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Treatment is needed outside of the country. A small donation would be appriciatively ample and make it all possible.

Casie's family and friends are uniting together to raise money to send her out of the country so she can fight her battle with cancer. (If everyone contributes a dollar or two and passes it on to a friend, we believe the goal can be reached.)

Casie has been diagnosed for the second time with Rectal Cancer. In order for her to receive the best treatment possible, she will need financial support from her family and friends. With the money raised she will be able to get alternative treatment and increase her chances greatly to prevent future recurrent.

The family & friends of Casie are coming together to spreading the word & raise funds for needed treatment outside of the country. She was originally diagnosed in 2008 with Colorectal Cancer. After 40 treatments of radiation while on chemo, a surgery was followed to remove the tumor area. She then went back on chemo for an extended period of time. The first surgery left behind a temporary ileostomy bag which was removed 6 months later when everything was put back for normal functionability (after the last chemo).
Since then she has been building up her strength and feeling better with each passing month. This last summer proved her genuine defeat as she felt truly back to normal. Her annual colonoscopy, however, told a different story. A small growth was removed as it was believed to be a simple polyp. Once biopsied, cancer cells revealed themselves.
Conventional therapy has been recommended by the doctors here in the US (chemo, surgery.....same as before but the surgery will be far more intrusive along with matching recovery time. It will be physically altering for life and could result in a permanent bag. No bueno!)
There are many additional reasons for seeking alternative treatment, all of which are far better with unwavering success. The T-cell replacement therapy, for example, is produced using a robot instead of steroids and will grow her immune system by 600 fold. These healthy cells will go and immediately kill off the current small patch of existing tumor cells. The treatment is given over a 5 day period, each of which she will feel more energized. This is the way of the future as no surgery is required. There is a reason why our FDA doesn't approve these current cures. The top US money maker is ONCOLOGY! I'm not saying that it doesn't work for some, but statistics prove it not to be in her odds. Chemo's success rate is 2.3%...........astonishing isn't it! In addition, there is NO actual evidence that it works for Colorectal Cancer (aka Rectal Cancer).
In addition to treatment, she has sought advice from a Holistic Doctor, also an MD and discovered an allergy to wheat gluten. Ironically, this is a leading cause to cancer related to hers. She's in the testing process now, but has eliminated it from her diet. She juices often, does yoga, and practices an array of other cancer fighting facts.
This treatment will help her now and give her immune system what it needs to prevent recurrence in the future. She will keep the site updated so you can see her progress and what new information she finds. It's important for her to share what she has come to learn, in hopes of helping the many others that will fight the same battle.

Hugs for Cure Casie.

Brighten someone's day

Cure Casie updates.

6/3/11 - Update from Surgery and place to find fut

June 3rd, 2011

I have created another blog that can be found on www.CasieMcIntosh.blogspot.com--------since this fundraiser has ended and I am unsure the passing along of information will be allowed to continue. I want to continue future updates, not just about my progress as my life will soon be back to normal and just like your own, but in hopes of posting useful knowledge that may help someone you know. I have a deep sense that there is a greater purpose here. I have not found the exact vehicle in which to convey the many findings or the organization of such thoughts for easy reference. I want to find a way to enhance people’s already existing lives with prevention. There is so much of it and although I got dealt the challenge of cancer, I strongly believe that nutrition, exercise, relaxation and mental stimulation is vital in prevention. As time goes on, I want to share this with you.  In addition, there are numerous treatments available for the many variations of cancer. I realize that the avenue I took is expensive until it is FDA approved, thus covered by insurance, and is not necessarily the only option for other cancers. I don’t know all of these, however I can share what I know and pass along my references.

It’s been a week since the final surgery. A little more intrusive than I anticipated but feeling better with noticeable leaps and bounds every day. The procedure itself was a complete success. My surgeon has seen tumors gone from the respective area before, in cases of radiation, but the surrounding tissue always having a great deal of damage, thus needing to be removed. She was impressed with the quality of the tissue and was able to simply fold the new baby-like skin flaps over one another and add dissolvable stitches. This was after removing a round patch and outer area of dead cells from where the tumor once was. 

I have a follow up appointment next Tuesday June 7

th

. I should have my results back from pathology confirming that the area removed has no live cells. I already know this, aside from my inner belief, but the MRI proved as such after the treatment. It will be interesting to see how cancer free reflects on my medical record and the effect that has on future health insurance. I will be put to the test soon when my current coverage runs out. 

