rayroy

I agree and feel exactly what you say. I only think about cancer almost 24/7, its not fair for my wife, but I pretend that it doesnt bother me too much. I think the rest of my 6 siblings are in denial or fear of getting to close to dad because they know he may fade very fast. They dont want to see him in pain, so their visits are kind of short. I dont care too much about most things in life right now and I am jealous of others "normal lives". However, I try to have a normal moment when I watch sports on TV or WWE wrestling. I may even go to a dodgers game tomorrow and enjoy it, why not, dad may be here much longer than everyone thinks. So, maybe i am wasting my time thinking about cancer so much? However, I need to be thinking about it so I can be on top of my dads future treatment options. I dont know what to think, but I resent some of my siblings for not going all out to help dad.

My dad used to drink 4 oz of noni a day, it may have helped him a bit, but sure didnt cure him. Try to buy the pure kind!

Ray, You will be just fine, keep your head up and be positive. Take it one day at a time! Take it easy bro! Ray

Im glad to her of the good news, I am sure more is on the way!!!!

I have also heard of this trial, but its not here in California. However, I am trying to get my dad in a similar cell vaccine trial in LA. We have an appointment june 25.

Good luck peg. I also read about this clinical trial. Do keep us updated and be happy that there is still hope! In the meantime keep your husband eating well and in good spirits!!

I agree with KAtie. Just because one doctor can't help it doesnt mean that there is no other way to help your dad. Try anything, try new alternative treatments, Iressa, clinical trials. Your dad is not on oxygen, if he is walking thats good. There is hope!!!! Hugs and good luck to you!

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you can feel better soon.

Don my friend Lucie will be just fine. I know she will, with all the loving support you give her she will be okay. Always do what you need to do with her and know you shall overcome!!!

Good news rocco! Live life to the fullest!

Yes it can happen. My dad was denied chemo on 4/21 as the oncologist said that he was too weak for it and he woulnt give it. Dad had a trapped right lung due to a pleural effusion and mets to the liver and bones. We saw him again a month later and he said there are no magic cures to this, but he would give chemo if he wanted, but not recommended. Dad has said he doesnt want anymore chemo, so we have him taking alternative supplements. He was drinking tea and vegetable juices for ahwile and now is on l-arginine and Hoxsey. I have called many places for clinical trials and have an appointment for later this month. I hope your husband can get stronger and more active.

Michelle goo d luck to you and your husband and dont give up hope. My dad seemed like a goner and that was 7 months ago. Get a second opinion research about clinical trials or alternative treatments. Never give up and tell your husband that other treatments can work. I will prey for you both.

Shelly your mom doesnt seem to be in critical condition so I would take a few days off why not! My dad's condition is maybe worse and is in the hospice program so I wouldnt go anywhere for more than a day. There may be a time when you need to be with your mom all day long for now enjoy the fact that she is stable. good luck

I know what you mean. I moved back with my parents 2 and a half months ago. Unfortunatley both parents are ill. Luckily there is 3 of us taking care of our parents almost on a 24 hour basis. I usually get up at 830 am to take my nephew to school then I come back home to give my dad coffee. Then I make his daily supplement drinks which he drinks throughout the day. I take care of his lunch and I talk to him during the day trying to cheer him up. I am also here to talk to the nurses that come here twice a week. I alsoencourage him to go outside and walk as much as he can. I want it this way, I feel I am doing all I can. I will worry about working later. I am currently taking graduate courses on-line so I can stay home and study its convenient. It's okay to go out once in awhile. It is up to you though. For me, I would go out for a day, never more. My wife is living here with me, so I can't keep her bored all day now. Luckily she udnerstands our situation and is helping out also. I feel guilty sometimes, lets say if I go to a ballgame or something, but I know its good for me to relieve some stress and to be with my wife. If my dad gets significantly better than maybe I can go out for a few days. For now, I prefer to stay at home a lot, its my choice and I think its a good one.

What is L-Arginine? Here is some info I found. Arginine A positive study conducted by a team of German researchers showed that arginine contributed significantly to immune function by increasing levels of white blood cells. Scottish scientists added that dietary supplementation with arginine in breast cancer patients enhanced NK cell activity and lymphokine cytotoxicity (Brittenden et al. 1994). (Lymphokines are chemical factors produced and released by T-lymphocytes that attract macrophages to a site of infection or inflammation in preparation for attack.) Various researchers have shown that increasing arginine increases neutrophils (white blood cells that remove bacteria, cellular debris, and solid particles), significantly upgrading host defense (Muhling et al. 2002). Apart from enhancing immune function, arginine increases a number of amino acids, creating the possibility of an amino acid imbalance. Oversupplying some amino acids while undersupplying others is thought to destabilize the tumor. All cells, both healthy and diseased, have amino acid requirements; if not met, the cell is significantly handicapped (Muhling et al. 2002). Amino acid manipulation has been applied in oncology for decades with varying degrees of success. Interesting studies have emerged regarding arginine or arginine analogs in cancer treatment. For example, infusions of arginine significantly reduced the incidence of liver and lung metastasis in laboratory mice. Earlier research found that supplemental arginine altered the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in human colorectal cancer, offering important implications for new strategies in cancer treatment (Heys et al. 1997). Though many factors are involved (including appropriate dosages), Japanese researchers found that arginine induced apoptosis in pancreatic (AR4-2J) cells, inhibiting cell proliferation (Motoo et al. 2000). Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord 2001 May;1(1):67-77 Immunoregulatory effects of L-arginine and therapeutical implications. Potenza MA, Nacci C, Mitolo-Chieppa D. Department of Pharmacology and Human Physiology, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Bari, Italy. potenza@farmacol.uniba.it Arginine, initially classified as a non-essential amino acid, participates to multiple biological processes including release of several hormones, collagen synthesis during wound healing, antitumor and antibacterial activities and non-specific immunity. Nitric oxide synthase and arginase competes for L-arginine as a substrate and this event appears to play a key role in the regulation of the inflammatory process. In this framework recent studies have identified complex patterns of interactions among these enzymes. This review will emphasizes some effects of L-arginine on immune cell functions, including triggering of L-arginine-nitric oxide and arginase pathways, its biological properties and therapeutical applications. Publication Types: Review Review, Tutorial Hoxsey formula, there is plenty of info on the net. But basically this is a formula that has supposedly cured cancer. It's a mixture of many roots and plants. I will try it on my dad, it doesnt hurt to try and maybe my dad could one who benefits from this.

Yes he can fight this disease even if he is stage 4 My dad is stage 4 and has felt horrible at times, shortness of breath, inability to walk, a lot of pain,etc. You have to tell yourself that he can fight it, then encourage your loved one to fight on. Even if the doctors say there is no more hope or treatments left you can find alternative treatments that can help stabilize the disease or even cure it. So the answer is yes, your dad can fight this, just give him full support, research all options, and tell him things will turn for the better!

Hi! B-17 vitamin, I think it is also referred to as laetrile. The negative side I heard is that it could produce a cyanide effect to a patient and can do them under much earlier than expected. Vaccines? I heard that a dendritic cell vaccine is very promising for lc pateints. I am trying to get my dad into a vaccine clinical trial. There are more options, look up L-arginine supplement. In some studies it has shown to produce tumor shrinkage. However, I know that in some cases where you givevery high doses it can help spread the cancer more. I dont know my dad has been on arginine for 4 days and seems a lot better. I will also get him started on the hoxsey formula, I heard good things about it. Bottom line it wouldnt hurt him, but could help him. At least it is giving hope to the patient! good luck

Your dad may be one of the lucky ones that can beat this. Maybe his cancer can respond to treatments that is good news!

This is great news, go out and celebrate! I wish and hope for your continued progress!

But please consider what you wil do when the oncologist offers no more hope and you and your loved one has options. I recommend now researching clinical trials, different oncologist, and alternative treatments. It is good to have a back up plan because the oncologists that we see are not always right!

I would like to thank you for your responses. Dad was okay today. I wen to see a professional soccer game here in Los Angeles and had fun for 3 hours and forgot about the cancer as much as possible. I will continue to seek new treatments for my dad and never give up. No matter where this disease may take us I will know I did all I could do!! Peace!

You have to be patient to a certain extent. However, if you really feel things are not being done correctly you should always look for other alternatives. If anything look at nutritional supplements that may help your loved one. I wish you the best of luck and remember that this battle can be won. Good luck partner!

Dave I never have thought that you have insulted anybody or have been out of line at any time. All you have have been is supportive. I remember when I was living in Japan, you were the person that always gave positive advice to everyone and you told me about your experiences about living in Japan. Please do take care of yourself and post as many things as you can on this website beacuse we need you here. Thanks!

http://www.mucosalmelanoma.org/medicine ... nesis.html

Last Monday, the hospice nurse came to do her usual house visit. She saw dad much worse than before. Dad told her that he had pain not only in right side but left side of the chest. He was coughing more the prior weekend. He also was sleeping a lot during the day and very lethargic. What we tried was reducing the anount of sleeping pills. He tried one instead of two, therefore he became more active during the day. His cough also subsided due to his new cough medication. The nurse told me we may have to give dad more powerful drugs for the pain, I was worried because if he got more medicated he may be have been drowsy and sleepy all day. Luckily, he hasnt taken much pain meds and the medication has helped him. Dads appetite is not good, but he eats 3 meals a day still. I started to give him high doses of L-arginine. This is a kind of amino acid which in studies have helped boost the immune system and help tumor shrinkage. He also take genestein (soy supplement). My friend who is a researcher recommended this to me. He also recommended the hoxsey formula. Basically he said they are all worth a shot. We can't waste time doing nothing. Well dad has said he feels better taking these supplements. I hope it does help him. I also set up an appointment with him to go to St Vincent medical center in LA for a clinical trial. I hope these alternative treatments can help him until we go to see the doctors at St Vincent. Hey, also dad hasnt needed oxygen in 4 days. I will try to push on, so you see in the mist of misery and hopelessness there is hope as long as you seek it! Good luck to us all in this rollercoaster ride!