Cancer diagnosis - please help!

Elizabeth Miller8 said:These types of situations are precisely what we are given—to facilitate true self-discovery.

Yes, right. We absolutely *need* these kinds of situations. Thank God I went through that exact experience so I could actually know who I am now, right?? NO...👎

Sarah Cruz2: Right now, I’m not really focused on the game itself. I’m thinking about her. If anyone out there is willing to share from their own experience (and thank you so much to everyone who reached out!!), what was your driving force during your illness? What kept you fighting? I would truly appreciate it!

hiddenviper9:
From what I’ve seen, finding motivation when dealing with cancer often comes down to creativity—things like writing, painting, photography, or even just working on a puzzle. It can also be that stubborn drive to prove something to the world.
I actually posted a piece on my spirituality page about cyclist Lance Armstrong (though, sadly, it didn't spark much of a conversation— 😕 how disappointing is that?
). His sheer determination to be the best cyclist in the world is what helped him overcome his illness.
For me, back when I was battling it, my unspoken goal was simply to write a great book or paint a masterpiece...

On top of that, I think a patient needs to approach cancer the same way they’d handle a bad flu... just accept it for what it is.

That mindset can really make a difference.

Sarah Cruz2 said:If anyone wants to share their experience (and thank you so much to everyone who reached out!!), I’d be incredibly grateful to know what kept you going through your illness—what was the actual motivation behind your fight?

I honestly think my mom stayed with us for her grandkids. She has two daughters who are pretty useless, so if she hadn't pulled through, those kids would have ended up hungry and uneducated...
It might sound a bit cynical now, but I'm glad she found some kind of purpose in it at the time. 🙂
Aside from that, she joined a support group for cancer survivors as soon as she got home from the hospital. I think those weekly meetings are where she finds the most peace. The reality is, no matter how hard they try, people who haven't been through it just can't fully get it. But those who have lived it... they understand...

because the truth is, if you haven't actually been through it yourself, you can't really wrap your head around it, no matter how hard you try. People who have lived it, they just get it, I guess.
__________________________________________________

I'M SIGNING UP

dustypilot2 said:Yeah, sure. Because we all just *crave* those kinds of disasters. Thank God I actually had to go through that mess so I could finally see who I really am, right?? NOPE....👎

At the very least, you’ve managed to uncover just how much bitterness you're carrying around.

Anyway, take care of yourself... there's absolutely nothing you can do to change the past...

Maybe try finding some hobbies that would actually be good for your sister. Take her hiking, maybe rollerblading, or let her get into drawing or writing... just get her around some more positive people. Older folks? I don't know, maybe she should see a psychologist or someone who deals with that kind of stuff...

The way she talks about the Armstrong chain is actually pretty great, and it really shows how much we can actually do for ourselves if we try.

Kyle Nelson2 said:Take her hiking, let her try out some skating—maybe encourage her to draw or write... she really needs to surround herself with more positive people.

😵

dustypilot2 said:😵

I have to agree!

Kyle Nelson2, I suspect that someone who can barely make it from their bed to the bathroom—which, mind you, is a very common reality for those facing severe illness, which is precisely why they are categorized as such—might not be quite ready for hiking up mountains. It seems to me that you might not fully grasp the gravity of the situation here. In instances like this, perhaps it would be more appropriate to remain silent, if only out of basic courtesy.

dustypilot2😘

Sarah Cruz2 said:I'm totally with you on this one!

Kyle Nelson2, I honestly think someone who can barely make it from their bed to the bathroom (which, let's be real, happens all the time with really sick patients—that's kind of why they're called critical cases!) probably isn't exactly ready to go out and hike some mountains! It seems like you might not quite get what we're talking about here. In situations like this, maybe it's better to just stay quiet, you know, just out of basic politeness.

dustypilot2😘

That whole "critically ill" phase for someone who just had surgery doesn't actually last forever, you know?
I'm pretty sure Kyle Nelson2 didn't quite realize what he was getting into when he spoke up like that 🙂
He was actually talking about that period of time once the shock of the surgery starts to wear off and recovery kicks in
So, it's super important that the patient—if they even feel up to it—gets back to feeling like themselves again, and things like an anti-cancer diet, picking up old hobbies, and doing some light, appropriate exercise are usually the biggest priorities 🙂
We should really try to help her take her mind off being sick and find a reason to smile again 🙂
And honestly, it’s just not right to mock someone like that just because you didn't understand where they were coming from 😉
Hang in there
🙂

It has been exactly one year since my mother-in-law passed away from lung cancer, a disease that eventually metastasized to her bones and brain. Having endured the absolute agony of watching that brutal illness unfold, I feel compelled to advise you—for both your sake and your sister's—to reach out to a palliative care association immediately. We failed to do that back then, and looking back through the lens of hindsight, it is painfully clear that we should have. The fallout from that entire traumatic ordeal is something my husband still struggles with today due to post-traumatic stress, not to mention my father-in-law, and I truly believe the burden would have been lighter for everyone involved if we had sought professional psychological support for the family and for her as well.
The second thing I must say is this: from the very beginning, you absolutely must pursue conventional medicine and alternative therapies in parallel.
I haven't had the chance to read every single post here, but I would personally recommend beetroot juice, papaya juice, and aloe vera.

We even attempted macrobiotics, though we didn't see significant results; however, I realize how incredibly individual these responses can be. I have heard of many cases where people found relief, provided they approach it gradually rather than aggressively.

We even visited Plečko in our suburban town, but by that stage, she was already in the final phase of the disease, so it is difficult to say if anything could have truly made a difference at that point.

In short, much like what has already been mentioned, you really need to cut down on sugar and fats in your diet, as those substances essentially feed those wretched cancer cells.

I wish you all the best of luck; please, do not give up, stay persistent, and steel your nerves for the journey ahead.
👋 care

I haven't been active on this forum for quite some time, so I haven't even had the chance to thank everyone properly. Thank you so much for all your replies; they have truly helped me through this. A huge thanks to Monica, Douglas Doyle49, dustypilot2, Larry Cruz51, quietraven14, and everyone else who provided such concrete and helpful advice.

My sister is back home now. She has started both chemotherapy and radiation—it's quite overwhelming, doing both at once. She says she feels okay for now, but I believe there will be harder days ahead. I honestly don't know what to say. I try my best to focus on love rather than the illness itself. I find myself attempting to act as if nothing is happening, though I suppose that isn't quite natural. Thank you all again for the practical tips, especially dustypilot2, because no one mentioned anything about using Ensure.

It is quite terrifying how all these doctors go about their work through those specific channels. We even found ourselves getting caught up in that circle of corruption, simply because we were acting out of desperation, but even that doesn't provide much relief. You just don't have enough money to bribe every single doctor or nurse you encounter along the way. It is simply awful.

Mercy, compassion, or even just basic interest—it seems to be missing almost everywhere. Because she is an extremely young person, it might spark a flicker of interest in the physicians for perhaps three seconds, but certainly not enough for them to go above and beyond in their care.

I can't shake the feeling that nobody truly cares, and that is incredibly difficult for me to bear.

We have also sought out an alternative practitioner; we are drinking various teas now, and we should be seeing him in two weeks. The complication is that he presents us with a choice: either chemo and radiation, or his methods. Since we have already begun the chemo and radiation, he isn't sure how much he can actually help, given that they represent opposing energies (which makes sense—chemo destroys, while he seeks to build up).

Now that I have actually written this down, I feel quite frightened. In person, I manage to keep my composure. But here, I cannot even begin to imagine or face the reality of it. The doctors offer absolutely no hope.

We are heading to the Mayo Clinic. They tend to be a bit more humane there, though they still offer no guarantees. I want so badly to prove that everyone is wrong about this!!!!! And I will prove it!

I am feeling quite overwhelmed by the fear of pain and suffering, if anyone might have some advice to offer.....

I honestly don't even know what kind of timeline we are looking at... nobody has actually told us how long these treatments will last, nor do I have any clarity on the specifics..... I suppose I am just living day by day, taking it one step at a time...

She tried drinking some Aloe vera, about one bottle, and it seemed fine. Nothing particularly remarkable, though. Currently, we have moved on to Taheebo.

