern, has pool, spa and all modern amenities. This is their words.
Personally, on my return next month, I think I will just skip being in Frankfurt and go direct to Duderstadt.
There is not much to do/see in Frankfurt but as I was on bed-rest this did not affect me.
We booked a driver to take us from Wiesbaden to Duderstadt, where we would be spending periods of time over the next six months.
As we were 3 people with lots of luggage we booked a mini bus from a recommended taxi service. The bus was comfortable as the seats tilted (ever so slightly) and even though we had a few issues with the GPS system (luckily my friend was in good spirits and helped as navigator for the driver with his map!) we arrived safely approx 3.5 house later in Duderstadt paying the driver Euros 500 as per agreed.
1 intro of me and Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy
Ok, so the purpose of this blog is to instil positive energy to those who may walk this radical new path that I have taken.
I shall start writing for those who need this information, in the hope it will give some guidance along the way.
Please note, if I offend or you feel I have given the wrong information please do not hesitate to email me directly nick1000@hotmail.com you’re also welcome to leave any comments.
This is all in my own words, I am NOT a Doctor so please don’t expect me to talk in technical terms. This is all through my own experience. There maybe times you’ll squirm but I am trying to explain and shown it all as it is. I’m known for my frankness, so why change habit of a life time ;-)
I will keep my personal info very short & brief but pls feel free to email me if you want/need more info.
I have been battling Cervical Cancer for many years being told I couldn’t even have children, then being blessed by my daughter in Jan 2003. Unfortunately, the Cancer came back and I had a ‘radical hysterectomy’ in 2005 (everything taken out of the ‘girly area’ including ovaries) In 2008 I was told it had come back sending me spiralling into confusion. I have now embarked upon this journey, hoping this ‘vaccine’ will once and for all cure me of any Cancer cells and help me lead a healthy +fulfilling life. It will possibly be a four-six month path (all dependant on how things go) and one I promise to document for your benefit. Every step of the way.
Well, Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy sure is a mouth full and even now, in 2009, is still regarded as an experimental procedure and something I am finding little written about (lots from Doctors and scientists but very few from patients experiences)
As far as I am aware, there are few places in the world licensed to do this treatment. It is still in an ‘experimental phase’ in places but I did not want the option of a ‘test case’ not knowing if I were given the placebo or real vaccine. I wanted confirmed treatments. I knew this is what I had to do.
After great length of discussions, in face, by emails, sms, phone etc I was then recommended by my Dr to go to where they believe to be the best place for me to precede with this.
fyi, from what I can gather, should you wish to do this treatment, you will need TWO different credited Dr’s to review your case history, scans etc before you are then recommended. I went through Dr Raymond Chang of the Meridian Medical Group in New York (consult.chang@meridianmedical.org ) and Dr David Chan in Hong Kong. Both world acclaimed front runners of advanced medical practices.
For approx six weeks prior to arriving in Germany I have been put on a course of Thymosin. This is to boost my immune system and make my body strong and ready for the vaccine. Thymosin is to be injected into the blood stream twice a week, either in your leg, arm or stomach. It’s amazing what you can do if you have to! BTW, I am VERY squeamish of needles! In fact, I’d actually say, I am petrified of needles! Personally, I believe this fear is now from many years of nurses trying to find a vein unsuccessfully in my arms (I’ve bad veins), in fact one nurse took six tries before she gave up and got a Dr to then try, at which point I passed out. So, you can imagine my joy at being told I had to insert a needle into my own skin TWICE weekly (I count my blessings it’s not daily ha ha and not intravenously!) Originally, I asked a friend to do it for me but soon realised if I were to continue taking Thymosin I was to quickly learn to inject myself. *even I still squirm and have sweaty palms just talking about it!* the trick I learnt to make this easier for me to do is -
‘Emla’ is my new best friend ;-) it’s a numbing cream that ‘freezes’ the top layer of skin so as not to feel the initial pierce of the needle. Unfortunately it is only best used when a vein is NOT required as it can make the vein contract making it more difficult to make a clean insertion for drip etc. But is perfect for this situation where I just need to insert direct to blood stream. I place the emla on an hour before I insert the needle. I wake, shower, put the cream on, with plaster on top so as not to rub the cream off, then I have breakfast, watch TV etc while the area numbs then just before dressing I wipe the area clean with an alcohol swab and then inject the needle – easy ;-) btw when I say ‘numb’ it is e same as if you ‘froze’ the one specific area, as far as I am aware there are no adverse effects.