For everyone that attended the fundraiser, thank you. It amazes me how many of the same people have found it in their hearts to give more. To show up after purchasing a ticket and continue to bid on items in the auction………More of you being generous and offering the auction items………And still others who helped cook, prepare, print, load, clean, serve and organize the event. UNBELIEVABLE!!!   Policemen volunteered their time and concessions were given by Vic’s Market, Raley’s, Players, Earth & Vine, Sunrise Natural Foods, Mike Lim Jewelers and others I am still learning about. Dr. Hope blessed us with his presence and our announcer did a fabulous job being our auctioneer. There was even a gluten free menu. The effort that went into making this entire affair was remarkable! I am ever so grateful.

 

6/3/11 - Update from Surgery and place to find fut

June 3rd, 2011

I have created another blog that can be found on www.CasieMcIntosh.blogspot.com--------since this fundraiser has ended and I am unsure the passing along of information will be allowed to continue. I want to continue future updates, not just about my progress as my life will soon be back to normal and just like your own, but in hopes of posting useful knowledge that may help someone you know. I have a deep sense that there is a greater purpose here. I have not found the exact vehicle in which to convey the many findings or the organization of such thoughts for easy reference. I want to find a way to enhance people’s already existing lives with prevention. There is so much of it and although I got dealt the challenge of cancer, I strongly believe that nutrition, exercise, relaxation and mental stimulation is vital in prevention. As time goes on, I want to share this with you.  In addition, there are numerous treatments available for the many variations of cancer. I realize that the avenue I took is expensive until it is FDA approved, thus covered by insurance, and is not necessarily the only option for other cancers. I don’t know all of these, however I can share what I know and pass along my references.

It’s been a week since the final surgery. A little more intrusive than I anticipated but feeling better with noticeable leaps and bounds every day. The procedure itself was a complete success. My surgeon has seen tumors gone from the respective area before, in cases of radiation, but the surrounding tissue always having a great deal of damage, thus needing to be removed. She was impressed with the quality of the tissue and was able to simply fold the new baby-like skin flaps over one another and add dissolvable stitches. This was after removing a round patch and outer area of dead cells from where the tumor once was. 

I have a follow up appointment next Tuesday June 7

th

. I should have my results back from pathology confirming that the area removed has no live cells. I already know this, aside from my inner belief, but the MRI proved as such after the treatment. It will be interesting to see how cancer free reflects on my medical record and the effect that has on future health insurance. I will be put to the test soon when my current coverage runs out. 

For everyone that attended the fundraiser, thank you. It amazes me how many of the same people have found it in their hearts to give more. To show up after purchasing a ticket and continue to bid on items in the auction………More of you being generous and offering the auction items………And still others who helped cook, prepare, print, load, clean, serve and organize the event. UNBELIEVABLE!!!   Policemen volunteered their time and concessions were given by Vic’s Market, Raley’s, Players, Earth & Vine, Sunrise Natural Foods, Mike Lim Jewelers and others I am still learning about. Dr. Hope blessed us with his presence and our announcer did a fabulous job being our auctioneer. There was even a gluten free menu. The effort that went into making this entire affair was remarkable! I am ever so grateful.

 

5/12/11

May 12th, 2011

I am home :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  Sorry for not updating sooner.  I am now adjusted and feel great!  Aaron wrote the last update as I had severe migraines and couldn't manage out of bed.  It gets fairly interesting as you will read.

Treatment was even easier than the Cell Collection.  The little catch was that I needed to consume a great deal of sugar.  Me?  Sugar is my enemy!  Everything I eat is low sugar or I use agave nectar, but okay.  I requested chocolate or the like.  It needed to be well worth it if I was going to throw my body completely out of balance.  (It makes me fall asleep, get cold, have a stomachache and other things you don't want to know.)  It is necessary, however, for the cells.  That is what they feed off of.  The Doc instructed me to eat a piece of chocolate whenever I started to get tired.  The fatigue comes from the cells attacking the tumor and sure enough the simple infusion tube attached through a regular I.V. in my arm created absolute exhaustion.  So out came the chocolate nugget.  The Doc and Aaron fed me one after the other.  Before starting the treatment I was to indulge in sweets for preparation.  The array of sweet croissants had me challenged which to choose first, the custard filling or marzipan?  (marzipan is a staple treat out there and freshly made.  The taste is unbelievably rewarding!)  There is a picture that comes to mind, I will upload it.

Between infusions the Doc and I walked to a nearby lake, taking time to appreciate the blooming trees, well manicured bushes, napping bunnies and endless seasonal flowers.  There was one special species, a violet orchid (don't remember technical name), that brought me back to an early thought about the Doc and how he came up with this treatment.  He and his brother had won an award for creating a method in which allowed an almost extinct orchid species to multiply in the millions and once again flourish.  They did this through stem cells, the flower's own stem cells.  So I asked him about the connection.  This was, in fact, the start of the thought process that eventually led to the treatment I was currently receiving.  AMAZING!  His brother is in his final stages of creating the technology that answers Why or How does a person get Cancer?  Everything takes so much time I've learned.  For instance, the award they won was when Doc was 17, now in his mid forties.

At the end of the fist day I felt fine, a little sleepy, but that was to be expected.  What I failed to mention was how the morning started.  Aaron had been experiencing pain in his lower back and stomach since the week before.  Doc Senior had come to the hotel for an evaluation Sunday, the day before, and determined it was likely a kidney stone or bacterial infection.  Feeling better at the current moment, Aaron said to wait and see how he felt tomorrow.  Aaron awoke in pain but not bad enough for the emergency room.  Knowing who to call, the Docs got Aaron an appointment for an ultrasound the next morning, Tuesday.  It took a bit of time to orchestrate this so the treatment schedule changed from 3 infusions Monday and 2 on Tuesday to the reverse.  Easy.  I had the luxury of sleeping in while Aaron attended the ultrasound.  No stone was found and the culture would take ten days.  In the meantime, two medications were prescribed.  Back to the hotel they went to pick me up.  I felt relaxed and ready for the day, the final day.  A slight headache lurked in the back of my head.  Strange........I usually only get those when I have not had enough sleep.  I took two IB Profrin, having ran out of my Excedrin Migraine.  I went about my day hoping it would disappear.  I'm sure the abundance of sugar didn't help because by the end of my second treatment I was asking for something to relieve the pain.  We had more of the liquid drops used for the catheter placement and that helped dull the ache for a time.  Not a long one however.  The remainder of my cells, each infusion kept refrigerated in it's own exclusive little bag......my magic bag I called it, were placed in me and were working hard.  I was exhausted, barely able to stay awake.  The encouragement of chocolate was wearing on a thin line, wanting to refuse it but reluctantly swallowing what was placed in my mouth.  It is funny to write of such a miserable feeling because it sounds so ridiculous!  How could eating chocolate be torture?  Well the treatment was anything but torture, but the way my body responds to sugar and the now set in migraine made for an unpleasant drive back.  The tears flowed and I just wanted a quiet dark room.  I couldn't even think about what I needed, which was Excedrin Migraine or anything for migraines.  I couldn't think at all!   I had been cold the whole way and had the heater maxed out in the car.  The Doc and Aaron were sympathetic and were probably sweating.  As we approached the hotel, I began shaking, like shivering cold. This was a normal reaction, all of it.  If I didn't show these signs the Doc would have been concerned.  He called it a T & R Storm or something like that.  The cancer had been found and was being destroyed at that very moment.  Whatever storm this was was like the loudest thunder, lightening and rainfall you ever heard.  I felt out of control.  I was so cold!  They wrapped me up in pillows blankets and filled water bottles with hot water and placed them around my body.  An igloo of warmth had been built around me and I was ever so grateful!  Doc and Aaron stayed by my side monitoring my every breath.  The fever had me sweating, but I was still shivering cold.  Eventually my body was still and I felt calm.  I knew I needed to eat actual food and agreed to continue to consume sugar through sweetened tea.  No more chocolate.  I have yet to eat a piece since.  Food was ordered and I emerged from my igloo to sit up slowly as my headache had not subsided.  I took the max dosage for my bodyweight of a Vicodin equivalent.  My temperature had dropped to 101.7 and I had an MRI scheduled after my dinner.  Doc was patient, never making me feel rushed.  I feel fortunate for his compassion.  It was soothing during a time of fear and vulnerability.

The MRI revealed no sign of any tumor.  The technician continued further scanning for certainty.  He has offered to fly me out for more testing after my surgery as he is astonished by the results.  The prior MRI was done on Thursday, showing a walnut size tumor (2.7x3.5 cm) and the next MRI done five days later, three hours after treatment.  

Life would be terribly boring if everything went as planned so Wednesday brought us a surprise.  I wake up with an even worse migraine and Aaron desperately finds his way to the hospital.  He says his goodbyes to me, like FOREVER because he doesn't believe he's going to make it.  His pain is so bad!  I was in a state of confusion and agony unable to lift my head from the pillow.  He takes a cab as the Doc was staying on the other side of the hospital, causing the time to double if coming all the way to the hotel first.  They remain on the phone together, Doc arriving ahead of Aaron.  They admit him, start the morphine and complete an MRI.  The results.......... a kidney stone.  Apparently it was hiding in a turn or fold before and was clear as day now.  In Pre-Op, just before having the scope inserted up through the urethra and blasting the stone, he used the restroom and, low and behold, out came the sharp spike shaped stone.  He ran out holding it up, telling everybody "I got it, I got it!"  The proud moment came with such relief, not to mention the comfort of the morphine.  Poor Aaron!!!  They say that passing a kidney stone is equivalent to childbirth.  That would have been his second baby.  That's right, that wasn't his first time.  Can you imagine???  Good news is this time the stone was caught and will be tested to see what he is lacking or has excessive amounts of.  This way diet adjustments can be made for future prevention.  We had travel insurance so luckily the bills will be covered.  Word to the wise.......always purchase travel insurance.  Plus we had to use it to change flights.  This very morning was our departure.

As if the last three weeks hadn't been enough work for the Doc......getting the cells ready and finally administering them, we had him slaving overtime with these time-of-the-essence crisis's.  Back to the hotel to address my migraine the Doc and Aaron went.  Scripts were attempted to be called in, none of which matched my requests.  An alternative was found, ordered, picked up from a not so near by place, because that's just how it is out there......no CVS or Walgreens, and I got my pill.  Anticipating relief any time now, the sharpness was dulled but never left my frustrated overwhelmingly tired head.  I continued to drink excessive amounts of water as per instructions of the Doctor.  Dehydration alone can cause these headaches so I didn't give it reason.  I took the maximum dose of pills a day, only one at a time, and included the Vicodin equivalent.  This is what allowed me to get on the plane the next morning and we were off.  NOTHING was stopping us from going home.  Hamburg is great and wonderful and so many other delightful things, but you all know how nice it is to COME HOME.  I stayed consistent with the medications and got Excedrin Migraine once landing.  My headache was gone :)

We went home for about three hours, showered, packed and left for the airport.  We had scheduled flights based on coming home Wednesday.  Our cats and remainder of belongings were waiting in Vegas.  We drove back to our new home in Laguna Niguel the next afternoon and have been getting situated since.

I will be in Sacramento this weekend for the fundraiser and look forward seeing all of you who can make it.  

For questions regarding the fundraiser, call Judy (916) 613-7500 or Linda (530) 559-3340.

This is an incredibly long update and I promise to keep them shorter in the future.  I have a small surgery later this month and will continue the information as it happens.  

With love & appreciation,

~~~Casie

5/4/11

May 4th, 2011

Hello Everyone this is Aaron just wanting to update you on Casie's status.  Her treatment went as planned,  The last MRI showed no evidence of the tumor.  To clarify, the tumor was walnut size on Thursday before the treatment started.  The last MRI which was done 2 hours after her final infusion showed hard evidence that the tumor is GONE! 


We are elated with this news,  She is currently doing good but tired and is suffering from an extreme migraine. The doctors are on standby and already insisted that she get a cat scan of the brain this afternoon.  The results showed no issues but standard migraine.  She is receiving lots of TLC as it has not subsided with medications readily available.  Her normal over the counter solution does not exist here.  The available prescriptions haven't proven effective.  Some have worked but only for a limited time.  And then back to square one she goes.  We will be headed across the pond over the next few days.  

Thank you for the continued love and support.  

Aaron~

P.S. Casie will do a detailed update within a couple days.

5/2/11

May 2nd, 2011

I am ready with anticipation this morning.  Today is the start of giving me back a teenage body (well inside of course) and as long as I keep a Zen mindset, the cells will stick around and serve me with an abundance of health and energy for a long time to come (up to 40 years).  Too much stress will burn them up.  So here I sit with my amazing cup of coffee from the Hamburg style Starbucks around the corner.  I finally managed to nail down a REAL breakfast yesterday, reordering today and will continue for the remainder of our visit.  There are pastry shops everywhere!  Where are the eggs?  Just plain standard run-of-the-mill eggs with toast or potatoes?  When asked, a pub was recommended but didn't open until later.  We gave up after the first couple of days.  The chef happened to be out in the main area talking to our server and I asked if he could make something off the menu.  He obliged and we had scrambled eggs with cheese and toast.  It seems so simple right?  Everybody knows a little English, but only the basics.  Details always require somebody more qualified to be found to assist in the conversation, however they seem happy to do it.


Thank you to everyone for their loving support that has got me here.  And to those of you who have worked so diligently on the upcoming fundraiser in May, the other in July.  Your effort has given me the confidence this will all work out.  The first step was getting me here and the second is to pay back the funds in which allowed me to do so.  Thank you to everybody who has contributed!!!!!  You really made this possible!  Those who offered personal loans are a saving grace. . . . . . . I don't know how to ever thank you enough!  

For those of you who are in the know about the fundraisers, you are likely aware of my Mom's tireless contribution for its successful outcome.  Works can't express my gratitude!%!!*!!!  She will be due for a long dose of relaxation after all this.

I will post details of these fundraisers for those who are interested or know of others that may be.

It's time for the real fun to begin..........be thinking good thoughts for me as I will be openly receiving all this bright warm energy :) :) :)

With gracious love,
~~~Casie

