Posts by Angela Wright

Matthew Taylor6 said:Angela Wright, there are times when it’s hard for me to feel grateful for being alive. I think you might have lost someone? I'm sorry if my thought hurts you a bit, but this applies strictly to my own life and my inability to feel certain things about it—it isn't a judgment on humanity as a whole.
Thank you so much for responding. Sometimes a person hits rock bottom and ends up looking for help in places they normally wouldn't bother with. I don't see many dedicated threads for patients on this forum, and it feels way too heavy to turn to people close to me for this kind of support. That’s why this seemed like the right place during a moment of weakness. Honestly, I already feel awkward being here today, but yesterday, I just needed some help.

Sophia Ross53, thank you for such a beautiful response. Your mom rocks. You do too.

slyseal28, thanks to you as well. I'm not quite sure who you're writing for here? Whoever it is, I hope nothing but the best for you, that person, and your family.

Why would I be offended? We all live inside our own skin, but outside of that, we can—and should—have support, regardless of whatever decisions we make in life, provided we make them consciously and rationally. We can certainly help one another through that.
Try logging into the association's forum; plenty of patients post there. I'm sure that could give you extra motivation and maybe point out some nuances you haven't noticed yet (it seems to me you're female 🙂 )

Most of us here have faced a diagnosis at some point, either directly or indirectly, and we all know exactly what comes in that package. Both slyseal28 and I lost our loved ones, but the fight went on until the very end in both our cases. Of course, there were setbacks, but we pulled ourselves up together and kept moving forward, and every single moment of that struggle was worth it. It made us and our loved ones better people. It built us up and taught us how to truly appreciate life in its fullest sense.

mellowpilot93 said:Hey everyone. I'll get straight to the point—my dad was just diagnosed with colon cancer. We still have a CT scan to get through and we're waiting on cytology results to nail down the specifics, but... surgery is definitely on the table. I don't live in the city, and I want to make sure I find him the absolute best surgeon possible for the actual procedure. Does anyone have any recommendations?

thanks

Whereabouts are you located specifically?
I've seen plenty of people travel all the way to a major metro area based on assumptions, when they actually had a top-tier specialist right in their own backyard. Because of how common they are now, colon surgeries have unfortunately become pretty routine.

Carl Morales48 said:I’ve been hanging around this forum for a long time; I showed up here just like everyone else who was driven by pain and sickness. Please, let's not waste our energy or our keystrokes arguing and fighting. Above all, I want to give a shout-out to Angela Wright because she’s been here since the very beginning. People have come and gone, but she’s the one who had the strength to step up—not just when it was necessary, but always being there to offer help and advice. Let's respect someone like her for everything she's done and continues to do for us.

Angela, my mom is still fighting, though it hasn't been going very well. She had a second surgery to clear things out, but the primary tumor grew back along with metastases. Recovering this time around is much harder than the first. Honestly, you wouldn't believe the lengths I've gone to just to try and get access to DCvax—it's not even worth mentioning. It’s available in the USA, Switzerland, Italy, even Austria... but nothing. There’s a hospital in Switzerland that treats it like a military fortress; it's completely inaccessible.

Tonight, I want to ask everyone who has used it or heard stories about Biocil: does it actually help? I found some info on page 35 of a thread, and today a coworker told me about it. Does anyone know anything? It’s honestly criminal that my colleague paid 600 bucks for it. What even is this stuff? Does anyone have any insight?

I feel for you regarding the DCvax situation. 😢
When it comes to Biocil, stay far away from anything marketed as a "supplement" that claims to cure cancer. First off, there will never be a universal "silver bullet" for all types of cancer because malignant diseases vary wildly in their formation and other parameters that dictate how targeted therapies work. Biocil is made from herbs that might have proven benefits for certain minor ailments, and sure, it got clearance to be sold as a supplement, which means it passed basic toxicity checks. But man, dropping that kind of cash on it is pure insanity. You'd be better off grabbing a botany book and foraging the same plants yourself in the mountains. I checked three major global databases that track research and studies—PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Reviews—and there isn't a single word about it. That means there is zero scientific evidence to back up the claims being pushed by the marketing teams at Bicilov.

