Posts by slyjackal38

Kimberly Bishop91 said:My father-in-law lost his battle with cancer😢...he passed away last week..😢It started with stomach pain, we got him to the hospital in the morning and he was gone by that afternoon. At least he didn't suffer much. He was actually quite cheerful during those last few days, had an appetite, and even gained some weight... and then suddenly..
Stay strong, everyone. I truly hope you all win your battles soon. Best regards.

I am so sorry for your loss. About 15 days ago, I went through the same thing with my uncle.

Melissa Castillo said:2 Angela Wright, Melissa Kim45, brisksurfer - my mother is a very self-sufficient and calm person who avoids conflict at all costs. Everything was fine until she was diagnosed with breast cancer a month or two ago, especially since she insists on doing everything herself (we help with her lab results and such, but mostly she just needs to consult with doctors on her own). Now she is undergoing chemotherapy and often has low white blood cell counts. I am constantly nagging her to eat, and I cook only what she likes just to try to boost her immunity. Then she goes to see doctors where an appointment time means nothing, sitting in waiting rooms crowded with people dealing with current flu and lung infection trends. I don't know how, but I will have to persuade her toward some kind of compromise because seeing her exposed to everyone and everything terrifies me.
It particularly angers me that she has to ask the doctor to give her a referral for chemo 😲 good grief, who is the actual doctor there? For the first time, she almost couldn't receive her treatment because of that incompetence. Surely she isn't their first patient with this diagnosis, and I don't understand their mindset. There have been several such instances over the last few months... it is incredible how many hacks and charlatans call themselves doctors today 🙄 😠 😠

Here is one suggestion based on our experience. My grandfather underwent 9 cycles of chemotherapy during his lifetime. First monotherapy, then combination therapy.
The entire time, he took AHCC capsules and natural propolis.
His blood work was never out of range, in any area, including his white blood cell count. Perhaps others can write in if they have had similar experiences, so you might consider trying it.
Immunomax costs $60 per box, but for critically ill patients, one box lasts only 1 day. It contains 20 capsules; taken daily in 3 doses, that is 6 capsules per dose, totaling 18 pieces. Natural propolis should be taken at least 2x2 times daily.
Shiitake and maitake mushrooms in AHCC capsules are proven to reduce or slow the growth of metastases by stimulating the production of T cells and leukocytes.
Natural propolis is a powerful antioxidant and a very effective immunostimulant.
Well, please think about it.
Regards and good luck, please write back as the situation develops.

Thank you, everyone. My thanks especially to you for what was shared. I believe in what has been written.

My dear Grandpa passed away on January 9th. It was quite difficult to answer the phone when they called me at 12:25 AM. Had he still been with us, he would have turned 53 today.
Thank you all for your advice and support.
I intend to remain active here and will try to help others using what I have learned about this insidious disease over time.

Angela Wright said:To be honest, if even a part isn't operable...😢 Melanoma is just such a disgusting, sneaky disease...

After everything I have personally gone through, I am still unsure what I would do in your position. Whether to keep fighting and try everything possible, or to provide the best palliative care, surround him with loved ones, and let nature take its course.

You will need to speak openly and on a human level with the doctors to reach a shared decision.

I am so terribly sorry and my heart goes out to you; I know exactly what you are going through.

Just know that whatever decision you make, it will be the right one.

Thank you so much for this. It means a great deal to me.
You are truly an angel in this thread.

I haven't posted for days because we have been going through an intense drama. It was bad for several days; we thought it was psychological. However, his behavior became increasingly strange, and his thoughts were disconnected. On December 30th, he went for a psychiatric checkup because we suspected the dosage of his psych meds was too high. The psychiatrist agreed the doses were excessive and swapped one medication. Yet, less than two hours later, he took a sudden turn for the worse. He almost lost consciousness completely. He could stay on his feet, but he had no idea where he was. We rushed him to the ER, and a CT scan showed multiple brain metastases with edema. He has been hospitalized in neurology for 8 days now. He regained consciousness and recognizes us, answering questions logically. However, when we aren't present, he becomes quite restless and loses touch with reality, so he is bedridden. He barely speaks and hardly eats anything. Today, they "cursed" him with a sedative injection—the explanation being his restlessness.
The oncologist suggests radiation in New York City, since they won't take bedridden patients in Miami. But now, finding a facility is a massive struggle. They estimate he has a maximum of two months left.
It all happened so suddenly. We are all prepared for the worst and are fully aware of the situation. We are trying everything to find him a spot at a hospital near the Vineyard or at the Mayo Clinic (though they say it's pointless to even try there because it's completely full).
One doctor's initial assessment even suggested that traveling might be futile and that a trip to New York City could actually worsen his desperate condition.
We will know more tomorrow once the specialist team analyzes the results.
All in all, it is desperate.
How effective is radiation for melanoma brain metastases, really?

