CancerCompass message board discussion started by Charlene B. on 3/22/2004 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,1084,0.htm Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi There, My mother was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After what seemed like an interminably long time, she finally went in for surgery. Because the tumor had grown around the artery they were unable to remove it. The doctor said that the average life duration is 6-9 months. She's a little fighter and wants to do anything she can to prove him wrong. She will be doing chemo and is taking part in a clinical trial using Viruzilin (sp?), but we are also looking into various alternative therapies to complement her medical treatments. I've heard of ozone therapy, hydro-therapy, high frequency therapy, thermal light therapies, vitamin therapies.... Has anyone had any success with these or other treatments? Any treatments they would stay away from? There are so many alternative treatments that it is hard to know where to start looking - and of course, we don't have much time to "do nothing". Any insights or experiences that anyone can share would be greatly appreciated. Take care, Charlene Charlene B. Mon, 22 Mar 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi Charlene, I am in a similar situation with a very close friend. She was dianosed two weeks ago; inoperable due to the spread to the lymph nodes and involvement of the artery. She has chosen not to pursue chemo or radiation or any clinical trials because of quality of life issues vs. what our best research indicates is not that much more time. She chooses to live the rest of her life as fully as possible whether it be 3 weeks, 3 months, or three years. That said, she is also interested in alternative and nutritional support and I am her link for that. I would be happy to share information back and forth if you wish. Mina L. Mon, 29 Mar 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi Charlene: Have you tried the power of prayer? I prayed for a friend diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by invoking the Chaplet to the Divine Mercy. There was little hope for him to survive. A few months later his tests showed no trace of cancer in his tissues. I credit the Divine Mercy for his cure. Check out "Spirit Daily" on the internet to find out more information on this novena. Phyllis, New Jersey Phyllis G. Mon, 29 Mar 2004 00:00:00 GMT Check with Fred Eichhorn at NCRI and his vitamin and mineral approach to pancreatic cancer. He has documented success with his cellect program. stuart g. Mon, 29 Mar 2004 00:00:00 GMT My Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer & to the liver late Jan.04.She didn't start chemo until early Feb. till I could find a specialist. He started her on 100minutes of chemo 1x/week.for 3 weeks & one week off. But because of the distance to the clinic we had to find a Dr. close by who was willing to give her 100min.of chemo. I immediately put my Mom on a macrobiotic diet. Nothing too drastic. I had her cut out all sugars and fats. Lots of vegetable & fruits & soy products. I purchased sea salt, all organics basic items such as seasoning,bread,eggs,soy milk,etc. Both Dr.'s agreed my Mom had only months to live. They described her cancer as paint splatters to the wall. After 2 cycles of chemo, my Mom's cancer cell count was so low that the chemo for this week was delayed. I also purchased a bottle of Flor-Essence that she takes 2ounces 2x/day. Maybe it's the prayers or the food or combination of all of them but her Dr. described her as a miracle just days ago. Hope this will help you. Patricia S. Sat, 24 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer (ovarian) in '02. I completely changed my diet, omitting all sugar, and pretty much following Patrick Quillin's book Beating Cancer with Nutrition. However, I chose to use the high quality food supplements to rebuild my immune system and am I glad I did. There are so many vitamin companies out there that it can be confusing at best. It will pay you to research as I did and find out everything you can about why certain supplements are the absolute best. May the Lord keep you in His perfect peace as you search for an answer to prayer. Sandy LL Sandy L. Mon, 26 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi Charlene I'm Patricia. My Mom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer to the liver. They said it would take a miracle for my Mom to live. That was Jan.23,2004. In the meantime she's had 2 cycles of chemo, 100 min. - 120 min. once a week for 3weeks. Her cancer count came down so drastically that she's on bi-weekly. The very first thing I did was to eliminate drinking water to bottled corbonated water and kept her completely away from sugar & sodium. I buy her the basic food like the sugar from the organic store, along with sea salt. Another one not to eat is wheat. Basically it's a microbiotic diet. Nothing to drastic cause we didn't know what to expect but she eats lots of nuts, vegetables and fruits, no fat, fast food or artificial colors and ingredients. I also had her drink Flor-Essence. She feels absolutely great. Or maybe all the prayers and/or combination. Patricia S. Fri, 28 May 2004 00:00:00 GMT You have given me hope. I only had precancer in "Whipple" Aug/2002. I now am feeling bad and sort of frightened that symptoms are recurring. Will you share with me more about the diet? Bodac Mon, 14 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT I am a survivior or "precancer" in my bile duct/pancreas. I've had the whipple surgery (8/02) and have lead a full life except for pain. Bodac Mon, 14 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT In reference to your msg. about your Mom. God Bless you both. I had the whipple surgery 8/02 and have not made a drastic change in my diet. Can you refer a book as I am not sure what macro means. I do drink diet cokes which is not on any diet...not really funny....as I am having symptoms again and want to heal myself with God's help. Thank you, and your Mom and best wishes. Karen Bodac Mon, 14 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT My father was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and is beginning chemo on July 8. Until now I had not found many success stories with pancreatic cancer. Thanks for giving me a reason to smile there is hope. The doctors gave his a life expectancy of 3-6 months. We will fight and I pray that in the future even more people will overcome this painful type of cancer. Jenni404 Tue, 29 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT I also would like it if someone would post a diet they gave to a loved one with pancreatic cancer. Even though I am only 17, I am so upset by my father's horrific pain that I will prepare whatever it takes to help him. Jenni404 Tue, 29 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT My wife had the modified Whipple at U of PA hospital on 12/2/03. It was a very difficult recovery. Then she had Gemzar w/radiation for 6 weeks and all seemed well. During her chemoradiation I had her on Protocel 50, which is supposed to be a more advanced version of the original Cancell/Entelev product. Her condition now is poor since her last evaluation yesterday. I now have her on the original Protocel 23 and have a friend who had stage IV pc and has survived 3 years by taking Protocel. Unfortunately, he also switched to the 50 and had a bad response, so he's going back to the 23. I'm surprised I haven't seen any info about Protocel. It's got quite a following and seems to have been very beneficial to many who have used it for pancreatic cancer cases as well as many other types of cancer. You may read about it at: www.cellremoval.com Sincerely, Lou 3olopmac Fri, 02 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi Jennifer - You and your dad will be in my prayers! I just lost my dad about 6 weeks ago to pancreatic cancer. My dad was diagnosed last November and lived til May 27th. Dad chose palliative care with the chemo Gemzar and then they added a 2nd chemo. Even though we were scared as anything, we all enjoyed the last 6-7 months we had with my dad. Spend as much time as you can with him. Believe in miracles and believe in the power of prayer! My dad turned 75 this past March and God love him, he was still working his part-time job up until the morning he passed away. My dad's strong faith in the Lord is what got him through. He was not scared and he accepted that "the day you are born, God knows the day you are going to die, and that there is nothing you can do to change it." Dad's faith made it easier for the rest of us. Celebrate the small things in life with your dad. My husband and I were at my dad's house until 10 PM watching the Phillies' baseball game with him, the night before he passed. Those and so many other memories are what's making it easier for us right now. I, too, pray that they find a cure for pancreatic cancer soon! There is a new drug in for FDA approval which is supposed to be approved by November 2004. My dad's oncologist contacted the drug company and they were making plans to get my dad on a "compassionate care" regimen, since he qualified. To qualify, one of the prerequisites is that you have two chemo failures. The name of the drug company is SuperGen and the name of the drug is Orathecin(TM) (rubitecan). My brother contacted the drug company first, before we had a chance to talk to my dad's doctor. The people were very nice. Their telephone number is: SuperGen Inc., +1-800-353-1075, ext. 111 Web site: http://www.supergen.com/ See if you can access this article: http://www.forrelease.com/D20030530/nef024.P1.05302003170558.17822.html Mind you, my dad never got the chance to get started on this drug, so we do not know if it would have worked, or not. But this I do know, it offered us all hope. My prayers are with you all! Just take it one day at a time, celebrate the small stuff, and never, never, stop believing in miracles!!!! --Suzanne M. Suzanne M. Mon, 05 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi Charlene, I am sorry to hear about your mother and her cancer situation.I could understand how she feels, I to have pancreatic cancer,how ever mine was oppertable last September, they removed a tumor from my pancreas,removed a third of my stomach and part of my lower intestines. I am still hear even though my condition gave me 6 months to a year. Like your mother I am a fighter,we are not statistics, but survivors. It is all attitude,which must be positive.We must try and live a normal life and plan future goals for our selves.It was said,"Yesterday is History,Tomorrow is a mistery,To day is the Present that is why its called a gift. I read some info on Viruzlin,out of a Toronto Base company,I understand that the results where remarkable,I would like to get in a trial program,would you please send me some information on it? Thanks and God Bless. Louis Saltrelli Strong Man Fri, 09 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT How is your mother doing? Your message was a couple of months ago. I pray she is still doing well. Laffriend Fri, 09 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi Charlene, A very good friend of mine just starting taking Viruzilin. I was wondering if you could let me know your mother's experience with this drug. There is not much information on it on the internet and I am trying to find some positive news for him. Thank you. Susan Sthor6661 Thu, 22 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT Dear Patricia, During my mom's surgery in which the whipple procedure was to be done, the doctor told us that she in deed has pancreatic cancer (peri-ampullary) which has spread to the liver, so he did not remove anything and just did a by-pass to maker her comfortable. Please let me know how your mom is doing & what she did to combat her cancer. My mom's recovery from surgery should be another 3-4 weeks, and then we can meet with the cancer specialists. Thank you, Paresha Paresha Wed, 10 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT I wonder how things are with your Mom and if the macrobiotic diet and other alternative treatments have helped? Samag Wed, 09 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT After reading your message, at this very moment I have tears rolling down my face. My mom was diagnosed 1-05 and is on Gemzar. What is interesting is that the FDA approval is granted after 2 failed chemo. With such an aggressive cancer, who will survive long enought to be a reciptant for the drug? Imager Sat, 09 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT My husband had a whipple surgery for pancreatic tumor in Feb. 2004. He started on Protocel, an alternative treatment along with his chemo and radiation treatment. He had lost alot of weight and was having trouble gaining it back. I tried to make his diet a little more healther by cooking more fresh vegetables and chicken. Less red meat, added as many supplement drinks as I could get down him.Adding Glyco-nutrients from Mannetec, helped bring up his energy level and his appetite. He also takes Taheebo Tree tea capsules everyday also.(also known as Pao D'arc)We experiment with a lot of natural treatments as well as the recommended chemo. It doesn't hurt to cover all your bases. We also have a lot of good people saying a lot of prayers, too. I put a lot of faith in medicines made by God as well as those made by man. Good Luck and God Bless. Nutfarm Wed, 24 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi Charlene, My mother has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer too. I will pray for your mother, and hope that GOD gives her the strength to tide through this. I am on the lookout for alternative therapies too.. My mom is currently on Ozone therapy, but I do not have any statistics of the effectiveness of the treatment. Have you tried this kind of therapy or do you have any info on how effective it is? We have decided against chemo/radiation for now as my mother is too frail to withstand it. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks and Kind Regards,Sarosh JacobOn 3/22/2004 Charlene B. wrote:Hi There, My mother was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After what seemed like an interminably long time, she finally went in for surgery. Because the tumor had grown around the artery they were unable to remove it. The doctor said that the average life duration is 6-9 months. She's a little fighter and wants to do anything she can to prove him wrong. She will be doing chemo and is taking part in a clinical trial using Viruzilin (sp?), but we are also looking into various alternative therapies to complement her medical treatments. I've heard of ozone therapy, hydro-therapy, high frequency therapy, thermal light therapies, vitamin therapies.... Has anyone had any success with these or other treatments? Any treatments they would stay away from? There are so many alternative treatments that it is hard to know where to start looking - and of course, we don't have much time to "do nothing". Any insights or experiences that anyone can share would be greatly appreciated. Take care, Charlene  Saroshj Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT