Well, that's it folks...I just came from the doctor...

He called me this morning said some more results came back from tissue samples he took during the ERCP. The reason my bile duct collapsed is I apparently have a tumor growing around the bile duct where it passes through my pancreas. The tissue sample was consistent with malignancy it could be benign but I am planning for the worst. I will deal with the outcome the best way I can and I know I have the support of my friends here at DU. I am scared about this...as can be expected.

I just have to say thanks DU for what you have given me. I have many wonderful friends here and consider some of you family. I am scheduled for surgery next week and until then I am on the edge not knowing what it is I am fighting. I may not be posting very much for a while after the surgery...but I will make sure greatauntoftriplets and VelmaD are updated as to my condition.

Pray for me guys...I need it now more than ever, and I hate to ask but if you can donate please help me out. I am gainfully unemployed right now and it does not look like I am gonna be able to work anytime soon.

paypal is Andy_Stephenson@comcast.net

Now I need to go for a while and

My thoughts are with you.

You've had a rough year. Best wishes and many hugs.
:hug:

us in the OR holding your hand.

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

Stay strong and optimistic; it will help in your recovery.

No matter what the disease is, fight it! Don't back down. Take this illness down and you'll be better.

I had several relatives sick from cancer. Best thing to do is never give up.

....

...we'll all be having a chat with the Big Guy for you.

HG

you will make it through this, thanks to help from many friends.

While you are getting better (and you will get better, darnit!), we will be praying for you and awaiting your return.

I know that I am looking forward to seeing another post that says, "VVPB! Ask for what you want!" ;)

Love and many, many, many hugs,

Arnie

Please do something for me - meditate. It makes a big difference. Do it for us ;) You are surrounded by a charmed circle of light protecting you. I am visualizing you healthy.

Andy, I've followed much of your work, first at BBV and now here. I feel almost as if I know you. I admire you tons and I will be praying for you right along with everyone else.

Going to send you some pocket change right now... :hug:

You are a great American hero!

I remember being hospitalized on a happier occasion (birth of my child) during the Republican National Convention in 1976. Somebody turned the TV on. And I remember having this far, far, far, far, far up the sky perspective on human events (no, I wasn't on drugs--natural birth). The political event being broadcast was important to the ants below, but not to me. But I didn't feel superior or oblivious. I loved the ants and knew that I was of them. We're all part of the anthill, each of us plugging away at our particular job, and each of us important in whatever we do or believe or contribute.

I guess I got to see what life is all about--from the inside of life, which is actually a high, high up in the sky, cosmic perspective. God-like. Goddess-like.

And I'm sure it will be the same when I die. It is such a RELIEF to see things this way--because it is REALITY--the thing we rarely get to see, as we plug away at our little lives on the anthill, our work and what we think are our dreams.

It is a grand spectacle--the struggle for life and consciousness. It is amazing to be a part of it and to perceive it from the upper perspective at the same time. And our bodies are our means of getting here and seeing it, and they hold within them, within each of them, a holographic portion of all of the joy and pain of creation.

And when we are hurt or sick or dying, we have the opportunity of seeing it all.

Blessings upon you, O Nobly Born! Keep your eyes open! We await your report!

I'm still a newbie at DU but have followed your threads. I just know in my heart everything will be fine. Your investigative research and comments are superb, Andy. We know good health will be yours very soon, and we look forward to searching out your posts again. In the meantime, follow doctors orders and get all the rest you need.

I also have a special prayer and candle lit for your speedy recovery.

Read Hulda Clark's A Cure of All Cancers ASAP
any book store(consider doing what she says ASAP)

Do you have root-canaled teeth or dental amalgam fillings or cavitations(unhealed tooth extraction site)?
There is often a connection between them and cancer, chronic health conditions- there are tests for root-canal toxicity or cavitations read: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~bernie1/damspr11.html
if so see a dentist with proper training
call 1-800-311-6265 or the Dental Org IAOMT
I'm aware of a person who recovered from diagnosis of incurable cancer in 3 weeks after treatment, and others who recovered

There is a frequent connection between mycoplasma and conditions like pancreatic cancer(see Dr. Garth Nicholson's web site)
I've had mycoplasma,etc.(disabled) and been treated(recovered). Get tested for mycoplasma. Find the type, get treatment (ASAP)
There is an antibiotic treatment-see doctor
or quicker herbal treatment- see Monastery of Herbs,etc.
(ask me about ways to improve immune response)
There are labs that do testing(blood) or for quicker results
contact org like www.biomeridian.com (or yellow pages)
for ElectroDermalScreening tester(ask for experienced tester in your area) or some NAET practitioners/testers
see also Dr. Mercola's web site
For general information call 1-800-311-6265 (DAMS)

(I'm coordinator of a national org that deals with chronic health conditions-not an MD-we have documentation of 60,000 who've recovered from significant chronic conditions after proper testing and treatment)

the underlying cause of most adult chronic degenerative conditions and children's developmental conditions,learning disabilities,etc. is toxic exposure/toxic accumulation www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1
(over 4000 peer-reviewed medical studies referenced)

your strength to fight this.

sending all positive vibrations for you

Major hugs from NJ to you.

Cher

Turns out I haven't posted frequently enought to select the "recommend" option, but I imagine it would bring it to the attention of more DU denizons. And thereby increase the chance of additional donations. So hows about it, folks? Recommmend this thread!

about the gallstone Andy. I am always the optimist and remain hopeful that you will be back with the team in no time Andy. You have done some amazing things in the recent past some we have seen and some we have not(and I am sure you have before I knew of you as well.) Fight that tumor Andy so you can get back here and fight these election results.
Best Wishes.

To the best of your ability choose to occupy your mind with thoughts other than worry... which is the emotion most associated with cancer. Movies, books and conversations on happier topics are all good alternatives if you can try to steer yourself in that direction. Drink lots of calming teas.
Holding you in the light.
Love,
Melissa

Praying for you!

:hug:

..I'm 45 minutes away from Seattle. I'll be thinking about you now, and next week. I hope you have friends and family nearby for you, so you won't be facing this alone. Please keep us posted.. :grouphug:

It will be what it is meant to be and you will face it with honor and dignity, whatever it is. In the meantime, you are held up, loved, honored and supported by your friends here.

Will you be able to have the surgery without employment/insurance?

Could you use an old laptop pc to dial in from during this part of your journey? I have one that is available-no strings I will FEDEX it, but would like to have it back when you are done-

He will be able to have the surgery without employment or insurance.

I will be certain to let him know about your extremely kind offer. Thanks.

All the best to you Andy, you will be in our thoughts.A positive mental attitude is very important!

Great Aunt, I haven't posted enough to PM you. If you write me can I answer? I need to get a message to you. Thanks.

Sorry, you can't reply to me.

You will win this race, brother.

"Hope" by the Sufi poet Hafiz translated by Thomas Rain Crowe

On the path to the Winehouse, the fate of those who run
Is the same as the pilgrims on the road to Mecca.

When I was separated from You, I closed my eyes to the world.
But hope of our union has given me back my life.

From now on, I'll go to no one else's door,
For You are the only one I want to see.

I have given up my fortune and I have learned how to pray,
And now I can talk to You both night and day.

O Hafiz, your desire for the Beloved is like the wolf who howls at the moon;
Be quiet, and burn like a candle if doubt or violence ever come your way.

Now hurry it up, damn-it! :)

We look forward to seeing you on here for a long time to come.:headbang:

It may be a longshot, but I've heard reports of people experiencing "miracle" cures of cancer by taking high doses of vitamin B-17..

It's hard to get it in stores, but you'll find in apricot seeds: go to the grocery, buy a bunch of apricots, get the "pits" that are inside the apricot, get a nutcracker, crack the "pit" (<- which is just a hard casing around the seeds) and you'll find 1-2 seeds inside. They have a bitter taste to them, similar to almonds..

Apparently, the "medicine" behind it is that B-17 contains a metabolite of cyanide in it, but -- miraculously -- the only cells in the body that seem to actually metabolize B-17 into cyanide are cancer cells. So the cancer cell picks up B-17, metabolizes it into cyanide, and presto! -- the cell is dead!

I've heard people recommend eating 1-2 apricot seeds a day for healthy people.. if you're already sick w/ cancer, you should probably have maybe 10 or so a day (but not all in one sitting.. don't have more than 2-3 at a time, as it might upset your stomach).

Like I said, it's a long shot, and it's not exactly a "clinically proven" therapy, but the way I see it you have nothing to lose ..

.. and I am praying for you.

I will rub my rabbit's foot for you.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. My prayers are with you.

You are a smart, strong, and amazing person. You have a lot to give the world. So no matter if this is something little or big, you can get through this. NGU! Never, never, EVER!

You have a TON of friends all over the US and all over the world who are praying for you and holding you close in our thoughts.

We LOVE YOU and we will be here for you. Please keep us posted as to when your surgery is going to be done and YOU TAKE CARE!

