Posts by Benjamin Grant6

slyseal28 said:My dear friends,

I haven't been posting here as frequently lately due to an increased workload regarding the Association and our website, though I do follow your updates religiously. I wanted to share that the Association is operating at full capacity; we are recruiting members and designing brochures and flyers that will cover essential information about malignant diseases, therapeutic options, and socio-psychological guidance for living with such conditions...
We have even welcomed a prominent professor from the University of Chicago School of Economics as a member, someone who has been fighting breast cancer for six years. She has spoken out multiple times regarding the obstacles patients face and has expressed profound dissatisfaction with the state of oncology in America. She has appeared in the media on several occasions.
Furthermore, I want you to know that we are bringing together public figures who have recognized our determination, persistence, and strength.
We have also been invited to the US Congress, where we intend to present several of the most pressing issues faced by patients. In doing so, we will ensure we address problems common to all those battling malignancy, rather than limiting ourselves to a single diagnosis. Our position is that cancer patients encounter similar hurdles, and if we truly wish to resolve them, we must unite. Whether it is carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, or brain tumors—we will raise our voices together so that we might finally be heard. These problems simply won't be solved unless we insist upon them...
Regarding support, it is certainly necessary, ranging from financial assistance to printed educational materials concerning diseases, treatment modalities, and side effects. We need you.

To everyone who has joined us thus far, thank you so much. Within the next fifteen days, you should receive your membership cards at your home addresses, and later this month, we plan to organize a gathering in Washington, D.C., where we can meet in person and discuss both the challenges and their potential solutions. For those unable to attend, we will arrange an online meeting.
That is all for now.

Warm regards to all the fighters, the members, and those just observing—please continue to write and share information, as a single piece of knowledge can be life-changing for someone.

Bravo! I am certain that all of this will resonate deeply, not merely because of the influence of public figures, but because of the sheer volume of the collective voice!
kisses

mellowraven32 said:The AT&T test involves measuring glucose via venous blood samples...
The patient is required to maintain a standard diet for at least three days, consisting of approximately 200-250 grams of carbohydrates daily. One must remain physically active as usual, without any sudden lifestyle shifts. It is imperative to avoid medications that interfere with the metabolism of glucose or other sugars. Furthermore, one should refrain from taking any medications containing the pyrazolone group or Vitamin C, and avoid X-ray exposure, for at least 24 hours prior to the challenge. Typically, the testing process commences in the morning, between 7:00 and 8:00 AM.
For adults, the challenge involves 75 grams of glucose dissolved in tea devoid of Vitamin C, whereas pregnant women are administered 100 grams of glucose.
Glucose levels are measured in the venous serum both before the glucose load and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes following administration. Smoking is strictly prohibited during the procedure, and the patient must remain at rest...
In addition to serum glucose, urinary glucose may also be assessed at specific intervals: while fasting, and again at 60 and 120 minutes after the glucose load.

As for my own experience, I was provided with absolutely no instructions prior to the actual AT&T procedure. I was simply told to arrive on an empty stomach, much like any other routine blood work. In the morning, I provided a urine sample followed by blood... then they handed me this rather tasteless glucose solution—I believe it was in a 200ml cup—and instructed me to return in two hours, noting that I shouldn't move around too much...

Angela Wright said:🙏Queen !!!
Thank you so much for this!
Today, slyseal28 spoke on Catholic Radio (she was absolutely fascinating and quite formidable, carrying herself with the poise of a seasoned politician😍, truly intimidating—you all really need to meet her). We also have a feature on the public portal openly, and next week we’ll be on NBC; things are certainly picking up momentum for us. We are working on connecting with other associations and foundations to expand our reach into other states. We have several meetings scheduled for tomorrow and next week... everything is moving along quite rapidly and positively. We are even hoping to secure some municipal space from the city, which would make organizing gatherings much easier. I am genuinely thrilled about all of this👍
We will be calling a meeting very soon.

Wonderful! Simply wonderful! >>And so the wheels are turning<< might be the phrase to use!!!! I am still buried under my university coursework, but I promise to get more involved starting Sunday or Monday, and I will finally submit my application! Please forgive me for being a bit slow to respond, but please know I am thinking of you all and you have my full support! It is especially meaningful because when my mother was going through her darkest moments, the Gea Association in San Francisco helped her face everything and realize she wasn't alone in fighting this grueling illness!

