CancerCompass message board discussion started by gillianfn on 2/15/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20962,0.htm Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My friend has brain mets, malignant melanoma, stage IV.   Since last summer he has had radio, temozolomide, more radio and has now been told he will have a reduction in steroid for a few weeks and then more chemo.  What on earth are the medical profession doing to him?   He has no quality of life as far as I can see - how on earth he has survived to this point I have no idea.   I guess what I am wondering is how much longer will this go on?  How much longer will the doctors give him "treatments" which aren't really doing anything?   I'm so sad that it doesn't appear that anyone is being honest with him and telling him to prepare.   gillianfn Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Here is a website you should read. Shocking but true in so many cases.http://ahrp.blogspot.com/2007/06/pharma-cash-incentives-to-o Do you think it is too late for your friend to switch to alternative medicine? There are many of us on this board with a variety of cancers who are having great success using only natural substances. Hopefully his immune system has not been too compromised. Send me a private message if you think alternatives might be helpful. Blessings to your friend. On 2/15/2008 gillianfn wrote:My friend has brain mets, malignant melanoma, stage IV.   Since last summer he has had radio, temozolomide, more radio and has now been told he will have a reduction in steroid for a few weeks and then more chemo.  What on earth are the medical profession doing to him?   He has no quality of life as far as I can see - how on earth he has survived to this point I have no idea.   I guess what I am wondering is how much longer will this go on?  How much longer will the doctors give him "treatments" which aren't really doing anything?   I'm so sad that it doesn't appear that anyone is being honest with him and telling him to prepare.   Shemay Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Stage IV melanoma is generally not surviveable.  What does your friend want?  In some cases, treatment can buy more time.  Another way some patients look at a terminal illness is , do I want to go down swinging or just give up?  Its a mindset on how you want to die.  Fighting or surrendering?  Depends on the patient. Oncrx Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT