Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses

I joined this thread just a few days ago. Unfortunately, I am also dealing with my mother being ill with ovarian cancer. My internet connection at home isn't great, and I can't spend all day browsing the forum while I'm at work, so I haven't managed to read everything yet, though I am trying. Sending so much support to all of you.

She has been battling this for over two years now, ever since her ovarian cancer was first diagnosed. It was quite advanced, and the initial prognosis was very grim. Her first surgery didn't look promising, but after a round of chemo, another surgery, and more chemo, things had actually stabilized over the last year. My mom is a true fighter. But now, her markers have spiked again, the CT scan results were bad news, and they’ve prescribed the same chemotherapy that she couldn't tolerate at all. We are currently trying to switch up her treatment plan, even if we have to pay out of pocket to make it happen.

I don't know all the specifics because, honestly, I've been working from home for the last ten years. 311 miles It’s exhausting. It kills me that I can't be there to see her or do anything meaningful, or even just be by her side. On the bright side, I'm taking a short trip home for the Easter break soon, but it's only for a few days. My dad is there taking care of her, but it isn't easy on him either. I really want to help carry some of this weight; I want to share the burden with them because they—and Mom especially—gave me everything they possibly could throughout my life. It’s been hard lately; I've been crying for the past few days, I'm not sleeping well, and I've been smoking far too much. I know none of that helps, but it feels like I'm punishing myself. I realize now how much I used to snap at her for no reason, or how I'd put up this defensive shield whenever she tried to talk to me. I can't turn back time, but I just want to help her now. I know her biggest wish in life is simply for my brother and me to be happy. I'm pretty shaken up right now, but I hope seeing her soon will bring me some peace.

Human life and destiny are so unpredictable. If they weren't, I suppose we wouldn't be human. My mind has been racing with all sorts of thoughts lately, and I can't seem to focus; as soon as I try to distract myself, the thoughts just come rushing back. I guess that's just what happens when you're in shock.

To everyone here who is standing by their loved ones during times like this, please cherish that time and make the most of it. Sending big hugs to everyone.🙂

gentletiger46 said:Well, I suppose it is my turn to weigh in. I am still waiting on an official diagnosis, but there is a strong suspicion of Hodgkin... A week ago—which feels like a lifetime ago now—I went to get a color Doppler ultrasound of my neck vessels on a whim, mostly just because they seemed slightly swollen. During the scan, they caught a slightly enlarged lymph node in my armpit and talked me into getting a biopsy. A few days later, they informed me that it could potentially be Hodgkin or ALCL. Just like that...

The only symptoms I actually experienced were pain in my neck lymph nodes and my left armpit—where there is now an enlarged node—following alcohol consumption... link The doctors' reactions were either "I've never heard of such a symptom" or outright laughter... She had gone through various tests, but nothing concrete ever surfaced. Her blood work showed some slight abnormalities, though nothing catastrophic, and after a while, everything seemed to settle down, so I eventually gave up fighting against the windmills... Now, that very same doctor—the one who actually laughed at my inquiry regarding this symptom—calls me over the phone without even a polite hello, just to tell me that I have lymphoma.

Over the last couple of days, I’ve undergone a handful of tests at the local Mayo Clinic, though hardly enough to offset the profound disappointment I feel toward our healthcare system... and more specifically, the utterly inhumane way certain doctors treat their patients. It ranged from using blunt, callous language—suggesting that if they can't get a biopsy, they’ll just have to resort to surgery to "dig around" inside me—to the fact that not a single soul took even a minute to sit down and actually explain what lies ahead. During the lymph node biopsy, I was on the verge of a complete nervous breakdown, despite having taken Apaurin... The physician performing the procedure actually had the audacity to ask why I was crying, acting as if I were overreacting to some minor injury, only to turn around and gossip with her colleague about my "damn" node that simply wouldn't cooperate for the needle. An hour wasted on petty complaints, all while they weren't even certain they could extract a viable sample... They even spent time disparaging other patients, commenting on how difficult some are to puncture because of their physical deformities. As if I don't already know what's happening... my preliminary tests clearly point toward Hodgkin, so I fail to see why the hematology team is still insisting on this biopsy. It is as if they assume I am incapable of understanding their clinical jargon, or perhaps they simply view me as nothing more than a piece of meat... It wasn't the physical pain that broke me, but rather their attitude and total lack of empathy. If the diagnosis is confirmed, I'm facing a bone biopsy, which they claim will be significantly worse than the ordeal I endured yesterday... I can only hope they offer me general anesthesia, because if not, I refuse to go through with it, and they can simply let it all go to hell...

I work alongside quite a few medical professionals, and frankly, I find it impossible to wrap my head around the way patients are actually treated—especially those facing a malignancy or even just the possibility of one... When I brought this up to my colleagues, they simply brushed me off. I haven’t even hit thirty yet; I just got married, things are finally looking up career-wise, and my husband and I are starting to talk about having a family... then out of nowhere, someone calls to tell me I have lymphoma. After that, they just treat me like a slab of meat in the hospital, poking and prodding without saying a single word to me... and then they have the audacity to wonder why I’m crying or upset. It isn't the diagnosis or the disease that scares me—it’s our doctors that truly terrify me...

Don't let the sheer absurdity of everything you've been through get the better of you... everyone experiences this madness in their own unique, exhausting way. As it was already mentioned to you—you’re young, and Hodgkin is curable, provided one possesses enough patience, strength, and, of course, the right medical treatment...

My father is thirty-five years old, yet he lives his life with lungs that feel entirely full... all thanks to having navigated two separate lymphoma diagnoses during his younger years...

Stay strong, stay committed to everything you've set out to achieve, and go win this year...

Hey everyone!
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer that had already spread to her axillary lymph nodes. Back in December, she went to see an oncologist at the local tumor clinic, and they scheduled her surgery for January. But then, in just a few short weeks, the cancer basically "exploded"—it spread everywhere from the breast all the way up toward her shoulder. It was honestly terrifying to watch; her skin turned dark and started pulling inward. Even the doctor was visibly shaken when he saw it, especially since her tumor markers jumped from 30 all the way up to 60. To try and get things under control before the surgery, she started chemo. She went through four of the heaviest rounds, and man, just two weeks after the first one, her hair was gone—not to mention the constant nausea every single time. Well, she finished her last session this past Monday. And you guys... I can't even believe it, but the treatment worked wonders. The cancer has shrunk so much that now you can only feel one little lump under her arm, and there’s nothing left to feel on the breast itself. She's heading in for the big surgery tomorrow, which we've been waiting for forever. Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.......👍

Olivia Miller said:I've used it before. Didn't really notice anything from the alcohol, though I wasn't on any antibiotics at the time, but since you just take it by the spoonful, I doubt it'll be an issue...👍

Olivia Miller, thanks a ton. I'll give it a shot and hope for the best, God willing...🙂

What actually matters are the things that boost your immune system—that’s the MVP when you're fighting cancer. You have to take an alternative approach there.

I don't know much about this stuff, but from what I gather, we're talking broccoli, propolis, and things like that. What should I actually be focusing on? If anyone has been through this, please let me know what worked for you. For instance, would Imunomax help? If you can list some names of these supplements and tell me if they're available here in the US and where to find them, could you shoot me a DM? I hope I'm not asking too much; if this has already been discussed on the forum, just send me a link. I'm feeling a bit lost in all of this.

Linda Cox69,

I'm certain we've all had those kinds of days—I know I certainly have. For me, there was this constant voice in my head—almost like a drill sergeant—telling me I couldn't buckle under the pressure, that I couldn't let myself break down, that I had to stay strong and resilient... meanwhile, all I really wanted to do was curl up under the covers, hide from the world, and just drift away into some kind of cancer-free dreamland. Just to wake up from that nightmare, you know?

I realized I couldn't fight her battle for her, but I could definitely support her through it; sometimes that meant just being quiet and listening when she finally felt comfortable enough to talk about her fears or the end of life; other times we’d spend our time planning summer vacations together; and other times, it was just about taking practical action. We shared everything—we’d joke around, we’d have deep conversations; sometimes she’d handle things herself, sometimes we’d tackle them as a team, and sometimes it was just me stepping up.

I think Nancy Hernandez43 makes a fair point about overreacting with worry. I believe I've actually agreed with her on that specific topic here a few times before 🙂
We were incredibly close, almost like a tight-knit family unit; my relationship with Mom was always uniquely special. That said, we tried not to overdo it—we didn't want to treat everything with that overly sentimental "goodbye" tone. Instead, we stayed firm in our resolve to fight this thing together; we never treated her like she was helpless, because she was always such a fighter, regardless of what life threw at her. Honestly, sometimes it felt like she was the one pulling us back up with an invisible hand whenever our spirits started to flag.

Just keep moving forward bravely 👍

jadetinker42 said:Here’s the number for Domančić:

212-555-0198
212-555-0144
555-0123

Look, he’s pretty backed up, so you won't be getting in anytime soon. On top of that, once he schedules an appointment, if you call him close to the date to nail down the details, he gets all moody and acts surprised that you're even calling about the slot...

Bottom line, I wouldn't count on him too much...🙂

Thanks for the info. We’ll probably just wait until chemo starts and see how things go first. Also, what do you guys think about Lothar Hirneise? Here's the link:
http://www.idealogic.co.uk/icms/3e/index.cfm?page=99
Has anyone here dealt with them, or does anyone know of any specific cases? What's the word?

Best,

Angela Wright said:I believe I received your email, so I am responding here as well so others can see my thoughts:

Herbs might sound completely healthy and harmless, but they are actually packed with natural chemicals that can cause serious complications if mixed with chemotherapy drugs. This is why doctors strictly advise against consuming these types of mixtures—which often lack specific ingredient transparency and rigorous quality control—during chemotherapy treatment.

Personally, I recommend giving your mother immune stimulants that are available in reputable pharmacies and have undergone proper testing. This includes things like Noni, Aloa, beta Glucan, native propolis, royal jelly, and similar supplements.

There is a golden rule you must understand and accept when dealing with cancer treatment:

Avoid therapists who:
-Refuse to cooperate with an oncologist or suggest stopping conventional medical treatment.
-Recommend treatments whose effectiveness remains unproven, despite significant evidence regarding their potential harm.
-Propose treatments where the cost far outweighs any proven benefit.
-Guarantee that their approach will work just because you sincerely want to be cured.

I am not advocating for the exclusion of any treatment method, but I place more trust in scientific evidence and verified medicine. When fighting cancer, even one small mistake can be fatal. Chemotherapy is prescribed and administered by highly trained scientists who constantly monitor your bloodwork and your body to ensure things stay under control. Unfortunately, most alternative preparations are administered without any oversight or supervision.

Doctors ban herbs because they are full of poison? Good God... 🙏 Doctors ban the use of Aloe vera and everything else you mentioned, but not because they might have a negative impact. They do it because if a patient is cured, they won't be able to claim credit if they can't prove whether it was the chemotherapy or the herbs (tea, honey...) that actually worked. There is a video on YouTube showing the clash between people who were cured through natural means after mainstream medicine gave up on them, and the very same people who manufacture and sell those same remedies at astronomical prices. Decide for yourselves who is right here. The video is truly exceptional. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZTFq...rom=PL&index=7
And above, she wrote, "let the herbalists guarantee they will cure you." 🙏 No doctor could ever give you a guarantee that they will cure you of cancer. Honestly, who can provide a guarantee for anything? Neither side can. Neither group can. I don't see the point in your comment about demanding a guarantee for a cure.
Of course, one shouldn't turn their back on modern medicine; otherwise, how would you even track your health without medical diagnostics?

casualraven24 said:Thanks for the number. We will likely wait until chemotherapy begins to see how the results pan out. I am curious about your thoughts on Lothar Hirneise; here is the link:
http://www.idealogic.co.uk/icms/3e/index.cfm?page=99
Has anyone on this forum been there or heard of any specific cases? What is the general consensus?

Best regards,

"Nobody knows today exactly what cancer is and how it should be treated. For this reason one can easily become lost in the details, as everybody knows something but nobody knows even close to everything." This is absolutely true. Only those who have actually succeeded in treating or curing cancer can speak with authority. The rest of us offer advice based on our own limited experiences, but we risk leading people into an endless cycle of searching and overthinking. 🤷

mistyridge5 said:Linda Cox69,

we have all endured those kinds of days, I am certain of that. For me, there was this constant internal monologue insisting that I could not falter, that I could not break down, that I had to remain resilient... when all I truly wanted was to curl up under the covers, hide from the world, and drift away into some sort of cancer-free dreamscape. To simply wake up from this nightmare...

I couldn't shoulder the fight myself, though I certainly tried to support my mother through hers; sometimes that meant offering nothing but silence, just listening as she spoke of her fears and the end of life for the first time; other times we would spend our time planning summer vacations together; or perhaps through more direct action. We shared jokes, we held serious conversations; at times she would manage things on her own, at others we worked as a team, and occasionally I acted alone.

Nancy Hernandez43 makes a valid point regarding excessive worrying. I believe I have expressed my agreement with her on this matter several times here 🙂
We were as close as a nuclear family; my relationship with Mom was always singular. However, we refused to overdo it, avoiding that patronizing tone of "offering sympathies" for everything; instead, we remained steadfast in our collective front against this monster. We never treated her like a helpless victim, because she was always a fighter, regardless of what life threw at her. At times, I felt as if she herself was lifting us up with an invisible hand whenever our spirits began to flag...

Just keep moving forward bravely 👍

The truth is, anyone living in fear experiences that same desperate need to escape it all for a moment!

In our case, this situation involves a small, somewhat detached family that grew out of a modern parenting style where parents and children are friends; we ended up becoming exactly what you described: one for all and all for one!

Big Pusa

casualraven24 - I just sent you a PM 🙂

Drew Allen said:Doctors ban herbal remedies because herbs are full of toxins? Good God... 🙏 Doctors prohibit everything from Aloe vera to the list you provided, but it isn't because they might cause harm; rather, it is because if a patient actually recovers, the doctors cannot claim credit since they can't be certain whether it was the chemotherapy or the herbs, tea, or honey that truly worked. This YouTube video illustrates the clash between those who recovered through natural means after modern medicine gave up on them, and those who manufacture and sell those very same drugs at astronomical prices. You can decide for yourselves who is right here. The video is quite exceptional, to say the least. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZTFq...rom=PL&index=7
And above, she wrote, "let the herbalist guarantee they will cure you." 🙏 I don't think any doctor could give you a guarantee that they would cure you of cancer. Honestly, who can offer a guarantee for anything? Neither side can. Neither group can. I fail to see the logic in your comment regarding the demand for a guarantee of a cure...
Of course, one shouldn't turn their back on medicine entirely, as there would be no way to monitor your health without medical diagnostics and lab work.

I don't see the reason for such a tone or for this particular post. Most people here have already reached a consensus: there is no single, magic recipe for fighting cancer! If such a thing existed, mortality rates wouldn't be what they are, nor would there be such pervasive fear among us all...

