Teflon

Kadee2775

Can anyone tell me if it's true that you shouldn't cook with non-stick once you have cancer? I am new to this and I am hearing all kinds of things.

Hissy_Fitz

That's a new one! I haven't
That's a new one! I haven't heard anything about not using teflon, but at least it's not the same old "pureed asparagus will cure cancer". I get that e mail a LOT.

I read your profile. Did I miss something, or have you not received any chemo? What stage was your cancer?

Carlene

upsofloating

As far as I know, the
As far as I know, the concern with Teflon is if it is scratched and possibly particles are continuing to chip off into food. I think unmarred Teflon is ok. Annie

msfanciful

I've known for a while that
I've known for a while that teflon (especially when scratched), has a tendency to leech into ones' foods when in use.

There is a chemical that is suspected to be carcinogenic. (I can't say the name of the chemical but it's in many research forums). You can even check online about it.

What kills me about this "new info", is that it's been years that we've lived and breathed teflon and now they tell us it's unsafe? LOL!

I know many people who have thrown out there teflon cookery as a result.

I'm not doing it because look at me? What can be worse than stageIV ovac? Too little too late.

But don't let me influence you; I'm just a bit cynical because they've known all these years we were being fed poisons.. and then they say "oh yes by the way; did you know you've been eating from carcinogenic materials for the last 20 year?"

You just hit a sore spot for me.

Much love,

Sharon

Kadee2775

Hissy_Fitz said:

That's a new one! I haven't
That's a new one! I haven't heard anything about not using teflon, but at least it's not the same old "pureed asparagus will cure cancer". I get that e mail a LOT.

I read your profile. Did I miss something, or have you not received any chemo? What stage was your cancer?

Carlene

No Chemo
I was stage 4 but believe it or not, no chemo. My oncologist said it wouldn't work. They just went in a cut out tumors, lymph nodes, fatty tissue and abdominal apron and "seeds" on my organs. I am now a stage 1 until my markers come back. I don't understand the no chemo either but I am so naive I just do what I am told. Thanks for the answer. One person told me the teflon thing came from a doctor. Go figure.

Kadee2775

msfanciful said:

I've known for a while that
I've known for a while that teflon (especially when scratched), has a tendency to leech into ones' foods when in use.

There is a chemical that is suspected to be carcinogenic. (I can't say the name of the chemical but it's in many research forums). You can even check online about it.

What kills me about this "new info", is that it's been years that we've lived and breathed teflon and now they tell us it's unsafe? LOL!

I know many people who have thrown out there teflon cookery as a result.

I'm not doing it because look at me? What can be worse than stageIV ovac? Too little too late.

But don't let me influence you; I'm just a bit cynical because they've known all these years we were being fed poisons.. and then they say "oh yes by the way; did you know you've been eating from carcinogenic materials for the last 20 year?"

You just hit a sore spot for me.

Much love,

Sharon

Thanks
Thank you for your honest answer. Sorry it hit a nerve but you are absolutely right. I thought oh well, too late now when I was told but the girl said it could cause my low-malignant seeds to get more aggressive. I just have brain overload and should have known there wouldn't be an easy answer. Thanks again and thanks to everyone else that answered.

Hissy_Fitz

Kadee2775 said:

No Chemo
I was stage 4 but believe it or not, no chemo. My oncologist said it wouldn't work. They just went in a cut out tumors, lymph nodes, fatty tissue and abdominal apron and "seeds" on my organs. I am now a stage 1 until my markers come back. I don't understand the no chemo either but I am so naive I just do what I am told. Thanks for the answer. One person told me the teflon thing came from a doctor. Go figure.

No chemo! Wow! I'm
No chemo! Wow! I'm jealous. I am also surprised that you were re-staged. I was diagnosed at 3c and am now in remission. I asked my doctor early on what the chances were that my cancer would progress from stage 3 to 4 and he said the stage never changes - up or down - even if the disease spreads to other organs. I am especially intrigued to hear that your doctor now considers you Stage 1, as that means the cancer is confied to the ovaries, and you have no ovaries. But as we all know, every doctor seems to use a slightly different terminology and they all have their own ideas about treatment. Mine would not let me do IP chemo and I was extremely upset by what I considered his conservative treatment plan.

Is your doctor a Gyn/Oncologist? Some of the ladies here have a whole team of specialists, not all of whom agree with one another all the time. If there is one thing I've learned, though, it's this: we have to be our own best advocate. No one is as vested in our treatment plan and the ultimate outcome as we ourselves are.

Carlene

leesag

Kadee2775 said:

No Chemo
I was stage 4 but believe it or not, no chemo. My oncologist said it wouldn't work. They just went in a cut out tumors, lymph nodes, fatty tissue and abdominal apron and "seeds" on my organs. I am now a stage 1 until my markers come back. I don't understand the no chemo either but I am so naive I just do what I am told. Thanks for the answer. One person told me the teflon thing came from a doctor. Go figure.

Second Opinion
Kadee,

I've read your posts and your profile, we were diagnosed at about the same time. I have epithelial ovarian cancer Stage 3C; I just finished my sixth and final round of carbo/taxol. I can't answer your teflon question, but I would feel like I would be remiss if I didn't suggest that you get a second opinion, just to be sure that the option your oncologist recommends is truly the best option for you. My husband and I had researched the various treatments and had the doctor not suggested what we already knew was the standard protocol for treating my type of ovarian cancer, we would have insisted on a second opinion. In fact, my husband almost requested someone willing to do IP therapy until my gyn/onc explained that in my case the risks outweighed the benefits.

You mentioned that your cancer was "low malignant," I'm not sure what that means so your doctor's course of action may be absolutely appropriate for your individual case. However, a second opinion is certainly something to consider, and may give you increased peace of mind.

I hope I'm not too far out of line suggesting this!

Hugs!

Leesa

EDIT: One more thing, I've read on many boards that Ovarian Cancer at Stage 3 or higher automatically qualifies for Social Security Disabilty. You may want to contact your social worker at the cancer center to check on your options for assistance with medical bills and such!

Kadee2775

Hissy_Fitz said:

No chemo! Wow! I'm
No chemo! Wow! I'm jealous. I am also surprised that you were re-staged. I was diagnosed at 3c and am now in remission. I asked my doctor early on what the chances were that my cancer would progress from stage 3 to 4 and he said the stage never changes - up or down - even if the disease spreads to other organs. I am especially intrigued to hear that your doctor now considers you Stage 1, as that means the cancer is confied to the ovaries, and you have no ovaries. But as we all know, every doctor seems to use a slightly different terminology and they all have their own ideas about treatment. Mine would not let me do IP chemo and I was extremely upset by what I considered his conservative treatment plan.

Is your doctor a Gyn/Oncologist? Some of the ladies here have a whole team of specialists, not all of whom agree with one another all the time. If there is one thing I've learned, though, it's this: we have to be our own best advocate. No one is as vested in our treatment plan and the ultimate outcome as we ourselves are.

Carlene

Don't be jealous
Yes, she is a gyn/oncologist. I think she said I was a stage 1 to placate me, maybe not. I was a wreck when she told me no chemo. I wanted the cancer killed. I can never be in remission. I will always have seeds/tumours but how fast they grow is unknown. I can't even get cancer right. Not only am I different from most of the world but I'm different among the other survivors. Because I don't get chemo, my assistance claims have all been denied. I can't afford a CT scan every 3 months but I did get into a free clinic that will do my blood work. So at least I can monitor my CA125. And it's good to watch this discussion board. There are so many stronge women here, like yourself, and I can't help but be inspired. Plus I am learning a lot.

Kadee2775

leesag said:

Second Opinion
Kadee,

I've read your posts and your profile, we were diagnosed at about the same time. I have epithelial ovarian cancer Stage 3C; I just finished my sixth and final round of carbo/taxol. I can't answer your teflon question, but I would feel like I would be remiss if I didn't suggest that you get a second opinion, just to be sure that the option your oncologist recommends is truly the best option for you. My husband and I had researched the various treatments and had the doctor not suggested what we already knew was the standard protocol for treating my type of ovarian cancer, we would have insisted on a second opinion. In fact, my husband almost requested someone willing to do IP therapy until my gyn/onc explained that in my case the risks outweighed the benefits.

You mentioned that your cancer was "low malignant," I'm not sure what that means so your doctor's course of action may be absolutely appropriate for your individual case. However, a second opinion is certainly something to consider, and may give you increased peace of mind.

I hope I'm not too far out of line suggesting this!

Hugs!

Leesa

EDIT: One more thing, I've read on many boards that Ovarian Cancer at Stage 3 or higher automatically qualifies for Social Security Disabilty. You may want to contact your social worker at the cancer center to check on your options for assistance with medical bills and such!

Thanks for suggestion
Thanks for your suggestions. I will have to see about getting a second suggestion. What is left in my body is "low malignant" according to my doctor. I got the opinion that they didn't want the espense and risk of chemo if they didn't have to. Since I have no insurance. Just guessing though. As for SS benefits. No I don't automatically qualify. Breast cancer and cervical cancer does but not ovarian. Isn't that a crock? I am working with a social worker at UNC-chapel hill to pay part of the bills. I was at 4 different hopsital in 4 different cities before it was all said I done so I am still pleading with the other hospitals to help me out or be patient. It's just frustrating. Thanks again for your reply. Every bit of info I get is helpful.

Kadee2775

leesag said:

Second Opinion
Kadee,

I've read your posts and your profile, we were diagnosed at about the same time. I have epithelial ovarian cancer Stage 3C; I just finished my sixth and final round of carbo/taxol. I can't answer your teflon question, but I would feel like I would be remiss if I didn't suggest that you get a second opinion, just to be sure that the option your oncologist recommends is truly the best option for you. My husband and I had researched the various treatments and had the doctor not suggested what we already knew was the standard protocol for treating my type of ovarian cancer, we would have insisted on a second opinion. In fact, my husband almost requested someone willing to do IP therapy until my gyn/onc explained that in my case the risks outweighed the benefits.

You mentioned that your cancer was "low malignant," I'm not sure what that means so your doctor's course of action may be absolutely appropriate for your individual case. However, a second opinion is certainly something to consider, and may give you increased peace of mind.

I hope I'm not too far out of line suggesting this!

Hugs!

Leesa

EDIT: One more thing, I've read on many boards that Ovarian Cancer at Stage 3 or higher automatically qualifies for Social Security Disabilty. You may want to contact your social worker at the cancer center to check on your options for assistance with medical bills and such!

Thanks for suggestion
Thanks for your suggestions. I will have to see about getting a second suggestion. What is left in my body is "low malignant" according to my doctor. I got the opinion that they didn't want the espense and risk of chemo if they didn't have to. Since I have no insurance. Just guessing though. As for SS benefits. No I don't automatically qualify. Breast cancer and cervical cancer does but not ovarian. Isn't that a crock? I am working with a social worker at UNC-chapel hill to pay part of the bills. I was at 4 different hopsital in 4 different cities before it was all said I done so I am still pleading with the other hospitals to help me out or be patient. It's just frustrating. Thanks again for your reply. Every bit of info I get is helpful.

citrusgirlrn

Kadee2775 said:

Thanks for suggestion
Thanks for your suggestions. I will have to see about getting a second suggestion. What is left in my body is "low malignant" according to my doctor. I got the opinion that they didn't want the espense and risk of chemo if they didn't have to. Since I have no insurance. Just guessing though. As for SS benefits. No I don't automatically qualify. Breast cancer and cervical cancer does but not ovarian. Isn't that a crock? I am working with a social worker at UNC-chapel hill to pay part of the bills. I was at 4 different hopsital in 4 different cities before it was all said I done so I am still pleading with the other hospitals to help me out or be patient. It's just frustrating. Thanks again for your reply. Every bit of info I get is helpful.

SS Benefits
I find that cancer doesn't discrinate, leave it to the goverment to decide what cancer gets what benefits.

Hissy_Fitz

Kadee2775 said:

Thanks for suggestion
Thanks for your suggestions. I will have to see about getting a second suggestion. What is left in my body is "low malignant" according to my doctor. I got the opinion that they didn't want the espense and risk of chemo if they didn't have to. Since I have no insurance. Just guessing though. As for SS benefits. No I don't automatically qualify. Breast cancer and cervical cancer does but not ovarian. Isn't that a crock? I am working with a social worker at UNC-chapel hill to pay part of the bills. I was at 4 different hopsital in 4 different cities before it was all said I done so I am still pleading with the other hospitals to help me out or be patient. It's just frustrating. Thanks again for your reply. Every bit of info I get is helpful.

Whoever told you that is mistaken.....
Below is a cut and paste from a site that deals with SS Disability questions:

A malignant primary or recurrent tumor of the ovaries qualifies for Social Security disability benefits if it meets one of the following criteria:

Ascites with demonstrated malignant cells, or

Unresectable infiltration, or

Unresectable metastases to omentum or elsewhere in the peritoneal cavity, or

Distant metastases

Chemo is expense...no doubt about that. If you have very limited resources you can get Medicaid, however. Contact the ACS in your area and see if they have advocates who can help you.

Kadee2775

Hissy_Fitz said:

Whoever told you that is mistaken.....
Below is a cut and paste from a site that deals with SS Disability questions:

A malignant primary or recurrent tumor of the ovaries qualifies for Social Security disability benefits if it meets one of the following criteria:

Ascites with demonstrated malignant cells, or

Unresectable infiltration, or

Unresectable metastases to omentum or elsewhere in the peritoneal cavity, or

Distant metastases

Chemo is expense...no doubt about that. If you have very limited resources you can get Medicaid, however. Contact the ACS in your area and see if they have advocates who can help you.

SS told me
I was denied by Social Security and in their letter they stated the automatic qualifying cancers. But I have appointments with some law offices to see what my options are. Thanks for the idea of contacting ACS in my area. I will do that.

Hissy_Fitz

Kadee2775 said:

SS told me
I was denied by Social Security and in their letter they stated the automatic qualifying cancers. But I have appointments with some law offices to see what my options are. Thanks for the idea of contacting ACS in my area. I will do that.

Unbelievable!
You had ascites to the tune of 4 liters of fluid, a 34 pound malignant tumor on your ovary, and mets to your lungs, kidneys, and lymph nodes and you were denied disability? Sweetheart, you need to contact an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disabiltiy claims. Either your doctor dropped the ball when he/she was filling out the paperwork, or the caseworker at SS was a complete moron. You absolutely are entitled to SSDI, and maybe SSI and Medicaid, as well.

Keep us posted. I hope you are able to get this tragic mess straightened out quickly.

Carlene

LPack

Kadee2775 said:

SS told me
I was denied by Social Security and in their letter they stated the automatic qualifying cancers. But I have appointments with some law offices to see what my options are. Thanks for the idea of contacting ACS in my area. I will do that.

SS
Kadee,

You qualify for disability, believe me.

Libby