Practise, practise, practise. After showing me how to measure the formula etc Dr Chan gave me some spare syringes so as I could practise inserting the needle. I practised on an orange at first! It got easier the more I tried. Ok, so it really is still difficult for me, and I still use the numbing cream every time but I no longer have to practise on the orange, I just pinch my thigh, say to myself ‘it’s just an orange’ and plunge the needle in.
I am advised to continue using Thymosin during the whole time I am doing the Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy. I would advise you have a few copies of a letter from your Doctor for travelling as some countries are difficult with people carrying medication and syringes and keep the letter for their reference - so far I’ve been ok, though I have been asked to take out and show the letter while travelling through Singapore, Hong Kong, Rome (in transit) Venice, Frankfurt.
And so I embark on my next step of this journey!
Ok, so the purpose of this blog is to instil positive energy to those who may walk this radical new path that I have taken.
I shall start writing for those who need this information, in the hope it will give some guidance along the way.
Please note, if I offend or you feel I have given the wrong information please do not hesitate to email me directly nick1000@hotmail.com you’re also welcome to leave any comments.
This is all in my own words, I am NOT a Doctor so please don’t expect me to talk in technical terms. This is all through my own experience. There maybe times you’ll squirm but I am trying to explain and shown it all as it is. I’m known for my frankness, so why change habit of a life time ;-)
I will keep my personal info very short & brief but pls feel free to email me if you want/need more info.
I have been battling Cervical Cancer for many years being told I couldn’t even have children, then being blessed by my daughter in Jan 2003. Unfortunately, the Cancer came back and I had a ‘radical hysterectomy’ in 2005 (everything taken out of the ‘girly area’ including ovaries) In 2008 I was told it had come back sending me spiralling into confusion. I have now embarked upon this journey, hoping this ‘vaccine’ will once and for all cure me of any Cancer cells and help me lead a healthy +fulfilling life. It will possibly be a four-six month path (all dependant on how things go) and one I promise to document for your benefit. Every step of the way.
Well, Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy sure is a mouth full and even now, in 2009, is still regarded as an experimental procedure and something I am finding little written about (lots from Doctors and scientists but very few from patients experiences)
As far as I am aware, there are few places in the world licensed to do this treatment. It is still in an ‘experimental phase’ in places but I did not want the option of a ‘test case’ not knowing if I were given the placebo or real vaccine. I wanted confirmed treatments. I knew this is what I had to do.
After great length of discussions, in face, by emails, sms, phone etc I was then recommended by my Dr to go to where they believe to be the best place for me to precede with this.
fyi, from what I can gather, should you wish to do this treatment, you will need TWO different credited Dr’s to review your case history, scans etc before you are then recommended. I went through Dr Raymond Chang of the Meridian Medical Group in New York (consult.chang@meridianmedical.org ) and Dr David Chan in Hong Kong. Both world acclaimed front runners of advanced medical practices.
For approx six weeks prior to arriving in Germany I have been put on a course of Thymosin. This is to boost my immune system and make my body strong and ready for the vaccine. Thymosin is to be injected into the blood stream twice a week, either in your leg, arm or stomach. It’s amazing what you can do if you have to! BTW, I am VERY squeamish of needles! In fact, I’d actually say, I am petrified of needles! Personally, I believe this fear is now from many years of nurses trying to find a vein unsuccessfully in my arms (I’ve bad veins), in fact one nurse took six tries before she gave up and got a Dr to then try, at which point I passed out. So, you can imagine my joy at being told I had to insert a needle into my own skin TWICE weekly (I count my blessings it’s not daily ha ha and not intravenously!) Originally, I asked a friend to do it for me but soon realised if I were to continue taking Thymosin I was to quickly learn to inject myself. *even I still squirm and have sweaty palms just talking about it!* the trick I learnt to make this easier for me to do is -
‘Emla’ is my new best friend ;-) it’s a numbing cream that ‘freezes’ the top layer of skin so as not to feel the initial pierce of the needle. Unfortunately it is only best used when a vein is NOT required as it can make the vein contract making it more difficult to make a clean insertion for drip etc. But is perfect for this situation where I just need to insert direct to blood stream. I place the emla on an hour before I insert the needle. I wake, shower, put the cream on, with plaster on top so as not to rub the cream off, then I have breakfast, watch TV etc while the area numbs then just before dressing I wipe the area clean with an alcohol swab and then inject the needle – easy ;-) btw when I say ‘numb’ it is e same as if you ‘froze’ the one specific area, as far as I am aware there are no adverse effects.