Any competent oncologist would tell you that total recovery is only possible for about one in four patients—there is plenty of statistical data and lengthy analytical explanations to prove it. Furthermore, every pharmaceutical drug has a specific composition, laboratory verification, and, most importantly, a thoroughly tested mechanism of action. No herbalist is going to provide you with the exact chemical makeup of their concoction; it is highly questionable under what conditions these preparations were made and which compounds you are actually ingesting into your system. Moreover, we hear the most about these herbalists through the media, and let’s be honest, in outlets like newspapers or online forums, anyone can hide behind a pseudonym to promote something that may not even exist. There are many instances where these herbs and "miracle cures" were merely ordinary teas that, in the desperate hopes of those seeking recovery, created a placebo effect—which, in some cases, actually did lead to healing. Currently, a fraudster from New York is facing legal action for selling simple vitamin supplements under the guise of "extraordinary medicinal preparations"...

In this modern era, where we are all essentially poisoned by our food due to various GMOs, preservatives, hard-to-digest sugars, hidden cholesterol, and I needn't go on, it is better to rely on what is proven rather than what is untested...

Nancy Hernandez43 said:I don't see any reason for this kind of tone or for this post to even exist. Most people here have already reached a consensus on one thing: there is no single, magic recipe for fighting cancer. If we actually had it, the mortality rate wouldn't be what it is today, and there wouldn't be this constant cloud of fear hanging over all of us.

Any decent oncologist will tell you straight to your face that complete remission only happens in about one out of four cases. There are statistics to back that up, along with extensive clinical analyses. Furthermore, every legitimate medication has a specific formula, rigorous laboratory testing, and, most importantly, proven efficacy through controlled studies. No herbalist is going to hand over the exact chemical composition of their concoction. It’s honestly questionable under what conditions these mixtures are even made, let alone what specific compounds you are actually ingesting. On top of that, herbal remedies get massive coverage in the media. Let's be honest: in outlets like newspapers or online forums, anyone can hide behind a pseudonym to push products that might not even work. I've seen plenty of cases where these "miracle herbs" or "magic cures" were nothing more than basic teas. In the desperate hope of recovery, they triggered a placebo effect, which allowed some people to feel better. Currently, there is a legal case unfolding in New York involving a fraudster who was selling standard vitamin supplements under the guise of "mystical remedies."

In this modern age, we are all essentially living in a state of constant toxicity. Our food supply is saturated with GMOs, artificial preservatives, hard-to-digest sugars, and hidden cholesterol. I’ve seen it happen to my own family members. When faced with such a landscape, I believe it is much wiser to rely on proven methods rather than chasing unverified trends.

Take a look at my comment right below the one you quoted.
It is true that a medical drug undergoes rigorous laboratory testing, but that doesn't address the real question: how effective is it actually working in practice? When we discuss cancer and leukemia, we all know the statistics regarding survival rates under modern treatment protocols. It is sobering. Unfortunately, it feels like profit has become the primary driver in everything today, including healthcare. I can only hope this trend doesn't persist much longer.
There is absolutely no doubt that teas can be effective. I believe that in this matter, there is no room for argument. However, one always seems to find... A bunch of scammers. Selling mint tea as a cure for cancer is an entirely different level of deception. People like that belong behind bars. I am not the type of person who blindly believes everything I see, hear, or read. The only true proof of whether a medicine, a tea, or even honey actually works is a person standing before you, stating they were treated and cured. These kinds of stories are the most seductive and easiest to believe. Slowly, we will reach a point where cancer becomes manageable, much like the flu, and people won't be able to get rich off it anymore. My only fear is that once that happens, they will simply "invent" a new disease just to start the whole cycle all over again.

