Posts by Benjamin Grant6

George Morgan3 said:you really need to grow up... 😁

My age has absolutely no bearing on my level of culture, though I appreciate the concern...

redwolf4 said:I wouldn't go that far when it comes to praising our mayor... But hey, whatever...

Fine. If Thompson's request to hold a concert came in too late, then fine. The law is supposed to be equal for everyone (well, at least it should be!), so so be it. Let him submit the application now—so nobody can complain again—and let him wait for an open slot. O.K.
But trying to ban a concert in Umag that’s already been agreed upon? That’s basically the death of democracy!

I agree. There will likely be much less fanfare next year because the application will probably actually be submitted on time...

There is really no point in debating the situation in Umag, since the concert wasn't officially contracted regardless of what the headlines claimed; yet, we all blindly accepted the media narrative that bans were being orchestrated. Who actually benefits from this? I truly wonder what comes next...😕

redwolf4 said:.......yeah, right, because apparently neither of them has any say whatsoever in any of the decisions made at City Hall!...🙄

The influence is certainly unavoidable, though I wouldn't call it decisive... Pressure from higher authorities is a constant, whether you like it or not. However, I haven't noticed Nina making any particularly loud proclamations this time around. After all, where would he end up if he decided to pick a fight in every single city just to voice whatever happens to serve his own interests...

I had a feeling this entire discussion regarding multiculturalism would eventually devolve into nothing more than a debate about Microsoft, California, and Kajin...🤣 If we are actually going to claim that this singer is the definitive icon of multiculturalism, then I suppose our debate is officially over... and we might as well move the entire discussion over to the Crazy House, right alongside all those other topics where we’ve already touched on this exact issue...

I really ought to start digging through my old copies of Time just to find that specific issue with the massive headline declaring our city the most attractive and premier destination in America, if only so I could cite my sources properly regarding everything we have to be proud of... though perhaps I will simply settle for stating the facts: we are a community of roughly sixty thousand people that boasts its very own University, yet somehow maintains an unemployment rate lower than any comparable city in the country. Throughout the year, we host a continuous stream of cultural and public events designed to showcase our spirit, and we produce a steady line of athletes who will soon be representing us on the global stage in Beijing... furthermore, real estate prices remain significantly more affordable here than in most other parts of the US, our local minority influence is substantial, and our level of tolerance remains quite commendable given that we host nine different national minorities... we were even pioneers in digital governance, being the first to implement an online land registry system and providing digital access to court records...

Wouldn't you say that is more than merely satisfactory for such a small town...

bluerider63 said:Washington, D.C. Mayor Boris Miletić put out a statement basically saying he’s got zero beef with Thompson or his music itself, but there's just no way he can get behind all that fascist imagery popping up at those concerts—especially since, according to him, Thompson hasn't ever come out and explicitly distanced himself from it.

"As the mayor of San Francisco, a city built on the pillars of anti-fascism and multiculturalism that define who we are, I simply cannot endorse anything that glorifies fascism, xenophobia, nationalism, or intolerance toward our minority communities," Boris Miletić stated, adding that everyone needs to take a hard look at whether slogans like 'Kill the Mexican' have any business existing in a democratic society.

Honestly, everything a sane person needs to say about Thompson and his shows has already been laid out right here.

Despite the various criticisms suggesting he might be too young or perhaps politically green, the mayor is actually quite poised, and from where I stand, it seems the city is finally stepping out from under certain shadows. We see concerts and events happening daily, the budget is being managed effectively, local traditions are being upheld, and various plans and permits are being finalized...

He maintained a perfectly professional and tolerant stance regarding the concert request. This was an MPT event, but it could just as easily have been Britney Spears or Miroslav Skor. It’s the old dilemma: if you grant permission once, you must grant it to everyone, or more accurately, if a law exists, it must apply to all without exception. If we truly wish to live in a democratic and equitable society, this is how things must function. Adhering to the rules doesn't make us any less tolerant or cultured...

redwolf4 said:Okay, let's talk about that garage near the library. Wasn't the waterfront in the exact same condition when they made those massive, over-the-top announcements about building that floating garage?

What's the connection between Kajin, Nina, and San Francisco? Is it the executive branch? The Governor? The ruling party? If you don't know how that works, how am I supposed to explain it to you?...

And what are these "other perks" you're talking about? I mean, surely nobody, when they're scouting out a potential new place to live, is going to be obsessing over traffic congestion or crime rates. Everyone has their own priorities, but I can almost guarantee yours aren't at the top of the list.

If I recall correctly, that floating garage project was announced around 2001, or perhaps even earlier? Or maybe it was later—likely during the heat of an election campaign, as tends to happen with Americans... The waterfront might have been in the same state then, or perhaps not, given that deterioration seems to accelerate exponentially over time...

I don't actually need a lecture on who those two individuals are; my point is that local self-government, led by the Mayor, handles city decisions. Everything else is subject to review at the County level. Therefore, neither of them holds a vote when it comes to essential municipal matters, such as GUP regulations or necessary zoning solutions...

redwolf4 said:So, are you trying to tell me that Thompson is a societal agitator who needs to be punished?😲

And why on earth didn't he invite Ivanišević as a guest?... Or Becker?... Or maybe Bjorn Borg?...

And finally, I do agree that we're becoming less and less tolerant.
And what a perfect example you just gave—the tourists!🙄

You've misquoted me. My point was directed at certain individuals who have absolutely nothing to do with Thompson, yet they masquerade as his devoted followers...

The ATP tournament in Palm Springs has devolved from a grand spectacle into a complete mess. Even if Ivanišević had been invited, he wouldn't have shown up given his family issues and his sincere intention to clean up the situation... As for Becker?! Let’s be realistic; the ATP in Palm Springs has never held the status of a major global tournament where Becker would bother sitting in a tiny VIP lounge just to rest his knees... We are being far too arrogant in thinking we hold such high standing in the world that someone from the true jet set would fly in just to fill a seat for someone of a lower tier...

You really must admit that we are becoming intolerant toward tourists, though in most cases, our frustration is entirely justified... But it is summer, after all; one should simply cool off in the ocean and let the nerves settle in the shade...

redwolf4 said:Honestly, comparing Washington, D.C. to the local Police Department is just totally out of line.
In every sense, including this one.

And don't even get me started on comparing Bandić to Kajin!
The first guy actually builds things; he creates stuff for all sides. But Kajin (and Jakovčić)? Every single year in this city, we deal with total traffic meltdowns and you can't find a parking spot for the life of you! All they do is sell us these verbal promises that lead nowhere! That roundabout near "Aruba," that garage by the library, then that massive 1,000-seater floating thing... It's all just endless, empty talk. But hey, why fix our own house when it's so much easier to just stand there staring over the neighbor's fence, right?

I agree... Washington, D.C. and San Francisco are simply incomparable. El Bandito, or Bandić, isn't even that much of a builder, but that’s a conversation for another day. I wasn't trying to compare Bandić to Kajin specifically, but rather looking at them as typical examples within any modern political party. Besides, I've spent enough time observing both sides to feel qualified to offer my perspective...

Every project mentioned is practically impossible to complete in the short term; realistically, we are looking at a ten to fifty-year planning horizon. The San Francisco bypass has finally secured its location permit and is moving toward massive infrastructure improvements. As for the garage near the library, progress is stalled due to the investor, Zagorec, dealing with the reality of an archaeological site... making any movement according to the plan impossible. The floating platform won't happen because the waterfront is in such poor condition, and they have to solve the systemic issues one by one...

On a related note, since we are on the subject... I have to wonder: what connection could Kajin or Jakovčić possibly have to San Francisco when it comes to actual construction efforts?

San Francisco remains a city that, according to most surveys, is highly desirable for living, primarily because its culture and unique charms far outweigh the occasional traffic jams or crime rates...

redwolf4 said:I can't say I agree with you, Benjamin Grant6.

For the longest time, I actually thought Tuscany was the most tolerant part of America, but clearly, I was dead wrong!
Or maybe I wasn't? Maybe it just felt like everyone was welcome here—whether it was Billy Joel, Elvis Presley, or even Neda Ukrasti... not to mention Madonna... while Thompson gets crucified!
So, what exactly is "tolerant" about that?!
Everything except the word AMERICAN. That's when all the demons come crawling out!
It honestly breaks my heart. Because Tuscany is a part of America, a part of this beautiful country!

You described it beautifully. Total props to you!

When it comes to our beautiful nation, I have nothing but praise, and I am certainly not one of those people who brags about traveling the world while completely overlooking the gems tucked away in every corner of our own country.