Her iron levels are extremely low, which I read online is an indication of a serious condition and a declining immune system. I worry that the intensity of the chemotherapy and radiation might be too much for her to bear. I simply don't know the duration of the treatment, the length of the breaks, or what actually happens during those intervals....

I am still somewhat in a state of shock, so I find I need a bit more time to process certain things, but nonetheless, I am pushing forward and fighting as hard as I can. As dustypilot2 mentioned, it is vital that we view this as OUR illness, rather than "you and YOUR illness." Changing my way of speaking about it has definitely made a difference.
Thank you, dustypilot2!

Douglas Doyle49, did you say four years? Is that truly possible? I can hardly wrap my head around anything lasting four years, let alone such prolonged suffering....

Monica, I have heard of Essiac tea; it is available here now, and I have already picked up some informational pamphlets...

So, I saw this thing on FOX (it was pretty intense) not too long ago. It was a segment about this guy the doctors basically gave up on, but he ended up curing himself using some kind of natural remedy—I can't quite remember where it came from. It was just a combo of everyday ingredients (I think coffee was one of them, maybe?). He actually shared the whole recipe during the segment. If anyone wants the details, I guess you could try emailing FOX directly? Maybe they can dig through their archives or something...

I haven't scrolled through every single post, so I'm not sure if anyone has brought up nutrition yet! Honestly, all that effort is pretty much wasted if you don't overhaul what you're eating. We're talking a serious shift toward fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, and yogurt... You really need to cut out meat, dairy, sweets, and anything processed. Do some research, put together a solid meal plan—there are hundreds of books out there specifically about an anti-cancer diet. If you get the food right, then Taheebo should be a really effective choice! Just a heads-up: there are different types of Taheebo out there, and Gabre Taheebo is the most potent one. You can pick some up at the pharmacy located at 72 Main Street (it's in the courtyard)—400 grams will run you $67. You can also grab a book on how to use Taheebo for treatment at that same spot. Best of luck!

My sister is heading in for her first follow-up this Friday. She’s just finished five days of intensive chemo and radiation, followed by three days of radiation alone—which marks the end of this specific chemo cycle.

I wonder if the doctors might be able to tell us if there's any progress already?

She has started passing things through her colon, almost as if her system is purging itself; I suppose I should ask, is that generally considered a positive sign?

I am living in constant fear of what the doctor might say on Monday, and I find myself praying to God that they report at least some kind of movement in the right direction. Is it even possible for them to see results this early on, or is it too soon to tell?

She has lost a tremendous amount of weight; she looks so frail now, as if everything is hanging off her. Her iron levels are also incredibly low. We really want her to eat and drink everything nutritious available, but she simply can't manage to swallow enough. You can visibly see her muscles wasting away, and I worry about whether she will be able to fully recover within a year or two...

😢

So, how did today's checkup go?

Sarah Cruz2 said:My sister has her first follow-up this Friday. It follows five days of intense chemo and radiation, plus three more days of just radiation (which wraps up the chemo cycle).

Will they be able to tell if there’s any progress already?

Nausea, exhaustion, hair loss, and skin patches... those are all completely standard side effects when dealing with chemo and radiation.

Regarding the results, I recall being told that you really need to wait a few weeks after finishing radiation and chemo for the body to settle down before you can see what was actually accomplished. Results seen immediately following treatment can sometimes be misleading.
Essentially, radiation halts the cell multiplication process so the tumor stops growing. But once the radiation stops, those cells can start multiplying again.
Sometimes, thankfully, they just stop...:))

Don't let pessimism take over. People survive both chemo and radiation. My mother spent a few months—maybe a year—recovering after her first tumor (though in my mind, I'm never quite sure if she truly recovered), and the same went for the second one. Dammit, the third one was the one that got her. And it wasn't even metastasis.

We are currently navigating a cancer situation ourselves, so seeing my cousin so worried just makes it harder. I can't stop crying.

hiddenviper9 said:I posted a piece over on Spirituality about the cyclist Lance Armstrong—it’s one of those posts that didn't exactly trigger a massive debate or anything. 😕 It’s just plain sad.
His burning desire to become the world's greatest cyclist actually managed to overpower his illness.
Well, there you go—that might actually help.

You're absolutely right—it can certainly play a part, but let's not fall into the trap of thinking that was his only secret weapon in beating the illness. A massive portion of that victory actually comes down to his strict athletic nutrition, specifically all those nutritional supplements he integrated into his daily diet. 👍

quietraven14 said:Another thing to consider: you really have to play both sides of the fence from the jump, balancing conventional medicine with alternative approaches simultaneously.
I haven't had a chance to catch up on every single post here, but if you're looking for some direction, I’d suggest looking into a few things: beet juice, papaya juice, and aloe vera.

We even gave macrobiotics a shot, though we didn't see much of a payoff in the end. It’s one of those things that feels incredibly individual, though—what works for one person might do absolutely nothing for someone else. I've actually heard about quite a few cases where people successfully transitioned to it, provided they took it slow and didn't try to overhaul their entire life overnight. You have to ease into it rather than going in aggressively.

We actually made the trip out to see Plečko in that suburban town, but we were already in the final stages by then, so it’s hard to imagine anything could have really made a difference at that point.

Basically, it’s just what we’ve been talking about all along—you really have to cut back on the sugar and fats in your diet, if only to starve out those damn cancer cells.

quietraven14, I’m right there with you, and I honestly couldn't agree more with your point. You really have to hit both sides from day one—you need to be running with the conventional medicine and the alternative stuff side-by-side right from the jump. 👍
The biggest mistake most people make is waiting until the very last second to actually look into "home remedies" or making any real changes to their diet. It’s always that same pattern—they exhaust every other option first, and only when they've hit a wall do they finally decide to consider an anti-cancer diet or some natural approach. They treat lifestyle shifts like a backup plan instead of the foundation, which is honestly where they go wrong from the start. 😢

Sarah Cruz2 said:So, we finally tracked down an alternative practitioner, and now we’re sitting here sipping herbal teas while planning a trip to see him next week. Here's the catch, though: he's basically given us an ultimatum—it’s either conventional chemo and radiation, or it’s him. Since we’ve already kicked things off with the chemo and radiation route, he's a bit noncommittal about how much he can actually help. It makes sense when you think about it; they're working with completely opposing energies. One side is designed to kill, and his approach is all about lifting you up.

She drank a bottle of Aloe vera, which was fine, I guess. Nothing to write home about. Now we've moved on to Taheebo.

Her iron levels are incredibly low right now, which apparently signals a pretty dire situation and a crashing immune system—at least, that's what my deep dives into the internet seem to suggest. I’m honestly terrified that hitting her with aggressive chemotherapy and radiation is just going to finish her off. I'm completely in the dark about how the whole process unfolds, how long these treatments actually last, or even what happens during the breaks between sessions...

You have to wrap your head around the fact that aloe acts as a sort of internal janitor, sweeping out all that heavy chemical residue left behind by things like chemotherapy. It’s not some overnight miracle cure, either; you can't exactly expect aloe vera to completely reset your entire system in just thirty days—that would be a bit much to ask, wouldn't it? It needs to become a staple part of your daily routine. Think of it as a way to systematically dismantle inflammation throughout the body, calming those processes down before they can spiral out of control, while simultaneously taking the fight to the various viruses and bacteria trying to tear your system apart.
Alopecia can definitely take a toll on your immune system, though it can also be a factor in boosting it, but honestly, what your sister really needs is actual food. Her body needs proper fuel so her healthy cells have the strength to fight off the diseased ones. Think of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables as a sort of defensive shield protecting those healthy cells from getting overwhelmed.

Peter Taylor63 said:Not too long ago, there was this segment on FOX about a guy the doctors had basically given up on. He ended up pulling through by using some sort of traditional remedy—a specific combination of everyday ingredients, if I recall correctly (I think coffee was one of them). He actually shared the recipe during the broadcast. If anyone is looking for more details, your best bet might be to shoot an email to the local news station; they could probably dig through their archives or you could try reaching out to them some other way...

There’s a massive variety of plants and herbal combinations out there that can influence how diseases progress, but let's look at the bigger picture here...

Modern nutrition has essentially taken the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine regarding medicinal herbs and paired it with cutting-edge technology. This allows for the creation of increasingly sophisticated plant-based products that can provide significant support in situations like this.

The body requires food—specifically, all the essential nutrients in perfect balance—every single day to repair itself and bounce back from the onslaught of a disease. Once you grasp how an IV works to facilitate rapid recovery, you might start to understand the logic behind "cellular nutrition" (MacGregor, James Newman).

ANLOKIN said:I haven't caught up on every single post, so I'm not sure if diet has come up yet, but honestly, any effort made is pretty much wasted if you don't overhaul what you're eating. We're talking fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, yogurt... You really need to cut out meat, dairy, sweets, and processed junk. There are hundreds of books out there dedicated to an anti-cancer diet; read up on it and build a solid plan.

I'm with you there. People have all sorts of different experiences and eventually realize that nutrition is the cornerstone of cellular regeneration. However, when things get truly serious, you can't just wing it; you need a professional approach. The real experts in this field are nutrition scientists. 😉

Sarah Cruz2 said:She's lost so much weight; she looks completely frail now. Her iron levels are also incredibly low. We want her to be consuming nothing but fresh, living foods, but she can barely manage to swallow anything at this point. You can see the muscle wasting is becoming evident, and I'm genuinely worried about whether she'll be able to recover within the next year or two...
😢

The most efficient path to recovery often comes through cellular nutrition. You should really look into the stories of people who have completely transformed their lives by following that path.

Sarah Cruz2 said:I'm really interested in her story. If anyone here can share from their own experience (thank you so much to everyone who reached out to me!!) what was driving them through their illness—what actually motivated them to fight—I would be incredibly grateful!

Here’s my take based on my own life. This isn't the place for "he said, she said" gossip; the subject matter is far too serious for that.
Motivation to fight? I had to ask myself one question: "Do I want to live and fight, or do I just give up and let whatever happens, happen?" Then I asked: "What is actually worth living for?" And then I saw the reasons: 1. My son, who was only 2.5 years old at the time. 2. My wife, who gave me love, warmth, physical and mental support, and endless understanding for the situation I'm still navigating today. 3. Honestly, I just felt too young to leave this country.
Once I identified those specific reasons, I chose to fight. I won the first battle, and I'll likely win the next one too.
In all this chaos, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed with a 100% "Seminom"—a type of tumor that can be managed quickly and effectively. That’s why my Nickname is "Seminom"; I simply accepted it as a part of who I am that I can't run away from. Using that name isn't about fishing for sympathy; that’s not my intention or my need.

I’m not going to tell you what *you* should do. Instead, I’ll tell you how *I* would act. (You’ve already received plenty of "smart" advice from people who don't even understand what we're talking about here—people who haven't lived it themselves, or maybe were lucky enough to never have to.)

If it were up to me, I would spend every moment helping her see the reasons to live and fight. I would isolate her from negative people and toxic environments, even if it meant offending some people along the way (in this case, you have to be selfish). People without empathy can be detrimental, and there is zero benefit to keeping them around. To help her mental state, I’d change her surroundings—flowers, curtains, a new rug, an almond print housecoat, a t-shirt... things in bright, fresh colors. (The focus needs to be on mental health rather than obsessing over sports nutrition). Basically, I'd try to lift that dark fog that has settled in.
It wasn't that Kyle Nelson was being unfair when people judged her (she certainly didn't think she was practicing extreme mountain climbing),
but if she can't walk, I’d get her a wheelchair and take her for rides through the neighborhood. Just so she can realize that life is still moving and see the value in it.
I wouldn't let her resign too early. If she needs to do something, I wouldn't let her say "I can't do that" before she even tries. Because once you tell your brain "I can't" before you've even started, the fight becomes ten times harder.
I’d encourage her to work with her hands—maybe drawing, modeling, photography... anything to show her that she can still produce something tangible and that she isn't useless on this planet.

I'll stop here; if a post is too long, it becomes a chore to read.

One last thing: you won't find a universal solution. Find the middle ground among all the different opinions and advice.