Drew Allen said:Read my comment directly beneath the one you just quoted...
While it remains true that a medical treatment may pass its laboratory trials, one must inevitably question its actual efficacy. We are all well aware of the success rates associated with modern treatments when dealing with cancer or leukemia... It seems that nowadays, even in the realm of healing, the primary driver has become pure profit. I can only hope this trend doesn't persist indefinitely...
Herbal teas can certainly be effective, there is no denying that part of it. However, why there always seems to be a swarm of charlatans peddling peppermint tea as a cure for cancer is quite another matter entirely... Such individuals belong behind bars. I am not the type to blindly believe everything I see, hear, or read. The only true proof of the effectiveness of a drug, a tea, or honey—whatever it may be—is a person who tells you they were treated and cured by it. Those stories are, unfortunately, the most seductive and pleasant ones to hear. Perhaps one day cancer will become as trivial as a common flu, and no one will be able to build an empire upon it anymore. My only fear is that once that happens, they will simply "invent" a new disease, and we shall find ourselves right back where we started...

I read both posts before quoting the first one, which is precisely why certain parts were bolded. Honestly, after reading three of your consecutive posts, I am somewhat unclear as to what point you are trying to make... This forum is neither a place for advertisements nor for personal attacks...

Money is a tool, yet it is often the least significant factor in treating chronic patients, a reality I have experienced firsthand in my own life rather than just through my mother's experience. For a benign condition, I was practically promised that an alternative approach would work within six to ten months. In the end, it turned out that conventional medicine could have been faster, more efficient, and ultimately less expensive...

On the other hand, we see how even the flu can escalate, and viruses mutate constantly; it is quite likely that illnesses will evolve more significantly as the years progress. When that happens, the blame will lie neither with medicine nor with money, but with us...

Regarding the text I bolded in this quote, I view it as your attempt at advocacy. I suppose my mother could sell a few pounds of honey she bought from some local farmer featured in the news, but it certainly didn't boost her immunity with the miraculous force people claim... Not to mention we have far too much Aloe Vera sitting around with no clear purpose for it...

To avoid rambling and losing my point, I will simply say this: clinging to hearsay while dismissing proven science is nothing more than pure ignorance. Personally, I do not know anyone who has been cured solely by teas, herbs, or fungi; while I don't consider it impossible, I am far more familiar with cases where conventional medicine was the sole reason for recovery...

slyseal28 and Nancy Hernandez43, thanks for the PMs and the advice. Hopefully, I can return the favor down the road. Talk soon. Hang in there, everyone.

casualraven24 said:slyseal28 and Nancy Hernandez43, I truly appreciate the private messages and the guidance you both provided; hopefully, I will eventually find a way to return the favor... We shall speak again soon. My best to everyone, and stay strong.

The primary way you can be of service is by remaining steadfast for your mother's sake—by refusing to surrender to despair or fear, and by ensuring that every step you take, regardless of its nature, is a deliberate one... It is always worth the struggle.

I can't sleep because my head won't stop spinning... This afternoon, the chief physician at Jordan told us my dad is just too weak to even start chemo, and that since the cancer spread to his lungs, we’ve hit the final stage... that this is it. That's the end of the road. I know the chief over at Jordan is one of the best doctors in the country, but I just can't wrap my brain around the idea that there's nothing left to do. Everything at home is a total mess right now, everyone is just breaking down in tears, and I'm sitting here feeling like I'm losing my mind because I refuse to believe hope is gone. I can't accept that my Dad is leaving me... that my North Star is fading away... And what am I supposed to do now? Just mourn a man who is still standing right in front of me while I wait for the inevitable?! I went to church tonight and just begged God to perform a miracle. Please, just let there be a miracle...

Melissa Parker37🙂

How is your dad doing? How is he holding up?
I remember when our doctor told us it was finally happening—that she had maybe a month left at most—because she was just getting too weak, sort of lost in it all, with such intense pain. I really wish I could tell you today that some miracle happened and she fully recovered. But, she didn't. Though, I have to say, there was hope right up until the very last second, at least for me.

