Stem Cell and other Nontraditional Options

cheatinlil

My Husband is being treated at MD Anderson and it is the best (or one of the best) cancer treatment centers in our nation.  Right now his tumors are stable and the onc calls that successful treatment.  I feel like I trust MD Anderson.  If there comes a time that they say "there is nothing more we can do for you" maybe then I wll seek out other treatment.  However, I get frustrated and confused when people tell me "try this".  The recent one is stem cell treatment.  I really don't know much about it and I don't want to turn a blind eye.  I do know someone personally that has MS, has done Stem Cell treatment for 3 years and still has MS.  So I am not sure how successful it is. 

Here are other "try this" well meaning people have shared:

diet can cure cancer - here is a book

Acupuncture can cure cancer

This homemade green juice can cure cancer.

Anyway, I usually just thank people and go on my way.  Do any of you know about Stem Cell Treatment in paticular?  I did a search and found a post in 2004 but no follow up. 

Jojo61

Hi Cheatinlil....i don't know

Hi Cheatinlil....i don't know much about Stem Cell treatment, but a friend of mine just posted that he just paid $3900 to have it done for his hip! After a few days, he feels some relief. Too soon to tell, I am sure, but he is optimistic. He is on a wait list for a hip replacement, is a very active guy and wanted to give this a try. I know this is not for the same type of treatment you are asking for, but just thought I would put it out there!

Jojo

cheatinlil

Thanks for your response JoJo

Thanks for your response JoJo.  We are going to a free seminar to learn more about it.  Our care at MD Anderson is free because we reached our out of pocket maximum.  There is no way we will pay for it if insurance doesn't cover it.  We figure it could'nt hurt to listen. I don't think I will get drawn into it if it is just a super hype session.  I am a little worried my husband will be given false hope but we just don't want to turn a blind eye.  

ToyTrainman

Lookin' for feedback

Lookin for feedback after you attend the seminar. Currently on Votrient, started it last September, but had to reduce dosage to half of original due to SE's. Lost 70#'s in 5 months, but the lower dosage does not appear to be as effective in containing the metastatic RCC. Last CT earlier this month showed some small growth of tumors, scheduled for another CT in August to check for more growth or to see if the June change was just an anomaly.

cheatinlil

ToyTrainman said:

Lookin' for feedback

Lookin for feedback after you attend the seminar. Currently on Votrient, started it last September, but had to reduce dosage to half of original due to SE's. Lost 70#'s in 5 months, but the lower dosage does not appear to be as effective in containing the metastatic RCC. Last CT earlier this month showed some small growth of tumors, scheduled for another CT in August to check for more growth or to see if the June change was just an anomaly.

Hi toytrainman 

Hi toytrainman 

 The seminar was interesting. They didn't make false promises. Which I appreciate. They did make it sound like they could extend the life expectancy and improve Daily quality of life. The testimonials all say if you can afford it it's worth a try. Insurance does not cover it. It's not a cure all. I guess there's no guarantees in life but if it extends his life even a year, It would be worth it.  But there is no way to measure that. The cost sounds like it will be about what Jojo describes above.

It sounds like it treats people who are in pain and gives them some relief. It also looked promising for his rheumatoid arthritis to help him straighten his fingers. My husband gets frustrated because he can't use his hands like he used to be able to. Completely different problem than cancer. They dont make false promises to cure cancer. I guess I'm more Leary when people act like they have a cure.

I guess I feel like if we can afford it it's better to try it then to have regrets of never having tried it.We go for our 1 on 1 consultation in a week. I will keep you posted. 

 

cheatinlil

Well we had my husband's

Well we had my husband's consultation and there is nothing they can do for him. It is disheartening to be skeptical and then go to a seminar and have renewed hope and then hear those words again. Although I appreciate their honesty and not wasting our money and our time.d they said if he was in remission they could treat his rheumatoid arthritis. But with active cancer they can't do anything.