[Supplements & Chemo]

Since I'm back on treatment, I'm trying to decide what to do with my supplement regimen.

I know the use of antioxidants is controversial during chemo so I'm only taking those that are in my multivitamin. Has anyone heard about other types of supplements that should be limited during chemo? or how about ones that should be added or increased during chemo?

I really want to do anything I can to help this chemo kick the cancer's butt!!

[Apt Tuesday]

More prayers a-comin'!!

[Just so darned tired...]

Melanie,

I agree with what everyone else has said: you need to have the fever evaluated and you need to find a doctor that you have confidence in - at least to get a second opinion. Also, have you looked in to any complementary therapies? They may help with your quality of life too.

Praying for you,

Jane

[Freedom to Breath Act]

I don't care who smokes when and where as long as no one else has to breathe their smoke. If they smoke in a public location, they are infringing upon other's freedoms and choices such as where to work, eat, and play. We don't restrict how much alcohol a person a can consume (personal freedom) but we do restrict that a person can't legally drive when they've had too much to drink (public safety). To me smoking is a similar situation.

No, the world will never be a totally safe place and free market should play a role.

Here's kinda a way out idea - how about businesses having to apply for and purchase "smoking licenses" like they have to purchase liquor licenses now. These smoking licenses could be prominently displayed at the front door. This might help level the playing field.

[One more question here...]

Lisa,

You mentioned you used ESSIAC tea before treatment. Did you stop drinking it when you started treatment? If you did, was it because the doctors recommended against using it while receiving treatment?

Do you know of any other supplements that should be avoided during treatment?

It sounds like you have a great team of doctors. I don't think most doctors are really that up on most herbal or other supplements.

[Mets,rib vs adrenal glands.]

Sending prayers your way.

[Dr. Lorraine Day- Organic cure]

I ordered her stuff from her infomercial . The only good thing I have to say is that they did send my money back when I sent the information back to them. The message that I got from her material was: if you're not getting better it's because you're not praying hard enough or don't have the right beliefs about God and the universe. I thought she had some extremely dangerous ideas about medical doctors and medications . I was so angry (and worried about the possible terrible outcomes that could happen if someone followed all of her suggestions) after I received her information that I thought about trying to do some kind of formal complaint but unfortunately I never did follow through with it.

I'm a huge believer in trying anything that might possibly help (even if it hasn't been proven to help, yet) but I believe her information is unhelpful and potentially damaging through increased feelings of guilt and the shunning of traditional medicine.

[Wristbands]

Thanks Heather!

I've printed out the order form and am going to send it in today!

[Have Cancer - Will Travel]

On the 6th I got the final word that the cancer has progressed and the pleural effusion was bigger.

Thanks to all of the information on the this board, I am exploring several different options to determine what't the best for me at this time. Interestingly no one at the cancer center I go to could tell me about what various options were out there like promising clinical trials, etc. Truly it was the information gained from this board that pointed me in various directions that I then explored further with internet searches, emails, and phone calls. I've been very impressed with how helpful so many people have been when you find the right people to ask. This search has been time-consuming, exhausting and frustrating at times but at least I know that I have done everything that I possibly can do.

I faxed my records to MD Anderson for them to review and to see if they have anything to offer me. I'm planning a trip to Dana-Farber in Boston to explore if I am a possible surgical candidate. I leave tomorrow for an appointment at the Mary Crowley Medical Research Center in Dallas.

Any other suggestions from anyone?

I'll report back in when I find out more.

I'd really appreciate any prayers.

[Joanna]

Prayers sent -

[Katie and Rick]

I agree, Rick and Katie and all of the volunteers here deserve a big:

THANK YOU!!

[No Concrete News on Phillip]

Sendin' prayers for you and your son.

[For those who remember....]

I have one thing to say: YEE HAW!!!

[Permanent Hall Pass]

Thank you Dr. Joe for all of your time, help, and support that you have given to this board. You may never know how many lives you have touched and made a positive impact.

[Happy Birthday SDianneB!!]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Have a great time - I like the way you celebrate!

[Hebbie]

I second that!

The articles are really helpful in staying motivated to continue to try to eat and drink things that are healthy (when I'd really prefer to have a diet Coke and Doritos ). I really try because I know that gives me the best chance of living but . . . it's still hard and every bit of encouragement is appreciated.

[Kind of freaked out]

The waiting and anxiety are soooo hard!

The only things that seem to help me are trying to meditate and keeping my mind busy with mindless activities like watching a movie or reading a book.

I'll be praying for your head (and your shoulder, too).

[more good news]

Sounds like GREAT news!!

[Headaches]

Cindy,

Sending prayers your way!!

Jane

[Inspirational Lung Cancer Site]

Cathy,

Thanks for sharing a GREAT website!!

Jane

[Looking for Options]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and links to resources.

I don't mind traveling to another area if that's what I need to do.

I haven't made any decisions yet. I thought I'd wait to hear what my onc has to say when I meet with him on Thursday.

Thanks again for all of your support.

[Cancer Monthly (The Source For Cancer Treatment Results)]

Thanks for providing us with another great resource!!

[Looking for Options]

I posted a similar question in the "Ask the Experts" Forum.

The reports are showing the cancer is probably progressing so I will need a change in treatment. I'm thinking this is a good time to explore all of my options.

I'm curious about your experiences (positive or negative) at any of the major (or maybe not so major) cancer centers across the country and if there are ones you would particularly recommend for getting a second opinion.

Thanks for your help

[The Evolution of Therapy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer:]

Thanks for a great article!

[Scans & Ports]

Bo,

I had a port put in prior to starting chemo over a year ago and I must say, "I love my port!" (this is an inside joke if you have seen Julia Sweeney's movie "And God said, "Ha!" about her and her brother's experience with cancer).

Seriously, I really am glad that I have one. Every blood draw, CAT scan contrast infusion, and chemo is just one very small stick and I never have to worry if they're going to find a vein or not. I would recommend one to anyone dealing with cancer.

Jane