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In reply to the discussion: I think I'm pretty much done with politics.... [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)179. I agree with the poster who says try to get in on a medical trial--can't hurt, might help.
This link might be useful to you, I hope it is: http://www.floridacancertrials.com/en/aboutus.asp
If you have just had a recurrence or have just been diagnosed with advanced cancer
It's especially important to search for trials before starting treatment if standard treatment is not terribly effective, as is the case with many advanced cancers. If you are on treatment you may be disqualified from trials as long as you are on treatment and as long as your cancer hasn't gotten worse. Merely having had treatment for your recurrence or advanced cancer can disqualify you from some trials which may require that you haven't tried any other treatment for the recurrence, or which may require that you haven't used certain drugs. Note that if there is a somewhat effective treatment for your cancer, you may actually be required to have tried that before qualifying for trials. If this is the case for your cancer you will discover it when you do your search.
If you have just learned that your treatment for advanced cancer isn't working
You'll want to look into trials before starting another treatment. You usually can't start a trial until several weeks after completing your last treatment and recovering from its side effects, so you should have a little time to investigate now- but do not delay.
SITUATIONS IN WHICH SEARCH FOR TRIALS IS LESS URGENT
While doing a clinical trial search may not be urgent, you may still want to keep tabs on what's out there in case you need it. If you are currently disease free, and don't qualify for trials of additional treatment, you might want to see what's out there for patients who have a recurrence. The risk of recurrence after the initial treatment varies from close to zero to nearly 100%, depending on the situation. If your risk is high, you will probably be more motivated to keep tabs on new developments than if it's low!
If you have a clinical emergency
Many people believe that after a diagnosis of cancer there is not a day to lose in starting treatment. The truth is cancer is usually a relatively slow process, and in most cases delaying cancer treatment for a short time in order to investigate your options isn't a problem. But there are real exceptions, and if it's truly an emergency, you can't wait to investigate trials. You need tonbe guided by, and to act on your doctor's advice now!
It's especially important to search for trials before starting treatment if standard treatment is not terribly effective, as is the case with many advanced cancers. If you are on treatment you may be disqualified from trials as long as you are on treatment and as long as your cancer hasn't gotten worse. Merely having had treatment for your recurrence or advanced cancer can disqualify you from some trials which may require that you haven't tried any other treatment for the recurrence, or which may require that you haven't used certain drugs. Note that if there is a somewhat effective treatment for your cancer, you may actually be required to have tried that before qualifying for trials. If this is the case for your cancer you will discover it when you do your search.
If you have just learned that your treatment for advanced cancer isn't working
You'll want to look into trials before starting another treatment. You usually can't start a trial until several weeks after completing your last treatment and recovering from its side effects, so you should have a little time to investigate now- but do not delay.
SITUATIONS IN WHICH SEARCH FOR TRIALS IS LESS URGENT
While doing a clinical trial search may not be urgent, you may still want to keep tabs on what's out there in case you need it. If you are currently disease free, and don't qualify for trials of additional treatment, you might want to see what's out there for patients who have a recurrence. The risk of recurrence after the initial treatment varies from close to zero to nearly 100%, depending on the situation. If your risk is high, you will probably be more motivated to keep tabs on new developments than if it's low!
If you have a clinical emergency
Many people believe that after a diagnosis of cancer there is not a day to lose in starting treatment. The truth is cancer is usually a relatively slow process, and in most cases delaying cancer treatment for a short time in order to investigate your options isn't a problem. But there are real exceptions, and if it's truly an emergency, you can't wait to investigate trials. You need tonbe guided by, and to act on your doctor's advice now!
Here's a link to NCI's search feature--you can look for trials that suit your diagnosis:
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search
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Oh crap...I dont pray but my thoughts are with you, my wife is having abdominal pain issues and is
randys1
Feb 2015
#2
Flyellowdog......it's a good philosophy. Sending you positive thoughts for pain management and
livetohike
Feb 2015
#4
So sorry. Good they help you handle your pain but emotionally - devastating. Good thoughts.
Shrike47
Feb 2015
#7
Never knew that about oxycontin, but better than stool softeners is MiraLax or its generic form...
Hekate
Mar 2015
#214
My gastroenterologist prescribed it for me, then it went over the counter, then generic
Hekate
Mar 2015
#283
I agree with the poster who says try to get in on a medical trial--can't hurt, might help.
MADem
Mar 2015
#179
live in the moments, remember Now Is Good !! sending you strength and very good vibes
Tuesday Afternoon
Feb 2015
#39
Glad to wish you the best on this journey -- you sound like you are going to make it a good one
tomm2thumbs
Feb 2015
#40
Those are beautiful words and thoughts from your dad. Thank you for sharing them.
sabrina 1
Mar 2015
#182
What incredibly rough news. Enjoy that well-and-hard-earned break from politics, then...
villager
Feb 2015
#82
I hope I could keep as positive 'til the end...some claim to feel blessed to know...
joanbarnes
Feb 2015
#131
Dr. Oliver Sacks recently wrote in the NYT that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer,
Electric Monk
Feb 2015
#137
Go to a major center that deals with metastatic cancer and see if there are options
still_one
Feb 2015
#133
Also consider second or third consultations, maybe clinical trials. All the best
still_one
Mar 2015
#210
Oh, FLyellowdog. I'd hug you, but it'd hurt. I can only send a virtual hug: ((HUG)).
freshwest
Feb 2015
#145
It's easy to forget how wide and deep the DU "family" goes. Thanks for the reminder.
Hekate
Mar 2015
#239
Best wishes to you and yours. "Being the first to go is really going to be a freeing thing"
uppityperson
Feb 2015
#151
Sorry. Take good care of yourself and laugh as much as possible, including at those of us who are
merrily
Mar 2015
#226
These kinds of things have a way of putting things into perspective really quick.
ScreamingMeemie
Mar 2015
#289