ruggedmarlin2 said:Thanks for the input... but honestly, all this advice comes from a woman who's been fighting cancer for four years and thinks she's seen it all. I'm just worried that maybe it's not too early to look into those bowel surgeries...
Look, just because someone has been in the ring for a few years doesn't make them a medical expert, nor does it mean they have the final word on everything. My advice? Use your own head and stick to information you've personally vetted and verified.
Look, my mom is about two weeks out from a massive surgery—we're talking total hysterectomy, removal of ovaries, part of her bowel, lymph nodes, the peritoneum, the whole works. Now she’s started diving headfirst into all these supplements to "boost her system." We've got flaxseed oil, beet juice, blueberries, aronia berries, some kind of ground mushroom powder, apricot kernels, green tea, Vitamin C... you name it. I've double-checked everything, but honestly, I'm staring at this list wondering: is it actually too soon to be throwing all this at her body after a trauma that heavy?
I don’t know what kind of mushrooms you’re talking about, but I can tell you one thing for certain: if you’ve been looking into crushed apricot kernels, you’re asking the wrong people in all the wrong places. Those things are incredibly toxic. They contain cyanide, which is basically a death sentence for your liver. You need your liver to be in peak condition just to survive the chemo, and messing around with that stuff is a recipe for disaster. Watch your back and be incredibly careful about what you buy and who you’re buying it from. These scammers are absolute pros at spinning elaborate fairy tales wrapped in fancy medical jargon—they'll throw fake "patient testimonials" and bogus "studies" at you just to close the deal. Don't fall for it. Use Google, run independent checks, and verify everything. Don't let a desperate hope for some kind of miracle cure cloud your judgment and lead you straight into a trap. As for those encapsulated supplements, don't go mixing five different things at once. Stick to two or three max, and stay consistent with them from day one.
Rebecca Phillips25, Go see Dr. Miller and ask for a referral for a repeat pathology review to get a second opinion. The pathology department at the hospital where you had your surgery will give you the glass slides containing the tissue samples on the flip side. Take those to a different hospital for the repeat pathology—you could even send them to a major research clinic out of state. Whatever you do, don't include your old lab reports with them. Try to get this done ASAP, ideally before you start any treatment.
Honestly, the whole situation feels off to me too. Usually, if a tumor gets as big as a handball, it’s actually benign because the ovaries typically fail before anything can grow that large. In your case, the stage is so early that they're already moving you straight to adjuvant therapy.
nimblepanther14 said:Quick question... what’s the actual incidence rate for breast cancer in older women, say around 80 years old? My mom has some lumps (she's 80), so she’s gotta go in for testing.. (Honestly, I'm about to lose my mind—forgive the language—between my sister, my girlfriend's dad, and now my mother, plus my own kidney issues... it's all hitting at once within a two-month window. 🙂 Part of me just wants to send everything via DM and disappear so nobody can find me.)
Unfortunately, it isn't rare, but keep in mind that not every lump turns out to be malignant. Try not to spiral; stressing out like this won't change the outcome, it just makes everything feel heavier. I know exactly how that sinking feeling washes over you—I've been living through it non-stop since 2005. Life just happens, but you have to dig your heels in and stay strong!
You’ve got to look at this through two lenses: the structural issues and the chemical ones. On the mechanical side, we're talking about physical obstructions or malformations within the reproductive system—things like scar tissue from previous infections or other structural anomalies. These are usually pretty easy to spot during an ultrasound. Then you have the chemical aspect, which is all about hormones; you can't see those on a scan, so blood work is non-negotiable there. Fortunately, not every diagnosis is a dead end. Sometimes, the only way to get the full picture and fix what's broken is to go in via laparoscopy to diagnose and treat the issue right then and there.
Ana, I am so incredibly sorry. Your mom is a total warrior. It’s devastating that her condition is terminal, but please don't assume that means she's leaving you tomorrow. The way she's handling this—and the support you all are giving her—is everything. There might be more battles ahead to extend her time, but if she eventually gets tired and decides to let go, try to respect that. No matter how much grit we have, we aren't made of stone. I lost a dear friend from an online community about five years ago after she fought cancer for thirteen years. She was just like your mother—a straight-up phenomenon. She lived her life fully, walking and breathing deep, even though half her intestines were gone and her lungs were riddled with metastases. Her only real fear was making sure her affairs were settled before she passed. To me, and to everyone who knew her, she was a massive source of inspiration. That was truly her purpose in this life.
