Multiple Myeloma Specialists- Why?

Hi Chris-

I am sorry to read of you and your mom’s health challenges. A specific diagnosis is necessary in order to determine any therapies for your mom. Therapies including chemo, surgical, homeopathic, supplements, anything. Without knowing what or where a cancer may or may not be, everyone is just shooting in the dark, so to speak.

What symptoms is your mom experiencing? Abdomen discomfort? Let me know when you know more.

thanks and hang in there,

David Emerson

Hi Sharon-
I am sorry to read of your husband’s Hurthle Cell cancer diagnosis. I will enumerate your question and comments below in order to address your question “should we just wait?” Since you can’t see into the future I try to think through your situation in an effort to determine the risk of various outcomes.

1) “my husbands total thyroid removal” complete removal of the thyroid followed by RAI is the recommended therapy for Hurthle Cell cancer. There are no other conventional oncological recommended therapies that my research uncovered.

2) “The tumor was 3cm at the time of removal and was minimally invasive” this is a positive finding

3) “The uptake was good. It showed 3 spots and they were all bright with radioactive iodine.” As you mentioned, Murthle Cell cancer doesn’t not “respond well” to RAI. The fact that your husband’s MCC did respond is another positive for his prognosis.

4) “They have told us that we have to wait 5-6 months to see if the cancer has metastasized” I understand that you find waiting to be difficult but there is little else for you to do according to the literature.

5) “Do you know of a Hurthle Cell Cancer specialist? It is not a “Popular” thyroid cancer and I am having a hard time finding a physician.” Sharon, you are correct. Thyroid cancer is rare and then HCC is rare within a rare cancer. There are simply not enough diagnosed cases for a cancer center or a particular oncologist to develop experience.

6) “My question is should we just wait? ” The only things I would recommend are general anti-cancer therapies such as an anti-cancer diet, and anti-angiogenic nutrition- angiogenesis is the process that cancer cells multiply through blood vessel growth. By reducing the growth of blood vessels, cancer cell growth is limited.

Beyond this, my research doesn’t indicate that there is anything else you can do.

Let me know if you would like to know more about angiogenesis.

Hang in there,

David Emerson

Beverly-

I am sorry to read of your sister’s colon cancer. If “It’s been a year of treatment” and your sister’s colon cancer has metastasized to her liver you may want to think outside of the “conventional cancer” box. By this I mean that yes, there are many qualified colon cancer specialists in a large city like Chicago as the link below indicates.

Colon Cancer specialists in Chicago, Ill

However, as you have already learned, conventional oncologic therapies have not slowed your sister’s cancer. You may want to consider a clinical trial utilizing a therapy that represents a differ therapy than what is offered conventionally.

If a clinic trial interests you I would be happy to do some research into stage 4 colon cancer trials for you. Please let me know.

David Emerson

Hi Katherine-

I am sorry to read of your sister’s cancer. I can provide research and information for you to consider but I need more specifics about your sister’s health condition.

A pelvic exenteration is a radical surgery and as you point out, life after this procedure is limited.

1) What stage of cervical cancer was she originally diagnosed with? Cervical cancer, yes, put what stage? When was her original diagnosis and how long has she been in remission before she relapsed? How many lymph nodes are involved with her relapse.

2) How old is your sister? What is her health like in general?

You and your sister will try to balance the risk versus reward for many therapies. Right now you two are only thinking about aggressive surgery or doing nothing. There are therapies that may provide a middle ground-

If you give me more information I can provide more research (free) and give you more options.

Let me know and hang in there.

David Emerson

Hi Vone-

I admit that when considering breast cancer, I am biased toward women oncologist. Both doctors linked below have a great deal of experience with breast cancer. I recommend seeing both for first and second opinion. Let me know if you have any questions.

Breast cancer oncologists for you to consider are

1) http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-margaret-terhar-xprvw

2) http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-anne-oneill-xvpgb

thanks,

David Emerson
Survivor, Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Hi Terry-

I am sorry to read of your testicular cancer diagnosis. However I will say that testicular cancer is one of the few cancers that is actually curable depending on your stage.

Regarding your question “looking for a top oncologist In the Davenport Iowa region” I will list those oncologists in the Davenport, Iowa area that are the most highly rated and most experienced. I encourage you to get a second opinion to get an idea of how each Onc. treats cancers and how you simply feel about him or her. You need to be comfortable talking with, asking questions of and trusting your oncologist.

