Cancer Survivors Network - Something to hopefully lift all spirits..... - Comments

no problem!

soccerfreaks — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:17:03 -0500

As indicated, I got some of the pointers from someone else here as well, so feel free to spread the info to my friends in the colorectal board.

Congratulations instead, by the way, on your NED. I am also just about two years NED (as of the end of January it will be two years).

Take care,

Joe

Joe....I hope I didn't lead you astray...

Buzzard — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:28:07 -0500

I copied and pasted this in here from a post made by John Nimmons. It is he that is going through this process. My cancer has been removed and I am NED for going on 8 months now and hopefully forever. This was just a post to help others and to spread the news to maybe put some hope in some that have lost all hope...I would however like to copy this and place it into the colorectal thread for his benefit if you don't mind, or better yet you might. Im sure that the more people that can be reached with this news and help maybe the more word will be spread and possibly more financial aide will evolve. Again, Im sorry if I mislead you to think it was me, but thanks for the help nonetheless, I certainly appreciate it as will John...... Respectfully, Clift

great news!

soccerfreaks — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:46:35 -0400

Congratulations, buzzard, on what appears to be some fantastic news. Incidentally, some of the elements you reference, including the relationship between the KRAS gene and colorectal cancer, genetic and epigenetic solutions, and targeted therapies are covered rather extensively in recent issues of ACS's CURE magazine (I believe it is at curetoday.com online as well). Just for further reference.

As for financial support, buzzard, if you get to a point where that is a problem, consider the following among other that I am sure are out there:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/financial-resources

This site is put up by the National Institute of Health or some such, and is government-supported. TereB has responded in other discussion areas with some excellent suggestions, and they may apply for you as well. I am taking the liberty of copying and pasting them as well:

Cancer Care, a non-profit org., offers free support and counseling for cancer patients by oncology social workers. They have face-to-face counseling and counceling on the phone. Support groups on the phone are available too and are moderated by an oncology social worker. Call 800-813-HOPE. They can also give you info about financial resources. Check their website: www.cancercare.org

Gilda's Club - www.gildasclub.org - they offer free social and emotional support. Not sure if they may have financial information but check it out just in case.

Live Strong - www.livestrong.org - offers one-on-one support.

American Cancer Society (here) can also give you financial, support, etc. information available in different cities.

Best wishes for success with this approach, buzzard!

Take care,

Joe

Something to hopefully lift all spirits.....

Buzzard — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:59:36 -0400

John Nimmons (screen name snomminj) Posted this today for all of us in the colorectal cancer thread......It is very exciting to read...I hope you enjoy this....I hope it comes to past to help everyone...

October 30, 2009 - 12:01pm

About four months ago I had several chunks of my tumor sent off to a new lab for a detailed genetic and protein expressive oncotyping. This is new technology and the lab doing this technically isn't open yet. A buddy I went to grad school with sold them some of the diagnostic equipment they use. He got my samples and they were used to calibrate and test the equipment. This technology is not currently covered by insurance and is a pay for service lab. A complete test I'm told runs about $20,000. I got a free oncotyping out of the deal. The results came in today, my oncologist called me immediately. I have never heard any doctor so happy. Not necessarily for me but for all cancer patients. He said this test is going to change the way cancer is treated until a cure is available. He was also happy for me.