Coco Six cycles of chemo simply means she’ll undergo therapy at specific intervals, six times total. Your mom needs to eat healthy—think light, nutritious meals, something like a Mediterranean diet. She should boost her immunity with vitamins and any proven complementary supplements you can find at a local pharmacy. As for the nausea from the treatment, the doctor will prescribe medications to help, like Zofran. If and when things get tough, come back here and we’ll share more tips. I already mentioned some of them in a previous post for Kevin Bishop10. The most vital thing right now is to live your life and focus on the here and now. You can't predict the future or solve problems that haven't happened yet. When a problem arises, then you deal with it. You have to conserve your energy. Another crucial thing you need to accept and internalize is that this is primarily happening to your mother, and she is the one suffering the most. No matter how horrific you feel, you are just being caught in the wake of this. You absolutely cannot make things harder for her by letting her feel your fear, despair, or panic; doing so will only deepen her own pain, terror, and crushing sense of guilt. You have to be her rock and her support system, and you need to find somewhere else to vent those emotions away from her. I won't lie to you—there are no easy days ahead. But people find a way to survive everything, and you will too. Hang in there and stay brave for your mother's sake. Show her she raised a daughter who knows how to handle whatever life throws at her. That will be her greatest relief and her biggest reward.
Nancy Lee said:Why did the association just vanish? Since when?! Organizations like that are absolutely vital, and honestly, they’re already too hard to find... It's all over the place! I can barely bring myself to read this forum anymore. I really hope everything hasn't been wiped out because there was such a massive amount of useful info there. It’s a real shame the forum didn't stay active somehow; people need spaces like this where they can ask questions, vent, or actually learn something new... Such a waste.
It’s because people only care about these associations when they need a helping hand; once their problem is solved, they disappear. For an organization to actually work, you need active members stepping up, not just a handful of people burning themselves out trying to fix every tragedy in the world. Because nobody bothered to show up for the mandatory annual meeting, the whole association collapsed. Unfortunately, until people change their mindset, things like this are always going to fail. I have no idea what's going to happen to the website.
Just bring the paperwork and the cash, kid; let your husband worry about chasing down the credit card. Don't go stressing yourself out with extra nonsense right now.
Linda Harris5 said:So, my employer filed the paperwork for my new health insurance card back in November 2012. It’s been six months now, and still nothing shows up in the mail. Since I’m pregnant, I’m constantly needing referrals and medical paperwork. Here’s the headache: all my recent test results are under my maiden name, which doesn't match my current ID. I’ve already heard rumors that hospitals, like at the maternity ward, might reject a blood type report just because the names don't align perfectly. If that happens, I'll be stuck running around various government offices trying to get everything notarized and verified.
What’s the move here? Who should I call to actually get some answers? And honestly, how long did you all have to wait for your new cards? My patience is wearing thin...
Thanks for any help!
Just head down to the office where they submitted the request. Honestly, that copy of the confirmation should work just fine as an ID, so I don't see why you'd be having issues. Under the current system, unless you actually changed your name, your card stays the same—Medicare just updates the employer info on their end.
Look, I'm sure things aren't exactly sunshine and rainbows right now, but let's be real—you don't always see this much funding poured into things just because they're legally mandated. We're talking about treatment protocols that are standard practice worldwide, and the medical establishment here in Canada sticks to them religiously. Even though the US is dealing with its own massive financial hurdles, our medical care and the sheer expertise of our doctors have always been top-tier. Honestly, if we had half the budget other places have, we'd be performing actual miracles. Don't bother posting unless you actually need some advice. I don't know the first thing about this stuff, but since there are still plenty of brilliant, kind people hanging around here, you'll likely get an answer or at least a pointer toward where to find one.
Kevin Bishop10 said:Angela Wright, thanks for getting back to me.
I’ve printed this out to go over with my oncologist tomorrow. I just hope they have a wide enough selection of drugs available here in Boston. If they don't, well, we work with what we've got...
Does anyone have tips on managing nausea and vomiting—ideally natural remedies, though I'll take meds if necessary—specifically for this drug cocktail?
Any digestive issues to watch for, like constipation or anything else?
I noticed you're an admin, but honestly, you're much more than that. You're so diligent, quick to respond, and clearly know your stuff... You deserve at least a chocolate bar! Best regards from Boston.
I can't speak for Canada, but here in the States, these are standard on hospital formularies, so there's no reason they wouldn't be available to you too. The doctor will prescribe something for the nausea. People deal with it constantly. Some swear by Coca-Cola, others find relief with air-popped popcorn, or maybe some flaxseed emulsion... Most often, it actually turns into diarrhea. Don't stress about it before it happens. There are people who sail through this without any side effects at all.
I'm not an admin; I just started this thread and kept it going because sharing what I've learned helps give some purpose to the agony my mother and I went through.
Nancy Lee said:Angela Wright, please let me know what you think about my last post. Also, I messed up—it wasn't oil, it was black walnut tincture. One more thing, how do I sign up for the Zanovidan association forum? I can't seem to figure it out.
I’m not going to weigh in on the walnut stuff because we're talking about alternative remedies here, and there just isn't any solid evidence to lean on. What I do know about walnuts is that in the parts of the country where they grow, nothing else ever seems to take root because they pump toxins into the soil. Personally, I wouldn't go experimenting with that. As for the forum, that association basically doesn't exist anymore, so the site will probably be taken down soon. That's likely why it's stuck in read-only mode.
Kevin Bishop10 We're talking about a combination therapy here—Taxol paired with Carboplatin. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/d...BOPLATIN-TAXOL That link leads straight to an info page. Most people deal with nausea or digestive issues, but honestly, those side effects are usually manageable.
You absolutely need to look at this: http://www.chemotherapyadvisor.com/o...rticle/218123/ This outlines treatment protocols across seven different lines for occult adenocarcinomas (that's the first one listed in the table). Following this means you’d be getting what they typically suggest here in the States, though it seems to be one of the older approaches. However, those last two options highlighted in the gray area are the most recent updates. I’d highly recommend printing this out and handing it to your doctor to see if they’d consider it; based on the intro, these newer methods clearly show better results. I've included the references and study links below so you have the data to back you up, especially since you have every right to demand the best available care. For instance, the CapeOx regimen is much easier to stomach because the cycle repeats every three weeks. You take the Xeloda orally twice a day—which most people tolerate quite well—and then you just deal with the Oxaliplatin for that one single day every three weeks.
My breasts have been itching for weeks now, and honestly, it’s getting unbearable. I’ve read that this happens during pregnancy—which isn't the case for me—or if it's something like cancer, and I am freaking out a little. Could it just be because I’ve gained a few pounds over the last couple of months and they're just stretching?
Does anyone have any idea what this could be?
Could be anything, could be nothing. When was the last time you had a breast ultrasound?
restlessowl3 said:Happy Easter to everyone celebrating!!! 🙂 Does anyone have any experience with Dr. Darkness from Rib Hospital? Dr. Radic suggested my mom undergo radiation therapy for five or six weeks straight, but we decided to get a second opinion and managed to get a referral to him through some connections. He’s actually recommending surgery instead, so we’re heading in to sit down with him this week.
Dr. Darkness is the absolute best 🙂 He works on Paladin's team, and when it comes to neurosurgery, he's basically a legend in the field here. If a guy like him says it can be done, you can take it to the bank. Highly recommended!
Drew Wright said:In the interest of not cluttering things up with a brand-new thread, I have a question for the moderators who clearly know their way around this place... I was wondering about ordering from Swanson—specifically, how does that process typically go through US Customs? Are there any specific restrictions or bans on importing supplements that I should be aware of? My main concern is whether I might end up getting some sort of notice claiming I’m importing counterfeit pills 🤣 or something along those lines. To be more precise, I was planning on picking up some Omega-3 Glucosamine, or perhaps something similar if anyone has a solid recommendation on what works best. Also, if they actually decide to open the package, how is the customs duty calculated?
Thanks!
Look, if the FDA hasn't given the green light to a specific supplement, you aren't going to be able to bring it in legally, and you'll end up broke and empty-handed. From what I've heard, importing those American supplements can be a real headache because their ingredient regulations are way more relaxed than ours, so stuff that’s fine in the States often gets blocked here. Honestly, the smartest move is to just go through a local pharmacy; they'll tell you straight up if it's allowed or not. You might pay a premium for the convenience, but at least you won't get screwed. Your other option is to find someone involved in a local sports club and ask them for a favor. Those guys are always ordering all sorts of stuff and they usually know exactly what clears customs without a hitch. I once had someone grab some D-mannose for me like that.
Nancy Lee said:I’m wondering if there’s a specific limit on how many rounds of chemo a person can take? My dad is about to start his 8th round—this one will be in pill form for a week. And when do they actually stop? Do doctors just look at the patient and say, "That's enough, we're done, now it's up to fate"? I find myself spiraling into the future instead of staying present, but I need to know certain things so I don't get blindsided by a doctor's decision. It never crossed my mind until I saw a guy from my dad's department get sent home because they told him there was nothing left to do. His cancer had spread to his brain, but the whole thing felt surreal to me—the man was still mobile and doing so much on his own, yet they basically just let him go home to die. I don't know the full story, so I can't claim to know exactly what happened, but I know what I saw and heard.
Every single chemotherapy drug has a precise dosage calculated based on the patient's height and body mass; this isn't guesswork, it's strictly regulated by protocols established through years of rigorous clinical trials. On top of that, the intervals between treatments are also predetermined. When a treatment stops showing the expected progress over time, the patient is taken off that specific regimen, and doctors move on to the next line of therapy—essentially switching to a different drug—and this continues for as long as viable options exist. Unfortunately, many people burn through all their available options while they are still in relatively good shape. Chemotherapy is an incredibly invasive and toxic way to fight a disease, and once signs of deterioration appear during treatment, you simply cannot continue to poison the patient and destroy their quality of life. In cancer treatment, maintaining that quality of life is just as much a priority as extending survival. Stop looking at what's happening to other people. You don't have the full picture of their specific situation, and you MUST focus on your dad and the here and now. Put your fears and your misery aside, because if you let them take the wheel, the whole car is going to go off a cliff!
I've got this old stethoscope paired with a manual blood pressure cuff, but the rubber tubing has completely cracked from sitting around too long. Can I just buy some replacement silicone tubing in bulk, or am I stuck buying an entirely new stethoscope set?