Posts by rustyscout31

Has anyone here had any personal experience with Xelod tablets for chemotherapy? My mom is scheduled to start her treatment on May 26th, and while her oncologist is being very reassuring, claiming that side effects are actually quite rare...🤷

shadowmason6 said:I'm sorry for going a bit off-topic here!
I feel like I might have read this somewhere else, but I don't have the time to go hunting for it right now—under any specific laws, do we actually have the right to receive copies of all the test results performed at the hospital?
The thing is, we finally made the decision and scheduled my mom's surgery at a different hospital... When she was discharged, she was only given the discharge summary—which, thankfully, had the test results and doctor's notes neatly typed in—but they didn't give us the actual original documents. The nurse just told me she couldn't... and the CT scans are especially important to me.

Nurses aren't actually authorized to hand over medical records; you really need to speak with the department head or the surgeon who handled the procedure. I looked into this myself, and they confirmed that YES, IT IS MY RIGHT to get those results, and I managed to get everything without any trouble at all. After all, isn't everyone entitled to seek a second opinion? A hospital doesn't have the right to withhold information that belongs to someone else. At the end of the day, those are the PATIENT'S records, not the hospital's property. Just go see the department head and insist on it. You have an absolute right to them.👍

hiddentiger80 said:Why don't you just go ahead and run the numbers yourself right now? It really isn't that complicated if you take a moment to look at where things stand today, is it? 😵 My mom actually hit exactly 50 when she was discharged from the hospital, which is quite a change considering she was sitting at 64 just before that—so, if you do the math, she ended up losing about 14 pounds in the process! Isn't it interesting how much the body can shift during a hospital stay?
I’ve been reflecting on all of this lately, especially regarding how much weight nutrition carries in the grand scheme of things. Isn't it true that what we put in our bodies really dictates how we feel? I've been thinking that it is absolutely vital to focus on high-quality meals—loading up on plenty of fresh vegetables and lean proteins, like those thin-sliced deli meats you find at any local grocery store. 😬Does it really matter what the number on the scale says? Honestly, I've always felt that the actual weight isn't nearly as important as how you actually feel in your own skin, especially since we all know those pounds have a funny way of creeping back on us eventually anyway, don't they? 😘 And how could I ever say anything else? After all, isn't it true that nobody has ever actually died from hunger? 😘 Are you feeling alright today?

It is truly heartbreaking to think that my mother almost died from starvation, quite literally, in this day and age. How can something like that even happen in the 21st century? She was constantly vomiting, and by the time she reached the emergency room, they had her hooked up to an IV drip just to keep her stable. Isn't it strange how medical professionals can sometimes miss the most obvious things? No one even considered a problem with her small intestine; they were all focused entirely on her stomach and large intestine instead. It took so much struggle and an exhaustive search for doctors who actually knew what they were doing to finally get to the bottom of it, but we eventually discovered that there was thickening in her small intestine, which meant food simply couldn't pass through at all.
If my doctor—who also happens to be a close friend of mine—hadn't stepped in and insisted that she undergo surgery immediately, I honestly don't know if my mother would have made it through her hunger... wouldn't she have simply wasted away right before our eyes?
She’s currently sitting at around 108 pounds following her surgery and the diagnosis of jejunal adenocarcinoma. Right now, she’s relying on Ensure along with a few other supplements her oncologist prescribed to help bolster her strength and boost her immune system. Of course, we all know that the number on the scale isn't everything, but doesn't the body really need a certain level of resilience to withstand the rigors of chemotherapy? I can't help but feel like I'd be so much more at ease if we could just see her put on a little bit of weight... wouldn't that be ideal?

shadowmason6 said:It was such a difficult decision for me to start reading through this thread (and for good reason, because I felt like I might burst into tears seeing everything so many of you are going through)... Unfortunately, there are just so many pages that I've only managed to get through a small portion. Honestly, I have so much admiration for Ivan, who started this discussion, and for all of you bravely facing illnesses and the loss of loved ones!
My mom was diagnosed yesterday with colon cancer. If the CT scans are accurate, they show that the lymph nodes and surrounding organs haven't been affected, and surgery will be scheduled once they get the biopsy results from her colonoscopy tomorrow.
In the face of such a shocking diagnosis, I'm trying my best to focus on those relatively positive details. Please forgive me if I seem overly optimistic; I think I would lose my mind if I thought any differently, so I'm trying to keep a level head and see what I can actually do to help during this stage.
Still, there are these nagging doubts—did the doctors perhaps sugarcoat things a little? Would it be easier for me to process things later if I were given the harsher news now? How reliable is a CT scan, and could they truly have seen everything...?
I was hoping you all might offer some advice, as I'm not quite sure what steps I can take right now to ensure Mom gets the very best care. A friend of mine, who is an internist at a hospital over in Canada, believes the most critical thing is finding a top-tier surgeon. Mom is currently at a hospital in a smaller town, and while I have absolutely nothing but respect for her current medical team, I can't help but feel that a local facility might not have the same reputation as a major center in Washington, D.C., where it might be better to have the surgery performed.???
Could you recommend a great surgeon—or perhaps suggest if I should at least seek a second opinion???

If you decide to go to Washington, D.C. to see Dr. Majerović, you'll be making a wonderful choice. Also, surgeon Uravić has a stellar reputation, and he operates out of the Mayo Clinic.
Regarding the idea of doctors being untruthful, in my experience, they really don't do that anymore. Not only do they tell the truth, but they explain everything so clearly that you can actually understand it without getting lost in medical jargon. In fact, sometimes I find their conversations with patients and families to be almost too blunt, especially when they start discussing prognoses and life expectancy.
Based on everything I've read in your post, it sounds like the situation is quite manageable since there are no metastases, and the surgery shouldn't be overly complicated. They’ll simply remove the malignant section of the colon and reconnect the healthy ends. I didn't catch the specific type of diagnosis (maybe you don't even know yet), but if it's adenocarcinoma, things look promising. She'll likely go on chemotherapy afterward. Hang in there.👍

...I honestly don't even know how to put this into words, but please know how deeply sorry I am. Your Mommy has passed away, and my eyes are actually filling with tears just typing this out. I know things feel impossibly heavy right now and there aren't any words that can truly take the sting away... but you mentioned herself that she passed on the very anniversary of her wedding to your Dad. In a way, they are finally back together again, isn't that a small comfort? Now, it's up to you to find the strength to move forward, because you really must...
Just keep your Mommy tucked safely in your heart and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Those memories and that love belong solely to you, and that is something nobody can ever take away😢

slyseal28 said:Angela Wright was actually referring to the community forum. Our forum was specifically designed to be a gathering place for people from all sorts of different cities, small towns, and even different countries... I think you might have misinterpreted her invitation.

Thanks for clearing that up, slyseal28😉. By the way, I really want to offer you my full support because seeing you stay so hopeful somehow makes things a little easier for me too, even though I’m painfully aware that I’m slowly losing my mother (I totally feel you, sis). But if nothing else—since we’ve already tried just about everything—I truly just want to help her enough to make her life as comfortable as possible. I used to always scold her for taking too many pills, but now, poor thing, she’s actually enduring this sneaky, underlying pain just to avoid taking a painkiller, and now that I’m facing a completely different situation, my mom is just... lost, my poor dear. My trusted doctor and several close friends who have lost loved ones to cancer told me that I should give her pain medication so she doesn't have to suffer. My doctor friend actually wouldn't recommend chemotherapy at all because she is just too weak and has such poor bone marrow health (thanks to that damn osteoporosis😠). He feels that chemo would just break her.
The dilemma: do we insist on chemotherapy or just let nature take its course?
And another dilemma: should I let her take Voltaren and Tramadol as needed, or should I strictly dose her tablets? I'm so afraid they won't be strong enough for her very soon...
Oh, the heartache🤷

Angela Wright said:@everyone

It feels like you guys aren't really making it over to the association's forum very often lately☕. Could we all try to be a little more active there? If we can all contribute, we can turn those separate discussion threads into a massive, organized database that will eventually serve every newly diagnosed person—giving them everything they need in one single spot so they don't have to wander aimlessly looking for answers. It seems like everyone has grown quite attached to this specific thread, which is why you all tend to pop in here so consistently. While a few people just copy and paste their thoughts from elsewhere, most of you seem to bypass the other site entirely. But wasn't that the whole point when we first agreed that we needed a central "hub" to tackle these issues together?