Practise, practise, practise. After showing me how to measure the formula etc Dr Chan gave me some spare syringes so as I could practise inserting the needle. I practised on an orange at first! It got easier the more I tried. Ok, so it really is still difficult for me, and I still use the numbing cream every time but I no longer have to practise on the orange, I just pinch my thigh, say to myself ‘it’s just an orange’ and plunge the needle in.
I am advised to continue using Thymosin during the whole time I am doing the Dendritic Cell Immunology therapy. I would advise you have a few copies of a letter from your Doctor for travelling as some countries are difficult with people carrying medication and syringes and keep the letter for their reference - so far I’ve been ok, though I have been asked to take out and show the letter while travelling through Singapore, Hong Kong, Rome (in transit) Venice, Frankfurt.
And so I embark on my next step of this journey!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Leucopheresis (collection of White Cells / Cancer Cells)
My Handsome boys keeping me happy and making me laugh through the pain ;-)
The Institute Of Tumor Therapie in Duderstadt.
Technology today!
in one arm out the next, the machine filters out the cells required to make the vaccine they will then inject into me 
you just gota laugh!
;-)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Institut for Tumortherapy, Duderstadt, Germany
my experience going through Cancer therapy with unloaded monocyte-derived dendritic cells
some info on how / what the procedure is, this text is taken from a previous study, which inspired me to take this route of treatment:
Background: Several studies could show that immunotherapy with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) loaded with tumor-cell-lysate or known peptides induce clinical antitumor response in certain patients with various types of solid tumors. Given that tumor proteins in the serum of cancer patients may be sufficient to internalize and presented by immature dendritic cells, we investigated whether immature dendritic cells incubated with the serum of cancer patients could induce an antitumor response in vivo. Methods: After isolating monocytes from peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic (n=17) and gall bladder cancer (n=6), dendritic cells were generated ex vivo in the presence of recombinant cytokines (IL-4;GMC-SF) and autologous serum. After 7 days of culture, the autologous MoDC were administered to the cancer patients (intradermal or intratumoral). Results: Flow cytometric analysis of the surface markers revealed that the generated MoDC were of immature type with expression of CD1a and MHC-II but not monocyte specific marker CD14. The generated MoDC could induce an antigen specific lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. Using a phagocytosis assay it could be demonstrated by flow cytometry and electron microscopy that immature dendritic cells are in general able to phagocytose different sized particles. The vaccination induced a clinical response in n=5 patients with pancreatic cancer including 2 stable diseases, 2 minor remissions and 1 mixed response (overall survival 4–32 months; 2 patients died of their disease after 10 and 21 months, respectively) as well as in n=1 patient with gall bladder cancer (stable disease after 18 months using intratumoral administration). A biopsy taken from the patient with the gall bladder cancer within the treatment period demonstrated unusually low proliferative activity. Conclusions: The results suggest that immature dendritic cells could be loaded by soluble tumor antigens in the serum of cancer patients as well as able to uptake tumor antigens in vivo.
some info on how / what the procedure is, this text is taken from a previous study, which inspired me to take this route of treatment:
Background: Several studies could show that immunotherapy with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) loaded with tumor-cell-lysate or known peptides induce clinical antitumor response in certain patients with various types of solid tumors. Given that tumor proteins in the serum of cancer patients may be sufficient to internalize and presented by immature dendritic cells, we investigated whether immature dendritic cells incubated with the serum of cancer patients could induce an antitumor response in vivo. Methods: After isolating monocytes from peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic (n=17) and gall bladder cancer (n=6), dendritic cells were generated ex vivo in the presence of recombinant cytokines (IL-4;GMC-SF) and autologous serum. After 7 days of culture, the autologous MoDC were administered to the cancer patients (intradermal or intratumoral). Results: Flow cytometric analysis of the surface markers revealed that the generated MoDC were of immature type with expression of CD1a and MHC-II but not monocyte specific marker CD14. The generated MoDC could induce an antigen specific lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. Using a phagocytosis assay it could be demonstrated by flow cytometry and electron microscopy that immature dendritic cells are in general able to phagocytose different sized particles. The vaccination induced a clinical response in n=5 patients with pancreatic cancer including 2 stable diseases, 2 minor remissions and 1 mixed response (overall survival 4–32 months; 2 patients died of their disease after 10 and 21 months, respectively) as well as in n=1 patient with gall bladder cancer (stable disease after 18 months using intratumoral administration). A biopsy taken from the patient with the gall bladder cancer within the treatment period demonstrated unusually low proliferative activity. Conclusions: The results suggest that immature dendritic cells could be loaded by soluble tumor antigens in the serum of cancer patients as well as able to uptake tumor antigens in vivo.
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