[intakexhaust]

To the original post, yes and very much so. Last two years have been terrible news of friends and family of all ages. Nothing like I've ever heard before.

Think positive! I don't want to bury into this topic right now and prefer to keep a liittle privacy, however I'm unable to resist a miracle story. Just found out this new year of my sister after completing a clinical trial chemo and now has a confirmed clean prognosis.

In short- Physical issues started in Nov 2010 and wasn't fully or properly diagnosed until April 2011 and by then a stage 4 rapidly eating bone cancer plus other complications... was told she might not make it the year end. Skipping all the details, many facilities, cancer specialist and experts but the options and risk by experts was 'will give you this or that and will guarantee another 3 months of life' but after that basically guarantee you won't be here....
Of this clinical trial and of the 26 woman selected nationwide and she is one of three this far advanced, the wonderful news was not expected and was a case study of what if?. Sadly 50% had not made it. For those who are or know of someone dealing with this dreaded crisis, I urge to dig online, ask questions and read up on everything you can regarding clinical trial drugs related to. This might sound harsh to many, but this deadly game is big business. I highly suggest to have one consult with many specialist from different facilities and even if they have to suffer repeated test and scans. Dig into the background and schooling of the specialist. Grill the advocate too and find out everything related to, keep your own log book and notes... don't rely soley on them. Also, oncologist are a special group that may study and specialize only in one area... find those and work with them. Insurance companies may not like this and depending on the oncologist organization, urge them to share your information and best designed treatment. Many chemo's may do what its designed for but may also do worse, so one might not make it because of a damaged heart, etc. so weigh it out. She followed the exact and crucial diet prescribed and kept snotty nosed kids, others with colds far away. Believe.