Have you heard of this scam?

CherieLW
CherieLW Member Posts: 472

I cannot 100% say this is a scam, but in my mind it is 99.99% scam.

My uncle has sworn by USauna (spelling?) products for years now.  I have never heard of these pills from anyone ever besides my uncle who swears that these pills are a medical phenomenon.  The day my dad was diagnosed he told me a story about this girl with cancer took these USAUNA pills and it cured her for three years, then she died.  Needless to say, I was quite upset hearing that the day my dad was diagnosed. 

Now he is pushing these pills on my dad.  He first mentioned it to my mom and she said we aren't interested bc my dad has a really great doctor at the Ohio James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University and they want to stick with the docs plans.  I really believe those docs know what they are doing and my uncle doesn't even know the first thing about the medical field.  Anyway, after my mom told him not interested- he went to my dad and tried to convince my dad that these pills that are not FDA approved are going to cure his cancer. (It's like a really bad telemarketing call I promise). Anyways now he somewhat has my dad believing that maybe he should take these pills. 

I am furious!  While I respect that my dad can make his own decisions, I feel like my uncle is crossing the line here. If these pills were some kind of medical breakthrough as my uncle says...I think everyone on here would know about it and it would be highly known nationwide.  Now I'm feeling stressed and although I am a non confrontational person- I want to show up at my uncles house or call him and tell him  how I feel. 

I hope I don't sound heartless, I am just really frustrated bc this is a hard enough time for my family and while I understand we are all concerned and my uncle cares about my dad- he does not know the first thing about cancer. He really needs to let my dads docs worry about it- which are some of the best.  Dad promised that he would not take these pills unless he ran them past his docs first and they okayed it.

My question- Have any of you ever heard of this company? If so what are you experiences? I've looked a little bit online and so has my mom and we have seen concerns of this being a scam.

Thanks for any input!

Comments

  • meaganb
    meaganb Member Posts: 244 Member
    I don't personally have any

    I don't personally have any experience with this company but just have to say, if your gut says its a scam then its probably a scam. I would definitely tell your uncle to back off & ask your dad to run any kind of meds he will be taking by his oncologist for approval just to be sure there will not be an interaction. And btw, your uncle's sales pitch of saying a girl took them for 3 years & then died sucks. Who wants to hear that & how does it endorse his product? If that girl even existed she theoretically could have lived for 3 years without any real treatment before beingnovercome by the cancer. So sorry you are dealing with this.

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    I checked it out

    Hi Cherie,

    I went to the website (Usana Products) and it appears to be a supplement company. I didn't see any cancer cure claims or anything out of the ordinary upon initial examination.  HOWEVER... many of the products I looked at are high in ANTIOXIDANTS which are DETRIMENTAL to cancer treatment. Rad/chemo treatment we get relies on OXIDATION and and antioxidant will counter the effects. We don't want that!

    Also, it appears as well that your uncle's motivation may be monetarily motivated as they market and distribute by getting people to purchase the product, sell the product and recruit more people to do the same (does AMWAY ring a bell?). By no means are these products made to cure cancer and claims by your uncle that they do are totally false. 

    Just my take on it...

    "T"

  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    Never heard of the stuff

    Cherie

    I have never heard of this stuff.  It is definitely a scam.  Believe me, if it worked, the doctors would be dispensing it. I am so sorry your family is having to grapple with an issue like this, at this difficult time. 

    Have you done any kind of internet search to see what is out there regarding this product?  I would suggest that you check the site www.quackwatch.com .  it is written by a doctor, and there is an extensive section on "questionable cancer cures."  You may also be able to find information on www.sciencebasedmedicine.org .

    Here's hoping your dad says the course with his cancer doctors.

     

    Deb

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    meaganb said:

    I don't personally have any

    I don't personally have any experience with this company but just have to say, if your gut says its a scam then its probably a scam. I would definitely tell your uncle to back off & ask your dad to run any kind of meds he will be taking by his oncologist for approval just to be sure there will not be an interaction. And btw, your uncle's sales pitch of saying a girl took them for 3 years & then died sucks. Who wants to hear that & how does it endorse his product? If that girl even existed she theoretically could have lived for 3 years without any real treatment before beingnovercome by the cancer. So sorry you are dealing with this.

    That's what I thought

    Meagan,

    I just wish my dad's scam alert would go off!  lol.  I know it's defintely not a story I wanted to hear.  THen going behind my moms back like that after she said they agreed to go by what docs say and his treatment plan.  I'm so frustrated.  Like I said, I don't want to stress dad out by being overly confrontational to my uncle, but I'm thinking I'm going to call him.  It's really under my skin!  No need to feel sorry, just frustrated and wanted to see if anyone had any type of experiences.  Thanks for the input!

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    fishmanpa said:

    I checked it out

    Hi Cherie,

    I went to the website (Usana Products) and it appears to be a supplement company. I didn't see any cancer cure claims or anything out of the ordinary upon initial examination.  HOWEVER... many of the products I looked at are high in ANTIOXIDANTS which are DETRIMENTAL to cancer treatment. Rad/chemo treatment we get relies on OXIDATION and and antioxidant will counter the effects. We don't want that!

    Also, it appears as well that your uncle's motivation may be monetarily motivated as they market and distribute by getting people to purchase the product, sell the product and recruit more people to do the same (does AMWAY ring a bell?). By no means are these products made to cure cancer and claims by your uncle that they do are totally false. 

    Just my take on it...

    "T"

    T,
    Yes, exactly! LOL, the

    T,

    Yes, exactly! LOL, the pills he gave my dad says on it that "these do not cure any disease or medical ailments" something along those lines anyway... I feel like my uncle is way out of line here to push these on my dad when he has never seen anything good come of it.

    My uncle used to sell Usauna products, but I don't believe he does anymore.  So God only knows if he bought all these pills or was given them or had them in storage for 4 years...My uncle just thinks he knows this is a miracle worker pill!

    Thanks for your input! I plan on reading these to mom, so she can then let dad know.  May be better than me telling him cuz I just want to scream at my uncle at this point!  Which is wrong I know...

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    D Lewis said:

    Never heard of the stuff

    Cherie

    I have never heard of this stuff.  It is definitely a scam.  Believe me, if it worked, the doctors would be dispensing it. I am so sorry your family is having to grapple with an issue like this, at this difficult time. 

    Have you done any kind of internet search to see what is out there regarding this product?  I would suggest that you check the site www.quackwatch.com .  it is written by a doctor, and there is an extensive section on "questionable cancer cures."  You may also be able to find information on www.sciencebasedmedicine.org .

    Here's hoping your dad says the course with his cancer doctors.

     

    Deb

    Deb, I just knew you would

    Deb, I just knew you would all have a great input.  I know it's a scam...Me and mom both agreed that if this cured cancer it would be known to everyone!  I did look up Usauna scams, but will check on the sites you recommended as well Deb!  Thanks again! 

    Dad is still going to stick with radiation and chemo, but I thought about calling his docs and telling them so that they have a heads up to say no when dad brigns these pills in.  I have confidence the docs will probably throw them out though! At least I hope!  Thanks again for all your inputs. 

  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    If it's Usana...

    ...then yes, it looks like they sell supplements. I can't tell if it's a scam, but they definitely have that vibe. I think it's because it looks like they operate like other multi-level marketing companies.

    Fishmanpa is right, though--most supplements touted as "cancer fighting" are antioxidants and they interfere with treatments. My oncologist said they were fine to take AFTER treatments but he suspended them during treatments. Rather than telling your dad not to take them or throwing them out, why not tell him to talk to his doctor? You can say that several people on the forum said their doctors told them to suspend most supplements and vitamins during treatment. It might have better results because it doesn't make your dad choose between his brother and you, or even say that his brother is wrong or lying... just that now is not the time to be taking anything that conflicts with radiation or chemo.

    If he's interested in supplements after treatment, I can pass along the info I've gathered from research. It involves information about some supplements that are showing promise without any kind of attached company profiting from the research. :-)

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    The "last resort"....

    The only way I can see taking anything like this would be if the Doc's told me I was terminal....then why not...."somebody's daughter" or "Joe's cousin's friend"....those aren't statistics.....this is is life and death thing, and going with the treatment that are PROVEN to work are the only path logic should take us.

    Your dad shouldn't even take these along with the treatment he's getting unless approved by his team.....giving up all anti-oxidents is part of getting well....anti-oxidents help ALL cells repair themselves....that includes cancer cells.  Chemo sets cancer cells up for destruction, and rads kill them.... good cells are collateral damage. 

    I wonder what uncle would do if HE was the one who had cancer??  Hmmmm.....would he hop on a supplement wagon, or get done what needs to be done?

    p

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Hmmm,,,

    Well, I'd tell your uncle that when he get's cancer to try them... If they work, you'd consider them being legit..., as for now ummmm, NOOO.

    JG

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    I have another

      Cherie

    I never heard of that one but a friend of mine's wife swears by this stuff  http://www.turmeric-curcumin.com/ she claims that it will even get rid of the evil that PET and CT Scans put into our systems. So the other day I had a spare $35.00 and I thought hmmmmmm a case of Stella (belgium beer) or some pills that might snucker me into believing I am cured. Boy that beer was good.

    Enjoy the day ( with your favorite beer)

          Jeff

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    Laralyn said:

    If it's Usana...

    ...then yes, it looks like they sell supplements. I can't tell if it's a scam, but they definitely have that vibe. I think it's because it looks like they operate like other multi-level marketing companies.

    Fishmanpa is right, though--most supplements touted as "cancer fighting" are antioxidants and they interfere with treatments. My oncologist said they were fine to take AFTER treatments but he suspended them during treatments. Rather than telling your dad not to take them or throwing them out, why not tell him to talk to his doctor? You can say that several people on the forum said their doctors told them to suspend most supplements and vitamins during treatment. It might have better results because it doesn't make your dad choose between his brother and you, or even say that his brother is wrong or lying... just that now is not the time to be taking anything that conflicts with radiation or chemo.

    If he's interested in supplements after treatment, I can pass along the info I've gathered from research. It involves information about some supplements that are showing promise without any kind of attached company profiting from the research. :-)

    I think it is a scam just

    I think it is a scam just because my Uncle (mother's brother) sold them in the past and I've never seen the company advance, let alone hear anyone else mention them.  Dad did agree to check with his docs first, I just don't like that my uncle is being so pushy and postitive that USAUNA is going to be lifechanging.  I don't want to upset dad by my input, that's why I came on here to talk to all of you who have experience and know what its about.

    I never want to make my dad choose b/w something like that, but  I hope the docs just tell him no so he will listen.  From what you all have said, its very likely doctors will opt for him not to use them. 

    Thanks Laralyn!  I'm just stressed!  I wish my uncle would get off his high horse!

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Duggie88 said:

    I have another

      Cherie

    I never heard of that one but a friend of mine's wife swears by this stuff  http://www.turmeric-curcumin.com/ she claims that it will even get rid of the evil that PET and CT Scans put into our systems. So the other day I had a spare $35.00 and I thought hmmmmmm a case of Stella (belgium beer) or some pills that might snucker me into believing I am cured. Boy that beer was good.

    Enjoy the day ( with your favorite beer)

          Jeff

    Cheers...

    I'll toast you to that...

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472

    The "last resort"....

    The only way I can see taking anything like this would be if the Doc's told me I was terminal....then why not...."somebody's daughter" or "Joe's cousin's friend"....those aren't statistics.....this is is life and death thing, and going with the treatment that are PROVEN to work are the only path logic should take us.

    Your dad shouldn't even take these along with the treatment he's getting unless approved by his team.....giving up all anti-oxidents is part of getting well....anti-oxidents help ALL cells repair themselves....that includes cancer cells.  Chemo sets cancer cells up for destruction, and rads kill them.... good cells are collateral damage. 

    I wonder what uncle would do if HE was the one who had cancer??  Hmmmm.....would he hop on a supplement wagon, or get done what needs to be done?

    p

    Thanks Phrannie and everyone

    Thanks Phrannie and everyone else for bringing light to this situation.  I am just so frustrated with my uncle and I often think the same thing.  If this were him, would he swear on USAUNA products?  Dad won't take them until he speaks to a doc, but just the fact that my uncle put this in his head has me aggrevated.  I seriously considered calling my dads docs to give them a heads  up, not that they'd listen.  I just am trying to have faith docs will agree with all that you are saying!

    Thanks again! 

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    Skiffin16 said:

    Hmmm,,,

    Well, I'd tell your uncle that when he get's cancer to try them... If they work, you'd consider them being legit..., as for now ummmm, NOOO.

    JG

    Exactly and thanks for also

    Exactly and thanks for also thinking my uncle is off his rocker! I'm just so agitated right now by it.  Trying not to let it get too much under my skin cuz dad promised to check with docs.  Having faith in docs!

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    Duggie88 said:

    I have another

      Cherie

    I never heard of that one but a friend of mine's wife swears by this stuff  http://www.turmeric-curcumin.com/ she claims that it will even get rid of the evil that PET and CT Scans put into our systems. So the other day I had a spare $35.00 and I thought hmmmmmm a case of Stella (belgium beer) or some pills that might snucker me into believing I am cured. Boy that beer was good.

    Enjoy the day ( with your favorite beer)

          Jeff

    Blue Moon or Landshark it is!

    Blue Moon or Landshark it is!

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    CherieLW said:

    Blue Moon or Landshark it is!

    Blue Moon or Landshark it is!

    LandShark
    Funny you should mention...;

    LS

    Though I drink Corona Light more than anything else...

    ~JG
  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    Skiffin16 said:

    LandShark
    Funny you should mention...;

    LS

    Though I drink Corona Light more than anything else...

    ~JG
    Lol Nice touch!!  Corona

    Lol Nice touch!!  Corona light is good too! 

  • mls351w
    mls351w Member Posts: 90
    CherieLW said:

    Lol Nice touch!!  Corona

    Lol Nice touch!!  Corona light is good too! 

    scam?

    Maybe not a scam, but not a cure either. There are no over-the-counter or under-the-counter miracle cures.

    Just ask Steve McQueen or Steve Jobs.....oh yeah, you can't ask them.

  • mls351w
    mls351w Member Posts: 90
    CherieLW said:

    Lol Nice touch!!  Corona

    Lol Nice touch!!  Corona light is good too! 

    scam?

    Maybe not a scam, but not a cure either. There are no over-the-counter or under-the-counter miracle cures.

    Just ask Steve McQueen or Steve Jobs.....oh yeah, you can't ask them.