Kisses and... I know you will succeed in everything you set out to do!

Linda Peterson37 said:Linda Campbell, that would be absolutely wonderful and truly kind of you! Just let me know how we might get in touch...
We picked up some shark cartilage capsules in Chicago today, and as soon as they arrive this evening, Dad is going to start taking them.
But, unfortunately, Dad’s condition has taken a turn for the worse, and it all happened so suddenly... he was doing well for such a long time, almost as if he weren't even sick, and then all at once he can't feel his left arm, then his speech becomes difficult, and after two days, it stabilizes into him being unable to stand... I don't know... honestly, I am desperate!
Desperate!
He had been feeling so good, without any issues or discomfort, and now.... I hope and believe that the shark cartilage will help him...
I just don't know what else we can do..
Sometimes sadness just overwhelms me, an immense sadness because I want to help him so badly and yet I can't... anger, despair, helplessness, sorrow, rage, and apathy toward everything else constantly swirl together, and even though I know it doesn't help, I simply cannot change it...

Once again, my comment has vanished into the void of this virtual world.

Do not let the sadness consume you or make you feel powerless. Every time the weight settles on your mind and the tears begin to fall... just stop for a moment and breathe, and remember how much you are doing for your father and how much he needs you to stay composed. My brother would tell you right now: "There is nothing to be gained from tears; they only weigh you down and help no one. Smile and find some humor. Find a way to make him laugh, and it will be easier for both of you."

Stay strong, and I truly hope the shark cartilage provides some relief.

kisses

Elizabeth Gonzalez55 said:Hello!

I just received some updates from Germany—before the very first injection, they performed a PET/CT scan to establish a baseline, and the results came back just half an hour ago.

There was some "activity" showing up in two spots: at the surgical scar on the lower leg (where the surgeons already admitted they didn't manage to get everything out, so this was expected) and in the groin area, which also underwent surgery, though the pathology report from three months ago showed nothing there...

Now, since the initial PET/CT also picked up some nodes that ultimately turned out to be completely clear on pathology, I’m not taking this finding at face value, but it is quite evident that there is a significant possibility this reflects the actual situation.

I am relieved, certainly, because all the other organs still appear clean, with no signs of metastasis. On the flip side, there is a lingering worry that perhaps some of the tumor survived the surgery in the groin and is continuing to spread...

Then again, he hasn't even received his first dose of DCvax yet, and it wouldn't have been particularly realistic to expect any kind of spontaneous remission or anything of the sort just yet...

I'm honestly not sure whether to celebrate or descend into despair... Regardless, the fight continues, and we are anticipating a win in the next round.

By the way, someone asked how we ended up in Germany—personally, I tracked down the doctor's address online and sent him an email; he replied the very same day, and that's how it all began.

Sending strength to all my fellow fighters; I hope we all find the energy needed for the battles ahead!

Don't let yourself slip into depression, nor should you lose yourself in pure celebration; try to remain an optimist and keep the faith. Believe, just as you wrote yourself: the fight goes on! Just stay brave and persistent... You're already winning this round—just keep pushing toward that final victory! kisses

redharbor23 said:Hello, everyone.

I simply wanted to express how wonderful the work being done on this subforum truly is; it deserves nothing short of immense praise. I stumbled upon this community quite by chance about a month ago, and I have been so impressed that I’ve been slowly gathering the courage to finally contribute a few words...
To be honest, my father lost his eight-year battle with multiple myeloma just three months ago. There were so many times when neither my mother nor I felt we could even talk to our close friends about it, because, unfortunately, this is something only those who have walked this path can truly grasp. We had no one to turn to for information, so we were essentially stumbling through the dark... I spent my time devouring medical texts, scouring the internet, and constantly chasing down doctors. I am relieved to see that there is finally an American website available with all the necessary information regarding myeloma...
We certainly had to learn everything the hard way—this disease is anything but easy—but if I can offer anyone some advice, share my experience, or even just provide a bit of psychological support (which, ultimately, is what everyone needs most), I will do so gladly. A person facing illness requires every possible ounce of assistance and encouragement...

