Sunset view from the balcony of our apartment in Istanbul
It’s hard to stay positive when chemo fails, whether you’re the patient, a caregiver, or someone rooting for us. The cancer fight is so brutal. The effort – intellectual, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual – is so great. It’s exhausting and tempting to call it a day. To say, I’m done. Time to rest. I’ve gone that low. Severe pain is a game-changer. So is your oncologist recommending hospice. But then, the embers of the human spirit can ignite again, with even the slightest hopeful breeze.
The news of our trip to Istanbul and the direness of my situation may have seemed sudden. The truth is John and I have been clear since early on (~July 4, 2020) that I wouldn’t be one of the lucky ones finishing “gold standard” American treatment in remission from ovarian cancer. We watched as the cancer markers declined at a slower rate, realizing the limitations of the care I was receiving. Really, any statistician would say the same. 80% of women with my diagnosis don’t make it. Still, in many things, effort-in can translate to hoped-for results. We did everything we could around the standard treatment. In many ways, I was able to live with great quality of life, and even hope, for months.
Ultimately, cancer is not an effort-in = outcomes game for too many of us. It could be. I hope it will be someday. That would require a radically different approach to research, medicine, healthcare overall, and the way we care for the planet and our environment. Not all of it is in our personal control. Yes, of course, we pray, but there are also physical realities because WE are the hands and feet of whatever universal force designed this beautiful world. We are prayer in motion.
And now, we have good reasons to be positive in Istanbul.
There are people who continue to push the boundaries, invested in helping truly prevent and heal from cancer (vs publishing the next paper, looking smart at a conference, curiously willing to let the vast majority of patients die over decades-long careers, profiting off the next “blockbuster” drug that gives us an extra ~month of low-quality life, etc). I wish we didn’t have to learn all of this the hard – no, BRUTAL – way, but here we are after almost 2 years of fighting Stage IIIC high-grade serous carcinoma in an ongoing pandemic.
We’ve learned some important news in the last 2 weeks:
- The worst of the frontline poisons (taxol/paclitaxel) given to me in chemotherapy in 2020 WAS ONE OF THE LEAST IMPACTFUL CHEMO DRUGS in vitro on my cancer cells. Oh, we know from in vivo experience in my body that it did plenty of damage to my hair, gut lining, and other healthy tissues, but not my cancer. Yet, paclitaxel is still part of the “gold standard” of care for all ovarian cancer patients. Sure, results in a test tube are not identical to results in a body, but it’s safe to say the experiment in my body confirmed the findings that taxol was not effective against my cancer. Wouldn’t it be smart to do this kind of testing of chemo vs the cancer cells ahead of time?! Like much of the science John and I ended up learning and employing, chemo vs cancer cell testing is available in the US, but it’s a needle in a haystack we had to find ourselves. John found this gem talking with Dr. Robert Moss (of the Moss Reports, a great resource on cancer and integrative and alternative therapies). The Nagourney Cancer Institute does the testing. Thank goodness John found them.
- …because the parp inhibitor (niraparib/zejula) drug I was given after chemo, was similarly ONE OF THE LEAST IMPACTFUL DRUGS against my cancer cells. It ruined my digestion, spiked my blood pressure to the point of concern about a stroke, and made me feel slightly crazy (in no small part because of the carcinogenic and toxic artificial colors in the capsule shell!). Really, GlaxoSmithKine? Is your branding worth our suffering? I was a candidate for this astronomically expensive and profitable drug because I tested positive not for a cancer gene like BRCA (for which the drug was designed – part of the genomic bias of cancer drug design, helpful for the 5% of patients with cancer genes) but a so-called “human repair deficiency gene,” more likely a function of methylation issues which should be resolved in my body with B vitamin supplementation instead.
