Non-Traditional/Alternative Medicine

[OilersBaby]

So as most of you know, my dad is suffering from small cell lung cancer. He and my mom and brother (OILFAN#81) live in Calgary.

He can't eat right now, is in some pain, constantly coughs and hasn't been able to talk since January. He has malignant fluid in his lungs which makes it really hard to breathe. He's gone through chemo/radiation treatments but obviously something isn't working as the above mentioned things are still there.

My sister and I were talking (she lives in Chicago) and there are some people we've come across who have said that a loved one was suffering from cancer until they tried some form of alternative medicine.

Has anyone tried Eastern Medicine's before..or anything thats not your typical cancer treatments here in North America? Does anyone have any contacts in Calgary that could help or anything like that?

I feel helpless as I live far away, but I figure it can't hurt to ask CP since you guys always have answers.

Thanks!

[Thor]

The first that comes to mind might help with his eating/pain would be Cannabis, since his throat hurts a lot, mixing it into brownies or something not requiring smoking would seem a good idea. But if he's unable to even eat, getting the TLC into his system sounds like a real challenge.

Now I know thats not a great solution, there are people who have suffered through cancer and have had great relief from that, there are studies to support it so thats not really alternative medicine.

As for eastern medicine, be weary, anything claiming to help cure cancer or help make it better from alternative medicine has no scientific backing. I remember when my mother was suffering from cancer my sisters were also looking into anything hoping to help ease her pain.

My sympathies to your family and your dad dude, the helplessness you feel is so hard to handle and I hope there are better suggestions than mine somewhere to be found.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

So as most of you know, my dad is suffering from small cell lung cancer. He and my mom and brother (OILFAN#81) live in Calgary.

He can't eat right now, is in some pain, constantly coughs and hasn't been able to talk since January. He has malignant fluid in his lungs which makes it really hard to breathe. He's gone through chemo/radiation treatments but obviously something isn't working as the above mentioned things are still there.

My sister and I were talking (she lives in Chicago) and there are some people we've come across who have said that a loved one was suffering from cancer until they tried some form of alternative medicine.

Has anyone tried Eastern Medicine's before..or anything thats not your typical cancer treatments here in North America? Does anyone have any contacts in Calgary that could help or anything like that?

I feel helpless as I live far away, but I figure it can't hurt to ask CP since you guys always have answers.

Thanks!

Your dad and my aunt pretty much have the same symptoms, and it sounds like the same form of cancer. We researched alternative medicines, and didn't find anything that didn't sound hinky. We tried the TLC/cannibis solution and it didn't really work out that well, it didn't change much.

So we're stuck with traditional medicines, however the difference now with my aunt is making her more comfortable as she's beyond any type of cure or hope for a cure.

Good luck with your dad.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Your dad and my aunt pretty much have the same symptoms, and it sounds like the same form of cancer. We researched alternative medicines, and didn't find anything that didn't sound hinky. We tried the TLC/cannibis solution and it didn't really work out that well, it didn't change much.

So we're stuck with traditional medicines, however the difference now with my aunt is making her more comfortable as she's beyond any type of cure or hope for a cure.

Good luck with your dad.

What kind of cancer does your aunt have? That's too bad the cannibis/TLC solution didnt work....a lot of people say while it wont cure your cancer, it will help manage your symptoms.

[prarieboy]

I know this doesn't answer your question about alternative medicines but when my Dad had lung cancer he was given morphine to control pain and it is also an excellent cough suppressant. Ask his doctor.

Please accept my heatfelt condolances at this difficult time.

[OilersBaby]

Yeah I think he tried a little bit of morphine and it helped the pain a little but he didnt want more because the side effects really bothered him, and then he took more medicine for those side effects which caused more side effects...its tough. Cancer patients are such troopers for enduring all of this. I think I wouldve died after all the chemo/radiation...some people are so strong and brave...

[CGYTransplant]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

What kind of cancer does your aunt have? That's too bad the cannibis/TLC solution didnt work....a lot of people say while it wont cure your cancer, it will help manage your symptoms.

It's T*H*C. TLC is either a cable channel or Tender Loving Care....

That aside, my condolences to the OP and his family.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

What kind of cancer does your aunt have? That's too bad the cannibis/TLC solution didnt work....a lot of people say while it wont cure your cancer, it will help manage your symptoms.

It started as small cell lung cancer, but her cancer has now spread through her lymphatic system, and they've detected cancer in her liver.

Basically she also has trouble with eating and swallowing as its effected her throat.

I know that THC is more of a symptoms suppressant then a cure. We're beyond the cure now, and its more in line with making her comfortable for the rest of her time. They've topped her up with Morphine, but the unfortunate effect with Morphine is maddeningly itchy skin, so they have to give her drugs to combat that. They're also treating her for secondary infection possibilities as Cancer patients immune systems just get the crap kicked out of them, and they tend to develop pnemonia fairly easily.

[Rathji]

My advice for the Medicinal Marijuana is that it only deals with pain. My dad died of cancer almost 5 years ago and I remember him considering it. His thoughts were basicly this:

" If it doesn't cure it, I don't give a fata. I am putting you guys through so much pain cuz I smoked for 40 years that I think I owe it to you guys to do whatever it takes to fight it and win. I would rather deal with the pain and have just an extra chance to live because my body was stronger and not dealing with toxins. "

My Aunt had some form of cancer, I don't recall which off the top of my head, but she drank this juice that sent the cancer into remission after being told there was nothing the doctors could do since the cancer was so advanced. That was like 10 years ago and afaik there has been nothing since. I will call my mom and see if she remembers the details and I will post them here. My dad tried it but it was stage 4 and in multiple organs and his spine before it was caught, so he didn't stand much of a chance either way.