rain
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FYI platelets kept going up despite no papaya extract. Oncologist thinks is due to chemotherapy….. hence possibily just a strange co-incidence…
One last piece of friendly advice. If possible suggest you ask for genetic testing for chemo-sensitivity so that you have more information possibile. i believe MDA do it via a company called Foundatione One
Hi Carl,
I also find it unacceptable how your wife has been treated. If this continues (can’t believe they couldn’t even make a phone call till the Monday!) I would suggest changing doctors. Having someone whom has the same plan as you is important in the fight of this disease, for peace of mind as well
All the best
I am sorry to hear about your husband however you have definitely come to the right place. I spend a lot of time looking through various posts to see what has worked for some and what others are trying.
From other people being treated at MDA I believe you have definitely gone to the right place to seek advice.
I have read your posts and website and am just inspired by your faith and courage. Your have a beautiful family and I wish all the best for you.
Not being an oncologist I can’t give advice however am happy to pass on what we are trying with my father whom has stage IV metastatic CC.
He is currently on chemotherapy (in the middle of second cycle so very early days). He is doing a trial with GEM/CIS and panitumumab (the drug being tested in the trial).
On top of this I also give him vitamin D twice daily ( tested his vitamin D levels and they were low likely due to malabsorption after his whipples operation). From an alternative / natural medicine side I also juice a bitter melon daily (tastes terrible however do a search on this site for this Asian fruit and you will see why I thought we might as well try it)
Other than that we do not routinely try alternative meds or herbs and everyone is right in that you should check with oncologist first. Many oncologists seem not to like high dose anti-oxidants with chemotherapy as it may make chemotherapy less effective hence I am wary of these.
This morning at church I prayed for your family so just know that even someone in Australia praying for your family
Dear Tyler,
I am sorry to hear about your sister in law however you have definitely come to the right place. I spend a lot of time looking through various posts to see what has worked for some and what others are trying.
Not being an oncologist I can’t give advice however am happy to pass on what we are trying with my father whom also has stage IV metastatic CC.
He is currently on chemotherapy (in the middle of second cycle so very early days). He is doing a trial with GEM/CIS and panitumumab (the drug being tested in the trial).
On top of this I also give him vitamin D twice daily ( tested his vitamin D levels and they were low likely due to malabsorption after his whipples operation). From an alternative / natural medicine side I also juice a bitter melon daily (tastes terrible however do a search on this site for this Asian fruit and you will see why I thought we might as well try it)
Other than that we do not routinely try alternative meds or herbs and everyone is right in that you should check with oncologist first. Many oncologists seem not to like high dose anti-oxidants with chemotherapy as it may make chemotherapy less effective hence I am wary of these.
I also agree that the patient needs to eat healthy and would not suggest drastic diets as it is important they keep their weight up to be able to tolerate the chemotherapy.
I wish you SIL all the best of luck
Wow Tiffany that is such great news. I have been praying for you and your young family. You are blessed to have Doctors that seem to be doing everything possible for you.
All my thoughtsYes true Percy. To be honest the scientist in me finds it hard to believe that only 4 days of “treatment” given during his week off could have caused this. I am however not giving it at moment as wish to see his cycle 2 day 8 platelet count (and because of the idea that anti- oxidants may make chemo less effective).
If it goes really low may try a 3 day course during the week off chemotherapy.CrownSunshine,
Just know that the Whipple’s surgery does take some time to recover however can assure you that in a few weeks time you will be surprised by the recovery he makes!!
My suggestion from past experience regarding your fear of relapse; look at the tumour margins and also how many lymph nodes they took out (my dad had only 9 out and I read so many stories here where they had 20 nodes out. I wonder if the surgeon took enough out).
Also ask many opinions regarding pros/cons re preventaive/adjuvant chemotherpay. I had asked two oncologists whom said it was not required as he had negative lymph nodes and also good margins (unfortunately I did not know of this board at the time- i wish I did) and am wondering if we should of done some chemptherapy like many people in the US seem to
all the very best of luck for your father
Rain
Wished to finish this post with the “results” of my trial.
Bascially Dad’s platelets for years have hovered around 140-160. No stress if you are not on chemotherapy, however with the first cycle of chemotherapy it dropped it to 85.
I tried 4 days of papaya extract (only did 4 days as it is also an anti-oxidant didnt wish it close to chemotherpay days)
Today at start of his second cycle the platlet count was 337!!
Of course this seems crazy however I cant explain such a good increase. Other than this he has been taking wheat grass juice:)
Hope this is useful for others
I wish your wife the best of Carl!
Agree with all that once you have a plan in place it feels like you are taking control of the situation.
If I can help in anyway am happy to do so
