On 2/28/2008
Jockey wrote:
My son was diagnosed with stomach cancer stage 4 in mid December. He is only 36. In the last 6 mionths he has lost 80 lbs. He has lost of nausea and cannot eat. He vomits when we insist he eats. He drinks ensure but not much else. The Dr. gave us a prognosis of 6 months - 1 yr at diagnosis. He was put on a clinical trial but was removed after 2 rounds since it was not working and the cancer continued to spread. He is now on a new regimen of 5-FU, Cistaplatin and something else.. The effects of the chemo have weakened him a lot. He is extremely tired all the time.
Can someone who has been through this or a loved one tell me what to expect?
Thanks.
Jockey
Dear Jockey,
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer that had spread to the ovaries. I asked my doctor not to tell me anything negative and stated that I am not a statistic or number. I requested that he did what he knew best and that I'd take care of the rest. PROGNOSIS are a doctors devise to cover themselves against lawsuits. It is not up to them to "grant" life terms.
Stomach cancer is considered incurable but can be kept at bay. Someone I know of personally was diagnosed with the same illness 18 years ago in Guatemala. Her doctor "gave" her sic months. She went home totally demoralized. Her sister reminded her that it was a human being not G-d who was giving her such forecast, and encouraged her to fight.
Chemo then and there was even more toxic and aggressive. 18 YEARS LATER, she is ALIVE AND WELL. I also know of someone who three years ago was "given" two weeks after being diagnosed with the same illness. He currently has decent life.
My own approach has been to try to find as much stress relief as possible. My own spiritual approach (i.e. G-d and Jesus) has been a pillar. Reflexiology has helped me tremendously to flush away toxicity from chemo; acupuncture has enabled me to cope with nausea much better that medicine that usually constipates me; nutrition is vital. I understand that it is vital for your son to keep his weight on but instead of ENSURE, please look for the advise of a natural nutritionist. For example; brown rice, black beans, nice guacamole, hummus (mashed chickpeas); fresh salmon with green beans; lots of broccoli; sprouted grains bread; almond butter. Fresh pineapple has lots of digestive enzymes. You son has to drink lots of fluids. No soda or diet drinks. No diary, however, goat milk products are very good. I avoid the use of sugar as it turns into acid, something that cancer needs to reproduce. A very simple remedy (an inexpensive as well) that helps to reduce acid in the body is to mix a teaspoon of baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of water. This is the first thing to drink in the morning and 30 mins. should elapse before eating.
After two months of treatment, my tumors were tremendously reduced and I was able to undergo a partial gastrectomy and the removal of my ovaries and uterus. Thank G-D I have not been bed ridden one single day, with the exception of the recovery from surgery. Also, I because I've been able to do lots of detoxification, the chemo side effects have been minimal, and thank G-D I have LOTS of beautiful hair!!!!!
The head of Integrative medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering also prescribed a supplement that the Japanese government has researched extensively because stomach cancer is very prevalent in Japan. It is "coriolus" and you can find the information in the website for "Mushroom science"
Of course, you need to research all of this by yourself and keep asking questions to the doctors. Some doctors do not like to be questioned, but your son has to ensure that he is in charge of his treatment.
My husband gave me the following book, which you may borrow from your library, but you can also read the excerpt at amazon.com. You'll understand what I mean.
Peace, Love and Healing : Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration by Dr. Bernie Siegel.
PLEASE, PLEASE TELL YOUR SON NOT TO GIVE UP!!!!!! The road is long, and it requires hard work, but G-D is there to hold us along the path.
I'll be happy to be in touch.
Wishing you all the best in health, love, light and wisdom..