Posts by Benjamin Grant6

Angela Wright said:I have essentially navigated the same waters as you, arriving at those very same conclusions... I find myself currently navigating this realization that not everyone possesses the fundamental capacity to offer support during such times. Cancer remains a profound taboo; it is viewed as something inherently grotesque, often conflated with darkness, suffering, and pure agony. Some individuals simply cannot stomach the reality of it—unless, of course, it strikes their own immediate family, and in all fairness, they have every right to feel that way😳. Such circumstances tend to completely unbalance them—most of those who stop reaching out—stripping them of their rationality, and perhaps it is actually for the best that they distance themselves when they lack the ability to provide what is most vital in these moments: a word of wisdom or genuine presence. Truly, such people are rare, and one is fortunate to have even a single soul like that nearby.
For me, this entire ordeal has functioned as a sort of filter for "friends," and I can tell you that while I don't miss any of these supposed companions, it doesn't mean I won't invite them for coffee or call to see how they are doing. In truth, this process is allowing me to discover my own strength; I am realizing just how much more resilient I am than they are, given that I can rise above the fact that this is happening to my mother—and thus, to me—as well as the fact that they behaved so pathetically by failing to offer even the basic courtesy of a phone call to say they are thinking of me, let alone asking how I am faring. Life moves forward, and I finally possess a clear understanding of what I can actually expect from whom.
On the other hand, I have encountered the massive paradox of people stepping up to help when I wouldn't have even expected a glass of water from them previously. People respond to different triggers and sensitivities in vastly different ways.
There is really no need to dwell on it too much.

Of course, there is no need to overthink it. Different strokes for different folks, as they say. I am fully aware of that. We find the most solace in those who have walked through similar fires themselves, whether personally or through their loved ones...

Melissa Kim45 said:I tend to spiral quite easily, truly... 🙄
My mood swings are constant, whether they stem from a new medical protocol, sheer exhaustion, the shifting weather, the full moon, or just some kid being difficult—but my mother is simply impossible. Truly impossible.
She drove me to such a breaking point that I actually tore her unopened pack of cigarettes into tiny little shreds—which, frankly, terrified even me—only to discover later that she had been meticulously gathering the larger pieces to save them for herself.
Well, damn it all. So, I left her a few loose cigarettes, which she proceeded to smoke one by one (because apparently, that’s allowed), and now she’s coughing incessantly, gasping and hacking away... it’s quite a sight to behold.

It was only recently that I truly felt the collective strength that my family and I carry; I hadn't experienced it quite like that before. Initially, I kept what was happening with my mother to myself, though in a small town, secrets have a way of surfacing almost instantly. Once I returned to the metropolis, I found I wasn't ashamed to explain the situation or the reason behind my sudden temperament shifts. People there explained that if they had known the reality of what I was enduring, they might have broken under the weight of it themselves.

Over these past six months, I have broken down and wept to my mother over the phone four separate times. When I did this for the first time, she remarked that those who make our lives difficult ought to be given a bit of chemotherapy just to shake them up and help them realize how fortunate they actually are.

Recently, she even went so far as to say she’s had quite enough of this cancer, as she is constantly traveling and finds herself more exhausted by the roads and the cars than anything else... it seems to me that this illness affects all of us in much the same way. We remain resilient, sometimes even excessively so, fighting hard until, in a single moment, we simply snap.

We must hold on tight... sending a large hug to everyone.

crimsonmason44 said:Hello, my dear friends... I am finally posting here for the first time, even though I have been lurking and reading your posts for three months now. You all are truly wonderful, and seeing this community gives me the strength to keep going... My father was recently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. It all started about six months ago when they discovered metastases in his brain; he underwent surgery for them, which went quite well, thank God! He completed ten rounds of cranial radiation and is currently navigating his second cycle of chemotherapy... While he handled the first round reasonably well, this second one has been much harder... He is actually in the hospital right now receiving IV fluids because his weakness has become quite severe... Once this second cycle concludes, we will undergo a series of follow-up scans and tests. Our family's entire life changed overnight (as you all know far too well)... There are moments when I feel utterly wretched and alone, but this forum provides me with such solace... As for "friends," well, let's just say I've realized how few there truly are, which adds an extra layer of sadness to everything... But it doesn't matter, as long as my father begins to feel better...🙂 Hang in there, everyone! Sending a massive hug to you all!

I am glad that this forum serves as a source of strength for you. For me, there isn't a single day where I don't find myself peeking in here to feel the collective support of everyone.

As the saying goes: adversity reveals true character. It was only through my mother's cancer diagnosis that I realized how few genuine friends I actually possess; someone I once considered one of my closest companions hasn't even attempted to ask how I am doing in several months. People simply fail to grasp how vital emotional support is, because one must remain mentally resilient just to endure the hardships facing the patient.

Do not allow yourself to sink into sadness—believe me. Hold onto hope and try to live every moment as best as you can. Tears will not only make everything more difficult, but they may also inadvertently signal to your father just how much of a somber struggle this truly is. Fight back against those dark moments with pleasant conversation and a smile, and you will see... strength really does work wonders... kisses

goldenotter252 said:Hello everyone...
Unfortunately, I find myself joining this forum under rather somber circumstances... someone very dear to me has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has unfortunately metastasized to the brain (that specific portion of the tumor was surgically removed two days ago), and before they can proceed with lung surgery, they have to endure a grueling round of chemotherapy... I am quite a novice in all of this and find myself in need of guidance... my family and I are exploring every conceivable avenue to aid their recovery... we would certainly consider alternative approaches as well... if any of you have had any experiences—be they positive or negative—I would be deeply grateful if you could share them... I am particularly hoping to connect with professionals, such as Drago Plecko, who truly understand their field... please, I welcome any recommendations... thank you all...
and good luck to us all...

Welcome to the forum. While the reasons that bring us together here are undeniably heavy, we all fight and find strength through this collective effort...

My mother is currently receiving treatment at Avian, and from the very moment we received the diagnosis and felt that initial shock, we were looking closely at alternative treatments. At Avian, the doctors explained that combining certain chemotherapies with aloe vera supplements might trigger side effects that could ultimately do more harm than good in the fight against the cancer. It really is worth being cautious when considering how to integrate the two... after weighing all the advice, we decided to stick strictly to standard therapies and are following every medical instruction to the letter.

Everything is progressing well so far. Today was a bit more difficult because of the heatwave; even as a healthy individual, I felt somewhat nauseous, so I can only imagine what my mother is going through...

Stay strong; I am certain you will find both practical advice and much-needed support here...

jadepuma662 It is difficult to find any words that might truly lessen your pain or ease your sense of disbelief, but please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. Unfortunately, I am quite lost when it comes to those Latin expressions you mentioned, let alone grasping how everything could have unfolded in such a devastating way...

My own mother’s diagnosis was somewhat easier to process—she was discharged from the hospital at an advanced stage of cancer with suggestions that we seek out a specialist for a second opinion. The thought of her remaining in a disorganized facility like a local county hospital terrified my father, especially since our grandfather declined so inexplicably fast and passed away from lung cancer. It is also a heavy realization to consider that this could happen to us as well...

I am so sorry for everything you all have endured, and I truly hope that you find some answers and can share them with the rest of us when the time comes!

Stay strong...

brightgardener8 said:my mom starts her third round of chemo next week. our situation here is diametrically opposed because we don't even want to contemplate what happens after the final six... time passes far too quickly (especially given those "touching" medical prognoses over the months), and things are steadily worsening. we have been living in this sort of parallel reality for half a year now, and I can scarcely remember what it was like before, back when we were still normal😢

To be perfectly honest—I understand you completely. I, along with all my loved ones (and I don't even need to assume it's similar for others on these forums), feel as though this entire experience is one long, surreal dream. Every single day, we simply move through the same repetitive routine.

Initially, the prognosis was quite clear: six rounds of chemotherapy would essentially buy us "survival." In the midst of the shock and disbelief, it took us an incredibly long time to process that reality and for our conversations to stop sounding like "final goodbyes"... Even though we are nearing the end of this phase, and the question remains how the treatment will proceed—and whether we will endure that same shock again if they happen to find metastases elsewhere—we try to speak only with the intention of strengthening one another and understanding each other better.

So, I truly empathize when you say you can't remember when life felt normal, because we can no longer recall that feeling ourselves either.

Stay strong, and try to believe that things will turn out okay. These are the moments where one realizes just how banal life can be, and how much it is worth striving for the sake of your loved ones and simply being there for them.

Kisses

Angela Wright said:I decided to flee to Venice for a couple of days just to get my nerves in order, though I find myself still checking in on this thread... At least I managed to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

I feel compelled to share that our experience with Prosura has been quite underwhelming, to say the least. Prior to introducing it, my mother maintained perfectly regular digestion and was able to pass stool every single day without issue. However, once we integrated Prosura into her routine, everything seemed to descend into total chaos... Since she is still capable of consuming blended meals, we have decided to discontinue its use for the time being, opting instead for a simple breakfast of cream of wheat with milk. Naturally, her intestinal motility has already begun to stabilize once again...👍

Greetings from sunny Los Angeles, where the weather is absolutely gorgeous and far too warm... I would strongly suggest that anyone capable of carving out even a small window of time to simply unwind should do so; it is quite essential to recharge one's batteries before everything else catches up with you...
😘

Well done. You truly made the right call. Sometimes, one simply must step away from the chaos to find a moment of reprieve... It is essential to carve out some space to recharge your batteries. It becomes quite difficult when you are facing everything on a daily basis without ever finding a sanctuary for your own peace of mind...

You certainly had some wonderful weather there, and getting to enjoy those ocean views... absolutely marvelous...😉 A move made at exactly the right moment... Kiss.

Melissa Kim45 said:Did that text from Venice arrive yet? 🙂
If Dad is constantly by her side, there is perhaps less reason to worry... he is managing the diet, limiting exposure to large crowds, and handling those details...

I find myself perpetually agitated by these matters, and I struggle to comprehend—particularly among the younger generation who haven't truly dealt with the reality of sick relatives—why it isn't obvious that one cannot simply drop by with takeout whenever one pleases... one must simply wait...
🙄

They have altered Mom's protocol; she was previously on PE, but now it is cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine. I am quite at a loss for words...

If my understanding is correct, it is administered intravenously once a month. Her second hospitalization is scheduled for three weeks from now...
Unless, of course, I have miscalculated something...

Her electrolyte levels have stabilized since yesterday. Hopefully, she will hold steady until the next check-up in a week...

First and foremost, thank you for asking. Mom has successfully navigated her fifth round of therapy. As she wished, she visited Venice, which provided her soul with much-needed strength and gave her body a reason to keep fighting. There are no side effects aside from fatigue... she tires quite easily...

It is difficult to explain to others when she is struggling and when she is doing well. The truth is that Dad is incredibly protective of her, and she currently has contact with no more than ten people, and even then, not on a daily basis...

We are left with "only" the sixth chemo session, which is set for 25 days from now. Initially, her cycles were spaced 21 days apart, but due to fluctuations in her neutrophil count, they adjusted it to 28 days to protect her bone marrow...

At the beginning, it seemed as though these five months would pass with agonizing slowness, but looking back now... the time has moved remarkably quickly...

To borrow Mom's sentiment: "We cherish the morning because we are awake..."

Kiss and thanks!

Melissa Kim45 said:I have been contemplating making an appearance on this platform for quite some time now, yet I have hesitated... perhaps waiting for the situation to improve before I dare speak, lest I invite any misfortune upon myself...😁 And then things take a turn for the worse, and I simply find myself unable to continue...

I am merely observing and following along... though I must admit, the advice shared within this thread has proven to be quite illuminating...👍

I find myself in much the same position...

It is quite an uncanny coincidence that my mother happened to undergo her fifth round of chemotherapy today... Unfortunately, it is... 435 miles It is still far too early to know how things stand, and since we lack the funds for a direct phone call, I will likely have to wait until tomorrow morning to find out how today unfolded... If I receive a text message stating she is on her way to Venice—since visiting that city one more time remains her greatest wish—then I will know things went well. However, if she reaches out to say she has arrived home, I will know that things have taken a turn for the worse once again...

In my view, her greatest assets are her sheer fighting spirit and the fact that she hasn't been sidelined by any side effects thus far... It is also an immense advantage to have around-the-clock care, especially considering my father actually walked away from his job just to stay by her side. If it weren't for him, I suspect she might have simply given up... I can only imagine how difficult it must be for other families to navigate the complexities of dietary restrictions and trying to figure out exactly which foods cause their parents to crash...

To everyone out there—stay brave and keep pushing forward... kisses...

briskbison27 As stated by:
Earlier this evening, I was walking back from visiting my little niece with Rib—she’s showing some improvement every day, though she hasn't quite regained control of her bladder or bowels yet, which remains a concern... As we passed the main entrance, I noticed a young woman on a gurney, her head completely bald, surrounded by a group of doctors, her mother, and a nurse. She was weeping... I couldn't make out the specifics of their conversation, but I did catch a physician mentioning that this particular procedure wouldn't be painless before they rushed her back home... It was quite evident she’s battling cancer; she looked terribly frail...
Despite all the various tragedies that have crossed my path throughout my life, I find myself realizing with newfound clarity—perhaps even bordering on the cliché—that certain old adages hold more truth than I ever cared to admit... A healthy man possesses an endless list of desires, whereas a sick one finds himself possessed by only one... It was like seeing some young, unrecognizable creature tonight... a being whose body and spirit both seemed utterly shattered...

It is truly difficult to witness a disease systematically strip a person of their strength, especially when they are still so young... I am still struggling to wrap my head around the reality that my mother's physical appearance has completely transformed in just two short weeks, yet she continues to insist that her weight hasn't changed at all since the diagnosis...

Listening to everyone else's stories, I can't help but wonder just how fortunate I truly am to still be standing here, healthy and strong...

Hang in there...

Donna Harris77 said:When it comes to your own mother—I am certain she would appreciate it if you occasionally lifted her spirits with a bit of humor and actually helped her see her plans through. You really ought to sit down with her and ask what kind of support she needs to manage everything—from daily chores and doctor appointments to simply getting some rest... Every bit of assistance is invaluable, but nothing carries quite the same weight as help coming from one's own child—believe me on that...

Seeing this level of concern for your mother is quite heartening—it serves as a reminder of how a mother looks after her child from day one right up through to the present moment—every single day! One can only truly learn the nuances of love and care within a family, and it seems yours is providing an excellent education...

I find myself in complete agreement with this sentiment! I see the truth of it firsthand in my own home, realizing just how much it matters when I tell my mother that I want to help and insist that she allows me to do so. She constantly tries to handle everything on her own, attempting to prove her strength and maintain her independence, yet there is a very specific moment when she falters... and you can truly feel the impact when someone in the house steps in to assist, seeing that smile of gratitude for everything she has done...

Only a family standing by a loved one during illness can truly grasp how profound and powerful that bond remains...😉

Drew Nguyen47 said:to be perfectly honest, I truly believe in such recoveries and maintain that a person can achieve a great deal, provided they possess the necessary inner fortitude👍. we actually picked up those Myko Sana mushrooms because we heard from an acquaintance that their neighbor found relief using those supplements. however, my father remains somewhat pessimistic throughout this entire process; he seems convinced that only external interventions—medications, doctors, and the like—can assist him, and he struggles to tap into his own internal strength. unfortunately, he has lived quite a rigid, "square" life, never paying much attention to his inner self, so all of this is proving exceptionally difficult for him now. I try my best to surround him with love and positive energy, attempting to dismantle his fear regarding the reality of being weak and ill. I had hoped to involve him in some support groups (he is receiving treatment in Germany since he worked there previously, so I was hopeful they might have such circles available) so he could meet with people facing similar struggles two or three times a month... perhaps then he could emerge from that cloud of dark thoughts and stop feeling as though he is the only one whose life has gone completely sideways. but somehow, it has all become a bit overwhelming for me. I have yet another recipe for an alternative cancer remedy that we intend to try (I will scan it and post it here on the forum, as it may benefit someone else). I am fully aware of the objective facts, but the end only comes when God says it is time, and until then, we continue to play the hand we are dealt😁

I have written very little on this forum thus far; I mostly just follow your updates—because it is truly incredible how much you all empower me to remain resilient, both regarding my mother's situation and my own personal struggles.

My professor at the university continues to subject me to this relentless torture, seemingly oblivious to the fact that during these last four or five months of our battle with my mother's cancer, amidst significant psychological and social stressors, he has managed to add fuel to the fire...

Tonight, I finally broke down, and for the first time in a very long while, I wept over the phone to my mother. I am not certain if it was due to that foolish professor making my life miserable, or the fear that she might leave us without saying goodbye (186 miles separates my mother and me). I witnessed a person who is genuinely fragile due to her health, and weary from everything she must endure daily as her body is exhausted, being ready to say: "It is only my own will to win that keeps me going; I refuse to dwell on how things began wrongly. I could cry and ask why this is happening to me, but I feel I cannot waste energy that I simply do not have. Since the day of my surgery, I have had access to psychologists and psychiatrists, but I declined them. I found the answer and the decision within myself to fight. I could have refused that too, and sadly, I might not be here today..."

That is why I understand what you mean about having to provide one's own internal energy... stay strong and demonstrate your own will to fight to him, and I truly hope he listens to you! kisses

Angela Wright said:My mother used to apply those same creams to my veins, though looking at this thread about all these various Heparins, Hepans, Hepalpans, and Hepatromins, it seems we might just be paying for expensive placebo effects...🙄
I find myself somewhat perplexed...

Not long ago, I bumped my arm and the swelling was quite significant; my mother offered me some of her Hepatrombin, which actually helped reduce the inflammation. I recently picked up some Heparin myself, and as far as my own experience goes, it seems to work effectively. My mother applies those vein creams on a regular basis, though I highly doubt they provide any real benefit to her... if they did, she wouldn't still be using them.

Sophia Richardson62 said:I have a question... Is it actually possible for doctors to overlook cancer entirely through standard diagnostic tests...?
They've already diagnosed her with several other conditions, just nothing like this...

EDIT: Apologies if I've wandered off-topic

It is certainly possible. My mother spent a month and a half having fluid drained before they finally identified cellular malformations that suggested the possibility of cancer...

Linda Campbell said:Just checking in to let you all know that I have made it through, even though it feels like things will never truly settle down... The sheer intensity of the pressure and the constant tribulations I’ve endured are impossible to convey to anyone who hasn't walked that same path themselves. Yet, here I am, finding my footing and pushing forward. Sadly, I am navigating this without my mother by my side, feeling quite alone in the struggle, though I am grateful to have my husband and child standing right behind me, thank God...
Between managing my career, supporting my family, and enduring the crushing weight of such a devastating illness and its grueling treatment, I have been pushed to the absolute brink... To make matters even more unbearable, I had to contend with the relentless pressure from my sister-in-law, who saw fit to complicate an already impossible situation, making every single moment—even those final, precious hours spent with my mother—infinitely harder than they already were... It leaves me wondering, God, are You truly watching all of this?...
The day after the funeral, my sister-in-law effectively kicked me out of her house... It all stemmed from some heated argument regarding my supposed "behavior" leading up to the service. Apparently, because I reached a breaking point and spoke my mind to someone who didn't want to hear it, I became the villain in her narrative. A complete spectacle ensued. In reality, none of my actions or words were ever truly questionable; my husband and I gave everything we had—far beyond what we could actually afford—to honor my mother... Her own sons certainly didn't step up, and her daughters-in-law were even further from the mark...
And so here I am... acting as both sister and sister-in-law to people who, after everything they have put me through, will never truly understand what it means to endure—they simply lack the fortitude to live through three lifetimes of struggle, let alone one... and yet, I am left being scapegoated by everyone like some sort of afterthought, having lost my mother and feeling the distance growing between myself and both of my brothers. It makes me wonder how much further this can go... How much more strength am I expected to summon just to perform the most basic tasks, like dropping a child off at preschool tomorrow, showing up to work, or even managing to cook a simple meal... On top of all this, I’ve been dealing with my own gynecological issues over the last few months, and today I finally started a course of antibiotics... At this rate, I suspect I might end up in a psychiatric ward instead... This is what a true struggle looks like; this is what a heavy illness feels like; this is life... I am sitting here, weeping alone over the state of my existence, reaching out to you all because I know you are the only ones who truly understand... Sending my love to you all...

Linda Campbell... your sheer strength and resolve serve as proof that one must remain a fighter regardless of the circumstances, even in an exceptionally grueling situation like this one. Those who have never experienced that extraordinary surge of power found only within a warrior simply cannot grasp what it entails. They cannot truly comprehend how difficult it is to maintain one's composure while carrying the weight of it all...

As my father used to say—it seems nobody truly grasps that my mother’s illness is far more profound than a mere case of strep throat... Unfortunately...

There aren't any words in existence that can truly soothe your grief or fill the void left by such a loss... However, I would urge you to look toward those closest to you—your husband and your child, who both rely on you so deeply. You must reclaim the strength you possessed just a few days ago, if only for their sake and your own. While you haven't lost your brothers, their actions and their words have undoubtedly left a wound... I suspect that during your recent struggle, you realized just how simple and absurd life can be, and that one must simply press forward with courage, holding one's head high. Eventually, you will find it in yourself to forgive them, and they will surely come to realize the error of their ways...

You simply must continue to be one of our fighters...😘

I am currently thousands of miles away from my mother... It is profoundly difficult to learn about her life only through telephone calls, knowing that even when something goes wrong, my father won't bother to notify me. If it hadn't been for that professor who withheld my signatures on the fax, I wouldn't be sitting here in Washington, D.C., realizing just how much she is struggling... Because of his lack of understanding and the unnecessary complications he caused, I find I can only offer him forgiveness, for I have finally realized how vital it is to fight for oneself and one's own kin...

I find myself admiring the sheer resilience displayed by all of you, especially considering the immense weight of the burdens you carry on a daily basis...

The struggle continues, I suppose...

Ivanka Trump - how are you holding up? I notice you’ve been posting quite a bit of advice lately. Sending you plenty of strength during these times...

Carol Ramirez said:They are dangerously close to developing some kind of infection—their immune systems are essentially non-existent after chemotherapy. My grandfather is constantly sweating through his clothes; he loses liters of perspiration just sitting there. It wouldn’t surprise me if an inflammation sets in, as his shirt is soaked within half an hour, and even the slightest draft from an air conditioner could trigger something...
But then again, they certainly have every right to catch a cold.
I believe the most critical thing is that they don't stop eating, and one must make a concerted effort to ensure they don't lose their appetite. For some time now, Grandpa hasn't had any desire to put anything in his mouth; he simply doesn't feel the need for food anymore. The only thing he still manages to drink is plenty of tea.
He will be on a ten-day cocktail of antibiotics now, so I am hoping for some improvement.

Angela Wright, thank you so much for your kind words. 😘 You are absolutely right; we cannot afford to lose our footing here...

All of this is merely an inherent part of the struggle for both us and our loved ones. There is no reason to surrender—looking at my mother, I see that her condition fluctuates from hour to hour, rather than day by day...

When Mom first returned from the hospital, she couldn't eat for fifteen days straight. Every single day, she would barely manage a spoonful of clear broth. Dad was absolutely distraught because he didn't know how to help her regain her appetite. Eventually, he started making toasted broth every day, and little by little, she began to find the will to eat, consuming more and more as the days passed.

Over the following fifteen days, he managed to coax her into eating one banana every day. Today, her appetite is wonderful, and we often wonder where it all goes since she isn't gaining much weight. Regardless, the most vital thing is that she eats, and I must agree that it is essential for our people not to lose their appetite, lest they further compromise an already fragile immune system.

During the period when she had no appetite and was surviving on nothing but broth and perhaps a banana, the doctors recommended nutritional supplements (ENSURE PLUS), which seemed to suit her well. She no longer feels the need for them today.

I hope Grandpa regains his appetite soon. It truly makes such a difference. You must talk to him constantly, pouring strength into him so he can feel your care and concern, giving him the drive—however difficult it may be—to keep fighting and fighting...

Sending a big kiss, and hang in there!

In all seriousness, I have been on a diet since Monday because I am being quite vigilant about my sugar and fat intake. I am paying close attention to what I eat and at what times, while also trying to be more active... It is just that I feel I ought to follow a more structured dietary plan that might instill some truly useful habits, such as eating at consistent intervals and... well...

But regardless... I will continue to follow the discussions on this forum...
kiss

It seems I am also destined to embark on a diet... though I haven't quite decided if I should follow the UN guidelines, as I'm still feeling rather indecisive about it all ;-) Please, do let me know when you all plan to start your own regimens... I shall be spending some time contemplating what might truly suit my needs... kiss

bluewalker30 said:It is difficult to find the right words to offer comfort when we all know just how heavy this burden truly is. My father passed away from leukemia, my sister from lung cancer, and I myself faced breast cancer nearly six years ago. I went through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and by the grace of God, I am doing well now. I work with patients today, trying to provide even a small measure of support and hope for recovery. I am not a medical professional; everything I offer comes strictly from my own lived experience.
While I was undergoing chemotherapy, I suffered from terrible nausea and my white blood cell count plummeted. I managed to bring those numbers back to normal by eating raisins, yeast, and drinking chamomile tea. It was quite remarkable to see them stabilize within just five days.
For anyone dealing with hair loss, applying a homemade topical solution to the scalp can be quite beneficial, as it encourages faster regrowth.
Take one liter of homemade brandy and add a small bag of ground cloves—the kind used for baking—and let it sit in a warm place for fourteen days. Afterward, strain it, and simply dab it onto the scalp whenever you remember. This tends to be effective for hair growth, regardless of whether the cause is illness or merely aesthetic...

I cannot help but say I am so sorry though I realize those are three hollow words that do nothing to alter the reality of what you are facing and enduring.

I am grateful to have read your advice regarding white blood cells. My mother’s blood counts have taken a sudden, sharp turn for the worse. During her first two rounds of chemotherapy, she didn't seem to feel any side effects at all. Up until now, there had been no vomiting and no weakness. However, prior to the third round, her blood work showed neutrophil granulocytes at 1.46 (whereas a healthy person should ideally be between 2.06 and 6.49), which meant she couldn't proceed with the treatment. Yet, she did move forward because upon arriving at the clinic near Aviano—within a twenty-four-hour window—her neutrophil levels rose to an "optimal" 1.5, which I suppose is the bare minimum the doctors require. There is usually a twenty-one-day gap between cycles, and during those twenty-one days, she seemed to be improving steadily; her color returned, and she actually gained some weight after losing 15-20 pounds following her surgery. We truly believed her blood counts wouldn't drop again. But five days ago, her neutrophils were down to a mere 0.64. Twenty-four hours later, they were at 0.72. With only two days left before her next scheduled chemo, the doctors decided to draw blood once a day. In hindsight, it felt excessive—testing four times in two days—especially since her count hit 1.33 at one point, only to drop to 1.09 on the actual day of chemotherapy.

My question is, is there any way we can intervene to help raise those neutrophil granulocyte levels? I am far too inexperienced in these matters, but I intend to become more involved in her care, so I would appreciate any guidance you might offer... Thank you.