Casey Wood39 said:I’m honestly looking to see if there is anyone in America living with Tourette's syndrome whom I could talk to this way, since I have a son dealing with this rare and complicated condition. I'm actually thinking about starting an association for people with this disorder because it seems like there isn't one here. No one can give me any real information, let alone explain the struggles those living with it face. I would be grateful for any helpful info out there!

Tourette's isn't some "disease" you catch; it's a hereditary neurological disorder, and I think it's vital to keep emphasizing that to fight the social stigma, even while we work on rehabilitation for those affected.
If you've got the energy and the drive to start an organization, I say go for it. To get the ball rolling, you'll need to find at least three other people to join the cause. Since I'm currently working with a few other members on setting up an association, I can definitely help you out with the technical side of things.

Matthew Taylor6 said:I’m done fighting this. I just don't have the energy left for hospital visits or endless appointments. I can't find the will to keep pushing forward. Honestly, I’ve started skipping my meds because I just don't care anymore. It’s only when the pain hits a breaking point that I promise myself I’ll try to do something to help before things spiral even further out of control.
My family doesn't know. I honestly can't think of a single good reason to tell them, and I have no clue how I would even bring it up.

What exactly is going on here?
Look, nobody can force you to do anything if your heart isn't in it. But you also have to face the reality that treatment is brutal—it's rarely easy. In this process, you're going to stumble, you're going to fall, and that's exactly when you need someone there to grab your hand and help you get back up to keep fighting. That’s why what you're feeling makes sense.
Life is a constant struggle for every single breath, for every single heartbeat. It's usually only when we're sick that we truly realize how much of a fight it actually is.

You're invited to the "Dark Women" charity fashion show, happening on December 12, 2010, at the Sheraton in Washington, D.C., kicking off at 7 PM.

The event is being hosted by the cancer support organization "For a New Day," alongside our partners, the breast cancer support group "ALL for HER!" and the lung cancer foundation "Jedra."

We’re teaming up with the Fashion Institute of Technology—the same folks behind the annual "Fashion Closet" showcase—to provide all the designer pieces that will be auctioned off that evening. Every cent raised goes directly to supporting the mission of "For a New Day," "ALL for HER!", and "Jedra." It’s going to be a powerful night, with the runway featuring both cancer survivors and famous American dramatic artists.

If you want to help, individuals and businesses can pitch in by grabbing an online ticket for $67, participating in the live auction, or sending a donation to our dedicated account: 2484008-1500175000, purpose: Together Against Cancer, payee: "For a New Day" Association, Washington, D.C. You can also snag your tickets online right here: www.mrakzene.zanovidan.hr

Your contribution helps these organizations fight for patient rights, address critical needs, and spread the word about how vital early detection and prevention really are. Show your support by joining us for the "Dark Women" charity fashion show.

Since I’ve been getting bombarded with questions about Escozul from other association members, I decided to reach out to a molecular biologist—someone who actually knows her stuff when it comes to this kind of science—to get a professional take on the matter. Here is what she had to say:

If you search Medline, you won't find a single article regarding Escozul. There is some research on the cytostatic effects of scorpion venom, but nothing specifically concerning the components used in Escozul. All the studies involving scorpion venom and cancer have been conducted in vitro—meaning they were done on cell cultures. While a cell culture is a decent indicator, it means absolutely nothing without in vivo testing. Plenty of substances show cytostatic properties in a petri dish but turn out to be far too toxic for actual use in a living body. That is why any potential drug undergoes a strict progression: first tested on cells, then on small mammals like rodents, followed by primates, and finally on humans during clinical trials (conducted with informed consent, obviously, not forced). Despite how similar we are to animals, our metabolic pathways differ significantly. A perfect example is Thalidomide, which was completely safe in rodent models but ended up causing tragedy for thousands of pregnant women.