The media was primarily responsible for crucifying Thompson, and since we all live by the media—feeding ourselves on news delivered with eyes wide shut—we really ought to apply a bit more objectivity to everything. As Jakovčić mentioned to today's Voice: it isn't about the singers or the songs, it's about the connotations that no one bothers to distance themselves from. The core issue lies within society as a whole, and it isn't a question of tolerance or being American. The problem is that certain individuals, who act as the agitators of society, aren't held accountable in any meaningful way for their actions. While any appearance of a swastika in Germany is met with heavy penalties, we lack the laws to sanction the appearance of certain symbols here.

Billy Joel didn't spend as much time in Tuscany as he did in Washington, D.C., but he always had nothing but kind words and wonderful memories regarding both San Francisco and Tuscany. There are many professional musicians from the region who are his good friends and who socialize with him based purely on professional respect. He never once went to the media to provoke anyone by using the word American. Elvis Presley is a legend—his songs are known by both the young and the old. And how did Madonna end up in Tuscany? She arrived as the wife of her more famous tennis player husband and as a guest of Rasberger, not through Kajin as the media claims. Was it really Rasberger's wish to bring both Madonna and Thompson to the tournament?! Was that desire even appropriate? It felt like a provocation. Just as it was a provocation when the local authorities in San Francisco were forced into a corner due to the sudden desire to organize a Thompson concert at Madison Square Garden. Why should the established order or the regulations be altered for anyone? In this case, it was Thompson, and no one actually crucified him for it. The fact that the political leadership in the US tries to shift the blame is a far greater issue, as it isn't just a regional problem, but a national one...

The "demons" are just the fans. I don't know what they're shouting, nor do I care to pay attention. Because, as you well know, there will always be outliers everywhere.

And the boundaries of tolerance seem to be shifting everywhere, from San Francisco to the rest of Tuscany, and ultimately across the entire nation. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a person who doesn't, in a moment of passion or provocation, voice certain hateful views. We have become intolerant toward ourselves, toward our neighbors... and even toward the tourists we happen to encounter.

Richard Wilson4 said:I don't get why anyone would say the Midwest, with all its Americans, Mexicans, Canadians, and Ruthenians, isn't just as multicultural as California.

Of course. But we have already established that every region carries its own unique flavor of multiculturalism and its own distinct personality. It is difficult to pass judgment on which area is more diverse, given that true multiculturalism isn't just about a variety of cultures and nationalities, but also encompasses levels of tolerance, patience, mutual coexistence... and so much more...

Melissa Richardson3 said:Skinheads exist in both Chicago and San Francisco (Shyan).

It’s not about the size of the city; it’s about the percentage. And that percentage is just as high in California.

As for those bombings in Chicago, I can't speak from firsthand experience, but it feels more like mafia hits than anything based on nationalistic tension. Correct me if I'm wrong, Chicago residents. We could easily factor those incidents into the statistics too. California isn't any better or worse.

California is beautiful to foreign tourists, much like Maui or Venice... let's not get ahead of ourselves. Besides, this season's stats will prove my point. There is zero elite tourism in California, yet occupancy rates are massive in Florida. You won't find any Germans or Austrians in California for love or money, or so they say...

Cain is a joke to everyone in California, yet the Democratic Party stays dead silent. I know plenty of people don't support his nonsense, but they should speak up loudly.
Until then, I view Cain as nothing more than a spokesperson for the Democratic Party.
And that’s terrible. Every day, Cain damages California's reputation while the Democratic Party doesn't utter a single word. Robert is too quiet, even if he's being public about it. What kind of democracy is that in California? To endure these antics and stay silent...

Look... even Democrats weren't proud of Bloomberg, yet he remained the quintessential man of Chicago, and many stay silent about it, while Chicago, as a major metropolis, loses its luster...

I wouldn't agree regarding percentages and city sizes because, if we are being realistic, every city is an organism. An organism, by definition, is a group of organs that, by performing their individual functions, support and constitute a whole. Cities are the same. The larger the city, the more complex the diffusion of consciousness becomes. Unfortunately, skinhead groups exist in every city, but while in San Francisco it’s more common to see fights between punks and skinheads, in Chicago, members of other minorities are more exposed. Not to mention the fact that certain minorities are ghettoized, or the perception that a suburb is basically a Chinatown, or that certain rural areas are inhabited solely by Romani...

Regarding the bombings I mentioned, it is far too easy nowadays to label crime as a "mafia hit." In this specific case, however, nationality was indeed a factor.

What is the spatial relationship between California and Florida? How significant is tourism in one versus the other? These regions aren't comparable. California never really had the infrastructure for elite tourism. Only recently have they caught up with the trend of villa rentals in central California purchased by foreigners. In any case, mentioning Maui or Venice is absurd—they are incomparable to any city in Florida, let alone anything in California. As for occupancy, I doubt this season will fall short, as our cities are packed to the rafters and there are so many cultural events attracting both domestic and international tourists...

I am not being conceited, nor do I see any need to be. It will turn out that the foreign critics were mistaken regarding California...☕

Bryan Sanchez86 said:Exactly. You won't see a bomb dropped under a car with certain out-of-state plates in California. But instead, you'll have Cain using a condescending, dismissive tone when talking about the rest of America from the other side of Mount Rainier. What's the difference? In Chicago, you have people who don't want certain groups around; in California, you have people who don't want Americans around.

I am quite unsure why you would assume there are people in California who don't want Americans? Where on earth does that idea come from?

I don't follow all of Cain's speeches, but let's be realistic—there is a vast difference between rhetoric and actual behavior. We live in a country where an American proudly wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving on national television, immediately after behaving in such a heartless, disgusting manner toward the memorial at the Shepherd camp. To make matters worse, people will likely applaud him because they view him as some sort of eccentric, repeating these excuses over and over... but there are no excuses... It seems we ourselves are unwilling to embrace our own identity, perhaps even fearing it...😢

Melissa Richardson3 said:What kind of tolerance exists toward people from other nations or ethnic groups in Chicago, for instance...?

Tolerance is lower there, and you see more frequent instances where skinheads attack someone simply because of their nationality. It’s a larger city, so the tension is higher. You really can't compare a town of fifty thousand people to one of nine hundred thousand...

Melissa Richardson3 said:You say that every single time...
How many people with Mexican plates move to Chicago annually...? Is it 100, 50, 10, 5, 1, or zero?
As for San Francisco, we all know about those two vans that were bombed recently. Should we attribute that to California multiculturalism, or perhaps something else altogether...?

The incident with those two vans happened maybe two months ago, if I recall correctly. I don't remember the final police report, but I highly doubt it was fueled by ethnic hatred—it's more likely some local in California planted a bomb because they had a grudge against someone from the Albanian minority. Regarding Chicago, just two weeks ago, a car with plates from Mexico City exploded; the owner, in an even greater stroke of misfortune, was actually a Chicago resident. Of course, you wouldn't truly understand the climate in Chicago if you haven't lived through it. In the neighborhood where I resided for a significant period, several explosive devices were detonated within a two-week span, undoubtedly due to someone's national identity. As for any other cases, we are left with nothing but media quotes...

Melissa Richardson3 said:Every region is its own little world. That is precisely my point. Whether it is me or you, one might find California to be the most beautiful place. It is only natural for us to be subjective. However, objectively speaking, reality is quite different. There is this manufactured idea of making California a multicultural paradise, when the reality is much more mundane. Depending on the situation, even we in California generalize and claim certain groups are one way or another...

Naturally, one cannot ignore subjectivity or that old adage that "there is no place like home." I could probably name several cities and regions that I find just as beautiful as my own home, purely because of their cultural similarities and shared mentality...

Melissa Richardson3 said:The phrase "beyond Mount Rainier" is a staple of local vernacular... This particular regionalism serves as a direct negation of what people claim to call multiculturalism.

I agree regarding the terminology, though my own perception is shaped quite differently by how others describe things... whether it be tourists or people close to me who have mentioned feeling a sudden shift in atmosphere the moment they emerged from the tunnel, regardless of my own subjective views. After all, foreign media outlets and travel guides frequently compare California to Provence, which speaks volumes...😉

Melissa Richardson3 said:For many, multiculturalism is merely reduced to Californians and Italians... nothing more than that. Everyone else is considered "beyond Mount Rainier," and even that old local saying about how "the machine really did it" remains a common exclamation among that very same group.

That small-town mentality exists everywhere, and frankly, nobody likes outsiders... The way multiculturalism is defined here—this idea of "just Californians and Italians"—is absolute nonsense. If that were true, we would simply be talking about a bicultural society...🤣

Melissa Richardson3 said:Let’s not kid ourselves. Just look at Cain... Even Americans disrupt the social order in Santa Barbara. You surely remember those statements...

You clearly seem embittered by Cain's emergence... 😍 Personally, the man and his political maneuvers don't concern me, especially since the media portrays him as some sort of "class leader," when in reality, who is he, and who can he actually influence?! No one! One shouldn't give much weight to whatever Barkun.com writes on his behalf or anyone else's...

