A dear friend of mine has been diagnosed with a large, inoperable brain tumor in his cerebellum. It has already started affecting his motor functions (balance).
Do any of you know of any similar forum to what we have here that specializes in brain tumors or brain cancer.
I have received such unbelievable support from OCF that I'm sure hoping something exists that can help him and his family similarly.
thank you all
Tony G
Tony,
So sorry to hear about your friend.
Try ACS forums
http://csn.cancer.org/
A little update on friend:
They went to MD Anderson for diagnosis, found 3 primaries in his brain. He's too weak for simultaneous chemo and rads, so it's rads only, chemo later depending on how he tolerates.
He's pretty devastated besides being very weak and having loss of motor control. All he wants to do is sleep, which I expect is just an escape. His wife is similarly devastated. She's trying to show strength, but it's taking it's toll, especially since she lost both her parents in last 5 years.
Fortunately he has a veterinarian brother who has taken on role of advocate. He's the one researching everything and educating the whole family as no one else is in the right frame of mind to do so. He goes with him to all appointments and treatments.
The patient is my son's father-in-law. Needless to say, with me having OC at same time, both son and daughter in law are pretty worried about their dads. It's made my son take a much more active role in keeping up with my treatment and how I'm doing.
Thank you guys for being the wonderful OCF support group that you are. I would be lost without you.
Tony
Sorry for your friend. Try The Brain Tumor Foundation, and National Brain Tumor Society. They have links to on-line groups.
Okay I know this sounds all hocus pocus.
a super healthy diet - including flax. Ground fresh flax added to smoothies and foods. Seriously I know it really does sound hocus pocus, but I am one of the advocates of a healthy diet, because it can't hurt and may help. Under no circumstances take this to mean that this is a replacement for actual conventional treatment. A good diet, combined with certain foods will actually help build his immune system for what he is about to tackle, and help support his normal body functions. When I was looking at ways to help post treatment someone sent me a link to something that talked about a healthy, alkaline diet, fresh flax, minimal sugars, and freshly prepared foods (no toxic chemical stew foods (processed) etc... they had a lot of success with adjusting a person's diet, to help the body fight cancer.
Again - conventional treatment is primary. But with the support of a good dietician, a holistic approach to treating this may help. (and frankly MD anderson is the best place to be as they do offer this holistic approach)
And to the people reading this shaking their heads - this is NOT an alternative therapy. A healthy diet is one of the building blocks of life. I'm simply suggesting he adjust his diet to a lot of leafy greens, fresh veggies, high protein grains and seeds, less sugar, and less/no processed foods/chemicals. High protein will help with healing. Do talk to the radiation specialist as they will have a list of foods/vitamins that are counterproductive when going through radiation.
Finally, wanting to sleep/decreased consciousness, may have a lot to do with the location of the tumors.
Multiple brain tumors to me sounds like mets. Is he a lung cancer patient possibly? And maybe doesn't know it?
best of luck with your son's father in law. hugs
My friend passed on Tuesday. Though I don't know the details yet (have to talk to son first) I'm suspecting he may have given up the will to fight.
When I know more, I'll report.
Tony
So, so sorry to hear that Tony.
Tony, I'm so sorry to hear your news. So sad for his family.
So sorry to hear this news about your son's father-in-law. It sounds like you have a wonderful family. I hope that the closeness you all share will help you to get through the difficult days ahead.
So sorry to hear about your friend, Tony.
Best wishes to you and your family
Cheryl
I'm so sorry... my thoughts and prayers are with you and his family at this time. BIG HUGS!
Im so sorry to hear your friend passed away. May he rest in peace.