Hi Paul Yes..Julie is right...I use Bi-Carb (the one from health food shops as it doesnt contain Aluminium)or salt used as a gargle with warm water.It helps heal mouth ulcers I was getting from the Chemo too.As for Tucker. try making smoothies and sipping/eating slowly. You can make some interesting drinks too, and yes....some are yummy and good for you. Greg ... View more

Gday Doug... I was diagnosed with NSC lung cancer stage 4 with secondary in pelvis.It was more accidental than through any complications. I went for annual check up and my wife mentioned to the doc that I was a little out of breathe when working outside in the garden.BAM...Xray and Cat scan that day!!!Lung wash..pet scan..surgeon visit..2 x Biopsies..etc etc etc.. the first "Oncologist" was probably more of an intern....fresh from Uni I think.3 months left to live ...untreated...12 at best...WOW....Now I have a very good Oncologist who gives me a far better outlook. we have had a change in Chemo`s, had radiation on hip, and achieved a 60% reduction in tumor so far.Just coming up to 12 months now, and I think the worst of it is the Chemo side effects, but I am cautious. All the best Greg ... View more

Gday Paul I agree with what Julie has said about Chemo..I initially was on GEM/CARBO combination for 6 sessions, but with delays of low blood counts and hospital visits etc,instead of taking 3 months took under 5, and that was with a reduction to 80% in the end. I am now on a new one (Alimpta) and although the reduction in the tumor isnt as much, I can still have regular Chemo without the blood problems (SO Far)..With your neasea and vomitting, have your tried Ginger....I have found it to be invaluable (ginger beer..ginger tablets ..ginger tea...only as needed) and also am on "Pramin" Tablets 4 times a day...Hope this helps.. Greg & De ... View more

Gday Raelene...Thought I would contact you while the Steroids are still working(Dexamethasone) lol,,my body is saying,,"We WANT Sleep" but unfortunately the mind is saying.."I am the boss...We are doing this now...then that has to be done etc..etc..etc." .So here it is at 4:30 am (been up since 2) and have no indication when I will get tired!!! I see your Dad is having problems with his blood count.I had this when I was on the GEM/Carbo Chemo. 2 X blood transfusions and 2 X(3 Days) stays in Hospital in isolation.A few things I`ve learnt here that have helped me.Firstly, and most important is temperature.If his fever gets to 38, go strait to hospital and get on anti-biotics.This is important!I keep all records of My Blood tests and try to find out why my Platelets,Haemo and neautra`s are playing up (including other things liver kidneys etc)I use Astragalus and Wheat grass as supplements to help the immune system as well as a change in diet (fresh fruit...vegies...all the good stuff...will send some recipes soon. The supplement (ANY) should be approved by Oncologist Pharmacist first, We hound ours everytime we are there with questions. (I think some times he sees us coming and hides or goes to lunch deliberately!!! so then I phone him...hahaha) My Gem/carbo was getting delayed by up to 2 weeks and was reduced to 80% when we made the decision to go to Alimpta.It has been a LOT better but comes with its own set of side-effect rules. I include a couple of links that you may find interesting about Alimpta and other drugs and will be sending info on diet etc if you want... Hope all continues to go well for you and your family...please dont hesitate to contact us if we can be of help...if You want you can "add us as a friend" and that way we can just email you with the links etc.. Greg & De http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/PEMETREXED.aspx#.VTAECFKN_e9 http://iheard.com.au/ http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/after-a-diagnosis/questions-to-ask-your-doctor.html http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/index?sitearea=eto NOTE; some of these (dietary) are just an indication, or guide lines.Always check with Pharmacist. We also have hand written dietary notes my Daughter has found out about (she does a lot of research into them) and i can scan (or re-type) them for you if you want. ... View more

Hi Jodii & Erik Just wondering how it is all going? I1m still on Chemo and have just been told of another small reduction in Tumor..so its another three months of it forme...Hope all is going well for you both...In our thoughts and prayers Greg & De ... View more

Hi Blue...So sorry to hear your plight. I have only been on this horrible journey now for under 12 months, but have said goodbye to a few "online friends" and acquaintances I have met along the way at Hospitals and Oncology. This is a very cruel and heartless disease.Originally (untreated) I was given 3 months to live, but now have been given a brighter outlook with the help of Chemo and diet.I have been able to try to "maintain" my weight by learning how to combat some of the side effects of the Radiation and Chemo.Eating/Drinking smoothies is a good way to help (especially when there are some many recipes available (We have even made up our own!!) and to combat any nausea I use ,not only the prescribed" Pramin tablets, but also Ginger Tablets (high dose Travel ones) and drink Dry ginger often,also LOTS of water ( sometimes with a bit of Poweraid for the taste)I also credit "Astragalus and Wheat Grass Tablets" as a supplement to my immune system.These HAVE been approved by my Oncologist Pharmacist.I hope some of this helps. I have got a lot of links that my Daughter has researched if you think that may help. Now....for yourself...please find out if there is someone, somewhere that you can talk to about all of this.Either paid or free advice (maybe through your local Information and support Centre...Doctor..Oncology..Palliative care..Australian Cancer Care (give em a call..their good)..or Cancer support Centres. If you can learn to be stronger I`m sure it will be easier for you to comfort and support your Dad and Family.My wife has just gone through 4 months of regular meetings with Councilors,and she recommends it (and I am her Carer and have been for many years). I hope you Dad starts to feel a bit better and if there is anything We can help, please dont hesitate to ask. ... View more

Hi Raelene..sorry I havent been in contact earlier..I`ve had the results of wanting (not hearing) the results of my ctscan last Thursday...finally today was told tumor is reducing slightly by about 2mm after 3 months on Alimpta.The cancer has not spread back to Lymph gland so diagnosis is another 3 months on Alimta then either Bone scan or PET to determine Tumor and secondary in bone in Pelvis.Anyway, I hope all is going well for you and your Dad.I`ve had Chemo today and it will start to kick in tomorrow or Friday when the Steroids stop working. I will send some links for you tomorrow or over the weekend when I have more time as this last week has taken a lot out of me.All the best for you and your family Greg & De ... View more