Re: Re: Oasis hospital---Fran's questions

[Guest guest]

Joe: How do you know if one of these supposed " alternative " doctors is using

chemo? I have heard that chemo is SUPER expensive and tamoxifen was just

written on and they say it's used in post menopausal women who have already

had a mastectomy, guess it's a secondary med

[Response: I am under the impression Tamoxifen is used in more than post

menopausal women, however, someone with more knowledge can answer that.]

I know that my Urologist, a conventional physician, is not using

Chemotherapy and would be sure to know if he or a " supposed alternative

doctor " was using it as I am sure you would too. It is expensive stuff.]

You all seem so much more knowledgeable then I and I guess my problem with

all of

this is who follows your progress and how do you know what you're doing is

working and not getting worse?

[i would imagine that many people on this list for any amount of time, and

studies, researches, like you, are knowledgeable to some extent. I am a

great one for mouthing those I have confidence in or whom seem reasonable in

their approach to cancer. As for knowing what is working and not getting

worse? Well, I still do use my Urologist and have developed a working

relationship with him. this takes tact, firmness, and a reasonable

physician. On the advice of one of our respected professionals, I have

allowed certain practices my Urologist suggests and have resisted others

based on my own beliefs, after 60 years of being 'tuned into alternative

methods' and the advice of one of our well-known practitioners. There are

tests for bladder cancer that can indicate whether or not I am better or

worse. I also know tests are not always accurate, however, what else can

one do?]

I have no health insurance and we're not rich by any means so some of these

numbers I have read about at these clinics, Burzynski's wanted 735.00 for

the first consult and then another 7-10K for the two week daily treatments

where you have to be in Dallas for these and then I have no clues to what

the take home and continued therapy would cost. I don't have a house to

mortgage or a rich uncle, how do you all do this?? Sorry to change the

subject abit but I have questions. Thank you for listening. Frann

[Other than the age involved, I am fortunate to be on Social Security so at

least the Urologist's efforts are generally covered. I checked into

Burzinski and, two years ago, was advised I might be looking at a total of

$65,000 in costs. I think Burzinski has done a wonderful job for some

people, especially brain cancer patients, however I agree that is quite an

outlay for the average person. You ask, " how do you do all this? " My

answer is, I don't. As said before, my conventional examinations are

covered by Medicare and that is for an every three month's examination and

my alternative efforts are restricted to supplements. However Frann, should

the situation change and my needs become more demanding, I would not

hesitate to seek help from The Center for The Study of Natural Oncology or

The San Diego Clinic in Mexico which Dr. Gammill is involved with and which

another favorite of mine, Leonard, speaks highly of. Whether or not I

could afford a 'full regimen' the clinic might suggest depends upon whether

or not I could afford it.

Whatever you do Frann, I wish you well.

Joe C.