Stay brave, everyone; don't let this get you down. There are many of us here who understand exactly what you are going through, and you are not alone. Just take it one day at a time. My father never once faltered, even knowing his condition was incurable, because he possessed such incredible faith and a profound will to live. Keep fighting, and I wish you all much success and strength... 👍

Greetings to you as well, redharbor23...

Thank you for this post and for the support you've offered. It is truly heartening to hear from someone who understands and knows exactly what you are enduring...

On this subforum, one finds stories and advice that encourage you to keep believing. For me, it helps every single day, providing answers to questions I have no one else to ask... We are all fighters here, full of faith...

kisses

Linda Peterson37 said:I’ve been lurking here for quite some time, reading through everyone’s posts, and I have finally gathered enough courage to contribute a few words of my own...
My family and I are also currently fighting a battle against a tumor—specifically, my father’s recurrent brain tumor. He first underwent surgery for it back in 1999, only for his follow-up MR scan in December 2006 to reveal that the tumor had returned. Because of the specific treatments he received in 1999, conventional chemotherapy or radiation simply weren't options anymore, and surgery was out of the question too, so we turned toward alternative methods. Regardless of what anyone might think about such paths, I can say from our direct experience that they truly helped my father; in fact, when we looked at his November 2007 MR, compared to the previous results from a year prior, the tumor hadn't spread or grown at all. I don't even need to explain how much that single finding meant to us...
Still, there are days when my father feels significantly worse than others, and he is never, ever alone for even a single minute. Someone is always by his side, and occasionally—though certainly not always—we have to step in to assist him with meals or other basic needs...
I want to thank Angela Wright for starting this thread, because the truth is, those who haven't walked this path cannot possibly understand, no matter how much goodwill they may have.

Unfortunately, it is impossible for anyone to truly grasp this unless they wake up every morning gripped by fear and a desperate, driving will to live...

I am so relieved to hear that an alternative approach helped stabilize the tumor! Just stay brave and keep moving forward... kisses

Angela Wright said:There is no reason to be afraid. Cancer is nothing more than a demon that feeds on fear itself...

I find myself in complete agreement with this sentiment... kisses

Linda Campbell said:If I may offer some advice, try feeding him homemade, soft foods; essentially, just give him whatever he actually enjoys eating—be it veal, chicken, turkey, or fish—similar to what we previously suggested. While Nutricomp is excellent, my personal opinion (which you are under no obligation to follow) is that you should save it as a final resort for when his appetite fails, which typically happens once chemotherapy begins. Nutricomp comes in several flavors—vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, and neutral—and we opted for the standard neutral version. I must reiterate, however, that you should consult your surgeon regarding Megostat, as it truly does stimulate the appetite. I also hope you caught that post I sent you the other evening about Dandelion seed tea; that can also help open up an appetite. Right now, the priority is helping him regain enough weight to better endure the chemo sessions. Once the nausea kicks in and he starts losing weight following treatment, then perhaps Nutricomp will be useful so he doesn't grow tired of the taste. It is worth noting that everyone reacts to chemotherapy differently. My mother experienced immediate hair loss and struggled terribly with the first round; she was vomiting violently for the first two days, feeling incredibly weak and unwell... that lasted exactly 14 days, after which she began to rally. We spent a lot of time hiking in the woods at higher altitudes specifically because of the chemo. Her second round went fantastically—perhaps her best—with almost no side effects at all. The third was also good, though not quite as smooth as the second. It all depends entirely on the individual organism. That is all from me for now; if you need anything, just call out, I am right here... regards.

It all comes down to the individual's constitution, as you so rightly noted. Before heading into her first session, my mother was strong and determined, even if a certain amount of fear was lingering beneath the surface. Her primary anxieties centered on hair loss, and she genuinely feared she wouldn't even make it through the first round. On the day she received it, she was there alongside a lady from a nearby city who felt ill immediately and began vomiting. My father panicked instantly, fearing that if my mother felt sick, she wouldn't be able to stay home (and 186 miles that is no small matter), so he rushed to the pharmacy to grab various preparations to settle any potential nausea. However, seeing that she actually felt fine and wasn't nauseous, my mother grew even stronger. Fortunately, she didn't struggle with vomiting, nor did she have issues with her appetite.

She did undergo six rounds of chemo, each lasting about six hours, and by the second round, she had no trouble eating while receiving the treatment. Unfortunately, I simply do not know which specific medications were administered, so please forgive my ignorance.

Stay strong!

Megan Perez67 said:It is truly heartbreaking to read about someone losing their most cherished loved one; my own mother immediately comes to mind... however, I did receive some positive news today: it hasn't spread. I am aware that chemotherapy and radiation lie ahead, but there is a certain sense of relief now, and I am almost certain that we will navigate through this together and everything will turn out fine.
Sending my best to everyone, and I am keeping all of you, as well as my mother, in my prayers, hoping you all remain with us for a very long time.

That is precisely how one must approach these things: with courage, optimism, and unity, you will endure whatever comes... please, continue to be each other's strength, and the burden will feel lighter. As gentlemoose62 mentioned earlier: everything is going to be alright...

kisses

Linda Hill29 said:Today, I find myself feeling quite happy. My father ate reasonably well today, and I can sense his strength beginning to return; he’s displaying those familiar little quirks and facial expressions of his once again. He is also talking and commenting more frequently—he always did enjoy good conversation and socializing—so he is starting to feel more like his old self... I am feeling a bit more secure as well, now that I have uncovered certain information and acquired some things that might help, following the advice you all provided.

My father is heading to the hospital this Tuesday to have his stoma removed—specifically, that feeding tube inserted directly into the intestine (he hasn't been using it, but they left it in just in case). Does anyone here have experience with this? Is it essentially a minor surgical procedure, and does it require general anesthesia?...

feralwolf24, thank you for the warning. If something like that happens, I will be prepared, otherwise, it surely would have terrified me. You all truly deserve credit; you have navigated through all of this, remaining brave and succeeding...

Linda Campbell, I might consider trying Nutricomp, though I am uncertain whether to opt for the standard version or the diabetic formula. Which one did you use? My father isn't reacting very well to Prosure...

It has become a habit of mine; constantly monitoring everything, yet it is such a wonderful feeling to finally have people I can turn to for questions or simply to share my anxieties with. I have never met any of you in person, yet you provide such support. Truly, people can be wonderful sometimes...

Just keep staying strong and don't let anything alter your usual habits or conversations... continue doing them just as before, as if nothing had changed at all.

Unfortunately, I cannot offer much specific advice since my knowledge is quite limited, but I can certainly confirm that this environment provides strength and fortification; even a single word or a small suggestion makes everything seem much easier, even if it may not actually be...

Everything will pass and go well! Kisses

gentlemoose62 said:I haven't been particularly active on here lately, though I have been preoccupied with my own checkups and biopsies... but we can get to that later.

Now, I simply feel compelled to share some wonderful news with all of you. I just finished my follow-up for my ovarian cancer, and everything looks absolutely fantastic. My doctor actually suggested that we move to once-a-year screenings! Just once a year! If anyone had told me that seven years ago, or even after my last relapse four and a half years back, I would have assumed they were merely offering empty comfort...
But here it is, a reality, not a dream: a total recovery is indeed possible, even after a recurrence...
My physician actually told me, "you can consider yourself cured," which was the first time anyone has ever dared to say something so definitive...
I truly hope that by sharing this, I might offer a bit of encouragement to everyone else in the fight, reminding you that regardless of what lies ahead, one must never, ever give up...

I am so incredibly glad you are here, and seeing your strength in this post has given me such a profound sense of renewed hope... It means so much that you are willing to share your journey and your victory with us. Your resilience is a rare and beautiful example for us all to follow, because... one simply cannot surrender... kisses

Melissa Kim45 said:The results look promising. My next follow-up appointment isn't scheduled for another month... 🙏
She hasn't undergone a second bronchoscopy yet, so I suppose everything is fine... for now... 🙏
The doctor seemed quite pleased, and she immediately reached out to her primary physician—who wasn't even available at the moment—to share the update... No more chemotherapy... 🙏