Dandelion, I will certainly get in touch with you. Thank you very much.

I just finished a consultation with an oncologist in Chicago, the same one we visited last year. Her assessment was that his primary doctor followed every standard protocol to the letter. It wasn't particularly comforting to hear her say their hands are tied. It feels as though they have essentially given up on him. She also mentioned there is no certainty regarding any benefit from taking Nolvadex orally for melanoma.
It seems our only remaining path is to explore alternatives—to try things we haven't attempted yet.
Has anyone here had any experience with aloe vera or noni? I am looking specifically for positive accounts.

Anthony Rodriguez9 said:Is it possible nobody else here has tried Dr. Myko san's products? If anyone has, please help me out. I don't want to make a mistake with this purchase, especially since we have already spent so much. Best wishes to everyone, and stay strong with your treatments.

We have no experience there. Only with Immunomax capsules, as I mentioned before. In my opinion, they were quite beneficial.

Angela Wright said:I can't help but notice lately how certain people join the forum by mentioning they've been reading our posts for ages and finding them helpful, finally deciding it's time to speak up...

I feel compelled to say how glad I am that people are finally sharing their stories. At the same time, I find it strange how many people read us without ever saying a word; there are far more silent observers than active writers. I understand that opening up isn't easy. However, when dealing with such devastating illnesses—where we often feel our hands are tied—it is vital that information flows and that people connect. We need to know we aren't alone and that fighting is still possible.

I started this thread (and later worked with others to form an association that pushes for real changes for cancer patients) because I felt a duty to those who have been or will be in my position. I wanted to provide the insights I had to learn through immense struggle, hoping to spare others from unnecessary suffering.
What I mean to say is: please do not be the final link in the chain. If you receive information, support, or positive energy, do not just hold onto it. Pass it on. That is how things grow larger and more powerful than cancer itself. It also brings a sense of purpose to see how what happens to one person can benefit another. You don't have to write here if you aren't comfortable. Not everyone is a writer. But please, do not remain passive, or the entire purpose of a community like this is lost.
What you choose to pass forward is entirely up to you. There is always time; we mostly just waste it on trivialities.

I agree, and I commit to posting. You hit the nail on the head. Opening up was difficult for me. Anything I learn that might help, I will share here, though everyone must make their own decisions.

casualrider21 said:Do you happen to know if anyone has tried those KANCIST drops?

Hello.

I read about one man with lung cancer who managed to recover. There aren't many other reports. On the other hand, some people believe it is just straight-up propaganda. I am not particularly bright. I will think on it and let you know what we decide.

I am unsure how much value I have provided, but I felt a need to share this with you all. I wish healing for everyone here, and for your loved ones as well.

You were certainly helpful. Thank you for reaching out and sharing this information with me and the rest of the group. It is important to know everything and to read and consider every piece of advice.
Much of your post radiates optimism and hope. I find myself needing that right now to gather more strength and to continue trying to help him.
To be honest, I haven't found many accounts from people dealing with melanoma, aside from the most tragic stories. It seems few people choose to share their journey toward recovery with others. Perhaps that isn't surprising, given the nature of this diagnosis.
Thank you once again. I wish you the best.

After spending quite some time reading through this thread, I feel it might be appropriate to contribute.
I simply wish to share our experience. Last August, my uncle was diagnosed with malignant melanoma that developed from a mole. He was sent to New York City, where surgeons removed the mole along with a margin of healthy tissue and a cluster of lymph nodes under his left armpit. Out of the 17 nodes removed, one was positive for melanoma.
The doctor suggested immunotherapy with interferon if we could afford it, though he noted its efficacy remains unproven and clinical statistics are often contradictory. We chose not to proceed with that. A CT scan in December showed no signs of disease in his vital organs, and skin exams were clear. However, the subsequent CT revealed metastases in the liver, adrenal glands, and spleen. This news hit him so hard he required hospitalization in a psychiatric ward for about 15 days. He emerged like a different person, finding the will to work again. Three months later, a CT showed regression in the liver, which gave us hope. Unfortunately, new infiltrated lymph nodes appeared in his right armpit. The following CT showed further progression, leading to a second psychiatric hospitalization due to suicidal idepression. At that point, the doctor switched his treatment from Dacarbazine monotherapy (DTIC) to a combination of Carboplatin, oral Tamoxifen, and another cytostatic. After a few months, this failed; recent scans show increased lesions in the liver, larger lesions in the spleen, a 2cm metastasis in the lungs, and suspected secondary involvement in a vertebra. He was hospitalized again just days before this latest CT. Because he is currently on heavy anxiolytics and sedatives, he hasn't processed this news as tragically—partially because we have tried to soften the reality presented to him.
I apologize for drifting off-topic by discussing the course of the illness, but I felt it necessary as context for my main point regarding support for those fighting malignancy. Despite his current critical state, I believe combining alternative methods with standard chemotherapy has yielded significant results. Following his surgery, he took a bottle of Beta Glucan. As I recall, the first CT after that was clear. I find myself wondering if we made a mistake by stopping. Once the metastases appeared, he began taking Immunomax AHCC (shiitake and maitake mushroom extracts), a "Biocil" preparation from Mexico, and honey from Ante Krešić. He also drank various medicinal teas. These seemed to help, leading to that earlier CT showing regression. However, the next scan was poor. Since then, I have added native propolis and Vitamin C to his regimen. He has also been taking Flavin 7. He has become mindful of his diet, eating less fat and more fish and poultry. It seems these efforts have had limited impact on the cancer itself. Interestingly, however, his blood work has always been excellent—even during chemo checkups and when monitoring urea and creatinine levels, which must stay within range to continue treatment. I suspect the Immunomax capsules are responsible for that. I am doing everything in my power for him, yet I struggle with the feeling that I could be doing even more.
As for the doctors... none of them seem optimistic. Some imply he shouldn't even be here. Communicating with them feels like trying to squeeze water from a stone, except for one physician who was honest with me about what to expect should things take a turn for the worse. Whether that turn has already happened, only God knows. I just know this latest report is grim. They have discontinued his chemotherapy, and he is now only taking oral Tamoxifen. I should mention he has recently started drinking juices made from beet, carrot, and potato.
Given how dire things are, we intend to visit a dedicated nurse in the Midwest who has extensive experience with all types of patients. The preparations she provides are certainly helpful. I believe it is time to lean heavily into natural remedies, especially since chemotherapy is no longer taxing his system. He hasn't used other supplements like Noni juice or Aloe Vera.
Here is my own experience, how things progressed, and where things stand now. Since only a small number of melanomas respond to chemo—most being either resistant from the start or developing resistance later—I would appreciate it if someone could share more about alternative options. I am considering ordering the drops from Mr. Rukavina.
Greetings to everyone, and please forgive me if this was too long....

What are the symptoms of that Democratic Party disorder?

The short version: speeding violation on March 30, 2006. Fine was $167 plus costs totaling $37. I filed an appeal within the 8-day window. I received a summons for Court in April 2007 and submitted a written response. Then, just 15 days before the hearing, I got a notice for a discussion. I attended, but it felt like a complete circus. Today, I received the expected ruling finding me guilty, but the payment slip isn't for $610—it's for $233. To make matters worse, there is a stamp stating I must return it to the Court within 3 days.
Legal recourse: there is an 8-day window to appeal to Visa in Washington, D.C. I plan to write and mail the appeal this Monday. I am looking for comments from anyone with experience—what are the odds this reaches the statute of limitations if it expires on April 1, 2008, considering the sheer volume of cases hitting New York City daily? Still, many people claim they receive a confirmation of guilt from Visa even months after the statute has passed (noting on the decision that it was allegedly issued before expiration), which ruins any 😢
. In my view, if the Court operates on this principle, it is peak insolence. If they reached a decision, say, in April, but don't deliver it until October, that level of incompetence is a blatant fraud. They likely finalized everything a few days before mailing it and simply backdated it. Please share your thoughts or experiences.