CancerCompass message board discussion started by luckykl on 4/11/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22969,0.htm Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I read more than I post!! I have posted about my uncle in the past. He has end stage MM and was given 3-6months today. I feel overwhelmed! I have been doing so much research I am now staring to get lost in it! He is starting to give up. His oncologist told him there were no more treatments for him. His numbers have doubled after his last two rounds of chemo. He is now undergoing radiation to help with the pain. I want him to try alternative treatments whether it be supplements, vitamins and other dietary additions. Any advice on how I can help outline this for him! AHHHH, I am just so frustrated that there is not more we can do to help those who are going through this!!!MMsurvivor, You have been a world of help to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! luckykl Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT So sorry! Seems cancer is just the most frustrating and overwhelming thing you can deal with in it's many forms. Hope you are able to find some moments of peace and comfort over the next months. tongrenhealer Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/11/2008 luckykl wrote: I want him to try alternative treatments whether it be supplements, vitamins and other dietary additions. Any advice on how I can help outline this for him! AHHHH, I am just so frustrated that there is not more we can do to help those who are going through this!!!Good Evening Luckykl;Below is a natural, alternative treatment you may wish to GOOGLE and do more research on.Take care;KevinU-Fucoidan Causes Cancer Cells to Self-DestructJapanese researchers discovered that a polysaccharide known as Fucoidan, found in kombu and other types of brown seaweed (wakame, mozuku, and hijiki), causes various types of established cancer cell lines to self-destruct.What is U-Fucoidan?About 4 percent of the total dry weight of many types of brown seaweed consists of a polysaccharide known as Fucoidan.  Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide that possesses a complex structure.  Its chief components include a sulfuric esterified L-fucose, and the trace elements of galactose, xylose, and glucuronic acid.Working cooperatively, Takara Shuzo's Biomedical Research Laboratories and the Research Institute for Glycotechnology Advancement were able to confirm the presence of two different types of Fucoidan molecules in brown seaweed.  The first type, bearing the name F-Fucoidan, consists mainly of sulfated fucose.  The second type bears the name U-Fucoidan, and approximately 20 percent of it consists of glucuronic acid.Researchers were able to use a technique known as pyridlamination to shed light on the chemical structure of U-Fucoidan.The biological activity of FucoidanNumerous accounts have ascribed to Fucoidan properties such as the ability to act as an anti-contraceptive, to reduce cholesterol levels, and to act as an anti-tumor agent.  However, a definitive consensus concerning the precise nature of Fucoidan has still not been reached.The Biomedical Research Laboratories of Takara Shuzo and the Research Institute for Glycotechnology Advancement have focused their attention on the anti-tumor properties of Fucoidan, and have managed to confirm that this substance causes certain types of rapidly growing cancer cells to self-destruct.Examples of cancer cell strains where this self-destruct phenomenon was observed include human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60 cell line), human stomach cancer cells (AGS cell line), human colon cancer cells (HCT-116 cell line), and cancer cells of the descending colon (SW-480 cell line/WiDr cell line).  Moreover, this self-destruction was observed to take place without affecting normal cells.  Currently, efforts are underway to clarify the precise mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs.Some of the reasons which have until recently prevented the formation of a definitive scientific consensus concerning the precise nature of Fucoidan include the fact that it possesses an extremely complex structure, as well as the difficulty of obtaining pure samples of Fucoidan.The mechanism through which cancer cells self-destructIn the presence of certain substances, as well as under other unusual environmental conditions, cells may self-destruct and disappear altogether.  This self-destruct phenomenon is known as apoptosis.  It should be distinguished from necrosis, which is the death of cells directly brought about by external stimuli such as poisonous substances or physical damage to the cell.Properly speaking, apoptosis is brought about by a mechanism that is programmed into the natural makeup of cells.  Organisms activate this mechanism when necessary.  Once the apoptosis mechanism has been triggered, the genetic blueprint of the cell (DNA) is rendered useless, through activation of the deoxyribonuclease found within the cell itself.  Apoptosis thus can be described as a natural means through which living organisms manage to eliminate harmful cells from their systems.The significance of this discovery and future prospectsFrom ancient times (dating from the Jomon era, approximately before the 2nd Century BC onwards), brown seaweed has been a mainstay of the traditional Japanese diet.  It is precisely these seaweeds that contain the U-Fucoidan that trigger the apoptosis mechanism described above.The inhabitants of Okinawa, Japan enjoy some of the highest life expectancies in Japan.  Okinawans happen to have one of the highest per capita consumption rates of kombu -- 1 gram per person per day.  It is noteworthy that the cancer death rate in Okinawa is the lowest of all the prefectures in Japan.The average per capita consumption rate of kombu in Japan is approximately 0.5 grams per day.  Such a serving of kombu would include roughly 5 mg of U-Fucoidan.  In vivo experiments are currently underway to determine the effects of U-Fucoidan within living organisms.  If it is confirmed that U-Fucoidan can help bring about apoptosis solely in cancer cells that are multiplying at uncontrolled rates, we would then have within our reach the long-dreamed-of cancer drug -- one that does its job without causing adverse side effects. K. C. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT thank you Kevin!How are you doing?? luckykl Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT It is so hard..One should be encouraged never to give up until you are on your way to heaven. Not everyone is able todo that.  I would look into that medicine Kevin suggested. Other than doing aggressive natural treatment, you will just have to see how it plays out. We can only do for others what we can do and only what they allow us to do.  Ask him directly, does he prefer death or would he prefer to try and beat death. It is a hard line but maybe that is the bottom line.  ONly last week a friend of ours came down with severe bowel infecton and was in terrible shape, I was called and I just asked him if he wanted to live or die. So get to the hospital and he did and now doing well. Often us mere mortals cannot face our worst fears.  it is hard to accpet you cannot do much when you have something to offer. Do the best you can and it is up to your Uncle. He has to choose.Take care and drop me a line privately..mms.On 4/11/2008 luckykl wrote:I read more than I post!! I have posted about my uncle in the past. He has end stage MM and was given 3-6months today. I feel overwhelmed! I have been doing so much research I am now staring to get lost in it! He is starting to give up. His oncologist told him there were no more treatments for him. His numbers have doubled after his last two rounds of chemo. He is now undergoing radiation to help with the pain. I want him to try alternative treatments whether it be supplements, vitamins and other dietary additions. Any advice on how I can help outline this for him! AHHHH, I am just so frustrated that there is not more we can do to help those who are going through this!!!MMsurvivor, You have been a world of help to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!  mmsurvivor Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/11/2008 luckykl wrote:I read more than I post!! I have posted about my uncle in the past. He has end stage MM and was given 3-6months today. I feel overwhelmed! I have been doing so much research I am now staring to get lost in it! He is starting to give up. His oncologist told him there were no more treatments for him. His numbers have doubled after his last two rounds of chemo. He is now undergoing radiation to help with the pain. I want him to try alternative treatments whether it be supplements, vitamins and other dietary additions. Any advice on how I can help outline this for him! AHHHH, I am just so frustrated that there is not more we can do to help those who are going through this!!!MMsurvivor, You have been a world of help to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I know exactly what you are going through--and that is not a cliche but the truth.   When my father was diagnosed, my sister warned me not to begin researching this disease, but of course I did.   It messes with your mind.Your uncle's oncologist:  Is he up to date on the new treatments, such as Velcade, Revlimid and Thalomide?   It's vitally important that he be referred to an oncologist who is totally up to date on the most effective therapies.Good luck to you and your uncle.  Please keep us posted.  MCrow Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT He has taken Velcade/REvlimid and they both failed. They were moderately successful when he was first diagnosed but recently he underwent a second round of the Velcade/Revlimid/dex and his numbers doubled instead of going down. So I would suppose his oncologist is up to date on treatment. I always wonder if it is worth getting a second opinion at this point?? His cancer is not responding to chemo. YOur right, researching this disease does mess with your mind!! There are nights I sit at this computer for hours at a time. Sometimes I dont even think I am getting anything from it but scared! luckykl Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/12/2008 luckykl wrote:He has taken Velcade/REvlimid and they both failed. They were moderately successful when he was first diagnosed but recently he underwent a second round of the Velcade/Revlimid/dex and his numbers doubled instead of going down. So I would suppose his oncologist is up to date on treatment. I always wonder if it is worth getting a second opinion at this point?? His cancer is not responding to chemo. YOur right, researching this disease does mess with your mind!! There are nights I sit at this computer for hours at a time. Sometimes I dont even think I am getting anything from it but scared!Try to hang in there.My warmest best wishes to you and your uncle.   MCrow Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/11/2008 K. C. wrote: On 4/11/2008 luckykl wrote: I want him to try alternative treatments whether it be supplements, vitamins and other dietary additions. Any advice on how I can help outline this for him! AHHHH, I am just so frustrated that there is not more we can do to help those who are going through this!!!Good Evening Luckykl;Below is a natural, alternative treatment you may wish to GOOGLE and do more research on.Take care;KevinU-Fucoidan Causes Cancer Cells to Self-DestructJapanese researchers discovered that a polysaccharide known as Fucoidan, found in kombu and other types of brown seaweed (wakame, mozuku, and hijiki), causes various types of established cancer cell lines to self-destruct.What is U-Fucoidan? About 4 percent of the total dry weight of many types of brown seaweed consists of a polysaccharide known as Fucoidan.  Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide that possesses a complex structure.  Its chief components include a sulfuric esterified L-fucose, and the trace elements of galactose, xylose, and glucuronic acid.Working cooperatively, Takara Shuzo's Biomedical Research Laboratories and the Research Institute for Glycotechnology Advancement were able to confirm the presence of two different types of Fucoidan molecules in brown seaweed.  The first type, bearing the name F-Fucoidan, consists mainly of sulfated fucose.  The second type bears the name U-Fucoidan, and approximately 20 percent of it consists of glucuronic acid.Researchers were able to use a technique known as pyridlamination to shed light on the chemical structure of U-Fucoidan.The biological activity of Fucoidan Numerous accounts have ascribed to Fucoidan properties such as the ability to act as an anti-contraceptive, to reduce cholesterol levels, and to act as an anti-tumor agent.  However, a definitive consensus concerning the precise nature of Fucoidan has still not been reached.The Biomedical Research Laboratories of Takara Shuzo and the Research Institute for Glycotechnology Advancement have focused their attention on the anti-tumor properties of Fucoidan, and have managed to confirm that this substance causes certain types of rapidly growing cancer cells to self-destruct.Examples of cancer cell strains where this self-destruct phenomenon was observed include human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60 cell line), human stomach cancer cells (AGS cell line), human colon cancer cells (HCT-116 cell line), and cancer cells of the descending colon (SW-480 cell line/WiDr cell line).  Moreover, this self-destruction was observed to take place without affecting normal cells.  Currently, efforts are underway to clarify the precise mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs.Some of the reasons which have until recently prevented the formation of a definitive scientific consensus concerning the precise nature of Fucoidan include the fact that it possesses an extremely complex structure, as well as the difficulty of obtaining pure samples of Fucoidan.The mechanism through which cancer cells self-destruct In the presence of certain substances, as well as under other unusual environmental conditions, cells may self-destruct and disappear altogether.  This self-destruct phenomenon is known as apoptosis.  It should be distinguished from necrosis, which is the death of cells directly brought about by external stimuli such as poisonous substances or physical damage to the cell.Properly speaking, apoptosis is brought about by a mechanism that is programmed into the natural makeup of cells.  Organisms activate this mechanism when necessary.  Once the apoptosis mechanism has been triggered, the genetic blueprint of the cell (DNA) is rendered useless, through activation of the deoxyribonuclease found within the cell itself.  Apoptosis thus can be described as a natural means through which living organisms manage to eliminate harmful cells from their systems.The significance of this discovery and future prospects From ancient times (dating from the Jomon era, approximately before the 2nd Century BC onwards), brown seaweed has been a mainstay of the traditional Japanese diet.  It is precisely these seaweeds that contain the U-Fucoidan that trigger the apoptosis mechanism described above.The inhabitants of Okinawa, Japan enjoy some of the highest life expectancies in Japan.  Okinawans happen to have one of the highest per capita consumption rates of kombu -- 1 gram per person per day.  It is noteworthy that the cancer death rate in Okinawa is the lowest of all the prefectures in Japan.The average per capita consumption rate of kombu in Japan is approximately 0.5 grams per day.  Such a serving of kombu would include roughly 5 mg of U-Fucoidan.  In vivo experiments are currently underway to determine the effects of U-Fucoidan within living organisms.  If it is confirmed that U-Fucoidan can help bring about apoptosis solely in cancer cells that are multiplying at uncontrolled rates, we would then have within our reach the long-dreamed-of cancer drug -- one that does its job without causing adverse side effects. Thanks for the new info.I will be checking into it. Heidirose Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/11/2008 luckykl wrote:I read more than I post!! I have posted about my uncle in the past. He has end stage MM and was given 3-6months today. I feel overwhelmed! I have been doing so much research I am now staring to get lost in it! He is starting to give up. His oncologist told him there were no more treatments for him. His numbers have doubled after his last two rounds of chemo. He is now undergoing radiation to help with the pain. I want him to try alternative treatments whether it be supplements, vitamins and other dietary additions. Any advice on how I can help outline this for him! AHHHH, I am just so frustrated that there is not more we can do to help those who are going through this!!!MMsurvivor, You have been a world of help to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!From Anna, Hi Luckykl, Maybe he needs to find another Dr. It took Dad 3 before he found one that would treat him aggressively.  Dad was in stages 3 and 4 when they told him 10 years ago he had MM.  How old is your Dad that could play into things to.  Stop breath.  Ask us here specific questions.  Look for things your wondering about.  Dad has doubled the time they say MM patients live. Only the Good Lord knows how long we'll be here.  Hope I helped a little.   Your friend, Anna  Anna9563 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Have you tried it or do you know anyone who did? thank you YanaMom Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT