Resources and support for families dealing with cancer and serious illness

It’s also worth noting—radiation exposure later in life can sometimes trigger various other types of cancer.

jadesurfer3 said:Everyone, I need help! My mom is riddled with tumors. There's one large one on her right ovary, two smaller ones there, and a massive tumor on her stomach measuring about 10x10 inches. For now, her liver, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines seem okay. Her white blood cell count was 16 last Friday, but shot up to 250 yesterday. She also had tumor markers tested; one came back at 87, and the other was 456. Please, if anyone can help, I need advice ASAP.

Right now, the only thing you can actually do is trust that your mother is in the best possible hands. The doctors are going to figure out which tumor is the primary one—I’m guessing it’s the ovarian one since those tend to spread to other organs incredibly fast—and they'll try to surgically remove it if they can. After that, she'll likely go through chemo and radiation. The oncologists will be the ones to make that call.
You have to find a way to dig deep and stay strong so you can be her rock. Beyond that, look into finding some high-quality antioxidants to boost her immune system and give her the stamina to endure what's coming. Try not to spiral into a panic; panicking won't help her, it'll just drain both you and her. Just take it one day at a time and deal with things as they come. Hang in there and keep posting whenever you need to vent. There's always someone here listening.😘

Does anyone know where I can pick up some medical oxygen? Specifically those small, portable rechargeable tanks meant for home use?
Word is that cancer thrives in anaerobic environments—basically, it doesn't need oxygen, and oxygen might actually be its biggest enemy. One alternative approach people look into is oxygen therapy. For example, doing about 15 minutes of breathing in near 100% oxygen while doing some light exercise on a stationary bike every day.
Thanks for any info you guys have. Cheers!

Does anyone here have any firsthand experience dealing with kidney tumors???

Amy Hayes28 said:Anyone here dealt with kidney tumors before???

My old man beat it about 30 years ago. At first, doctors gave him maybe six months. Then, after a successful surgery to take out his kidney, they bumped that up to five years. Well, look at him now—nearly 30 years later, and that one kidney he’s got left works better than most people's two. Now I’m just hoping he can beat this pancreatic tumor too.

placidfalcon said:My old man beat the odds about 30 years ago. At first, they gave him maybe six months. Then, after a successful kidney removal surgery, they figured he’d get another five years out of him—but look at him now, nearly 30 years later, and that one remaining kidney works better than most people's two! Now, I'm just praying he can beat this pancreatic tumor too.

That's incredible👍
Unfortunately, mine is getting pretty old; honestly, even the healthiest person wouldn't pull off 30 years like that!
I'm really interested in nutrition. I have a rough idea of what's needed, but I would love it if someone could share some specific recipes tailored for kidney patients?

Carol Ramirez said:Thanks for the kind words... 😘

I'm just hoping there'll be more of those moments where I actually feel strong and like I can take on the world... Sending that same energy to you and everyone else fighting this fight.

Grandpa hasn't seen me cry once... Not yet. Honestly, I get so annoyed at everyone around me who can't pull themselves together. I just give them this look when they walk by whining or moping, because it feels selfish of them to do that, even though I totally get that life is hard for everyone... I’m still the same with him as I was before we found out about the illness. We play dominoes, chess, just talk... I don't want to hover over him 24/7, so I drop by regularly but make sure he has his space, just like he always did before all this. The only thing I'm doing constantly is reading up on supplements and natural remedies to help boost his blood counts and immune system. I've realized some of these things can actually make life so much better—even Grandpa agrees. He’s got a great appetite, sleeps well, and actually has energy during the day...

Fingers crossed for everyone... 😍

Carol Ramirez, could you give us the lowdown on exactly which teas and supplements you’re giving your Grandpa to help fix his blood work and boost his immunity?
My mom is dealing with glioblastoma right now, and we’ve been sticking to the basics—native propolis, broccoli sprouts, green tea, and aloe vera gel. But man, she is taking the chemo absolutely terrible... it's brutal to watch. I constantly have this nagging feeling that there’s something else we should be adding to her regimen, but I'm just stuck and don't know what...

Angela Wright said:Yesterday I caught a bit of a show on NBC about psychological support for people fighting cancer. From what I could gather, they were specifically talking about breast cancer patients. Is there some kind of association being started up to provide this kind of mental health help? If anyone saw the program, or maybe even recorded it, or just knows what's going on, please let me know. Zita?
😘everyone

Down here in Pula, there’s actually an association that helps women dealing with breast cancer. Honestly, I always assumed stuff like that was handled at a national level, but I guess not. Anyway, I can look into it if anyone's interested and let you know what I find.
I'm totally down to help get an association off the ground for cancer patients—especially those dealing with brain tumors. People facing that stuff firsthand know better than anyone just how lonely the fight can feel...

Of course I can help 🙂
My Grandpa is currently going through his third round of chemo, and he actually battled pneumonia right after the second cycle. Despite being 70 years old, though, he’s holding up incredibly well. He hasn't even lost all his hair yet; it just thinned out a bit after the second treatment.

Here is his current regimen:

- He drinks a liter of Tahéebo tea every single day. It’s a bit of a process to make because you have to use distilled water, or boil regular water twice first. I make sure nothing touches metal—I use a heat-resistant glass pot for boiling and stick to plastic utensils for everything else. You boil it for 5-7 minutes at a high temperature, then let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes on low. After letting it settle, I strain it, and he sips it throughout the day.
- Ecomer capsules, 3x2 (cod liver oil).
- Native propolis, 3x1.
- Ginseng + Green Tea capsules (from Biofarm, ) 2x1.
- He also has this special tonic my friend's grandmother made for her—she actually beat cancer herself. It's a blend of high-quality red wine, 80% alcohol, propolis, fresh aloe vera, and chicory. I think I saw a similar recipe posted on this forum before, so I'll try to dig it up for you.

So, that’s what he takes on a daily basis.
During his three days of chemotherapy, I juice some ginger and mix one teaspoon into whatever liquid he’s drinking (tea or juice) both before and after the infusions, plus a little bit during the day. Honestly, I think that’s why he hasn't felt nauseous after the treatments so far.
He eats plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and stays very well hydrated. So far, his blood counts haven't dropped below the normal range at all.
During his first round of chemo, he also took Amazonian Megain, Cuban Galen, and Imunrac Forte capsules. However, that specific therapy costs about $165 for a 15-day course, so we’ll only consider going back to it if we can't manage to keep his blood counts steady through other means, or if he starts having a hard time tolerating the chemo itself.

I really hope some of this helps you. I remember that overwhelming feeling of being certain there must be *something* else I could give him; it used to drive me absolutely crazy. I felt so lost, like I was somehow withholding something vital without even knowing what it was. But I truly believe we are doing everything within our power. Keeping a positive mindset and maintaining a peaceful environment is so important, even if that means literal isolation from people who might bring us down.
I went through this whole journey with my mom too. I was quite a bit younger then, but thank God, she is still healthy and strong today, seven years after her surgery. Just keep moving forward—I am wishing you nothing but the best!! 😘

Carol Ramirez said:Thanks so much for getting back to me and for all the advice!! 😘

I'm making him some fennel tea right now—it’s great for his stomach and helps with his appetite—and the chicken is already simmering in the pot with some veggies.
To boost his immunity, he’s taking cod liver oil and this concoction made of aloe vera, chicory, wine, propolis, and who knows what else...
I’m reading through that page you linked, and it looks amazing, but I have no clue how to actually get my hands on it. Where can I buy it and what’s the damage? I have a friend in New York who could grab it for me if it’s available at a local pharmacy. Also, does online ordering actually work?
Grandpa hasn't had any major side effects yet, besides his hair starting to thin out a bit. No vomiting at all. He’s always been such a powerhouse, physically so strong, so seeing him this broken... it’s just brutal. He barely even has the energy to talk.

Carol Ramirez, sorry! I didn't finish reading the whole thread before I sent my last message, and I just realized the answer to my question was already right there. I always forget the golden rule: read everything from start to finish before posting a question or a comment. Guess I was just moving too fast...

Well, I managed to track down the recipe for you:

Grind up 300g of aloe vera cactus leaves using a meat grinder.
Make sure the plant is at least 18 months old, and for the best results, don't water it for five days before you use it.
700g of high-quality, pure black wine.
250g of chicory (you can find a good brand like Kraft at most grocery stores).
400g of raw honey with the comb included.
To this honey, mix in 2g of royal jelly and 40g of pollen.
500g of 96% alcohol.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, pour them into a dark glass bottle, seal it tight, and let it sit in a cool, dark place for five days.
After that, strain the liquid and follow this dosage schedule:
- During the first week, take one teaspoon three times a day, at least an hour before meals—though two hours is even better if you can manage it.
- In the second week, increase it to a slightly larger spoonful, or about one and a half teaspoons, three times a day, an hour before eating.
- After that, use the remaining amount by taking one tablespoon three times a day, an hour before meals.

I recommend this gradual approach so your body can adjust to the preparation; it’s incredibly effective at cleansing the system, so it’s quite possible you might experience looser stools or similar effects while it works its magic.
You can continue this for three months, then take a short break of about 20 days before starting again.

👍

Carol Ramirez said:Okay, I actually found the recipe:

Grind up 300g of aloe vera leaves using a meat grinder.
Make sure the plant is at least 18 months old and hasn't been watered for at least 5 days before you use it.
700g of guaranteed pure black wine.
250g of chicory (sourced from Frank-Chicago)
400g of honey with honeycomb included
Mix 2g of royal jelly and 40g of pollen into that honey.
500g of 96% alcohol.

Mix everything together thoroughly, pour it into a dark bottle, seal it tight, and let it sit in a cool, dark spot for 5 days.
After that, strain the liquid and take it according to this schedule:
- Week one: a teaspoon three times a day, at least an hour before meals—though two hours is even better.
- Week two: bump it up to a slightly larger spoon, or maybe one and a half teaspoons, three times a day, an hour before eating.
- After that, just take one tablespoon three times a day, an hour before meals, until it's gone.

You go slow like this so your body can adjust... since this stuff cleanses your system so intensely, things might get a little loose down there.
You can use it for 3 months, take a quick break for about 20 days, and then start again.

👍

Carol Ramirez,
thanks!🙂

Amy Hayes28 said:Great👍
Unfortunately, mine is already quite old—even the healthiest person wouldn't make it past 30!
I’m really looking into nutrition; I have a general idea, but would anyone happen to have specific recipes suitable for kidney patients???

There is one comforting fact in all of this: it is actually scientifically proven—and confirmed through real-world experience—that as a person ages, tumor diseases progress much more slowly. It's tied directly to metabolism. This essentially means that someone diagnosed with cancer in their seventies has a very high probability of not dying from it.

northernfox9 said:There’s one silver lining in this whole mess: science actually backs this up, and we see it play out in real life—as people get older, tumor progression tends to slow down. It’s all tied to metabolism. Essentially, if someone gets diagnosed in their seventies, there's a decent chance they won't actually die from it.

I wouldn't go so far as to say there's a "very high probability"😢 , but I will agree that it moves slower than it does in a younger person.
The catch is that it really depends on the specific type of tumor you're dealing with. Some take their sweet time, like localized prostate cancer, while others just sprint ahead at record speed.

northernfox9 said:There’s actually one silver lining in all this mess: science—and real-world experience—has basically proven that the older you get, the slower these tumors tend to move. It's all tied to metabolism. So, theoretically, someone diagnosed in their seventies has a much better shot at outlasting the disease itself.

Wait, what?🤔 From everything I’ve been digging up regarding brain tumors, I actually found the exact opposite... like, younger people supposedly have a slightly better chance at pulling through. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule. Honestly, if there's one thing I've learned about cancer, it's that rules don't really exist...

Nicole Edwards76 said:Wait—what?🤔 While I was digging through everything I could find regarding brain tumors, I actually came across the exact opposite—that being younger supposedly gives someone a slightly better shot at recovery. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule. Honestly, from what I've gathered about carcinomas, it feels like there aren't really any rules at all.

Yes, it’s true—when you bring up the brain to anyone, the best you can hope for is a few eye rolls behind your back and a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.
But, as far as I understand, the issue Amy Hayes28 is dealing with is a kidney tumor—and please forgive me if I’m sounding "know-it-all" right now; I truly just wanted to offer a bit of comfort... though lately, even I find myself reaching for straws.

northernfox9 said:Yeah, it’s true—if you bring up brain issues to someone, at best you just get an eye roll or a condescending pat on the shoulder.
But from what I understand, Amy Hayes28 is actually dealing with a kidney tumor. I apologize if I’m coming off as "know-it-all" here; I was just trying to offer a bit of comfort... though honestly, lately, I find myself grasping at straws too.

Thanks, 😘
I’m not dwelling too much on the tumor itself—it’s going to be surgically removed, plain and simple!
What I’m actually terrified of is metastasis. They mentioned that the renal cortex hasn't been breached yet, but my fear is that once they actually start the surgery, they’ll deliver some bad news—like it has spread through the ureter... or something like that! Honestly, I don't even know what I'm thinking anymore. I’m probably just overthinking things and grasping at straws.
After the surgery, the doctors will provide a specific diet plan, but until then, they say anything goes.😕 The reality is that certain foods are already causing issues right now, leading to pain and bloating. If anyone knows of a specific menu or recipes tailored specifically for kidney patients, I would love to find something so we can cook accordingly. Right now, we're just following vague guidelines like "less meat" and "low salt."
As for boosting the immune system, I read about propolis here on the forum and went ahead and bought some, only to read the very next day that it isn't recommended for kidney patients! Now I’m wondering about Noni and aloe vera??
If anyone has any insight, I would be so grateful.🙂

I can't speak to the benefits of aloe vera, but when it comes to morinda—even if people question those much-touted healing properties—it really is a phenomenal way to lift a patient's spirits. I saw this firsthand with other loved ones before my dad even got sick... and apparently, it helps boost the immune system too. It tastes absolutely terrible and the smell is awful, but as someone recently told me, "you'd drink anything if you knew it would help." My dad takes it in a shot glass whenever he thinks of it, and he insists that every single time, he feels "half a centimeter of progress"—whatever that's supposed to mean!!!👍

northernfox9 said:There’s actually one silver lining to this whole mess: science has basically proven through real-world experience that the older you get, the slower those tumors tend to progress. It’s all tied to metabolism. In a nutshell, someone diagnosed in their seventies has a much higher chance of outlasting the disease itself.

My grandma was diagnosed with stomach cancer when she was 69, but unfortunately, they caught it way too late and it had already hit her lymph nodes. She went through surgery, but it came back two years later, and then again in 2006. The doctors gave her maybe six months to live, yet she managed to hang on for five years without any chemo or radiation. She endured three different surgeries over those five years and recovered well each time, but sadly, her heart just couldn't take the strain—she had angina and three stents—so she passed away late last year. In a way, it was almost a mercy because she was in such agonizing pain during those final weeks, even with the strongest pain patches they could give her. I don't mean to bring everyone down, I just wanted to share what our family went through. At the same time, I know several people close to me who beat breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain tumors, and they've been living healthy lives for years now without any issues. Every cancer case is its own unique battle because every person is different, so please, stay brave. This fight is brutal and doesn't show any mercy.
I'm rooting for all of you. I hope you can cherish every beautiful moment with your loved ones and be there for them when it matters most. And please, remember to take care of yourselves, too. It happens so often that those of us standing by their side end up getting sick or totally burnt out from the sheer amount of energy it takes to fight this horrible disease.

Hmm... yeah, I suppose I should weigh in too. A huge shoutout and my sincere thanks to Angela Wright for getting this forum off the ground—and for all her support.
I also feel compelled to mention that beyond the psychological support—which is nearly impossible for patients or their families to find anywhere—the primary healthcare system itself is fundamentally broken. There’s just no sense that anyone is actually looking out for the patient with any real conscience. Take my mother, for instance; after her colon cancer surgery, she was discharged to recover at home far too early—mostly because hospitals are constantly fighting over bed shortages—leaving her without anyone capable of properly managing her wound care. The incision became infected, and she could have died before her actual battle with the disease even truly began. She ended up being sent back to our local county hospital, where they've been struggling to get the infection under control for three weeks now.
Of course, if every doctor who touched her had been handed an attractive gift or a stack of cash... well... that's certainly not how things are supposed to work, but then again, everyone fights for their own loved ones.

When I asked if she could see a hospital psychiatrist because she was completely losing her spirit, I was told that wasn't their recommendation.
So, what is a person even supposed to do???