Posts by Angela Wright

Anonymous said:Angela, I’ve been reading your posts—you’re always here providing comfort and strength to everyone else—but 🤷 I haven't heard a single update on how your mom is actually doing.

Honestly, I’m at a loss for words. It’s like her tumor just hit a plateau; it stopped progressing, but now she’s stuck in this state where she’s completely immobile. She doesn't speak, though she is conscious, and I can tell she understands me—if I ask her to open her mouth, she does it immediately. She’s on a blended diet, but her liver is starting to fail, her blood sugar is all over the place, and her digestion has become a nightmare, specifically with terrible hemorrhoid issues.
She’s been taking silymarin for about a month and a half to try and support her liver, since it's supposed to be an incredibly effective natural remedy, so we’ll see what the blood work shows in a week or two. The thing is, she’s always been a joker—she’s like death taking a vacation, which sounds grim, I know, but it’s true—and despite everything, you can still see this fierce, incredible will to live flickering in her eyes.

Ryan Foster6 said:This is my first time reaching out here. My family and I are in a really tough spot right now, and honestly, I don't even know where to start. I just want to ask if anyone could share their experience or treatment paths regarding endocrine tumors and adenoid cystic carcinoma. So far, there have been two surgeries on the left orbit where the tumor was located, always explained away as a recurrence, though the primary tumor was never actually found. Since July of this year, the tumor has suddenly expanded to cover both the left and right pyramids and has infiltrated the base of the skull; it’s also appeared at the previous surgical site and on the right side above the auditory canal. We’ve hit a wall. Tomorrow is the third surgery, and we aren't even sure if it makes sense anymore. The patient feels okay right now—he’s 51—and he simply can't believe how little time might be left. It’s unbelievable to all of us too. Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.

Look, I wasn't immediately certain about what kind of tumor we were dealing with, so I did some digging and stumbled upon this site.
This type of tumor is incredibly malicious because of how sneaky it is, but looking at the data, I see that complete recovery after surgery is possible for about 3% of cases (statistically speaking—and I absolutely loathe statistics😠).
Still, that 3% represents a real chance. I've realized that almost everyone who faces a tumor and manages to survive—often landing in those slim statistical margins—doesn't just rely on surgery, radiation, or chemo. They dive into everything else: improving quality of life, focusing on spiritual growth, boosting immunity with supplements we talk about constantly here... they essentially undergo a total personal transformation. Above all, they need massive support and love from those around them—people who refuse to write them off prematurely or accept defeat before the fight is over. Do you follow me? When someone is in this position, they first have to face their own mortality—not the mechanics of *how* the disease kills them, but the reality of being human—so they can fight effectively. That is an immense burden, and they need people surrounding them who believe in victory themselves, pushing them to endure the battle ahead.
Remember, God helps the brave. When a person refuses to give up, God only needs to point a finger to bring healing. He is going in for surgery tomorrow, which means his doctors haven't given up on him yet, so please, don't you give up either. God will help you; it might be through thorns, but it leads to the stars.

Anonymous said:Angela Wright, your story gives everyone hope. Wishing you all the best in life. With love

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish the exact same for you.🙂

slyseal28 said:First off, I want to send my best to everyone here. I’ve been reading through everything, and I see so many heartbreaking stories. My heart truly goes out to all of you who are struggling and to your families...

My story is a happy one. My husband has finally reached the finish line of his chemotherapy! After 6 cycles of Adriamycin and Ifosfamide, 30 radiation treatments, and another 4 cycles of the DTIC protocol—he’s done. A successful finish!
Our specialist looked at us with such bright, smiling eyes and said he’d be wrapping up the treatment right now if it were up to him. We just caught each other's gaze and laughed, feeling this massive wave of relief. Now we just have to navigate the follow-up checks: a cardiac ultrasound, a spiral CT in about a month, and a PET scan in mid-December. If that PET scan at Mayo Clinic shows anything suspicious or unclear, we'd head over to Austria for a PET/CT. We already got ourselves scheduled for the PET at Mayo Clinic for December 19th. Our only hurdle is figuring out where to get the CT done, since the machines at Mayo Clinic aren't running right now (and there's no telling when they will be back online...).

Anyway, I wanted to share this win with you all, just as I’ve shared the heavy, dark details along the way... I am sending so much love, luck, and HEALTH to every single one of you, your families, and your friends.

I’ll keep reading your posts, because you guys were my rock when things were at their absolute worst. 🙂

👍 😘

Anonymous said:Honestly, thank you all for the replies. I need one more piece of advice, please. She refuses to communicate with anyone except her sister and my husband. She won't even see or hear me. I'm terrified that once this whole ordeal is over—and I truly, deeply hope she pulls through—she might claim one day that I wasn't even involved in her care.

I completely get why you’re feeling uneasy and anxious, but look, she is sick. You have to respect her will, her wishes, and her need to be seen in this state only by those she considers her absolute inner circle. Next time you get a window to talk to her, just lay it out there plainly: tell her you want to be more hands-on whenever she needs anything at all, and that she can always lean on you, but that you will also always honor her boundaries and her choices. You could even pass that message along through your husband with her regards. That way, you sidestep any awkwardness and create a shield for yourself against her and the rest of the family. We all know what mothers-in-law can be like, especially when illness starts warping their actual personalities. In these brutal moments, people's masks often slip, revealing who they really are underneath. Dealing with that kind of fallout during my own mother's illness was the hardest part for me, so just prepare yourself for the possibility that things might go that way.

Anonymous said:My mother-in-law is fighting lung cancer and is scheduled for six rounds of chemo (tuxol). After the first round, she was dealing with intense bone pain, and by the second, she was stuck with constant nausea and vomiting.
It's been a week since her third dose, and now she’s suffering from excruciating headaches. She’s terrified that the cancer has metastasized to her brain. I'm asking if anyone else has dealt with this or has advice on how we can help her.

Look, those headaches don't automatically mean the cancer has spread to her brain. Chemotherapy is an absolute sledgehammer to the system, and intense headaches are a very common side effect.
That said, you need to watch for red flags. If the headache comes paired with dizziness, loss of balance, facial drooping—like a stroke where one side of the mouth hangs low—slurred speech, or sudden confusion, stop everything. Those are neurological symptoms. In that case, get her to an emergency neurology ward at the hospital immediately for an urgent CT scan. If there is metastasis in the brain, doctors need to assess if it can be surgically removed right away.
Some of the more manageable side effects, like the nausea and general aches, can often be mitigated with various supplements or medications. Ask her oncologist specifically for prescriptions to handle the vomiting and pain. As for natural remedies, we have discussed them extensively on this forum based on our own lived experiences, so you might want to scroll back through some older posts for ideas.

Frank Hughes56 said:So, I did a little digging online just now and stumbled upon an article suggesting that these symptoms I’ve been dealing with might actually be low iron. Honestly, I’m still feeling pretty rough—just that constant sense of weakness, the dizziness, and even a bit of brain fog while I'm trying to type this out.

😲 , look, if things take a turn for the worse, just call 911. Don't try to tough it out. Just keep drinking fluids.

Frank Hughes56 said:So, here’s the deal: my last meal was at like 5:30 PM, and I hadn't eaten a single thing since. Then, after about four or five hours, I started feeling totally wiped out—nausea, dizziness, a killer headache, and these weird tremors, like I couldn't stop shaking. Around 9:00 PM, I checked my blood sugar and it was sitting at 4.5. Even after I grabbed two cookies to try and steady myself, I’m still feeling weak and a little lightheaded. Does anyone have any advice? Just a heads-up, diabetes runs heavy in my family.

Honestly, this sounds more like a stomach bug or maybe even the flu. Your sugar levels seem fine. Go grab a thermometer, brew some herbal tea, and just crash in bed for a while.

Yeah, I spotted some of those over at Hospitality too. You should probably check their stock; they usually have the most competent people handling that kind of gear. They aren't exactly the budget option, but if you play your cards right, you might be able to track down something similar to what they carry for a better price somewhere else.

fadedpilot8 said:Hey there..
Here’s my situation:
It started out as just a mild stinging sensation, but now it's turned into a pretty sharp burning feeling in my groin. What’s really freaking me out, though, is that I noticed some pus yesterday, and today the discharge has actually gotten a bit worse.
I'm worried it might be gonorrhea, but the issue is that my last risky encounter was about two months ago. From what I've read, these symptoms seem like they're showing up way too late..
I have an appointment with a urologist this Friday, but honestly, I’m shaking from anxiety right now, so any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Stop spiraling already.🙄 Look, it is what it is. Don't lose your mind until you actually have a diagnosis in black and white. Honestly, I doubt there's anything unfixable here; you'll likely just get a round of antibiotics and be back on your feet. Just make sure you also test for HPV, hepatitis, and HIV—because if it is gonorrhea or anything else you could have picked up, the woman you were with probably wasn't being careful either, so she could be carrying a whole cocktail of other stuff. And seriously, learn your lesson and use a condom from here on out.😉

p.s. keep in mind that you can catch gonorrhea through oral sex too, but then it settles in your tonsils and throat....and let me tell you, that is nasty. So, if you're ever in a suspicious situation again, skip the oral stuff.

Anonymous said:Hey everyone, I wanted to share something with you all. About two years ago, my ex-girlfriend's mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The doctors were warning her she needed emergency surgery immediately because she could have passed away within a month—it was a total shock for her and the whole family. But despite everything, she refused the surgery because, in her eyes, the medical system had "screwed over" her father, her brother, and her uncle (who passed away on New Year's Day back in 2005). Shortly before that, she called my dad to tell him she’d been drinking "Noni juice" constantly and was starting to feel better. Then, after two months (keep in mind they gave her only one month left), she went back for more tests and the cancer had almost vanished. It's true that since it's malignant, there's always a risk of recurrence, but she still uses Noni juice, feels great, and it’s been over two years now and she’s still with us. I consulted a doctor, and she mentioned that effects vary by individual but it won't cause harm; there are no side effects (at least nothing life-threatening), so I think it's worth the risk. I'm buying some of that juice for her tomorrow, and if anyone else is doing the same, please reach out and share your experiences.

You can find more info about the product on this page, and I sincerely hope it helps both my mom and anyone else who needs it 😉

http://www.noni-sok.savjeti.com/

My mom has been drinking it every single day for two years now, going through several servings a day, and nothing sensational has happened. Let me be clear: that juice isn't some miracle cure for anything, including cancer; it's more like something that boosts the immune system and helps the body get into the best possible state to fight off illness. I have to admit, that ovarian cancer your ex's mother had is a genuine miracle if it really just disappeared like that, because usually, by the time ovarian cancer is identified, it has already spread to other organs. Honestly, I'd suspect it might have been a benign growth that was misdiagnosed—or rather, not fully diagnosed—because with ovarian masses, you typically need surgery to remove the tumor or cyst, and only after tissue typing can you actually confirm if it was malignant or benign. I'm speaking from experience here; I once had an ovarian cyst that turned out to be exactly what they suspected—benign—even though my tumor markers were absolutely haywire. They told me they assumed it was benign endometriosis, but they left themselves enough room to hedge their bets since they couldn't give a 100% diagnosis until after the surgery when the pathology report came back confirming their suspicions. So, what was actually going on with that lady is highly debatable.

There’s a distinction between the actual medical-grade stuff and those cheap little things you see everywhere—like those little water bowls on stands with a light built in. Honestly, they look more like tacky home decor than anything else, but the mechanics actually work: they condense the water to create a mist that spills over the edges to humidify the air. You can find them sitting in places like Target or Walmart for anywhere from 80 to $33 bucks.

Harold Brown39 said:And just to throw more fuel on the fire,

Does physical activity actually help with sperm production—like, does it speed things up—and does getting enough sleep play a role too?

Absolutely.
Go back and actually read those links I included in my very first post.

Amy Hayes28 said:Does health insurance cover the Duragesic patch?

I’d say yes, but you'll need a specialist to sign off on it first.

Harold Brown39 said:Look, I’ve been scouring the web but haven't come up with anything solid. Does anyone actually know what speeds up sperm production and what doesn't?
For instance, if it's diet-related, which foods are winners and which are losers? Or is it tied to specific types of physical activity and stuff like that...?

Does anyone have any expertise here or maybe an American link that covers this?

It all comes down to lifestyle: if you want healthy results, you need a healthy life, which means eating right and staying active. Think of the Mediterranean diet—lots of veggies, fruit, fish, lean poultry, olive oil, and maybe a glass of wine a day if you absolutely have to drink. You also need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to stay on track.
On the flip side, alcohol, smoking, drugs, junk food, living in polluted areas, and even wearing tight underwear that constricts the testes can wreck your sperm count and tank male fertility.
http://menshealth.about.com/cs/stds/a/healthy_sperm.htm
http://www.4-men.org/sperm-health.ht

Linda Campbell said:I have better days than this, honestly.

😉 Tomorrow is a fresh start and a better day🙂. Why bother dealing with those idiots at work when you're clearly tougher than all of them combined? Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you just finished up what you're doing and launched your own company to become a total powerhouse. Anyone who has successfully navigated the nightmare of the American healthcare system—regardless of how things turned out medically—is more than capable of crushing any administrative hurdle or closing a major business deal...👍

Nancy Hernandez43 said:Angela Wright - seriously, major props for that exhaustive breakdown! If I had half your strength, I don't know where I'd stop. Every single piece of advice you give manages to pull me right out of my own scattered head.

To be honest, what would I even want? I wish I had the freedom to jump in and help with everything, but since I'm the youngest, it’s off-limits for now. At least for this moment, and I have to just accept that. Deep down, despite how much I struggle, I’m convinced that if things get heavy, they’ll let me know exactly when I need to step up and be by her side. Until then, we talk about everything every single day; I try to help just by making sure she feels like we’re all standing right there with her.

At the end of the day, nothing matters more than ourselves and our inner circle. I’ve actually set up my remote work situation to be totally flexible, so I can drop everything and leave Washington, D.C. whenever the situation demands it.

Thanks! Honestly, I think your comment just gave me the reality check I needed—even though you probably find me a bit tiresome by now! Kisses.

Don't mention it😉. Fight for yourself and never forget that strength lives inside us; we just don't feel it until it suddenly starts rushing through us like a flood.🙂

electricgardener14 said:Hi everyone,
I haven't posted in a while because I thought I was just counting down my husband's final days.
He’s in really bad shape—barely eating, just lying there unable to move. That metastasis on his shoulder has swollen into this massive lump. He's in constant, intense pain; they give him Dolantin, but then he just sleeps through everything, and when he does wake up, he's talking nonsense. On Sunday, the doctor gave him Zomet, and today he's undergoing his fourth round of chemo. I feel like my strength and my faith are slowly draining away, just like his. It all feels like we're just prolonging the agony, and I honestly don't know how to fight for each new day when those days are spent either in excruciating pain or unconscious in a tiny hospital room. I don't even bring the kids to see him anymore because he doesn't want them to witness him suffering like this. I begged his oncologist to try radiation on that shoulder, but he just gave me this cold, indifferent response, saying it's better to just increase the Durogesic patch because radiation isn't indicated. Is there a doctor here who can explain from a medical standpoint why radiation wouldn't be indicated for a tumor that looks like it's about to burst out of his shoulder? And what does "palliative radiation" actually mean in this context? Have they just given up on him? This is a nightmare. I can't even bring myself to wish for the end, because the end means only one thing: I lose the man I love. Electricgardener14