So, my takeaway is this: scorpion venom has shown cytostatic activity in cell cultures, which is interesting, sure, but it is nowhere near enough to even consider it a pharmaceutical product, let alone a cancer treatment. Even the Cuban government has distanced itself from it.http://havanajournal.com/culture/ent...ent-from-cuba/

I found this insightful article by someone who makes a lot of sense here: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...2/ai_n6160489/

Bottom line? Trying this on yourself is anything but a sane move.

coastalbison10 said:Look, I was at the game today and took a ball straight to the eye right around 11 AM. Since then, my eye hasn't stopped stinging—it’s red, itchy, and watering constantly. I have no clue what to do. Someone please give me some advice... It's urgent, thanks in advance. 🙂

Get yourself to the ER or an urgent care clinic immediately so they can check it out. There isn't any other way.
They'll likely use some contrast dye to see if there's any surface damage. If there is—and you probably would feel it if there were—they'll give you a treatment plan and tell you to take it easy for a few days.
And seriously, never mess around when it comes to your eyes!

redbadger10 said:The issue is that first little sore actually stings when I touch it. Could that be herpes? My girlfriend went to her gynecologist, but they didn't perform a Pap smear or any other tests. There's also another thing—I've got a wart popping up on my finger now, and I have no idea if those two things could be linked...

A wart could definitely be a condyloma (an HPV infection), but those sores are more likely caused by a fungal issue. Since your immune system has taken a hit, it's probable that the HPV virus was lying dormant and has now flared up, causing the condyloma to surface.
Both of you need to go get some thorough testing done.

redbadger10 said:My girlfriend dealt with a nasty UTI, and then just one day later, I started coming down with a urinary tract infection myself—except I’m also dealing with this recurring, nasty case of strep throat. We hadn't seen each other in about a week, and once we finally hooked up, she was in too much pain to go again the very next day because of the irritation.

She’s feeling a bit better now after taking some medication and all that, but I’m stuck dealing with this constant throat inflammation.
What really has me spiraling, though, is this little patch of redness that popped up on the base of my penis, maybe about 3x3mm. I talked to my doctor and she told me not to sweat it too much, but I just noticed a tiny little dot on the head, maybe 1x1mm, that looks kind of like a small wart. Now I'm sitting here freaking out wondering what the hell this could be.
By the way, I'm a college student so I don't have a regular primary care doctor, and the earliest I can get in to see a private urologist is in six days. SSSS

It sounds like you guys probably picked up a yeast infection from antibiotics. You both need to get treated and stay away from each other until it's cleared up.

nimbletrucker85 said:I know this is off-topic, so please bear with me—I wasn't quite sure where else to post this.

A friend of mine is moving back from Canada and wants to know if American citizens are entitled to free health insurance upon their return, or if there's a monthly cost involved.

I haven't lived in the States for a full year now, so I'm out of the loop and can't give her a straight answer. Honestly, I could probably use the info myself sometimes too.

Thanks in advance!

Your best bet is to call Medicare directly for the specifics:

neonsailor21 said:Hey everyone,

Quick question for the group—so I was chatting with this guy today who works for WebMD, and he’s trying to sell me on this whole family coverage package. He's talking about free consultations, massage therapy sessions, and all sorts of perks for $67 on a monthly basis for the entire family... etc., etc. I'm wondering if anyone here actually has experience with WebMD? Is this stuff even worth signing up for, especially when you look at all the other private health insurance options out there? At the end of the day, I'm really not looking to drop $2333 just to get a massage....

Any advice would be huge.

They're basically trying to pull a fast one by bundling that massage service with their WebMD access—but the price they're quoting is five times higher than what you'd actually pay if you looked it up online. It's mostly just phone consultations. I'm not entirely sure what kind of actual coverage they provide or what the fine print says, but here is their own pitch:
The smartest move is to call them directly and demand specifics on exactly what you're paying for.

Amanda Perez47 said:Thanks for the reply. I didn't need a translation; I can read and write just fine, and my English is solid. It’s also perfectly clear to me that we are all acting on our own responsibility—I mean, whose else would it be? I wasn't asking for links because I can't use Google; I was looking for specific information that I couldn't find even after weeks of searching on my own. That regulatory guide for medications is helpful, so thanks for that. And look, I get it: Escozul isn't some magic cure-all, and explaining the whole motivation behind why people seek it out or why they end up traveling to Cuba right now is way too much of a rabbit hole for me to dive into today. My goal was simply to gather as much data as possible so I could draw my own conclusions and make an informed decision, which, from what I've gathered from the discussions on previous pages, is exactly what your association stands for.

The association’s stance is simple: if there isn't a relevant scientific study available—and let's face it, they are incredibly easy to find online via specialized journals and professional databases—then any attempt to dig "deeper" into dubious theories is nothing more than a massive waste of time. In our view, a far greater, yet solvable, issue is how often Americans are unable to participate in legitimate, promising medical trials, particularly when dealing with rare tumors.
We will never, ever support an "alternative" that is simply unverified. Our mission is to provide people with all the information and expertise we possess, while maintaining the belief that everyone has the absolute right to decide their own path.
Complementary medicine is a different matter entirely. For something to actually be considered complementary, or to become an officially registered medication for a specific condition, there are clearly defined global criteria: multi-phase studies, strictly defined protocols, and precise dosages for drugs, supplements, or whatever else is being used.

And please accept my apologies if my translation came off as offensive. I never intended to imply you were illiterate; I was just trying to be helpful.
Regardless, I wish you the best of luck and hope you stay strong in your fight.

frozenotter72 said:I don't see why the administration there would issue a warning about the dangers of Escozul when every hospital and institute in the country is state-run. If research is being conducted, it implies the government has sanctioned that investigation.

I'm still weighing the arguments for and against this remedy, but I can't wrap my head around how it's possible for Americans to travel en masse to get this stuff and bring it back home, or how I've read that certain foreign embassies help their citizens secure the medicine while traveling abroad.
???

I think you missed the point of the link I shared earlier containing Dr. Weill's article, where he digs a bit deeper into the investigation. I’ll translate the gist for you here—I don't have the bandwidth to go through it all myself, and honestly, the reality of the situation is pretty obvious at first glance.

According to a statement from the director general of the US Food and Drug Administration, some laboratory research has been done on Escozul. But these studies were described as "preclinical," and not involving human subjects. I understand that some pharmacological and toxicological studies were carried out on animals. These are the usual first phases of research to determine whether or not a new product causes harm and how it behaves pharmacologically. But US health authorities insist that they have not authorized the production or use of Escozul because they have no evidence for its safety and efficacy in the treatment of disease in humans.
It would be particularly foolish to pin your hopes on Escozul or other unproven cancer therapies in place of using treatments known to be effective.

Translation:
Per the statement from the director general of the US Food and Drug Administration, some lab work on Escozul has taken place. These studies are classified as preclinical, meaning they weren't performed on people. From what I gather, certain pharmacological and toxicological tests were done on animals. This is just standard early-stage testing to figure out if a substance is toxic and how it interacts biologically. Regardless, US health authorities insist that they have not authorized the production or use of Escozul because they have no evidence for its safety and efficacy in the treatment of disease in humans.
It would be especially reckless to pin all your hopes on Escozul or any other unverified cancer therapy instead of sticking with treatments that have actually proven themselves effective.
There you go—that’s the medical perspective. But speaking as a layman who has been dealing with these issues for a while and has even wandered down those alternative paths myself, wouldn't I do anything to save my own mother's life? Luckily, somewhere deep in my brain, I still carry a piece of wisdom from my great-grandmother—a wise, brave, and somewhat uneducated woman who used to say: "Lord, give us health, but above all, give us common sense." You have to stay rational, informed, and educated about these things, because mistakes here can be fatal.
As for those people traveling abroad to get it, it's just as possible as it is that someone who killed three people using MMSom—someone who was stripped of their medical license and faced criminal charges—is still profiting off desperate people praying for a miracle.
You have to realize that if you’re looking for something "proven" and effective that exists outside the realm of actual science—outside the rigorous studies conducted under strict standards to ensure people don't get hurt—you're chasing a ghost. It's all just smoke and mirrors, and frankly, you're gambling with your own life and taking full responsibility for the fallout.

