Jackie and John, date night 12/5/21
The answer is simple: a chance to live.
Three weeks ago, I could not eat. I had the equivalent of labor pains all day long. Our oncologist gave us devastating news then tussled my hair and left John and me sobbing and holding each other in the room. I guess these moments are awkward for the doctor too, even after 40 years, telling 80% of his patients similar news. He tussled my hard-won, newly-grown, post-first-line chemo hair. In many ways, it was the most useful news we received in 2 years. We knew we had to move on.
I endured “gold standard of care” surgery and chemo in the US, April through September 2020. My doc transferred from University Hospitals of Cleveland to the Clinic over the last 2 years, so I can testify, the treatment is the same. Adjuvant/integrative advice made chemo as tolerable as possible. We found all of this advice on our own, consulting countless experts. We had to separately check blood markers, find supplements, understand deep nutrition, detox the chemo, detox from mold, settle mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), etc. None of this is part of the gold standard. I finished with markers out of range so worked a wide range of nontoxic, anticancer therapies diligently for months afterward, likely buying healthy-feeling time. But we always knew I was in danger. It was also exhausting, physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Then, I started feeling unwell. Fluid accumulated in places it shouldn’t. My energy plummeted. My appetite went away; then it became painful to eat. Running 3 times a week, rock climbing, weights, yoga…became walking around the block. Then, not even being able to do that. Poor Rocky languished at my feet. Treatments can be brutal, but so can aggressive cancers.
So, we went to work again, because acceptance of a dire fate didn’t feel right, yet. Our daughter has always had faith we’ll figure things out because we healed health issues for her. Our son explained that his mom dying too young just doesn’t feel like part of his story. John did what he always does. He dug in. They literally kept me from giving up. I’m a fighter, but severe pain has its way with a person.
I’m 2 years into this battle and starting treatment again weaker than I did in the beginning. Still, there was hope here in Turkey. There are many reasons to be positive in Istanbul. We’ve been here 3 weeks and completed one full cycle of treatment, out of several. I can now tell you exactly what’s different. It’s truly empathetic care.
“By the time you think of what you need, we’ve already given it to you.” Dr. Abdul Kadir Slocum, Chemothermia, Istanbul, Turkey
Can you imagine how restful that is for John and me, finally? So far, everything he’s said has been true and every problem has a solution. The treatment cycle is very different and all-inclusive of the many proven therapies for my cancer. Chemothermia’s published case studies speak for themselves, as do former patients enjoying remission. What I’m experiencing is not experimental; it’s just not available in the US, for many reasons. None of them are patient-centric or reasonable. That is, if our goal is to cure people and give them more years of quality life. Isn’t that our goal?
As a published scientist with too much experience on this end of cancer treatment, I’ve been both fascinated and encouraged by how the 10-day cycle goes:
Days 1 and 8: Start with an 18 hour fast to lower blood sugar and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to stress cancer cells and protect normal cells, insulin injection to lower blood sugar further (insulin potentiated therapy/IPT – glucose tested at 65 before starting chemo), low dose chemotherapies (a cocktail proven in vitro to attack my personal cancer – John LeMay verified that fact through testing done at the Nagourney Cancer Institute), high-dose vitamin C infusion, lunch w carbs (whatever I wanted! With pomegranate juice (yum!); B vitamins infusion (to prevent neuropathy and more), more chemo, iron infusion (to cause ferroptosis and based on my blood work), more chemo, antioxidants, more chemo, local hyperthermia (1 hour), more chemo, then whole-body hyperthermia w chemo on board (2.5 hours). That’s the hardest part. Picture being in a 112-degree sauna WHILE taking chemotherapy. At least I’m used to saunas. I hope John’s memory of the raging bitch I become toward the end will be as short as mine of the suffering. Thanks to friends for the audiobook and funny movie recommendations that provide some distraction. Then, a saline drip to re-mineralize and rehydrate, and the chance to go home. 8:30am-5pm. A good day’s work. All in one place and the managed transitions right on time. The staff is very nice and attentive. The nurses place IVs in one, relatively painless stick. It’s all just very thoughtful
Days 2-7, 9-10: more HBOT and local hyperthermia, nutritional infusions/shots/tinctures titrated to my bloodwork, usually including vitamins (e.g., B’s, high-dose C, D+K), high potency antioxidants (e.g., DMSO), and immune support.
10 days off – including a small handful (~6) of supplements and pharmaceuticals, proven to fight cancer and treatment side-effects…which their pharmacy dispenses before we leave the clinic. No guessing. No chasing. No hassle.
Repeat 4 times
Check scans and markers
Repeat 5 more times, if needed
Stability, and if I’m lucky, finally remission.
My symptoms aren’t gone yet. I’m exhausted a lot of time. The treatment days are brutal….BUT I’m more alive than dead now, and that’s saying a lot.
We went out to dinner Sunday night! It was the most normal thing we’ve done in literally 2 years. Date night with my honey. Most importantly, I can eat without much pain anymore. I have not left this apartment other than to go to the clinic or downstairs for breakfast since we arrived. So, it was a bit of an effort to get out, but totally worth it.
Where did we go and what did we eat, foodies among you want to know? Here you go:
Vogue Restaurant and Bar, Istanbul. Let’s start with the VIEW! Click the link below to take a look at the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara. You can glimpse the Hagia Sophia toward the end (our daughter’s namesake).
The food was outstanding: tender and delicious tuna sashimi (keeping low carb and gluten-free to fight cancer otherwise I would’ve gone crazy with the sushi); Vogue salad which was very fresh, beautifully composed, and quite large. I’ve taken enough food home for lunch. I had black cod, One of the best pieces of fish I’ve ever eaten – buttery and sweet. The preparation was very subtle which was appropriate because the fish was so flavorful, substituting sautéed spinach (low-carb,), but the pickled vegetables were a highlight for me. There is a Chaldean dish we make called Turshi which my dad and I love, and these were similar. We may have split a glass of dry red wine, again something we have not done in two years and it was so delicious to both of us in every way. John had grilled Seabass over fennel confit. Then we ordered two desserts. One a San Sebastian cheesecake. I just tasted but that was very satisfying. Best. Raspberry. Sauce. Ever. We also had decaf lattes, and John had the bread pudding. We took a taxi there and back. It’s only about a 10-minute ride. The neighborhood was happening! We can’t wait to try the other two restaurants recommended by a new Turkish friend. I’m not in the habit of taking pictures of food, but next time I’ll try to remember!
My job now is relatively simple: eat, rest, and heal. I have quite a ways to go but I am resting in the arms of the Chemothermia team, and of course, John. I’m grateful that he too, can finally get some rest.
Continued thanks for your encouragement and love. One big blessing in all of this is the chance to see so much good, poured out to both of us and our children. I get choked up just thinking about it.
Much love, Jackie
Thanks to Lisa Levine and Coach Erdem Can, her friend and colleague from the Utah Jazz for the wonderful restaurant recommendations!
Jackie, we are thinking of you every day and sending healing thoughts your way. Thank you for your beautiful writing. The treatment process sounds incredibly thoughtful and well-integrated. Looking forward to hearing about more dinners out and red wine! Much love, Samara
Thanks so much, Samara!
Bless you Jackie ! Sending healing Qi for Shaker hts. May you recover and live a long glorious life.
Get well and stay vital
Blessings OOOMMM
Prayers, blessings and a big hug from Rochester Hills to you Jackie and John! It’s so good to hear that you are in wonderful care right now and that dinner… All I can say is I am jealous! As the saying goes “God puts us where we need to be!
Love,
Father Brian
You would have LOVED the dinner, Father Brian. Much love back to you!
The things you are learning are incredible. I have no doubt that when you beat this, you will make sure that this kind of treatment exists in the US. Seems crazy that we don’t know more here. We are holding you all in our prayers and promise to keep checking on the kids. They are resilient and amazing!
Food, glorious food! It was so wonderful to read that you can eat again! When you are healed and back home, I hope you will write all this down in a book form so that others can. read about your remarkable journey and be inspired. Prayers, prayers and more prayers!
Jackie this is so good to hear- especially that you and John got to do something fun! I don’t mean to burden – but if you find yourself with no physical energy but a restless mind sometime I would love a list of all of your sources – especially the ones on deep nutrition. You and John are uniquely qualified for this journey and it is so generous of you to share it. I am so inspired and really learning a lot. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Thank you so much for sharing, Jackie. Now I have to tell all my gay friends who are also Madonna fans that there’s a restaurant in Istanbul called Vogue. 😉
Your writing is fantastic as your story is also informative and educational. I’m so glad you’re bringing us along on your and John’s journey. Much love to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Kaneala!
You are amazing ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Xoxoxoxoxo
Jackie, this is so wonderful to hear. We are thinking of you and sending all our healing thoughts your way. Dinner sounds delicious, I’m so glad you were able to enjoy it!
Thank you!
You made my day reading your story. We love you so much!! Only one thing matters, you keep up the spirit, fight and get better. I see a best seller book in your future. Love… uncle jack.
Jackie there is some much love pouring to your children, your family and you and John in Turkey. I so envy your strength and the positivity that oozes out of every pour.
So much love,
Heather
Thank you, Heather…and thanks for looking after our boy. Xo
I am praying for you Jackie and for John! Praying God will heal you completely! I’m so happy to hear about this wonderful place God has led you to! Love & prayers!❤️
Thank you, Michelle!
DATE NIGHT !!! That’s just marvy. Love the science but adore the picture of my favorite couple !!
Wine??? WOW …. been a while. Love is the best !!
SMOOCHES
I can’t put into words all I’m feeling after reading this piece. Just want you to know I’m thinking of you, praying for you and missing you. Sending you much love, Jackie.
Those are beautiful words, Lisa. Thank you!
Jackie, this is such wonderful news. I am so grateful to
Hear that you are feeling better. I pray for your continued healing and look forward to also reading your book that i too hope you will write. We all need to know that there is another way to heal from cancer. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your journey! Take care my friend. I’ll be watching for your next post here! ❤️
Thank you, Dori. I hope you’re well!
Dear Jackie, Praying for your recovery. Your courage, persistence and humor despite daunting challenges are amazing. May you be well. Love, Ilene
Thank you, Ilene
Thank you, Ilene
Thank you, Ilene
Your date night photo brought big smiles here. That you can eat again is fantastic news.
Hugs and well wishes always every day.
Thank you, Jo! Still aiming for that tequila with you….
Absolutely. Me too.
Jackie you look good – love seeing this pic of you two – so happy you are getting some relief – more positive thoughts and prayers coming your way – love you sweetie!
Jackie- You and John are beautiful. I truly hope the U.S. cancer scientists and doctors are reading these blogs. We are supposedly the greatest country in the world, yet we have essentially two courses of action when treating cancer. I hark to the day when Jacob’s doctor handed him a death sentence and sent us on our way.
I’m not sure if it’s the litigious ways of our society here. I feel chemotherapy manufacturers have simply tied our hands. Reading your blogs, gives me so the duality of hope and anger. I’ve traveled to many places and never seen a lack of empathy like I see here. It’s systemic.
I love you and your entire fam! Let Grant know if he needs a homemade meal, we are happy to have him over!
Oh, Brandt. I know that duality. It’s such a hard feeling. I know at least one entrepreneurial cancer care team that is following; see the comment from Roger Vertrees on this post from Verthermia. So, that can tilt us into hope for today. We love your family right back, including your amazing Jacob. We are connected. I love love love the “coincidence” of Naomi’s hamsa tatoo…Xoxoxo
Thanks for the update, Jackie, it brought tears to my eyes knowing and understanding what you are talking about. Being on my side in this, Integrative Oncology and the metabolic approach to treatment has been a real eye-opener! We are making steps forward in bringing this type of a comprehensive therapy to the US. Dr Slocum and your team there are truly inspirational. Hope and pray for a successful outcome.
Thank you, Roger, and yes! Keep going!!!!
Dear Jackie, So happy to read that you may be on the mend. And at the same time, so sad to read just one more confirmation that empathic health care as a human right is so far out of reach. Love and good wishes to you and John.
Through good work like yours, we will get there, Chuck. Thank you.
So happy to read your update. Fight on!
Loving being in your neck of the woods, Lee! (and my heritage too – Northern Iraq/Chaldean on my dad’s side)
Dearest Jackie,
Wow! We are so pleased to hear your news. Keep moving forward toward recovery. Sounds like you are in the right place with excellent doctors. Love and prayers to you and John.
Xoxoxoxo
You and John strength is amazing. My ex wife had a major bout with a lung fungus that initially appeared to be a large tumor in her chest. First identified on a Florida vacation as a cancerous tumor (95% chance doc said) without anything beyond X-Ray and MRI. Nurses coming by room sayin “so sorry”. I fell to my knees and vomited in parking lot. Turned out to be major aspergillosis inflammation and mucus buildup that had hardened. So much for empathy and thoughtfulness. Curious why US system is so fact based (well, not in this case) when proof that mental attitude can positively influence outcome. Let’s bring that Turkish approach stateside!
Thanks for sharing, Michael. There are too many of those experiences, and Yes!
You look beautiful, and I loved reading your updates. I’m with you, sister, in spirit, on this journey. Thanks for sharing your world with us.
I feel it. Xo
The location, your face, the view. So beautiful.
Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear everything you are doing is helping your health and more importantly your quality of life. Waiting (impatiently) for the day the U.S. gets its act together and provides better care! Praying for you always <3
Right?! For all of us. I’ve loved following YOUR travels and beautiful photos. Much love to you and your family, Abby
You are so beautiful, Jackie. And we need you to survive this in order to begin to transform cancer care in the US. I think of you daily. Thank you for the incredibly rich updates.
I understand feeling more alive than dead – and the reverse, and I can only imagine how easy it would have been to have given into the pain. I would also argue that you are more exquisitely “alive” bc of this journey than some people will ever feel in their lifetime.
Sending love and prayers for healing. Your message is SO powerful.
What a touching note. Thank you so much!
You are in my heart today and always. Sending you love and healing energy. -Jodie Ricci
Thank you! Xo
Thinking of you Jackie. Please keep up the good fight.
I will!
Dear Jackie,
I am so glad that you and John enjoyed the dinner and the atmosphere. That place is one of the favorite of my wife and me. Please keep sharing your great energy with us.
Your new friend,
Erdem Can
Thank you, my friend, for making that evening possibe. We LOVED it all!
Bless you for sharing this journey with so many!! You are doing so much for others in this process!!
Thank you!
Thank you for your update. You and John look so happy – a beautiful couple out for a lovely dinner. Prayers that your treatment continues to go well and that you will have many more dinners to enjoy in Turkey. You are an amazing inspiration – thank you for sharing your journey. Prayers continue !
Thank you, Nancy!
YOU are amazing. YOU are strong. YOU are going to come back to Cleveland stronger than ever. Fuck traditional medicine at CCF, UH and anywhere else in the US. (Oops, inside voice got out). YOU are my hero.
I LOVE your voice, Jean. Always. XO
Thanks for sharing what you are going through. The picture of you and John brings a big smile to my face. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You guys have proven that you are both stronger than anyone should ever have to be.
Thanks so much, Rob. Great to hear from you.
Love seeing you out for dinner and smiling. More please!
Thank you!
So happy for you and Jon. Your tenacity is inspiring and I look forward to seeing you in Cleveland in 2022!
Thank you!
It’s so good to hear you’ve found a better path. Heal well, and soon; we need you.
Thank you, Suzette
Thank you, Suzette
You both look great. I am glad you are feeling well-cared for by the team there. I like no chasing, no hastles. Enjoy those next two restaurants!
So do we! 😘
It is a great day !!!! Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to hear more Positive outcome of your Therapy., and, photo’s of your food and awesome view from the other two restaurant.
Stay on the road of Recovery, Love, Positivity, and Faith. We are all behind you., and remember, God is good. 🙏🏽
Love
Val
Thank you Val!🙏❤️
Jackie,
I tried to comment the other day but do not think it went through. I just caught up on your blog a few days ago… your strength, drive and positivity are so incredibly inspiring… makes me want to live with more of all of that! All of Shaker is thinking about you and your family. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. xoxo
Thank you so much Meredith!
Sending my heartfelt wishes to you, Jackie, for healing and wholeness, You are an inspiration to me and to many, Keep fighting because the world needs you in it! I will be sending prayers and blessings your way. — Irwin
Thank you so much, Irwin! I hope you and yours are well and look forward to being together in person in Cleveland in 2022.
Jackie – I’m sure you don’t remember me, I worked at JumpStart for a few years (this is where our paths crossed). I have followed your story w/interest (my sister – Cathy, passed at a very early age – her 40’s…via Ovarian Cancer). Thank you for your grit, tenacity and authentic words…not easy – I hope for nothing but the best in this new treatment for both you and your family. Prayers & cheers to getting better – continue to fight. ST
Thank you so much for writing this note, Scott. I am so very sorry about your sister and truly appreciate your heartfelt encouragement.
Oh Jackie…what an amazing story of your journey. I am in awe of your courage and determination to heal. I also believe that finding the balance between science and empathy is so important.
They need to teach a class on empathy in medical school ( something my neurosurgeon said…which is very unusual in the USA, but a step in the right direction!) I hope that when you conquer this, your message will bring about change for all of us facing medical challenges. Keep fighting! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, John, Sophie and Grant!
Big hugs,
Jo ( and Carl)
Thank you so much, Jo! Love you
Jackie, I’m just catching up with you, having been off social media for a while. I’m so sorry to have been out of touch, but thrilled that you and John have found truly great care in Istanbul. I was in Ephesus just last week…so close! Know that I’ll be sending healing thoughts and prayers your way throughout your treatment and beyond! Stay positive.
Thank you, Denise! We traveled to Ephesus (then Istanbul) on a cruise 20 years ago. Such a special place. I believe you are traveling again also and hope you are having a wonderful time.
Your strength is an inspiration! Wishing you all the best.
Thank you so much 🙏❤️
As always, deep thanks for your honest and beautiful writing. They are a unique gift. Love to you and yours.
I really appreciate your encouragement, Stuart. Thank you
Your Uncle Chuck and I are praying for you and know how strong you are and know God is watching over you and John, We’re still so grateful for your care of Shirley, how you researched her needs and took her to the specialists. You are a very special, very loved family member, so full of talent and ability, and much loved. Keep us updated on this journey and know you’re both in our hearts and minds. ❤️ Sue and Uncle Chuck
Thank you so much, Sue. I was blessed to have the best mother-in-law ever, and she raised a most amazing husband in John. Part of her gift was empathy! Love you
Hi Jackie, Ron shared your latest update with us and we are so happy to hear that you have found somewhere that can help you continue your battle against cancer and that they are so ahead of the curve in anticipating what you need so you can focus only on receiving the treatments and not having to do the legwork of what comes next. We are sending you our most heartfelt love and support and look toward to hearing the next milestone you achieve!! Much love, Chris, Karin, Mackenna and Westin Conklin
Thanks so much for your encouraging note, Karin. It’s wonderful to hear from you. Please give Ron a hug for me next time you are with him. I hope you are all well!
Love to hear about good food and good rest! Keep enjoying those moments! Thank you for making your journey so public and allowing us to support you from afar with our prayers and love.
Thank you, Carla!
Dear Jackie: It is so wonderful to see you again— even from afar! (Carla shared your blog with us). Chuck and I have missed you, John, and the family; but know that you are in our prayers. Every day is a gift– and you are a gift to us and so many! We look at our “I Love You” ASL hand sculpture you gave us that is displayed on a living room table and are reminded of you.
Sending hugs and “signs” of love —
Pat and Chuck
So wonderful to hear from you! Lots of love to your whole family
For all the talk of customer- or patient-centric service, it’s quite the surprise that you had to go to Istanbul to find it… How even did you hear that was the place to go? Feels like hospitals and doctors in the West would do well to read your blog… maybe even learn from them!! I’ve been to Istanbul about four or five times… Love it. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to visit Capadocia in due time if you haven’t already!
Right?! Yes, yes, and yes. I knew to come here because they saved my friend’s life when she had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer with fungating tumors – met her through my naturopath who believes in combinatorial therapies (with good reason – they work). Capadocia is on our list! We haven’t been yet, but it looks beautiful…I’d love to take a balloon ride 🙂
Inspirational to read this Jackie, thank you
Thank you, James.