Need ideas for comforting / useful items to give a person undergoing intense chemotherapy (x2). [more inside]
posted by contessa on Dec 1, 2009 - 11 answers

My mom was diagnosed with Small-Cell Lung Cancer about a month ago. Her prognosis is not so good... her doctor is estimating one to two years with chemo. Last night, my mom and siblings got together to discuss her wishes, wills, money, etc. Unfortunately, there are still issues that were left unresolved. In fact, I feel like we left with more questions than answers. [more inside]
posted by Swede78 on Nov 30, 2009 - 19 answers

What is (or is there any) relationship between cancer, pregnancy, and a fetus? [more inside]
posted by raztaj on Nov 29, 2009 - 7 answers

In cancer treatment, how much does delaying chemo by a couple of weeks exacerbate recurrance risk? [more inside]
posted by Estragon on Nov 26, 2009 - 9 answers

I was distressed to learn from a woman I work with that one of her children, college age, is in the hospital for a second round with cancer. The cancer is not responding this time to treatment. When asked how I could help, she said people who are making and dropping off food are helpful. So, wondering if you all have suggestions of what food items we might bring to her home, and maybe recipe links. [more inside]
posted by bearwife on Nov 13, 2009 - 27 answers

Looking to help a Canberra, Australia acquaintance recently diagnosed with estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer, and wondering whether they would receive better treatment from the US. No politics, please. [more inside]
posted by Estragon on Nov 11, 2009 - 6 answers

I lied about having cancer to my boss. Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 11, 2009 - 56 answers

My mother is dying. How can I forgive myself for the guilt of leaving her bedside? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 9, 2009 - 35 answers

I've just started volunteering at a local hospital on the cancer ward. We've had some training and I do have some personal experience (family member) with cancer treatment, but I want to be as helpful as I can -- If you have spent time on a cancer ward, as a patient, family member or friend -- or as hospital staff, how can I, as a friendly stranger, be most helpful to someone like you? [more inside]
posted by nnk on Oct 23, 2009 - 14 answers

Cervical cancer filter: seeking blogs and online resources. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 13, 2009 - 2 answers

Mother with terminal cancer, dad being an @#$ about her care, I want to take her in but it's complicated. How do I handle it? [more inside]
posted by stormpooper on Oct 12, 2009 - 34 answers

How do I write a thank-you card to a sister-in-law who is dying? [more inside]
posted by stenoboy on Oct 4, 2009 - 13 answers

Are the benefits of sauna therapy real? Some family members of mine talk about saunas being useful for "getting out heavy metals." Supposedly, the body sweats them out. [more inside]
posted by mdpatrick on Oct 3, 2009 - 11 answers

I am good friends with my ex husband. He learned a couple of months ago that his PSA was over 20. He was also having a serious problem with his leg at the time (he had a femoral by pass surgery). That surgery went well and he has recovered from it..but during that time the high PSA results were put on the back burner until he could get through the surgery. [more inside]
posted by naplesyellow on Sep 8, 2009 - 9 answers

Candles, incense, and even deodorant are linked with cancer. What can I use to make my house smell nice that hasn't already been proven to make me sick? [more inside]
posted by lexfri on Aug 31, 2009 - 42 answers

Not that any human would ever do this, but what would happen if someone ate a cancerous tumor? Like, if they waited around a surgical room, and it was removed from someone's breast, or pancreas. Would the stomach acids kill it? Could the person get cancer by eating it?
posted by Sully on Aug 25, 2009 - 21 answers

My mother does not have cancer, but the doctor thought she did and took out pretty much everything that made her a woman and is pleased with his work. She is devastated. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 6, 2009 - 54 answers

My dog has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. For various reasons, my husband and I are probably not going to do the chemo and radiation treatments outlined by the oncologist. If you have made a similar choice with your pet, can you tell me what happened? [more inside]
posted by misskaz on Aug 6, 2009 - 17 answers

[CancerFilter] Fighting leukemia is bad enough, so WTF with this headache?! [more inside]
posted by buzzkillington on Jul 24, 2009 - 10 answers

What does one say to a cancer survivor when they tell you that they're a cancer survivor? [more inside]
posted by Barry B. Palindromer on Jul 23, 2009 - 35 answers

How does getting a medical referral/requesting a medical referral REALLY work and how do you ask for one effectively? [more inside]
posted by tristeza on Jul 19, 2009 - 4 answers

Ten days ago, my sister-in-law (in her 40s) was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer. Her prognosis since the surgery has improved quite a bit from the grim TTL given after the initial MRI, but there is no chance of remission. Since then, her husband has gone from shock to game-face, but in less than 2 weeks, managing her illness, 2 kids (one of which is 9 mos old) has really begun to take its toll on him. For those who have been through this kind of situation, what affirming advice and/or strategies can you offer *him* to realistically weather the challenges yet to come, near, mid and long-term?
posted by Fupped Duck on Jul 14, 2009 - 17 answers

Breast Cancer Media Filter: Looking for (funny/wry/witty/absurdist pov) books, docs, movies. One-woman shows/theatre? Performance art? Installations? Photo essays? [more inside]
posted by Mrs Hilksom on Jul 9, 2009 - 14 answers

A somewhat recent NY Times article explains the connection between ALDH2 deficiency and throat cancer. Request for perspective on level of risk and appropriate response in extended. [more inside]
posted by Busoni on Jun 13, 2009 - 4 answers

Does anyone have experience with Cancer Treatment Centers of America (their TV commercials are on all over) versus traditional outpatient care with a team of doctors? Plus, additional questions regarding being a caretaker from a distance. Specific details inside. [more inside]
posted by cyniczny on Jun 7, 2009 - 10 answers

I shaved my head last Thanksgiving during a bout of cancer (In remission now, though!). I'm slowly growing it back out again (chemo has retarded the actual growth), and I'd like to avoid the transitional mullet-phase. Any suggestions as to how to do this? [more inside]
posted by litterateur on Jun 5, 2009 - 9 answers

My mother's brain tumor was revealed at biopsy to be glioblastoma - yet its physical characteristics are completely different from the definition of glioblastoma. Has anyone else ever heard of this? What did it mean? [more inside]
posted by Betsy Vane on Jun 1, 2009 - 4 answers

I've seen several news articles (including this one) over the past few years highlighting studies that suggest a link between processed meats and cancer. Does the preponderance of scientific evidence suggest that people should stay away from foods like deli meats and hot dogs, even in moderation?
posted by zembla3 on May 28, 2009 - 14 answers

What might have caused black spots to form and grow on my mother-in-law's eyes as she was dying from pancreatic cancer and the inevitable infections that go along with cancer and its treatment? I'm hoping someone with a similar experience or someone in the medical field might be able to tell us something that the doctors here couldn't. [more inside]
posted by ElDiabloConQueso on May 14, 2009 - 4 answers

Should I get a prosthetic testicle? [more inside]
posted by chinese_fashion on May 11, 2009 - 44 answers

Does someone with a dying relative better understand what someone who has lost a relative is going through? Explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 4, 2009 - 12 answers

Heading on an Alaskan cruise with my 2-year old son, my husband and my 64-year old mother who just finished chemo/radiation for lung cancer. Suggestions, tips, thoughts on making sure everyone enjoys the time? [more inside]
posted by cyniczny on Apr 29, 2009 - 8 answers

Cancer Filter - My dad has leukemia and wants an inspiring non-religious book or two about positive thinking - suggestions? [more inside]
posted by DuckGirl on Apr 17, 2009 - 10 answers

Taxfilter: Is it possible to negotiate with the IRS? [more inside]
posted by brigita on Apr 13, 2009 - 8 answers

I want to write a story in a nationally syndicated magazine about a friend to draw attention to childhood cancer. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by monkeyman82 on Apr 6, 2009 - 6 answers

My father died from lung cancer a couple of years ago. But did he actually starve to death? And if so, why? [more inside]
posted by LastOfHisKind on Apr 5, 2009 - 10 answers

My mother has stage IV, metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Any advice on my challenging the terribly poor standard of care? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 23, 2009 - 17 answers

I may have breast cancer. I do not have health insurance. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 16, 2009 - 13 answers

My elderly, FIV-positive cat has a strange black bump on his neck. I can't find anything similar online and the vet dismissed it as a blackhead about six months ago, but it got bigger. [more inside]
posted by xenophile on Mar 7, 2009 - 4 answers

Found a distinct lump, and suspect it might be a hemorrhoid. I'm worried, though, that it could be something much worse. Can I wait for my next appointment with my doctor in two weeks or is this something I should have examined right away? If, for example, it was a tumour, would two weeks make a difference?
posted by pantheON on Feb 2, 2009 - 11 answers

My aunt has potentially terminal cancer. She's avoiding making any decisions, but she's also not doing anything to enjoy the present. My mother is a wreck. Is there anything at all that I can do to help? [more inside]
posted by amelioration on Jan 27, 2009 - 7 answers

Why was cancer once considered a shameful disease? [more inside]
posted by Quietgal on Dec 31, 2008 - 40 answers

Should my grandmother continue chemotherapy? [more inside]
posted by frankie_stubbs on Nov 27, 2008 - 10 answers

What is guaranteed NOT to cause cancer? [more inside]
posted by k7lim on Oct 17, 2008 - 25 answers

My terminally-ill grandma is in a hospital that is dirty, poorly staffed, and crowded. My family wants to move her to another facility. She has 2-8 weeks to live. Hospital staff has been unreceptive to our requests. How can we get grandma transferred to another facility? [more inside]
posted by Ostara on Oct 14, 2008 - 6 answers

Breast Cancer took her mother from her 2 years ago (October 3rd, 2006)- what can I do for her anniversary? [more inside]
posted by eleongonzales on Oct 1, 2008 - 11 answers

What can I expect in terms of side effects for radiation treatment of brain cancer? [more inside]
posted by Atom12 on Sep 29, 2008 - 16 answers

How worried should I be? (You are not my doctor.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 11, 2008 - 14 answers

If you take 10,000 random 40 year old US citizens right now, how many of them will be dead from cancer 20 years from now? I don't care about risk factors - the people are just selected randomly. Is there any way to get this number? Thanks.
posted by crapples on Aug 22, 2008 - 8 answers

My girlfriend has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. I'm looking for any mefites that have been through this. She starts chemo this week. [more inside]
posted by ambulance blues on Aug 22, 2008 - 12 answers