Amanda Perez47 said:I've been lurking in this thread for a while, but this whole debate about Escozul actually pushed me to sign up. To be honest, we recently heard about this treatment too, and we were looking into making a trip down to Cuba.

Can you please explain where you're getting the idea that we can't bring it back home? You're claiming we could get arrested in Cuba for possessing illegal substances—if you have any links, please share them. My mother is sick, and the two of us have spent countless hours scouring every corner of the internet for info, and we haven't found a single thing supporting that claim. In fact, most people online say they had zero issues at the border.

The link I shared explicitly states that the drug is illegal in Cuba. Knowing how strictly they enforce their laws there, I wouldn't dream of risking such a long, expensive trip on a whim.
The U.S. government prohibits the importation of medications or substances that aren't registered or approved for sale within the United States. Here is the regulation outlining the specific ways one might legally bring items in via emergency import. However, since those rules require the drug to be approved by recognized global health institutions and backed by relevant studies confirming efficacy—plus a written recommendation from a doctor—there is absolutely no way to do this legally.
We are talking about animal venom that hasn't been properly tested; nobody actually knows how it interacts with the human body. Giving this to someone is essentially playing Russian roulette. It’s like letting a rattlesnake bite you just because you heard snake venom can be used to make medicine. There are no scientifically defined protocols or standardized dosages here; it looks like a totally primitive, uncontrolled process.
There are legitimate, peer-reviewed resources like PubMed where you can read actual scientific studies and research from around the world. If you look through their database, you won't find a single word regarding this substance.

frozenotter72 said:Angela, I get why this kind of alternative stuff makes your skin crawl, but I didn't make this choice lightly.
I'm no expert, but I need help—not just today, but yesterday.
The hard truth is that mainstream medicine doesn't have a cure for Stage IV metastatic melanoma. That’s just a fact.
Over in Europe, people started talking about Escozul back in mid-September, and since then, a ton of folks have been traveling to Cuba to use it. I've been following their stories and gathering data. We actually reached out to a prominent oncologist for advice, and while he wouldn't officially recommend it, he admitted that in some cases it has shown promise without side effects. He even told us that if one of his own people were in this situation, he'd head to Cuba himself.

Maybe now you see why I made the call to go to Cuba.

I completely understand where you're coming from; we've all been in those shoes. But I just can't wrap my head around turning to something so murky. There isn't a shred of legitimate scientific evidence or a single peer-reviewed study to back this up—just anonymous testimonials without any verifiable proof. What hurts even more is hearing an oncologist suggest it. Honestly, it’s hard to trust the credibility of professionals who recommend things that fly in the face of basic medical ethics.

Please, think this through one more time. You could easily end up traveling all that way, blowing a fortune, and finding yourself unable to return home due to our legal system—assuming you don't run into trouble with the authorities first, since we're talking about an illegal substance.

Personally, I’d rather fight to get into an open clinical trial for melanoma overseas. I know people who have done exactly that and seen real results.
Here is the search engine: http://www.clinicaltrialssearch.org/search.php Just type "malignant melanoma" into the search bar.

Jose Miller6 said:You insult anyone who disagrees with you, labeling every differing opinion as pure nonsense.
basically driving away everyone here who actually knows more than you do. And as for insulting intelligence, don't worry—that’s not something you could ever pull off.