- So, I finished “gold standard” chemo with cancer cells not only alive and kicking but most likely empowered, smarter from the fight against crude and ineffective tools, thriving against an immune system depleted from the treatments. No amount of discipline, prayer, meditation, or volume/variety of nontoxic therapies could get ahead of cancer at that point. We didn’t know all of this information at the time, but I’m grateful to realize it now. In hindsight, it’s good news because It explains a lot. I still believe wholeheartedly in a non-toxic approach to cancer treatment in most cases, including people who finish chemo with cancer markers in range and those with slower-growing, earlier-stage cancers. Chemo is still obscene and crude. Nontoxic approaches absolutely work. I’m watching others have great success. For some reason, my assignment has included a more aggressive cancer, a full tour of symptoms, and a widespread search for therapies…
- SO THE BEST NEWS OF ALL – is that the drugs the doctors here at Chemothermia in Istanbul are planning to use in my treatment were shown to be EFFECTIVE against my cancer cells in vitro. These drugs, given at lower doses and metabolically delivered, combined with many of the nontoxic therapies I’ve already been using, have a fighting chance of killing the cancer cells rather than me. As Drs. Slocum and Iyikesici told us yesterday, “you simply need effective cancer treatment.” It sounds so easy when they put it like that. Effective treatment and some discipline on my part (e.g., healthy ketogenic diet, continuing nontoxic therapies here and then at home) have a chance of healing my body. Then the doctors emphasized that 51% of the outcome depends on staying positive. Since I’m a scientist at heart, it really helps that we have some good, logical reasons to be positive about this round of treatment.
There are other reasons to be positive here in Istanbul…
I’m an exchange student at heart. I went to Spain for the summer when I was 16 and never stopped loving being immersed in other cultures. Istanbul does not disappoint. I’ve started reading Turkish history (fascinating), studying the language (not easy, but Pimsleur is a great way), and learning about the food and cooking (which should get more fun as I’m able to eat…and yes, a variety of wonderful olives are at the breakfast buffet, just as I remembered). John shares this love of cultural immersion. The uncertainty is more exciting than burdensome to us, which makes the adventure together fun. Did you know that Istanbul has 15 million people? That makes it the biggest city in Europe. Double the size of New York City! It’s at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; you can literally walk across a bridge between continents. Istanbul is also close to so many wonderful places in the world. I’m dreaming of better times as a family exploring historic sites, relaxing on beaches, and frolicking in the seas.
The adventurous part of this trip is a good distraction from the pain and seriousness of our situation. Pain gets in my way too often still. Walking this hilly city (reminiscent of San Francisco) is out of the question right now. Effective treatment should change that. Turkish people have been warm and kind. The people at Chemothermia are making everything as easy as possible in difficult circumstances. They’ve done this work for more than a decade and know what they’re doing.
We are wasting no time. We decided to come 11/10, left 11/16, arrived 11/17, had testing on 11/18, discussed results and a treatment plan on 11/19, and will begin treatment Monday 11/22. Not a moment too soon. Here, I have the chance to live. At home, the conversations with hospice were all too real and painted a clear picture. “What makes for a peaceful passing?” I asked. “Acceptance” was the answer. I accept that none of us gets out of this life alive. I don’t accept that cancer is taking so many of us, brutally and unnecessarily, too young. “Knowledge is your problem,” the hospice social worker told me. Yes, it is. Even as I continue to muster the personal peace to walk through whatever is required of my body and soul, I cannot shake the knowledge that the systems are so broken and so many people are suffering. In many ways, we treat our dogs more humanely than cancer patients in the end. Knowledge wakes us up and shakes us out of accepting current realities that aren’t serving humanity. The truth really will set us free when we collectively understand it.
The Turkish doctors told me to surround myself with people who could help me be positive; they were glad to see John sitting by my side. He’s the best. Many of you also came to mind. Your words throughout these two years, and especially in this last week, have been amazing, empathetic, and uplifting. It’s kinda funny…as if I get to attend my own funeral while I’m still here. It’s heartbreaking and touching. Let’s remember to tell each other all the wonderful stuff anyway, even when life isn’t so dramatic.
For me, of course, our kids have been front and center. They’ve had to grow up too fast in these last two years. They’re up for it, but it’s still not right. It’s hard to describe the depth of their caring, empathy, and maturity as we’ve shared the news of this cancer journey all along the way, good and bad.
So, when the doctors said, “surround yourself with people who help you feel positive,” my subconscious did an interesting thing…
Still jetlagged and struggling physically, I came back to our Turkish apartment and fell asleep. I dreamt we were all together as a family. The kids were little, and we were having the simple kind of fun you do in those days. They gave me hugs. Preschooler/toddler hugs. The spontaneous, passionate, full-body kind. It filled me with warmth. I’ll call on that feeling when treatment side-effects set in again, hopefully not as bad as before.
Teenager hugs are great too, and I got some goooood ones before we left Cleveland. Many of you are wrapping your arms around our kids metaphorically and physically while we’re here. We see you, and it’s astonishingly beautiful. There will never be enough words to express the deep gratitude and peace we feel.
Starting Monday with treatment, we will look for early signs of progress. It’s very basic now, such as can I eat without pain? I’ll be followed carefully with blood tests and scans. If all goes well, I hope I’ll be able to mix in fun pictures and adventures with health updates. Eventually, I hope you’ll enjoy virtually visiting Turkish baths, drinking delicious coffee, and taking in the beautiful architecture and sea views.
Meanwhile, continued thanks for your long-distance company and empathy. It adds up. I couldn’t get to 51% without you.
You’ve got this Jackie! I had goose bumps reading this. It all makes SO MUCH SENSE! Please know that your village at home is here for your kids and everyone is sending tons of positive thoughts your way ❤️
We’re taking Shaker Lakers to Istanbul for a reunion one day when this treatment works!
Bring the bus! Xo
Sending positive thoughts and prayers and energy – even full-body hugs – to you in this crossroad.
The Scanlon family wishes this was not happening to you but we are so appreciative for all you have taught us, Jackie.
Thank you, Jackie. Full-body hugs are the best.
You are my hero, Jackie! I am without words because yours have rendered me in awe…of you and the spirit of God’s pure light that shines through. I hope you can enjoy mahammara spread—pure delight. Love and light to you and John!!!
Oh, yes! You know what we like. Mahammara is on the shortlist to be enjoyed soon! Thank you for your encouragement, Roxanne. Chemo eve is tough. It’s nice to have virtual company. Xo
So beautiful and so sweet. Thank you for sharing – you go girl. You’ve got this. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Thank you!
You are so right about mahammara! We are soulfood sisters, for sure, Roxanne. Thanks again for your encouraging notes. Much love and light back to you! (everyone here looks like our cousins 🙂
Jackie, it’s soooo good to hear your voice and thoughts, your optimism, and your essential Jackieness via this post. Sending love and can’t wait to virtually experience Istanbul as you suggest!!!
Thank you, Cathy.
So glad you are living in the 51%. Your beautiful energy and spirit comes through your words. This post was so beautifully written. What a gift to us all—your words and you!
Sending you hugs (the grown up kind, I’m small but not toddler small) and gobs of positivity. Here’s to 51% and Istanbul. You are my inspiration on this day and everyday.
You give GREAT hugs. Thank you.
Jackie,
You are an amazing human being. The grace with which you have faced this demon is nothing short of amazing. You inspire me to persevere when things are tough and yourbcourage is a symbol of who you truly are. Again that alone has had an immeasurable impact on so many. Don’t ever forget how much you are loved, prayed for and held in high regards. You can do this….I have faith in you, in God and in the renewed medical team focusing on your health and well being.
Blessings always,
April
Thank you, April. Have I mentioned how often I think of you as I’ve followed a healthy ketogenic/low carb/cancer-starving diet? Your discipline and commitment to your own health have been an inspiration.
Jackie, you are an inspiration to us all. You have been a teacher and a mentor to so many and today is no different. Julie and I are sending love and prayers to you, John, and the family. Stay strong!
Thanks so much, Pat and Julie. John and I really appreciate your support.
Crying again… tears of love and hope to put on another battle against a terrible foe. You are an amazing person. We are here for you in spirit and send positive vibes your way for the entire LeMay Family. GOD Bless you Jackie and John. 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
Thank you, Dan. Love to the whole Adams Family!
Thank you for having the strength to take us all on this journey with you, Jackie. You are laying a golden path for others to follow with hope instead of fear. Consider us all the positivity at your bedside. Peace and light and love to you and your family.
Thank you, Lisa.
Jackie, Warrior sister. My arms are around you. While reading your words I could see you Sufi whirling in one of those large skirts in Turkey.. When I was in treatment I had a mantra, “Welcome, come into my body and do your work and save my life.” You got this Sista!” Love, Renee
Thank you, Renee. Day one done! It’s so smart the way they do it here, I had an easy time picturing cancer cells dying. I don’t feel nearly as bad as I did after chemo in the US so far, and the intensity of the combo treatments confers confidence it will all work (an hour of HBOT first thing to stress the cancer cells, insulin potentiated chemo, nutritional infusions/B vitamins/vitamin C/iron, antioxidants, high carb lunch of my choice to wake the cancer cells up after an 18 hour fast as chemo began with pomegranate juice – yum! local and whole-body hyperthermia while the chemo is dripping to target cancer cells even more). 8:30 -5pm. A good day’s work. I’m back at the apt now with backup drugs for nausea and pain but the doc doesn’t expect I’ll need them…fingers crossed. it’s all so thoughtful.
Well, if that’s all it takes to score a guilt-free high carb lunch of your choice… totally worth it 😉
Keep swinging, Jackie. John and I are rooting for you, and wishing you a peaceful journey back to good health and a happy family reunion.
Thank you, Debbie.
Fight fight fight Jackie! So glad you have found a well of hope in Istanbul. Oh and I was so pleased to meet Grant this wknd. What a charming young man! No wonder you are so proud of your amazing kiddos.
Thanks, Caroline. Where did you meet Grant? How great!
Shaker Rocks! Anne celebrated her 13th birthday there – their crew is fantastic!
Oh! How nice. Yes, it’s a great group. Grant loves working there. So glad she enjoyed and you got to meet him!
Oh, my, you are a wonder! I will hope and pray for Monday to be the start of your healing journey!!! You have love and prayers from so many and we are are feeling POSITIVE!
Xoxoxoxo to you Cathy. Miss you!
Enjoy Istanbul! I have read all about Chemothermia and agree it’s amazing. I have seen the scans of tumors then no tumors. Powerful! Those docs, nurses, and patients, now you, are on front lines of cancer care. You and your family are phenomenal. Wishing you and John peace and energy.
Yes! We are hopeful.
Sending love and 151% support to you and John xo
Xoxo
Jackie, having known you and John for such a short time, Even then you have been a life changer, thank you! With patients like you and others the ‘dark under belly of cancer therapy has been exposed.’ Keep up the fight, stay strong and positive, and we will continue the fight here.
Love the Vertrees Family
Thank you, Roger for all of your encouragement, help, and brave entrepreneurship in cancer care!
Best Sunday Morning read of my life!! Thank you for sharing your journey and your positivity. You surround us with power of positive. Wishing that your treatment will heal your cores and your emotional strength will heal your withins. Virtual hugs and waves of warm feelings sending your way!!
Thank you, Rohini!
Jackie,
Thank you for all you share – lessons for life, for health, for love. And the food. I’ll be praying that you can eat those olives soon and drink Turkish coffee! I remember being there and saying wow, this is just like the Greek Baklava and Spanakopita. And they said, no, we invented it!
Yes, of course, they did! I remember learning how to make spanakopita from a Cypriot friend in college (he claimed they invented it too…success has many fathers). It quickly became one of my favorite treats, and I made one for my Turkish thesis advisor too. She was a very buttoned-up lady in her late 50’s. Great sense of humor, but can you imagine what it took to earn a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan in 1956 and become a full professor thereafter?! That Spanakopita was a taste of home. When I came back into her office later, she had filo dough all over her face and shirt…I don’t think she used any utensils. It was adorable.
Jackie,
You inspire us all to live our very best lives.
As do you.
We are walking through the rain with you Jackie. Only an Earth Angel like yourself could help us / guide us so heavenly. Thank you for loving us this way. And I know that I thank God for having Mercy and Goodness follow you.
Thank you, Mattie. I feel your company and it’s a blessing..
Cuz: you are a beast. You always have been. An intellectual beast. A spiritual beast. And physically as well. Not to go all Mickey from “Rocky” but keep punching. KEEP FIGHTING. I honestly believe you will beat this.
On a side note, I was just told the #1 place in the world for hair transplant surgery for balding men is Turkey and it’s also the cheapest. Sooo….you just might be putting a cot in your room for me haha.
John you are the best husband of all time.
Love you guys and look forward to the next update.
Just yesterday, I noticed a clinic advertising they are the “best in the world” at hair restoration! I pointed it out to John, but I did not think of you, my handsome cuz. You’re perfect just the way you are. Go “all Mickey” anytime. I love it. Love you too
Jackie,
Sending you countless hugs, lots of love, and positive energy. Your writings give us all so much to think about for our own lives too! Thank you for sharing. Know that on the 22nd, you have an army of people with you in spirit. Sending our love, support, positive thoughts! Maggie
The (virtual) company means a lot. Chemo eve is tough. Thanks for your encouragement tonight. Much love to you and your whole family
It only.tales ONE penny to get to 51%. You know what I mean..
Hold onto that penny to carry you and John along.
Turkish pennies work too!
Oh, yes, I know EXACTLY what you mean. Xo
You are incredible! Your fighting spirit, your brilliance and your deep insights are truly special. Thinking of you and yours ❤️
Thanks so much, Cherie.
Jackie I am so grateful to you for learning and teaching us so much. I hate that you have to do it, but know that so much good is coming out of the work you are doing for yourself and all of us. I’m praying for your health and thrilled you have found this place. I know you will enjoy those olives soon!
Thank you, Jennie!
Jackie,
Your curiosity for the truth and drive to understand how the world is aligned motivates me to be ever conscious of my role on earth. Your reflections are honest, hopeful, and encourage us to keep exploring and uncovering, no matter what our individual experiences are. Thank you!!
I hope you can feel the love and caring from all of us, and it gives you strength and positive outcomes! We’re with you!
Thanks so much, Jenny. I really appreciate your encouragement tonight. Also, I think of your mom often…and feel comforted. Xo
I don’t think it is a coincidence that you are continuing your fight against cancer in a cool, international location with great food and culture. So Jackie! 🙂 Thinking of you and can’t wait to drink some Ayran with you upon your return to CLE. And tell John “Go Browns!”
John replies, “Go Browns!” You and Stacy know more than most how much I love great food and culture…because you share the same and we got to experience some of it together. Such great memories. They go right into my 51% bucket.
Dear Jackie,
You are such an inspiration! I have a really good feeling about your adventure and look forward to a warm embrace when you return in good health.
Thank you, Mary!
Hi Jackie and John! Rivers of joy coming your way! Rivers and ribbons of love! May your natural defenses be invigorated and may those cancer cells spontaneously decide to arrive in normal metabolic spheres that respire normally, live normally within the framework of their constitution, and apoptose when signaled to do so. May all of those signals manifest as they should according to need. Healing light and love!
Thank you Jackie, for teaching us about how to live Heart Strong, with fortitude. I texted Jessica yesterday and said – ya know.. Jackie is a chemical engineer. When this treatment gets her healthy, watch out western medicine – here comes Jackie!! Yep
I’ve learned so much about living Heart Strong from your beautiful Jessica and family too, Mary Rose. I’m even more fundamentally a scientist/chemist (vs engineer)…so yeah, I’m leaning into all of that and won’t stop. The language is familiar, and I see the systems clearly. Like Jessica, I wish I didn’t have this inside-out tour, but that experience is powerful too.
Jackie, so glad you shared and love the detail. Saw Dan Gilbert last night at neurofibromatosis benefit and seeing him battle his serious stroke also uplifting. Energy patterns of universe and individuals all interconnected. You have a lot of energy coming your direction and fortunately distance doesn’t diminish! Keep us posted!
Hi Sweetie! Heartfelt thanks for lighting the path for the rest of us. Be well, my friend.
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks so much, Mike.
Your new doctors sound amazing! They get it, it’s brutal. You’re amazing Jackie in so many ways. Your openness to share your life and journey is helping others. It is helping me. I will research the Nagourney Cancer Institute as I may need that special testing. I’m sending only positive loving thoughts to you.
Thank you, Michele. Yes, I wonder what Nagrouney could figure out for you if you ever need more than you are doing. John mentioned that they and other labs also test the effectiveness of nontoxic infusions (e.g., quercetin, curcumin) against your specific cancer cells.
Jackie you are my namesake and my shining star. Your grandfather, Pap, was the toughest man I ever knew. You’ve got a lotta him in you. You can do this!! I love you, uncle jack.
Love you too, Uncle Jack.
I hope that every day as the sun rises in Istanbul you feel the warmth of ever one you have inspired.
Thank you, Klaas.
Jackie,
Thank you for sharing your journey. I have learned so much from your posts. Sharing your experiences has made everyone who reads them informed, inspired and grateful.
Thanks, Tricia.
So beautiful and sweet. Thank you for sharing. You go girl – you’ve got this! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Thank you, Courtney.
Jackie,
I’m sure like others, we’re at a loss for words. I envy people that write so eloquently. It makes us feel like we’re traveling this journey with you. You can definitely count on our thoughts and prayers . I’ll check on your mom and dad.
Love and prayers for you and your family.
George and Jenny
Thank you, Jenny and George.
I miss that view 😃
Sending you bigs hugs and sun salutations from California and thinking of and thanking you every time I do yoga. 🙏❤️
Namaste dear friend!
Jackie, thank you for your detailed update. Please know you are continuing to make a difference in the lives of everyone lucky enough to know you and love you. You and your family are in all of our prayers as you pursue your solid game plan. Love from Ohio, Ginger and Lamar
Thank you Ginger and Lamar!
Hoping Turkish baths can be part of the agenda soon!
Please please please!! I love love love baths.
Hopefully this is not annoying, getting more advise. I just listen to this and thought of you. I’m thinking of trying this. (I’m not having a health problem)
This deep breathing technique is suppose to be healing. Mark Hyman, Functional Medicine from Cleveland Clinic had him on his pod cast. https://drhyman.com/blog/2020/10/21/podcast-ep141/ He has a book published.
Wishing you the best success.
He has proven in eight university research studies that he can consciously influence his autonomic nervous system, measurably reduce inflammation, regulate his internal PH levels and body temperature, and activate his immune system to resist the effects of poisonous endotoxins. These studies also show that Wim is able to teach others to achieve similar accomplishments in as little as four days through the Wim Hof Method.
I do a lot of breathing work, Jean. It’s really the only way to move through active pain. Ironically, much of the pain associated with this cancer feels like labor without the upside. Sophie and I learned a lot from Mark Hyman and crew in the early days of functional medicine at the Clinic…~10 years ago. We started down the path of healing her migraines, which we finished (thank goodness) with lots of other capable help. It’s great that so much progress has been made since then, and the techniques and ideas are becoming widespread due to people who market and brand themselves so effectively.
As I write this, it is late here on Sunday night but it is early there in Istanbul Monday morning…the day you start your productive and successful treatment! I am sending you a very tight full body hug right now! Praying for you as you begin your effective cancer treatment and sending you healing energy. I can’t wait to see the photos of you visiting Turkish baths, drinking delicious coffee, and taking in the beautiful architecture and sea views. Love you more than words can express, Steff
Right on time. We leave shortly. Thanks so much for your steady, loving company dear friend. Xoxoxo
Jackie:
Your words flow with the beauty of your spirit, the impetus of your frankness and sincerity, and the tenderness of your heart. So, so many of us love you without even having met you! Our love and prayers continue with you, your husband, and your children. How amazing that you and your soulmate are in Istanbul!
Thank you, Leslie.
Thanks so much for reminding me that I still need to live life as a young person with hope and joy. So often, I have gone through life listening to others and giving up. Life truly is about surrounding ourselves with others who bring everything positive to our spirit. That is life. That is living.
Thank you so much for your writing Jackie. Much love, faith and joy to you.
Jackie, we wish you all the best and are so sorry that you have these struggles. You and John have shown such courage and resourcefulness. We are very hopeful that the treatments in Istanbul will bring you healing. Hope to see you and the dog back walking the streets of Shaker!
PS – highly recommend Turkish apple tea!
Thanks, Lynne.
Jackie
I always knew you were an amazing person, but reading your writing and the journey you are on simply is so impressive and heartwarming. Your spirit is your power – stay positive and know there is a world of people who lives you continue to touch in so many ways. Thoughts and prayers and stay the course – you’ve got this!!!
Thanks so much, Carolyn.
Jackie! i’ve been following your journey on and off, and am amazed how willingly you share what you’ve experienced – emotional, spiritual, intellectual, medical.
I thank you.
I can onlly give back to you and john and the kids what one sends to a friend during rough times – prayers (to the god i don’t believe in); wishes, good thoughts, faith, and love. All of it truly from my heart. If I could, I would send much more.
I can’t believe it was six yrs ago when I first met you and Sophie! While we’re not friends in the social sense, I still feel a special link to you and your family – even at a distance of both time and space..
To say you forever influenced me is not hyperbole or empty praise – I treat my clients, for whom I only want the best, with you in mind. I am continually reminded of your honesty of feeling and gratitude and indeed, your natural way of providing service to others. Whether sharing a small lunch or listening to complaints, or giving a little constructive criticism or even a little boasting about your kids… you always want only the best for those around you. That rubs off…Thanks!
Thanks, Scott. It’s always wonderful to hear from you. I think of you fondly too. Take good care you yourself and yours, and keep up the good work. It’s so important to help people avoid mold and heal. I’m sure it had not a small part in dysregulating my immune system. The connection between mold, mast cell activation, and cancer will be established over time. You saw this one, right? https://www.jackieacho.com/why-i-have-cancer-and-how-i-am-healing-empathizing-with-our-bodies/
I’ve read this a few times and go back to a line from the Rainmaker. ” In a society filled with brilliant doctors and state-of-the-art technology, – it’s obscene to let this boy wither away and die.” Matt Damon was talking about the uninsured, of course, but the point it made. Our treatment doctors have given up and I don’t see this as a fault on a personal note. The problem is insidious and built by greed of drug companies. My son had a $3K/pill drug. Three thousand dollars for a pill that had no chance of working. We aren’t fixing problems. We are adding time and hope to fuel greed and corruption. Oh, if this doesn’t work, there’s always hospice. Now, I am parent of dead son whom I feel we ALL failed. We are failing you too. I am sorry my friend. I hope today starts something special. Love you
I think of Jacob every day, and especially when I write these posts. He and your family are constant inspirations, even as I know you’d rather not be. Western medicine absolutely failed us physically, but they couldn’t touch my soul or Jacob’s. Today did feel like a different start. A new chance. A much better way. Empathetic treatment, synchronized with the body. More on that later this week. There are no guarantees, but this approach to healing from cancer feels very different, and that’s good. I wish with all my heart that Jacob were here to have another chance physically too. I will do my best to help change this corrupt chemo-industrial-pharma-medical complex for as long as I am able so that fewer people – especially young people like Jacob, my sweet cousin Brian (who died in his 20’s of a brain tumor years ago, and too many others) – will be victims in the future…not just from the barbaric treatments but from the toxic world causing our cancers in the first place. I will leverage all of my experience, background, and energy to do that. Love you too
You are a fighter and inspiration to so many, Your vast knowledge and ability to see what’s good will transcend your illness.
Sending you love and energy
Thank you, Rosemary. Love back to you!
Hi Jackie, I didn’t realize how all this had gone for you. I hope this first day of treatment went well. I’ve been sporadic on Facebook (mainly owing to my anger about the platform’s enabling of so many atrocities around the world) and preoccupied and self-absorbed (partly for good reasons, partly for inexcusable ones), but the down side of not engaging with Facebook is that, especially during COVID, it’s all too easy to lose track of people. I guess I had wishfully assumed you had weathered the storm and were on the mend months ago. So, after my initial shock, now I’m working my way back to the mindset that there IS still hope. I’m glad that you seized this opportunity to go to Istanbul. I will pray and hope for good news. I admire your ability to continue to dream, hope, persevere – and write so eloquently about it all. Please extend my best wishes to all your family. And warmest regards from your extended family at St. Paul’s. I will pay more attention. Keep your spirits up!