As I’ve been skimming through the various threads, I realized that you’ve become "our doctor"—I mean, I might be flattering you a bit, but it truly is such a pleasure to see you back here again. Even though I'm still quite new to all of this, being the daughter of a patient diagnosed with small bowel cancer (she had surgery, though unfortunately with metastases in the liver and peritoneum), I feel like I've already learned so much from all of you. Honestly, you all provide more genuine help and support than any doctor ever could. 😉Regarding that "central hub" idea, since we aren't all living right here in Washington, D.C., it would be impossible for us to meet up on a national level. That’s why, for those of us living far away from the capital, this forum feels like such a soothing balm for our wounds.
Angela, a special hello to you! Pusa Fiza, Sandra Evans13 (dear sis), and a huge thank you to everyone else for all the help and support you provide!👍

My mom is getting ready to start chemotherapy, and honestly, she’s so frail right now that I’m terrified she won't be able to handle the toll it takes on her body. I've been reading through some of your experiences here, and I noticed people mentioning that things like mints and popcorn can really help with the side effects. Currently, she’s sipping on Aloe vera, green tea, and some natural propolis, along with fresh beet and carrot juice alongside her regular meals. Do you think this is enough support, or should we be looking into adding anything else to her routine? 🤷

There's one more thing weighing on my heart... my mother isn't exactly what you'd call a "fighter." She never really was. She has always struggled with depression and a tendency toward self-destructive tendencies. My sister and I are pouring every ounce of our energy and love into her care, trying to balance everything with our own jobs and families just to make sure she has what she needs. She has become so dependent on us that she doesn't even track whether she’s taken her medication or not. We try to remind her every single day that SHE needs to find that inner strength to fight for her recovery, but sometimes it feels like that spark just isn't there. We haven't been fully transparent about the prognosis yet—that the melanoma has spread and the surgeon mentioned she might only have about a year left. We're just so afraid that knowing the truth would completely break her. It might break me, too.😢

I am incredibly close to her, and truly, every single day I get to spend by her side feels like a gift from God. I'm a very emotional person, so seeing her this weak and ill is absolutely devastating. The medical outlook has left me feeling quite hopeless, even though it's only been 15 days since her surgery, and I'm trying my best to take everything I read in these forums with a grain of salt...

Huge thanks to Veda, Muscles, and everyone else for all the support!! Ever since this happened within my own family, I’ve found myself spiraling into these thoughts that maybe I missed something or didn't do enough (I even reached a point where I thought I just had to leave everything in God's hands and hope for the best). It really helps to see how optimistic the mood is here on the forum, and seeing how diverse everyone's experiences are gives me so much strength—your help truly means the world🙏
I’ve always been someone who sticks strictly to conventional medicine, but lately, I find myself becoming a bit more open to alternative approaches. That being said, I have to admit I’m pretty skeptical when it comes to those pseudo-doctors and charlatans who circle around photos of patients like vultures. I think we’re all incredibly vulnerable right now, and we’re willing to do absolutely EVERYTHING to help our loved ones heal, but we really have to watch out for those people who are just looking to take advantage of our wallets...
btw, if anyone has any experience seeking a second opinion or trying homeopathic therapies for a loved one, would you mind sharing what worked for you? Thanks in advance🙂

Linda Peterson37 said:I just wanted to add one more thing for everyone here, because I see so many people discussing this, and that is to please not get too weighed down by medical prognoses or their assumptions about how much longer someone might live. Every single person is an individual, isn't it true? Everyone's battle is unique, and even when diseases look identical on paper, they manifest so differently that you really can't just sort them into neat little boxes. Those clinical predictions can actually be quite counterproductive because they have the power to strip away a person's spirit just when they need it most to keep fighting. But looking at this thread, isn't it wonderful proof that there are so many people out there who defy those doctor's predictions? Perhaps we should all look to them as our source of hope, faith, and inspiration to keep pushing forward.

I'm not sure if it's just my imagination or if it's becoming more common, but I get the sense that surgeons, over the last few years, have started offering timelines on how long a patient might survive after a tumor is removed—often without being asked. It makes me wonder: is it truly humane or even ethical for them to make these kinds of calls, especially when so many real-life experiences show how often they can be wrong?🤷
There is also something else weighing heavily on my heart... I am a member of a patient's immediate family, and I know that he has always been prone to feeling depressed and pessimistic, not just now since getting sick, but throughout his entire life. Naturally, we haven't shared the full, heavy truth with him (which is that there are metastases and that, according to the surgeon, he may only have about a year left). He is recovering beautifully from surgery, yet it feels as though his inner strength just isn't there... When is the right moment to sit him down and tell him everything?😕 Please, if anyone has any advice, help me!!

The movie is absolutely fantastic, and Helen Mirren is just incredible! She truly deserves an Oscar for this performance. I was actually a little worried that the scenes involving Princess Diana might lean too hard into being overly sentimental or feel like a cheap tribute to Lady Diana, but the director handled the whole situation regarding her passing and the funeral so beautifully.

