*sigh* I do get that most people didn't get brought up to pay any attention at all to the universe around them... but when are people going to learn to be as suspiscious of 'traditional' as they are of 'experimental'? safe as Coca Cola. a steady diet of which is a prescription for health, as we all know. (muttering in latin from a list of ingredient from a company that is aware of the problem : However, in recent years it gets known to cause kidney damages in numerous cases (for example, see Herbal Safety) because of aristolochic acid the original formula contains. For this reason, we have not sold any Long Dan Xie Gan Wan till now (May, 2007) that the current product is available that DOES NOT contain aristolochic acid.) Radix this, radix that... Gentain, skullcap, Plaintain, cape jasmine, something that looks like a primrose... poor girl.

I'm sorry, I think those were based on two year survival rates or some such like that, and thats all cancers but small cell lung averaged, not all types of cancers individually, and they are sure the hell more accurate than 3%. P.S. (not post script ya rum dum)Tumors are aggregations of cells, in some cases the pressure and contact inhibition hormones that result from a growth can spur cancer on, cancer is more likely in sites of injury. I'm not sure how much anatomy you have but inside of the body there aren't many positions that aren't life threatening. Cut off the blood flow or ICF flow or grow a hole through to the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, pancreas, bladder, spleen, spinal col;umn, brain or GI tract and you die. Cancer cells reproduce and form tumors, they metastasize and spread tumors to other areas, in the end it is the tumors that kill you. Yes Chemo doesn't work on all cancers, it works by making the body a lousy place to live and some cancers are tougher than we are, but it does kill many types of cancer cells, most are fast growing and that is their vulnerability. You need to learn a little bit about the physiology behind cancer before you make claims like that, Personally I am a cellular and molecular biology buff, and I have grown cancer cells in vitro and in organisms, and you \\sir haven't got a clue what you are talking about. Why are you so sure that Ty Bollinger isn't talking out his ass?

Stargazzer, some bodies will tolerate anything, and we hope yours is one of them. Like most debates involving foods and food "enhancements," this is not just a question of "Will this kill me?" but more of "How will it impact my quality of life?" For some people, apparently there's no impact. For others, the impact can range from slight to huge. But Pris stated the bottom line well. Whether we believe the emails about aspartame or not, the fact is a compelling amount of empirical evidence exists that leads us to the conclusion that it can be damaging. I can add my own: As I've stated here before, when aspartame first came out, I fell for the reassuring name (NutraSweet--how clever these marketing people!) and tried it. I soon figured out that it gave me instant joint pain. One of my daughters found it gave her migraines. And that's the truth.

Wow you guys are great. This thread has more responses than any I have had on GW. I thank all for your responses, and will keep all the info. It means more to hear personal experiences and what has worked &/or others tips. He is starting on supplements, but as most of us know they get old real quick. He has lost 70 lbs over the last couple of months. I am not going to save him my desire is to support him as long as possible so he hopefully dies at home with dignity rather than go into an institution. Anyway, I have been around so much cancer the last 6 years I thought I would share my thoughts also. Maybe another poor soul will someday be in the same boat & these posts can benefit them. Lindac: your shake idea is great. He has been eating mainly ice cream for the last couple of months, so adding the extra calories would be great. He has refused chemo, but I agree on the acidic stuff. I have helped another friend with meals and cancer, and the tomato stuff always causes indigestion. Fresh tomatoes seem to be less of a problem. Orange juice is a definite no sometimes apple juice helps. The Mexican food sounds good. I tried making cheese taquitoes (sp) yesterday with fresh tortillas from a tortilleria, but they flopped. I think I need to use the rolled ones. ginger_st_thomas: Great site. It will keep me busy for some time. The Individual Cheese Pies, Macaroni and Cheese, & Creamy Potato Salad will be at the top of the list. I cook by feel, & the recipes give me tips on how to add extra calories. He eats peanut butter, so the snack spread might work. woodie2: I really like your overnight breakfast casserole. I was making a meal for two people with cancer last night. Sometimes helping people with cancer gets tiring, & an easy meal helps the helper. The bacon bread is also a nice finger food, & the rice bake looks nice and different. Potpie: I find your post especially interesting, as my friend also has lung cancer. As I am sure you know, it is a particularly bad cancer, & your fil is lucky to be around. I will try the caramel apple idea. You also make an important point. When cooking for cancer, be prepared to have your dishes tossed out or not eaten as these individuals can be picky &/or too sick to eat certain things. The helper should not get upset about this, & not be offended. It is just part of the role of a helper. Daisyduckworth, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. What you describe your friend experiencing lies further down my friends path. He can eat a little now, but he has been warned his eating will be eventually affected. It is or can be part of living with cancer. Sometimes you work yourself to the bone hoping to see that unique recovery only to see death. You are so very right about letting him decide. Success in helping a person with cancer, in my opinion, is being there for that person in whatever manner possible so they write that last chapter. Your cutting up fruit is a very good tip. Sometimes people with cancer will not eat whole fruit, but having something cut up appeals to them. Lisbet, I think the brand you spoke of is down the street from me. I am going to check it out. It would be a break from the supplements if he likes it. I like the idea that he could take it with decreased renal function, as my friend has that problem. I will check this one with his dietitian, however. Potpie, medicinal marijuana is legal in California, although the state and federal government are always arguing as to whether it is legal. I agree, when living with cancer it is time to break the rules. Lindac again. Daisyduckworth makes a very important point. Sometimes the path is as the doctor predicts sometimes you never know the time the outcome etc. Sometimes the suffering is a long path, sometimes people that should completely go into remission suddenly die; sometimes those that are expected to die beat the odds. I have seen people recover, but I personally do not like the word "cured." It can come back, & I do not want to jinx any good fortune, nor add any more to the wounds of those who have lost loved ones to cancer. Having said all that, here is my very bland egg roll recipe: 2 carrots diced ½ head napa cabbage ½ onion 10 or so mushrooms Vegetarian oyster sauce I used a tad of msg on one batch, but its use is up to the user. I sauté all ingredients in order of cooking time & add them to the dish. I then stuff the egg roll, seal it with cornstarch liquid & fry it. It takes about 45 minutes for a small batch. It is not a sophisticated recipe but it worked. Here are some of the other things I have found to be helpful if that person can eat it. Hard boiled eggs. Easy to prepare, grab & eat. Cabbage dishes are another good idea, as well as sauerkraut. Good for digestion. Cooked popcorn can be less upsetting than microwave popcorn. Broccoli, broccoli, broccoli. Fresh fruits and snacks always available. High fiber cereals and a variety of liquids available for constipation. Oatmeal, if tolerated for a bland meal. Supplemental vitamins and digestive enzymes if possible. These people need all the help they can get. Consider decreasing the meat. If they are losing weight, one may need to break the rules & add more meat. Last tip break the rules now & then. Remember stubbornness can be annoying, but sometimes it provides the fight that can result in more time. Please keep adding your comments and tips if you think of more. Baci