{Loren’s Blog in Loren’s Voice: Life’s Navigation System}
Wonderful invention, the navigation system. Takes you where you wanna go with a minimum of fuss. But the thought occurred to me—what happens to all those wrong turns we used to make? Is it simply time saved? Or are they adventures we fail to experience by traveling the more direct route. Life’s like that too.
We’ve decided to use a combination of Western medicine and Eastern healing arts to help me survive this brain tumor. The Western part—we made our decisions, started our treatments and haven’t looked back. The Eastern stuff has been like one of those old fashioned road trips pre-GPS. Boy have I seen some side streets and back country scenery.
Started with Reiki. Stayed up too late learning Reiki. Met some “interesting” people involved with Reiki. By the way, Reiki is “a form of therapy that uses simple hands-on, no-touch and visualization techniques, with the goal of improving the flow of life energy in a person.” Sounds kinda nice. I hated it. One Reiki teacher kept trying to sell me silken wall art. Another offered unlikely visions that I just couldn’t wrap my head around. It was awkward. I think I’m done with Reiki.
Then I went to a guy who claimed to treat the Dalai Lama. He told me he could heal me by taking my pulse and looking at my pee—in a mason jar. He could be right…maybe. We’ll never know.
Next, I moved on to an M.D. who specializes in nutrition. The doctor may have given me sound medical advice—but he was consumed with selling his books and DVDs. That turned me off. Just in case you’re wondering, I have found a doctor who practices Chinese medicine and acupuncture with whom I’m very happy. He has me on a good diet and he’s now part of my Western/Eastern mix. But, just like those days before cars came equipped with a nice lady in the dashboard, my search took longer but I saw some interesting things along the way.
The beat writer, Jack Kerouac, would’ve celebrated his 91st birthday this week—if his bright light hadn’t burned out so early. His biography is not a manual on how to live a long and healthy life—but he sure did create some fine road trip lessons in the days when we had to make our own decisions on which way to turn. In some ways, I’ve used his philosophy in my short journey to find alternative forms of healing. I met some eccentric people, traveled to some unusual places and, like Kerouac, I don’t know “what’s in store for me in the direction I don’t take.”
“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”
― Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Loren
The Nancarrow Project 
I just want to say again how blessed we are to get to share this part of your life’s journey with you, thanks for taking the time…and if I could offer one visual that helps me when the pain is just too much, I think of touching Jesus’s robe, just brushing his hem as he whisk by us, first knowing he is near and that by having enough faith and just touching his robes is enough for healing…it helps me, might help you. P.S. It’s from the story in Matthew 9:20-22
Life is short…live it
Love is rare…grab it
Anger is bad….let go of it
Fear is a mind-killer….face it
Memories are sweet….CHERISH THEM
Wishing you & your family great memories to cherish
Hi Loren,
I’ve been enjoying your blog. I thought you might be interested in reading about Graviola.
http://www.rain-tree.com/graviola.htm#.UUoVgvq9Kc0
I actually enjoy your blog MORE than your weather (just because I see so much more of you — as a person — in these words.) But not to offend, you’re one hell of a weather guy too 😉 Like all good authors, I feel like I’ve made a friend. Blessings to you and yours.
Once in awhile you get shown the light…
In the strangest of places….
If you look at it right.
Loran you truly are one of San Diego’s finest! Sending you positive vibrations my brother, anything and everything is possible, stay strong we’re all with you man!
May the sun always shine on your face and the wind be at your back!
I like your essay. It is well written, unique and interesting.
Judy Lennon
Wow. A true lesson to live by! Still awaiting the guitar and drum circle at moonlight beach. Extremely healing!
I’m so glad I found my solution online.
oh our family’s love just grows for you and yours every day and we love that we can hear your voice on these posts. you’ve given me so much hope and courage through some though things I am facing right now .. thank you thank you sweet Loren.
*tough 🙂
I’m really enjoying how you’re sharing your journey with us and so glad you are receiving acupuncture. That truly helped me avoid the nausea, pain and fatigue associated with chemo. My medical doctors didn’t approve and would have preferred I take pills instead, so I had the opportunity to educate them about acupuncture. Acupuncture doesn’t have the negative side affects of medicine. I think we should be as comfortable as possible when we’re going through the cancer killing therapies. Sending you on-going visions of improved health and comfort.
Loren, Thru our cancer journey we have practiced Eastern mixed with Western as well. But we were BOMBARDED with people telling us that we had to try this and that, because it was sure to cure my husband. Listen to your instincts and your wife, you will make the right decisions!!! Steer clear of the ones who are out for your money, they are not interested in your well being, only their bank accounts! You are in our thoughts. <3<3
You make me laugh out loud…your humor is infectious! Love you!
