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Support for Mark and Ali Beetham and their children

  • A message from Mark...

      8 February 2017

    Last week revealed three new lesions in my liver 10mm 12mm & 27mm. One in a node beside my heart was also found.

    My surgeon says he can't do anything as it is right now so I'm going back on chemo starting in the next few weeks for the next six months 😞

    They will scan me again half way through to see whats happening if they have shrunk he may operate.

    Future uncertain.

    The funds raised is helping towards many areas in our lives whilst we have tried to control this terrible disease.

    A huge thanks again.

    From the Beetham family x

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    • 05/05/2019 by Mark Beetham

      Mark rested on the 4th May 2019.

      We thank everyone from the centre of pur hearts. Mark was able to have more treatment and life and helped by you all.

  • An update from Mark

      23 May 2016
    Main image

    Hi guys. New update.

    I've started the 2nd cycle of 12 of this chemo regime and Ali and I are managing OK. I have my moments trying to deal with the side effects and the meds's they give me to counteract them.

    I would like to reiterate what Ali has said in her last post and thank everyone for their help and support. Its been truly humbling for us.

    Since starting this last round I have been searching for anything that may help as you do when you are facing this disease. I have discovered that aerobic exercise while on chemo can increase the chemicals getting to the tumors thus making it more potent. Another option (Dandelion Root Tea) I am trying was brought to my attention by my mother Raewyn. If it works the word needs to get out there. My CEA numbers are checked every week so it would be good to see them steadily fall. 2 weeks ago they were 40 and last week 29 normal is under 3.

    I have pasted some info as follows;

    (NaturalHealth365) Those bright yellow weeds blooming all over suburban lawns each spring may soon be known as more than just a springtime nuisance. A proposed clinical study will look at the potential cancer-killing properties of dandelion root extract in hopes of mirroring the promising results already seen in lab studies.

    Dr. Siyaram Pandey, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, University of Windsor, and principal research investigator on the project, is recruiting 30 cancer patients to take part in the study, which will take place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. The clinical trial follows lab studies in which dandelion tea, containing dandelion root extract, showed promise in the fight against cancer.

    The benefits of dandelion tea revealed

    Dandelion tea has been prized for years by proponents of natural and alternative health remedies for a number of reasons. It has been shown to enhance detoxification, by stimulating urination and replacing the potassium lost in the process.

    Even more noteworthy, dandelion tea is widely known as a potent disease-fighter, credited with boosting the body’s immune system and helping the body to heal, while combating heart disease, combating cancer and reducing the effects of aging.

    Scientific studies highlight the power dandelion tea

    The proposed clinical study, which will take place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, will involve patients with end stage blood-related cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia. The study will address the question of whether results of the clinical trial will mimic the earlier lab test results, where dandelion tea containing dandelion root extract was shown to kill cancer cells.

    During the lab tests, researchers studied the effects of the dandelion tea formula on a number of commercially available leukemia cells. The team found that the dandelion tea caused cancer cells to destroy themselves, known as apoptosis.

    As part of the process, the research team created a new company, Windsor Botanical Therapeutics, in order to gain the ability to form a contract with a licensed Health Canada drug manufacturer for the purpose of creating the dandelion extract that can be used clinically.

    Dr. Pandey says the first phase of the clinical study is part of the overall Dandelion Root Project, an effort designed to bring to light the scientific evidence for using dandelion root extract and other natural health products in a safe, effective way to combat cancer.

    Is Canada going to set an example for the rest of the world?

    This phase of the clinical trials already have the blessing of Health Canada in 2012. The end goal of this early stage will be primarily to determine the correct dose necessary to impact cancer cells.

    The research got under way after Dr. Pandey was approached by an oncologist who noticed that cancer patients drinking dandelion tea were improving. The results have been promising enough to attract financial support via grants from philanthropists.

    Only time will tell if this information can get out to the general public. There are many people – within the pharmaceutical industry – that want to keep the public in the dark. It’s up to each and every one of us to spread the word. People need to learn more about the healing power of dandelion tea plus many other substances within the plant kingdom.

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  • An update from Mark

      23 May 2016
    Main image

    Hi guys. New update.

    I've started the 2nd cycle of 12 of this chemo regime and Ali and I are managing OK. I have my moments trying to deal with the side effects and the meds's they give me to counteract them.

    I would like to reiterate what Ali has said in her last post and thank everyone for their help and support. Its been truly humbling for us.

    Since starting this last round I have been searching for anything that may help as you do when you are facing this disease. I have discovered that aerobic exercise while on chemo can increase the chemicals getting to the tumors thus making it more potent. Another option (Dandelion Root Tea) I am trying was brought to my attention by my mother Raewyn. If it works the word needs to get out there. My CEA numbers are checked every week so it would be good to see them steadily fall. 2 weeks ago they were 40 and last week 29 normal is under 3.

    I have pasted some info as follows;

    (NaturalHealth365) Those bright yellow weeds blooming all over suburban lawns each spring may soon be known as more than just a springtime nuisance. A proposed clinical study will look at the potential cancer-killing properties of dandelion root extract in hopes of mirroring the promising results already seen in lab studies.

    Dr. Siyaram Pandey, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, University of Windsor, and principal research investigator on the project, is recruiting 30 cancer patients to take part in the study, which will take place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. The clinical trial follows lab studies in which dandelion tea, containing dandelion root extract, showed promise in the fight against cancer.

    The benefits of dandelion tea revealed

    Dandelion tea has been prized for years by proponents of natural and alternative health remedies for a number of reasons. It has been shown to enhance detoxification, by stimulating urination and replacing the potassium lost in the process.

    Even more noteworthy, dandelion tea is widely known as a potent disease-fighter, credited with boosting the body’s immune system and helping the body to heal, while combating heart disease, combating cancer and reducing the effects of aging.

    Scientific studies highlight the power dandelion tea

    The proposed clinical study, which will take place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, will involve patients with end stage blood-related cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia. The study will address the question of whether results of the clinical trial will mimic the earlier lab test results, where dandelion tea containing dandelion root extract was shown to kill cancer cells.

    During the lab tests, researchers studied the effects of the dandelion tea formula on a number of commercially available leukemia cells. The team found that the dandelion tea caused cancer cells to destroy themselves, known as apoptosis.

    As part of the process, the research team created a new company, Windsor Botanical Therapeutics, in order to gain the ability to form a contract with a licensed Health Canada drug manufacturer for the purpose of creating the dandelion extract that can be used clinically.

    Dr. Pandey says the first phase of the clinical study is part of the overall Dandelion Root Project, an effort designed to bring to light the scientific evidence for using dandelion root extract and other natural health products in a safe, effective way to combat cancer.

    Is Canada going to set an example for the rest of the world?

    This phase of the clinical trials already have the blessing of Health Canada in 2012. The end goal of this early stage will be primarily to determine the correct dose necessary to impact cancer cells.

    The research got under way after Dr. Pandey was approached by an oncologist who noticed that cancer patients drinking dandelion tea were improving. The results have been promising enough to attract financial support via grants from philanthropists.

    Only time will tell if this information can get out to the general public. There are many people – within the pharmaceutical industry – that want to keep the public in the dark. It’s up to each and every one of us to spread the word. People need to learn more about the healing power of dandelion tea plus many other substances within the plant kingdom.

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  • A message from Mark...

      24 April 2016

    Thanks so much Kent and Nicky for setting up this support group.

    Over the last 5 years Ali and I have tried to keep it private and just get on with life as best we can but now with things advancing we have decided to put it out there. Kent and Nicky wanted to set up a give a little page for some time now and my surgeon recently suggested we set one up to help pay for non funded treatment. Many thanks to Kent and Nicky for taking this on.

    Its been a roller coaster of a ride with Ali by my side all the way through. 11 operations, 51 weeks of chemo, 5 weeks of radiation therapy and a couple of years off work. My employer Grant Vincent (Auckland Hyundai) has been amazing with support through this difficult time.

    The statistics say that I only had a 13% chance of making it 5 years so I've beaten those odds already. But now it seems to be getting the upper hand and I am running out of options.

    I start another round of chemo next week although this is a palliative one and will not cure but extend my short life expectancy. My real hope is that in a few months my surgeon can perform a new technique called Nano Knife which punches a nano meter sized hole through the cancer tumor cells which in turn causes them to collapse.

    My biggest regret about about leaving this world will be not being around to support Ali and see our beautiful children grow up. I was hoping to be here for a while longer so they can at least have some memories of me.

    Thanks for all your support everyone.

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