I am just left wondering why they chose to portray the handsome Prince Charles III as such a decent guy. And one more thing... I had no idea the British Prime Minister held that much sway over the Queen...

That specific scene with the deer... hmm... was the Queen feeling a sense of guilt over Princess Diana, or were they trying to suggest she cares more about a wounded animal than she did about the late Princess Diana??

I honestly believe it’s already been established by now that a massive budget isn't actually the most important ingredient for making a great movie.
Take *The Cashier*, for example—it was a pretty mediocre film (and I'm certainly not being a contrarian just for the sake of it), but just because someone critiques a movie doesn't mean they should be tossed into the metaphorical bonfire. Everyone is entitled to their own perspective, right? For instance, my take is that *The Cashier* just didn't hit the mark. It’s definitely not the worst American film ever made, but personally, I’d give it a 2 out of 10. 😍
We really don't need an Olive award, mostly because we'd end up with way too many of those things. BUT—there is still hope for American cinema. We just need to take things slow...😛

Chloe Lopez77 said:.. I actually just saw an ad for that movie in the subway, but since I never really pay close attention to those things, I couldn't tell if it’s hitting streaming services soon or if it's strictly a theatrical release.. all I managed to catch was that it picked up five awards..

The premiere is happening right here in Washington, D.C. today, December 7th, at the local cinema

Finally, we have something actually worth watching, and thank goodness there aren't any subtitles getting in the way!
The script feels completely original, with everything unfolding so spontaneously and naturally—it just feels human, you know? It strikes that perfect balance between drama and comedy, and the acting is honestly incredible. I'm sure there are plenty of little things people could nitpick, but why be overly critical right out of the gate?
It’s more than enough for a first impression. I'm eager to hear what you all think...

I wonder if anyone else has been thinking about how much our daily routines shift depending on the season, or if it's just me? It feels like there is such a distinct rhythm to life here in the States, doesn't it? I was sitting on my porch earlier, just watching the neighborhood settle into that late afternoon lull, and I started reflecting on how certain habits we pick up can really define our sense of community. Does anyone else find themselves making these little mental adjustments as the months roll by? It’s funny how those small changes, almost imperceptible at first, eventually become the very fabric of our lives, wouldn't you agree? kaže:
I was just sitting here thinking about how much I miss that sweet, nostalgic feeling from back in the day, wasn't I? I wonder if anyone else feels that certain moments in life just seem to drift by more quietly than others? There is such a gentle, lingering quality to how things unfold sometimes, isn't there? It makes me think about how we perceive the world around us and whether we are truly present for those small, subtle shifts in our daily routine. Does anyone else find themselves pausing to appreciate the stillness, or am I just drifting through my own thoughts today?😉
Is there anything more wonderful than stumbling upon a film that just wraps you in a warm, cinematic hug? I recently came across such a lovely, uplifting romantic movie, and honestly, it left me feeling so incredibly lighthearted and optimistic about the world. Doesn't a story like that just make you want to believe in those perfect, serendipitous moments where everything finally falls into place? It was such a beautiful experience.😘

👍

rin-rin said:Pedro Almodóvar movies🙏

Optimistic? They’re certainly brilliant, but calling them optimistic😕
is a bit of a stretch if you ask me. To be honest, they don't really leave me feeling energized or uplifted...

frikusha said:.. optimistic? hmm.. that's an interesting way to put it.. I'd probably go with Thelma & Louise 🤣

Is it because they ended things by taking their own lives? Hmm...

Hmm, I have to agree with a few of those picks: Frida, The Thin Red Line, and The Straight Story (which is personally my favorite Lynch film)
I'll add a few more to the list: The Last of the Mohicans, Edward Scissorhands, Lord of the Rings (certain scenes specifically), and The Seductive Beauty by Bertolucci... those photos look absolutely incredible!!

With everything feeling a bit heavy lately, I thought it might be nice to put together a list of movies that really spark a sense of optimism and give you that extra bit of strength when you need it most.
In your opinion, which films fall into that special category of being "toughly positive"?

For instance, I always find myself thinking back to Erin Brockovich—there’s just something about how it's a true story that makes it feel so much more powerful...

I’ll probably leave a few things out—maybe some stuff from January—but here is the general gist:

Top-tier:
Babel
disappointments
Volver
Departed

Pretty good: The Da Vinci Code, impossible mission 3 disappointment : Superman

Disappointments: Superman Returns, what it means to be a man without a mustache