My daughter and I deal with CMT, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Every day we wake up and hope today will be a “good” day. We’ve been using Acupunture for many years and it really makes our lives more manageable. The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine has been a life saver for us. Knowing that our time here is limited, I decieded to take the roads less traveled, while I’m still able. My wife and I try to take our trailer out at least once a month just see what we can see! Our thoughts and prayers are always with you on your journey. Keep up your positive attitude….the mind can be a great healer as well.
A cancer treatment that has worked for many of the people I know is Flor Essence Tea. It is an herbal tea out of Canada. If you read The Essaic Report, you will see what a great healer it is. A friend of mine had ovarian cancer where the tumor was invading her chest cavity. She was given chemo treatments, but the doctors didn’t give her any hope. She drank the tea in the morning and evening. After six months, when she was examined, the tumor had shrunk to the size of a plum with very few cancer cells in the center. It was removed. That was 15 years ago. She is living a full and active life now. The doctors couldn’t understand what happened — they said it was a miracle.
Lorenzo! Keep on Truckin’ xoxo Andy
Loren…The naturopathic MD that I continue to see, post cancer treatment, is Dr. James Novak in PB. I see my regular doctors, but I also see him….He has me on many natural/powerful antioxidants to keep my immune system strong…Vitamin C infusions are a part of the mix…He has taught me a lot and I continue to learn. A good site for research is Dr. Mercola…Also very much into naturopathic medicine…linked into many doctors/research on the subject of cancer and prevention…There is much in the way of scientific proof of the benefits associated with naturopathic medicine…I hope this information is helpful to you…Diane
common sense and humor has always worked for me, too, loren!
blessings to you and your family in this beautiful journey.
sage
You’re the Bomb, “Nagivator” ; ). All of God’s blessings your way.
Loren, I’ve been so impressed by your uplifting attitude and insightful musings on so many subjects. I like that you’re exploring various alternatve therapies while also pursuing Western medicine.
I was wondering if anyone has turned you onto the book, “Anti-Cancer” by a doctor (not an MD) who had brain cancer and beat it for 20 years in part by making major dietary and lifestyle changes. I’ve tried to embrace some of those since being diagnosed with cancer. I realize everyone is different but his explanation alone of the science of cancer and the environmental and dietary influences are quite illuminating.
I realize lots of people are offering advice and I’m sure that can be both gratifying and overwhelming but I’m thinking this book can give you some hope as well as some sense of control.
Best of luck and hope JW and I have a chance to see you soon.
Here’s a summary of book:
Dr. Servan-Schreiber’s advice details how to find the right blend of traditional and alternative health care; how to develop a science-based anticancer diet (and the small changes that can make a big difference); the top ten household products to replace; understanding the effects of helplessness and “unhealed wounds” both physical and emotional, and how to regain balance; and how to reap the benefits of exercise, yoga, and meditation.
Please pass along the name of who you are using for nutritional advise. Larry needs someone who deals with brain cancer. Thanks so much. Devon springer
No rhino horn or tiger bone cake, though, right? 😉
Haha I loved this comment!
🙂
I absolutely love you Loren A Poway resident for 30 + years and a huge fan of yours! I’m now in Northern California and miss my life from the way back then. I pray for your recovery soon and gently. So happy to have found your website! Gay
Loren, I have always believed that Alternative Medicine has a place in our lives. We sometimes limit outselves to what we imagine is the true medicine. Many times this has been proven incorrect. Keep up the good diet and try a macrobiotic one if not already on one. Eastern Medicine in congunction with Western Medicine will work your miracle for you. BELIEVE>
Hi – I don’t work for the company, but please try Organic Sambazon Acai (you can buy it at Costco – they also have a detox drink option) – it is like drinking life! And tastes good – The website is Sambazon.com and I think you might find the company interesting – and there is a Sambazon restaurant in Cardiff. Also drink coconut water –positive energy to all –
They say one of the best things you can do for your brain is to get lost. I am not directionally challenged, so have found it’s fun to work at not getting there! NO GPS…. take the road less traveled!!!!
We have confidence that God is holding you tightly through this most difficult time. We continue to pray for the healing power of Jesus to touch every cell in your body and that His peace will guard your heart and mind. ” He is able to do do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Ephesians 3:20
Grab onto that power, Loren, It is there for you and God loves you with all of His heart.
Loren you alwys amaze
Have enjoyed watching you on the news for many, many years! My stomach hurt when I learned what you are going through. Your journals always make me smile and ponder on my life and the choices, good and bad, that I make. Prayers and hope for you and your family!
The Reiki teacher that was trying to sell you art work ought to be ashame. Reiki is used to make you relax and fall asleep. If your wife has the time to learn it, she should ! It will put you to sleep in no time at all and it relaxes you. It is no Mambo-Jumbo, it is for relaxation. Get a massage first and then the Reiki afterwards and it will help you tremendously. I wish you and your family well.
Oh Loren & Susie & Family, It would be my pleasure to sit down with you both and just talk about “it”. I’ve been told by way too many people that I’ve been through way more than any one person should or could endure…but, I’m still here, willing to help, share and offer sunshine when life is throwing daggers. Msg me if you like and I’ll explain. I’ll be in SoCal in 2 weeks and would love to hug you all and share with you my “Idiots guide for coping with Crap”! Sending love and prayers. Sooz2
Loren,
As I read your blog daily, I can’t help but wonder how difficult it must be for you to keep on a positive path….and you inspire me each time I read the experiences you’ve had since all this began.
I’d like to share something with you. My friend “Wil” was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer in June 2012. He had a huge tumor on his neck. He went through radiation and chemotherapy treatment for six weeks. He opted not to remove the “blob” that was on his neck. After his treatment he was blessed to meet a man through a (friend of a friend of an NFL player) that educated us in non- traditional natural food diet geared directly towards healing cancer. I’d like to pass his name on to you, and in your spare time you can check out his website and possibly meet him. I know he can help you, and possibly even stop your “blob” from growing or returning. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think my friend would be with us today, and is cancer free. Yes, the tumor is completely gone!
Don Tolman is his name.
Let me know if you’d like to meet him. I can arrange a meeting.
God Bless You
Sofia Sent from my iPad
Sometimes a journey is needed to learn about yourself, unfortunately not always in a pretty way. I can attest to that. Though you may stumble, know you will never fall further than upon God’s hands. ((HUGS!)) Miss hearing your voice, come back soon!
Great blog!….Love hearing about your journey. FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!! DSB Baby! Don’t Stop Believin’!! 😉
I’ve heard good things about Gerson Therapy (which is a sort of nutrition approach). I’ve always said that, if faced with cancer, I’d look more closely at that. Just throwing another off-road adventure your way.
Great blog! Full speed ahead……love hearing about your journey! Keep em’ coming! DSB Baby….Don’t Stop Believin’!!!
All healing energy is good energy. Visualize yourself well. The power of prayer, the healing hands of Reiki. I wouldn’t trade one for the other, but would certainly welcome it’s healing energy. Open up and let it all inside – can’t hurt you. The law of attraction is just that.
Sending Love & Light in your journey of getting well.
I love reading about your experiences, your decisions, and your progress. I think what you are doing with Western/Eastern medicine is a good thing.
I don’t know that massage is a cure, but it sure helps to relax you, and you need lots of relaxing right now Loren. God bless. Only he knows which route he wants you to take.
Great blog . . . .you are not the first I have known to handle this the way you are and all I can say is ”go for it”. We are all ‘one of a kind Loren’ but you are one of a very special kind. Those who know you love you and those of us who don’t know you as well, love you too. Dawn
God is blessing you, Loren, as you model behavior for all of us while facing adversity. Keep up the good work. Please. You are making a difference in this world.
Brad
Loren
Your GPS and non-GPS medical issues are similar to ours with Jay. Started out with a neurologist who should have retired a long time ago. Seemed more interested in telling us about his vacation instead of really trying to find out what was happening to Jay. He went off the radar when a girlfriend of mine told me to get a real doctor. Having been in medicine for so long, it still took a kick in the backside to move on. We have found an amazing neuro who specializes in ALS and other diseases under the MDA umbrella.
I have Jay on an amazing vitamin, mineral and amino acid treatment. His last blood tests were amazing since he has been on a feeding tube diet for 11 months now.
We also have an acupuncturist. He is a Marine and Air Force vet, and RN and a chiropractor. He is not doing so much acupuncture as.giving Jay IV’s of what he calls a Meyers cocktail fill with more vitamins. He came into our lives via a Blue Star Mom who saw a need for Jay and I to travel to into his.
Jay will be participating in 3 research groups. 2 through our neuro office and the 3rd from another top notch doc who is at UCSD and also specializes in ALS.
Thank you for sharing all of your experiences…letting other know that just because we start on one path it doesn’t mean we cannot change the next path before us. Much health and healing to you.
You crack me up! Love how you are trying things and sharing your opinions of those things with us. Love ya, Loren (my husband’s twin)!
I would love it if your road led you to my Jesus.
Amen, Bill, Amen!!!!
I studied all things massage and Eastern medicine for a few years. If you need people, let me know or just call PCOM and get the instructors! Reiki is a bunch of b.s., you’re right. Good for you for doing integrative medicine. Check out a macrobiotic diet. It doesn’t feed cancer. You’ll get through this, you have a good spirit.
Marie:
Reiki, if done correctly, is not a ‘bunch of b.s.’ as you say here. It is a very legitimate form of massage and muscle/energy manipulation. The person/people who Loren saw sound unfortunately as though they are operating without any integrity and in no way are representing the practice ethically. (No I am not a Reiki practitioner.)