😍
What opinion?
We haven't heard a single actual opinion from you yet. Can we finally expect you to contribute an actual thought, or is that too much to ask?
Look above, this girl is rambling about some alternative crap and has already decided to head to Cuba. Since you've got nothing to say, I assume you're backing her up as the "expert" you think you are.
Instead of addressing the issue, you're just attacking me and the people who agree with me because your ego is clearly more important to you than the very problems that made this thread necessary in the first place.

Jose Miller6 said:It isn't just about a few bad actors. Bribery, corruption, and cronyism are baked into the very foundation of our entire society, not just the healthcare system. And as for all the finger-pointing? The only people getting chewed out here are medical professionals who aren't allowed to have an opinion that deviates from the official script, let alone participate in a real debate. Long live the echo chamber!

Sorry, but this is nothing more than mindless rambling.
You and your colleague are more than welcome to actually point out where I—or anyone else here—has written something factually incorrect or medically unsound. Go ahead, cite us.
What I actually called out was the idea that people don't have the right to decide their own fate or choose their own treatment. Anyone working in civil society or dealing with patient rights would jump on that immediately.
You’re more than welcome to offer some actual constructive advice, but so far, neither you nor your colleague has said anything remotely intelligent in that regard.
All we’ve managed to read is you lecturing us on the "fact" that cancer is a difficult and deadly disease.
That’s the extent of your narrow-mindedness. It's a straight-up insult to anyone's intelligence.

frozenotter72 said:Has anyone ever heard of this drug Escozul from Cuba?

I've been reading up on it quite a bit and I really like how it sounds.
Escozul is still in experimental stages and they market it as a cancer cure—obviously, a thing like that doesn't exist—but it’s been shown to help with pain and improve quality of life without any side effects, which is more than enough for me.
I've decided I'm going to head down to Cuba to get some.

If anyone here has tried it or knows anything about it, please reach out.

I have, and honestly, the whole thing sounds so "too good to be true" that it makes my skin crawl.
Forget about the possibility of even getting it through customs at the border.
The stuff is completely unverified and hasn't been approved by any regulatory body. There are even warnings coming directly from the Castro administration stating that the substance is dangerous.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA40075...ncer-Cure.html

Nathan Brooks4 said:I'm honestly guessing things aren't looking great. I deal with throat issues pretty frequently, too—it's a recurring thing for me. The only real testing I’ve done regarding these symptoms was a nasal swab about two years ago, which came back totally clear. 😕
I also had a sinus X-ray done back then; if I recall correctly, there was some slight shadowing near my left maxillary sinus, but my doctor mentioned it wasn't anything that required antibiotics.
Oh, and just as a side note—my blood work looks fine overall, but there were two specific markers that fell slightly outside the normal range: my platelets were low, and my sedimentation rate was also low. My doctor didn't actually bring it up when we reviewed the results, so I just happened to notice it myself once I got home.

Go get an ASO titer test (antistreptolysin O, so you don't mix it up with a liver panel). Honestly, wasting time with swabs is completely pointless and your doctor knows that perfectly well ; if you have bacteria lodged deep in your tonsils, it's most likely some kind of Streptococcus. An ASO test detects the antibodies that develop against beta-hemolytic Streptococcus organisms. They show up within one to two weeks during an acute infection and can stick around for months. A normal result for adults is < 100 IU/ml.
Since these frequent inflammations have now spread to your ears, things have become a lot more complicated, especially since your hearing is being compromised.
Demand that she runs that specific test and insist on a more thorough investigation of your tonsils, because they are clearly the root cause of this entire mess.
If they are chronically inflamed—which they almost certainly are given how long you've been dealing with this—they aren't serving any purpose anymore. It’s better to just have them removed, because right now they're nothing more than a breeding ground for bacteria that are actively sabotaging your health.
Bottom line: get the ASO test, then go see an ENT again, but get a second opinion. It feels like your current doctor is just going through the motions with you.