Support for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses (Part II)

Angela Wright said:I would take that mammogram somewhere else for a second opinion. It’s happened more than once where an ultrasound shows changes, but the mammogram doesn't—meaning whoever read the scan simply missed it. It really depends on who is interpreting the results.
I am not quite sure which immunotherapy you are referring to. Not every drug qualifies, and immunotherapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every type of cancer.

Regarding the mammogram, I don't have much to say. Two different radiologists reviewed the images, and they even performed an ultrasound alongside the mammography to compare the two. They were incredibly thorough and spent a significant amount of time analyzing everything.

You make a fair point. I had foolishly hoped there was some kind of universal immunotherapy, something akin to a "broad-spectrum antibiotic." Currently, I am taking an immune support supplement (Orthomol Immun) based on my oncologist's suggestion, hoping to bolster my system after the pain, radiation, and significant weight loss. It feels as though the skin metastases are changing on their own. They almost seem to have a "life" of their own. At first, they match the skin tone, then they turn red, and eventually, they look like an ulcer before starting to dry out. And these are, proven by four different pathology reports, indeed metastases.

My plan now is to gather all the medical records from the past year (I'll need to "buy back" certain scans, like the PET CT, from the hospital) and seek a second opinion, perhaps from someone in a major hub like Chicago.

In my experience, Dr. Samia proved himself to be a top-tier expert. He managed to pinpoint the diagnosis just by looking at the discharge papers, and it turned out to be spot on. The PET scan—which was the first major test done a month after we discovered the brain metastases—showed how far things had spread: nodes in the neck, above the collarbone, under the armpit, the lung lining, and a massive pleural effusion. Starting PET radiation today, and then they’re planning to discharge him. We're at the Mayo Clinic. Honestly, I can't shake the feeling that there were too many lapses here, maybe some serious miscommunications. But I don't know; they just seem to have accepted that this is simply how it is.

Kevin Bishop10, maybe you should give it a shot over at Dr. Samia's clinic?

Angela Wright said:Kevin Bishop10, maybe you should try seeing Dr. Cepulic?

Why not? Any idea what the consultation fee might be?

Kevin Bishop10 said:Why not? Any idea what their consultation fees look like?

I have no clue. Your best bet is just to shoot them an email.

Kevin Bishop10 said:Why not? Does anyone know roughly what the consultation fee is?

About six months ago, my mother paid for $133. He went through every single piece of paperwork, ran breast, liver, and stomach ultrasounds—the whole nine yards. He spent a significant amount of time talking her through everything; he had a mountain of questions, yet he listened patiently and answered every single one of hers. If you're looking for a recommendation, he gets 👍
.
(She actually went back to him specifically for a second opinion/consultation.)

Rachel Williams said:About six months ago, my mom paid for $133. He reviewed all the paperwork, performed breast, liver, and stomach ultrasounds, and just about everything else. He spent a long time talking with her, asking plenty of questions and patiently listening to hers as well. Every recommendation he made was 👍
.
(She also went to him for a second opinion/consultation.)

Truly appreciate the response.

Currently, I’m dealing with pain in my left shoulder, along with numbness and skin sensitivity stretching from my ear down to my chin on the left side. I am trying to reach an oncology radiologist because I have metastases running along my entire spine. However, half of the oncology department has been on vacation since last year, and the other half is busy juggling their own patients with ours, so they won't see me until Thursday!

Until then, I’ll just manage the pain however I can. I actually had to call emergency services last night because it became unbearable; I had been relying on Tramal, but it simply stopped working. They want to switch me to either liquid medication or patches, but I am desperately hoping it hasn't reached that stage yet.

Now, one oncologist (who managed to squeeze me in for five minutes) noted that the pH results suggest the possibility of salivary gland carcinoma?! Does anyone know anything about this?

Kevin Bishop10 said:Really appreciate the reply.

Right now, I’m dealing with pain in my left shoulder, and the skin from my ear down to my jawline on the left side is numb and sensitive. I'm trying to get in to see an oncology radiologist because I have metastases running along my entire spine. But here's the kicker: half the oncology department has been out on vacation since last year, and the other half is juggling their own work alongside theirs, so they won't be able to see me until Thursday!

Until then, I'm just trying to manage the pain any way I can. I actually had to call 911 last night because it became unbearable; I’d been taking Tramal, but it just completely stopped working. They want to switch me over to either liquid meds or patches, but I’m really hoping it doesn't come to that just yet.

Now, one oncologist (who managed to squeeze me in for five minutes) mentioned that the pH test results might indicate possible salivary gland carcinoma?! Does anyone know anything about that?

Head and neck cancers, including salivary gland types, are rare malignancies, but it strikes me as odd that nothing would have been felt until this point.
One of the primary drivers is an HPV infection within the oral cavity.

Does anyone have recommendations for an oncologist at KBC Osijek? I haven't been able to find much helpful info online, other than some chatter about one of the department heads being involved with the Republican Party.

My mom was recently diagnosed with malignant breast cancer that has metastasized to her lymph nodes. We don't have the full pathology report yet—the hospital wouldn't release the complete file to us, so we have to wait until she sees the oncologist... but based on what I've gathered so far, things aren't looking great. We are definitely planning to seek second opinions from private specialists, but I know how vital it is to have a strong relationship with the oncologist at the main hospital too. If anyone here has had any experience there, whether positive or negative, please let me know.

briskbison622 said:Does anyone have recommendations for an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Osijek? I’ve been scouring the internet, but I haven't been able to find anything useful or reliable online. Aside from being a solid faction within the Republican Party.

What does that even have to do with the patient's condition?🤦

My mother was recently diagnosed with malignant breast cancer, which has already spread to her lymph nodes. We don’t have the full pathology report yet—the hospital wouldn't release it to us directly, so we have to wait until she meets with her oncologist—but from what I’ve gathered so far, the outlook isn't particularly bright. We are definitely planning to seek out a second opinion from a private specialist, though I am fully aware that the input from her hospital oncologist is absolutely critical. If anyone here has navigated something similar, I would truly appreciate your insight. Positive.If things take a turn for the worse... just let me know.

Dr. Canadic...👍

Kevin Bishop10 said:Why not? What’s the ballpark price for a consultation?

About a year ago, I paid for a session that lasted roughly 45-60 minutes. $233..
But honestly, I don't regret spending a single cent... he went through every single document with a fine-tooth comb and explained everything in detail.
Plus, you can actually receive treatment from him there too.

cosmiclynx14 said:About a year ago, I went in for a consultation lasting roughly 45 to 60 minutes. $233..
I don't regret a single cent spent. He reviewed every piece of paperwork thoroughly and explained everything in great detail.
Plus, I can receive my treatments from him as well.

Thanks!

I have a Zometa dose scheduled for this week, an oncology check-up, and if time permits, I might make the trip to Chicago for a "second opinion."

briskbison622 said:Does anyone have recommendations for an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic? I haven't been able to find anything useful online, other than the fact that a good chunk of the department is affiliated with the Republican Party.

My mother was just diagnosed with malignant breast cancer, and there are metastases in the lymph nodes; we don't even have the full pathology report yet because the hospital wouldn't hand it over—they said she’ll get it once she sees the oncologist... but based on what I've gathered so far, things aren't looking great. We are absolutely going to seek out more opinions from private specialists, but I am painfully aware that having a solid oncologist within the hospital system is incredibly vital. If anyone here has had any experiences, whether positive or negative... please, just let me know.

Dr. Josipa Flam and Dr. Suzana Eric

Kevin Bishop10 said:Thanks!

Right now, I’m scheduled to get some Zometa, followed by an appointment with my oncologist. If I can squeeze it in, I might head over to the Mayo Clinic to try and get a "second opinion"...

Someone was asking about Pimezon and Dr. Samia too... honestly, they haven't told us anything more than our own hospital oncologist already has. They didn't offer any recommendations. Now, look, Dr. Samia is a top-tier doctor—I actually suspect he might be battling cancer himself—but Dr. Cepulic? He explained everything to us in much, much greater detail than anyone else. He actually laid out all our options and even brought up treatments and medications we hadn't even heard of until then. So, if you're asking me, I highly recommend Dr. Cepulic.

Upon administering my latest dose of Zometa, the doctor noted that I’ve lost quite a significant amount of weight over the last 28 days. To combat this, she prescribed some MEGOXI syrup to help jumpstart my appetite and hopefully allow me to partially regain what was lost. Has anyone else here tried using this? Any experiences to share?

Kevin Bishop10 said:While I was receiving Zometa, my doctor noticed I’d lost quite a bit of weight in just 28 days. She prescribed MEGOXI syrup to help stimulate my appetite, hoping I might partially regain some of that lost weight. Has anyone else here used this? Any experiences to share?

It has the exact same composition as Megostat, which my mother uses. She doesn't experience any side effects from it, and it really helps her appetite; without it, she struggles to eat much and often feels nauseous.

My brother-in-law passed away yesterday morning. It’s only been two months since he got his diagnosis. He was truly one of the good ones—a soul so kind that I honestly believe God spared him from even more pain and suffering.

neoncyclist792 said:My brother-in-law passed away yesterday morning—just two months after the diagnosis came in. He was such an incredible soul; I honestly believe God spared him from even more suffering and pain because of the man he was.

I am so sorry. Please accept my deepest condolences. 😢

I need some advice—my dad has liver adenocarcinoma with metastases, and tonight his abdomen feels hard; it looks like fluid is building up. I'm not sure if I should insist on rushing him to the clinic since he’s refusing, or if there's any hope this just settles down. Please help if you know anything.

Tyler Rogers3, yes, that sounds most likely like ascites. My mother dealt with that herself due to pancreatic cancer. That pathological fluid doesn't just vanish on its own; it requires paracentesis to drain. Mom was taking Fursemid, but even that didn't provide much relief. It made breathing incredibly difficult because the fluid pressure was pushing against her lungs and other organs, so we had to have her undergo drainage procedures constantly.

I am truly sorry you are going through this; I know exactly how heavy this feels. Try to encourage your dad to head to the hospital—it might offer him some much-needed relief from the discomfort.