Electricgardener14, what you're going through is absolutely devastating.😢 Unfortunately, the end is near, just as you've realized. In my opinion, that radiation you're hoping for would likely cause him more suffering than relief. That tumor has simply spread too far. At this stage, the only things that can offer palliative help are the Durogesic to manage the pain and your presence by his side. I can't even begin to imagine the weight on your shoulders, but I will tell you that a relative of mine went through an identical situation. She eventually found a way to move forward with her life, and she is happy now within the new reality she has to live in. She told me that when she first heard the diagnosis—she's a doctor, so she knew the most likely outcome immediately—she felt like her own life was over. She had two young daughters at the time whom she managed to raise and get on their feet. Having the support of her parents and the rest of the family meant everything to her. When we are all together, she finds her greatest peace. Surround yourself with your loved ones, and pray to God for the strength to accept whatever comes and to get through this as best as you can.
My thoughts and prayers are with you; I trust that God will grant you His mercy during these hardest moments.🙂

placidfox95 said:hey everyone! I have a problem—I started my period on October 4th and began taking birth control pills. But after just a few days, my period wouldn't stop, even though it usually lasts about 7-8 days... and ten days later (I thought this was normal since it's my first time taking Yasmina), I started bleeding again. Now it's October 22nd, I'm bleeding heavily, and my stomach hurts... I don't know what to do... is this normal? I can't get to a gynecologist because I'm out of town, and I won't be back home for another week or so... I'm starting to get really worried.... oh, and I stopped taking them three days ago when I figured they were probably the cause.... but the bleeding is even heavier now..... help

What you experienced was breakthrough bleeding, which is totally normal during the first few months on oral contraceptives while your body adjusts to the hormones in the Yasmin pill. Since you quit taking them, you've triggered a withdrawal bleed (you'll get one as soon as you stop mid-cycle), which is your classic period, and that’s why you're feeling those cramps. Just let this current period run its course through your usual duration, but if the bleeding doesn't taper off or slow down within 2-3 days, go see a doctor. Once this period is over, wait for your next natural cycle to finish, then restart the Yasmin pill on the very first day of that cycle. You either need to have more patience with the breakthrough bleeding or sit down with your doctor to discuss switching to a different type of contraception.

Linda Campbell said:I really didn't get anything out of it....

Oh, you absolutely did. You received far more than you can even fathom right now; you're just still stuck in the grieving process. Grieving is its own journey—you have to let it play out, let it unfold like a movie until you finally accept it. Honestly, I can almost guarantee what your mother’s final thoughts were... they were likely filled with gratitude and peace because she raised such an incredible daughter. She left nothing unresolved. She was fully aware of her illness and her condition, and I'm certain she faced her mortality head-on from the very beginning. She met it and made her peace with it probably a long time ago. In that position, there isn't much else to do besides accept reality, tally up the milestones of life, and reflect on the good things she accomplished and left behind. Linda Campbell, have you considered that this isn't actually about you, but about your mom? Even so, YOU gained so much as a reward for your devotion. Just give it time for everything to settle; it's too early to reach any final conclusions. Your journey is just starting. You have children now who need you to provide at least everything your mother provided for you, because the real question is: what will flash through your mind when your own time comes? You need to start answering that question today. Think about how you would feel right now if you hadn't given your mother all you did, but had instead left her to fend for herself with your brothers... do you think you'd feel like you "got" anything then? Probably nothing but massive unrest, guilt, pain, and sorrow. So, don't tell me you got nothing, because you have a clear conscience and a peaceful heart, and beautiful things are born from peace.

A nervous breakdown, gastritis, CIN 1, E. coli, insomnia, tranquilizers, constant anxiety over the health of your kids and husband—and then, inevitably, your mother’s illness and death hit you too. The difference lies in how people learn to handle the chaos. Your health took a hit because of the sheer stress and the intense battle you fought—the selfless sacrifices you made for your mother. First and foremost, give your body and your soul the time they need to recover. Don't pressure yourself with endless analysis; you already made your decision a long time ago to stand by your mother and fight alongside her. That chapter is closed. Now, it's time to be there for yourself and fight for yourself, just like you once told me you would. The crisis is behind you. You've learned and confirmed the hard way that nothing lasts forever and that life is a gamble. Because of this, you'll learn how to carry those fears, because whether we worry or not, things happen regardless.