Honestly, she’s stumbling all over the place—big time. She’s dizzy, her gait is completely unstable, and she’s just incredibly weak. It seems like things always take a turn for the worse right before an appointment, likely because she’s just trying to survive at this point... And then, she gives me one of those calls, insisting that I drop everything and rush over immediately because she has something "urgent" to show me. So, I show up, and what do I find? She’s managed to track down some ridiculous platform sandals with massive soles—honestly, God knows where she even found them—with a heel that looks to be at least four inches high and a sole that's easily two. And there she is, walking around with such misplaced pride in them... 😲
She was just trying to reach high enough to hang yet another calendar—the third one in the apartment, following the second one in the hallway... I asked her what on earth she needed so many calendars for, and she simply replied, "I need them." Apparently, this particular one is a favorite and absolutely must be displayed, while the third is a Catholic one that apparently "has a name"... I can only hope she isn't going around naming people just to congratulate them on their saint's days...😁

I find myself increasingly unable to accurately gauge the situation... Since she first fell ill—back during that period two years ago when we were all convinced it was just something else entirely—I have made a conscious effort to stay closer to her side. Being present more often than I ever was before has allowed me to witness certain realities that had previously escaped my notice...
She’d be there, making a complete mess of her meal, tossing food all over the floor while she ate... and if anything actually got spat out, you could bet the dog was standing guard, ready to swoop in and make sure it vanished instantly...😁
I found myself quite taken aback by just how neglected this apartment actually is... For instance, I had absolutely no idea that the bathroom sink had cracked...
Under my steady hand...😁 Things have improved quite a bit lately. It still stings a little whenever I catch that vacant, senile expression on her face—that slack lower lip... though there are moments when she looks perfectly fine, possessing an entirely different countenance altogether. Then, out of nowhere, she’ll drop something utterly ridiculous. Just the other day, while I was at the office, we were catching up over the phone and she tells me: "I won't be able to wave at you because it's just too cold outside..."😲
What a performance... I've already been at work for three hours, though I actually left home a lifetime ago... 😲
And then she just cuts right through me and hangs up the phone, leaving me sitting there—well, just completely stunned... 🤷

I am honestly torn on whether I should let her rest for a while—though heaven knows how long that will actually last... or if we should push for a neurological evaluation to figure out what exactly is causing this constant head wobbling. I really want to find a top-tier neuropsychiatrist who can conduct a proper, thorough assessment, rather than someone who just plays around with medications and turns her into a zombie... If things don't take a significant turn for the worse, perhaps it might be kinder not to put her through the ordeal...

I posted quite a lengthy comment last night, but it seems to have vanished into the digital void without a trace... In short—it is always wonderful to receive news this positive! Hang in there...

Amy Hayes28 said:For those who have beaten ovarian cancer, besides an elevated marker, did you experience any other symptoms? How did you first discover something was wrong?
I am scheduled to have my 😁
drawn next month...

My mother spent over a month in the hospital having fluid drained from her abdomen via aspiration. She’s a heavy smoker, and early last year, she started noticing some shortness of breath. Her stomach felt tight and bloated, though she didn't think much of it because she’s always had that specific build—very thin, but with a little bit of a belly. However, once she started feeling sharp pains in her stomach area, she went to see a doctor, who then ordered a chest scan. The lungs themselves appeared clear, but they found some cloudy fluid present. She was referred to a gynecologist, which led to the biopsies... During that entire period, none of us even considered the possibility of cancer, as she hadn't experienced any side effects beyond that internal pressure.

We only realized it was cancer a month later, when the biopsy confirmed that the fluid in her abdomen contained malignant cells suggesting potential ovarian cancer. She was discharged to home care with instructions to return once the results were finalized. My father and his doctor—who happens to be a close family friend—felt we couldn't afford to wait, given that there were 5.5 liters of fluid in her body and her marker was sitting at 461.8!

Seven days later, after arriving at Aviano, she was officially diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer. And that is where our particular journey truly began...

I sincerely hope everything turns out fine for you and that it isn't ovarian cancer.

kisses

Linda Hill29 said:feralwolf24 and Linda Campbell, thank you both so much for the advice... These are truly specific guidelines that no one else has been able to provide to me until now.
It really helps me find my footing and establish a routine alongside my father. He can be quite stubborn and insists on trying absolutely everything under the sun; his appetite is wonderful, yet his capacity is quite limited, so he requires frequent rest periods. We are currently struggling with this particular issue; he ought to be consuming enough fluids and food, but at most, he manages slightly less than a liter of liquid a day, and if he does, he cannot eat enough to sustain him for the day...
feralwolf24, I actually called that nutritionist you recommended, and she offered some helpful pointers, though we won't be able to meet until next week once we receive the discharge papers. Thank you so much for that suggestion, as it has provided me with some much-needed peace of mind.
He weighed himself today; he has lost 15 kg since the surgery. It is quite devastating... He was in pretty good shape before all of this. Now, we have to prepare for chemo, so I will be starting on those beet and carrot juices.
Thank you truly, as you are the only ones I feel comfortable asking these kinds of questions... Everyone else tends to be rather vague and noncommittal. It is certainly a delicate task trying to help someone gain weight when they don't have a stomach, but I am hopeful we can succeed.

My mother has always had a slender build. After her surgery, she lost more than 15 kg—she was down 15 kg when I first saw her, which was a month and ten days after that initial trauma, and even then, she was only just beginning to eat again. Regarding the juices—beetroot can be a bit tricky, as it isn't to everyone's taste. It didn't sit well with Mom on its own, so she and I would regularly make juices where she would blend apple, beet, carrot, and lime together, and I must admit, they were quite delicious!

Just believe and keep pushing; that is what matters most. Do not lose hope, and ensure you face everything as a unit, because that makes the whole process much easier to bear...

Mom is slowly preparing for Valentine's Day, or rather, the day she has to head back to Aviano for her follow-up. To eliminate any tension or potential doubts, Dad is going with her for the tests. Even though he isn't feeling his best either, he serves as such a steady pillar of support, especially since Mom is calmer and truly sees and appreciates how hard he is trying...

Linda Hill29 said:I spend my days reading through everything here, and your shared experiences, your advice, and even your enthusiasm provide such immense comfort... yet, at the same time, I find myself overcome by sadness whenever a tragic update appears... a lost battle... sheer despair. I try my best to maintain an optimistic outlook, but I cannot help myself; I truly find myself weeping, unable to wrap my head around how many people are fighting this exact same fight. It breaks my heart...
I am still in the early stages of all this; I have already mentioned my father’s first surgery, then his second, followed by a month-long hospital stay, and finally, he is home today. He is so incredibly happy to be back, and seeing him like this is a genuine relief. Yet, my mind inevitably wanders to everything that lies ahead... surely it won't be quite as grim as feared, right? Everything will work out fine, I tell myself... though it is difficult. I don't say much of this to him. Sometimes I wonder if he realizes the gravity of our situation, while simultaneously hoping that he doesn't... that he can just relax and gather his strength, and let the rest unfold naturally. The immediate priority now is his nutrition. Since his stomach was removed, he has lost a staggering amount of weight, and he needs to regain it before he can begin chemotherapy. But the challenge lies in the fact that his capacity is so limited; he has to be extremely selective about what he eats, and sweets are strictly off-limits. If anyone here has experience managing nutrition following a total gastrectomy, could you tell me if artificial sweeteners or milk—perhaps for making porridges—are acceptable options, or what kind of high-calorie meals might work? I am searching everywhere, but the information I find is so contradictory... It might seem like a trivial detail to some, but knowing this would mean the world to us.

Hello Linda Hill29,

One must maintain faith in every struggle! There will always be battles with positive outcomes and those with negative ones, but one should never, even for a moment, abandon the fight, because cancer certainly doesn't know the meaning of surrender!

I am not entirely sure how to help a body compensate for lost nutrients when there is no stomach left to process them! You should absolutely consult with your doctor and ask for their specific recommendations. In our case, we started using Prosure—those chocolate-flavored protein shakes—because they were palatable to my mother. They are quite calorie-dense and can be picked up at most pharmacies!

And please, nothing is too small a detail; it is always worth asking. As the saying goes: better to ask than to wander aimlessly in doubt!

Just stay brave, because after all... fortune favors the bold. Kisses.

Charles Newman said:Thank you all so much for everything up to this point, but unfortunately, my mother passed away early this morning. I wish the rest of you a much happier conclusion...

I had truly hoped that things would take a turn for the better by morning, but life rarely follows our expectations. It is profoundly difficult to face yet another battle lost. Please accept my deepest condolences, and I hope you find the strength needed for the days ahead. No matter how heavy the grief feels, try to remember that she continues to live on through you...

Hang in there.

Angela Wright said:Everyone, I feel compelled to mention that we are quite disappointed by the lack of interest in joining our association...😢 We all reached the consensus ages ago that this organization was necessary, yet now that it actually exists, the response has been underwhelming. Simply maintaining the website incurs significant costs, and as for the actual projects that need execution... well, they are stalling. We intend to print informative brochures regarding diseases and treatments to distribute at local hospitals and clinics, and while a handful of us enthusiasts will gladly volunteer our time to write these materials for free, printing them is certainly not a zero-cost endeavor... Please, let us not allow all this hard work to crumble right at the starting line. Help us help you...🙂 . To support us, one does not even need to be an official member; simply donating whatever amount one can spare—even if it is just a few dollars—is sufficient, as is spreading the word or lobbying wherever possible to increase awareness for the association. Even corporations can join as donors...

We met this past Saturday with a very prominent oncologist who provided us with data that was truly hair-raising. Among other things, he noted that we are essentially on the precipice of a cancer epidemic. Current statistics suggest that one out of every three people will face certain forms of cancer... hello... one in three! If you take a family of three, statistically, one of those members will fall ill. The recent expansion of oncology departments in major US hospitals was designed to handle the volume of patients seen fifteen years ago; today, the demand for capacity has surged far beyond those projections. We must work tirelessly on prevention, education, and eventually providing aid when illness strikes, and all of this comes with a staggering price tag...
Please, everyone, show a bit more attention and enthusiasm; those of you most affected by this issue are expected to be the most sensitive to it. There was much more engagement when we first announced our intention to form this group, yet so far, only about six people from the forum have stepped forward...
The ten of us will find it difficult to carry this burden alone. Our private lives and careers are suffering as a result, though we do not regret a single second because we know we are doing the right thing...
Do reach out; we are open to any and all suggestions. This is YOUR association...

I have expressed my support virtually, but I must apologize for not having contributed materially yet; I am currently facing a chronic shortage of time and can barely leave my house given the sheer volume of work I have... But... I will make an effort in the coming days...

Thank you for the reminder!

Charles Newman said:Hello everyone, it’s been quite a while since I last checked in here...
The last time I posted, my mother hadn't even started her radiation and chemo treatments yet.
Now, several months down the line, the tumor has actually regressed, but she has developed such severe complications... she underwent internal radiation for lymph nodes, and she has lost so much weight; she's constantly vomiting this foul, green bile, and can barely manage to eat or drink anything. A few hours ago, she was in such intense pain that we had to rush to the ER, but they just gave her some basic painkillers and sent us on our way. My mother seems completely disconnected now, staring blank into space, totally unaware of anyone being near her...
The nurse isn't scheduled to arrive with her IV until tomorrow, and honestly, I am a complete wreck, just crying uncontrollably... I don't even know how to process this, and frankly, I am terrified, because until yesterday, she seemed relatively normal—talking, sipping water, managing a few bites of food here and there.
I'm not even sure why I'm reaching out, perhaps just to vent to someone who might understand, though I apologize if I'm intruding. Wishing you all the best...

It is difficult to find the right words to say, to make things easier for you or to let you know that you have my full support. I am so deeply sorry that everything has taken such a sudden turn for the worse, and it is entirely understandable that you feel so afraid... 😢 Still, please try to find the strength to hold onto hope, believing that as difficult as today is, things may improve tomorrow. Try to pull yourself together and resist the urge to succumb to tears, because right now, you need to remain composed and steady. Hang in there; we are all here to listen whenever you need to talk.

restlessorca35 said:Please, don't take this the wrong way, as I truly mean this with the best of intentions... If I were to exaggerate just a touch: cocaine is plant-based, heroin is plant-based, and botulinum toxin is a natural compound. Even water can become toxic if you consume too much of it, purely due to osmosis. Regardless of the substance in question, one should always exercise caution and consult with a qualified professional who is actually familiar with the patient's specific condition...

I find myself in agreement with you...