:hug:


PS -- Everybody at the Pittsburgh MoveOn group tonight who saw your "10 Commandments of Voting" loved it; they thought it was great. So see -- GET BETTER 'cause we need you Andy!

Here is another hug...
:hug:

I'm sending what I can afford your way. As always we're all here with you. :grouphug: As others have said, visualize us holding your hand.

There have been major advances with cancer...it may be a long recovery, but you'll make it...will send what I can. Be strong, and try to keep a positive attitude, it helps with the fight. Don't forget all of us here are sending positive energy your way...

Andy,
Attack your cancer with the vigor, presence, intelligence and passion you have exhibited here for all of us. You have all it takes to deal with this. From the looks of it, you have many friends and support here too.
Keep in touch and don't let this defeat you.

Kip

I'm sending you lots of prayers and loads of sparkly light from which to draw strength and peace.

:)

:hug:

You have inside you a hero... an armored Knight, with a sword of flame.
There is no misshapen beast that can withstand its blows.

Even now, it does battle with the foe. While much struggle remains,
you are not alone, and you shall, using your strength and will, prevail.

Blessed Be in this time of trial,
RealP

This is the title of a video based on a classic book, Getting Well Again, by Dr. O. Carl Simonton. I read this book over 20 years ago, and I've yet to find a better one on the subject. (I've written two books on optimizing health, nutrition and longevity, so I have read a lot of these types of books.) The affirmations and visualizations are very good, but the credibility is unsurpassed. The effectiveness of Dr. Simonton's work has even been recognized by the American Medical Association. ("The Best Wellness Film Award on AMA International Film Competition 1997.") The book is: "Based on the Simontons' experience with hundreds of patients at their world-famous Cancer Counseling and Research Center..."

Here's the link to his site:
http://www.simontoncenter.com/Simonton%20Cancer%20Center/tapes02.html

I recommend reading the book at least. (The library will probably have it.) It will legitimately build your belief in your ability to assist in healing yourself, and maintaining your health. A positive, proactive attitude is invaluable for you. Hopefully, the tumor will be benign; but either way, you can do much to heal and maintain your health.

What you say and visualize isn't nearly as important as your belief that you can significantly impact the outcome.

Visualization suggestions: I remember the book suggested you do what you're comfortable with (relate to). It contained examples of men Marshalling "armies" of white blood cells to attack the "enemy" cells, and women imagining white (or pink) light gently bathing the "hurting" area and washing away the sickness. (In hindsight, it was sexist - but what the heck - it works. ;))

The affirmations can be equally simple. Just repeating (with real conviction) things like: "I AM healing!, getting better!, etc. are good during the healing process; and, after you're better, "I AM healthy!" will really make a difference. (It would be good to start now, before your surgery.)

You can do these things anytime; but it is best if you do them a few times a day in a relaxed state. If you meditate - great. If not, doing it while you're listening to relaxing music (or anything else YOU find relaxing) is just fine. Breathing deeply and slowly while you do it really helps too. If you close your eyes while visualizing, its easy to "see" the "action" you choose.

Other suggested reading:
"Anatomy of an Illness" by Norman Cousins (The library will probably have it.)
"Stricken with a degenerative spinal illness in 1964, Cousins refuses to accept the prognosis that he must spend the rest of his life as a virtual vegetable. He battles his illness by using the most potent weapons at his disposal--a healthy sense of humor, the love and support of his wife, and confidence that he will endure."

"Norman Cousin's phenomenal bestseller on illness overcome and the triumph of the human spirit. The premise of Norman Cousin's enormously influential work is that the human mind is capable of promoting the body's capacity for combating illness and healing itself even when faced with a seemingly hopeless medical predicament. The author recounts his personal experiences while working in close collaboration with his doctor to overcome a crippling and supposedly irreversible disease, and illustrates the life-saving and ultimately life-prolonging benefits to be gained by taking responsibility for one's own well-being. Cousin's story is inspirational reading for anyone contending with a serious illness. A New York Times bestseller."

"The Relaxation Response" by Herbert Benson (The library will probably have it.)
"Based on studies at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Herbert Benson showed that relaxation techniques such as meditation have immense physical benefits..." "..., his book became an instant national bestseller."

Library subject to explore:
Mental Healing

Good luck! My thoughts will be with you, and let me know if I you need more information.

My daughter's dog was just diagnosed with leukemia. She asked me what to do.

I have been on the Atkins diet for about 9 years and am very healthy. One thing Atkins points to in his book is how cancer feeds off sugar. Cancer is anaerobic meaning it can live without oxygen and actually thrives in this environment because it uses sugar instead as it's energy source. Atkins believed that drastically reducing sugar intake would help cancer patients although he knew of no science to substantiate that belief.

So I told my daughter to get her dog off all carbohydrates to stop cancer's fuel source because if I had cancer I would take Atkin's advice and get off all sugar. So, she has been feeding the dog canned tuna and other meat scraps as his main food.

The other thing about cancer is that it seems to not do well in an oxygen rich environment. Oxygen rich means alkaline. You can substantially raise the oxygen level by taking omega 3 oils and/or flax seed oil and adding a sulfuric protein with it (best source is cottage cheese and even better is whey protein because whey protein has no sugar and cottage cheese does -- whey is pure dairy protein). Milk of magnesia will also help raise PH.

So I told her to give the dog whey protein, cottage cheese and flaxseed oil and fish oil and throw in some eggs as well since they also have sulfuric proteins.

Anyway, after two weeks on this diet the dog is looking very healthy again after a very grim prognosis.

Doing some INTERNET research a couple days ago I ran across a study where three groups of twenty mice had been turned cancerous with injections of a virulent breast cancer. One group of twenty was given a high dose of sugar and after the time trial 12 had died. One group was given a normal diet of sugar and 8 or so had died. The third group was given an extremely low sugar diet and only one of twenty had died. So there is since some scientific evidence to prove what Atkins believed.

Most cancer specialists do not have diet therapy or diet regimen. Getting off of sugar and carbos sure makes sense to me. Raising oxygen levels and PH does too.

Just food for thought.

Caveat. I'm a lawyer not a doctor, but my father is a PhD in Biochemistry as is my brother. I run my ideas by them. I also read a lot, and research a lot, for what it is worth. I am an information junkie.

... but I kept hearing the name "Andy" spoken warmly and with concern and knew you must be special to a lot of people here.

Now I understand the reason for the concern.

I'll keep a good thought, Andy, that this growth will be discovered to be BENIGN -- and that you'll soon be on your way to good health.

You are right to stay in touch with the people of DU because they're a great bunch and will give you much support in the suspenseful days ahead. In fact, that laptop sounds like a great idea!

Best of luck, Andy, and much love --
WhirlyGirl

you are in my thoughts and prayers. and will be.
hugs and love to you sweetheart!
fly

:hug:

You have some free time before the surgery (Or even after surgery)? Consider visiting Bastyr.

Not as an alternative to surgery, but as supplemental input. The AMA-types are really good at trauma care and surgery, but have a lot of gaps and confusion re prevention and drugs (not to mention bedside manner) -- you know that. Don't get yourself trapped in a drug-manufacturer's box -- think outside the box and make decisions from there! Fear, however grossly unpleasant, is natural, don't let it control your decisions and actions.

Hey, friend, what do you think health care is going to be like in the U.S.A. going forward if we don't win the war with the BushCons and their associates? It is devolving into a nightmare for over 250 million people. Not so great in Iraq these days either.

On the other hand, we can win, and health care and a lot of other things can evolve into a good world that popular opinion has most people too scared, or dumbed-down to even imagine.

Take care of yourself

and you'll be back on the "front lines" in 10 or 15 days and you will look back at current struggles from a wiser perspective -- as happens ;-)

Sorry, no money. I've been in your financial shape for almost all of the last 30 years.

----------

Bastyr Center for Natural Health is part of Bastyr University, one of the world's leading centers of natural medicine education and research. Staffed by health care teams that include advanced students under the supervision of Bastyr's clinical faculty, the center provides a teaching vehicle for the university as well as quality health care.

http://www.bastyrcenter.org /

Call 206.834.4101 to make an appointment

We offer several types of health care services. If you're not sure what type of care will best suit your particular health care needs, we recommend you make an appointment with a naturopathic care team first.

I'm not here at DU as much as I'd like, but I am making a point to come in here to check on you.

It may not be necessary, but if it is - remember Frank IS Dead!

And for those of you who may have missed it?
http://www.nydailynews.com/city_life/health/story/281462p-240993c.html

HUGE HUGS sent your way,

Terre

Glad I mustered the courage to get past the headline and read it! ("Frank" was a tumor.) (And there is more.)

Big hugs and please know that thousands of people are thinking about you and praying for you every day.

I know I am!

:loveya: :hug: :loveya:

I know two women that have survived ovarian cancer. When I told my doctor this once he said that was very rare. They beat is with love, family, and prayers. Not to mention they are strong like you. Despite the title of the post "Frank is Dead" it is a very insiring story. Read the post and feel better!

:grouphug:

:kick: