Say(b) Tips, Hints, Help?

I have a first working version of assignment Say( b ). I use a recursive approach and break up the billions, millions, thousands, and hundreds into three letter strings and then process those strings. I would like to try the interative approach and process integers instead of strings. I'm stuck and quite low on brains. I've stayed away from it for a few days hoping I would think of something...no luck. If there were a way to cheat, I'd be tempted. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

I suggest you post this question to the Cattle Drive forum instead. Naturally they won't give complete answers, but I'm sure you can get some useful hints there.