Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses

rapidseal49, I am truly sorry for your loss.

rapidseal49, I wanted to reach out and send my condolences your way.

So, this is my first time posting here, though I suspect the reason for my arrival is fairly obvious. My father has been hospitalized for over a month now, and despite all the specialists, the doctors still seem to be grasping at straws regarding a definitive diagnosis. They’ve mentioned a metastatic tumor, yet they can't pinpoint its location, which means they aren't actually initiating any real treatment. He was holding up quite well until today, but it felt as though he was finally starting to give up. What seems to be weighing on him most is the realization that while the cancer spreads, he just lies there being managed solely by pain medication. His condition is visibly deteriorating with every passing day. Our entire family is completely at a loss, spiraling a bit because we simply don't know how to help. Is there any merit to using specific immune-boosting supplements in a situation like this? If so, what should we be looking for and where can one even find them? Regardless, I appreciate the work put into this forum; I've been lurking here since the day he was admitted.

Grace Stewart6 said:So, this is my first time posting here. You can probably guess why. My dad has been in the hospital for over a month now, and the doctors still aren't quite sure what's going on. They mentioned a tumor that's already metastasized, but they don't know the exact location yet, so they haven't started any specific treatment. He was holding up pretty well until today, but it felt like he was just giving up. It’s heartbreaking for him because the cancer is spreading while he’s just lying there in the hospital getting nothing but pain meds. His condition is clearly getting worse every single day. Our whole family is losing it; we're completely overwhelmed and don't know how to help. Is there anything we can do regarding immune-boosting supplements? What kind of stuff should we look for, and where can we find it? Anyway, I want to say thanks for all the work you do on this forum. I've been following along since the day Dad was admitted.

Hi there!

I've heard about Dr. Johanna Budwig and her treatment methods....

Dear Grace Stewart6, I am so incredibly sorry that our little virtual "meet and greet" is happening under such heavy circumstances 😢

Which hospital is he at?
What kind of tests have they run on him so far?
And what are the doctors saying—what’s the next step in the game plan?

I would definitely suggest doing a bit of reading regarding immune support and... well...
http://www.mayoclinic.org/

The advice out there can be all over the place—honestly, a bit hit or miss—but my biggest tip is that before you start giving him any supplements for his immunity, please, please check with his doctors first to make sure it won't interfere with anything else

My mom hasn't really taken anything specific, just some organic propolis from a local honey farm (http://wildflowerhoney.com/), though her eyes started watering from it—it turns out she's actually allergic to propolis, so I wanted to mention that so you aren't caught off guard if that happens (I've heard of at least two other people deal with watery eyes because of it)
Besides that, most patients I know drink beet juice—you can grab Biotta at places like Walgreens or CVS, though I usually recommend checking Target since it's noticeably cheaper
Nettle tea is also great for helping with iron levels
And apparently, holly tea is said to have anti-tumor properties

Unfortunately, I can't offer much more in terms of immune system advice, because this is pretty much everything my mom takes
(And ginger, but only because she has colon cancer, which is supposed to be good for the gut)

We are currently at the hospital in Springfield. He was admitted because there was a suspicion of lung cancer, though now they aren't entirely certain if they're looking at a primary tumor or metastases. They also mentioned something regarding the ribs. After undergoing a bronchoscopy, a biopsy, and several punctures, we are just waiting on the results from the latest procedure, which should arrive tomorrow or the day after. We are essentially living needle to needle right now. What happens if even these tests fail to provide a clear answer? The doctor claims he can't commit to any further plans until he identifies the location of the primary tumor.
The pain he is experiencing is quite intense; at times, even the prescribed painkillers seem to offer little relief. I find myself wondering if it might be worth exploring some immune-boosting supplements, if only to give him and the rest of us a sense that we are actively doing something. Naturally, we would consult with his physician before trying anything.
I truly appreciate all of your responses and advice.

Grace Stewart6 said:He’s over at Springfield General. He ended up there because they suspected lung cancer, but now they aren't even sure if it's the primary tumor or just metastases. They mentioned something on the ribcage too. They've done a bronchoscopy, a biopsy, and a few needle punctures. We’re waiting on the results from the last puncture tomorrow or the day after, and honestly, we're just stuck waiting on needles and tests right now. What happens if those don't turn up anything definitive either? The doctor says he can't make any concrete plans yet because he doesn't know where the actual primary tumor is located.
And the pain is brutal. Sometimes even the painkillers don't touch it. I was thinking about trying some immune-boosting supplements, just so Dad and the rest of us feel like we’re actually doing *something* about it. Obviously, we'd check with his doctor first.
Thanks a ton for all the replies and advice.

Grace Stewart6, they’ll definitely find that primary tumor at Springfield. I don't know what kind of painkillers he's on, but you should talk to the doctor about getting him something stronger. At the end of the day, managing the pain is the priority. The pain is the absolute worst part, and there are meds out there—just keep pushing the doctors to help him through it.
As for the immunity stuff, just wait until he's back home before you start any kind of regimen.
I spent a long time talking to my husband yesterday. It sent him straight back to the beginning of his illness four years ago... he started remembering everything, the hospitals, all the people he met... how much he saw. We both just sat there crying.

rapidseal49 said:around 6:30 this morning, another young life was cut short...😢

my cousin, Peter (24), passed away from the complications of a brutal, nasty illness....😢

hang in there, guys. just keep fighting......

