my mom has colon cancer - info

stefaniet

first, I would like to thank Monika, Lisa P., Sue, Steve, Jen, Julie and Judy (grandma047) for all of their encouraging words! All of your messages really made my week.

Has anyone tried herbal suppliments? or seen a natualpath?

My mom has only a few more treatments of chemo and the doctor's are about to give up on her. Last week we got more bad news that the chemo isn't working anymore and its just making her really sick.

Some people swear by different herbs and I was wondering if anyone new about those that have worked.

spongebob

Steph -

See the recent postings on Essiac Tea. There have been documented successes using it.

Also you might want to contact Emily (2bhealed) and see what she has to say - she's our resident naturopath/holistic/Republican/new age princess - she is a fountain of great resources in that realm.

Remember this also, it's never about the length of one's life, it's about the quality. I hope you don't see that as a bad thing to say. It's one cancer patient's perspective on this whole mystery of life.

Keeping you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers.

- SpongeBob

steved

spongebob said:

Steph -

See the recent postings on Essiac Tea. There have been documented successes using it.

Also you might want to contact Emily (2bhealed) and see what she has to say - she's our resident naturopath/holistic/Republican/new age princess - she is a fountain of great resources in that realm.

Remember this also, it's never about the length of one's life, it's about the quality. I hope you don't see that as a bad thing to say. It's one cancer patient's perspective on this whole mystery of life.

Keeping you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers.

- SpongeBob

I'm not the one to give you the best advise on alternative therapies as I come from a medical background a nd there are others here far more qualified to write on these subjects. I would just offer some advise for you if you are going to explore htis area and that is take an eleemnt of caution with you.
There is a tremendous amount of information on the topic but it is of variable quality and which can be quite overwhelming. Try to find a reliable source and stick to it as you can easily get bogged down in the myriad of advise and therapies available. Some promise unrealistic things and talk of miracle cures. The evidence is that none of them should be taken expecting a cure. All have some anecdotal evidence but many lack true scientific evidence to their claims. They do have their place however and many find they can supplement traditional medicine and assist in maintaining a good quality of life.
Also be aware of the extent to which you want to commit to such therapies- they vary from taking a few supplements each day to spending much of your time pureing veges and having coffee enemas (as prescribed by the Gerson institute- a name you will definitely hear of if oyu explore this area). It is important to know your own limits (and your mum's, more importantly) as to how much time and energy you want to put in to the therapy- don't let it become your life as life is for living not for applying enemas!

I don't want to sound negative in all this as I truly beleive that the complementary medicine has a place for many in their management of their cancer but I think you need to go into it with your eyes open and as well informed as you can possibly be. Do let us know how you go as I for one do want to know more about what is out there and would love to hear of any successes you have. Best of luck,
Steve

Kanort

Hi Stefanie,

I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry that I missed your original post. My heart goes out to you and your mother. You both are on my prayer list and I pray that things will stabilize for you both.

Thinking of you,

Kay