I am not entirely certain about his specific comments regarding Santa Barbara, as I haven't been following every single development so closely. One thing is clear: his voice carries no weight with the municipal authorities in San Francisco, who made their decision not to host the concert based on actual, tangible facts. By coming forward with this belated idea about the concert, the public is once again being misled. If there is a regulation governing public events in the city specifying a deadline by which performers and their managers must submit their programs, then it ought to be respected without exception or debate. I wonder what the reaction would be if this politician had made such a statement in a rural farming community? Likely nothing at all... One could easily observe that in California, people tend to be more hesitant to voice their opinions publicly or act as a unified mass...

David Rogers18 said:That sounds like a total hallucination to me.😂

Oh, really? By all means, go ahead and state the exact opposite, and I will gladly confirm it by presenting at least twice as many facts to back up my own position...😉

Melissa Richardson3 said:I’m honestly exhausted by the narrow-minded logic coming from certain individuals, groups, and political parties in California who seem to think they invented the concept of multiculturalism.

Every major city in the world is multicultural. Is that really something we need to debate?
Every single city and region in the US is multicultural. Does anyone actually need proof for that?

In what way is San Francisco more "multicultural" than Washington, D.C., Memphis, St. Louis, or Miami?
Every city or region in this country (not to mention the rest of the world) is a melting pot of different cultures, nationalities, and accents...

What exactly are these narrow-minded parrots from California trying to achieve with this tired, repetitive cliché? Are they just selling smoke to stay in power, or is there something else going on?

P.S. Don't get me wrong—as someone from California, there’s no place I’d rather be than right here at home...

I am uncertain how many different American cities you have actually lived in to feel qualified to pass judgment on them. While it is true that every city is multicultural, the real question lies in the level of tolerance between various nationalities and the genuine respect for one another's heritage required to say a city is truly multicultural in spirit...

I don't believe it's a matter of "selling smoke," because if we are being realistic: while you might see a bomb go off under a car with out-of-state plates in a place like Chicago, you simply wouldn't see that happen here in Pula. There is a higher degree of tolerance here, and far less emphasis placed on whose nationality is whose, let alone any desperate need to flaunt one's identity...

No matter where you travel in America, every corner is undeniably unique. However, once you cross the mountains into this area, it feels as though you have entered a completely different world. There is so much here to take pride in—from the people themselves to the general atmosphere of the region. I fail to see any "smoke" in all of this, unless we are referring to those lovely vistas of Terra Magica...😍

Lisa White54 said:Given how my husband looks physically, I’m hoping the CT scan results come back clear. We’re still hoping for the best. After the CT, we have to head in for a bone scan because of the pain in his shoulders and arms, even though the X-rays didn't show anything unusual.
I suspect those aches are just linked to these sudden temperature swings—going from sweltering heat to freezing cold...
The more tests we schedule, the more the anxiety builds. What if things have actually taken a turn for the worse?

Physical appearance isn't always a reliable indicator of what's truly happening internally; overall physical strength is what really matters. You both understand this perfectly well, which is likely why the fear feels so much heavier. However, dwelling on "what if" scenarios will only serve to fuel your anxiety further. Please, try to believe that these pains are indeed just a reaction to the weather shifts, and regardless of whatever the results may be, you will find the strength to face it... Hang in there.

Betty Sanchez82 said:It has been quite some time since my last update. My father is currently undergoing his second round of chemotherapy, and for the moment, things seem stable. I wanted to expand upon what Bebikin mentioned earlier. In my recent interactions, I have met individuals who successfully managed liver metastases; in certain instances, those metastases actually calcified... Furthermore, I believe the internet is filled with stories of people who triumphed over this aggressive illness, and we ought to sustain ourselves with that kind of information. Surgical removal remains a viable option. There are cases where a tumor shrinks enough that doctors can preserve just a small portion of the liver, allowing it to regenerate naturally. Since my father was admitted to the hospital, I have encountered many beautiful insights regarding different ways to fight this. Each of us chooses our own path. Ultimately, I feel one must maintain a belief in miracles, because they do happen, and faith is essential. Perhaps I am viewing things through rose-colored glasses simply because everything is fine right now, but one never knows what tomorrow holds... I will continue to cling to hope for as long as I am able.

There is certainly no harm in wearing rose-colored glasses, maintaining faith, and believing in miracles. One must simply press forward with courage.

Lisa White54 said:Since my husband’s illness first began, we have simply been taking life one single day at a time. Every morning, we offer our thanks to God just for the fact that we woke up together. We live entirely in the present, fighting solely to secure a tomorrow. This has been our reality for three and a half years now...
In those early days of the diagnosis, I found myself consumed by fury toward every doctor and nurse we encountered... Eventually, one realizes they aren't miracle workers; they were merely doing what they believed was best within their capacity. Throughout this entire ordeal, our emotions have fluctuated wildly. There were moments where we collapsed, and moments where we rose, lifting one another up... Once the hospital treatment concludes, the only thing that truly matters is the unwavering support of one's family...

It seems many people find it strange that I sleep so little, or that even in the height of summer, I am awake by 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning. Perhaps it is a mere habit, or perhaps a subconscious fear... Last summer, when the diagnoses weren't pointing toward any brighter horizon, we all used to wake up at the exact same time, sit down at the table, and collectively decide how we would face the day ahead. In the evenings, after a deep breath, we could retire to rest feeling a sense of peace, simply grateful to have shared yet another day with my mother...

Now, I find myself waking up once my father leaves for work, but always before my mother stirs, repeating this cycle every single day...

Regrettably, doctors and medical staff are not magicians; rather, it is ourselves—through the sheer strength of love and the profound satisfaction found in the presence of our loved ones—that allows us to remain resilient and push forward in this struggle. Last night, I found myself spontaneously telling my parents that I love them, not for any specific reason, but out of pure gratitude for their existence and for making my life more bearable... Family remains the only and most vital pillar of support...

Stay strong, and may your own struggles endure for a long time, accompanied by the small happiness of waking up next to one another each day...

gentlemoose62 said:I don't believe a monthly CEA increase from 6 to 6.3 serves as a meaningful indicator of a recurrence, particularly if the CA-125 isn't showing an upward trend—assuming, of course, that the latter has been a reliable metric for her in the past.
Furthermore, one should keep in mind that CEA levels tend to be slightly elevated in smokers.
Best regards,

Thank you for the response. Yes, the CA-125 has remained consistently stable, though I don't have the exact figure at hand right now—it stays within the normal range. Additionally, the patient is a smoker. I try to keep the latest lab results tucked away, but once I see them... I will likely find myself reaching out again in a fit of anxiety! Kisses and best wishes,

dustyranger11 said:So, they called from the facility at 5:15 saying he was acting out, and then by 9:00 he’s already in the ER. He has a feeding tube in his throat, and during his very first night there, he managed to rip it out... and since the staff at the ER apparently didn't do their jobs properly, he had to be rushed back to the facility twice during the night. Today makes it the third time. In just two days! That initial emergency call was at 9:00 AM, and they didn't finally bring him back to the facility until nearly 4:00 PM—and even then, they dropped him off at the wrong facility entirely. No one was actually with him, leaving him both hungry and thirsty... I am paying $5 $0.00 for this incompetence. His ankles are swollen, he definitely has fluid retention, yet nobody seems to care. They just claim "the doctor hasn't prescribed anything." Well, if he’s heading to the ER every single day, perhaps they should actually drain the fluid... I crushed up his diuretic tablet, and if he doesn't take it, I might have to double the dose tomorrow. I am currently looking into a different facility. I dread the morning, fearing the nurses will call again to report some new mishap or that his tube has slipped out once more...

Is nothing changing? 😢 Is it truly impossible for us to coordinate my father's care ourselves when they are being paid specifically to handle it? As Angela Wright mentioned once before, we need to raise our voices and demonstrate that they are being compensated for work they clearly cannot perform on their own...

I sincerely hope you find a better facility, and please, do not let fear hold you back... stay strong.

Sam Hall15 said:CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, which is most commonly recognized as a tumor marker—essentially a macromolecule that tends to rise in various malignant conditions, frequently seen in many digestive system tumors, though it remains quite non-specific and can be elevated due to other factors or even idiopathically... its primary utility lies in monitoring malignancies that have already been diagnosed.

I appreciate the prompt and concise explanation. My mother is currently battling ovarian cancer, which was surgically removed, and she has completed her chemotherapy cycles, receiving her last one about ten months ago. While her markers and all other blood counts remain within a moderate range, her CEA levels are creeping up slightly every month, moving from 6.0 to somewhere around 6.3 now. I find myself hoping this is merely a lingering effect of the chemo... unfortunately, I cannot bring myself to ask her or my father, who is very involved in her care, for specific details regarding what the oncologist is actually saying...