These names are in no particular order-

David W Mercer MD
Oncologist
1351 W Central Park Ave
Davenport, IA 52804
(563) 421-1960

David M Spector MD
Oncologist
1351 W Central Park Ave
Davenport, IA 52804
(309) 779-4200

Dr. Stewart C Garneau MD
Prospect Park
4362 7th St
Moline, IL 61265
309-277-2900
35 years of experience

Let me know if you have any questions or if you would like more names. Thank you,

David Emerson

Hi Rebecca-

I am sorry to read of your brother’s cancer diagnosis. Yes, I can recommend those cancer hospitals who have both been highly rated and or have the most experience in cancer care.

Where do you live? Do you have a range in mind? By this I mean would you like to be within a specific distance of the hospital?

Let me know, thanks

David Emerson

Hi Kevin-
I am sorry to read of your lung cancer diagnosis. Yes, getting a cancer diagnosis is difficult. Particularly if you are young (49 is young for a cancer patient).

Your question about finding the best hospitals and treatments is a sort of good news, bad news thing. Since lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer diagnoses in the U.S. annually there is lots of experience out there. Most of the top cancer hospitals have experience with lung cancer. Each of the top cancer centers linked below will offer therapies that they use and have the most experience with, meaning if you go to one of the most experienced centers then you follow their recommendations. My guess is that your situation will require a combination of conventional therapies such as surgery, chemo and radiation. If you choose to meet with someone then you should expect them to convince you that they are the best. Be picky…it is your life.

The bad news is that the top places will cost a lot of money. Just flying around the country talking to experts will cost a lot of time and money. If you live in Louisiana then perhaps Houston is the closest to you. As conventional oncology goes, MDAnderson is one of the best.

Unfortunately, conventional stage 4 lung cancer therapies are not curative. I will be direct. You will need surgery and radiation just to buy yourself time to learn about non-conventional therapies that I will talk about below.

Therefore I follow (myself as a long term cancer survivor) and believe in taking an integrative approach to your therapy. My cancer, multiple myeloma, is considered “incurable.” I don’t understand how my fellow patients can follow only conventional therapies that will not lead to a cure. But this is an important issue that only you can answer for yourself.

In other words I will urge you to do everything MDAnderson (or whomever) offers in addition to exercise, nutrition, integrative therapies to whatever chemo you do, spiritual/religion, mind/body techniques, everything.

PBC does not sell anything. I would send you links to articles and or studies for you to read, consider and then pursue or not. PBC supports cancer patients through evidence-based research and information. My experience is that the “best combo treatments” is a spectrum of evidence-based therapies but again, it is up to you to decide. You know the saying “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink?” Well, that is my philosophy.

Many of the “combo therapies” can be learned about and pursued in combination with each other. For example, you can start to “prehabilitate” while you are researching and perhaps visiting conventional cancer centers. You can start to eat more nutritiously, stop smoking/drinking (if you do), perhaps find a lung cancer support group in your area, things like this.

Once you have settled on a cancer center, local or national, if you are interested in “integrative” nutritional supplementation you need to tell me which conventional chemotherapies you will undergo so I can research those supplements that have been shown to enhance the efficacy while reduce toxicity.

As an example oxiplatin, curcumin

Oxiplatin is used for colorectal cancer but the principle is the same. Curcumin is a natural, nutritional supplement.

Does any of this make sense to you?

M.D.Anderson

Dana Farber-

Johns Hopkins

Let me know- thanks and take a deep breath…

David Emerson
Survivor, Creator, Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Whichever you prefer-

Hi Jade-

It may or may not help but most everyone who even thinks about a cancer diagnosis feels “overwhelmed and hopeless.” I did for years. The only thing that made me feel better was education, learning about my cancer, my therapies, etc. I found that it was not knowing that made me feel overwhelmed.

Therefore, by reaching out to PBC you have taken the first step in learning about your situation and feeling better.

I’m not saying that I am all knowing, I’m another source of information. I’ll try to break down your questions.

1) “found a thyroid nodule on my right about 1 cm and and much smaller one on my left.” Both of these are tiny. This is good.

2) “The Endocrinologist is recommending surgery but couldn’t tell me what stage or offer any alternative treatment besides surgery.” It is difficult for me to offer any solid info without a stage or especially is your biopsy identified metastatic cancer. You cannot determine a therapy plan without knowing what it is that you may or may not have.

3) “Next week I will see my medical herb doctor ” also good. Find out what this source of info thinks.

4) “I will meet with the ear nose and throat surgeon who my endocrinologist sent me to for swelling in my throat and pain in my ear” again, good- clarify all health issues to make you understand what is what.

5) “I am thinking of reaching get out to the Cancer Treatment Center of America” if your insurance covers a second opinion then it is always a good idea to get a second opinion- again, another info source.

