Posts by Angela Wright

I’ve sent out at least five inquiries to some of the top specialists in the country, and I haven't heard a single peep from any of them—not a word back, nothing. 😍
Is this just pure laziness? Is it actually that much of a struggle to type a simple response, or are they just too busy playing office to bother replying since January 25th? 😉
Looks like I'm going to have to fly all the way to the States to actually get this sorted out.
That’s a $2,000 hit per finger.

Megan Adams53 said:Alright, thanks! You think sex hormones could be behind this? That's the one thing I haven't ruled out yet. :/

A chemical imbalance in the brain can trigger just about anything. Think of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland as the command centers; they influence the entire physiological landscape.

Megan Adams53 said:Hey everyone, I could really use some advice here... I'm 22, and ever since I got back from my beach trip last August, I've been feeling this constant, crushing exhaustion. On top of that, my heart starts racing out of nowhere and I get these dizzy spells. I've actually ended up in the ER six different times because of this. I feel like I've done every test under the sun—brain CTs, MRIs of my brain and neck, thyroid panels, scintigraphy, full blood work—and everything comes back totally normal. The only thing is my potassium and magnesium are borderline, and my iron is sitting at 12. They also found H. pylori, so I'm wondering if that bacteria could be causing all of this? If anyone has dealt with something similar or knows how to fix this, please let me know... thanks!

You absolutely have to treat Helicobacter; if you leave it alone, it can lead to some seriously nasty health issues. That said, I don't think it's directly linked to the symptoms you're describing.
Go back and re-test your thyroid levels and your reproductive hormones.

Jessica Long44 said:And one more thing—if anyone here has been through this and come out the other side, please help. I don't know if I should force her to eat, force her out of bed, or just keep fighting with her about everything. Every single mealtime turns into a thirty-minute drama session—just constant bickering back and forth—only for her to end up eating two measly bites. I can't just let her take pain meds or Xanax on an empty stomach, and I can't just let her surrender to that damn bed because then it feels like it's all over. But at the same time, I have no idea how to make her realize she can actually survive this... If anyone has experience with a psychologist or someone who actually made a difference, please let me know. Thanks in advance. 🙂

Reach out to Dr. Braš at Rebro. She’s a psycho-oncologist.
You cannot force your mother into anything! It is absolutely vital that you stop feeding into those depressive thoughts yourself. This isn't exactly a "happy" topic for anyone dropping by, but it’s definitely not the worst one out there. Cancer isn't some monster under the bed; it's a reality that happens. People have built this terrifying image of cancer as some kind of Babaroza that kills everyone it touches. That is simply not true, and it doesn't have to be.
You need to sit down with her and have an honest, objective conversation. She is where she is; she can't just step out of her own skin, but she can fight, and she will fight. It isn't just about the medication; it's about the mindset—refusing to let the disease dictate how she lives her life. She is the boss of her own existence, and she needs to be the one in control of this illness. She needs to live day by day, dealing with things as they come. That goes for you and everyone else, too. Don't let her illness become your personal crisis. She is the one going through this; you are just being affected by it indirectly. You need to be her support system and her logistics coordinator, but every decision remains hers. And truth be told, those decisions won't always align with what you want. Explain your perspective to her, let her chew on it, but you cannot coerce her into doing something she refuses to do. You’re going to have to learn to accept that and offer support whenever and however you can.
She needs to seek help. She is a grown, mature adult who has to take responsibility, even in situations like this. It all boils down to one thing: her choices.
Besides Dr. Braš, the Krijesnica association also provides psychological support. www.krijesnica.hr
There is one common thread among everyone who has successfully fought their way through cancer: they all had a positive environment, family support, and an unshakable will to live!
Hang in there.

mistybadger55 said:From what I’ve gathered from Dr. Dabelić—if we get lucky and the Gamma Knife actually manages to shrink those brain metastases, meaning the follow-up MRI shows nothing left in the brain, then we head back to the main hospital and Mom can finally start her actual therapy.
I know I’m grasping at straws here, but there’s gotta be some shred of hope, right?

Does anyone have any intel on the quality of the MRI machines over at Saint Catherine in a small town like Zabok? They could see us privately right away, and they’re running a 25% discount right now, so the cost would be $400.

Mom absolutely needs contrast for that MRI, and that’s going to bump up the price. You should double-check that. As for the quality of the imaging itself, I don't have any firsthand experience regarding how skilled their radiologists are when reading the results.

Rebecca, if you pay out of pocket, you can jump to the front of the line. Honestly, I think we could get this sorted within a week that way.

mistybadger55 said:I didn't mention how critical the timing is—if those brain metastases recede, my mom becomes a candidate for Vemurafenib. That gives us actual hope that the other spots might shrink or pull back too. Every single day counts right now.