But honestly, a different kind of miracle occurred, one that stays with us even now. It’s everything we shared—all those days and those little moments, even the final ones. Your guiding star doesn't just fade away. It remains strong and shines in every direction; it's grateful because it helped get you back on your feet, showed you true love, and gave you strength. That part never fades, believe me.
I know things probably feel like total chaos for everyone right now—just shock and disbelief. Because we all keep hoping and fighting until the very end, even though we don't want an ending to be an option at all.

Just stay by his side and lean on each other... exactly like you always have...

Drew Allen said:Doctors ban herbs because they’re full of poison? Oh, for God's sake... 🙏 Doctors don't ban things like Aloe Vera or anything else you mentioned because they actually have negative effects; they do it because if a patient actually gets better, they can't claim credit. They won't be able to prove whether it was the chemotherapy or the herbs (teas, honey, etc.) that did the heavy lifting. This YouTube video shows the collision between people who recovered naturally after doctors threw up their hands and said there was nothing left to do, and the very same people who manufacture those drugs and sell them to us at astronomical prices. Judge for yourself which side is right. This video is incredible, to say the least. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZTFq...rom=PL&index=7
And she wrote above, "let the herbalist give you a guarantee that they will cure you." 🙏 I'd love to see any doctor give you a guarantee that they'll cure cancer. Seriously, who can guarantee anything? Neither side can. Not the MDs, and not the herbalists. I don't see the point in your comment about demanding a guarantee for a cure.
Of course, you shouldn't turn your back on modern medicine entirely, because how else are you supposed to monitor your health without medical testing and bloodwork?

Come on, please—first of all, where exactly did I say herbs were full of poison?
Even if I didn't say it, it's true. Brew yourself some chamomile tea and toss in some oleander flowers, then get back to me. If you're so keen on traveling, go ask Native Americans, Bushmen, or Aboriginals what they think about it. 😉

Look, friend, nobody can give you a guarantee for anything—not a doctor, and especially not an herbalist who is impossible to verify and operates with zero regulatory oversight . If you don't see the point of my comment, then you clearly weren't reading carefully, so go back and read it again.

Megan Chase63 said:I'm dealing with something similar. My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer with metastases throughout her body. They told us there was no point in surgery or treatment, so we bought a blend of 180 different herbs from a phytotherapist in Columbus who claims his tea will cure her, but insists we walk away from conventional medical treatment . After buying the tea, the doctors decided to proceed with surgery anyway, and tomorrow (20 days post-op) she starts her first round of chemo. Since the surgery, we've been giving her these teas, and now we're stuck—do we keep going alongside the chemo, or are we risking making things worse due to potential contraindications? We asked the herbalist, and he said there’s no issue and she can drink the tea whenever she wants during chemo, but if we asked the doctors, they’d call us crazy because they don't recognize anything outside of mainstream medicine. Now we don't know what to do. Has anyone here tried treatments from the phytotherapist Branko Jaramaz in Columbus?

I’m not even going to bother commenting on anything else, because honestly, man, you’ve become incredibly tedious with this constant rhetoric and demagoguery. 🙂

They started hitting Dad with morphine straight into the vein yesterday because he just couldn't take the pain anymore... His physical state is pretty much trashed since he hasn't eaten a real meal in over a month, and for the last two weeks, it’s been barely anything at all. Naturally, his blood work is a mess, and between that and his Type 2 diabetes, his liver and pancreas are basically a disaster zone... He was still lucid until the day before yesterday, but then the morphine kicked in and he spent almost the entire day yesterday just sleeping through everything. I asked the attending physician to give me a straight answer on what we're looking at, and he basically told me things are only going to get worse and that morphine is the only thing left to manage it... This morning Mom was begging me to see if the hospital would let him come home so she could look after him, but honestly, I don't think that's the smartest move. I don't want to crush her hopes, especially since he’s my father too and she’d do absolutely anything for him, plus the care here at the hospital is actually decent, and neither of us is equipped to handle this level of medical care at home... I'm just not smart enough to figure this out. God, help me!