CancerCompass message board discussion started by Marilyn56 on 4/18/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23185,0.htm Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ HiMy friend was diagnosed with lung cancer and they said it is in the brain and lymph nodes, that's all i know for nowcan anyone tell me anything about this  Marilyn56 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/18/2008 Marilyn56 wrote:HiMy friend was diagnosed with lung cancer and they said it is in the brain and lymph nodes, that's all i know for nowcan anyone tell me anything about this  HelloEveryone is different so I can only give you a general idea of what to expect. Your friends treatment will vary depending on health, age, and many other factors. Because it has spread to the brain, it is considered stage 4. Depending on the number of tumors and size of them, it is possible that they will do surgery to remove the lesions. If not, they will probably have radiation treatment to try to shrink/eradicate the tumors. As far as treating the lung and lymph node masses, most likely he or she will have intravenous chemotherapy. There are some oral chemo pills used as first line treatments such as Tarceva, but this drug only works in certain populations such as non smokers and a few other types.  Once your friend starts treatment, they will probably do scans and do blood tests to measure tumor markers to see if treatment is working or not. If not, they will try new drug combos. Everyone reacts differently to chemotherapy and radiation. Some fly through with few side effects while others are debilitated by it.  I dont know how your friend feels about natural therapies but there are lots of things they can take to help offset the side effects and fight the cancer directly such as melatonin, medicinal mushrooms, astragalus(this is good to keep white blood cell counts up). Also, there is a supplement called sutherlandia OPC that is comprised of oleander and another plant extract that is made in south africa. It has been studied to show anti cancer benefit and it does cross the blood brain barrier so it can be beneficial for those with brain tumors. There are many many other complementary and alternative treatments out there but beware of ones that make outrageous claims with little to validate them . I very much believe in natural medicine but I do think that there are many things our there that are bogus. The things mentioned above have all been studied and proven to have benefit. Do your research and see what you feel comfortable with. You will find lots of information on this site regarding alternative treatments. Good luck with your friend and let me know if you have any questions about treatment. I have my father on a particular regimen and it seems to be helping him. kc1102 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT morning 8 am:a powder called malt which is made from different types of cereals & grains like (Ragi,wheat,mungdal,soyabeans,chik peas ,green peas,& few of the cereals which have cancer fighting power)is lightly roasted & finely ground into powder.this powder is taken some 6 teaspoons & mixed in some two glasses of water & bring it to boil & boil for 2 mintues cool it & drink it ,this powder can be made & stored for 1 month. morning 9 am :she is made to stand in the sunlight for 30 mintues morning 10 am: she is taking apple juice which is made in water without removing the skin,& breathing exercise. 10.30 am:a breakfast which has lots of green vegetables & 1 bowl of sported grains or any coloured vegeeis of your choice,& one banana. 11 am :she takes some rest for 2 hours or relax herself 1 pm:lunch that cantains some coloured vegetables & a big bowl of papaya 1.30 pm:mint juice (some 20 mint leaves are grinded in the mixer with plain water & mixed with salt & 1/2 lemon)about 1 glass ,again breathing exercise & 1 banana. she relax for some time wakeup at 4.30pm 5 pm: a juice made from 1/4 beet root,1 medium size carrot,& one tomoto all are boiled in water grinded in mixer & some salt & pepper is added. i forgot she is taking garlic flakes in lunch & dinner some 20 flakes lightly roasted & lot of spinach,and dark greeny vegetables are included in her lunch & dinner. 6 pm: green tea 2 cups 7 pm:1 banana & breathing exercise 8 pm: pomogranate & black or red grapes(some 30)is grinded into a juice & is taken . 8.30pm:dry fruits (grapes,pea nuts,almonds(10),figs,apricots ,dry dates all soaked in water for some 6 hours & included in dinner, with all these iam giving her some ayurvedic immune boosting tonics trice daily & supplements like folic acid tablets, b-complex tablets twice daily. if any doubts u can mail me ,as to my knowledge all these are helping for & faith in god also. bye take care gouri shilpa Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT