Sue in class

Notice how comfy this is. We were into these clothes within an hour! Here we are getting ready to listen to our first class in the auditorium. This is definitely participatory Health Care! Notice the little bag by my foot. It will later be used to stash some contraband (Kashi bars & dark chocolate!). Ok, I didn't think I could live without it. But, this diet is definitely carb busting, and I even brought some back home!

 

Nutritionist Toufik

He is the coolist Nutritionist ever. (Pronounced "toe feek") He taught us so much; things like how to make nut milk and healthy smoothies, to preparing our complete meal plan to take home. I am glad this was our first class. It prepared us for the rest of the weeks to come.

 

Dark Field Analysis of my blood

This is one of the Doctors showing me one of my first lab tests. This is a live analysis of my blood. You can actually see how abnormally shaped some of my blood cells are. Not a good start. He assured me that this would be better before going home...and it was!

Oh, and I just learned that the FDA does NOT APPROVE of this EITHER! Take a look at this informational article about the benefits of this analysis. Read more>

 

Treatment & "Quiet" Room

Having a sensitivities & allergy test done. This is Marilu that is doing the test. This was a relaxing place to go to. All the treatments here are soooo therapeutic!

IV time

Getting one of my daily IV's. Ladies, no makeup, hair dryers, or curling irons allowed! Yikes...

I look all cheery, but this was in reality, a very stressful time for both John & I. We had some tough decisions to make about treatment, outcome, the cost, etc. As time went on, we knew we were in the right place.

Supplements

My daily supplements for the entire 3 weeks, in addition to the IV's. I also had specific (non-toxic) nutrients to manage hormone levels, and to promote cancer cell self destruction (apoptosis).

When was the last time your doctor gave you vitamins, minerals & nutrients to improve your immune system & make you healthy?

IV time again

Me being sassy for the camera. Rebellious one!

My Nurse Edgar

Morning vitals. Edgar was very uplifting every day.

Immediately Post-op

Surgery Day; June 6, 2007.

I was barely awake obviously, still had the oxygen, not knowing what happened in surgery yet.

Oh my gosh...not pretty. Pretty embarrassing though!

About an hour post-op

I just found out that 12 lymph nodes were removed (only one was positive) which, I am glad to be assured that there is less chance of spread by removing the whole "strand'. My arm was really hurting though, and the only thing that helped was to keep moving it, surprisingly, rather than holding it still.

About 2-3 hours post-op

Me in my hospital room, not feeling so good. I hadn't eaten anything all day, and didn't even think I could yet. Thank God for all of my vitamin/mineral/supplement IV's. Not the usual nutrient - deprived sugar water that is typically used here in the U.S.

About 5 hours post-op

I was holding my security blanket made for me by my friend Lisa Wolfe.

about 16 hours post-op

Ready to go down to the dining room for breakfast with my new appendage. I'm really hungry by now. I didn't eat much after surgery, just a part of a nutrition shake. When I arrived, all of the other guests gave me a standing ovation! Sweeeet! :)

The daily IV line-up

There were usually 4 bags (1 big, and 3 small) to get each day. Just my Vitamin C dose was 25,000mg IV, and another 5000mg by mouth every day

Hyperthermia Unit

I guess you could say this treatment was literally "hell" for me. The closest you could come to this is to get into a sauna fully clothed, with socks, mittens, and a large winter coat, and sit there for an hour without moving.

I hope I never have to do this again...

3 days post-op

Not only was I sore fron surgery, my arms were so sore from the daily mistletoe shots. They were swollen and red, and I was holding an ice pack on. This was the day that John left to go back home for a few days to check on his business. It was lonely without him. My friend Iris, who was there for treatment also, took this picture. 

Nutrition Class

These classes were fun. Everyone enjoyed them because once in a while, we'd get a treat...like a small morsel of raw organic cheese. One time we were able to sample real organic dark cocoa nibs. Wow, you would have thought we struck gold!

Greens for our juicing

Here is our nutritionist showing and explaining the health benefits of juicing.

Lizzie & I

Lizzie was a fun weekend Nurse. She tried to cheer me up while John was not there.

A Salad Masterpiece

This was actually good!

about 1 week post-op

The daily IV's were easier now with the subclavian catheter. No more daily pokes. And my drain is out so I can go in the pools. OMG, I didn't realize how wierd this suit is!

I was standing on the balcony outside of my room.

Oops

The real picture has her head in it. My uploading cut it off!

We had our weight taken everyday, too.

Me and Tris

I was feeling much better by now. Here I was visiting with Tris. He was always making sure we were all well taken care of.

Lynette & I again

We had to check in here every morning to pick up our medicines for the day, and for our daily weights & vitals. These last days I was making a mad dash to get all of my friends pictures.

A morning toast

Lynette (sorry, her head is cut off again), Iris, and me. Iris was high maintenance...she always got "special" food. Like eggs, salmon and spirulina bars! They were actually very sweet, and she had to hide them from everyone!

Nane & me

She took good care of me every day in the treatment room.

Dr. Luke & me

He's incredible...very calculated and methodical in his evaluations. Dr. Luke uses many therapies common in other parts of the world, with effective results you can feel.

MariLu

Another wonderful new friend. MariLu is also very knowledgeable about her work, and fun too!

Nurse Belinda & me

She made me feel so comfortable when in the Nurse's Station.

Beautiful Scenery

I walked along this path nearly every day. 3 days post op I walked a mile, and just kept getting stronger.

I absolutely love this picture!

View of Sanoviv from the Ocean side

What a way to exercise. It just clears your head and gives you so much peace.

You can see the colorful ground cover. The above picture is a close-up of it.

Philosophy of Health

These reminders were everywhere.

This medical model is a total, mind-body healing experience that should and must be experienced to appreciate.

The Main Lobby

This is where we were picked up & "escorted" to our next appointment. Now THAT is service!

View from our balcony

You could hear the waves crashing up on the shore every night.

These pools are all a different temperature. The changes help to stimulate the immune system.

"Thalassotherapy ", as it is called, is a term coined in 19th century France from the Greek words “thalassa” meaning sea and “therapeia” meaning healing. The main objective is to enhance immunity and increase blood circulation, and stimulate the body to absorb valuable minerals from the seawater.

"In the four outdoor seawater pools, you alternate your time between two hot pools and two very cold ones—a water treading pool with a rock-filled bottom that comes up to your knees— and the final deep “cold plunge” pool where you submerge entirely to seal your pores back up and bring your blood pressure back down." From fabulous review by V. Utterback, C.N. To see full review, go here>

2 weeks post-op

I was healthy and happy, and ready to go home. I felt armed with valuable teaching that will benefit not only me, but also those around me!