4/30/11

May 1st, 2011

Waking early has not yet been within our reach.  Most days it's afternoon before we make it downstairs.  Good news is, if I can maintain this timing until we leave next week, I will be right on schedule at home.  My morning started at 7:30 Thursday.  Thankfully the MRI center was close to the hotel.  My 8:45 arrival brought news of a broken down machine that would likely be repaired between noon and 2:00, at which time they would phone the doctor.  We went for pastries and he took me back to get some sleep before retrieving me for my later appointment.  After changing and laying my head to rest, the phone rang two minutes later.  It was Doc, now half way home, saying the machine was fixed.  He'd be downstairs in 10 minutes.  I got dresses and went to the MRI.  Better to do it earlier than later.  Then I could REALLY get a good nap in.  


People have asked me, in the past, if I get claustrophobic when getting an MRI?  The answer has always been no.  Somehow the machines I experienced before were different because OMG, can I tell you, I panicked!  The combination with their efficiency equaling speed, the quick installation of the needle in my arm, the wighted packs on my chest and pelvis were strapped down to the bed locking my arms in place and the push of the button that started my immediate entrance backwards into the tunnel had me wanting to yell "WAIT!"  I find that life is easier when taken a bit slower.  I kept waiting for my head to come out the other side so I could breath.  The open air never came.  I finally closed my eyes and took deep breaths telling myself mind over matter.  No sooner did I take my second deep breath did the lady over the headphones come on and tell me to "breath in, breath out and hold".........okay, I've done this part before.......no problem.  I'm holding.....and holding......and holding.......REALLY?  I was feeling light headed at this point.  Then she says breath.  Wow, that was something else!  I've never been asked to hold for that long.  Plus my breathing was so short to begin with because of my nervousness.  I can't remember feeling that panicked before.  So I get an exhale out and she repeats the sequence.  In, out, hold and for just as long this time.  I'm thinking how is this legal?  Then I think about how babied and politically correct and how overly conscious of lawsuits we are in the U.S. and that this is probably just standard for the normal people out there.  It's not like they are going to take me to a point beyond which I can go.

After about ten minutes, they pulled me out of the tunnel to adjust me.  I asked them to wait just a minute before putting me back in.  Before they locked the straps down I pulled my left arm out and laid it over head.  They thought this was strange and said I must stay in that position for the remainder of the scan.  I assured them this was fine.  Entering me into the tunnel the second time felt calm and okay.  So if there are any claustrophobes out there, an arm or two out can give you a great sense of freedom and relief.  (My right arm is still a little sore from the catheter.)

The Doc asked me to keep my day flexible in case another scan was needed.  Additional scan if there was any belief that it was necessary based on the findings of the first.  

Turns out I had a 2:00 return appointment for a closer look at the liver.  With ColoRectal Cancer the next affected area is the Liver by means of travel through the Limphnodes. The Doc was viewing the scan as it happened and shared the results when dropping back to the hotel.  He explained that there was one enlarged limphnode.  This MRI machine is state-of-the-art and shows images in such precise depth that it is an advantage to use it for questionable areas to get a true reading.  All of this will be shared with my doctor back home.

So tired, I can't even think, I climb right into bed without even changing first.  I told Aaron to wake my at 1:30.  He did and we went for amazing coffee on the way back for the last scan.  An hour later we ate pizza.  Wow, my first pizza in almost six months of being gluten free.  I heard from another source that the gluten content is only 7% out here in Europe, whereas the U.S. is 60%.  I enjoyed every bite, still a little groggy, and returned to the hotel for a movie in bed.  I shared the news with Aaron earlier of the reason for the additional scan and left it at that.  I didn't want to give any thought to something that didn't hold merit without conclusive evidence.  Truth is, I have been feeling better out here than back home.  Weird right?  Through my time in reflection I can honestly attribute it to stress.  Even though I do everything, and so does Aaron, to remove such things from my life, I suppose it's inevitable.  I will be taking up a new way when I return, as I mentioned in an earlier post.  Out here......no stress......no physical ailments.  Crazy!  Let's be real though, I can't just take it this easy all the time.  I do promise to myself to make changes.  I have asked Aaron and the Doc to point situations of stress out to me so I can be more honest with myself.  Things they mentioned before I swore were not stressful and still feel the same.  I'm listening with an open mind and making great effort to understand as if it were somebody else's life and I am just looking in.  It's hard to actually do.  I will keep practicing.

I failed to mention earlier that the tumor size grew.  It was at 2x1.7mm/cm before and is now 3.3x2.5 (I know there is a big difference between cm and mm, but to me it's there and I try not to get wrapped up in the details.  Soon it will be gone.  Will find out and post.)  It has now gone through the wall.  This latest factor may cause a different outcome of my near future surgery.  For instance, the bigger the hole she has to cut, to remove the dead cells, the more difficult the process comes in closing it.  We are hoping for a natural healing, of which time I will be on ice chips to let the area form tissue before allowing elimination to pass through.  There are many possibilities and I'm not sure how detailed you all want me to get so I'll keep it simple.  I am hoping for a natural healing, without stitches or foreign tissue to be added as a bandage for two reasons.  My healing time will be considerably less if natural healing occurs and my elimination process will stay the same.  I am a quick healer and I heal well.  My surgeon knows this and will act in my best interest, I know.

The Doc called during my movie and said there are no liver mets.  Yaaayyyyy!!!!!  This means it has not traveled to my liver and the enlarged limphnode was simply scar tissue above or below that exact limphnode making it appear enlarged.  Thank goodness for that highly detailed scan!  My sigh of relief brought tears.  Everything is still very manageable.

Lots of love from Hamburg,
~~~Casie


4/27/11

April 27th, 2011

The day is nearing that I will finally receive my treatment.  I am not nervous, only excited and full of anticipation to be on the other side of this thing.  I can clearly picture my healthy life waiting for me back home.  Rather my new home in Laguna Niguel where I will live in a more peaceful life.  I am fortunate to have a Pilates studio in the closest shopping center.  I will take full advantage along with frequent walks down through the greenbelt to the beach.  My two requirements for moving was an outdoor living room and a dog.  Aaron has finally agreed to the furry loving creature :)  I feel so fortunate to have all of this to go home to.


I have an MRI on Thurs morning to get an accurate read on the tumors current status.  After my treatments there will be another one to show the tumor marker in comparison.  Also to prove its lack of existence.  All of this information will be shared with my doctors in Vegas and used to reach a collective diagnosis, to be recorded, after my small surgery later in the month.  It will take place two weeks after my last treatment.

As I mentioned before, it is spring here and the weather is treating us beautifully.  Above 70 degrees.  The cherry blossom trees are spectacular!  I have to say, however, that we are terribly home sick :(  As nice as it is here, we miss everything about there!

Love & Hugs,
~~~Casie 

4/24/11 Happy Easter :+)

April 27th, 2011

Happy Easter :+)  We awoke early starting with breakfast, church, then an Easter Egg Hunt in the botanical garden.  The Doc graciously invited us to join the family for the holiday festivities.  The most magical thing happened........two baby brown rabbits surprised us during the hunt.  We all awed in disbelief, they were so cute!  The Doc carefully tracked the one and dove into the brush after it.  His eldest daughter is a big time animal lover and couldn't wait to hold it.  He showed her a way that protected both of them and the rabbit remained fairly calm.  The youngest daughter, two in all, is a candy lover and sat like every kid in dreamland surrounded by and eating her collection of goodies.  We've had the opportunity to spend time with and get to know the two of them and have been fortunate to learn a great deal through them.  They, like their father AND mother have a 190 IQ.  It's truly fascinating how much these girls know about EVERYTHING!  I feel the need to enroll in some classes when I get home.  I mean, we are always supposed to be learning because, how does the saying go?........."The day you stop learning is the day you die."  Whether it's figurative or not, it's true.

Our day ended at a spa/water park.  Really?  Yes, there are more cold days than warm so they build indoor swimming pools complete with steam rooms, saunas (different temps both inside and outside), jacuzzi, bar and restaurant and is accommodating to both adults and children.  There are water slides too.  This facility is on the outskirts and surprisingly inexpensive, about 10 euro for three hours (current conversion rate is .60 to equal our U.S. dollar.  In other words, we pay 3 euro that is equal to only 2 of our dollars.)  The Europeans really know how to live.  This facility is called Summerland and sits on a lake with paddle boats, lush green grounds, sauna houses near the water and quiet rooms, some with multiple twin sized water beds, others with recliners or loungers.  It's truly a dream land!  I requested that we come back before we leave :)  The Doc finds it highly recommendable and says it's the prescription to my healing and he wants me doing things like this more often.  This is the second place like this he has taken me.  My orders are to be in a blissful state at all times along with an abundance of nutritious food.  This is part of the treatment and an example of how to continue once out of his care.  He says he'll take care of the cancer itself, but a hectic lifestyle is only recipe for future disaster.  I am learning so much!

I'm past the first phase - 4/18/11

April 18th, 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

I trust everyone is doing great on that side of the pond. We are doing good here in beautiful Hamburg, Germany. We are done with the first phase, having a successful Cell Collection.  I am feeling good and have the following two weeks to relax and get my body in a healthy and plentiful existence before receiving the actual treatment.  

I had a catheter installed in my upper right chest area leaving behind some discomfort, which I slept off the remaining day.  We started the Cell Collection in the evening when I was more comfortable.  Since then I remain on painkillers and spend my time relaxing while reading and napping. This was the most painful part of the procedure, but needed to be done as my veins could not have handled the collection due to the Chemo received in the past.

The collection took around 3.5 hours which was not painful.  The machine was programed to pull out my T-CELLS's/WHITE BLOOD CELLS also know as OUR GOOD KILLLER CELLS.  This was the most fascinating procedure that I have ever seen!  All of the blood left my body and passed through this system twice.  This allowed the machine to take only and precisely what it was instructed to do, allowing the rest to be deposited back in my body.

500 BILLION cells will be ready for me and entered back 6,000 fold two weeks from now. Imagine my immune system then! It will destroy any cancer cells within hours of the first treatment. The ones to follow are just insurance.

Thank you everyone for continued love and support.

With love,

~~~Casie

May 14th Fundraiser

April 12th, 2011

I have extended the fundraiser until May 31st because of the event May 14th. It is a Tri-Tip dinner at the Orangevale Community Center 5:00. Tickets are $50. There will be a live band & silent auction as well.

For more info call:
Judy 916.613.7500

Hello to all from Hamburg.....Guten Tag

April 11th, 2011

We arrived yesterday, staying up through the day to avoid jet lag. Then slept 13 hours, making up for the prior night of sleeplessness on the plane. Preventing jet lag worked, I encourage the same to anyone. A walk upon arrival in the sunshine, a filling meal and a long night of sleep put us right on schedule. Waking to an excruciating headache was simply par for the course. My body does not appreciate being deprived of sleep and reminds me with hostility. The cab driver reminded us that it would have taken 4-5 days to get on track had we taken a nap. We are fortunate to enjoy sunshine and moderate weather as it is Spring, about 65 degrees. I have been drinking an abundance of fluids to make up for dehydration during travel and prepare for the cell collection on Wednesday. Tomorrow is blood work and other prep. I am excited to get this started!

Current Status:

March 18th, 2011

It was August that I was re-diagnosed. A small growth was found on a routine Coloscopy. When biopsied, cancer cells were found. It did not, however, show up on the PET/CT scan. Because of its insignificance in size, we were able to put our efforts toward the treatment we knew made sense, if this disease ever resurfaced.  Immune Therapy (CITA) - Celular Introvascular Targeting Agent – destroys cancer from within and uses the blood supply infrastructure to destroy/complete task.  Basically it increases my immune system 6,000 fold using my own cells that have been robotically multiplied.  The abundance of these cells then go in and attack the current tumor cells leaving me cancer free.  Plus they stay with me for 40 years.  This is the quick definition. I will find a way to upload some of the studies I have to support this treatment.

 

Since diagnosis, I have gone down the path of a gluten free road along with many supplements, including some very expensive immune boosters hoping to keep the cancer at bay until we could gain the funding for the immune therapy treatment. I recently went back for a PET/CT scan to ease all of our minds. Unfortunately, it now shows on a scan and is 2x2 cm. It is recommended that I receive treatment immediately, as cancer is unpredictable. The good news is that the tumor is localized, meaning it has not traveled to my lymph nodes. Once that happens, the first place it would go is to my liver. That is nearly irreversible.

I am asking of you to make a donation……………please! Not an amount that will put you behind, but just something and pass the word on to someone that could do the same. This treatment will soon be available in the U.S. and many of you will want your loved ones to get the same treatment, as it is so far from the conventional treatment available today. People will not have to be disfigured, lose their hair or become violently ill from chemo or burned from radiation. I will be posting information about my treatment for all of you to see so you can someday help someone with the knowledge. This is the way of the future, I’m just fortunate enough to be receiving it now. for those of you who have already made a donation, thank you! As you can see, the numbers are increasing every day. THANK YOU!!!!!

