Talk Cancer

Question:

Hi, I find a lot on the net about shark cartilage as cancer therapy. Most references come from the people who sell it, or researchers who are skeptical. In my opinion the positive reactions from users, is the proove that shark cartilage works. What i should like to know is: – Did you use it or do you know anyone who uses (used) it? – What was your (their) experience? – Did you think it had some effect? – Do you advice to use it (why yes/not)? Hope you will help, Thanks, Joost van de Water Amsterdam Holland

Response:

This was posted to a similar question above. I repeat it out of laziness. Subj:   Re: Shark cartliage– anyone use it? D.M. VAIL PO BOX 181541 DALLAS, TX 75218-8541 URL:  http://www.trade-express.com/zdennisvail.htm To:  Newsgroup:  misc.health.alternative Re:  Shark Cartilage– anyone use it? Dear Newsgroup Members: This is not a recommendation for anyone else.  It is an attempt to begin a discussion on this topic. My cancer is pancreatic "islet cell tumors" first diagnosed in 12-87, when varices in my stomach–caused by a large islet-cell tumor–ruptured and filled my stomach with blood three times in 30 minutes. Due to a low hemoglobin (2.4) and my refusal as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to take blood, I was treated with iron and received surgery 5-88.  A tumor the size of a "small melon," along with one-third of my pancreas, and a spleenectomy were done with a hemoglobin of 10.5 and a cell-saver (autotransfusion) machine. I was taking no medication at this time.   Islet cell tumors are rare (1 in a million people) and grow very slowly. In 06-1992 I was diagnosed with transverse colon bleeding caused by an islet cell tumor that had snuggled up to the colon.   Received uneventful surgery without blood. 04-93 diagnosed with diabetes, resulting from removal of 1/3 pancreas in 5-88.   Still no cancer treatment, nor medication. 12-95 suffered a pancrititis attack after breakfast of fatty sausage.   By the way,   pancrititis is one of the most painful attacks a person can suffer.   In my case the attack quit on it’s own, but the tests at this occasion showed great spreading of the tumors, on my pancreas, liver, kidneys, pelvis, shoulder, etc. While in the hospital my son David brought me some shark cartilage.  At the same time the doctors said the tumors were quite wide spread and gave me six months to six years to live.  I am 56 years old.   Four weeks later, a good and intelligent friend of mine suggested shark cartilage.   I began taking this putrid stuff. Shark cartilage is the bone substitute designed into the creation of sharks.  There are no catfish-like bones in sharks.   The shark is caught in the ocean, killed, dried out, cleaned, ground-up into a powder and then placed into jars (or capsules for the weak-hearted). Probably nothing tastes worse than shark cartilage.   After much experimenting, rather than put the powder in a large glass of fruit juice or V-8 and sip it, we use a small glass of water mixture and chug-a-lug four or five swallows, and then take a separate gulp of coffee, tea or fruit juice to cover the residue.  My wife still gags when placing the powder into the water and stirring, but — with a swallowing and breathing routine — I can down it with little discomfort.  (Sorry about that, Hon!) THE GOOD NEWS.  My CT scan and X-rays in my M.D.’s chart show a distinct shrinking of the tumors from 12-95 ro 07-96.   I am due for my next set of photos in a couple of weeks.   I came to believe (true or false) that the shark cartilage shrank the blood supply to the tumors causing them to shrink. THE SIDE EFFECT.   About a month ago (11-96) I began developing unwanted side effects.   I became mentally disoriented and very sleepy continually.  I lost my apitite and desire to eat.  I became slightly nausiated and constipated.  With my disoriented mind, I assumed that the shark cartilage was shrinking good body organs, including my brain, along with the tumors.  I quit taking the cartilage three weeks ago.   A couple of weeks ago I gave blood for tests and the indications were elevated calcium levels.  My normal level should be around 10, but I was up to 13, with the exact symptoms caused by elevated calcium levels.  Iridium was given and I am right back to near normal. DILEMMA. How much shark cartilage to take while maintaining a normal calcium level.   Will the photos show a continued reduction in the tumors from 07-96 to 01-97? What was the question? D.M. Vail

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