Richard Felipe

Hello friends and family,

I hope this finds you all doing well, walking in the fullness of God’s grace.

We wanted to get you up to date as to what we’ve been doing and where we currently stand in regards to treatment. After the last oncology appointment where we learned that the cancer had spread to several lymph nodes and some nodules in one lung, we spent the next 3 weeks vigorously doing research, phone calls and praying for the Lord’s leading. It was like we had 4 huge mountains to climb and sort through: (1) Where we would exercise our 1 second opinion (2) What cancer center in the USA or Internationally had an applicable clinical trial? (3) Researching and changing our diet (4) Researching alternative / complimentary treatments and trying to sort through the ‘quacks’, as it seemed clear that conventional medicine was only offering chemo and not much long-term hope.

We had some conclusions;

I had an amazing “in” to MD Anderson in Houston (one of the two leading cancer centers in the nation). We FedEx’d all my medical records and CDs of the Pet/CT scans only to later find out that my HMO would not cover any second opinions or treatments out of state. (FYI: I will be seeing a very well known doctor at USC soon for a second opinion, and possibly still go to Houston and have to pay out of pocket) .

On March 4th we made a decision, with much confidence and hope, to follow the treatment protocol of a world renown biochemist located in Scottsdale, AZ. We found him through a long time friend, Kenny, who bumped into his (the biochemist’s) daughter, whom he knew from church. Somehow my situation came up in their conversation, hmmmm? This biochemist has had a cancer clinic in the past, experiencing great success with late-stage cancer patients, but now works primarily with doctors and speaking engagements all over the world. We had multiple lengthy conversations with both he and his wife and I think I’ve learned more science & biology in one week then in all of my life previously. He’s been very successful in getting numerous cancer patients that were in stage 4 and much further along then myself, into full remission. Although I really like my Oncologist, at this point it seems the best that he and conventional medicine can offer is MAYBE buying me some time with chemo. Of course, the biochemist could not make any promises, but he certainly had our attention, and after much reading and calling on some of his patients that are now in full remission, we drove to Scottsdale with great confidence and hope. We left about midnight two weeks ago Wednesday, stopped at a Motel 6 for a few hours (cause they left the light on fur us), and met with Sir Arnold Takemoto that afternoon for several hours. I will describe below a little more about the immune protocol treatment program. After an awesome time with Maria’s nephew Jerrod (and now mine), who lives in Phoenix, we drove back to LA arriving at 4:30 am as I had 2 Dr.’s appointments later that day. I might not be the road warrior I once was, but I did ok.

Driving back I was processing some of my emotions and, even though I was very confident and hopeful with this treatment program, I was hit with the idea that I still cannot put my hope of recovery and healing into a treatment. My hope has to remain in Christ who has the ultimate say so of my health and life. I just have to do my part. I (we) was pretty overwhelmed and greatly fatigued on Friday and Saturday. Physically and emotionally I felt like a clinch pitcher that had just played a double-header at the end of a long road trip and had a few hours of rest before the World Series (the game of my life) was about to get underway. But besides a couple of days of sleep deprivation and being overwhelmed, we have still been blessed with the incredible Peace that could only come from Heaven above. It makes no rational sense. Maria and I have even been able to have a great deal of fun and laughter in the midst of crisis and everyday medical challenges and appointments. For example today….. never mind. God continues to spoon feed us daily revelations of His love and heart for us, coming from His Word, time in devotion, and so often when we get the amazing affirmations and encouragement from our friends and family. The power of our words are incredible, they have the ability to bless incredibly and bring life, or curse and tear down. So, I encourage all of you if there is something you have been meaning to tell or pour into someone else’ life, do not delay. We all need those “ada-boy’s”.

Why must we suffer?
Have you ever asked that? Maybe even on my behalf? I know that it is a common question as is, “as a child of God shouldn’t I be exempt from suffering?” or even “if God really loves me why would He do this to me or why do people starve in Africa ?” I can’t say this is a question I’ve been struggling with God about in regards to myself. My response is, “why not me?” He sure has given me some additional understanding on suffering lately. Several years ago I was lead to a scripture, Hebrews 5:8, which talks about how God did not spare His own son, Jesus, from suffering that He would learn obedience by it, and that there was a plan and purpose. Also, as Christ has suffered, the scriptures tell us that we will share and fellowship with Him when we suffer. I take it that as when we are going through a difficult time that He will meet us with the strength and grace we need for that situation, walking with us, maybe even carrying us. But here is the key: The bible also says to “pick up your cross daily”. I think that this is often misunderstood to mean the situation causing the suffering is our cross to bare, or deal with. I don’t think so, I think it has everything to do with “how we deal with it”. Some suffering is self-inflicted and a consequence of our choices or actions, but many trials / suffering situations are beyond our control, so to deal with that situation isn’t really a choice or option for us. How we deal with it is. Do we blame someone or even God? Do we turn to a vice of some sort for comfort or escape? Look for someone or something to rescue us or fix it? Or, do we humble ourselves and turn to our Creator and Savior by submitting our will to His and putting our trust and confidence in Him and His Word that is full of promises. An obedient “I will follow” heart and attitude is crucial. It starts with faith, trust and knowing the heart of the Father. You that are parents know how much you love your children and desire good for them, to bless them and even give them ice cream whenever they want, and it disturbs us greatly when they are sick or in pain. How much more our Heavenly Father loves us and does not want to see us suffer. It is God’s desire that NONE shall perish. I know God has my best interest at heart, and He allows things to happen that will hopefully cause us to draw closer to Him and that will have wonderful, deep and fulfilling consequences (what I call a profitable process). At the same time, HE TRUSTS US enough to allow situations that, if we lift Him up, it will draw others to Himself with an overall benefit to many. I see my situation as an honor & privilege; a trial I have been entrusted with from my Dad, knowing that it hurts Him to see my pain or discomfort. But he gives me all the Grace, Strength, Peace, Hope, Joy and ability to suffer long (a fruit of His Spirit) that I need when I turn to Him. And most importantly, my spirit receives from His, “Good job son, I am Proud of you”. Nothing compares to that.

Check out 1 Peter 1-21 when you get a chance. Specifically, verse 6 “… in this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, …”

The battle we all face:

In our midweek bible study we have been going through the book of Nehemiah, one of my favorites. Last week my buddy Mike, who is a 20 yr. ex Marine (thank you Mike), talked about war tactics and how, if one side can get the other side to question their ability, sew discord or interrupt unity and discourage their WILL, the battle has pretty much been won. Our soul is comprised of our will, emotions and our mind (thoughts). Specifically, our WILL (treasures of our heart and driving force of our being) and emotions (neutral feelings that can influence our carnal man or spirit man that lines up with God). The battle is with our WILL. I felt inspired and wrote this that night:
“The battle has already been won. Christ died on the cross and was resurrected – giving us eternal life. The battle is not whether I live or die, I/we are all going to die eventually. The battle is an attack on my WILL to trust God, to maintain my faith and having my thoughts and actions follow the faith I proclaim and am devoted to. There lies my personal victory, for the glory of my Creator, because only in Him is there strength to endure.”
[Richard Felipe 3/3/09]

The treatment program:

This Immune Protocol was designed by biochemist, Sir Arnold Takemoto, and is a combination of immune system restoration, detoxification, enhancement of natural enzymes, antioxidants, building up and strengthening of the vital organs (intestines/colon/liver/etc), PLUS a strict diet. By the way, did I mention that I’m LA’s newest vegan? Never in a million years would I have thought. I am hugging trees and just ordered some Birkenstock sandals.

It involves a great deal of oral supplements, as well as, IV infusions 5 days a week which are administered by a Dr. in Glendale (45 minutes away from home). On M-W-F, I receive IVs of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C plus potassium, magnesium and calcium gluconate) and a Mild Silver Protein. Altogether, these two IVs make for a 6 1/2 hour day (without drive time) because they need to be administered 3 hours apart from each other. On Tues & Thurs, I only receive the Vitamin C IV. Twice a week, I also receive a Thymus shot, which the biochemist warned me over and over how much it would hurt. He should of lied. With Maria closely by my side, we’ve had to make this treatment protocol, the additional doctor appointments and the new diet our new full time jobs.
If anyone would like more of the details of the science behind all this, just let us know.

I had a bone scan on the 17th to rule out that the cancer has spread to my lower back as I have been experiencing bad back pain. Praise God, although an unofficial report, but it looks clear.

Duke is doing remarkably well and processing his emotions bit by bit. We continue to have wonderful deep conversations that he compassionately embraces. His mom is also doing an incredible job in affirming and working with him through all of this.

For those of you who are wondering, none of this treatment is covered by insurance and, although it is less then half the cost of other alternative treatment centers we were looking at outside of the country, it’s still very costly. Several of you have asked if there is anything that you could do to help us. In addition to your prayers, any financial help at this time would be greatly appreciated and is very much needed. I would be happy to give you an idea of the cost and expected budget for treatments for the next few months if you would like to call or e-mail me.
rafelipe@ca.rr.com or rfelipe@urm.org

Cell (310) 261-1999
Home Address;
4249 McLaughlin Ave
Los Angeles, Ca 90066