Xeloda & Meridian Medical group

16 years 1 month ago #14091 by Bronkmommy
Replied by Bronkmommy on topic Xeloda & Meridian Medical group
We have been doing some research through friends in the medical community and have found very positive information about DR Chang and his medical group over the last day or so. He is apparently very well respected at New York Presbyterian and Beth Isreal. We are going to see him this week to see what he says. His website says that he works in conjunction with your chemo protocals etc so we will see. I will keep you posted.

Jane & Crew

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16 years 1 month ago #14015 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Xeloda & Meridian Medical group
Well i think it would definately be to your advantage to tell your oncologist as the drug may well react to some eastern herbal remedies.
Pat

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16 years 1 month ago #14011 by Bronkmommy
Replied by Bronkmommy on topic Xeloda & Meridian Medical group
I saw that study with the elderly patients. I think the most promising reason to try Xeloda is that the urologist at Sloan is suggesting it based on progress he has seen. We are going to see him ( Dr Bajorin) on Thursday. We are trying to hook up with the Meridian Group the same day. I agree that it might be throwing some money away BUT if it gives her some sense of comfort that we have tried all options then I think it is money well spent. Of all of the alternative medicine groups out there this one does at least on the surface have very good credentials. We are investigating them further through sloan and our local oncologist. I will let you know what info we dig up.

I think that we are all based in western medicine that it is very hard to think that accupuncture or herbs or whatever might help but there certainly are a lot of Asians who do believe it....I guess I am willing to bend my beliefs for a bit and try it.

Jane & Crew

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16 years 1 month ago #13997 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Xeloda & Meridian Medical group
Well this is a small study but sounds promising for Xeloda...
Researchers at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, recently reported treatment results for 14 patients with bladder cancer treated with Xeloda and radiation therapy. Half of the patients were over the age of 80, and none of the patients were candidates for surgery or cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Nine patients had localized disease (cancer confined to the bladder) and five patients had advanced disease (cancer that has spread from the bladder to other sites in the body).

Treatment with Xeloda and radiation therapy resulted in a complete disappearance of detectable cancer in the majority of patients (11 out of 13). Of the 11 patients who had no detectable cancer after treatment, eight survived without cancer recurrence during the roughly 10 months of follow-up. The most common adverse effects of treatment were fatigue, diarrhea, and dehydration. Three patients had to be hospitalized because of adverse effects of treatment.

The researchers concluded that the combination of Xeloda and radiation therapy offers a promising treatment option for bladder cancer patients who, because of their advanced age or their health status, cannot tolerate surgery or cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients with bladder cancer may wish to speak with their physician regarding their individual risks and benefits of treatment with Xeloda chemotherapy or participation in a clinical trial further evaluating Xeloda or other promising therapeutic approaches. Two sources of information regarding ongoing clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) and www.cancerconsultants.com

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16 years 1 month ago #13994 by mssmr
Replied by mssmr on topic Xeloda & Meridian Medical group
Your question about Xeloda and Patricia's mention of Avastin raises the question for me about how a patient can communicate with a physician about prescribing
"off label" medications.

I listened to a Bladder Cancer teleconference last week and mention was made of drugs developed for kidney cancer that might show promise for bladder cancer,
too --my attempt to ask a question failed (they ran out of time for questions.)

Also, I have friends and acquaintences who have been offered (and accepted)
"off label" drugs (approved for other cancers) and are well now ( at least
one considers herself cured. None of these fortunate folks had bladder cancer.

Is it a question of "do your research and just ask" or does anyone have other suggestions -- preferably from experience -- Thank you -- Susan (mssmr)

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16 years 1 month ago #13992 by Zachary
Replied by Zachary on topic Xeloda & Meridian Medical group
From the Meridian Medical Group FAQ:
"Using touch, the practitioner evaluates your energy fields and energy flow in these two positions and balances the structures as needed. He or she may focus on body, mind, or spirit, or all three, depending in where the fields are disturbed or energy is blocked. Throughout the session, attention is given to the skeleton in particular because if contains the deepest and strongest currents. "

"Some people describe the experience as "Expanded awareness", others "Pension melting away"....

This clinic definitely sounds like a last resort for serious cancer treatment to me. Although I have no doubt many patients will see their "Pension melt away", I doubt their cancer will do likewise. If they have empirical evidence to the contrary--not testimonials, not claims, and not metaphysical promotional copy--I'd love to hear more about it.

If vaguely comforting messages and treatments will make someone feel better and they're okay with that, I have no problem with it. And they are very upfront--wisely--about how they are only to complement traditional treatments (surgery, chemo, radiation), not replace them.

If it made *my* mother feel better, and if conventional treatment had run its course, I'd drive her myself and bite my tongue. But if her oncologist hadn't given up realistic hope yet, I would pursue that avenue first. Without a doubt and without hesitation.

"Standing on my Head"---my chemo journal
T3a Grade 4 N+M0
RC at USC/Norris June 23, 2006 by Dr. John Stein

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