I’m sending my deepest condolences. It’s just devastating when someone that young is gone, but I guess it’s all part of God's plan. I truly believe he's in a better place now.

I’m honestly heartbroken... whether you call it fate, genetics, or God's will, I don't care—it just isn't fair. Losing a parent, a grandparent, or anyone close to you is devastating enough, but when someone passes away that young... there's really no comfort to be found in that. My heart goes out to his parents. When things happen this way, when it's just not right, it's easily the hardest thing you can face in life.

It’s honestly heartbreaking to read through these threads, and even more devastating to hear about someone young passing away prematurely
About eight months ago, I lost my father-in-law to cancer, and just two days ago, I found out from my dad's oncologist that he only has a few months left to live.
He had hepatocellular carcinoma that was successfully removed three and a half years ago, but now it has metastasized to his lungs.

I mean, it's just awful.
He's come to terms with it and doesn't want to fight anymore—he's just exhausted and sad, which is completely understandable, though he's refusing all our help (maybe it's all still too fresh).
We're actually going to reach out to another doctor today, mostly because of a segment we saw on the news last night regarding a drug called Sutent.

At least he's showing a tiny bit of movement now, but what's really weighing on me is finding out how to get some psychological support for my dad here in Chicago. Does anyone know who I can turn to or how that process works? Is there a local association or something similar that helps families deal with this?

Since everything is still so raw, I haven't had much of a chance to dig deep into the internet beyond checking out WebMD.

It’s honestly exhausting reading through all this... so here’s the short version—my father-in-law has been going in for radiation almost every single day for nearly a month now. He’s also been taking some IP6 Gold to boost his immune system, and I swear, he looks like a different person—he says he feels alive again too. His appetite is back, he can get to the bathroom on his own, and you can actually see the energy returning to him... he hasn't even lost all his hair yet, he's still got plenty, and nothing really hurts except for this nasty cough that keeps choking him up, especially at night...
I really hope you guys pull through soon and don't lose heart...

Kimberly Bishop91 said:Honestly, reading through all this is exhausting... let me just give you the quick version. My father-in-law has been doing those radiation treatments almost every single day for nearly a month now. He’s also been taking some IP6 Gold to boost his immune system, and man, it’s like he’s actually coming back to life—he even says so himself. His appetite is better, he can get to the bathroom without help, and you can honestly see the energy returning to him. He hasn't lost all his hair either; there's still plenty left. Nothing really hurts him anymore, except for this cough that just chokes him, especially when he's trying to sleep at night...
I just want everyone to get better ASAP. Don't lose hope, seriously...

For that choking sensation when coughing, my husband used to take an Iceland Moss syrup (you can find it at most local pharmacies). It helps thin out the mucus, so it's easier to cough up and prevents that feeling where you can't breathe.

Lisa White54 said:To help with that choking feeling when coughing, my husband used an Iceland moss syrup—you can find it at any local pharmacy. It helps thin out the mucus, so he could cough it up easier without feeling like he couldn't breathe.

Thanks so much for the tip—I'll go look for it and grab some.
He already asked the nurse for something for his cough, and she said she'd check, so we'll just see if they actually give him anything. Either way, thanks a million.

Hey there, my dear friends—and I say that sincerely because you truly are my friends... I'm checking in with the absolute worst news I’ve ever had to write on this forum.
The PET scan results were pretty brutal. It showed a ton of positive lymph nodes—just a massive cluster, honestly, stretching from my neck all the way down to my pelvis. It's just... gross. Just awful. The biopsy on the lymph node in my neck confirmed what the scan showed: we're looking at adenocarcinoma. On the bright side—if you can even call it that—the procedure to place the port in my right kidney was a success, so there's a chance I can start systemic chemo to try and shut this thing down. If I sound a bit down, please don't take it personally, but my will to live is still HUGE and I am definitely not giving up. I'm heading to an oncology consultation in a few days to see what our next move is.
PLEASE, MY FRIENDS, when you read this, don't just feel sorry for me—instead, cross your fingers and think, YOU CAN DO THIS, DIANA!!!
Your support and all those positive vibes really mean the world to me.
Sending big hugs to you all
Diana!!

Grace Fowler said:My dear friends—and I say "dear" because you truly are—I’m checking in with what might be the most difficult news I’ve ever had to share here.
The PET scan results were devastating. It’s showing an overwhelming number of positive lymph nodes, scattered everywhere from my neck down to my pelvis. It’s just... it's awful. The biopsy on the neck node confirmed the scan's findings: we're looking at adenocarcinoma. On the one silver lining side of things, the stent placement in my right kidney was successful, which opens up the possibility of systemic chemotherapy to try and get this under control. If I sound heavy-hearted, please don't take it personally; my will to live remains incredibly STRONG, and I am not throwing in the towel. I’m heading to a tumor board meeting at the oncology center in a few days to map out our next moves.
PLEASE, MY FRIENDS, when you read this, don't let it weigh you down. Instead, please just cross your fingers and think, YOU CAN DO THIS, DIANA!!!
Your support and good vibes mean the world to me.
Sending hugs,
Diana!!

Dear Diana, we are going to get through this together. Please reach out once you can so we can send that PET scan over for a second opinion!

Dear Diana,

Good luck... I really believe you'll fight through this illness just like you always have. It's just so hard to hear such tough news about your health this time around. I'm truly sorry.

Grace Fowler said:My dear friends—and I say dear because you truly are... I am reaching out to share what is perhaps the most difficult news I have ever had to post here.
The PET scan results were quite devastating, showing an extensive number of positive lymph nodes, stretching from my neck all the way down to my pelvis... it's just overwhelming. The biopsy of the neck node confirmed the scan's findings; we are looking at adenocarcinoma. On a more hopeful note, the placement of the port in my right kidney was successful, which opens the door for systemic chemotherapy to try and get this thing under control. If I happen to sound somber, please don't take offense, but my will to live remains immense, and I have absolutely no intention of giving up. I am heading to the oncology board meeting in a few days to determine our next steps...
I BEG OF YOU, my friends, when you read this, please do not let sadness take hold, but instead, cross your fingers and think, YOU CAN DO THIS, DIANA!!!
Your support and your positive thoughts mean the world to me.
Sending hugs,
Diana!!

Of course you can, and of course you will! It is perfectly natural to feel heavy-hearted, just as it is natural for your resolve to be even stronger... you simply will not give in. You will beat this cancer, stronger than ever before. We are all standing right there beside you.

Continue to be as brave as ever, our Diana.
kisses

Grace Fowler said:Hey my dear friends—I’m calling you dear because you really are... I'm checking in with the toughest news I've ever had to share here.
The PET scan results were pretty rough; there are positive lymph nodes everywhere, literally from my neck down to my pelvis. Just gross. The biopsy on the neck node confirmed what the scan showed: we're looking at adenocarcinoma. The one silver lining is that the stent placement in my right kidney worked, so there's a real chance I can get systemic chemo to try and shut this thing down. If I sound a bit down, please don't take it personally, but my will to live is still HUGE and I am not giving up. I'm heading to an oncology consultation in a few days to see what our next moves are.
PLEASE, MY FRIENDS, when you read this, don't be sad—just cross your fingers and think, YOU CAN DO THIS, DIANA!!!
Your support and good vibes mean the world to me.
Sending hugs
Diana!!

Sweetheart 🙂...I can't lie and pretend I'm not heartbroken reading this, but I know that incredible WILL TO LIVE of yours. No matter how heavy things feel, I can already see hope and new plans peeking through your words... your strength honestly gives me chills! Oh honey... you absolutely CAN and WILL do this!
Systemic therapy can make such a huge difference, and👍 I really hope you get it started!

Ugh, just awful 😠 you have no idea how much you're going to crush this!

Grace Fowler said:Hey everyone—I’m calling you friends because that’s what you are... I'm checking in with the worst news I've ever had to share on this forum.
The PET scan was brutal. It showed tons of positive lymph nodes—literally everywhere from my neck down to my pelvis. Just gross. The biopsy on the neck node confirmed the scan: we're looking at adenocarcinoma. On the bright side, they successfully placed the port in my right kidney, so there's a chance I can start systemic chemo to try and shut this thing down. If I sound down, don't take it personally—my will to live is still HUGE and I am not giving up. I’m heading to an oncology board meeting in a few days to see what our next moves are.
PLEASE, FRIENDS, when you read this, don't be sad—just cross your fingers and think, YOU CAN DO THIS, DIANA!!!
Your support and good vibes mean everything to me.
Sending hugs,
Diana!!

Diana, this is tough to read—but you're tougher than anything, and I know you'll prove it again!!!
Diana, you absolutely can do this!!

Grace Fowler said:My dear friends—and I say dear because you truly are—I’m checking in with the worst news I’ve ever had to share on this forum.
The PET scan results were devastating. It’s full of positive lymph nodes everywhere, just a massive cluster stretching from my neck all the way down to my pelvis. It’s disgusting. The biopsy on the neck node confirmed the scan: we're looking at adenocarcinoma. On the bright side, the stent placement in my right kidney was successful, which means there's a real shot at getting systemic chemo to try and shut this thing down. If I sound down, don't take it personally; my will to live is still MASSIVE and I am not giving up. I'm heading to an oncology board meeting in a few days to figure out our next move.
PLEASE, MY FRIENDS, when you read this, don't just feel sorry for me. Instead, cross your fingers and think: YOU CAN DO THIS, DIANA!!!
Your support and positive energy mean everything to me.
Sending hugs,
Diana!!

Dear Diana,
You have fought through so much already. You are going to get through this, too.
YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO DO IT.
Stay brave and don't let them win. We are right here with you.