Resources and support for families dealing with cancer and serious illness

As the day gets closer for Mom to head back to Austin for her checkups, I can't help but feel a bit terrified. I'm scared that after three months away, they might find a recurrence and we'll be right back at square one. And honestly, if I'm being selfish, it feels so much easier to read about everyone else's stories than to look at my own mom and see how fragile and dazed she still is... she even struggles to follow a simple conversation on the phone! Let's just keep believing and keep fighting! Kisses...

Nancy Hernandez43

My own checkup is coming up soon too, on January 23rd, so I'm feeling pretty anxious myself. But physically, I feel good, so hopefully everything turns out fine!
Could you tell me if your mom is doing her entire workup over in Austin, or did they ask her to do some tests here at home? And will she finish everything in one day, or does she have to stay overnight at the hospital?
Try not to jump ahead and assume there's a recurrence already. The chances are slim if she's feeling physically strong. As for her being fragile or confused... that's totally normal. It takes time to recover from all those shocks—the diagnosis, the helplessness, the chemo! Just try to joke around with her as much as possible. It’s the best medicine, regardless of how active she is in the process; it just helps her feel "normal," you know?
Have faith that the checkup will go great!

Let them stick to whatever they believe in. Honestly, the main thing is just not losing hope and making sure everyone keeps a positive outlook on the whole mess. It's the same deal with my family; we spend a lot of time laughing and joking around, even when we all feel like we're choking on a lump in our throats.
After her radiation is done, my mom is planning to see this lady who makes herbal remedies. It actually sounds like a decent plan to me, unlike that whole bio-region thing we haven't decided on yet—though I doubt Mom ever will...

Kisses! Hang in there!

hey!
Herbal stuff can be pretty great too... my mom used this cream we picked up on recommendation from Labin for a wound, and she even used it during her radiation sessions... it worked wonders on the burns and her skin bounced back really fast... it's an herbal-based cream. If you think something like that might help your mom, I'm happy to pass along the contact info...
Sending lots of positive energy,
cheers,
Jessica Booth35

gentlemoose62, thank you for the response and the questions... I can only say that I don't know much regarding my mother's treatment because they tend to shield me from the details, which is perfectly understandable given that I am 186 miles quite far away.

Judging by her last check-up, this upcoming appointment will likely consist of a blood draw in Pula, followed by a trip to Austin, and the tests will probably all be wrapped up within a single day. They are incredibly efficient; so far, she’s been scheduled for 8:00 AM every time, allowing them enough time to finish everything before heading home. It will most likely go the same way this time... I should have more information for you soon, though I generally avoid prying into things with my own family to prevent opening up topics we're all trying to avoid discussing.

My mother and I joke about it constantly, getting more frequent with the humor every day. I've started to become somewhat deaf to the nonsensical comments... I often find myself having to laugh just to get through it. I am certain everything will turn out fine. Faith is what matters most, isn't it? Besides, her check-up falls on Valentine's Day, which seems like the perfect occasion for special gifts!

How are you doing, gentlemoose62?

On another note... I am not from Chicago, and I need to have blood drawn soon for an appointment—where would one go to do that? I haven't had any reason to do it locally until now since I usually handle everything down south, but I can't make the trip home right now. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUPPORT!

[How are you doing, gentlemoose62?

Anyway... I'm not actually from Chicago, but I need to get some bloodwork done soon for a checkup. Where can I go to get that done? I haven't really had a reason to do it here since I usually just head back home for everything, but I can't make the trip right now. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE SUPPORT!

Nancy Hernandez43

Thanks for getting back to me! I'm doing great, though I'll feel even better once they call me today or tomorrow with my breast biopsy results. This waiting game—especially waiting by the phone—is absolutely killing me! I know everything is fine, I just need them to confirm it ASAP!
Regarding your bloodwork, I'm not quite sure what to tell you. I'm not from Chicago either; I'm actually from Istria. Are you studying in Chicago? I'd imagine you won't have any trouble at all, though you might just need a referral from your doctor back home, which they could probably mail to you.
Best,

Hey there!
Plant-based remedies can be absolutely amazing too... my mom actually used this specific herbal cream that we picked up on a recommendation from a shop in Pula to help with a wound, and she even used it when she was undergoing radiation therapy... it worked wonders for her burns and her skin recovered so incredibly fast! It's entirely plant-based, and if you think something like that might help or if your mom needs it, I would be more than happy to pass along the contact info for you...
Sending tons of positive energy your way,
best,
Jessica Booth35

I find myself over in Pula quite often (assuming you mean the one in Istria!) so would you be a total sweetheart and let me know where I can grab some of that cream? Kisses!!!

Hey everyone, I’ve got some Tarcev 150 mg available for about half price—around 1500 USD. It's just two leftover boxes sitting in our family medicine cabinet that we aren't going to use. If anyone is actually in need of this and could use the help, feel free to reach out to me at 099 6874111 or shoot an email over to matizhr@yahoo.com.

Nancy Hernandez43

Thank you for your response. I am doing quite well, though I expect to feel even better once I receive that phone call today regarding my breast biopsy results... This period of waiting, especially when you're just sitting there anticipating a telephone call, is absolutely exhausting... I am certain everything is perfectly fine, yet I find myself desperately wishing they would simply confirm it as soon as possible...
Regarding your blood draw, I am honestly at a loss for what to say... I am not even from Chicago myself, but rather from Istria. I assume you are studying up in Chicago? I don't imagine you should run into any significant trouble, though you might simply require a referral from your local physician, which they could likely send to you via mail...
Greetings...

I have my referral and all the necessary paperwork in hand... yet everyone seems to be feeding me completely different information. I suppose I'll just spend Friday calling around to various clinics to get some actual clarity. Are you from the Istria region? My mother and I are both residents of Pula...

I am thinking of you, and to be perfectly honest, I find myself eagerly anticipating some positive results from your puncture... Hang in there.

If you're interested in joining the "For a New Day" association, please shoot me a private message with your email address so I can send over the membership dues info.
Honestly, so many of you have reached out that I’ve completely lost track of who is who, and I want to make sure nobody gets left in the dark or confused.
Kisses to everyone!

So, my doctor just called to say the results came back okay. Still, she's got this lingering doubt, so she wants me to get a second opinion from a surgeon just to be safe.
I really wish I could just put this whole thing behind me, but... hey, at least it isn't bad news!
I'm heading to see that surgeon on January 18th, so we'll see what happens next.

Thanks to everyone for keeping their fingers crossed for me! Keep them crossed, okay? please...

gentlemoose62 said:So, my doctor just called to say the results came back fine. Still, she’s feeling a little uneasy about it, so she wants me to grab a second opinion from a surgeon just to be safe.
I really wish I could just put this whole thing behind me, but... I guess this is progress. At least the report isn't bad!
I've got an appointment with the surgeon on January 18th, so we'll see what happens then.

Thanks to everyone for keeping their fingers crossed for me! Please keep doing it, okay?

Don't sweat it. Getting a second opinion is just standard due diligence.
Stay strong, kid.👍

Angela Wright said:It’s nothing. Just one more opinion to be safe...
Keep being brave, girl!👍

Thanks, Ivanicapeca. I'm heading out... going for it... gotta stay brave!

That "girl" part is just too sweet...🙂

gentlemoose62 said:Thanks, Angela Wright. I’m heading out... heading out... bravely, of course!

This "little one" is just too precious for me🙂

Well, you're our sweetheart😍
If you ever need anything, just shout—you know we've got your back, okay?👍

gentlemoose62 said:So, my doctor just called to let me know the results came back fine. Still, she’s feeling a bit uneasy about everything, so she wants me to consult a surgeon for a second opinion just to be safe.
I really wish I could just put this whole ordeal behind me, but... well, at least it isn't bad news!
I have an appointment with the specialist on January 18th, so we will see how things unfold then.

Thank you all for keeping your fingers crossed for me! Please, keep doing so...

Of course... we are all right here waiting for some good news! Just stay brave and keep the faith...

I'm in Sedona pretty often (assuming you mean the one out in California), so if you wouldn't mind, could you let me know where I can pick up that cream? Kisses!

Jane,
I sent those contact details over via DM... hopefully they do the trick...

Quick question for the group:
Has anyone actually tried products from Amazon? Any real experiences with their stuff?

Later,
Jessica Booth35

Angela Wright any updates on when that new GBM drug might be available here in the States? I thought it was supposed to roll out at the start of this year, right?

Anonymous said:Angela Wright Any updates on when that new General Motors drug will be available here in the States? Wasn't that supposed to roll out at the start of the year?

Amy Hayes28 mentioned her dad was actually offered those injections. I'm betting it’s that immunotherapy I brought up before. Her dad turned it down, though—partly because of the cost and partly because he just didn't trust the process. I tried to get the specific name from her, but she couldn't catch it because her doctor is one of those types who barely says a word during a consultation.
So, there's definitely a new procedure in play; we just haven't pinned down the exact name yet.
Bottom line: if anyone has more intel on this, please speak up. I'm going to reach out to a few contacts to see what I can dig up.
Sorry everyone, we're spread thin here. There are so few of us and the workload is massive. We have to pull together as a unit, so the second anyone hears anything, please post it immediately.
I've been hit hard by illness today. My immune system is basically non-existent. Maybe I pushed myself a little too hard.🤷

Please reach out to the association. You don't strictly have to be a member to help out; you can donate toward our initiatives regardless of your membership status.

I've been reading everything here, trying to keep up with everyone else. I'm just absorbing it all, desperate for any scrap of info. I need to be ready for what’s coming for my family. I joined a few days ago, but I'm just now finding my footing and figuring out how this whole forum works. My dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer about a month ago. He's already been through surgery to have his stomach removed, then complications, then another surgery... now we're just waiting. Honestly, the only thing keeping me sane right now is digging through this forum, hunting for anything that might help us down the road—like which oncologist to see, the latest treatments, or supplements to help his blood counts before chemo starts. Is the treatment at Los Angeles worth the cost? My head is spinning with questions. I'm genuinely impressed by how much you all know and how you even started an association. I'm still feeling pretty lost and trying to find where I fit in, but I need to get my facts straight first. I'll keep following your posts and hopefully, things will start making sense.
Best of luck to everyone and keep up the great work with the association!

Angela Wright said:Amy Hayes28 mentioned that they offered those injections to her dad. I’m guessing it’s that immunotherapy I was talking about earlier. Her dad ended up turning it down, though—mostly because of the cost and because he just wasn't sold on whether it actually worked. I tried asking her for the specific name of the treatment, but she couldn't quite catch it since her doctor is one of those types who isn't really big on chatting.
So, there's definitely a new step in the process, we just haven't pinned down the exact medical name yet.

Hey, that's awesome news! I'm seriously so happy to hear things are moving forward like this. It really gives you some hope... if you happen to find out any more details about this immunotherapy (like if it can be used regardless of what other treatments were done before) or where I can read up on it, please let me know! Sending you so much love, thank you!!

Linda Hill29 said:I’ve been reading through this whole thread, just trying to catch up with everyone. I’m soaking up every single bit of info I can find! I really want to be ready for whatever comes next for my family. I joined a few days ago, but I'm just now diving into the discussions since I'm still figuring out how everything works here. My dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer about a month ago. He already had surgery to remove his stomach, then some complications, then another surgery... now we're just waiting. Honestly, the only thing keeping me calm right now is digging through this forum to find anything that might help us down the road—like which oncologist to see, what the latest treatments are, or which supplements might help his blood counts before chemo starts. I've also been wondering about the costs and treatment options at Los Angeles... My head is spinning with questions! I am seriously blown away by how much you all know and how amazing it is that you started this association! I'm still feeling pretty lost and trying to find my footing, but I need to get my bearings first. I'll keep following everything you write and hopefully, things will start making sense soon...
Big hugs to everyone and good luck with all the work the association is doing!