Current Status:

March 18th, 2011

It was August that I was re-diagnosed. A small growth was found on a routine Coloscopy. When biopsied, cancer cells were found. It did not, however, show up on the PET/CT scan. Because of its insignificance in size, we were able to put our efforts toward the treatment we knew made sense, if this disease ever resurfaced.  Immune Therapy (CITA) - Celular Introvascular Targeting Agent – destroys cancer from within and uses the blood supply infrastructure to destroy/complete task.  Basically it increases my immune system 6,000 fold using my own cells that have been robotically multiplied.  The abundance of these cells then go in and attack the current tumor cells leaving me cancer free.  Plus they stay with me for 40 years.  This is the quick definition. I will find a way to upload some of the studies I have to support this treatment.

 

Since diagnosis, I have gone down the path of a gluten free road along with many supplements, including some very expensive immune boosters hoping to keep the cancer at bay until we could gain the funding for the immune therapy treatment. I recently went back for a PET/CT scan to ease all of our minds. Unfortunately, it now shows on a scan and is 2x2 cm. It is recommended that I receive treatment immediately, as cancer is unpredictable. The good news is that the tumor is localized, meaning it has not traveled to my lymph nodes. Once that happens, the first place it would go is to my liver. That is nearly irreversible.

I am asking of you to make a donation……………please! Not an amount that will put you behind, but just something and pass the word on to someone that could do the same. This treatment will soon be available in the U.S. and many of you will want your loved ones to get the same treatment, as it is so far from the conventional treatment available today. People will not have to be disfigured, lose their hair or become violently ill from chemo or burned from radiation. I will be posting information about my treatment for all of you to see so you can someday help someone with the knowledge. This is the way of the future, I’m just fortunate enough to be receiving it now. for those of you who have already made a donation, thank you! As you can see, the numbers are increasing every day. THANK YOU!!!!!

Correction: this is not Stem Cell Trmt

March 9th, 2011

I have been corrected on the way I have been describing this treatment.  It is not stem cell, as in cells from an outside source.  I just want to clarify these cells are my own and are actually T-Cells (immune system cells). They are robotically generated from my cell collection, replicating & multiplying them, so as not to have the common side effects like rejection.  I will be meeting with my doctor tomorrow and will post additional information.  

My deepest thanks to all........

March 7th, 2011

For those of you who have made contributions to my Immune System Therapy, thank you a thousand times!!!  Every amount adds to the end number and is a motivational step to climbing the one above it.  I will post updates soon with current progress.  My love & appreciation goes out to you all*!*!*!*!*!!!


If you have any problems with this site, contact..

February 10th, 2011

Erica Trzeciak

erica@giveforward.com

312-957-6113 (office)

Sorry for difficulty in donating

February 1st, 2011

The problem was a compatability error from older versions of Internet Explorer. They have since rectified the issue.  If you have any problems, please email me at CasieMcIntosh8@gmail.com

Cure Casie Donors.

FUNDRAISER PROGRESS

7%

GOAL: $300,000.00

Raised: $21,841
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  • Grammy Shan gave $2,500.00
    March 30th, 2011

    "Hoping and Praying for all the best for both of you."

  • Marshann Fuqua gave $1,000.00
    March 15th, 2011

    "Dear Casie, I don't know why horrible things happen to good people like you, but I do know that you have the strength and the spirit it takes to survive this and thrive. Keep positive thoughts and know that you have a lot of people praying for you. Love, Marshann"

  • Fred, Diana and Maddi Dardashti gave $1,000.00
    April 20th, 2011

    "We love you Casie. Come back home healthy! We are praying for you."

  • Laurie and Chris Dunlap gave $500.00
    March 7th, 2011

    "Our prayers are with you."

  • Eric and Ria Barnard gave $100.00
    May 30th, 2011

    "Eric and I are buisness partners of your mother and Steve. We are excited to hear your recovery is coming along. It must be all the love that is showered on you through prayers and blessings. We wish you the fastest recovery, Casie. Your in our prayers...The Barnard's from EnviroTech Drilling"

  • Rod and Mary Brown gave hidden
    May 27th, 2011

  • Joseth Hernandez gave $50.00
    May 25th, 2011

    "You may not know me, but I feel like I do. Your friend Christina Gonzalez talks about you all the time. Good things of course. I wish you a thorough and speedy recovery. My prayers are with you."

  • Anonymous gave hidden
    May 20th, 2011

    "Many Blessings! My prayers are with you and your wonderful family!"