Trade tips and strategies with other caregivers at our online cancer support forum. From dealing with side effects to managing pain, you'll find a variety of information and resources online at CancerCompass.com. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/caregivers/tips/1,0,122,86.htm Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I love to travel. I recently gave my notice at my job and bought myself a ticket to travel Thailand. I went to my parents house for dinner to be with them 7 days befor I was to set off. I recieved the news that he has Colon Cancer, 3 large tumores on his liver as well as aprox 20 other spots. Everyone is so positive with the idea that he is going to beat this. Everything inside me tells me even though I have no idea of what we're dealing with that he is going to die. My parents have no medical insurance as well as no money. My dad says he has had the symptoms for almost 2 years. I cancelled my ticket. I was only supposed to be gone for 4 months but could not enjoy myself knowing this info. I feel as though my parents need this money more then I and I need to spend what little time he has left with him. We are not close but he is my father. I only have one. I am 29 and He is 61 and has not taken care of himself. Where do I find the strength to walk this path with a positive attitude. I consider myself realistic. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41056,0.htm Jamielynn Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT I am a 17 year old girl, and I have a lump on the left side of my neck that has been theer for 2 or 3 months. It doesn't hurt or nothing but it is noticeable when i bend my neck, I have been trying to tel my mother about it and she thought it was nothing serious, so I have scheduled an appointment with my doctor. Could anyone help me? What could it be? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40448,0.htm aj1121 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everyone,For those of you who live in the New York City area, there is a free public symposium on Lung Cancer Awareness and Research coming up on November coming up on Monday, November 2, 2009…The symposium will be Q& A style with leading doctors in the field of lung cancer research and I think it’s going to be a really informative day…This educational event will outline the most current knowledge and will discuss the latest developments in lung cancer research—where we’ve come and where we’re heading.  Come to learn more and ask questions about the future of lung cancer treatments, prevention and awareness.  For more information the website is www.lungfund.com http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40334,0.htm Berylca Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Gerson Therapy    Anyone ever seen or heard of this?  What did you think?  Would like to chat about your take. Thanks, Pam http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39742,0.htm Itsallgood Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone!!!I recently had a LEEP procedure done last Thursday. My doctor informed me to avoid intercourse for 2 weeks but because I have a sex crazy and impatient boyfriend. I ended up having sex the day after and again 3 days afterwards! I feel really stupid now! Im taking the antibiotics and stuff but I still feel like I just messed something up. I just wanted to know has anyone else did the same thing or could anyone give me some advice!Thanks in advance;breezy http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38492,0.htm mz_piggie Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT FYI..i'm dealing with facing my FOURTH cancer but now i have no job nor insurance..am on Medicaid now..i called to talk to someone online and was informed they do not accept Medicaid..my "tip" is CTCA is not the answer for everyone with cancer..they have good promos and ads but they dont tell ya "you have to have private insurance"...bummmmer!..come on ppl, work with Pres O..we need a health plan for EVERYONE EQUALLY! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38427,0.htm Dazie Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT This is a group that supports those receiving chemo treatments via cards and gifts.  It is good to volunteer if you have lost someone, and good for all those receiving chemo.  I have been a chemoangel since 2001, on my 9th buddy now and have met several of the buddies.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38418,0.htm livingbyfaith Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Aside from having the cash to pay them, just handling medical bills can be a problem. There's a Quicken program called Medical Expense Manager that handles bills for each family member, shows what you and your insurance company has paid or needs to pay, and tracks what needs to happen next such as pending payments or disputes and who's responsible. It also helps record spending, tax deductible expenses, mileage, and more. Too bad it's a standalone product and doesn't integrate with their other software. This program is every bit worth the $50. Sometimes discounts are available online. Here's the link: http://quicken.intuit.com/healthcare-management/medical-expe http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35938,0.htm buccoman Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT Lotsa Helping Hands is a wonderful, free resource for caregivers. Their own description say it well: Create a free of charge, private, web-based community to organize family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues – a family’s ‘circles of community’ — during times of need. Easily coordinate activities and manage volunteers with our intuitive group calendar. Communicate and share information using announcements, messages boards, and photos.http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35940,0.htm buccoman Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT I can't seem to get the chemo smell out of my bathroom.  Any tips?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35144,0.htm Michaelyn Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Iv had a mole on the nose, on my outer nostril since childhood. It had always been a black spot. not too big. but now it has become 3D. its like a ball sticking out of my nostril. still not very big in size. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34756,0.htm MollyABD Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT My 30yr.old Daughter has had Pain in the left side of her back for many months now, Then there appeared to be some swelling,(like a knot) Below the left shoulder blade. Also lots of pain in her feet. And gets tired easily. At her yearly check up they found that her white cell count was low ("but not low enough to be concerned") Said the Dr. "But we will check it again in a month", No increase. Another month, It has gone up, But not enough. It was at 5 last year. Then 3 this year and went up to 4-5 They did x-ray's of her back and found nothing. Sent her to a Ortho.Who wanted to check her tyroid. Say it's fine But she has high levels of Vit.D in her blood. She has gained a good amount of wieght not lost. And has no energy. Everything I read about names wieght lose as a sign. She has also had a place on her neck swollen-like a limph node or a gland. Any help with this?????? Thanks So Much CAH http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34178,0.htm Buglady Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hey baby,I am sending you a message from your own web-site that I created for you at "cancercompass".  This is a site you can communicate with others at the Cancer Center and I think there is a link that you or someone can write updates on you for others to read.  And I think when people look at the "message board" on you, they can reply with a little note just like email.I will give you more information as soon as I figure it out.And, a little note from me, your "new" wife...........you are my hero.  I admire you for your faithfullness to God at ALL times, even now.  You are a role model to anyone that knows you.  Your kind heart, straight-forward reasoning, are only a few of your glowing qualitites that I love so much.  Not to mention, your boyish grin and face that still makes me get butterflies in my stomach every now and then.Remember, I may not be with you Physically while you are gone, but I am always with you in spirit.......praying continuely for you.  A cure, or diagnosis of a disappearing cancer that we will know would only be a miracle from God,  And I will continue to pray for patience, a POSITIVE attitude and a peace inside of you that God is in control and will help you every step of the way.When you read this I pray you will have a blessed day with happy thoughts and joy in your heart.I will always  -  LYWAMHLisa :-)      http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34049,0.htm alabamamiles Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Does anyone know if using emu oil to help with the scabbing and ITCHING, is ok to use during treatment?  I am on day 18 of a 28, and for the past two days, the itching has become unbearable.  I use emu oil for burns, cuts, etc., and love the way it works.  So, I've applied it after the fluorouracil.  It does give some relief, but I'm afraid, it may be counter-productive to the treatment, as emu oil has healing effects.  I'm wondering if the emu oil may heal the areas before the bad cells have been destroyed.  Anyone know anything about this?  I'd appreciate any advice.  I've come too far to do anything that will interfere with the process. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,33825,0.htm debbie63367 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi , I bought canelim for 1 course for my sister who was recently  dx with brain cancer, and she started taking it for 5 days or more already and she said that it is working well for her, she can now sleep well, she doesnt feel pain anymore in her brain once she coughed unlike before  after  undergone surgery last month Dec 2008.I think canelim is okey...kneel http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,32064,0.htm kneel Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT I am 20 years old... and have an enlarged lymph node on one side of my groin. It hurts when i push on it and the other side is very sensitive to touch as well. I went to the doctor and they gave me cefdnir I've been on it for five days with no change. When should I really start to worry? Could I have some sort of cancer? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,31861,0.htm crgirl Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi,My husband had chemo 2 yrs. ago for colon cancer. One of the drugs was Zeloda and I cannot remember the IV chemo he got in the clinic once a week for six mos. Now my husband is suffering from excruciating pains on the lower part of his eyes. Pain killers does not help much. He was seen by a neurologist and he prescribed Carbamazepine. The effect is very little. Has anybody have any suggestion                                                      Thanks,                                                            Evelyn. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,31649,0.htm Vsar Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Do any of you guys use a pair of boxers with a pouch in them foryour bag? Pros and cons? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,30781,0.htm longhunter Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am the primary caregiver of my wife who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I know how hard it can be to be "put aside" for the betterment and recovery of the actual patient. I know what it feels like for "fun" to run out of your life, for your world to be turned upside down. I have experienced the fear, the dread, the uncertainty and horror of it all. I have by no means gone the full route. And I am still learning to deal with this on my wife's terms. But I have learned one important thing...a very important thing, that I would like to pass along to all caregivers.You are not unimportant, though it may appear that you are. Your feelings, your life does still matter. However, as caregivers, we have not just the obligation, but the unique opportunity of a lifetime to give our loved ones what they so much deserve: The BEST care and support we can give them, in every way possible.. Yes, it really is about them and not us. Though we are human too, and have feelings, hopes, and wills, we have been chosen for an urgent task  We have been elected to traverse a path many would run from to avoid at any cost. Remember when you first heard the news "It is Cancer?" And you somehow found strength you never thought you had? Here is what I intend to do. I do not know what everyone else intends to do, but I shall strive to sacrifice my time and my resources to find ways to actually care for my loved one in the BEST possible way I know how. I want to educate myself as much as possible, keep notes, make phone calls, these things and a thousand things more, not just the mere answering of her every call.. For if I lose my loved one, I do not want to have to go through a period of guilt, because of the times in which I was impatient, or self-centered, placing my desires ahead of her own, when I exist healthy, and she is the one who is ill. I am NOT saying caregivers do not have needs or concerns, or that their lives should no longer matter. What I am saying is, my wife may be dying, therefore I do not have the time nor the desire to sacrifice the precious time that she needs for me to be the best caregiver I can possibly be, to be something other than that for me. Take care of yourself first, then take care of your loved one the best that you can. Your labor of love will be rewarded in heaven. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,30655,0.htm stevenoklahoma Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Iguess I can say Hi to everyone here and that would be a start, so Hi everyone. I just resently had surgery for Colon cancer and I am on the mend. Now I face the treatment and that is a bit of a chalange for me. I am being treated here in Elkins WV and the Dr. I am see recomended 5- FU along with Leukovorin, followed up with Oxaliplatin for 12 treatments in two week intervals. For those of you that have gone through this does this sound reasonable or am I getting into something I should get a second on? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,30411,0.htm morton53 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT My grandmother is having night time delusions and the medicine she is on now (Haldol) is not working. I was wondering if anyone else has had found a medicine that works for them. Any input would be helpful.Thank You,Lisa http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,30001,0.htm lisaann2001 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Does an elevated CEA count of 8.6 in august off methotrexate and 6.9 in october on methotrexate mean i have cancer?  I am on methotrexate for spondalathritis.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,29388,0.htm clakk66 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Who knows my answer please. I was on decadron for 4 months and i have stoped one week ago ,i was on 4 mg 3 times a day and at the end it was 4mg twice a day then 4 mg once a day the 1 mg once a day and then 1mg once a day and my doctor stoped me one week ago since then iam not felling ok i put on 14 pound my cholestrol  jumped from 175 to 300 in four months , now i fell very week and i sleep alote and iam very weak ,My question is is this because of stoping decadron ?If yes how long will take till i get out of all this side effects. Please some one answer my question. Take careAki    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,28980,0.htm FOTOANI08 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have been (breast) cancer free for almost 8 years.  I recently relocated to Texas.  I have been with Blue Cross of Blue Shields of Florida for 19 years.  I was updating my change of address with Florida.  They said that I should transfer my health insurance coverage over to Blue Cross of Texas. I submitted my application to Texas as a "transfer", not wanting my current coverage to change, but to find a plan that was the same or comparable to my current plan.  Upon receiving my new packet, which I have not accepted, they gladly offered me with a premium coverage period of 8-19-2008 / 9-15-08 for $2,427.00; a month!  This is insane. My current premium payments with Blue Cross Florida are every 2 months @ $470.  I called Texas and they were not much help.  I then called Blue Shield Florida and changed my address back to a residence address that I still have in Florida to keep my health insurance active.  This is all so sad!  I had insurance before cancer - cancer gone; now decide to move to Texas and I'm finding out that Blue Cross Blue Shields Texas can't offer me reasonable health insurance after almost 8 years free of cancer.  So, does this mean that I might have to make a decision to only live in Florida due to a disease that I never for asked for?  Do I fly back to Florida once a year to get my check ups.  If I come down with a cold or need stitches in my finger, I'll have to pay cash to a Texas hospital?  I am an outstanding citizen of my country!  I have a great credit score, I pay my bills on time, I mind my on business and my worst fear ever to come has come; Texas Health Care Insurance's don't want to insure me.  I thought as long as you were with one insurance company; had insurance- got sick- all well- want to transfer same policy to another State...ECT...why is Texas treating me like I've never have had health insurance?  I need advice very badly.  I don't know who to talk to. What I do know is that I'm currently, living in Texas and will keep my residence in Florida just so I can have health insurance.  How am I supposed to live my life, starting a new life in Texas...paying $2400 a month for a disease that happened a long time ago!  I'm not dead, yet!  I live my life to the fullest!  So, what do I do?  Kindly please suggest any one that I can contact, my current Florida provider, Texas, or any other Heath Insurance Organization that can help me figure out how to keep my current health insurance and not worry about ever losing my coverage- EVER!  This is very stressful to me and cancer survivors don't need stress.  Thanks for any help that you might have! Have a lovely day! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,27579,0.htm wonderhoot Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have a good friend whose dad was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. They don't know how far along it is, but he's pretty shaken up about it. I'm feeling pretty helpless, especially as I'm leaving for college on Friday. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has ideas about what I can do to help him cope/what I can say. Thanks. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,27560,0.htm leodwyn Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT