Some keywords to google "Feldmeier", "Cochrane Review" and "Pentocol". Here's a couple links to info I found: Hyperbaric oxygen: does it promote growth or recurrence of malignancy? and Does Hyperbaric Oxygenation accelerate cancer? & The Cochrane Collaboration. It's all a bit heavy going, I had to satisfy myself this was the right treatment since my RadOnc cast some doubt, it's good that your RadOnc has endorsed it for you. ... View more

Hello again Foley21, Cyberknife is not appropriate for all types of cancer, I had tonsillar SCC which from my research it was one in that category. CK treatment would have been 6 weeks, same as conventional 3DCRT. Although I did a lot of Googling to discover if ck would help me I didn't directly contact anyone who had undergone cyberknife treatment. I found the Accuray Patient Forum a good resource, they have a team of doctors who respond fairly promptly. Not being in Australia is a huge impediment, not just financial but also for support, so if you are in a position to consider ck make sure you are totally comfortable with your treatment decision and are otherwise well enough to live away from home for an extended period. I find it hard to believe that Australia haven't invested in this technology, if you search these forums I previously posted some info about cyberknife. I asked my RadOnc about it and his view was that it was just another radiation platform, I wonder if he would have the same view if he was the patient. Having lived thru a couple experiences of RT I think that not enough focus is given on side effects and quality of life, during and after treatment. When I reported side effects from my latest RT my RadOnc said I should be thanking him for curing my cancer and not worrying about other issues! But I think most RT patients live thru many side effect issues, and it is one reason for some people to abandon conventional treatments and go down the alternate path. If you have considered this option you might also inquire whether Grace Gawler could help. Grace is the first wife of Ian and based on the Gold Coast! I cannot provide any recommendations or endorsement of her services, although I live near the Gold Coast I only just found out about Grace from a fellow H&N patient at a Cancer Council seminar yesterday in Brisbane. There are some lobby groups trying to canvas for CK in Vic and NSW but none appear to have gathered momentum. I think political lobbying for a system at the newest hospitals (like Gold Coast Griffith Uni Hospital due to open on 12/12/12) would be the way to go as it would be difficult logistically to integrate into established hospitals, who are well served with the status quo. Anyway I hope this does not distract your attention away from your current treatments. I found that treatment in Australia for chronic conditions is very well managed thru either the public of private systems. Depending on severity of the condition, the only difference in treatment is that private will get you serviced more quickly. ... View more

Heard also that the new Gold Coast Uni Hospital (due to open 12/12/12) is investigating Cyberknife treatment. ... View more

Hi CJF, I had #2 of 30 HBO 'dives' today, no problems now but I had to have grommets installed as the radiation caused inflammation and blocked my Eustachian tube so I was unable to equalize pressure. If you don't have any problems flying you will not need grommets. Also cos I have narrow ear canals the grommets were installed in hospital under a general anaesthetic. My RadOnc doesn't seem to have much faith in the HBO process, today he mentioned speculation about it causing cancer cells to proliferate, the dentist in his team made a similar comment but could not provide details. I sought a second opinion and questioned HBO specialists about this and they said there is clinical evidence to the contrary. The research I've seen shows long term benefits in restoring radiation damaged cells and is important for future dental issues. It's now a Medicare endorsed treatment for ORN patients. How did you find out about HBO treatment, did your RadOnc refer you? Consider joining the Mouth, Nose & Throat Cancer Support Group in this forum. Nev ... View more

Dear Foley21, Unfortunately it's not available in Australia but have you looked into Cyberknife treatment? ... View more

Generally complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are not supported by evidenced based clinical tests and therefore it is difficult to gauge their therapeutic strengths. However we all know it's common amongst cancer patients, with some estimates that approximately two thirds of patients are using some form CAM. Information relating to various CAM via the internet is often conflicting and unreliable. COSA's March 2011 Vol 35 Issue No 1 Edition of the Cancer Forum is all about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), there's many informative articles. Lots of CAMs are plant based, I have found the Sloan Kettering website to be a good source of info on plants used in CAMs. ... View more