Our popular cancer forum at CancerCompass.com is a helpful source of community feedback and support. Explore our online resources today to research additional information. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/1,0,119.htm Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Make sure to tune in to Kaleidoscope, an amazing women and cancer special that combines the beauty of skating, the excitement of song and the brave message of survivorship in an evening of family-friendly, holiday entertainment. Kaleidoscope airs Thanksgiving Day, from 4-5:30 PM EST, directly following the NFL on FOX. Kaleidoscope is hosted by a trio of cancer survivors, or “thrivers”: The legendary singer and performer, Olivia Newton-John, and Olympic Champions Dorothy Hamill and Scott Hamilton. (who will both be returning to the ice for the first time on the show!) Kaleidoscope also features American Idol favorites David Archuleta and Katharine McPhee and Olympians Kristi Yamaguchi and Nancy Kerrigan. The show will provide information and resources on basic issues surrounding women and cancer…all in a positive and uplifiting way. Please join us for an enchanting evening of Sport, Song and Survivorship! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41756,0.htm EdgeHealth Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi,  I am a 39 year old mother of 3. About 8 months ago I started complaining I didn't feel well. I had a lot of stress in my life so I went to the doctor with some general left side abdominal flank pain. After some testing it came back my spleen was enlarged but none of the blood work showed anything was wrong. So of course I go on with life. I had gained a lot of weight due to poor eating habits etc but I noticed I was becoming sick pretty often which was unusual for me. Lots of colds, fatigue etc. I had my tonsils and adnoids removed about 3 years ago. I begin to notice night sweats. Not every night but the kind where I would wake up and my clothes were wet. My thyroid was checked. It was fine. I have had terrible migraines on the right side and my ear hurts on the right. It also itches and rings a lot. Nothing shows on tests just DX as clinical migraines. Then my hair starts to fall out. Not huge amounts but enough for me to hold a hand full every time I wash it. I have been itching, especially on the thighs and my hair. I have lost 64 pounds. I was really happy about that because I stopped using caffine and sugar but apparently 64 pounds shouldn't fall off of you that fast. Flash back to about 3 months ago. I go in because I have these painful knots in my neck. I am given antibiotics for infection. They don't go away but they aren't painful any more. I come back because they said if they don't go away come back. I get more medication and they don't go away and I come back. So here I am. I have several pea size hard nodes and 1 that is larger. They are clustered pretty close. There is one under my right ear (my right check feels swollen and sort of numb)and the node in my rt shoulder has been causing me pain.  I have had blood work several times over the span you read above and it was normal...or that is what the nurse reading it to me said. I am not sure what to think.  I went to my ENT. He seems concerned but if the blood work is normal then it isn't cancer right? Help me out here please.    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41670,0.htm Motowife Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT My recent MRI results showed new tumors in my liver and in my lungs. They are recommending clinical trials at Baylor Univ. Med. in Dallas. Anyone have experience with recent clinical trials? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41660,0.htm aggiemom Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT This I believe is among the most under reported issues for post treatment patients.  I have periodically been posting asking for data back from this crowd on their thyroid problems 6-24months post radiation treatment.  I have received very little feedback.  After pestering my oncologist for months, I finally made a big deal out of this problem last Friday and got my blood tested on Monday morning.  Last night I received a panicked phone call from my Doctor informing me that he has phoned a prescription for 75mg (or mcg?) of Synthyroid for me to pick up immediately.  The sucker, I should have demanded that he go pick it up for me. My blood test revealed a TSH of 11.79.  I am 11 and 1/2 months off of the radiation table.  I have been seriously tired and have lost my ability to concentrate on work.  I am a skinny lump of a man. If you are post head and neck radiation patient, consider yourself a suspect for thyroid function issues.  I did not have weight gain.  I do have low pulse, low energy, constipation, missing eyebrow hair and lack of concentration on anything that requires focus.  I have also been mildly depressed, (I never noticed but others seem to believe this).  So get tested and track the TSH levels.  I will report on how long it takes to feel well.  I have been informed that it may take 4-6 weeks. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41485,0.htm mark5004 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi. My father has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung and lymph node cancer in June 2009. He is 52. My parents live in Russia and there he had undergone 3 courses of chemotherapy. Doctors don’t give any hopes and often would not even accept him to the hospital saying he is not going to live anyway. I live in the US, and when my husband and I visited my parents in Russia in September, my father still had strength. His legs and hands were swollen and he was coughing a lot. Since then he had his third course of chemo and now is feeling very week; no strength in his legs and arms (they are still swollen). He forces himself to eat hoping to get strength and survive. His coughing decreased, but from time to time he complains on shortage in breathing, and his blood pressure is not stable. The doctors are unapproachable and already have given up on him long time ago. My family does not know what to do and what to expect. If anyone can suggest or share anything I would greatly appreciate. Thanks. Ruzana  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41457,0.htm Ruzana Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Does any one know best treatment for metastatic adenocarcinoma Liver Cancer in US and India,Could you please help me ,Its very urgent http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41385,0.htm Sumancholleti Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosted with stage3 tonsilliar cancerin Nov,08. The tonsil was surgically removed, chemo started..then radiation as well as more biological(Erbitux) therapy. 1st post therapy PET & CT were clear in August. Now 2 months later after continous complaints about the sore throat, fatigue & increased dryness the ENT found a spot in the tonsilliar area that is suspectious & scheduled a biospy for Wed 11/10. We had recieved such a positive outlook from the oncology team that we never really thought about re-occurance. Not really prepared. The cancer had travelled into 3 lymph nodes at the orginal diagnosis & we even considered the neck dissection. We were convinced that this was not the best treatment choice & trusted the team of professionals who treat this everyday? Any advice? Really scared! Please pray for this man that I adore to have the courage & strength to keep fighting this ugly disease. Thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41366,0.htm brenda40 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello- I've posted a couple of questions out here and don't seem to get any response.  I see other's experience the same.  Are there other cancer discussion boards folks are using along with this one?  My mother is being treated for lung cancer - atypical carcinoid; stage III.  She starts chemo in a couple weeks.  I have a feeling I'm going to need a village to help us get through this... Thank you! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41297,0.htm rc78374 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT i posted a thread asking about the intravenous vit c. all things were in vain, my sister in law has passed away this evening, leaving behind 4 young children. 4 years of being prodded at, poked, chemo, radiiation, hospital appointments, hospital stays, for a good woman. theres no justice in the world. 43 years old. why??? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41182,0.htm pleasehelpus Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT see cancertutor.com for alternative cancer treatments and information provided for by the independent national cancer research institue.  They have a list alternative treatments  grouped in stages according to the type of cancer you are fighting and the strength. Chemotherapy damages the endocrine system.  Only the part of the tumor that has cancer needs to be treated. You can live with tumors as long as you control swelling to prevent tumors from cutting off function of other organs. You need to control inflammation and swelling by controlling the number of cancer cells that are being killed and treating your liver and kidneys to deal with the debris. Alternative treatments do not damage good cells. Enzymes, alkaline foods, and anti-inflammatory diet also helps. My mother is being treated for pancreatic cancer. These treatments do work. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41125,0.htm dlucas Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Has anyone had any experience with alkaline water and if it helps deliver more antioxidents and if it slows tumor growth? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41122,0.htm neenjeanne Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Has anyone gone to a Cancer Treatment Center facility and gone through their 10 week chemo-therapy treatment and all along you are being told that the cancer is getting better then at the 10 week mark they do some final scans and the word is that they have 90% of the cancer under control but need to do surgery to get the last 10%?  This is the situation my wife went through at the Philadelphia Center and feel that this is a standard line given to patients that in actuality have a terminal cancer but CTCA goes ahead and does an unecessary surgery just for the insurance monies.  This sounds harsh but I know at least one other patient, from the Pittsburgh area, had the same story told to them as it was told to my wife and myself. Please let me know if you know anyone that had a similar situation at any of the Cancer Treatment Centers around the United States. Thanks. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41118,0.htm georgem5 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT So far this year I have had cancer surgeries for Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of Bartholin Gland & an inguinal lymphadenectomy; 30 days later a vulvectomy. I was doing kinda ok with the recovery until 5 months later when I was viciously attacked (unprovoked) by a 3 year old St. Bernard and subsequently diagnosed with severe Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I have the typical symptoms of PTSD so I've been told by my doctors and theapist. And in dealing with all these items  ~ for the first time in my life I was "tipped over" and unable to deal with everything going on. I just wanted to go to sleep for a week and not be bothered by anyone or anything....no, I have never been suicidal, just tired and exhausted and depleated. Just in the past few weeks I have started to come out of the surgeries anesthetic fog and the side effects from the pain/depression drugs I have been taking. I've been told we had a great summer this year ~ I wouldn't know as I don't remember as I was is such a drug induced state. My oncologist is now 'concerned' because of the severe pain I am having down my leg and in the surgery scar and has me on neurontin. At first it was thought that the cancer was encapsulated in the Bartholin gland, but as ACC is cancer of the nerve sheaths the pain now may be an indication that the cancer is growing.  Is there anyone out there who has had these types of cancer surgeries and can tell me what I should expect as time goes on. I know of no one who has had these procedures so I have no one to talk to about what to expect. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has some insight they care to share. Thank you ~ Bobbie Lou http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41013,0.htm Bobbie_Lou Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT I am trying to collect information about side effects that patients have experience.  My mom has been on it a long time.  She takes it once a week through IV before her Chemo.What has been your experience with decadron or dexamethasone(as it is also called).All responses are appreciated. Donna http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40669,0.htm psalm Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT My mother is 37. She was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. They got all the tumor out of her left breast and took 14 lymphnodes out 9 out of 14 were cancerous. About 6 months ago they diagnosed her with a tumor on her liver. Its grown now. There are several places covering her liver basically. This is hard for me to talk about..... in the past 8 weeks the tumor mass grew to 5mm. It is now hemorrhaging. The doctors have found cancer in her lymphnodes and now in her lung. I dont know if the cancer is spreading rapidlly because her body is refusing the chemotherapies or anything.  Prayer: Please lord let her have the strength to pull through this and give the doctors the wisdom to tell her if they still think that chemo is working for her anymore. I pray that everyone that has cancer or has had any type of cancer that they turn to you Lord for the advise needed in order to know wat to do. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40635,0.htm sko18 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi,my father (61) is undergoimg chemo an is adviced to eat anything which is boiled. he is not allowed to eat fresh fuits and veg as it contains bacteria and his immune system is weak to kill it. can anyone suggest some recipes to gain weight???regards,Shelly. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40644,0.htm Shellys_1 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT ok here it goes for two months now I have looked six months pregnant,had a cat scan it showed a cyst on my right ovary .the only ovary i have left.also back pain pelvic pressure...I keep getting shifted from a gastorologist to a gynocologist i finally asked the gyno to do a ca-125 blood test he reluctantly agreed.I had 3 colon polyps about six months ago that were pre cancer and in the last 3 years my aunt died with lymphomia uncles cancer was in bladder and stomach.My daughter had cervical cancer as did my sister.I am really scared and cant find an answer to my symptoms anyone else experience these things http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40514,0.htm janellb67 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Does anyone know which drug company makes Temador? I am trying to find it so I can try and get them to pay for the drug for my brother who lost his job (bankrupt company) and insurance. TY, Michelle http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40332,0.htm Myshell Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT In remission for lymphonic cancer. Several operations around neck, heart, and removal of lymph nodes under arm.  Remission for over two years.  Several months noticed rectal bleeding which became worse.  Very tired again.  Now when I get tired, my heart begins to hurt. Went to local clinic and they had some testing done.   Recently had a colonoscopy with biopsy from multiple lesions.  Diagnosis states "fragments of rectal mucosa showing acute and chronic inflammation including cryptitis, crypt abscesses, reactive lymphoid follicles and crypt architecture distortion" and Comment "The histologic changes are consistent with chronic inflammatory proctitis.....In a separate PET scan the results say ...hypermetabolism in the central right lower lobe just inferior to the right hilum.  This has an SUV max of 5.2.....There is suggestion of some mild thickening at the rectosigmoid junction with associated hypermetabolism...IMPRESSION: 1) Focal round area of hypermetabolism inferior to the right hilum.  2) New focal area of uptake at the rectosigmoid junction with the colonic wall with questionable associated wall thickening for which further characterization with direct visualization is recommended.    The results were not really explained to me.  Should I be worried. My job can be very physical.  I just don't have the energy and sleep all the time, have shortness of breath, my arms and legs go to sleep right away when I am sitting and have to move around to get the blood circulating again.  I just don't feel well after the procedure.  Any thoughts?    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40237,0.htm tcbnew Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi All just wanted you all to know that my husband lost his battle with this rare cancer on Sept. 22 2009 he suffered terribly for the last couple of months I just could not bare to see him suffer anymore. thank you all for all the support through this time. Thank You http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40228,0.htm dizedona Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband had colon cancer in 2004.It reappeared in 2007 in his lung.Him being non-smoker, non-drinker.Given chemo & radiation.In 2009 Feb he was placed under hospice care.I was told he had months to live.I asked his oncologist not to inform the situation to my husband.This was the most hard and difficult time for me,I had lost mum to cancer 20years ago,my brother passed away in 2004,liver infection,dad passed away in 2007 natural causes.He was on dialysis.All were healthy no doctor's record of any illness.I also manage the bussiness.I brought my husband home/work place. I stopped sugar and put him on stevia(natural sugar).I had no choice except to turn to  alternative  therapy. My salvation was and is internet. My plan was to detoxify, strengthen immune system, supplements & nutrition. No dairy products, no sugar, no meat, fresh juices, (no bottles or cartoons),also wheat grass juice(with other greens), and Budwig Diet without fail, also organics wherever possible. I stopped all his medications, I do reflexolgy, massage with aroma oils, balance his body, I do on hand healing(I am a therapist who believes in nature).Always remember body is self- healing.I do give him Essiac tea and green tea only.Oxygenation is very important. Also body should be more alkaline not acidic.My stregth has always being "GOD" he guides, helps, and shows me the way to deal with situations as they arise.My husband has being doing well, we still have a long, hard path to follow.Please look and you will find. Do not give up. Pray and HE"LL be there. I am one man band.It's difficult to find help,& support.My prayers for all. God Bless Vashanti      http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39963,0.htm VASHANTI Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Dear Friends,I wanted to share a heart-felt video called “Share Your Heart”— <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwBLCIZeOs> .  This video offers a chance to make a difference for the nearly 200,000 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.  Please watch and then PLEASE visit DenimDay.com (http://www.denimday.com/ ) and get registered to participate in Lee National Denim Day in the fight against breast cancer.  Thank you!!!Please share this with all of the women and loved ones you know.Best of Wishes http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39889,0.htm nathannie Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT My name is tammie. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39775,0.htm tammie09 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT My name is tammie. i have breast cancer. i have had 2 surgeries radiation and chemo. it has came back. it affects the skin limpnodes blood vessles and limpnodes in my lungs. can anyboby give me a alturntative cure. thanks.. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39776,0.htm tammie09 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi. please see if anyone can help. My father is diagnosed with throat cancer. We are still waiting for the biopsy report so that the treatment could be started. however, he is getting weak day by day. he has problem swollowing the food. I checked on the internet that high energy and protein diet would be good for him. As he is a Diabetes patient too, can anyone suggest some energy diets which does not affect the sugar level? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39703,0.htm Shellys_1 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT