Posts by Angela Wright

The Bambusi are made using red wine and Coke, and since red wine has those deep pigments, it makes the stool darker... does that make sense now?😉

Wishing you all a happier, more peaceful, and much healthier 2009! Let's keep pushing forward and fighting side-by-side for a better tomorrow!
Sending love, Angela Wright
🙂

cosmiceagle4 said:Dr. Lorraine Day was a tenured professor at a medical school.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer. It grew until it was the size of a ball.
The metastases had spread everywhere. She couldn't even get out of bed anymore.
The whole medical establishment basically gave up on her...
Just watch her story.
It’s incredibly encouraging.

Part 1
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...73047491&hl=en

Part 2
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...21137924&hl=en

cosmiceagle4, you already posted this link. Look, don't take this the wrong way, but you're starting to get a little exhausting. 😳
We all get it—you want to help—but there's such a thing as overdoing it. People fighting cancer aren't idiots; they know how to choose their own path, whether that's alternative routes or specific drugs like Tykerb.
Ever since you joined this forum, it's been nothing but these links. You never actually contribute anything about your own experiences or engage with what other people are sharing here. Honestly, it feels like you're just trying to sell us something—mostly smoke and mirrors...
Just stop, if you have any dignity left. It’s not right👎. The people coming to this forum have been through hell and back, tried everything from mainstream medicine to alternative therapies, and yet they're still dying...seriously, enough already. 🙂

ruggedpanther64 said:And so?Where can I find a decent piercer? Don't go messing around with that stuff; it's dangerous... especially when you're dealing with cartilage.

That "expert" is easily the most qualified person you could find for this kind of game.👍

Get lost, Dušo. At the doctor's office. You'd be lucky if you don't end up with an infection so bad you lose a chunk of your ear.

Grace Fowler said:Hey there, brave souls!!!
Things are pretty much status quo over here. I’m currently on my seventh day of Vepesid; feeling a little wiped out and dealing with some nausea, but nothing too crazy....
I'm getting excited for Christmas, even if I'm not exactly running around doing all the prep work—I'm just as stoked as if I were in peak physical condition. I hope you guys are staying as strong as ever, and I’m looking forward to us all making the most of these upcoming days, as much as our situations allow...
Warmly, Grace Fowler

It seems like whenever I'm hitting rock bottom, you pop up with a post and lift my spirits right back up. Thanks for that. Sending love—enjoy your Christmas. You truly deserve it.😘

George Carter said:What exactly is an ASL blood test, and what happens if the levels are high??

It’s the same thing as AST—basically, the antistreptolysin titer. These medical abbreviations are constantly being mixed up because nobody can ever agree on a single official standard. Check this link out.

blueseal12 said:Thanks so much! 👍I already finished one round of meds, but my levels are back over 400. My doctor told me everything looks fine, though.😕
Do you think I should just get my tonsils out?

If they’re totally worn down and useless, I’d get rid of them. Seriously, go see an ENT specialist. You also need to grab something to boost your immune system, because antibiotics absolutely wreck your defenses. I’d suggest picking up some Emergen drops and native propolis.

People keep confusing this liver AST level with the antistreptolysin O titer test, which has absolutely nothing to do with your liver functions. What you’re actually looking at is a marker for strep—basically, an infection in the tonsils where the bacteria releases a specific protein that shows up in this screening, letting us know those nasty bugs are present. Bottom line: getting started on antibiotics immediately is critical.

urbanharbor22 said:I’m right there with you, and honestly, thanks for the great advice. We’re going to try absolutely everything to keep her with us for as long as possible. She’s a fighter, and more importantly, she has this incredible will to live—especially since her son is getting married in six months, and she is determined to be there for that wedding!

-

You should head over to the main thread; you'll get much more relevant answers and advice from people dealing with the exact same situation here.

First off, honey, I’ve gotta tell you right now: pull yourself together and get your head in the game. If you spiral, you aren't going to be much help to her. I know you're in shock—cancer always seems like it's happening to someone else until it hits your own front door—but this is where you need to stand by her side and stay rational and positive from day one.

She didn't exactly get handed the easiest diagnosis, but that doesn't mean the deck is stacked against her. Plenty of others (including some people right here on this forum) have faced tough stuff and managed to pull through, or are still fighting their way through, simply because they kept a cool head and maintained a positive outlook.

To get you started, check out our association's website; it provides a bit more clarity on exactly what you're up against. There's also a forum over there, so go ahead and sign up.

You aren't alone in this; there are so many of us.
Hang in there and stay positive.

Kate Lee23 said:I'm new here and could really use some advice... My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and just finished chemo. They removed the tumor (which was HER2-positive) and it's currently undetectable, so she's on Arimidex now... but the real issue is they are aggressively pushing her toward Herceptin treatment (she'd have to sign a waiver first). Apparently, they need 8,000 women in America to participate in this study using the drug over a five-year period... so I'm wondering... how haven't they found enough people yet, and why are they pressuring her so hard right now? Of course, I wish there was some miracle cure that would wipe it out forever, but the side effects are brutal... not to mention the mortality risks. She's absolutely exhausted... we're lost on what to do next. If anyone has any insight or experience, it would be a huge help...

Your mom has been handed an opportunity that so many women fighting this specific type of cancer can only dream of. She should take it! Herceptin is a smart, highly effective drug, though obviously expensive, and it has shown incredible results so far. Not every woman fits the perfect profile for a clinical success study. Your mother happens to fit the criteria perfectly.
Every medical intervention and every round of chemo carries significant risks and the possibility of a fatal outcome; however, doing nothing is often much more fatal. With professional medical teams, those risks are managed and monitored, whereas cancer is notoriously difficult to control without targeted medication.
Honestly, if an option like this were presented to my own mother for her illness, we would embrace it with open arms and total enthusiasm.

silentcanyon65 said:I’ve been dealing with this stubborn nasal congestion for years right after a cold hits, so I wanted to ask—since I keep hearing it actually works—where can I pick up a decent inhaler, which CVS Pharmacy should I hit up, and what specific features should I be looking for when I buy one?

Just grab a basic plastic nebulizer or steam inhaler from any drugstore along with some inhalation drops. Personally, my go-to method is much simpler: heat about two tablespoons of sea salt in a small pot until it starts popping, pour in some boiling water, then set the whole setup up to inhale the steam. It’s worked wonders for me. You can always add a few drops of those herbal essences to the mix if you want.

slyrider11 said:My mom passed away five days ago... the doctors did what they had to do.
It’s a small comfort knowing she didn't have to suffer through intense pain.
I want to thank everyone for the kind words and support. Unfortunately, her cancer had progressed too far, so she didn't even get the chance to fight, even though she was a fighter her entire life.
To everyone out there currently fighting: I wish you all the luck and strength in the world... go take down that monster, both for yourselves and for those who weren't given the chance to fight.

Zendaya, I am so sorry... she deserved a real fighting chance.😢

I can't help but notice lately how certain people show up here, making their very first post by mentioning they've been lurking and reading our stories for ages, finally deciding it was time to actually say something...

Look, I have to say how much I appreciate those who finally step up and share their journeys. At the same time, I’m genuinely puzzled by the massive crowd of people who just watch us from the sidelines without ever saying a word—honestly, there are way more lurkers than there are active posters. I get it, opening up about your life isn't easy. But you have to understand: when you're battling diseases this heavy—battles where it feels like you're fighting with your hands tied behind your back—the flow of information is vital. We need to connect, to realize we aren't alone, and to prove that you can still fight even when life hits you this hard.

I started this thread (and later worked with others to support an association pushing for real systemic changes for cancer patients) because I felt a profound obligation to everyone else walking the path I’ve had to tread. I wanted to pass on the lessons I had to learn through sheer, agonizing struggle, hoping to spare others from the unnecessary suffering and mistakes that only deepen the pain.
What I’m really trying to drive home is this: don't be the dead end in the chain. Don't be the person who receives information, support, or a bit of positive energy and just keeps it to themselves. The whole point is to pass it on. That's how knowledge becomes bigger and more powerful than cancer itself. Plus, there's a deep sense of purpose in knowing that what's happening to you can actually mean something for someone else. Okay, look, you don't *have* to post here. Not everyone is a natural writer. But please, don't just sit there being passive and inert; if everyone does that, the entire purpose of a community like this vanishes.
What you choose to do with what you learn, and how you pass it forward, is entirely up to you. There's always enough time—we usually just waste it on things that don't matter anyway.

