Browsing Tag

cancer

Life

The Cost of Cancer

Posted on June 16, 2016

Let’s just say it isn’t cheap.

Lately, I have been searching Google for some financial help, but to no avail. It amazes me that there isn’t much out there when it comes to assistance with dealing with cancer from a natural perspective.

Befor I continue any further, I want you to know this post is not meant to be taken as a complaint, or am I wanting anyone to feel sorry for us. We made this decision! This is a post about the path we have decided to go down regarding the treatments I undergo for Stage 4 Colon cancer. We hope this will also serve as a help for those who may be seeking information or guidance.

Since July, 24, my treatments have cost nearly $90K. Yes, you read that right. Ninety thousand dollars, and we are not done yet.

It’s hard to wrap my mind around that number – especially knowing that 60% of that money has been given to us through incredible, loving, and generous people. When this journey first started we had absolutely no idea where the finances where going to come from, but we trusted God. It hasn’t been easy, but He has been faithful.

In my search of help, it has been very difficult to find any. What makes it even more frustrating is the lack of options we have when it comes to cancer treatment. Why aren’t there grants for those who decide to go in a different direction when it comes to their personal choice for medical treatment?

Watch this video from the CBC about the Cancer Society spending more on fundraising than on research.

Anyways, I hope to meet with some local MLA’s soon to discuss the possibility for possible financial help. Not just for our family, but for the countless families that have chosen a similar path as us. The reality is, naturopathic treatments are gaining momentum amongst the general public as a viable option to treat their disease/symptoms.

Besides the weekly expenses for my treatments – we still have a life to live. A mortgage (we even had to remortgage recently), daily bills, groceries, school, and everything else that pertains to life. It can feel like we our drowning at times as the debt rises. As overwhelming as it gets sometimes we wouldn’t change anything. We are constantly thinking of new ways to generate an extra income to help cover the ongoing costs of my treatments (if you have any ideas, let me know.)

So, if you are considering naturopathic type treatments to treat something you are dealing with, here are a couple of things you should know:

1. It’s not cheap.
2. It’s a marathon, not a 100m dash.
3. They are not popular.
4. They work!

What would you do?

Family Featured Life My Story Random

Facebook Live

Posted on June 15, 2016

Yesterday I went onto Facebook Live to share some thoughts about our journey so far. It was so fun doing this. I was able to connect with childhood friends and family I haven’t seen or spoken to in many years. It can be amazing at times how technology can bring people together. It also has the ability to cause people to be not so ‘social.’

You can watch the rebroadcast below. Sorry that the video quality isn’t that great. You can thank Facebook for that. Thanks for watching!




Food Recipe

What Cookbooks Jamie Is Using

Posted on June 12, 2016

My wife has always loved collecting cookbooks. What is even better than her collecting them is she actually uses them on a regular basis. Before my diagnosis, Jamie would often use her cookbooks as a source of inspiration for our meal times. Now, I think she is capable enough to write her own. Even though Jamie is a very gifted cook, she hasn’t stopped purchasing new cookbooks. In fact, since July, the amount of new cookbooks that have been added to her her collection is at 16 (well that’s a little excessive don’t you think?

Here are her TOP 4!

1. The Minimalist Baker – Dana Schultz
2. THUG KITCHEN – (This one has a swear word in the title) – THUG KITCHEN CHEFS
3. THUG KITCHEN – Party Grub
4. Crazy, Sexy Kitchen – Kris Carr

Health Journey Life Update

Another Week Over

Posted on May 6, 2016

Another week of treatments is in the books! Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for my treatments – it’s just nice to be done.

It’s hard to believe that there have been nearly 38 weeks that have passed by since the diagnosis. That’s a lot of treatments! That’s a lot of sitting. That’s a lot of money!

But it sure has been worth it!

People ask me nearly everyday – how are you doing? My answer – today is a good day! Now obviously that’s not the case all the time, but for the most part – I would say I am doing very well. Each day I give thanks for the decision we made to head in this direction with my treatment protocol. I honestly feel like this nightmare has come to an end. Don’t ask me why – I just sense it. I am not saying I am healed (although it would be very nice to make that announcement) – I just feel like we have turned a corner the past three weeks.

Maybe it’s the way I have been feeling lately? Or maybe, just maybe – things are working? Whatever the reasons are – I will take it. Lately I haven’t been consumed with my thoughts. I have found myself thinking more about other things and people lately than myself and the situation we are faced with. To me – that’s progress.

It’s healing!

It’s a relief!

It’s a miracle!

To think more about living than dying is such a relief! I am not saying I won’t have any more bad days – I am just thankful for the past couple of months to be behind us now. As a family we were face with a lot the past couple of months – we bent, but we didn’t break! It is God’s grace carrying us through this valley of the shadow of death – oh yeah, and not to mention – all the amazing people who have leaned into our life at this time.

Thanks for loving us well!

Now get outside and enjoy! Have a great day!