Did they actually sit you down and tell you that explicitly? I’m asking because, with certain drugs used for metastatic disease (like Sutent, for example), the standard protocol is often that once a brain metastasis appears, the patient is essentially off that medication for good, regardless of whether the spot can be treated or cleared.😢

You absolutely have to see a dermatologist for this!

mistybadger55 said:So, here’s an update from May 27, 2011. My mom finished six rounds of chemo, but it was a complete wash—didn't work at all. On the bright side, she was actually a candidate for vemurafenib treatment, which she was supposed to start any day now, but unfortunately, that's off the table because a CT scan just showed two brain metastases, both up to 1 cm. The doctors haven't officially broken the news yet—that's slated for Tuesday—but I feel this crushing weight telling her myself before then (I found out through other channels). I honestly don't have the words to describe how I'm feeling right now. Does anyone here have experience dealing with these kinds of brain tumors? Is there any chance they might recede after radiation?

If they're positioned correctly, Gamma Knife might actually be able to clear them away.
Definitely get an opinion from Paladin!

Amy Fox5 said:What kind of growths can show up? Are we talking about standard stuff or something unusual (like after breast surgery in men or women)? Could it actually be something malignant?

That’s pretty common anytime there’s an incision and stitches involved. As for whether it's malignant or not, I can't give you that answer. If the tissue that was removed was cancerous, there is always a chance of recurrence right along the incision line. But honestly, nobody can confirm that for you except a doctor. If you're feeling anxious or have doubts, the best move is to go see your physician.

Amy Fox5 said:About a year and a half ago, my left breast started swelling up—yeah, yeah, I know, "breast," whatever you want to call it lol. I went to see a doctor and got an ultrasound, and they told me it was just some inflamed glands. So, I went ahead with surgery to have the enlargement removed, and everything seemed fine at the time. But now, right where the surgery was, I’ve got these little lumps about 2-3 cm long. Some are round, some are irregular shapes, but they aren't painful when I press them and they don't seem to be growing. My chest actually started getting bigger once I hit the gym and started lifting weights, but after the surgery, I picked the training back up and the growth stopped.

I'm wondering if this could just be scar tissue, or am I looking at something more serious?

It's most likely just scar tissue from the procedure itself. That being said, you should definitely head back to your doctor for a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound to be safe.

Besides the blood clot, there are a few other things I'm thinking about...
Has Mom had a mammogram or maybe at least a breast ultrasound lately? Also, check if she has any swollen lymph nodes under her armpit.

Either way, she needs to see a doctor immediately! It doesn't matter if she's currently abroad—she needs to head straight to an ER right now!

Ronald Anderson93 said:A few years back, my dad fought TB, and about two months ago, he was hospitalized with pneumonia and concerns that the TB might have flared up again. They cleared the infection with antibiotics, but the bronchoscopy results were concerning:

" ... dark mass found in the right third segment bronchus. Pathologists cannot provide a definitive diagnosis regarding the tumor type. Suggesting a CT scan of the chest and upper abdomen."

The CT findings show:

".....along the right bronchi, the apical posterior and anterior segments show solid tissue interspersed with calcifications of varying sizes, most likely representing post-specific cicatricial changes. Mildly dilated bronchi and a pulled horizontal interlobar fissure, seemingly as a consequence of the described scarring. Similar changes in extent, location, and appearance are visible in the left upper lobe alongside slightly more pronounced bronchiectasis ...."

Now, looking at this through a layman's eyes, the CT seems to point toward nothing but scarring left behind by the TB, yet the bronchoscopy flagged a tumor.

The pulmonologist is recommending surgery, but we’re hesitating because he’s 64, and there are always risks involved with an operation like this.

Should we go ahead with the surgery, or would it be better to redo the bronchoscopy or seek a second opinion?

Thanks and best regards!

It might be wise to repeat the bronchoscopy—basically, you need a definitive pathology report.
If the man is generally healthy and doesn't have major heart issues, surgery at that age shouldn't be as risky as the danger posed by leaving that tumor inside him.
You'll need to sit down with the doctor and weigh all the pros and cons, then let your dad make his own choice based on that, without any outside pressure.

feralridge3 said:Hey there! I don't usually jump into threads like this because I tend to be pretty sensitive to heavy topics, but honestly, with all the bad news floating around lately, I decided it was time to throw some good vibes into the mix and share my own happy update. 🙂
After three years, seven months, and six days out on medical leave, I’m finally back at work on an NG tube. For those who don't remember me, that's because I've been dealing with a malignant brain tumor—one recurrence followed by a second one that we managed to shut down right at the start.
I’m not the same person I used to be when it comes to what I can actually do. My optic nerve is damaged and my hearing has taken a hit too, but I’m not rolling over just yet. I’m just taking it one day at a time, pushing through until I hit my limit. 🙂 The specialists gave me the verdict: all things considered, I did pretty well. ☕
For me, it’s all about staying employed. I need to be able to work and hold my own—I refuse to be dependent on anyone, whether that's physically or financially. 🙂
I wish you all nothing but success—or more importantly, I wish success to your loved ones—as you go out there and fight the good fight against evil.🙂

You just made my whole day!🙂
You really are something else, woman—major props to you!😍

Betty Foster97 said:I actually had no idea about needing this certification. It’s funny because when I traveled through Asia, I didn't have one and nobody ever asked for it...

Well, thanks for the heads-up, that's good to know.

Did they inspect your meds? If they skipped over them, you seriously dodged a bullet. Some countries in the East have incredibly draconian laws regarding painkillers, and once you're stuck in a legal mess there, getting out of it is an absolute nightmare.

feraldrifter6 said:First off, sending strength and support to everyone here. 😉
Secondly: about three months ago, my father-in-law was unexpectedly diagnosed with early-stage throat cancer. During his surgery, they "supposedly" removed everything, and he spent the last two months undergoing radiation. Naturally, he’s been dealing with constant throat inflammation since then. They told him no more radiation was necessary, yet they bumped up the intensity of his current treatments anyway. So, here is my question: we live on the West Coast while he’s out in the Midwest, making it impossible to just drop in on his doctors. Am I legally allowed—or do I even have the right—to request his full medical records covering his treatment history and his current status? I don't know if I should ask his doctors to fax them or if someone in the family can pick them up. My father-in-law isn't much of a talker, so we honestly don't even know how bad things actually are, and I want to get a second opinion from another doctor. I hope that makes sense. Thanks. 😉

Unless your father-in-law gives you the green light—assuming he's still capable of making his own calls—both you and any doctor who bypasses him would be breaking the rules.
Try sitting down with him to discuss getting a second opinion, and let him make the final call. Whatever he decides, you'll have to respect it. At the end of the day, a person has the absolute right to decide their own path, even when it feels completely wrong to the rest of us.
That said, he really ought to have all his medical records in his own possession.

I'm pretty sure you're going to need a doctor's note, and it'll have to be in English. Either way, the company will lay out exactly what they need from you and how to handle it.

Thanks to Facebook, I finally figured out why one of my toes (the fourth one) is actually smaller than my pinky. 😍

It turns out I have brachymetatarsia, a condition where the metatarsal bone is just too short, which basically stunts the growth of the toe attached to it during childhood.
I spent my whole life thinking my cousin and I were some kind of weird outliers, but apparently, it’s not that rare—people are just too embarrassed to talk about it.
After digging around on Google, I saw some incredible surgical results, and honestly, now I really want it done.
Does anyone know where or who performs this kind of surgery here in the States? Maybe at the Mayo Clinic? And what kind of damage are we talking about cost-wise? I see Americans throwing around figures like $10,000 🙄

fadedtrucker5 said:Hey everyone, my dear friends... I wanted to check in before I head to the hospital. So, I got my MRI results back yesterday, and it looks like I’ve still got a tenant living in my head who isn't paying rent. 🙂
The doctor is optimistic, and honestly, so am I. Surgery should be happening toward the end of this week, and I’m really hoping everything goes smoothly. At the end of the day, all I want is for this headache to finally stop.
I’ll post an update once everything is over. Until then, sending you all my love and big hugs—stay strong through whatever life throws at you. 🙂

Hang in there, honey. You've got this. Sending nothing but positive vibes your way!

stormymason30 said:My dad went through surgery for colon cancer and finished 12 rounds of chemo. The results have been nothing short of miraculous—his markers dropped from 398 all the way down to 8. Doctors basically gave him a few months left at most, yet here we are, a full year past the surgery... still going. About a month before he started chemo, he began taking Immuno (I think they aren't even allowed to use the specific brand names in ads anymore). It’s outrageously expensive, though... roughly $267 for just 30 little packets of powder. That said, it worked wonders for his blood counts, which is everything, because if those numbers aren't right, you can't even start the chemo. My dad is a fighter, a true optimist, but even so, I wonder about the cost. It definitely helps stabilize things for the heavy lifting like chemo, but I'm not entirely convinced you need something as pricey as Immuno just to boost your immunity when there are plenty of cheaper, more natural ways to handle that...

That's the million-dollar question right there. 😍

Michelle Cooper8 said:Hi everyone, I have a question, and if anyone knows the answer, please let me know.
So, my father had surgery for prostate cancer last year in May. It was stage one, caught during a routine checkup.

The cell malignancy grade was 7, and they performed a total prostatectomy. Since then, he hasn't needed any radiation or chemotherapy.

At his first follow-up three months after the surgery, his PSA was 0.00.

However, at his most recent checkup, it was 0.01. I realize that doesn't sound like much, but you know how it is—once you've been burned, you're wary of everything. This whole thing started by accident; his PSA spiked during a checkup, but they initially brushed it off as inflammation and told him the ultrasound showed nothing, only for it to be discovered later through additional testing.
I would really appreciate it if someone could share their perspective: does a 0.01 mean something is developing, or is it just negligible?

I spent two nights reading through this entire thread from page one, and I honestly admire everyone here for their courage. Hang in there. 🙂

Markers aren't reliable diagnostic tools on their own; they are strictly used for monitoring trends and flagging potential concerns. A result like this doesn't point to anything significant. Markers can react to various things, like inflammation, for instance. That’s exactly why those reference ranges exist—to define what is considered normal.
In my view, as long as he stays consistent with his regular checkups and monitoring, there’s no reason to panic.