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Resources and support for families dealing with cancer and serious illness

Started by Angela Wright · · 👁 75 views · 3K replies

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darkviper5 darkviper5 Member
13 messages
joined Sep 2003
#2461 ·
Amanda Nelson54 said:Unfortunately, I’m right there with you. All those phrases like "everything will be fine" or "just stay positive"—those little bits of "comfort"—they just feel totally hollow to me. I guess I just have to accept that things might not turn out okay, because cancer is cancer and that's just the reality of it. It rarely has a fairy-tale ending.

My dad is heading in for another biopsy this Wednesday... After a whole year, that little monster decided to show up again... So, the fight goes on, I suppose...

I honestly think the absolute worst thing you can do when everything feels totally hopeless is to just throw in the towel right away.
I'm pretty sure a lot of people chiming in here could probably tell you that once that initial shock wears off, they found themselves believing and hoping again, you know?
If you don't have those essential pieces of mindset, then the battle is kind of lost before it even starts, I guess.

You know, regardless of what's coming down the road for me, ever since I got my diagnosis, I just made the choice to really *live*.
How much longer?
Honestly, I don't really care about that part.
What matters to me is how I spend the time.
I’ve been through all the "standard" stuff—surgery, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy, the whole nine yards.
But even so, I try to find joy in every single new day.
Maybe not during those three or four days after chemo when I'm feeling so weak I could barely keep my lunch down, but by the fifth day...
I'll grab my husband's hand, get the princess in her stroller, and we'll head out into the sunshine.
And man, the sun just shines with this special kind of warmth, doesn't it?....

So, here I am today, five years post-op.
I still look forward to every single morning because I don't know (and I really don't want to know) when my last one will be.

Life is just way too beautiful to waste it all on negative thoughts, if you ask me.🙂
Roger Hall15 Roger Hall15 Active Member
107 messages
joined Jul 2003
#2462 ·
Hey there. 🙂 Honestly, the reason I haven’t been posting much is because I am, well, in a bit of a whirlwind right now. I’m exhausted, just completely burnt out by work and all the constant chaos of everything. My mom’s dog passed away recently—just old age, really. Even now, I catch myself getting confused and calling my own little pup by her name. Of course, ever since Mom got sick, both dogs have ended up under my care, and I spent a good while just trying to figure out who gets fed when or which dog needs to go for a walk in which apartment. Mom is hanging in there somehow, though she’s quite frail. When I was helping bathe her, I thought I noticed a tiny layer of fat, 😁 but she’s still incredibly thin and weak. She gets dizzy often, her circulation isn't great, and she's always feeling cold; the doctor says it’s all side effects from the chemotherapy. 🙄

She developed some kind of urinary tract infection, which makes sense given how little fluid she was taking in—though they’ve finally told her she can drink a bit more now. It took her a while to realize she shouldn't just try to soothe a cough with water or drink uncontrollably, but she was being so stubborn about it that she barely drank anything at all. I suspect that’s how things started to spiral.

We had another checkup in the meantime, and the results were okay; the next one should be in about three weeks.

On top of all this, it looks like I’m going to be moving in with her. 🙂 😁 Do I even need to tell you how much of a gut punch that feels? 😁
I’ve lived on my own for over twenty years. My parents used to live just a few minutes away on foot—close enough to help, but far enough that they wouldn't notice every time I came or went, or if I was actually home, so I could just jump in whenever they needed something. We looked out for each other. Then life sort of shifted, but it was always a steady arrangement. I suppose life just throws these challenges at you and there's no running away from them. Might as well just take it calmly 😁 as it comes. I still have more to write, but I have to go give the lady her pills, then her son is calling me, then I need to get her tucked into bed, walk the dog, and after that, I’ll probably just collapse.
Amanda Nelson54 Amanda Nelson54 Member
15 messages
joined Mar 2008
#2463 ·
First off, I want to apologize to anyone I might have unintentionally hurt with my comments. Truly...

I’m a firm believer in savoring every moment because you really never know how much time you have left. That’s how I try to live my life. But internally, I’ve had to face the brutal reality of our situation—and again, this is strictly regarding my father’s case—which is that things are looking grim. The tumor he’s battling is incredibly rare and completely inoperable. Even if it weren't, his first round of treatment was so aggressive that it took a massive toll on his heart; he can't handle general anesthesia now. At this point, I’m genuinely unsure if his body could even withstand another cycle of chemo.

When I'm with him, I make sure to stay positive. I don't think I mentioned this, but I got him a dog, and honestly, that pup has become his greatest source of joy and his best form of therapy. Believe me, without that dog, I think he would have completely broken down mentally by now. He’s the type of man who bottles everything up deep inside; he refuses to talk about any of it. To give you an idea, ever since we found out about the diagnosis back during Christmas 2006, we haven't had a single friend or relative step foot in our house. He doesn't want anyone around, he won't discuss the illness, and he absolutely refuses to be pitied. He’s even pushed me away at times...

Anyway, I just took him to the hospital; he has another biopsy scheduled for tomorrow. Now comes the ten-day wait for the results, since a rapid analysis isn't an option—you can't risk a false reading when dealing with irradiated tissue. It's just more waiting, and that’s always the hardest part...

Sending strength to all the fighters out there.
Benjamin Grant6 Benjamin Grant6 Member
36 messages
joined Aug 2008
#2464 ·
cosmicridge5 said:Cats... 🙂

He has strictly forbidden everyone from saying anything to me... yet just two or three days ago, my grandmother—who is a doctor—told me that my father is critically ill, and then, after I had effectively "sat on her spine" and all that, she suggested she suspects distant metastases... She actually shocked me the most, as she is usually such a rock-solid, pragmatic woman (unlike 😁me), but in her telling, it felt as though she had already written him off; she didn't say it explicitly, of course, but I could sense it...
Even if she isn't an oncologist...

And this, naturally, is something I don't pay for, nor do I throw a tantrum in front of him... we were having dinner the night before the other night, joking around and talking about the usual things, and if I truly didn't know what was happening, I wouldn't have even thought twice about it. I suppose he was quite quiet and tired... whereas he is normally such an energetic extrovert 😁, but I tell you, if I didn't know, I would have simply attributed it to his job (he has a rather high-stakes, stressful career and is constantly traveling) and the fact that he isn't feeling well... I certainly wouldn't have suspected something this serious...

He doesn't realize that I know; the only thing he mentioned regarding the illness was, somewhat nonchalantly, that he has to go for a hundred tests and that perhaps now is the time to get them done... I said nothing to that, and he immediately moved on to some tenth topic... The only thing he said later, while putting on his coat, was with a roll of his eyes: "Look, bare kidneys... In five years you'll come to me to buy you new ones. Though I'm not sure if I'll be able to."

My parents have been separated for quite some time, and I live at a different address myself, but throughout my entire childhood, I was closest to him. Even today, I feel like I am most like him, that he is the only one who can truly "get" me...
And he is just endlessly important to me...
Many times it happened, even at my age, that I would call him in the middle of the night to smother him with some infantile "crisis" of mine. 😁 And he would never give me grief for it the next day. 🙏 🙂
I am just so specially attached to him... and I truly cannot imagine life without Dad... I mean, damn it, who is going to look out for me?? As retarded and selfish as that sounds... But, in my head, it has always been that no matter what crap happens, if I have to, I will call Dad...

God... only now, because of this, do I feel like a total child.
Something has happened that Dad, it seems, won't be able to fix...

How am I, I, supposed to be strong???

Maybe you feel like you aren't strong, but with a father like yours, who was obviously a huge support through everything, you learned how to be strong! Don't doubt that.

When my mother got sick—my parents were in the middle of separating. When I remember that just 12 months ago we weren't even speaking to one another in our family... it feels strange. I used to hear my father, rarely my mother, and almost never my brother. The moment my father told me she wasn't doing well—the tears just started flowing. Even though we hadn't really had the chance to know each other well, I couldn't imagine losing her. In a short span of time, we found the strength to face ourselves and her illness, and today our relationships are much more serious and connected. There isn't a day where we don't get to know and understand each other anew. If someone had told me her illness would have this outcome—I would have asked how it is possible for us to have so much desire and strength?! In reality, that kind of strength is hidden within all of us who fight these difficult illnesses!

As long as your father still possesses enough strength to find even a glimmer of optimism, as long as he can still afford to make his own jokes, you should take every possible step to be there for him... being mindful that just as he exists for you, you exist for him. Perhaps right now you are finding ways to keep things unsaid just so he can focus on what truly matters, or maybe the reality that even Grandma isn't being an optimist is starting to frighten you... but eventually, you will have to tell him that you are standing right by his side, if only to give him a little more fortitude and the will to keep going.

Hang in there. Kisses.
quietwalker50 quietwalker50 Newcomer
1 message
joined Feb 2008
#2465 ·
It’s not over yet... there’s still a fight left. My mom had surgery back in '98 for stage 4 ovarian cancer and a uterine tumor. She did chemo after the operation and was doing okay for maybe 3 or 4 years. Her markers were normal, but starting in 2002, they just kept climbing. No one could figure out why. Her doctor used to suggest chemo or radiation before actually finding the cause. In December, she went in for surgery; they had to take her right kidney, and they found this massive tumor in her large intestine that couldn't be removed. It caused a total blockage, so she ended up needing a stoma. She also has metastases in the liver and small intestine. Carcinomatosis peritonei. The surgeon didn't tell her the truth, so we're keeping it from her. We even used Photoshop to edit her discharge papers... just removing the parts that don't fit so she won't realize how bad things really are. Her biggest struggle right now is the stoma and wanting everything to go back to the way it was. For now, she looks okay—not as bad as she actually is. She’s positive, thinks the cancer is gone... just happy. I'm hoping she can hold on for a long time if she doesn't know about the metastases. The surgeon didn't recommend more chemo, but she wants to check her markers at the oncology clinic. Does anyone know what the effects of using B17 are on malignant cells as an alternative treatment? Most B17 is found in apricot seeds...
has anyone tried treating cancer with that method?
The fight goes on...
brightgardener8 brightgardener8 Active Member
157 messages
joined Jul 2007
#2466 ·
Melissa Kim45;12721846 said:
On top of everything, it looks like I’m moving in with her. 🙂 😁 Do I even need to tell you guys how much of a gut punch that is?😁


😁 It’s not like I don’t get where you’re coming from...
Things are pretty much the same way over here. My mom’s health has taken a massive dive, so I decided to move in with her. But thanks to some ridiculous stroke of bad luck—and because her place is all the way across town while mine is just a ten-minute walk from my job, plus my sister lives right around the corner from me—we actually decided to move Mom into my apartment instead. Great, right?
I have zero clue how this is going to work out, but we have to give it a shot. We don't really have an option. The two of us are just going to try to tag-team things so we can at least try to stay sane.
My biggest fear is the nights and the lack of sleep, because Mom gets up several times throughout the night and... well, she makes a mess everywhere, especially around the bathroom.

You mentioned you have a caregiver watching her while you're at work. Who was looking after her during the afternoons???
Hannah Thomas28 Hannah Thomas28 Member
17 messages
joined Nov 2007
#2467 ·
quietwalker50 said:Nothing is lost; there's still a fight left. My mother had surgery back in 1998 for stage four ovarian cancer and a uterine tumor. After the operation, she underwent chemo, and for three or four years, she was doing fine. Her markers were normal, but starting in 2002, they began to climb steadily. No one could figure out why they were rising. Instead of jumping straight to more chemo or radiation, her doctor wanted to find the underlying cause first. In December, she went in for surgery, where they had to remove her right kidney, and they found a massive tumor in her large intestine that couldn't be removed. It caused a total obstruction, which is why she ended up with a stoma. She also has metastases in the liver and small intestine—carcinosis peritonei. The surgeon didn't tell her the full truth, so we've been keeping it from her. We actually used Photoshop to edit her discharge papers, removing the parts that didn't fit just so she wouldn't realize how dire her condition really is. Her main struggle right now is the stoma and her desperate wish to go back to how things were before. For now, she’s okay; she doesn't look nearly as bad as she actually feels. She stays positive, thinking she's cancer-free. I just hope she can hold on for a long time if she remains unaware of the metastases. The surgeon didn't recommend further chemotherapy, but she wants to check her markers at the oncology clinic. Does anyone know what the effects of taking B17 are on malignant cells as an alternative treatment? Apparently, B17 is most concentrated in apricot seeds.
and has anyone tried treating cancer this way?
The fight goes on.

My mom has been using B17 for four months now, 1500mg daily in pill form. She also eats apricot kernels; people say the ones from South America are the best. The local ones here are sweet, but they need to be bitter.
The kernel consists of sugar and cyanide; supposedly, cancer loves sugar so it gets "caught," and then the cyanide attacks the cancer cells. While using B17, you have to avoid all other sweets, otherwise, it won't work. On top of that, she takes certain vitamins like C, Ca, and Mg...
So... I don't know how she would cope if she wasn't taking B17...
It's pancreatic cancer, so we aren't losing anything since there isn't any other medical therapy being used...
The doctor told us that B17 won't help her, but it won't hurt her either.
Harold Richardson4 Harold Richardson4 Member
16 messages
joined Nov 2007
#2468 ·
slyseal28 said:My dear friends,

A woman reached out to me by phone today; she’s been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She doesn't have a computer at home, nor does she have internet access. She’s going to try her best to find someone with a computer who can show her our site. In the meantime, let’s support her by sending her a collective letter of encouragement.

She told me briefly that it is Stage III ovarian cancer and that what she truly needs is support—someone to talk to, specifically someone who has conquered this same disease.

To all of you fighting ovarian cancer, and those who have already come through the other side: I am asking you, please, email me your stories. Tell us how you are fighting, what your diet looks like, and everything else we struggle with here. Let’s send her a letter so this woman knows she isn't standing alone. Let's encourage her and lift her spirits... All it takes is a few minutes of your time and the cost of a stamp.

I know many of you have already shared your experiences, but rather than me hunting through old posts, please just email me your stories directly so I can send them to her on behalf of all of us.

Whether it is a full story, a letter, or just a few sentences of support, please, send it to my email.

I just wanted to let you all know that, through the help of our fighter, I sent an email to the lady containing plenty of support along with some seasoned advice regarding treatment, and I even included my phone number. She actually called me a little while ago to thank me personally. I cannot tell you how happy that made me. We spoke for quite a long time, and I feel an immense sense of fulfillment being able to be useful in this way, especially during this Lenten season... I will certainly check in on her again soon to see how she's doing and if she needs anything. Currently, she is waiting for approval for a new round of chemo... She has two children, ages 4 and 8... I am wishing her nothing but the very best.
Angela Wright Angela Wright RegularOP
731 messages
joined Feb 2007
#2469 ·
Linda Campbell said:I just wanted to share that I reached out to this lady via a fighter, sending her an email filled with support and some practical medical advice, along with my phone number. She actually called me a little while ago to say thank you personally. Honestly, I was over the moon. We talked for quite a while, and I can't tell you how much it meant to feel like I could actually be useful—especially during this Lenten season. I’m definitely going to check back in on her soon to see how she's holding up. Right now, she's just waiting for approval on her next round of chemo... she has two kids, ages 4 and 8... I am rooting for her with everything I've got.

Guys and girls, I honestly can't put into words how moved I am by how this tiny thread has blossomed into 😍
real people offering selfless, unconditional help to one another. It is absolutely wild how something as devastating as cancer can actually draw out the absolute best in humanity. Every single day, I am reminded that the yin yang symbol—representing that Eastern concept of unity within diversity—is fundamentally true. There is a kernel of good in every tragedy, and a shadow in every triumph; life is just one constant oscillation between the two. It's pure harmony. That balance perfectly captures the essence of what life actually is.
I am so proud of this group. You aren't just brave; you are genuinely good people. And because of that, you will be rewarded.😉
Roger Hall15 Roger Hall15 Active Member
107 messages
joined Jul 2003
#2470 ·
brightgardener8 said:😁 it’s not like I don't understand you...
It’s pretty much the same story over here in the States. My mom’s condition has taken a real turn for the worse lately; I actually thought about moving in with her, but because of some ridiculous series of events—plus her apartment is on the complete opposite side of town from my job, whereas mine is just a ten-minute walk away, and my sister lives right near me—we decided it made more sense to move Mom into my place instead. Joy.
I honestly have no clue how this is going to work out, but we have to give it a shot. We don't really have any other choice. My sister and I are just going to try to tag-team everything so we can maintain at least a shred of our own sanity.
My biggest fear is the nighttime and the lack of sleep, because Mom starts getting up several times a night and gets into all sorts of mischief... mostly involving the bathroom and the area around it...

You mentioned you have a lady who watches her while you're working. Who was with her during the afternoon???

Joy, I see.
Hang in there. 🙂

We have help, but only for three hours. Luckily, my husband can step in mid-day so Mom is only alone for a few hours before the caregiver arrives and after she leaves.
I’m hoping we can keep things running like this, because there is absolutely no way Mom can be left alone all day, and we honestly wouldn't be able to afford full-time care anyway. My brother and I split the costs so we can manage, and he often covers more than his share, for which I am endlessly grateful. 🙏
On top of that, my sister helps out three times a week.

If Mom starts losing it completely, I haven't the slightest idea what we'll do, but I refuse to even think about it because I feel like I could just end my life right then and there. She’s also wandering around at night, so I'm constantly on edge. I think I'm most afraid of myself.😁

Mom is terrified of wetting the bed, so aside from these massive incontinence pads that could probably soak up an elephant's worth of urine, she insists on having a little washcloth too. She stuffs it into her underwear all folded up.
In the morning, I find the washcloth sitting on the radiator, and Mom swears up and down that nothing "escaped" and that she just rinsed it off and put it there to dry. She hasn't had a bowel movement in a few days, so she’s been drinking this herbal tea (her doctor says it’s way too strong for her, but she’s stubborn about it), and it makes her pee even more, but nothing else beyond that. Poor little washcloth.😁

Linda Campbell 👍 🙂
That makes me so happy.

Nancy Hernandez43, I find myself reading your posts constantly. Everything has changed for us too. I mean, there was a time when I couldn't even imagine living in the same house as my mother. Even being in the same room together used to be a struggle. 😁 The mother-daughter dynamic can be incredibly complicated. We’ve been through everything—it was very turbulent, God forbid—but we’ve managed to clear the air between us. There were moments where my brother and I thought we might actually kill each other, but looking back, it was just a storm that cleared the atmosphere, a sudden surge that washed away all the built-up debris.

It's true, in all of this, there is something vital for all of us.

Melissa Kim45, just keep swimming. You'll make it to shore, believe me, but for now—just keep swimming. 🙂

Hello to the newcomers, hugs to the old-timers, and may God bless you all. 🙂
slymoose4 slymoose4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Feb 2008
#2471 ·
Hannah Thomas28 said:My mom has been on B17 for four months now, taking 1500mg daily in pill form. She also eats apricot kernels—they say the ones from South America are the best. The local ones are too sweet; they need to be bitter.
The kernel is basically sugar and cyanide. The idea is that cancer loves sugar, so it gets lured in, and then the cyanide attacks the cancer cells... When using B17, you have to cut out all other sweets, otherwise, it doesn't work. She’s also taking some Vitamin C, Calcium, and Magnesium...
So yeah... I honestly don't know how she'd cope if she wasn't taking B17...
It's pancreatic cancer, so we aren't losing anything since she isn't on any other medical treatments right now...
The doctor told us B17 won't help her, but he also said it won't hurt her either.

B-17, or Laetril, or amygdalin, is this complex molecule made up of two glucose molecules, one benzaldehyde molecule, and one cyanide molecule.

Because of a specific enzyme found in tumor cells (but not in healthy ones), Laetril breaks down into its component parts, and the cancer cells lose the fight because of it. The famous FDA banned Laetril as a drug, so it seems like it's mostly just doctors in Mexico practicing it now. It has helped plenty of patients, though it seems more effective when given intravenously rather than orally. There's also the Hunza people in northern Pakistan who eat tons of Laetril in their diet and don't get cancer.

Even with the positive effects of this supplement, you really should only use it under the supervision of an experienced doctor who actually knows about it. And those kinds of doctors are becoming harder and harder to find every day...
Hannah Thomas28 Hannah Thomas28 Member
17 messages
joined Nov 2007
#2472 ·
slymoose4 said:B17, Laetril, or amygdalin—it’s all just one complex molecule made up of two glucose molecules, a molecule of benzaldehyde, and a molecule of cyanide.

Because certain enzymes exist only within tumor cells and not in healthy ones, Laetril breaks down into its component molecules, causing those cancer cells to lose the fight. The FDA famously banned Laetril as a medical treatment, so it seems like you can only find doctors still practicing this in Mexico. While B17 has helped plenty of patients, it appears much more effective when administered intravenously rather than orally. You also have the famous Hun people in northern Pakistan, whose diet is loaded with Laetril, yet they don't suffer from cancer.

Even if this supplement actually works, you shouldn't be touching it without an experienced doctor overseeing the whole process. We need specialists who truly understand how this stuff functions. The problem? Those kinds of doctors are becoming harder to find every single day.

Yeah, exactly like that...
She’s drinking it based on some "recommendation" she got from Mexico.
I heard there’s a clinic over in Chicago that treats patients using IV Laetril. I haven't been able to find anyone around here willing to give me any encouragement or actual advice. I practically cornered my doctor with questions about B17—acting like I was the one who discovered it—but instead of helping, he just threatened to admit me for an evaluation.
It’s fine if my mom wants to try it, but telling someone already undergoing medical treatment to just drop everything for B17? That is an incredibly massive gamble.
What about the Hun people? They start taking it while they're still in their mother's womb... Maybe we should all be doing the same.😕?
It all sounded great at first, but now? I honestly don't know anymore.🤷
Even though Mom was only "given" two or three months, she’s already pushed into her fifth, and her appetite is massive right now (B17 tends to boost that, by the way). That part is good... but she just doesn't look any better.
There aren't any contraindications for it, though I know some people report feeling "poisoned" after using it. And honestly, her skin looks incredible—so soft and smooth. I actually read somewhere that if the FDA ever allowed B17 to be sold freely for cosmetic use, every single skincare cream on the market would probably be pulled from the shelves.
James Martinez3 James Martinez3 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Feb 2013
#2473 ·
Hi everyone, and especially to those who have been keeping us in their thoughts :-)

It’s been a little while since I last checked in, but please know I’m still here, regularly reading everything happening on the forum and staying updated on the association's news.

On our end, there's a bit of a recent update: a suspicious lymph node was surgically removed, and now we’re just playing the waiting game for the pathology report to see if it was a metastasis or not. Since the surgery happened last Thursday, I’m not expecting any news before Monday, but I have to admit that I’ve reached a point where I’m almost indifferent to what the result actually is. Whatever it may be, it's out now, and it's gone.

Regarding Germany, he received his second injection yesterday. He is absolutely exhausted from all the traveling, the biopsies, and the constant testing, and he told me today that he is seriously considering walking away from all of this, which honestly broke my heart. I’m really hoping it’s just one of those rough days and that he’ll wake up tomorrow feeling more ready to keep fighting.

In the meantime, I’ve had so many people reach out—old acquaintances, friends, and everyone seems to want to offer some kind of support. Even my colleagues at work and people from college have stepped up to help. It truly touched me because I had no idea that people I barely knew, or hadn't spoken to in ages, would play such a significant role in our struggle. I really am pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of kindness.

And on a much brighter note, I went in for an ultrasound and Down syndrome testing yesterday, and the baby passed both tests with flying colors :-) :-) I’m really hoping that this little life growing inside me will be the ultimate motivation for the future dad to not give up when things get heavy.

That’s all for my update for now—sending you all so many positive thoughts and sending that same energy right back to you!
Benjamin Grant6 Benjamin Grant6 Member
36 messages
joined Aug 2008
#2474 ·
Elizabeth Gonzalez55 said:Hello everyone, especially those who have been keeping us in their thoughts...

I haven't posted in quite some time, though I have been reading everything here and staying updated on the association's activities...

The latest news from our side is that a suspicious lymph node was surgically removed, and we are currently waiting on the pathology results to determine if there were any metastases... Since the procedure took place last Thursday, I am not expecting any word before Monday at the earliest. However, I must admit I have reached a point where the exact diagnosis feels somewhat secondary; whatever it was, it has been removed and is no longer an issue...

Regarding the situation in Germany, he received his second scheduled injection yesterday. He is absolutely exhausted from all the traveling, the biopsies, and the endless testing, and he told me today that he is seriously considering walking away from it all, which left me feeling quite devastated... I can only hope this is merely one of those difficult days and that tomorrow he will feel more capable and ready to continue the fight...

In the meantime, so many people have reached out—old acquaintances, friends, and others—all offering various forms of support. Even my colleagues at work and people from my university have stepped up to help. It has been deeply moving, as I had no idea that individuals with whom I had only superficial or even non-existent contact would play such a significant role in our struggle... I truly remain pleasantly surprised by it all...

And on a much brighter note, I had an ultrasound and a screening for Down syndrome yesterday, and the baby passed both tests with flying colors... :-) :-) I hope that this little life growing within me will serve as the greatest motivation for the future father to keep pushing forward...

That is all for now... sending you all plenty of positive thoughts and matching energy...


It is good to hear from you,

No matter how difficult things become, I see your optimism, and it is precisely because of that strength that I am certain you and this child will be the reason he refuses to give up... There really is no reason to surrender. I certainly understand being worn out by the constant travel; after my mother finished her fourth round of chemo, she said all she wanted was for life to return to normal and to finally stop living out of a car...

Keep moving forward bravely and keep fighting... kisses
electrictinker40 electrictinker40 Newcomer
1 message
joined Feb 2008
#2475 ·
I honestly don't even know where to begin. Writing this is incredibly difficult because I only found out this shocking news an hour ago, and I am at a complete loss as to who to turn to or what steps to take. My mother-in-law—someone I get along with wonderfully and who is truly a brave, admirable woman—has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. It has already metastasized, and I am completely overwhelmed. I have no idea how we are supposed to navigate this or handle such a painful situation. Please, if anyone can offer guidance, I am desperate for help.
brightgardener8 brightgardener8 Active Member
157 messages
joined Jul 2007
#2476 ·
electrictinker40 said:please help me, I have no idea what to do

First off, hey there. I’m really sorry you’ve ended up having to search through forums like this, but here we are.

If you can manage it, try to read through as many posts in this thread as possible; you'll find plenty of answers in there.

Also, check out www.mayoclinic.org. You'll find a ton of solid data regarding specific types of cancer there.

We're all hanging out here for pretty much the same reasons.
Hang in there!🙂
Carol Sanchez2 Carol Sanchez2 Active Member
85 messages
joined Apr 2007
#2477 ·
Elizabeth Gonzalez55- huge congratulations on the little one!!!! Your baby is truly the best medicine there is!

electrictinker40 - I know everything probably feels like a complete whirlwind right now, but that initial shock will definitely wear off, and once things settle, you can just take it one clear-headed step at a time. Just look at the situation for what it really is, be her biggest cheerleader, and try to keep those positive vibes flowing!! There is absolutely no giving up!!
Amanda Nelson54 Amanda Nelson54 Member
15 messages
joined Mar 2008
#2478 ·
electrictinker40 said:I honestly don't even know where to start. It’s incredibly hard for me to find the words because I only heard this devastating news about an hour ago, and I’m just sitting here feeling lost, not knowing who to turn to or what steps to take next... My mother-in-law—who is an absolutely wonderful, courageous woman and someone I truly admire—has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. It has already metastasized, and we are completely blindsided by the uncertainty of what comes next or how to handle such a painful reality. Please, if anyone has any advice, I am desperate for some guidance on what to do.


Believe me, you will find your footing much faster than you think, and a sort of superhuman strength will kick in to help you navigate this; things will become clearer in time. I can't quite explain it, but there is always a sense that something is guiding you through the chaos. Unfortunately, when life hits this hard, you don't really have the luxury of staying in shock for long. That initial wave is always the most paralyzing, but it tends to pass quickly because, once you realize how precious every single moment is, you simply can't afford to waste them all on tears and fear.

Hang in there and keep us posted.
Benjamin Grant6 Benjamin Grant6 Member
36 messages
joined Aug 2008
#2479 ·
electrictinker40 said:I am quite at a loss for where to begin, and frankly, finding the right words feels nearly impossible since I only received this devastating news an hour ago... I am unsure who to turn to or how one even begins to navigate such a moment...... My mother-in-law, a woman I hold in the highest regard—someone truly courageous and wonderful—has been diagnosed with uterine cancer that has already begun to metastasize. We are completely adrift, uncertain of our next steps or how to face such profound pain... please, if anyone can offer guidance, I find myself truly lost.

I am deeply sorry to hear such distressing news. Please know that you can reach out here at any time for support or advice. However, if I may offer a preliminary thought—it will be essential for you to maintain your composure so that you might remain a pillar of strength for your mother-in-law. You are at the very onset of this journey, and while it requires immense fortitude, you will gradually learn how best to provide support... but for now, staying steady is paramount.

Stay strong...
Benjamin Grant6 Benjamin Grant6 Member
36 messages
joined Aug 2008
#2480 ·
I gave my mother a call this evening just to catch up and see how things were going. Lately, she has been such an incredible pillar of support for me, much as I strive to be for her... She mentioned they ordered some noni juice for Grandma, and she’s actually considering getting some for herself as well. The problem is, neither of us possesses even a shred of actual knowledge regarding what noni juice really is!

Given that she is currently fighting her battle with cancer, I can't see much reason for her to bother with it. What is your experience with noni juice? Does it actually do anything? In what specific scenarios is it thought to be helpful? I would appreciate any insights you might have, though I suspect there has likely been plenty of discussion about noni juice already elsewhere...

best regards

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