Hi, my mum has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. She has just started chemo, but has been told her cancer is terminal and surgery isn't an option - hopefully chemo will give her more time. But she is being bombarded with alternative 'treatments' by well meaning friends etc. The latest is 'apricot kernels'. I am desperately trying to get info on each new thing to explain to her but wondered if there are any books or info specifically on these therapies. None seem too promising to me but I am trying to 'source' any she asks about and am having difficultly taking it all in. Any advice appreciated. Angiexx

Hello Angie

I have found after doing exstensive research into alternatives, that is works more on keeping your strength...ie........ vitamins and minerals. Keeping you as healthy as poss when going through chemos and radios. If there is something out there that works as a cure I havent found it. But statistics show that those using alternatives seem to have more strength.

Lots of love to you and your mum

sam x

Hi sam

Many thanks. I am making sure she is taking vitamins & minerals, especially iron, and eating lots of good healthy food to keep her strength up. Difficult when everyone is telling her about new 'wonder' treatmeats that work miracles when you're in such a desperate situation and grasping at straws. I know people mean well but, from what I can tell most are not proven as yet, and seem very expensive.

Worried she seems to be dimishing before my eyes, losing weight, strength etc, but suppose that's what chemo does!

Anyway, thanks for your reply.

Love
Angiexx

Dear Angie,

Most of us on the cancer journey have looked at alternatives and wondered about their claims. I found a very helpful website, set up to give facts ,on each of the alternative therapies and where necessary to expose the crooks.
http://www.quackwatch.com/

If you go to http://www.quackwatch.com/00AboutQuackwatch/altseek.html there is a whole section devoted to the exposure of fradulent alternative cancer treatments.

Hope this is of some help

Best wishes Charles

Hi Angie

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Home

When we were looking at the many alternative therapies we contacted cancer backup, I have attached a link. You can contact them on a free phone number and they can send out free booklets of information, they do have a book on compilmentary/alternative therapies as I recall. All the best to you, take care.x

Hi all, still plodding on - but wondered if any of you had heard of a supplement called 'Broncosol' apparently it is extracts of Brocolli, sprouts & watercress and has been recommended to my mum as a 'wonder' for her terminal lung cancer. At £25 a time for 30 tabs really expensive and wondered if anyone had any info before she tries 'one last thing' as she says! Any feedback appreciated!!

Hi Angie,
I haven't heard of the broncosol I'm afraid. My husband has tried B17 and Apricot Kernels after reading a book by Philip Day called Cancer: Why we are still dying to know the truth. I dont know if it has helped. I dont think so, as his cancer has metastized. However, he was very late in seeking treatment and his cancer was already stage 3Tb when diagnosed, and he has never given up smoking. If your mum wants to give the kernels a shot, I have a tub in the freezer which she is welcome to try, as John has now given up with it.

When you know there's nothing conventional meds can do, you are bound to want to try other things. You could try "Juicing" to keep her levels of nutrients up, but I suppose the whole problem is that there are too many suggestions already!!
I hope the chemo works well without too many side effects. If you want the kernels, just pm me with your address and I will post them to you.

PLEASE be very careful if you are considering using apricot kernels - they produce cyanide:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4901132.stm


I fully understand why we all want to find that 'miracle' cure for our loved ones but there are many charlatans out there whose only aim is to make a quick buck out of frightened and desperate people.
Best wishes to all of you who are in this situation.
Jen