MsC1210

(((((Dar))))) So good to hear from you. Christine

Hello Jennifer and welcome to the "family", I am so sorry you and Robert had reason to find a site like this but I am glad you have joined us. This site is full of wonderful, caring and compassionate people. Please let the doctor know that Robert is having the problem with mouth sores. There is a wonderful mouthwash, commonly referred to as "Magic Mouthwash" that is a mixture of lidocaine, Maalox and Benadryl that will coat his mouth and throat and ease the soreness so he will have some relief from that pain. As far as nutrition, Boost, Ensure, milkshakes are all great ways to get some calories into him. Cream soups made with heavy cream, smoothies, etc are all good ideas. The MOST important thing to remember is to keep him hydrated.. WATER, WATER, WATER and more water! Dehydration is major problem and can be serious. Please keep posting and let us know how we can help and keep us posted on Robert. Warm hugs Christine

Nicki I am so sorry about your step dad. Please let us know how we can help you and your family at this difficult time. This is such a wonderful, caring site and you will find lots of warmth, understanding and support here. Warmly, Christine

Hi Everyone I am not sure if any of you remember CristyM or not. She had only posted once in the Introductions forum on March 3 of this year about her boyfriend, Mark. She and I became good friends outside of this site and keep in touch frequently. Yesterday when I got home from my vacation I had a message from her that Mark has lost his battle with lung cancer. He was 52. Please keep Cristy in your prayers if you would. My sincere thanks Christine

FTC warns consumers about bogus cancer cures 9/18/2008 11:55:00 PM Associated Press/AP Online WASHINGTON - The Federal Trade Commission charged five companies with making false and misleading claims for cancer cures and said Thursday that it has reached settlements with six others. "As long as products have been sold there has been somebody out there selling snake oil to consumers," said Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection. She said the agency, along with the Food and Drug Administration and Canadian authorities, is launching a consumer education campaign warning about bogus claims for cures. "There is no credible scientific evidence that any of the products marketed by these companies can prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind," said Parnes. The products the companies marketed include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve - a corrosive ointment - and mushroom extracts. Richard Jaffe, a Houston attorney who represents Native Essence Herb Company - one of those named by the FTC - argues that the government is trying to censor his client. The company sells herbs over the internet and advises people that some herbs have a historical use for treatment of cancer and other medical conditions, he said. That is a truthful claim, he said, adding that because an herb was used by ancient Chinese or native Americans doesn't mean it works, "which most people understand." In addition the agency wants to block reports on trials in other parts of the world, he said, because they might imply a claim. "In our view it's a battle between the right to speak and the government's .,.,.,.,.,.," Jaffe said. Douglas Stearn of the FDA said his agency is concerned that people may forgo effective cancer treatments when choosing these products. In addition, he said, some of these unproven products may have dangerous interactions with other drugs. "We would urge folks to talk to their doctors," said Stearn. Parnes said more than 100 warning letters were sent out and many advertisers dropped or changed their claims. Of the complaints resolved by settlements, she said companies paid restitution ranging from $9,000 to $250,000. The remaining five complaints of false and deceptive advertising will go before administrative law judges, she said. Those cases are Omega Supply, San Diego, Calif.; Native Essence Herb Company, El Prado, N.M.; Daniel Chapter One, Portsmouth, R.I.; Gemtronics, Inc., Franklin, N.C., and Herbs for Cancer, Surprise, Ariz. --- On the Net: FTC Bogus Drugs page: http://www.ftc.gov/curious

Congratulations Muriel!!!!! Warmly, Christine

Welcome back Patti!!!!! So glad to hear you are back to the land of the light!! Love ya! Chris xoxoxo

Hello April and welcome. I am sorry you had need to find a site like this but glad you have joined us. Please let us know how we can be of help. Warmly Christine

Johnny Lots of people on this site have had EXCELLENT results with Alimta. I am sure they will be along with their good news stories shortly. My understanding is that the side effects are much easier to handle. Don't lose hope. There are so many survivor stories and success stories around here. Just keep focusing on the positives. There IS a new treatment plan in place and that alone is GOOD! Keep us posted.. We are here! Chris

((((Kasey)))) Congratulations on 4 years!! Here's to MANY more!! Warmly Christine

Hello Gaye and welcome Connie has pretty much summed things up for you and I cannot add much to her post. I did want to say hello and welcome to the ste though.. Please keep posting and let us know how we can help. Warmly Chrisitne

Johnny So sorry to hear about the progression. Sending positive thoughts and prayers that the radiation will do wonders for the pain and the next line of treatment will halt the progression and reverse that trend! As for the doctor... have you considered getting a second opinion with someone more hopeful/helpful? Keep us posted.. Warm hugs Christine

I spoke to Patti this morning and she says she SHOULD have power back no later than Sunday. Sure hoping that it is sooner than that!! I read all of your messages to her and she said to thank you ALL. I will keep you posted. Hugs, Christine

I will be sure and relay all of your messages to Patti today. Told her I am gonna keep tabs on her and make sure she is behaving! lol.. Randy, thanks for the update from Debi.. I am glad to hear she is ok! Chris xx

Hello Cheryl and welcome to LCSC~ I am so sorry that your Dad had to endure so much before got some relief from the pain. I hope the treatments will continue to go smoothly and that his oncologist will have things in control soon. Keep positing and let us know how we can help you... Warmly Christine

Awww thanks Randy... Catch up to you on facebook for that comment lol lol

I just spoke with Patti this afternoon and she has asked me to let you all know she is ok. She has had a lot of problems due to the remnants of Ike and is without power until MAYBE this coming weekend. Apparently her neighborhood lost power and had it restored and then a tree came down and took down the wires that went to her house only. Being a single outage in one area she is not on a priority list for being restored. She is fine, bored to tears but otherwise safe and sound. I am sure she will be here posting as soon as she is able to! She misses everyone!! Love Christine

Ree I am so sorry about your Mom. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Christine

FDA approves anti-nausea patch for chemo patients 9/15/2008 5:15:00 PM Associated Press/AP Online WASHINGTON - Cancer patients will soon be able to use a medication patch to ease the debilitating nausea that often accompanies chemotherapy. The Food and Drug Administration said Monday it has approved the first anti-nausea patch for chemotherapy patients, intended to provide relief for up to five days. The patch, called Sancuso, is worn on the arm and delivers a widely used anti-nausea medicine, known as granisetron, through the skin. It is expected to be available by the end of the year. "It will be another way that we can address nausea and vomiting, coming from a route that we haven't had before," said nurse practitioner Barbara Rogers, who specializes in cancer treatment. "The patch is a nice option." Rogers, who works at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, is also a consultant to ProStrakan, the Scottish company that developed the patch. About a million people undergo chemotherapy every year and as many as 70 percent develop nausea. If the problem occurs at the hospital, it can be dealt with immediately. But many patients suffer from nausea after being sent home. Anti-nausea pills are available, but some cancer patients have difficulty swallowing. "The main benefit will be for people who have difficulty taking oral medications," Rogers said. But other patients could also benefit, she added, since a single patch is designed to maintain a steady level of the anti-nausea medicine in the body for several days. These days, medical professionals treating cancer patients are trying to eliminate nausea as a side effect of chemotherapy, believing that will help the patients maintain physical strength and emotional energy. Melvin Hren, 59, a retired elementary school teacher from New Philadelphia, Ohio, said the patch helped him battle a rare cancer of the thymus gland, now in remission. "I couldn't leave the house for very much because of the fact that I was so sick," Hren said. "As a result of the patch, I was able to leave the house and be with the family. I was able to enjoy life a little bit. Without it, life would have been a lot more difficult." Hren took part in a clinical trial in which the patch was shown to be just as effective as anti-nausea pills. A spokeswoman for the company said no information on pricing is available. Sancuso's main side effect is constipation. In some cases the drug can mask a bowel obstruction, which is a dangerous condition requiring prompt treatment.

((((Tina)))) Warmly Christine

Lillian, I am so very sorry. Warm hugs Christine

Shrimp I am so very sorry to read this. Please accept my deepest condolences Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and we will continue to be here for you. Warmly, Christine

Andrea, Congrats to Dad AND YOU!!!! I remember your posts when Dad was first diagnosed... I remember thinking omg that poor girl, not again! Some difference 2 years makes, eh? Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers for many, many more healthy, happy years for ALL of you!! Chris

I am so sorry to read this. Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies. Christine

Hello Lori and welcome back So sorry to hear about this set back but glad you've come and joined us I can't really add to what you have been offered here already but wanted to suggest that you tell the doctor about how severe the nausea/vomiting issues are. There are a wide range of anti nausea medications available that can be prescribed. I would be very careful in taking ANYTHING supplemental as there is no way of knowing from individual to individual what kind, if any, effect they can have on your treatments. You're best bet is to discuss with your own doctors about what you consider adding and let them be your guide. In my own experience, it is best to err on the side of caution. As far as your signature/profile, click on Profile at the top of the page and fill in the information fields. No rush on doing that but it is very helpful for us to see what treatments you have had, are currently having etc in order to offer you the best advice. Please keep posting and let us know how you are doing. Warmly Christine