Cancer sucks

**Latindancer** · 07-09-2016, 06:00 PM

In the beginning of the article it says it specifically treats a type of leukaemia, but that there are others in that generation.

If I were you, I'd contact those guys and ask if there are others similar which will.

**crackerjack101** · 07-09-2016, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by Latindancer

If I were you, I'd contact those guys and ask if there are others similar which will.

I shall ask my Doc. when I'm back in Darwin at the end of the month.
He's a good bloke and I respect his opinion.

**Latindancer** · 07-09-2016, 06:16 PM

I'd be asking the researchers themselves.... ASAP.

**crackerjack101** · 07-09-2016, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by Latindancer

I'd be asking the researchers themselves.... ASAP.

No rush.

**taxexile** · 08-09-2016, 12:32 AM

here is article about a treatment regime for multiple myeloma.

CAR T Cell Immunotherapy Eradicates Disease in One Patient With Multiple Myeloma

and another one.

FDA Approves New Immunotherapy Treatment for Multiple Myeloma
By Admin at 7 Jan 2016, 12:49 PM

Multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, is relatively rare in the United States; fewer than 27,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2015. However, multiple myeloma remains one of the most challenging forms of cancer to treat.

At this time, myeloma is rarely curable. Typical treatments, which may involve chemotherapy, radiation and other medications, may cause the cancer to go into remission for a period of time, but it virtually always comes back again.

As a result, “most patients never really finish treatment,” according to the American Cancer Society. New and more effective treatments are urgently needed for this disease, making the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval of Darzalex (daratumumab) all the more important.

In November 2015, the FDA granted accelerated approval for Darzalex, which is a first-in-class immunotherapy treatment (a monoclonal antibody), which works by helping your immune-system cells attack cancer cells.

Darzalex is approved for patients who have received at least three prior treatments for multiple myeloma, meaning the disease has become resistant to the other treatments or has progressed within a short period of time after the last treatment.

Darzalex clinical trial investigator Paul G. Richardson, M.D., Clinical Program Leader and Director of Clinical Research, Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said:

“Multiple myeloma is a highly complex disease and remains incurable, with almost all patients relapsing or becoming resistant to therapy … With DARZALEX, we have a promising new immunotherapy, which has shown pronounced efficacy as a single agent with an acceptable adverse event profile.

This is especially important for treating these heavily pre-treated patients in whom all of the major classes of currently available medicines have failed.”

The FDA accelerated approval was based on two open-label studies:

In a study of 106 patients receiving Darzalex, 29 percent experienced complete or partial reduction in their tumor burden, lasting an average of 7.4 months.
In a study of 42 patients receiving Darzalex, 36 percent had complete or partial reduction in their tumor burden.

Darzalex is given as an infusion; potential side effects included the following:

Infusion-related reactions (experienced by half of patients)
Fatigue
Back pain
Fever and nausea
Cough
Low white blood cell count
Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
If you or a loved one has multiple myeloma that has become resistant to other therapies, consider talking with your oncologist about whether or not Darzalex may be an appropriate option for you.

Sources:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration November 16, 2015
Johnson & Johnson November 16, 2015
American Cancer Society, Multiple Myeloma

**prawnograph** · 19-11-2016, 12:34 AM

Not a cure, but early diagnosis

New blood test capable of diagnosing melanoma within hours
November 18, 2016 12:30pm

A REVOLUTIONARY new blood test capable of diagnosing melanoma within hours and greatly boosting patients’ chances of overcoming the disease is being rolled out in Victoria.

The Australian-first “liquid biopsy” can cut several weeks off the time taken detect the killer cancer so patients can begin treatment immediately.

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute will this morning be announced as the first accredited laboratory in the country to administer the lifesaving test, which is being hailed as a major step in rolling out the routine use of liquid biopsies for cancer care in Victoria.

The blood test has already proved critical in the survival of Natasha Stork, 34, who was found to have tumours all through her body just six weeks after suffering pains following the birth of her child Marley. Oncologists at the ONJ Centre needed to identify the type of cancer so they could begin trying to save Natasha’s life, so trialled the blood test and were able to identify it as melanoma in just six hours. A traditional surgical biopsy, which may have taken two to three weeks before gaining the same answer, however the faster diagnosis meant Natasha was already weeks into a treatment to stop the cancer cells spreading.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy diagnosing melanoma sooner and give patients the best chance of survival.

“We’re putting cancer patients first and investing in world leading cancer research and future technologies that have the power to save lives,” she said.

“It will mean patients can get diagnosed and treated sooner, without having to endure long and anxious waits and invasive and painful surgery.”

As well as allowing patients to be treated sooner, the blood test is also capable of detecting when a treatment will stop working, allowing doctors to change medication before the patient’s condition worsens.

**Latindancer** · 19-11-2016, 10:12 AM

That's a fantastic advance. Surgical biopsies are said by some to actually help spread the cancer via cancer stem cells, and this frees people of that necessity.

**S Landreth** · 09-06-2017, 10:34 AM

While looking at the Miami Herald,…..

A Cuban vaccine might some day turn lung cancer into a chronic disease

The first patients in a clinical trial at Roswell Park Cancer Institute have begun receiving monthly doses of CIMAvax-EGF, a Cuban lung cancer vaccine that U.S. researchers say shows promise in preventing the recurrence of lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

The Roswell trial, which was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last fall, is the first time that a Cuban-made therapy has been tested on U.S. patients. CIMAvax has already undergone extensive clinical trials in Cuba and around the world and is an approved therapy for treatment of lung cancer not only on the island but also in Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The unique partnership between Roswell Park researchers and Havana’s Center of Molecular Immunology began in 2011, well before the Obama administration’s rapprochement with Cuba, and had its genesis in a cold call from Gisela González, a Cuban researcher who was visiting her family in Pittsburgh.

She offered to give a talk about the Havana center’s work to researchers at Roswell, an internationally recognized cancer treatment and research center. “It really came out of the blue, and we, like many others, thought Cuba was stuck back in the ‘I Love Lucy’ days and their technology was probably on par with their 1950s cars,” recalled Dr. Kelvin Lee, chairman of Roswell’s Department of Immunology.

“She comes up and gives this really great talk,” said Lee, who previously worked at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I recognized something really exciting, but I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of it until several months later.”

González invited Roswell researchers to an international immunology convention in Havana. Lee said he came away impressed. “We saw this remarkable amount of innovative scientists and remarkable research they were doing,” he said.

Snip

While in Cuba recently, Lee met a female lung cancer survivor who had been on the vaccine for 12 years.

“Lung cancer doesn’t get the attention it deserves,” Dy said. “The No. 1 cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States is lung cancer. Actual deaths from lung cancer are more than prostate, breast and colon cancers combined.”

Snip

“The really exciting thing about CIMAvax is the possibility that it might be used to prevent lung cancer,” said Lee. The Havana center also has a portfolio of other interesting biologics, he said, and “there are about seven we are working on to see if we can move them into clinical trials.”

Much more in the link above

**patsycat** · 09-06-2017, 08:58 PM

I just had my first 4 hours of sitting there with a drip in that thing which is like a third nipple of the drugs yesterday. So far, so good. I don't feel as tired and nauseous as the chemo did.

But was told, it is a drug not a poison. So, supposedly, no aftereffects which i was nervous about. Ate me lunch, drank lots of water and coffee. And sent home.

Go back for bloods next week, and then the week after is another 4 hour session. And this will go on for 5, FIVE years. Not every week, that for about six and then every month etc. I gotta, need to and WANT to live. I do, here, have the Euthinasia way out. I signed the papers, but it is not the way to go. And, in any case, you have to be really in pain or really handicapped to do so.

CC, you asked what drugs they might be - ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumad. Supposedly, they are immo drugs that attack the cells that are there. Not curing, never curing, but making your life longer and better. I've got to carry little credit card sized thingys in my bag if ever i have to be hospitalised to show them i am taking those drugs, also another one that shows that i have the thing in my chest. Oh, the joys!! The wallet has to get bigger - but not with cash...

Or it could be a placebo - blind test. Who knows, gotta juggle a bit with life. As this Swiss Hospital is doing.

My Consultant even said the other day, i shall be monitered and checked and scanned etc. every few weeks, on their ticket.. Only six people were accepted in CH for this. I'm glad i did it. Was a bit iffy, before.

Those drugs have already been accepted as OK in the States, so i guess this liddle country is the last on the list.

Since i got home from hospital 2 months and a half months ago, i have gone from 38 kilos to 41!!! My goal is back to normal - 52. And my hair is growing...

And i went to the shops the other day, all by myself and did a little dance when i got home. No more out of breath, no more heart palpitations, etc.

But i still know that fucker is still inside me, and i can't do anything about it. My mother, RIP, had it in her mind it was like a cold and would go away.

Still smoking and drinking. I gave up Googling Cancer months ago. Too depressing, not knowing the whole shebang. I do now. I'm a fighter. Especially when my life comes into it. And so morose those people, cry me a fucking river... Stop drinking, smoking, eating certain foods, milk, cheese, and chocolate... Smother me...

Everybody, who i have told, are so supportive. It's overwhelming. Even here!! The ones i didn't tell are the ones who would probably accuse me of fucking up my whole life with booze and cigs!! Don't mention the X and coke my body endured. Nothing to do with cancer. I never wish anything on anybody that is this bad - but those ones should be drowned at birth. Ignoramusises.

Sorry for the long post. Sometimes you need to get it of your boney chest!!

Good luck to everyone. xx My Aunty lived for another 25 years after her first diagnosis. And that was way back when. Did the wig thing, too itchy and hot. Me, i have very sexy hats!! I had hair down to my elbows, gorgeous auburn hair. It shall be back...

Sorry, I kept adding to this post every time i reread it.

Over and out, and hugs. You guys probably know more than me, i am just a six month old novice.

**patsycat** · 10-06-2017, 05:18 AM

Don't worry. I know i shouldn't smoke or drink.

But, what other pleasures do i have in life at the moment? I am so skinny and horrible looking i wear jeans all the time that look like i borrowed from the fat sister we kept in the basement that nobody knows about - when i have all those fucking Summer dresses in my closet. And flowery stuff. Bright colours, happy clothes.

I just hate this downward crap in self esteem, they don't tell you about that in the hospital. They don't look at you as the person who is dependant on them. i am just another fucking number.

Sorry, that was harsh. They are good people, the best. I want everything to be like it was before. And, sadly, it never will be.

Shite Shite and Shite again. I'll be fine tomorrow, needed a wee rant. They have offered me to see a psychologist- i refused then. Perhaps i can change my mind. Just to blow up at someone, why me?

When you keep it all inside you, you need to "punch a wall" sometimes.

Joking - I can't even say "i wanna curl up and die" without someone getting concerned about my wellbeing....!!!

**NZdick1983** · 10-06-2017, 06:04 AM

^ Patsy, have you considered trying Lypo-Spheric Vitamin-C and/or Glutathione?

You don't need to have infusions, you can buy (or make your own) Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C.

Vitamin C kills tumor cells with hard-to-treat mutation | Science | AAAS

Doctors treating Auckland farmer Alan Smith had decided it was time to turn his life support machine off, until a timely intervention by his family and Vitamin C, saved his life.

**katie23** · 10-06-2017, 08:33 AM

Hugs to you, Patsy. Stay strong & keep your chin up.

I've 2 colleagues whose sisters have cancer. Both breast cancer. One is stage 4 - the whole chest area is blackened already. She's a single mom & didn't tell her siblings untilthe cancer has spread already. My guess is she didn't get early trmt bcos she didn'twant to spend $$ on herself as her kids were still in school. Now, they're trying to make her comfortable, as they know that the inevitable will happen.

Another, the sis of a male colleague, is in her mid 30s. Also a single mom. I think they were able to diagnose it early. She's in & out of hospital nowadays. Her younger bro (my colleague), is the one taking care of her & the expenses.

Cancer sucks...

**patsycat** · 12-06-2017, 01:17 AM

Katie, it certainly does suck and sucks even more than the first suck!!

I met a friend of mine today for a drink, and he said to me that he and his wife are so proud of me and my up-ness. This crap is not going to take my life, I may hate my physical person - bald and skinny - but my morale is there. Even when i felt down or feel down. Don't worry - i have cried numerous rivers!! Getting on You Tube at 3 in the morning etc. And the songs that are first on the list are the ones you listened to a month ago!! And you cry and cry and feel a bit sorry for yourself - but then you pick yourself up and get on with it. It's good to have a good cry.

I think it is up to the other women i met in hospital, some of them have been going through this for years. And the positive vibes or energy they gave me pushed me to fight. You meet people that you would never meet "in real life", but you have a bond. Sadly, it's cancer.

Also the fact that i am in Switzerland and well insured helps. And this new treatment is paid for by the hospital. I'm lucky to be in a good place, they will look after me. The scans alone would take all my money for just one.

As you know, my mum died recently, and that made me want to just give up. But i think she left that legacy that no one gives up in our family. You fight and fight and fight - in my case it is to see next summer or the summer after. Or see my 2 year old great niece get married. That sort of thing!!

I am in the bestest hands in the World - what the hell could go wrong!! And i've put on three kilos...!! And the hair is starting, slowly, to grow. I still wear hats - don't want to scare the natives. Positive thinking without therapy or anything. Just good family and friends - and lots of wine.

And it's not chemo, its a drug. So i, hopefully, won't have the secondary effects that chemo does to you. Hopefully. Chemo hit me like a ton of bricks.

Look at me me me - a novice on this life journey, who thinks she knows it all!! Didn't mean to sound like that. But one thing i did learn was if you don't feel good, tell them. Don't pretend you are ok. They can't read your mind.

This is big grown up stuff!! I have about four emergency numbers in my wallet in case i keel over. To be carried around with me at all times. But i will not need them. Also they sort of take up the space of all those Swiss francs!! In my dreams...

**patsycat** · 13-07-2017, 05:39 AM

Update -

It's fucking in my brain!! Had a head scan yesterday, they found tiny little 1mm lesions. Next step - radio therapy.

The drugs trial was going ok, until i had a reaction and my whole body was covered in a rash. The skin on my hands and feet peeled of like peeling an orange. On steroids and cortizone cream.

Otherwise i feel ok. Got in a bit of a bad, sad mood over the past few days. They say it's the steroids. Which will be diminished over time-

Bugger is, the one inch of hair that has grown may fall out again. But, i could probably open a shop with all the hats i have. Luckily i suit hats.

Will know more tomorrow.

Oh, and i put on 600 grams in weight...!! woooo! Up to 39 kilos and 600 grams...And i see all these obese people walking around with their cellulite thighs rubbing together... I just want 5 kilos!!!

**Hugh Cow** · 13-07-2017, 07:09 AM

Keep up the good fight Pats everyone on TD is cheering for you.

**Eliminator** · 13-07-2017, 01:19 PM

Best wishes to you Patsy and keep up the fight.

**Luigi** · 13-07-2017, 01:26 PM

Good luck Pats, keep it up!

My mother went through it exactly 20 years ago. Was very close for a while.

She's celebrating her 70th birthday with a 3 week tour of Europe with her grand-daughter (and Lulu) next month!

**Luigi** · 13-07-2017, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by Hugh Cow

Keep up the good fight Pats everyone on TD is cheering for you.

Indeed.

Go Patsy!

Go Patsy!

Go Patsy!

**Latindancer** · 13-07-2017, 04:53 PM

Break a leg, Pats !

(That's what dancers say to each other for good luck)

**somtamslap** · 13-07-2017, 05:07 PM

Stay tough, Pats!

Originally Posted by Luigi

She's celebrating her 70th birthday with a 3 week tour of Europe with her grand-daughter (and Lulu) next month!

Lovely story Lulu. Have a great time.

**Luigi** · 13-07-2017, 08:48 PM

Cheers bud, will do.

**Bower** · 14-07-2017, 04:58 AM

It's a rollercoaster Patsy, hold on tight.
Lots of support being offered, take it when you need it.

**patsycat** · 14-07-2017, 09:07 AM

Thanks everyone.

I am meeting with my consultant next Tuesday. It seems they want me to start the Radiology as soon as possible. It will be 10 days of zapping.

Really is a pain!! When i was first diagnosed, i was a bit shy to ask any questions. Now, they can't shut me up!!

**PeeCoffee** · 14-07-2017, 11:20 AM

Make sure your consultant is an oncologist and ask as many questions as you wish. Best to bring a close friend or family member along with you as a second pair of ears (or simply record the conversation). Inquiry for knowledge regarding treatment and is surely best.

Cancer is a war...one continuous battle. Truly it is a war that you must win for life. The ultimate goal is for you to win that war. There will be setbacks...(as you well know).

Never give up Patsy. There are many sending you good vibes one way or another. We're all in your corner sending best wishes.

**Bower** · 14-07-2017, 06:45 PM

Sound advice from PeeCoffee,
Takes just a few minutes after preparation.
Only side effects my wife had was it made her very tired some days.
You can get through this, lots here for chats whenever you wish by PM too if you prefer.

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