Touchy topic, Medical Marijuana
The National Cancer Institute even list that it kills cancer cells. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/patient If this is the case, why isn't more effort being placed into research of this potential tool in our fight against the disease?
Comments
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Weed Rocks
Yes Jim, the claims are true and most doctors today agree with use by cancer patients. It can also be prescribed in pill form (not sure if works the same as smoke or not)- you may want to check with your doctor on this.
If Don gets to a point where we think he would benefit - we would definately give it a try. I am a child of the seventies and I have smoked weed - I didn't have physical pain to alleviate, but I can assure you it certainly will increase the appetite.
We do have a friend who has kidney cancer and his doctor prescribed medical marijuana for him and he has benefited from the alleviation of pain and nausea plus stimulated his appetite which he dearly needed. He continues his chemo which for him and his cancer is in a pill form, but he's glad that he is able to use marijuana which he probably never thought he would do again.
It is probably like all drugs - where what is right for some may not be right for all, but I would look into finding some homegrown if you know what I mean - it's probably cheaper on the street than in prescription anyway. (I hear that Willie Nelson has some butt kicking weed if he happens to roll through your neighborhood!)
Judy0 -
Marinol
Jimbo,
I have no personal experience but I understand there is a prescribed medication under the name of Marinol (generic dronabinol) that has the same benefits as marijuana and can be prescribed by your oncologist.
Here is a link
It may be worth a conversation with your oncologist.
Best Regards,
Paul Adams
McCormick, South Carolina
DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
Two year survivor
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!0 -
pot
Hi Jimbo,
smoking pot will help with pain and it will increase appetite. No idea about the nausea, don't know if it helps with that or if it is just that fact that food in the stomach makes you feel better.
Check what the laws are in Kentucky, can you be in possesion of small amounts without it being a criminal offense?
Julie0 -
It Works!jss2011 said:pot
Hi Jimbo,
smoking pot will help with pain and it will increase appetite. No idea about the nausea, don't know if it helps with that or if it is just that fact that food in the stomach makes you feel better.
Check what the laws are in Kentucky, can you be in possesion of small amounts without it being a criminal offense?
Julie
A friend brought me some medical marijuana from California for nausea and vomiting from EOX chemo treatment. We did not smoke it we used a vaporizer. For me it worked just as well as any of the anti-nausea prescriptions I tried and also improved my appetite.
Joel0 -
Another option is a drug
Another option is a drug called Nabilone, it comes in a pill form and it is like synthetic marijuana0 -
It helps, Jimbo
Nick has been a recreational marijuana user for years. During radiation and chemo, he found that it had an added benefit - it *does* lessen nausea and definitely helped him eat.
I believe I recall JoJoShort saying the same was true for Steve.
Medical marijuana isn't legal here either, but it should be - personal opinion. I know Nick's cancer would have been more difficult without it.
Marinol supposedly has the same benefits.
Love & Hugs,
Terry0 -
Marinol is great
Hey Jimbo,
I have been using Marinol off and on for the past couple years, since my diagnosis in 09, to help with appetite and nausea. Let me tell you, it works! It has different effects on people; some report getting too "high" and others say nothing happens. My experience is that it will definitely give you a mellow buzz, and after all you've been through-enjoy it my friend. It will also make you want to eat and it greatly reduces the nausea that we all experience. Maybe I've used it too much; I've gained back 20 of the 50 pounds I lost. Given a choice, I think I would prefer smoking the real deal, but if that’s not an option Marinol may be for you. Good luck!
Kirk
PS- My wife just reminded me to tell you that my short term memory has been diminished since I started taking it regularly. Also, it may diminish your short term memory.0 -
Great question
I too have been thinking about this. I knew the board would have great suggestions and options. I am starting my post op chemo tomorrow and have been looking for ways to overcome the nausea. Unfortunately I live in a state where there is no medical marijuana. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!0 -
Yes, touchy . .
Hi Jim,
I can tell you for certain that it helped Kevin immensely with nausea, appetite and pain. It is not legal in the state of Pennsylvania for medical use either.
Not only did it help with the above, it also helped him to cope at times. Living in a home with an 8 year old boy and 12 year old girl became quite overwhelming during chemo and as he became increasingly tired and ill.
I have never, ever smoked pot in my whole life and, in fact, was completely against any and all use until Kevin was diagnosed. The last days/weeks of his life, I was actually assisting him any way I could so that he could benefit from its' use.
If you decide to take this route - try to get in contact with someone that has medical grade pot. Apparently there is a difference - from what we found out - a big difference for Kevin. If this is not the route you take, as mentioned in other posts, there is marinol. Kevin did not try that, so I cannot offer any advice on it.
Take Care,
Whitney0 -
Where is our 'like'nickgunboat said:Marinol is great
Hey Jimbo,
I have been using Marinol off and on for the past couple years, since my diagnosis in 09, to help with appetite and nausea. Let me tell you, it works! It has different effects on people; some report getting too "high" and others say nothing happens. My experience is that it will definitely give you a mellow buzz, and after all you've been through-enjoy it my friend. It will also make you want to eat and it greatly reduces the nausea that we all experience. Maybe I've used it too much; I've gained back 20 of the 50 pounds I lost. Given a choice, I think I would prefer smoking the real deal, but if that’s not an option Marinol may be for you. Good luck!
Kirk
PS- My wife just reminded me to tell you that my short term memory has been diminished since I started taking it regularly. Also, it may diminish your short term memory.
Where is our 'like' button?
Judy0 -
I noticed that just aboutJReed said:Weed Rocks
Yes Jim, the claims are true and most doctors today agree with use by cancer patients. It can also be prescribed in pill form (not sure if works the same as smoke or not)- you may want to check with your doctor on this.
If Don gets to a point where we think he would benefit - we would definately give it a try. I am a child of the seventies and I have smoked weed - I didn't have physical pain to alleviate, but I can assure you it certainly will increase the appetite.
We do have a friend who has kidney cancer and his doctor prescribed medical marijuana for him and he has benefited from the alleviation of pain and nausea plus stimulated his appetite which he dearly needed. He continues his chemo which for him and his cancer is in a pill form, but he's glad that he is able to use marijuana which he probably never thought he would do again.
It is probably like all drugs - where what is right for some may not be right for all, but I would look into finding some homegrown if you know what I mean - it's probably cheaper on the street than in prescription anyway. (I hear that Willie Nelson has some butt kicking weed if he happens to roll through your neighborhood!)
Judy
I noticed that just about all the qualifying conditions list cancer first so I thought there had to be something to it. I did smoke a little back in my high school days (80s) and remember the munchies and the euphoric feeling but had no idea about the overall appetite improvement, nausea and pain control benefits. I was just doing it to be cool. There's no options for prescription here in KY. Although, there was some talk about it in neighboring Ohio so if they allow out of state patients, there may be hope.0 -
I was thinking about youpaul61 said:Marinol
Jimbo,
I have no personal experience but I understand there is a prescribed medication under the name of Marinol (generic dronabinol) that has the same benefits as marijuana and can be prescribed by your oncologist.
Here is a link
It may be worth a conversation with your oncologist.
Best Regards,
Paul Adams
McCormick, South Carolina
DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
Two year survivor
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
I was thinking about you yesterday Paul. I was trying to remember what your tagline was in all your posts because I was thinking it was so fitting. I'll mention the Marinol to my Onc and see what he says. The pain of this round is starting to go away. My big problem now is the appetite. I want everything until I taste it then blah...0 -
It's not a bad crime butjss2011 said:pot
Hi Jimbo,
smoking pot will help with pain and it will increase appetite. No idea about the nausea, don't know if it helps with that or if it is just that fact that food in the stomach makes you feel better.
Check what the laws are in Kentucky, can you be in possesion of small amounts without it being a criminal offense?
Julie
It's not a bad crime but it's enough that I would want to avoid it. I think that under 8 ounces is up to 45 days and 1000 fine. I've seen some days (as I'd say most of us have) that make me think it might have been worth it. lol0 -
Hey Terry, I agree, itTerryV said:It helps, Jimbo
Nick has been a recreational marijuana user for years. During radiation and chemo, he found that it had an added benefit - it *does* lessen nausea and definitely helped him eat.
I believe I recall JoJoShort saying the same was true for Steve.
Medical marijuana isn't legal here either, but it should be - personal opinion. I know Nick's cancer would have been more difficult without it.
Marinol supposedly has the same benefits.
Love & Hugs,
Terry
Hey Terry, I agree, it should be legal. If there is something that gives us cancer patients some relief, why limit access to it. After all, one could say we've earned it. From what I've heard, read and experienced, I've seen a lot worse drunks and that is legal.0 -
Hi BMG! I've been doingBMGky said:How are you doing? Have
How are you doing? Have been wondering what has happened since you had to have further treatment. Maybe I missed a post. Anyway, would love to know what happened and where do you go from here. BMGky
Hi BMG! I've been doing alright with the new treatment plan. The plan calls for three rounds of Taxatere, a PET/CT, then depending on the results, either surgery or three more rounds. I've completed two rounds so far. Taxatere is milder than ECF but chemo is still tough but as long as there's a hope of beating this thing, I have to give it a shot. Being back at work is a little tough also. I'm hitting the fatigue part of the chemo so those days are starting to get long. I'm taking a long weekend though to recover a bit. My wife and I are even considering taking out the camper this weekend. She sets it all up so all I have to do is back it in then wait for her to finish setting it up. Then I just go in and turn the TV on. Cancer stinks but life is good.
I was thinking over the holidays that it's been such a rough year with chemo and surgery but being here to spend another Christmas with my family was so worth it. I tell everyone, I feel like I am a better person for having to go through this. And I wasn't too bad to start.0 -
We're in the same situation.ChaadMN said:Great question
I too have been thinking about this. I knew the board would have great suggestions and options. I am starting my post op chemo tomorrow and have been looking for ways to overcome the nausea. Unfortunately I live in a state where there is no medical marijuana. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
We're in the same situation. Kentucky will most likely be the last state to legalize it. I'm thinking something like Marinol will be our best option. I had considered flying to L.A., getting my card and giving it a try while I was out there. It's a bit pricey but in my mind, I wouldn't be breaking the law. Plus, I've got some friends in L.A. that would be nice to hang out with.0 -
I am so glad to see you onWpturner05 said:Yes, touchy . .
Hi Jim,
I can tell you for certain that it helped Kevin immensely with nausea, appetite and pain. It is not legal in the state of Pennsylvania for medical use either.
Not only did it help with the above, it also helped him to cope at times. Living in a home with an 8 year old boy and 12 year old girl became quite overwhelming during chemo and as he became increasingly tired and ill.
I have never, ever smoked pot in my whole life and, in fact, was completely against any and all use until Kevin was diagnosed. The last days/weeks of his life, I was actually assisting him any way I could so that he could benefit from its' use.
If you decide to take this route - try to get in contact with someone that has medical grade pot. Apparently there is a difference - from what we found out - a big difference for Kevin. If this is not the route you take, as mentioned in other posts, there is marinol. Kevin did not try that, so I cannot offer any advice on it.
Take Care,
Whitney
I am so glad to see you on Whitney. I'm planning to mention Marinol to my oncologist before my next round. The lack of appetite is weighing on me and is starting to worry me a good bit. My family has been on me pretty bad to look into marijuana for the very reasons everyone mentions. They see me having a tough time and know that there is something that might help. I have refused to consider it up until this last round so it's good the find out about the Marinol.
Take care 0 -
Glad this was brought upJimboC said:I am so glad to see you on
I am so glad to see you on Whitney. I'm planning to mention Marinol to my oncologist before my next round. The lack of appetite is weighing on me and is starting to worry me a good bit. My family has been on me pretty bad to look into marijuana for the very reasons everyone mentions. They see me having a tough time and know that there is something that might help. I have refused to consider it up until this last round so it's good the find out about the Marinol.
Take care
I had stage four cancer of the larnyx, I wished they would have let me try this option or I should have, they gave me all reasons of teh cancer, but we never pointed one down to what caused the left side of my larynx to stop working and a giant tumor to appear, i nearly lost my life do to not eating for 3 weeks and being nauseaus.....they offered me morphine....I would like this to see this more studied as an option, it might of promotted me to eat and not lose 60 lbs...Good Question, and the Best of Luck to you.. Dennis,Cancer survivor0 -
about your topic
i have stage 4 metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus. basically i'm terminal. that being said, last June 2016, i went 28 days in june without eating because i couldn't swallow. then they placed me on boost and ensure. which got old very quick, chocolate vanilla and strwaberry are 3 flavors i absolutely hate now. well i had targeted radiation and the tumor was shrunk from a 76% blockage down to a 54% blockage. yeah for me . because i was losing weight at such a dramatic pace, 20 - 40 pounds a month. i started at 220 lbs. I now weigh 123 as of today. they tried every known appetite stimulant on the market that big pharma makes and then some, my oncologist the first day i met him said, and i quote " I don't know how you feel about marijuana but if you want to live you had better start smoking it today, oh and by the way it is illegal here in georgia. " end quote. well i did start , with what they cal midi or mid grade weed, which didn't do a darn thing for me personally, so eventually i had to up my game .. i now smoke what they call LOUD. which does the trick. but there is a draw back to LOUD. you can't smoke that in public. not unless you want to go to jail . so after all the other appetite stimulants and not one of them worked , A friend told me to ask for marinol(dronnabinol)so I did. medicaid approved it and at the very expensive cost of 28 dollars a pill. i get 60 a month. so imagine that .... but yes it WORKS LIKE A BOSS, if you need to gain weight as badly as i did, and let me tell you they thought i would be dead back in March(2017), haha i fooled them. Here it is september and I am still here and finally my weight hasd stabilized. So yes the marijuana pill works. And that pill is legal in all 50 states. the only thing is that marinol is synthetic 100% THC only. hope that helped you in your decision making about the marijuana pill
0
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