New Leaf Hyperbarics
1200 Executive Parkway #230
Eugene, Oregon
541.636.3278
I am now rock’n my bald look once again,
the third time to be exact. I do not mind being bald, I actually kind of like
it. I continue to work on placing my eyelashes on so they look as grand and glorious
as possible. Some days they just go on wacky and seems impossible to fix
despite multiple tried to reapply. I have been asked many questions recently
so I want to answer a few of the questions that I can remember off the top of
my head. If you have more – send them my way and I will answer them privately or
publically. Thank you for being interested in my journey.
Q: Is the mass operable?
A: No, the
mass in not operable. The majority of the mass is a grouping of lyphnodes that
have become diseased and inflamed causing them to, as I put it, develop their own
city. If the site were to be operated on, it would most likely spread the
disease throughout my entire body.
Q: Have you looked into “Orphan
Drug Designation”?
A: To the extent,
I know I do not qualify.
Q: Have you looked into “Right to
try drugs”?
A: Yes, I
have looked into right to try drugs which means that if you have a terminal
diagnosis, you may gain access to trial drugs that are in Phase 1 FDA trial
specific to the type of diagnosis you have. Although there is a pathway to gain
access, there are currently no drugs being researched by the FDA for triple
negative metastatic breast cancer that I am interested in trying. Equally, the
process to access the drugs is quite complex and often requires biopsies and
other procedures.
Q: Have you tried to get an assessment
for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber with Samaritan Health? (The local medical group
in my area)
A: Yes, I
was referred to the clinic for wound care by my oncologist. My appointment was
canceled and I was never assessed because I do not qualify. However, I met
directly with the MD of the clinic along with an RN who were very kind and
compassionate. They offered a detailed explanation of why I do not qualify to
use the chamber, this included literature. Even if my mass was completely open
and ulcerated, I would still not qualify. There are strict guidelines on who
can have access, typically it relates to diabetic wound care.
Q: Does your oncologist support
your treatment choices?
A: Yes, my
oncologist respects and supports my treatment choices, he is extremely
compassionate, encouraging, and supportive.
Q: Will you keep doing
chemotherapy?
A: I am
making this decision week by week. For now, I believe it is in my best interest
to continue with low dose chemotherapy infusions.
Q: Is it hard for you to lose your
hair again?
A: Nope,
not really. It is a part of my journey that I have embraced and accepted five
years ago. Plus, being bald is kind of cool.
Q: Is it scary to have your
diagnosis?
A: I do
not think it is scary, I just look at it differently – this is part of my
journey and an opportunity to learn more about myself as I grow as an
individual.
Q: Do you think you will really use
Death with Dignity?
A: I am
not sure. What I do know is that everything is in place to utilize DWD if I so
choose. What I will say it that I am unwilling to suffer unnecessarily. I too
am unwilling to watch my family and friends watch me suffer.
Q: Does your family support your
treatment choices and the way you are walking your journey?
A:
Absolutely!
Well that’s
all of the questions I could think of that have recently came my direction.
Again, thank you to everyone that is walking this journey with me. Yes it is
filled with twists and turns but it sure has been a great ride! Love to you
all. Please continue sending prayer and healing thoughts and energy my direction.
Today, I
am hopeful~
I continue to utilize alternative modalities in combination with western medicine, a majority of which is not covered by medical insurance. If you would like to offer financial support you can mail donations to the address listed below or make a direct donation at your local Selco Credit Union. Every dollar donated goes directly towards my treatment.
Selco Credit Union Direct Deposit: "Team Christina"
I continue to utilize alternative modalities in combination with western medicine, a majority of which is not covered by medical insurance. If you would like to offer financial support you can mail donations to the address listed below or make a direct donation at your local Selco Credit Union. Every dollar donated goes directly towards my treatment.
Mailing donations:
Christina Garrett
PO Box 192
Philomath, Oregon 97370Selco Credit Union Direct Deposit: "Team Christina"
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