Thanks so much for your message, Mark. I’ve been connected with Stacey on FB, so I know your family has been on a journey too. It sounds as if that’s going well, thank goodness. I agree with you about FB but am also glad that it has a place in keeping us connected. Yes, it’s been rough. Yes, there is hope. It’s great to be in touch.
Jackie, I am Lily Anderson’s mom. I got to meet Sophie a couple of weeks ago at Denison and she seems like an extraordinary young woman. As someone who is finishing breast cancer treatment – over the last 21 months (diagnosed 1/3/2020 the same week that I turned 50) – I completely relate to your treatment experience and appreciate your logic. I was fortunate to have a cancer that was curable but left wondering why I was one of the lucky ones. Hang in there. It sounds truly promising. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I see you among the top 10 percent! Seriously. 🙂
Hi Candice! It was terrific to meet your wonderful Lily when Sophie moved in. Well, we have too much in common these past couple of years fighting cancer in a pandemic. It’s great that your cancer seems to be fading to the background now. I’m hoping for the same after this leg of the journey. Thanks for your encouragement. Looking forward to meeting you at Denison sometime! Until then, take good care, and thanks so much for reaching out.
Jackie – Thank you for your amazing post. I am so hopeful for you as you start your new treatment plan. It sounds so promising and your deep and amazing faith will continue to benefit you and give you strength. Prayers continue! Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy.
Your words are always beautiful and inspiring. Sending love and prayers your way, now and always!
Thanks so much, Andrew! It’s been fun to follow your work at Michigan. I look forward to seeing all you do next. Much love back to you
I’m so happy that you have a tribe of people helping you exceed that 51% positive threshold! I feel so good about you being there. I’m here cheering you on! Be well and enjoy your time there. With love, Lynette
Thank you, Lynette. Xo
Jackie,
What good news!! I am so thankful to hear of the hope you have found in Istanbul. You are such an inspiration of strength. Keep fighting!! You go, girl! Sending my love and prayers to you and John. Happy Thanksgiving.
Jackie,
I met you at Jeff and Stacy’s wedding. I’m moved by your courage in facing an evil disease. I read years ago an insightful article about cancer research is misdirected toward tiny incremental benefit to get funding rather than many new approaches with lower individual probability of success, but with possibilities for game changers. I’m rooting for you and appreciate how you are teaching and inspiring many.
Powell, I remember you well! How nice to hear from you. Thanks so much for your encouraging note. I hope life has treated you well since we met. All the best, Jackie
Jackie, I am just seeing this today for some reason. We have you in our thoughts and are inspired by your determined fight and positivity. We will aim to live more positive as a result of your words and energy. I know you guys have so many people here in Shaker to help and support you, but it goes without saying the whole community is here for you guys in any way needed or desired. xo
Thank you, Meredith.
Jackie – it has been well over a decade since we’ve seen each other/spoke. Just found this on LinkedIn – we were not aware of your ongoing battle. You are among the brightest most pragmatic people I’ve worked with professionally and I treasure the time we spent working on the GTM project ~15 years ago. I have a deep respect for your approach to cancer care and agree with your observations on western medicine. Please include Cynthia and I in your 51% club. We will keep you, Joh, and the kids in our prayers. Confident that you are the most focused and strong warrior cancer has ever faced!
Seth, you and Cynthia are equally unforgettable to me. Thanks so much for this wonderful note. So great to hear from you both. Hope you and yours are well! I’ll be sharing another update soon. Love being in touch…
Jackie – You are such an inspiration – and perhaps the most wicked-smart person I have been fortunate enough to encounter in my life! Seth and I have you in our prayers, and send positive energy to you and John. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I think of you two often as well, especially when I would see small planes flying in the CLE sky! Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayers. I hope you and yours are well!