chemo or not?

jjaj133 said:

thanks Phil. Yes, he is
thanks Phil. Yes, he is rethinking. Now he doesn't want to influence my decision. My guess is that because it's mucinous he has changed his mind. The PA asked him if i should see the onc. in 2 month. he said no, that might be too late. so I think i am in for the chemo again. Crap!
Thanks for your help.
Judy

Judy -

Like Phil said, we're all different.

I'm a bit more of a realist than most, and when I read "statistics",
I don't take some contorted bunch of "feel good" numbers to
the bank. Most all of the "grim" statistics are accurate, and have
not changed in over 40 years. Of course, no-one wants to believe
that, and jumps on the cancer industry's bandwagon immediately.

The fact is, Judy, that you most likely would have had that recurrence
even if you did "chemo" the last time around. Chemo -is not- the
guarantee you're looking for; it carries no guarantees, and never did.

That said..... Chemo and radiation has it's place in medical science,
and can work well when prescribed properly. Phil has battled
this crap for a long time, and his excellent physicians seem to know
exactly how much and how soon treatments are made, and when
they should stop. He's done so well, that if I find the absolute need
to go the chemo route, I'll get his physicians' numbers.

I was diagnosed as a "3c, or 4." back in 2006. I decided to accept
the "3c". After a major surgery to relieve an intestinal blockage
this past January, I learned that I have been a 4 since 2006.

I don't know if it helped to kid myself, but that's the facts.

I -did not- do chemical therapy or radiation. Instead, I researched
and used imported medicinal strength Chinese herbs that are well
known to address cancer cells specifically.

There are many "alternatives" to try, if you have the courage to try
them. And, there are many here on this board, that would be more
than happy to share their experiences with you, if you find yourself
that interested.

Nothing works for "everyone". Some of us don't seem to do well
no matter what we do, while others have great luck sticking to
a White Castle Hamburger diet.

For me, Judy, I'm now headed into rougher seas. I've had an
Ileostomy since 2006 (meaning: no colon), and this year they
removed 1/2 of my small intestine in the attempt to resolve
the obstruction. Consequently, I now have what is called the
"short bowel syndrome". What that is, is the lack of enough
intestine to properly absorb liquids, nutrients, vitamins, etc.

The bottom line is, that things like "juicing" (for me) causes a
faster transit of product, and the resulting loss of any serious
absorption. My herbal broths are equally hitting the skids for
the same reason.

So what may have saved me before, may have absolutely no
effective use now.

That's what life is all about! I could have done chemo back in
2006, but the end result would be no different. Well... except
I might have had all the neurological problems associated with
chemo, etc...

The herbs managed to keep me in damned good health for quite
a while, but adhesions and hernias prevail for anyone that's had
major abdominal surgery, and all too often it broad-sides those
that aren't aware of all those other issues that we have to go through.

By the way, it can take a long time before an adhesion or hernia
presents a calamity, so no-one should ever let their guard down!

To do chemo or not? I chose not to, since statistically it would
have only provided a 2% benefit over doing absolutely nothing.
Even one Onco said, that at 6 months post surgery, the chances
of doing anything of benefit were slim.

Study the -real- facts and the -real- statistics, and don't allow
yourself to be frightened into submission. Take your time, and
make your choices as well informed as you can!

No one should tell you what path is best, only your own instincts
for self-preservation; your basic intuition, should be your guide!

Be well !!

John

John23 said:

Judy -

Like Phil said, we're all different.

I'm a bit more of a realist than most, and when I read "statistics",
I don't take some contorted bunch of "feel good" numbers to
the bank. Most all of the "grim" statistics are accurate, and have
not changed in over 40 years. Of course, no-one wants to believe
that, and jumps on the cancer industry's bandwagon immediately.

The fact is, Judy, that you most likely would have had that recurrence
even if you did "chemo" the last time around. Chemo -is not- the
guarantee you're looking for; it carries no guarantees, and never did.

That said..... Chemo and radiation has it's place in medical science,
and can work well when prescribed properly. Phil has battled
this crap for a long time, and his excellent physicians seem to know
exactly how much and how soon treatments are made, and when
they should stop. He's done so well, that if I find the absolute need
to go the chemo route, I'll get his physicians' numbers.

I was diagnosed as a "3c, or 4." back in 2006. I decided to accept
the "3c". After a major surgery to relieve an intestinal blockage
this past January, I learned that I have been a 4 since 2006.

I don't know if it helped to kid myself, but that's the facts.

I -did not- do chemical therapy or radiation. Instead, I researched
and used imported medicinal strength Chinese herbs that are well
known to address cancer cells specifically.

There are many "alternatives" to try, if you have the courage to try
them. And, there are many here on this board, that would be more
than happy to share their experiences with you, if you find yourself
that interested.

Nothing works for "everyone". Some of us don't seem to do well
no matter what we do, while others have great luck sticking to
a White Castle Hamburger diet.

For me, Judy, I'm now headed into rougher seas. I've had an
Ileostomy since 2006 (meaning: no colon), and this year they
removed 1/2 of my small intestine in the attempt to resolve
the obstruction. Consequently, I now have what is called the
"short bowel syndrome". What that is, is the lack of enough
intestine to properly absorb liquids, nutrients, vitamins, etc.

The bottom line is, that things like "juicing" (for me) causes a
faster transit of product, and the resulting loss of any serious
absorption. My herbal broths are equally hitting the skids for
the same reason.

So what may have saved me before, may have absolutely no
effective use now.

That's what life is all about! I could have done chemo back in
2006, but the end result would be no different. Well... except
I might have had all the neurological problems associated with
chemo, etc...

The herbs managed to keep me in damned good health for quite
a while, but adhesions and hernias prevail for anyone that's had
major abdominal surgery, and all too often it broad-sides those
that aren't aware of all those other issues that we have to go through.

By the way, it can take a long time before an adhesion or hernia
presents a calamity, so no-one should ever let their guard down!

To do chemo or not? I chose not to, since statistically it would
have only provided a 2% benefit over doing absolutely nothing.
Even one Onco said, that at 6 months post surgery, the chances
of doing anything of benefit were slim.

Study the -real- facts and the -real- statistics, and don't allow
yourself to be frightened into submission. Take your time, and
make your choices as well informed as you can!

No one should tell you what path is best, only your own instincts
for self-preservation; your basic intuition, should be your guide!

Be well !!

John

Advances in Care
I just wanted to point out that in the past 7 years that I've been dealing with Stage IV CC, there have been 2 major advances in cancer therapies (Avastin and Erbitux) that I believe saved my life. If they had not been developed and I got cancer 10 years ago I seriously doubt I'd be here today.

So I question your statement John that "Most all of the "grim" statistics are accurate, and have not changed in over 40 years."
Maybe the "statistics" are the same but the my survival was affected in a positive way I believe...

No one knows for sure what might have happened if we chose alternate treatments than we did. Maybe if I did TCM I'd be cured, maybe I would be the opposite. We don't know since we didn't do them, we can only guess at best.
-phil