I have a 19 month old cousin with a brain tumor, the doctor found it on Easter and removed it on the 18th. They are confident they removed the whole tumor, and now she has to have treaments for cancer. We are just heartbroken for her, if anyone has been thru this and would like to share their stories I would appriciate them, thank you God Bless
128440
For more knowledge on cancer check the link below
632361
I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in the final stages but refused to have my vocal cords removed creating somewhat a delemia with my treating doctor. I was hell bent on saving my voice. After double the dosage of radiation ( enough to kill a perso ) by error and chemo alongwith the same, my cancer came under control. This was in April 2000. The side effects of the radiation have left some scars that will always remain with me - I developed a fistula between my air and food passage making it impossible for me to eat or drink any thing. Even breathing became a problem and an emergency tracheostomy had to be done. The doctors felt that the fistula should be left alone as they normally heal by themselves but not in my case! The overdose had taken its toll. Meanwhile,as I could not eat anything - a peg ( feeding) tube was inserted into my stomach which ment no solids and only liquids. My wife and mother fomulated some really high protien and energy feeds that kept adding to my weight that I had lost and got me back to where I was.\nIts now been five and half years since I last even had a drop of water orally and everything is fed through the peg tube - either by pouring it down , if its totally liquid or by pushing it through the tube as in the form of an injection. I have been told that my fistulas will never heal by themselves and that means I am stuck with a stoma ( not permanent ) and a tube in my stomach - waiting for another miracle. The doctors were / are quite sure my air and food passage can be reconstructed by skin grafting but that would have to be done in phases and that in turn means spending time in the hospital. I have had enough of hospitals and decided to live my life out with the stoma ( for which I created an orator and can speak normally, hands free ) and as I have got pretty used to the peg tube it does not bother me anymore.\nI still carry on with my job as I did pre cancer. I have added a personel gym next to my office where I work out for an hour every evening and go for a four kilometre run/jog every morning. \nI look forward to a new day every day with a lot of positiveness and find myself getting closer to my two teenaged sons and falling in love with my wife all over again. I am no longer the worklaholic that I once was and take time off to be with my family. I have cut down on my travelling at the drop of a hat and rather have someone else do it. I have adopted 25 kids of who some are terminal. I make sure they receive all their medicines, hospital expenses, food and lodging at my expense. I also ensure that they receive a good deal of financial aid as all these kids come from families that cannot afford even one meal a day - let alone three that we all have.\nWell I dont know how long I have left and even though I have been declared cancer free - one never is. I want  lead a full life like I have always led - king size. I have no regrets and no complaints against the cancer. I was chosen to get it- I fought it and am alive for my  sons and wife. I can also relate to others who have /are going through this illness and I think this makes my life complete. Cancer is a teacher of sorts and if you pick up the valuable lessons it teaches you - you can fight it and reap all the benefits of life from it. Benefits that you would never have considered had you not been the chosen one.\nI dont know if this makes any sense - but then each one has/her opinionand I chose cancer as a techer.
642076
I have a dear friend who did and she is fully recovered now. God be with you. I am sure you will be fine. Trust your doctors and the Lord.
587675
it was very painful.  I watched my brother go from 200 something pounds to less than 100 pounds before he died.  He was diagnosed with renal cancer, cancer of the kidneys.  He went from Sloan-Kettering Hospital in Manhattan to Calvary Hospital in the Bronx.  My mother went much more often than I did.  I'll never forget the first time I saw him in Calvary Hospital, his face his body so skinny, even now just writing about it, almost brings tears to my eyes.  I miss him so much.  Everyday, I wish that I could talk to him, hug him and just tell him how much I love him.  I miss him so much, his name was max.
659574
Get in touch with St Judes Children's Hospital in Tennessee. (stjudes.org ) They treat and research all pediatric cancers REGARDLESS of the family's ability to pay. More important, they never give up hope.\nWill keep him in my prayers.
165651
i am sorry about ur grief. i will try my best to give the best information i can. but u wouldnt mind if its long enough? do u?\nA brain tumor is any intracranial mass created by an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells either normally found in the brain itself: neurons, glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells), lymphatic tissue, blood vessels), in the cranial nerves (myelin-producing Schwann cells), in the brain envelopes (meninges), skull, pituitary and pineal gland, or spread from cancers primarily located in other organs (metastatic tumors).\n\nPrimary (true) brain tumors are commonly located in the posterior cranial fossa in children and in the anterior two-thirds of the cerebral hemispheres in adults, although they can affect any part of the brain.\n\nIn the United States in the year 2000, it was estimated that there were 16,500 new cases of brain tumors[1], which accounted for 1.4% of all cancers, 2.4% of all cancer deaths[2], and 20%–25% of pediatric cancers[2],[3]. Ultimately, it is estimated that there are 13,000 deaths/year as a result of brain tumors[1].\n\nAside from exposure to vinyl chloride or ionizing radiation, there are no known environmental factors associated with brain tumors. Mutations and deletions of so-called tumor supressor genes are incriminated in some forms of brain tumors. Patients with various inherited diseases, such as Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia, neurofibromatosis type 2 are at high risk of developing brain tumors.In contrast to tumors originating elsewhere in the body, differentiating primary "brain tumors"—these are the true brain tumors, arising exclusively from cells normally present in the brain itself—into benign and malignant is of relative and limited clinical value, since even histologically-benign tumors grow by infiltration of healthy brain tissue and, in time, tend to transform into malignant forms (anaplastic degeneration). True benign intracranial tumors arise mainly from the meninges (meningiomas; about 95% are benign), pituitary gland (pituitary adenomas) and the myelin sheath of cranial nerves (neuromas or Schwanomas, e.g. acoustic neuroma).\n\nMost primary brain tumors (gliomas) originate from glia: astrocytes (astrocytomas), oligodendrocytes (oligodendrogliomas). There are also mixed forms, with both an astrocytic and an oligodendroglial cell component. These are called mixed gliomas or oligoastrocytomas. Additionally, mixed glio-neuronal tumors (tumors displaying a neuronal, as well as a glial component, e.g. gangliogliomas, disembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors) and tumors originating from neuronal cells (e.g. gangliocytoma, central gangliocytoma) can also be encountered.\n\nOther varieties of primary brain tumors include: primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET, e.g. medulloblastoma, medulloepithelioma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, ependymoblastoma), tumors of the pineal parenchyma (e.g. pineocytoma, pineoblastoma), ependymal cell tumors, choroid plexus tumors, neuroepithelial tumors of uncertain origin (e.g. gliomatosis cerebri, astroblastoma), etc.\n\nFrom a histological perspective, astrocytomas, oligondedrogliomas, and oligoastrocytomas may be benign or malignant. Glioblastoma multiforme represents the most aggressive variety of malignant glioma. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there are so-called pilocytic astrocytomas, a distinct variety of astrocytic tumors. The majority of them are located in the posterior cranial fossa, affect mainly children and young adults, and have a clinically favorable course and prognosis.\n\nIn contrast to other types of cancer, primary brain tumors rarely metastasize, and in this rare event, the tumor cells spread within the skull and spinal canal through the cerebrospinal fluid, rather than via bloodstream to other organs.\n\nThere are various classification systems currently in use for primary brain tumors, the most common being the World Health Organization (W
458763
My thoughts and prayers are with you.  My mother went through this and when we believed it got to the brain I think it was about a few weeks.  She just went downhill and then all her pain and suffering was over.  I wish nothing but the best outcome, however, to be completely honest it doesn't sound good.  God Bless
359283
I am extremely sorry to hear your story and you have my hearfelt sympathy.  I can only imagine the deep pain of hurting you must go through everyday.  I really feel for you and I hear and support what you are saying about paying more attention to your kids and looking out for any early 'warning signs'.  I can't really advise you on anything you're asking for but I just wanted to write and wish you well, may God help you in whatever you do.
374166
Look at my profile and e-mail me with your address and I will send you the money for a Turkey....  I feel for you, I was pregnant with twins and in February we lost one so they took me out of work and found tumors in my spine. THANK GOD we were able to make it without my income....  and have a wonderful, healthy little girl.... I hope I can help...  :-)
623772
I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  As a cancer patient myself I personally feel that you handled the situation very well and that your mother understood the depth of your love for her.  I'm happiest when my family is doing normal things and not concentrating on cancer.  Big hugs to you.
643785
I have heard that she has cancer. I'm not sure what type but that is what has been going around. Whatever it is, I hope she gets better. That's seems like too much pain for a parent to bear.
336128
Hi there. I had testicular cancer when I was a similiar age to your husband. ( I am now forty). from what you said about it shrinking, then the new problems, it sounds totally unlike cancer. ( from everything i experienced and read)tumours tend to be hard and wouldnt shrink with anti cyst treatment, nor do they grow quite as spectacularly in the time what you described. If its one of the other two, and you obviously live in an area of the world developed enough to have internet access,(and modern medicine) he will be fine. I can fully empathise that any problem in that area freaks men out and those close to us.Trust your doctors, never be afraid of checking stuff out or getting additional opinions, and if its ok with you, I will pray for you both. Best wishes. simon.
422045
I know how you feel, but there is hope. \n\nI am currently in the Bahamas with my Mother who has Terminal Lung Cancer. There is a clinic here that has been in operation for over 30 years. We have been here for 4 of our 8 week stay, everyday is really neat. A lot of the patients stick around in the meeting room/ waiting room to visit, and share stories and catch up. There were 40 people all talking and laughing, talking about cancer and life, the returning patients talk about how bad their cancer was 4, 8, 10 even 18 years ago when they started coming to the clinic, the cancer that has since disappeared. There is nothing dangerous or foreign to the treatment, just building up your immune system in a very effective manner. If you want to know more contact me or go to www.immunemedicine.com I cannot tell you how impressed I am with what I have seen and how my Mother has already improved. I know one man who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he skipped all US, conventional (poisonous, dangerous) options and went to the Bahamas and is doing great now. Another man who has been coming here for 18 years that had prostate cancer. People with just about every type of cancer. But, they are honest here, you send them your medical information and they will tell you whether they believe they can help you or not, and they will send you home if they don't think you are benefiting. \n\nMy mom has shown drastic improvements and is feeling so much better. and we are in the Bahamas so we are having a good Mother-Daughter vacation.\n\nI have also done a lot of research on the Cesium Chloride/DMSO treatment and think that it has merit and you can do it at home.\n\nThe clinic here believes that a supplement/liquid called VIBE works really well in addition to other treatments, I am going to look in to that some more.\n\nUS doctors push chemo and radiation, but when you look at the statistics and side effects it is not a good option for most people. My Mom had both before we came here and now that I know more about them and have researched them I feel horrible that I let her go through them. She was lucky (so far) the only long term side effect she has shown is short term memory loss. \n\nThe stories I have heard from the other patients here about how they were treated by US medicine astound me. One lady went home to have a shunt put in her liver so she would be ok to come here, but they refused to put it in unless she agreed to do chemotherapy, is that what our country is about? Denying helpful procedures unless we agree to dangerous, toxic ones? The drug companies run US medicine at least when it comes to cancer treatment and it is sad. Most doctors will tell you not to try alternative medicine and some will refuse to even see you again if you do. To some degree they are not to blame, they have not been taught anything about it other than that it is evil and wrong and they would be rejected by their colleagues if they suggested alternatives.\n\nI would also like to tell you about another lady staying at the house we are staying at, she is 86 years old and has breast cancer as well. She arrived at the clinic the same day we did and is doing very well. Her immune system continues to improve and she gained 2 pounds since last week. She is absolutely thrilled with this treatment and knows that it is helping her.\n\nPlease whatever you do, research first. \n\nOne very helpful website is www.cancertutor.com\n\nGood luck!!
611438
I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Any time one has a major surgery there is a chance of not making it through the surgery My mom,in 2003 went to her doctor(regular visit) and he sent her to the hospital they ran the usual tests and told her they would not release her,that she had no choice but to have a quadruple by-pass.So she did,she came through the surgery fine. It took a few months for her to regain her strength,she never seemed to recover from a deep depression.18 months later she died peacefully in her sleep.What concerns me,the quadruple was a fairly new venture in heart surgery at the time.Within 6 months of her surgery,her boyfriend was told he needed the same surgery.and one month later mom's younger brother was told he needed a quadruple by pass.at the same time  a friend of mine had the surgery then the doctor tells his wife she needed the same surgery a month or so later another friend of mine had to have the same surgery!These people live in different states But...they were all on social security and medicaid or medicare.There may not be any connection or anything.But it just strikes me as odd that all these people I know had to have the same surgery.I have even wondered"were these doctors using these people as guinea pigs for practice? My Mom was 70 when she died.There's no doubt that many people need this type surgery.Maybe I am just being paranoid!I guess I am still very upset at the fact the doctor said the surgery would add 10 to 15 years to her life.Her death was totally unexpected.She was not complaining of pain or feeling sick or anything. I pray your Grandpa will have a good out come on his surgery!
582809
I am about to have a tumor the size of a cantalope removed from my body this Friday.  I also have a mass on a kidney.  I would be leaving behind three great little kids.  I care if you live.  You don't know what you have until there is a threat that it will be taken from you.  When I was younger I admitted myself to a psych hospital for three weeks because I didn't see any more reason to live.  Back then I really couldn't see any future for me.  If I had only known all the good things that were down the road.  Life is a gift and the best is yet to come.   Even if things are tough now, believe me, better days are ahead.  I care very much.  I don't want to die, and it hurts me to think of someone not understanding what they are throwing away.  Please seek help if you are serious.  Your are worthy of a wonderful life.  You deserve good things.  I don't know you, how old you are, what your situation is or if you are just bored and typing this question to see what people say but no matter what your reason for writing, I can assure you as someone facing some scarey stuff, I care very much that you CARE that you live.
196971
I actually have (NF)2.Whitch of course is more rare.Also I do not have cafe'o late spots or macrocephaly.I actually did not know I had NF until my right side went numb 3  years ago.The 1st sign of NF was when I was 12 and I wasn't able to open my hand,my radial nerve had shut down.I had MRI after MRI but never an MRI of my Brain whitch looking back it baffels me.Now I am 21 and have had 3 brain surgeries.All Succesful except my first I lost hearing in one of my ears yet they took out 3 tumors.(Thats very typical for NF 2 patients) My 2nd surgery was a tumor behind my left eye(9 hour surgery),I kept my vision thankfully)Except my 3-6 nerves were damaged so I can't move my eye).My last was a the biggest surgery I have had...medulla oblongata...that could have cost me talking and walking.It was a miracle tho everything went well because it was by the brain stem wall.I have a really really really good neurosurgeon and he also is a good person.We will have 30 minute conversations about just daily life,he really cares bout me.\n\nI don't mean to scare you,I actually have great news for you.The hardest part of all this was when I was at Texasw Lutheran University and got right side numbness.We did not know why...Even went to hospital and they did not help me at all.Not knowing really was the hard part.\n\nThat is why it is really good that you are already getting MRI's.When she hits puberty I recommend that she gets one every 6 months.I think everything will be fine if you monitor it.I will pray for your daughter.\nLast about myself,I have been really strong throughout this process,and I only think I will have to deal with a gamaknife surgery for my last tumor left on my other auditory nerve.(right now it is tiny)\nAsk me any other questions you have.\nArtie\nP.S. I descided to answer q's about this to help other NF patients.In fact,I am going to NF golf tournament in SAn Antonio on Monday,helping others in the community will make me feel better also.
45060
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss of a family member. Upon my many researches on surgery for chiari malformation,never have I seen anything about a spinal cord uncoiling near the brain stem. It sounds like your family has a good case against the place that did the operation. There are not a lot of places that have experience with this type of surgery. I have chosen not to have the surgery because of the fact that there are so many unknowns and many patients have had to have surgeries redone many times.  The one place that I have heard many good things about is The Chiari Institute in New York. If I was ever forced to have the procedure done,that would be the place to go to.  I hope you have success in getting the answers you deserve.