Dan, we’re sending all the good vibes your way... hang in there 😉

brisksurfer said:Listen, everyone, I’ve tried coming back to this thread a few times now, but honestly, I end up breaking down in tears every single time I start reading... It’s just too much. That being said, I truly admire the sheer strength you all show in facing these constant struggles.
At the end of June, we got the news that my Dad has throat cancer. Everything seemed fine up until then. He was doing great, aside from some occasional throat pain. He actually saw his doctor about it for about a year and a half, but they kept telling him it was nothing—until it finally turned out to be a tumor. They initially thought it was roughly 5x2.5cm. He had to go in for emergency surgery at a VA hospital, where they discovered the tumor was actually much larger than they first suspected. Fortunately, it hadn't spread extensively; there were some tiny traces in his stomach, but the doctor says it’s negligible. After they removed the affected area, they had to perform a reconstruction of his throat. He just finished radiation about a month ago, having completed 32 sessions. He’s been holding up okay so far, but the real struggle is that he can't eat or swallow normally since the surgery. Up until the end of his radiation treatments, he was managing on blended food, but eventually, he couldn't even handle that. There was a brief period after radiation ended where he seemed to be improving, but over the last three days, things have taken a turn for the worse. He has absolutely no saliva left and can barely swallow anything at all. His neck is swollen again, and he’s lost so much weight that he has zero energy left. I’m at a loss here—we honestly don't know what else to do. He has another follow-up appointment with the doctor this Wednesday. 😢

Has anyone else here dealt with this kind of mess? 🙂 I don't know anyone who actually gets it... Every single time I think I’ve finally turned a corner or found a bit of relief, everything just goes straight to hell again. 😢

Look, if he’s feeling that miserable, don't sit around waiting for a scheduled follow-up. Get him straight to the ER. That’s exactly what hospitals are there for.
You just have to find a way to wrap your head around it and finally accept that it is what it is. Cancer isn't just some temporary setback; it’s a chronic, grueling marathon that demands long-term management. It's a disease that settles in and stays for the long haul, requiring constant medical attention and an endless cycle of treatment. And even if that period is what we're talking about. It’s just one big, constant oscillation—swinging from good to bad and then right back to good again.The only thing you can really do is grab every good moment while it’s right in front of you, be damn grateful for it, and just pray that the bad stretches stay short and manageable.
Just stay brave and try your best to keep your cool. I know how incredibly difficult that is, but you have to pull yourself together—primarily for his sake. This is happening to him, not you; you're all just caught up in the fallout of his struggle.

Arthur Moore8 said:Since I'm not in NYC right now and don't have cable here, I won't be able to catch that show, but you've definitely made it sound interesting.
I sent an inquiry to the TV station, but I haven't heard back from them yet.
Someone is heading my way from NYC soon, so maybe they could bring a recording if you're able to grab one.
Thanks in advance

I'll try to grab it.
Anyway, based on what I saw—and if things really are that intense everywhere else—I’d absolutely tell you to give it a shot if those seizures are as frequent and severe as you say. If I were in your shoes, I'd be doing the exact same thing.

Look, cosmiceagle4, we all know exactly what you're getting at here👍. This conversation has already happened on this forum. Thanks anyway. Bye👋

Look, Isaac, I can't help but feel like you're running some kind of PR campaign here, especially since you posted almost the exact same thing just a few days ago...😕

Amanda Parker13 said:She did all her scans at the Holy Spirit hospital... I messed up earlier when I said CT, my bad—I don't really know the difference, so it all sounds the same to me.
She had some really high blood pressure for a while, but she got on medication and things stabilized. Her blood pressure is fine now, but her vision is still acting up. After the MR, the neurosurgeon told her the tumor isn't related to her sight and that it's benign, so she just needs to go back in a year to see if anything has changed.

Man, what a mess...
She’s heading to Medicol this Monday and Tuesday using an insurance referral since they apparently take those. She’s going back to the neurologist with all her results to see what they say, but honestly, I have a feeling none of this is actually going to lead anywhere. :/

Don't get caught up in the negativity. Once you commit to finding the root cause and fixing it, you don't stop until it's done—even if it means traveling to the other side of the country.
It'll work itself out. Just stay patient and wait for the Medicol results. It’ll be okay.