My Father - Possible Stage Four Cancer?

[LCD Gauges]

This post belongs in the Off-Topic forum, however If possible will the Moderator(s) leave a “moved link”
so that my GTM buddies can see this? The GTM Sub-forum is pretty much the only place that I post
and I’ve met people here that I feel comfortable sharing this information with.

On that note, I’d like to offer some hope to those that are facing similar situations. Hopefully this
message is seen by many so they can become better informed or at least find an outlet to discuss
their personal experiences. I’m writing to help others cope and know that there are other methods
of care besides the typical medical procedures of chemo/radiation/surgery.

Back in October 2015 my father was rushed to the hospital via ambulance for severe pain in his lower,
right back. After X-Ray and CT Scan imaging the doctors determined that a blockage in the artery
supplying the kidney was causing his pain. The scans also showed lesions on my father’s liver, as well
as a large lump in his right lung. We were shocked at the results because he never showed symptoms
or complained about any pain.

It was our job to break the news to my father who was clueless about the devastation on our faces.
He was given nine months to live; the doctors wanted to admit him immediately to administer chemo
and radiation. This was NOT an option for us.

In my mind, the next step was already clear. My family has been following my research on naturopathic
medicines and natural healing. They have been practicing natural medicines for about three years.
Luckily my father was on board after having coached him after his heart attack. We were able to get him
100% off all drugs. He is the only 70 year old in his circle of family and friends that is totally medicine free.
This also holds true with my mother (66 years old).

Immediately I suggested that he begin a 100% organic, vegetable based diet. We purchased a juicer so
that he could liquefy and concentrate the nutrients from the greens (high anti-oxidant concentration).
The consumptions of all processed foods and oils ceased; if it can’t be grown in a garden, he wasn’t going
to eat it. A minimum of two liters of reverse osmosis water each day, mixed with plant based, colloidal
vitamins started along with pure Vitamin C intravenous once a week.

We contacted one of the best Naturopathic doctors in the United States for expert advice. After reviewing
my father’s medical records he was able to suggest (determine?) that the lump in the chest was calcified
and benign. The doctor even postulated that the lump may simply be a ‘cyst’ of sorts. It’s pretty amazing
considering three specialists who consulted with my father face-to-face could not figure this out? In any case,
we are treating this as a threatening and cancerous lump and not taking anything lightly. The naturopath
prescribed remedies consisting of balanced nutrients to strengthen my father’s immune system in order to
combat the lesions on the liver and mass in his lung.

Three times a week he is taking a ‘dead sea salt’ bath which is supposed to help remove radiation caused by
the X-Ray and CT scan machines. This is something new that I learned and apparently this technique is used
by the Army. For the past three weeks he has also been cycling Lycopodium and Carcinosin which is a
Homeopathic medicine that uses a “plussing” technique to heighten the immune system’s ability to fight foreign
cells in the body. Many of these methods are age-old recipes used by Chinese and East Indian practitioners
with excellent results.

For about 80 days his diet has gone from “normal food” to vitamins, minerals, and organic vegetables. Are we
doing enough? Only time will tell. We are waiting for an appointment to have a high definition ultra-sound
performed to observe the size of the lump. Ideally we would like to see a reduction in size, or at least no
further growth.

Almost three months have passed and I’m finally able to think clearly and put my thoughts on ‘paper’. It has
been an eye opening and emotional experience. This is the sort of diagnosis we would have expected during
his unhealthy period in life, not after proper diet and nutrition was introduced. It’s tough to sleep because
I’m constantly thinking that his final days are fast approaching, but on the other hand I’m optimistic that he
will pull through.

I can’t imagine the fear that my father must be experiencing over the last few months. To be enjoying life one
day, and then given a death sentence the following day is hardly easy to deal with. It just doesn’t seem possible
that someone so vibrant and full of energy can be experiencing such adverse conditions within. If it wasn’t for
the lower back pain, he wouldn’t even know about the lump in his chest! Sometimes I wonder if knowing is
just stressing him out more, or if this was a message to get him on track before nothing can be done?

I’ll be happy to post an image of the updated ultrasound in the new year. If anyone is interested I have an audio
Recording of the consultation. Just send me a PM to receive the link. There is some decent info to be heard.
Maybe it will help save someone from unnecessary suffering.

Stay safe and healthy. Happy New Year to all.

Clear Scan 2010 (Two years after heart attack July 2008)
scan_2010.jpg
Scan Taken October 2015 (estimated growing for two years?)
scan.jpg

[wallace18]

Our prayers are with you and your family.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

I pray that your father will benefit from your efforts. Take care.

[crash]

As I related on the "other" forum, my FIL was diagnosed recently with RCC. He has been taking a trial type medication that has shown good results so far. He is a bit weak from the chemo, but the tumors are shrinking. In his words..."If I had been this bad 5 years ago I would surely be dead. These new treatments are really working." There are reports of some in his test group that have been on the meds for longer periods being certified as "cancer free".

I'm not saying that your way is not a viable solution, but there have been some pretty positive advances in these areas in the last decade that you and your father may want to give a look at. If you want more info I can PM you some contact info for my FIL.

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks everyone. We are keeping our heads up and staying positive.

Mike, that is a generous offer. It's always good to talk with others going through similar experiences.

Out of curiosity, is the chemo drug you are referring called "Avastin"?

[ben1272]

Have faith and stay positive! But whatever is in store for you both, I'm sure he is counting his blessings to have family like you! I'll keep you both in my prayers, God bless.

[Dave Smith]

Been away from the forums for a while and saw this post. Prayers for your dad. Like many others, Denise and I know what it's like to deal with a serious life threatening illness on a daily basis. Sounds like you all are doing everything you can. May 2016 bring you good news, healing, and peace of mind! Dave

ps. hell of a job driving crash.

[Kalstar]

Thinking of you buddy! I'm only a phone call away if you need me.

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks Dave and Big J. We have such a great support network here whether it be car help, swapping parts, or being a brother from another mother!

I hope you're all having a good start to 2016. Enjoy yourselves and your families , nothing else matters more.

Moderators, please feel free to move this thread to
the appropriate forum.

[NewToy]

My thoughts are with you. I lost my father in November after a 16 year battle.

[THE ITALIAN]

I read your post, I feel for you & yours. I am dealing with an incredible life event also(for 9 years)my son.
A close friend of mine came to me (of all people) with his feeling poorly. he knew of my "natural" healing education (amateur) because of my son's illness. he wanted to know about the Charlotte's Web (Hemp oil) or POT as many say. I gave him all my study material. His wife later told me he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, two tumors, this is a death sentence-5% chance. he started the oil. he started out with a marker of 2500, in 1 1/2 months he was at 500, he then started traditional treatments, but they wanted to know "what is he doing". later another 2 months, his marker was down to 59, 6 months later 39 and no sign of the tumors. they have cancelled his surgery. he is not out of the water yet, but he should be dead according to "STATS". A natural diet can turn-on the body's healing (in some cases) My personal thoughts are, we have gone down too many roads with healthcare, and dropped the old fashioned treatments. I think the key is Mitochondrial / Immune health. We "turn-over" nearly our body weight EACH DAY in Mitochondria. I wish you & your family the best, we all have to deal with this at one time in our lives. I really can't post anything because I am under scrutiny by defense lawyers.

[The Stig]

Good morning friend.

My thoughts and prayers are certainly with you, your father, and your family. After reading your post, all I can say is that your Dad is lucky to have you in his corner. As Dave mentioned earlier, you're obviously doing everything within your ability to help. You have a great network of friends here. So you continue what you're doing, and we'll continue to keep you all in our prayers.

Mike

[LCD Gauges]

We "turn-over" nearly our body weight EACH DAY in Mitochondria. I wish you & your family the best, we all have to deal with this at one time in our lives. I really can't post anything because I am under scrutiny by defense lawyers.

Thank you for your detailed post. I am all too aware of the body's ability to heal itself naturally; we often overlook sensibility for simplicity with respect to 'popping pills' instead of giving the body what it needs.

After studying human anatomy and wholistic nutrition, the reality of how little we know about ourselves really sinks in. We’re all too eager to tune up our engines and GTM’s, but how much time to we spend learning about our bodies and how to tune them up?

I’ve been trying to relay this information to family and friends. Most are receptive, however few are truly engaged. When I ask them what “Essential Fatty Acid’s” (EFA) are and why our body requires them, the answer is often “I don’t know?”.

How about the function of major organs like the liver? The common response is, “It filters the blood”. Yes it does, but what other 99+ functions does it perform on a daily basis? Do we all know the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself? That it provides energy to other organs through glucose via a process called, “gluconeogenesis”? That means if we don’t eat enough food to perform basic functions, our liver will dump some sugar into the blood stream automatically.

Do we also know the liver produces cholesterol and that it also regulates the amount of cholesterol in our system by more than 4 times what we can possibly eat per day? Cholesterol makes up a large percentage of our organs including the brain, sex hormones, nerve sheathing (myelin), every cell membrane? Is it any wonder why certain diseases are escalating astronomically (diabetes, dementias, vascular, infertility) when we attempt to reduce cholesterol through drugs? Cholesterol is not the problem, it’s what we’re eating or breathing that’s inflaming the arteries causing the cholesterol to build up to protect the damaged artery.

To quote one of my personal favourite Naturopaths, “Our bodies grew themselves from a single celled organism into YOU, all by itself. If it’s smart enough to accomplish that feat, do you think it’s also smart enough to fix itself?”

I’m not bold enough to think that eating lettuce and taking vitamins is going to miraculously save my father. We may have caught this too late in the development to overcome the disease. We are going to try our best to improve his quality of life and let his immune system fight while he still has the strength.

Thanks for the prayers Mike, positive energy never hurts!

[crash]

Thanks everyone. We are keeping our heads up and staying positive.

Mike, that is a generous offer. It's always good to talk with others going through similar experiences.

Out of curiosity, is the chemo drug you are referring called "Avastin"?

I really know little about his treatments. I just know that his diagnosis was serious, that it is his second time around with cancer, and that what he is doing seems to be working. I don't press him for details and he has not offered too many, although early on I know that he was really open to sharing experiences with others in order to help both himself and others with the same ailments, so I am sure he would have no issues speaking with you or your father.

He and my MIL were over just yesterday for a "pizza party" where we all make our own pizzas,(about 15 of us so that's a lot of pizzas!) the guys on the BBQ and the women in the ovens, and then all share and just have a nice family time. It was great, but he needed to leave after only a few hours as he said the tiredness was kicking in again. He seems in very good spirits, and has a ton of energy for short periods, but just not a lot of stamina. For all of his family, we are just thankful that he is doing as well as he is, and cherish these times with him. Hope you can do the same.

PS- Thanks Dave. It's situations like we are discussing here that make me realize that we need to do what we enjoy while we can because we never really know when our number will be up.

[TrickyPete]

Although we do not know each other, I saw this article pop up on my FB news feed and I thought about you and your father's plight. Keep fighting, and prayers to your family.
https://nurse194666.wordpress.com/20...t-all-cancers/

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks Pete, that's very thoughtful of you. I sent him the article andwe are doing our best to cut processed carbs and refined sugars.

He did sneak some chocolate and cookies over the holiday, but I slapped his wrist!

We are waiting on a high definition ultrasound for next week to check
the size of the lump. I'm pretty nervous and I'm sure he is too.

[LCD Gauges]

About three months has passed since the hospital event and I’m relieved to say that trends are moving in a positive direction. My father
has noted a better overall condition, as well as easier effort when urinating at night (enlarged prostate).

After 10 weeks of natural treatments, we had imaging done to ensure his efforts were not in vain. The latest x-ray shows a similar mass
without much change. According to the Naturopathic doctor, this is expected as the body may have dealt with the ‘problem’ by calcifying
the lump and allowing it reside in a dormant state. It’s too soon to claim any sort of victory; this ‘thing’ could be growing at a very slow rate.

He feels so relieved after seeing the scan that he wants to reduce his supplement intake and certain treatments (intravenous Vitamin C).
I don’t feel this is a good idea at this time and urged him to continue for at least three more months before cutting back. It’s an expensive
and time consuming process, but you can’t be too careful in my opinion. There is so much else going on besides the lump in his lung, that
hitting the body with an assault of nutrition, herbs, and proper diet can only improve the scenario.

The first thing I’ve taken away from this experience is that there is time. Even after living with his condition for approximately two years,
there were no visual or biological symptoms. The medical doctors wanted to admit him the day after to begin chemo/radiation. I cannot
imagine the difference in quality of life had he chose that option, only to learn that his current routine is solving the problem without side-
effects.

Another huge lesson learned is that reaching out to other professions for a second opinion never hurts. Research and study the options,
and do what is best for your loved one. Support them with any decision that makes them feel comfortable no matter how much you
agree, or disagree.

Hopefully I’ll be able to update this thread in 6 to 12 months and tell everyone that he’s all good. According to the medical doctors,
he has about six more months to live. From what I’m seeing in his enhanced skin/complexion and chasing my two year old daughter
around the house, he has at least six more years ahead of him! I’m just happy to see him more relaxed and positive no matter how
this progresses.

Left side is Jan 2016; Right side is Oct 2015
compare_chest.jpg

[The Stig]

Excellent news! Thank you for sharing this.

Mike

[Greg Hoy]

Great news! Thoughts and prayers.

Greg Hoy
Factory Five Racing

[stevenburgess]

Our Prayers are with you, My wife has gone through Breast and Bladder cancer over the past two years. Keep him active and occupied and the mind working. If we can do anything for you message me and I will do what I can.

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks guys! Positive vibes are all around and if anyone wants to get some info about my father's condition and treatments, I'm just a PM/Phone call away.

[danond]

Been away from the forums for a while and saw this post. Prayers for your dad. Like many others, Denise and I know what it's like to deal with a serious life threatening illness on a daily basis. Sounds like you all are doing everything you can. May 2016 bring you good news, healing, and peace of mind! Dave

ps. hell of a job driving crash.

Hey Dave as odd as this sounds, you may not have any clue as to how much it means to see the president of a company that I'm thinking of spending $25K with post a heartfelt message like that. You're a busy guy, I'm sure. Seeing you take time to care about people like this is what sets FF apart for me. Your team may build kick-*** kit cars and deliver on its quality promises but this is what sets you apart. I'd love to shake your hand some day brother, you're doing it right.

To the OP - my Dad was diagnosed in 2011 with 3 months to live - stage 4 lung cancer. He went beast mode and lived another 3+ years and I am so glad we had that time together. Took long road trips, bought a lake cabin together, went boating, worked on projects just about every week, grabbed lunch and coffee 10 times more than we ever had and I called every day after work just to give him an update, and I'm 40 years old! What an idiot I was to think that getting older meant our relationship had changed.

Having teenagers now myself I look back on those calls and time together with my Dad and I know how much it meant to him even though he wasn't much of an outwardly touchy-feely guy. I see my own teenage boys getting ready to leave the nest and it's pretty clear they won't realize what we mean to each other until they get a little older. I'm going to work hard to make sure they do know, so a "shot across the bow" life event doesn't have to happen for us to stay connected like it did with me and my Dad.

I'll be thinking about your family, buddy. Cancer is a *****.

[LCD Gauges]

I dreamt of updating this thread many times with encouraging news – having my father recover from this terrible
disease, or at least prolong his quality of life considerably. It has been a difficult 2016 thus far and the worst came
on August 8^th when we laid my father to rest.

He fought a terrible battle with most of the symptoms undetected until it was too late. Back in October 2015
doctors found a tumor in his chest that they determined was stage 4 due to the size and possible spread to the liver.
Little did we know that more was happening throughout his body .

About mid-February 2016 he was showing abnormal signs and having issues with balance/Vertigo. My father was
complaining about severe headaches, as well as experiencing vomiting. We thought it was a side effect from the IV
treatment which the doctor warned us about. I knew deep down something wasn't right because he spoke to me
in Italian for the first time in decades. I didn't say anything to him, I just pretended like it didn't happen to avoid any
concern on his part.

Our worst fears were confirmed as a CT scan revealed four tumours around his brain ranging from 2 cm to 4.5 cm. The
largest tumour was growing at the base of his brain near the cerebellum which explained the decline in his motor skills.

Up until the beginning of June, many people couldn’t believe that he was dealing with lung and brain cancer for over two
years. Then I would explain that he chose the natural method of treatment. There were a few times of hope throughout
his journey when it appeared he was overcoming the tumors. His appetite would return for several days; colour of his
skin looked normal; the headaches subsided. Sadly, things went downhill rapidly.

He lost the ability to walk on his own; his meals became infrequent and minimal (barely a handful of food at times);
headaches persisted to a point where he couldn’t leave home to get treatment. His memory deteriorated; attitude
and mood changes; vision became impaired. Several regions of his brain were shutting down – all in a matter of 60 days.
We watched him wither away while he fought for his life.

My dad was never a very emotional person throughout his life. I can't recall seeing him cry in my lifetime, so it was very
touching to watch tears roll down his face when we all came to his side. He tried to say something, but nothing came out.
By this time he was non-verbal and immobile. I watched him take his last breath as he struggled to stay with us.

I’m not sure which was more difficult: watching my father fade away, or seeing my mother break down. I'm usually more
of an emotional mess. It will probably sink in after a few days with time to process everything. The last two months were
difficult watching him decline from a somewhat healthy and vibrant soul to a motionless, sedated body. This is a disgusting
disease and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It’s a cruel world and nothing seems fair right now. Granted, my father was
not the healthiest during his youth and middle-age, but he was on a massive health kick for the last six years which makes this
even more difficult to accept.

I really wish we would have caught this sooner and dealt with it accordingly. Looking back, there were moments when
my dad passed off certain symptoms as random, and non-significant. He was never one to complain, or open up about
his health issues. He would always leave things to the last minute when it came to getting checked out by a doctor. It was
like he didn’t want to worry anyone, or burden us.

I’m going to miss my father; at 68 years young it certainly was not his time to go. I did my best to help him through this with
the best quality of life. It's still very surreal how this all happened so quickly. I'm happy that he is no longer suffering and that
our entire family was by his side for his final moments.

With this, I close this chapter of my life and begin the healing process. For anyone else with family or friends dealing with
cancer, I do know what you’re going through. Feel free to write me if you need to get things off of your mind.

[wallace18]

Our prayers are for you and your family. My beliefs are that he is in heaven and in a much better place and feeling great.

[Fraser D]

Tino,

So very sorry to hear that your Dad has passed.
I really appreciate you sharing this journey even though it did not end as hoped.
Praying for you brother.

Dave

[RogerB]

Sorry to hear of your Dads passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Roger

[rev2xs]

Very bad news Tino. My condolences man. I was genuinely hoping for the best for you.

Its a very sobering story you have told too, really puts things into perspective as to how short and abrupt life be and end. You only get one shot at it people, so long as you dont hurt anybody in the process, do what you want to do in life. No matter how small the goal, or how large, reach for it.

[Presto51]

Tino,

Our hearts go out to you and your family, we know how much your father meant to you.

Like Dave said we appreciate you sharing and we're here for you, and think of you often.

Ron and Nancy

[fastthings]

I try to ignore this part of life, but it's real.
I feel for you man, and I'm so sorry for your mom.
She needs you, take care.

[Dragonfire]

My father and mother died of cancer. I only remember the good things in our life together. I am 72 years old now and still remember and think of them every day. Be strong in your faith and God bless.

[The Stig]

Hi Tino,

There really isn't much more to say that hasn't already been said. I truly am sorry to hear this news.

Thank you for letting us know. Although we aren't immediate family, we are family in a different sense. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with you and your family to get through this tough time.

We're here for you if needed.

Mike

[crash]

My condolences.

As you may recall, my FIL is fighting much the same. Lung, liver, kidney, and pancreatic. He has been on experimental chemo which makes him very ill for a couple of weeks, and then he gets to enjoy about a week of "normalcy".

So far the tumors have stopped enlarging, but the toll the chemo is taking on him is pretty devastating. The only reason I really bring this up is that, after seeing the pain my FIL is in, I am left wondering if maybe a fast demise is not a better thing.

Yes this summer spent with the grandkids was a wonderful thing for both him and the G-kids, but he is paying an awful price.

[Greg Hoy]

Sorry for your loss, Godspeed to you and your family.

Greg

[kabacj]

Tino

I'm very sorry to hear the news.

You and your family are in our prayers.

John

[LCD Gauges]

I am so thankful for everyone here that took the time to brighten my day and share their stories.

I've seen many co-workers, family, and friends go through what I have just experienced, but you can't fathom the devastation until it happens close to home.

A little tribute to my dad who was so full of life just a few months ago.

February 2016, 68th Birthday.
dad_feb.jpg
May 2016, Hanging with my daughter.
dad_may.jpg
This did not look and act like a man with only a few months left to live.

For those that are interested, there are some nutrition tips that I can send via email that will help your family strengthen their immune system and also help
those going through treatment.

Mike, I'm thinking about your brother-in-law. Message me if you want to talk.

[Courtnie Provencher]

Prayers to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

[Taz Rules]

Sent PM. Sorry for being so late.