Wednesday, November 21, 2012

(posted by Greg)

The weather has made it harder for Monica and I to do our walkabouts but we are still getting out a bit. A friend invited us to attend a "Metaphysical Coffee House" at the Unity Church in Vancouver. Monica and I went and had a great evening out. We had an opportunity to visit with our friend and the entertainment was really great. I continue to be impressed by the quality of artists, musicians and actors in the city.

Today, Monica is going to get her hair cut. While there are still a couple of "thin"spots (but who I am to comment on hair), it has grown back in quite well and is in need of a trim.

Even though we won't  be having the Bev treatments every two weeks, our medical appointment calendar is still quite full. We have 4 physio sessions before Xmas, a visit to the family doctor (who, hopefully, will be able to take Monica off the blood pressure medicine which she was taking because of the effects of the Bev treatments), a visit to G.F. Strong to evaluate the botox treatment and two visits to InspireHealth. We have already been assigned follow-visits with  the oncologist in February.

I have booked the visits to InspireHealth with a nutritionist and with Monica's physician there. I have been made aware of a diet called the Restricted Ketogenic Diet that I am interested in exploring. The Ketogenic Diet (a very high fat to protein and carb ratio) has been used for many years to control seizures in children. Some researchers suggest that trials with cancer patients with gioblastoma tumours (Monica's type) should be held. [The theory is that the growth of  tumour cells is restricted because they can't use the ketones produced by the diet for energy.]  I am considering suggesting to Monica that she try this diet but first want to discuss this diet with the people at InspireHealth to ensure that it is done properly (and with any necessary help or supervision) and to ensure that it does not conflict with the medications and supplements that Monica takes. There will probably be more to follow on this subject.