6) “I really don’t want to be cut on.” Any therapy, even surgery entails side effects. The link below is to a post and studies explaining that thyroid cancer is over diagnosed and over treated. Please click the link below and read the post to better understand your situation. Taking a watch and wait approach can be a good choice for you. I will research possible therapies for you and post below.

Thyroid cancer over-diagnosis and over-treatment- do you care?

Jade, please read this article- it sounds as though the article is referring to you and your situation.
papillary thyroid overdx and over tx

let me know if you have any questions

David

Hi Donald-
I am sorry to read of your lung cancer diagnosis. However, yes, there are many other therapies for you to consider. Surgery would be the normal therapy for your stage but since you are not doing this therapy then I will conclude that there is a reason why your onc. is not offering this therapy.

Next, the two articles linked below talk about cryotherapy or freezing your tumor. Without knowing your specifics I have to conclude that cryotherapy for you is definitely a possibility for you. If your onc. knows nothing about this therapy then no, he/she wouldn’t offer it.

If you would like to learn more about this therapy, and where oncologists are who practice this therapy, then reply to my email. Thanks and hang in there.

Cryosurgery for lung cancer

Treatment of central type lung cancer by combined cryotherapy: experiences of 47 patients.

David Emerson

Hi Ron-
I am sorry to learn of your colon cancer diagnosis. I can provide information about both conventional and non-conventional therapies for you to consider. Have you undergone any therapies yet? Are you considering further therapies such as chemo or radiation? If so, which chemos?

Hang in there-

David Emerson

Hello Abdur-

In order for me to provide research, information for you I need your stage at diagnosis. Further, I do not understand what you are asking. Please let me know.

David Emerson

Hi Melanie-

Sorry for this slow reply. I am sorry to learn of your mom’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. However, it sounds as though you are moving in the right direction with a recommendation of first attempting to shrink the tumor with chemo in order to be able to then surgically remove (whipple) the mass from the head of the pancreas. I will try to address your questions and concerns below.

1) Pancreatic cancer’s survival statistics are not hopeful. However it is important for both you and your mom to understand what this means. First, “six months to live” is an average and is misleading if your mom is able to undergo surgery to remove the mass. Second, the overall survival statistics for pancreatic cancer is based on conventional oncology therapies. Meaning, conventional chemo and radiation, if this is your only therapy, is limited. Surgery to reduce tumor burden combined with integrative therapies that I will discuss below, may offer you a different survival picture. I am not offering miracles, I am offering therapies that are “evidence-based” yet not FDA approved and therefore not offered by your onc.

2) “She is not able to eat much and does not have an appetite. We have been informed that nutrients are very important in performing chemo.” Yes, this is correct. Juicing and smoothies are one of the most effective methods for making is easier for the body to absorb nutrition. I also take and therefore recommend those supplements that are food-based or whole food supplements, NOT synthetic vitamins. More below.

3) “Can you provide us with some help on pancreatic cancer, Oncologists in Nashville, Tn, and any additional suggestions or help will be great?” It is important to work with an oncologist that 1) you and your mom are comfortable with and 2) works well, communicates well with the surgeon or doctor who recommended chemo to shrink the tumor and then whipple.

I think the best way for you and your mom to build a team of docs that work well together for you, is to find docs at Vanderbilt- as you can read from the link below, Vanderbilt has expertise in pancreatic cancer as well as a center for Integrative medicine.

“Osher Center for Integrative Medicine: combining traditional medicine with complementary therapies”

http://www.vicc.org/cancers/disease.php?name=pancreatic-cancer

These are the studies that I recommend you read in order to understand those therapies that will work with conventional chemo that your onc recommends to shrink the tumor. The study linked and excerpted below is both current and applicable if I understand your post.

FOLFIRINOX-Based Neoadjuvant Therapy in Borderline Resectable or Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analytical Review of Published Studies.

“OBJECTIVE: The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy can enable surgical resection of borderline resectable or unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the multiagent 5-fluorouracil + oxaliplatin + irinotecan + leucovorin (FOLFIRINOX) regimen as a neoadjuvant treatment for PC…
CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that down-staging after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX-based therapy is noticeable in patients with borderline resectable/unresectable PC, with a total R0 resection rate of 40%…”

This study is saying that for those cases of pancreatic cancer that underwent chemo BEFORE (neoadjuvant) surgery, a percentage where able to then undergo potentially curative (RO) surgery. No guarantee of a cure but a better therapy plan than simply chemo and radiation.

The integrative or complementary aspect of my approach is to enhance the chemo regiment above (folfirenox) as well as reduce the toxicity as this chemo regimen is very toxic, and will be hard on your mom. My experience is that toxic chemo regimens can force patients to reduce the therapy while the patient is undergoing the therapy. Therefore, in an effort to give your mom as good a chance on maximizing the effectiveness of the folfirenox regimen I am asking you to consider the integrative therapies linked below.

Curcumin- a supplement that you can buy online…

The ‘N-factors’ in pancreatic cancer: functional relevance of NF-κB, NFAT and Nrf2 in pancreatic cancer.

“Furthermore, the pathways of NF-κB, NFAT and Nrf2 are functional, interacting on several regulatory steps, and, especially, natural compounds such as curcumin interfere with more than one pathway. Thus, targeting these pathways by established inhibitors or new drugs might have great potential to improve the outcome of PDAC patients, most likely in combination with established anticancer drugs…”

Potential New Pharmacological Agents Derived From Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer.

“According to studies, among diverse plants and phytochemicals, 12 compounds including apigenin, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, benzyl isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, curcumin, thymoquinone, dihydroartemisinin, cucurbitacin B, and perillyl alcohol have beneficial action against pancreatic cancer cells through 4 or more mechanisms. Applying their plausible synergistic effects can be an imperative approach for finding new efficient pharmacological agents in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.”

Please consider supplements such as resveritrol, green tea extracts, apigenin, genisten, etc. as complementary therapies.

Melanie, I have thrown a lot of info at you in this email. Please let me know if anything is unclear, if you have any questions.

Please keep me posted and good luck. Please tell your mom I say hello.

David Emerson

Hi Michelle-
I am sorry to read of your small bowel cancer diagnosis. However you are doing your homework and asking the right questions which tells me that you are doing everything to increase the changes of the best outcome.

I am sorry to say that I don’t have much experience with Canadian surgical oncs. The American medical system is slowly becoming more transparent but it is difficult to find detailed info about individual surgeons. I can’t find any indicators, any metrics about the VCA.
However, I can include articles/studies for your consideration that may offer additional methods for you to be proactive.

The articles discussed in the post linked below talk about 1) prehabilitation and 2) a surgical protocol that is relatively new in American hospitals that also enhances surgical outcomes, reduces risk of infection, etc. In short, preparing for your surgery can greatly enhance your outcome.

http://www.peoplebeatingcancer.org/cancer-surgery-make-the-most-of-the-most-effective-therapy/

As for which surgical onc to choose, May 6 Experienced Practice Leader or April 14 Younger, Smart surgeon, I can’t say. Both sound pretty good. I have to say that with the proper prehabilitation and proper surgical protocol, combined with either onc, you will be enhancing your outcomes.

Lastly, you didn’t say if you were considering chemo after your surgery but the post linked below talks about anti-oxidant supplementation.

http://www.peoplebeatingcancer.org/blogcolorectal-cancer-supplementation/

As you discussed, if you can meet with both oncs you may be able to see how your gut feels about each?

Let me know if you have any questions. Hang in there.

David Emerson

Hi Vladimir-
I am sorry to read of your dad’s cancer diagnosis. By “low-grade” I think that you mean early stage cancer- this is a good thing. And yes, I think it is always a good idea to consult with doctors. In this case, as you say, a neurosurgeon. Keep in mind that it is you and your dad that have the final say in whatever therapies you pursue. Oncologists and neurosurgeons can certainly provide important information and make recommendation, but you are in charge.

Regarding your question “Could you advise the breakthrough treatment and the hospital where it could be provided in the USA?” I take this to mean that you would like “non-conventional” therapies for brain cancer? I will link studies for your consideration below. while there are many studies linked below, it is my personal belief that since brain cancers can be so aggressive, a shot gun approach to therapy is needed. But this is just my thinking as a long term cancer survivor.

I have no experience or knowledge of cancer care in Moscow or Israel. Although, in general, “debulking” or surgically removing as much of a tumor or cancer, as possible is a good thing.

http://www.peoplebeatingcancer.org/breakthrough-brain-cancer-therapy-novocares-treatment-for-glioblastoma-multiforme-gbm/

http://www.peoplebeatingcancer.org/blogcannabinoids-and-brain-cancer/

http://www.peoplebeatingcancer.org/articlebrain-cancer-surgery-do-your-research-insure-success/

http://www.peoplebeatingcancer.org/articlevaccines-and-brain-cancer/

http://www.peoplebeatingcancer.org/articlearonia-and-turmeric-appear-elicit-one-two-punch-defense-against-brain-cancer-brain-cancer/
Let me know if you have any questions. Hang in there.
David Emerson

Paul-
I read about similar restrictions of surgery.
David

Hi Paul,
I understand both how confusion all cancer jargon can be coupled with all the emotions that you and Clare are experiencing. All I can offer is what helped me. The more I learned the better I felt. It’s not really control but I felt I had more control at least of my own decisions.

Having said that re your comment about the links. In essence, the studies published in Pubmed are what I consider to be “evidence based research.” Not me or anyone just saying stuff on the Internet. And what the studies say is that, for instance, curcumin (capsules that you can buy on Amazon or in your local health food store) acts with cisplatin.

You must keep in mind that there are side effects (collateral damage) that may result from the toxicity of this chemotherapy. Yes, we all know of someone who lost all their hair when going through chemo. But the kind of collateral damage that I am talking about may be more serious. Things like nerve damage. Peripheral Neuropathy. PN for short.

Low dose chemo, compared to higher doses, also may reduce toxicity and therefore the severity of damage.

Many newly diagnosed patients are in a hurry for treatment to begin. Studies show that most cancers have been growing for years before diagnosis. Days or even weeks shouldn’t make much difference. Use the time to learn about different therapies, potential side effects, etc.
The better shape Clare is in physically and mentally BEFORE chemo and radiation the better she will handle it and heal from it. Daily moderate exercise (brisk walks daily), nutrition, eat lots of fruits and veggies, sleep (see below)

I should have listed melatonin as a supplement. Again, a supplement that you can buy on Amazon. I take 1 mg tablets once a week. I fall asleep faster and experience a deeper sleep.

The links for green tea and cisplatin cite tea polyphenols ability to work with cisplatin.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=cisplatin%2C+melatonin

Hang in there-

David

Hi Paul,

Several things to consider. The therapy you mention, combining radiation with low-dose cisplatin, is the conventional therapy that has shown the greatest benefit. Further, I will link studies below about supplementation that works integratively with cisplatin.
If you are asking about a more “direct approach” are you asking about surgical options? Something else? I can provide research if you want me to- I’m not sure what you are asking.
“Although the positive trials vary somewhat in terms of the stage of disease, dose of radiation, and schedule of cisplatin and radiation, the trials demonstrated significant survival benefit for this combined approach. The risk of death from cervical cancer was decreased by 30% to 50% with the use of concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Based on these results, strong consideration should be given to the incorporation of concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy with radiation therapy in women who require radiation therapy for treatment of cervical cancer.[9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17]”

Integrative therapies with cisplatin- supplements to both enhance the efficacy of cisplatin while reducing toxicity.

Cisplatin and curcumin-
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=cisplatin%2C+curcumin%2C+cervical+cancer

Cisplatin and green tea (EGCG)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=cisplatin%2C+cervical+cancer%2C+egcg

As for healing radiation damage, please read the studies linked below about hyperbaric oxygen therapy- HBOT

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=radiation%2C+hyperbaric+oxgen+therapy

Please let me know if this info is any help or if you are looking for different info.

hang in there

David

Hi Karen-
I am sorry to read of your husband’s bladder cancer diagnosis but you are smart to begin thinking through therapies at this stage. Please keep in mind that if your husband’s bladder cancer is early stage there are a number of therapies, both conventional and non, that are potentially curative and not as aggressive as bladder removal.

While I have no personal experience with the Urology Ctr. of Colorado, I understand they are the most experienced in bladder cancer procedures in the geographic area you inquire about.

http://www.tucc.com/Bladder-Cancer.60.html

Again, if your husband’s tumor (s) is/are early stage, please consider transurethral surgery to remove the cancer while leaving the bladder intact.

“Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)
This surgical procedure is done completely through a scope. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, but does require a general or spinal anesthetic. Through the scope, the bladder tumor is ‘scraped’ from the inside of the bladder.”
In the meantime, please read the studies below and consider supplementation with these non-toxic anti-oxidants. The linked studies cite the anti bladder cancer affect of each supplement. I take all for to manage my own cancer.

green tea
ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22941057
Curcumin
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25170806
Resveritrol-
ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24587049
milk thistle
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15117815

Let me know if you have any questions.
Take it easy,
David Emerson

Monae-

Do you mean “make” as in annual income? If so I would imagine that annual income varies by city and state. Manhattan BC specialists probably make a lot more than BC specialists practicing in small town, USA.

David Emerson

After 28 years “in remission” I have now been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. How do I find a doctor whose specialty includes 4th stage breast cancer? I live in the Milwaukee area but would be willing to travel anywhere in the state or even to the Mayo in Rochester Mn.