Honey, you found the right place. I am so incredibly sorry you're going through this, and it makes total sense that you feel overwhelmed and unsure where to even start. Just take a deep breath and take it one step at a time. In the beginning, everything always feels way scarier than it actually turns out to be...
When I first got my diagnosis, I honestly thought... "I'd be lucky to see five more years," because the prognosis for my Stage 3 wasn't great at all. But look at me now! It's been seven years and I plan on being around for a long, long time!
As time goes by, you'll learn how to live with it, through all the ups and downs...
If you go searching online, you're going to run into a lot of depressing statistics, but please don't let that get you down. Every single case is unique and there is always hope—just hold onto that!
It is so wonderful that you want to stay informed. That's exactly how you should be! Staying educated means you won't feel helpless, and it's definitely going to help your dad...
I don't know much about stomach cancer myself, so I can't give you specific advice, but I'm sure someone here will reach out. You might also want to check out the "Helpful" forum and start a new thread if one doesn't exist yet...

Hang in there and reach out whenever you need to!

Linda Hill29 said:I’ve been reading through this entire thread, trying to catch up with everyone. I am hungry for information—just absorbing everything I can find. I have to be prepared; I want to be ready for whatever my family is facing. I signed up a few days ago, but I’m only just now diving into this specific discussion because I’m still getting my bearings with the forum layout and figuring out where I fit in. My father was diagnosed with stomach cancer about a month ago. He underwent surgery to have his stomach removed, followed by complications, then another surgery... now we are just waiting. In all this chaos, the only thing keeping me grounded is digging through this forum, searching for anything that might help us down the road. Which oncologist should we see? What is the latest treatment protocol? Which supplements will help stabilize his blood counts before he starts chemotherapy? What are the options at Los Angeles, and is it prohibitively expensive? My head is spinning with questions, but I am genuinely impressed by how much you all have learned and organized yourselves—even starting an association! I’m still feeling a bit lost and trying to find my footing, but first, I need to make sense of the basics. I’ll keep following your posts, hoping I can eventually connect all the dots.
Best wishes to everyone, and good luck with the work of the association!

When it comes to stomach cancer, there aren't really any "secret" or cutting-edge methods outside of the standard protocols used here in the States. When my mother started her chemo regimen, we sent her results to an oncologist in Vienna, and he confirmed they utilize the exact same chemotherapy protocols for stomach cancer. Depending on the specific case, radiation might follow the chemo. One of the biggest hurdles for patients after these surgeries is the difficulty with eating—regurgitation, cramping, and general digestive distress. It is absolutely critical to pay close attention to nutrition both before and during chemotherapy. My mother struggled with a terrible lack of appetite, but we managed to manage it using a medication called Microsoft (to stimulate appetite), along with plenty of vitamin-fortified liquid nutritional shakes, which she relied on when solid food was impossible. At the hospital, they will give you specific dietary guidelines, but you'll need to navigate the day-to-day. Most importantly, focus on high amounts of blue fish, cooked fruits, and fresh broths with pureed vegetables. You’ll have to experiment to see what works for him regarding chemo side effects—things like royal jelly, beta-glucan, or Aloe-gel... the list is long. Just be prepared for significant nausea following treatment. I’ve heard there are excellent homeopathic tablets specifically for chemo-induced nausea; it’s worth looking into. Wishing you all the best. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask. We are all essentially on call here, monitoring this forum around the clock.
Greetings to koki and dini!