I tried to get my integrative doctor to prescribe off-label Maraviroc to me, but he stongly advised against it. Normally he has been supportive for off-label use of other drugs, such as metformin. He said the FDA requires the manufacturer to label the boxes with the ominous black box warning, in thi...
Linzess worked for about two month, then stopped working even at the higher 290 mcg dosage. I didn't have any insurance coverage issues, but even with insurance the cost is relatively high, about $3 / pill. Others on this site have recommended seeing a GI department in a large city hospital that has...
The big red bag that can be purchased at most pharmacies works for most people. The non-chain family-run pharmacies that specialize in home care equipment like walkers have the best selection in this area. I have had chronic constipation due to opiate pain medication usage, so I have been using this...
My oncologist said colonoscopies during treatment of metastatic disease was unnecessary. At he put it, you have more important issues now, treating the metastatic disease is the prime focus.
Conventional wisdom is that serum vitamin D levels (greater than) >100 ng/mL is detrimental to the immune system. Your story implies this is not always the case.
I take the similar AVE ULTRA supplement, made by American BioSciences, that can be purchased on line. It is a fermented wheat germ extract that promotes immune system modulation. Their claim is that it promotes optimal NK cell targeting ability and coordinated response of macrophages, B cells and T ...
If logistics allow, getting a second opinion at a top national cancer center, such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Stanford, Dana Farber and others would be advisable.
lpas, I agree with you, it would have easier to determine the therapeutic value if my vinorelbine chemotherapy and ozone therapy were done sequentially, but for most stage 4 patients, there is not enough time to allow this. You have do as many conventional and alternative treatments at the same time...
Unfortunately, I had disease progression in my liver with two new tumors following 5 cycles of FOLFIRI, so I am now trying something novel, off-label use of vinorelbine. I had my first infusion today of vinorelbine, an FDA approved drug to treat lung cancer. This was brought up with the article &quo...
I had an oncologist who would not win any personality awards, and was not the warm and fuzzy type. I kept seeing him anyway because I thought he had good diagnostic skills, was aware of the latest research, and made decisions based on data, not a hunch. Expecting to find a doctor with good bedside m...
A consult with a Memorial Sloan Kettering dermatologist really helped with the Vectibix side effects. He prescribed Ammonium Lactate Cream (12 per cent) for my excessive flaking skin due to Vectibex. It is a humectant, it attracts water from the air, which eliminated the dry, flaky skin in about two...
Out of pocket costs could vary between the two. The pump is generally covered by your out patient hospitalizations plan. For pharmaceutical insurance plans, Unless you have a high end plan ( Union type), the copays for the pills could be a significant expense. Some patients with liver lesions specif...
Jim, My local oncologist also gets the chemo treatment instructions from MSK. There are no ego issues with the local oncologist, he actually prefers this arrangement for complicated cases, in my case with the BRAF mutation. The local oncologist deals with side effect issues, anti nausea meds or Neul...
Jortego128, Thanks for the sincere complement; unfortunately I am having difficulty outsmarting my cancer. I have seen the best doctors in the country, tried numerous complementary therapies, but I just can't shake this colon cancer thing. I would be happy to be able to manage it as a chronic diseas...
Last week, I had my first five pass ozone (O3) treatment session. My veins were being stubborn, and the blood was flowing slowly through the tube, so only five passes could be done not the desired 10, in the allotted 2 1/2 hour office visit. The doctor would not use my port, which I think would have...