~ The Real Housewives of Orange County ~ Season 12~ 2017 ~ JULY 10th

[gottaluvPluto]

I just wanted to add, it is very important for someone with cancer to see a specialist that knows their cancer. A few years ago, I knew a girl (through work) that had ALL and her oncologist gave her the wrong amount of chemo. This caused her to lose the use of her legs and one arm. If she went or sent her medical records to MD Anderson, she would have gotten the correct dose of chemo. So yes, sometimes it is very important to have your regular oncologist (the one you feel comfortable with) work with a specialist within the field of your type of cancer. Most specialist also know of clinical studies that might help a person with cancer when they run out of regular options.

 

[Vernie822]

I was wondering why they didn't bring Lizzie back and she was just a 'friend' of the housewives this season. I mean I guess she didn't have a huge storyline - she seems like a good person.

Katie Hamilton was an interesting add to the mix. They certainly have some drama of their own but I'm not sure if that is something they would want to air or not.

Lynne was one of my favorites because she was just so crazy. I definitely thought their parenting style was lax (though I'm not a parent, but at the time when she was on the show, I was close in age to her oldest daughter), and since she's pretty strapped for cash maybe she would return.

 

[WIcruizer]

When you say we remember things the way we want to, is a sneaky way of saying lying without calling a person out on lying.

No, it's not. It's actually extremely common. Ask police officers for example how many times people swear they heard or saw certain things that ended up not being true. It is extremely common that we see and hear things the way we remember them. It's far different than lying, which is intentional. And what you know about Brianna is what you see on the show.

Tamara and Vickie are fair weather friends. Vickie doesn't trust Tamara at all. It doesn't make sense that she/Brooks would go to Tamara with the medical documents.

I disagree. Vickie doesn't trust any of those people. In fact, none of them really seem to trust each other. But Vickie does go way back with Tamra, and I'm sure she considers her as her closest friend of anyone in that group. Makes perfect sense she would confide in her.

As someone that has watch a good friend die from NHL and my mom has NHL, you would do everything in your power to go to Shannon's doctor friend that is a specialist with this cancer.

Yes, you would. So would I. But we're all different, and handle things differently. There are lots of people who don't even want to go the chemo route at all and go the holistic route? Do I agree that's a good choice? No. But it's not that uncommon anymore.

Brooks created this situation because of his poor behavior. What you are seeing on the show, is a consequence that is directly related to Brooks making horrible decisions.

Actually, what you're seeing is what the producers want you to see.

And yes, I would show a real document or invite everyone to my chemo to shut them up. I would tell them all to bring me snacks and a game so they could enjoy watching me sit for 6 hours getting chemo.

Again, that's what YOU would do. I would never dignify that request, personally. With that said, I did see a couple people make a good point about being on TV. If my name was being dragged through the mud on national TV, then yes I may very well want to put all my evidence out there. That's a good point.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

No, it's not. It's actually extremely common. Ask police officers for example how many times people swear they heard or saw certain things that ended up not being true. It is extremely common that we see and hear things the way we remember them. It's far different than lying, which is intentional. And what you know about Brianna is what you see on the show.



I disagree. Vickie doesn't trust any of those people. In fact, none of them really seem to trust each other. But Vickie does go way back with Tamra, and I'm sure she considers her as her closest friend of anyone in that group. Makes perfect sense she would confide in her.



Yes, you would. So would I. But we're all different, and handle things differently. There are lots of people who don't even want to go the chemo route at all and go the holistic route? Do I agree that's a good choice? No. But it's not that uncommon anymore.



Actually, what you're seeing is what the producers want you to see.



Again, that's what YOU would do. I would never dignify that request, personally. With that said, I did see a couple people make a good point about being on TV. If my name was being dragged through the mud on national TV, then yes I may very well want to put all my evidence out there. That's a good point.

As someone that interviews people daily to find the truth, I know exactly what police officers deal with. They deal with things in fast, high stress situations where things can be questionable. Talking to Brianna, is none of those things. It is a simple conversations that can not be taken any other way (especially, since she is a nurse).

I disagree about Tamara and have the opinion that they would have used Heather and her husband to confide in. You would want someone with medical experience to help you stop the rumors.

Even going holistic, people seek several opinions from doctors on cancer. Brooks has the resources to seek out a specialist that has up to date info on the type of cancer he is claiming. Also, specialist use some form of holistic medicine to help cancer patients (biofeedback, accuputure ....) And even if you are doing the holistic approach, you still see an oncologist to make sure things are going well. Brooks has the type of personality that would do everything (holistic and chemo) to fight a cancer.

Yes, what I am watching on tv is due to producers using Brooks horrible decisions against him. So, he helped create the situation he is in.

He is on national tv, internet and magazines ... so he should prove that he does have cancer. An intelligent person would have shown the proof to stop it. No one wants their name dragged through the mud.

 

[WIcruizer]

I'm playing devil's advocate here, to some extent. It's nothing personal, just a pet peeve of mine when people expect everyone else to react the same way THEY would in given situations. Most responses always include "if it were me" or "why wouldn't he do "x"

Again, it's a TV show. We start out thinking Brooks is slimy already. Then they produce a story line to make his diagnosis questionable. And like clockwork everyone falls for the bait. I'm not saying I believe Brooks. Nor if I were single would I ever date him in a million years. But I have no idea if he has cancer, nor does anyone else here.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I'm playing devil's advocate here, to some extent. It's nothing personal, just a pet peeve of mine when people expect everyone else to react the same way THEY would in given situations. Most responses always include "if it were me" or "why wouldn't he do "x"

Again, it's a TV show. We start out thinking Brooks is slimy already. Then they produce a story line to make his diagnosis questionable. And like clockwork everyone falls for the bait. I'm not saying I believe Brooks. Nor if I were single would I ever date him in a million years. But I have no idea if he has cancer, nor does anyone else here.

I agree, I don't know if he has cancer or not. I guess... I do a lot of volunteering for cancer and have met a ton of people that have done chemo and holistic approach. Everyone of those people would have gone to that doctors appt. just to see what that person had to say. This and the PET scan report has me leading that he is just not telling the truth. Plus, his past history.

 

[Disneychix]

At the end when Vicki was screaming about how no one called her to see how she was, no one gave her a hug or asked how she's doing since her mom passed away, I just wanted to shout at her "because you have thrown away all of these ladies!" Why would they call her when she has nothing nice to say to any of them?
And why was her brother and his GF so prominently featured in the finale? Why do I care about them?

 

[msjprincess]

I'm playing devil's advocate here, to some extent. It's nothing personal, just a pet peeve of mine when people expect everyone else to react the same way THEY would in given situations. Most responses always include "if it were me" or "why wouldn't he do "x"

Again, it's a TV show. We start out thinking Brooks is slimy already. Then they produce a story line to make his diagnosis questionable. And like clockwork everyone falls for the bait. I'm not saying I believe Brooks. Nor if I were single would I ever date him in a million years. But I have no idea if he has cancer, nor does anyone else here.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I respond that way because I was answering your question asking if any of us would show our medical records.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I'm playing devil's advocate here, to some extent. It's nothing personal, just a pet peeve of mine when people expect everyone else to react the same way THEY would in given situations. Most responses always include "if it were me" or "why wouldn't he do "x"

Again, it's a TV show. We start out thinking Brooks is slimy already. Then they produce a story line to make his diagnosis questionable. And like clockwork everyone falls for the bait. I'm not saying I believe Brooks. Nor if I were single would I ever date him in a million years. But I have no idea if he has cancer, nor does anyone else here.

Here is something for you to think about. Cancer is very serious and life threatening. Brooks states that chemo isn't working, which could mean death. When someone is truly facing death they will do everything possible to fight. Why would he NOT want to go to a TOP doctor that specializes in his cancer? Why would he not want to hear what this doctor has to say about current treatment plans (that other doctors don't know about)? Most specialist will also talk to you about holistic approaches, if you want information on that stuff. His decisions make people think twice. I have never met or heard of a cancer patient turn down an appointment with an oncologist that specializes in their cancer, when their current treatment plans are not working. That is basically giving yourself a death sentence.

 

[msjprincess]

Here is something for you to think about. Cancer is very serious and life threatening. Brooks states that chemo isn't working, which could mean death. When someone is truly facing death they will do everything possible to fight. Why would he NOT want to go to a TOP doctor that specializes in his cancer? Why would he not want to hear what this doctor has to say about current treatment plans (that other doctors don't know about)? Most specialist will also talk to you about holistic approaches, if you want information on that stuff. His decisions make people think twice. I have never met or heard of a cancer patient turn down an appointment with an oncologist that specializes in their cancer, when their current treatment plans are not working. That is basically giving yourself a death sentence.

Exactly. He claims that chemo isn't working and and according to the report he showed Tamra the masses have gotten larger.

It's one thing if his treatments were working. Then maybe I could understand not seeing the other doctor. But he claims it's not working. So why not see what hat doctor has to say. Plus he supposedly made an appointment but got a flat while on the way. Why not reschedule? He got a flat so he just said "screw it"?

 

[antmaril]

I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer seven years ago. We traveled from Michigan to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore so my husband could have a complicated surgery done by a world renowned surgeon. Nothing about Brooks' situation adds up. Also, if Vicki was really involved in Brooks' battle with cancer, her friends would have believed her. She would have details. She would KNOW that he is fighting cancer without question and would be able to share the experience. None of it adds up. None of it.

Obviously, this is a television show and the producers didn't want this issue to be resolved. If the producers created this Brooks faking cancer story line, I think reality TV has sunk to a new low. Is there no line they won't cross?

 

[gwynne]

I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer seven years ago. We traveled from Michigan to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore so my husband could have a complicated surgery done by a world renowned surgeon. Nothing about Brooks' situation adds up. Also, if Vicki was really involved in Brooks' battle with cancer, her friends would have believed her. She would have details. She would KNOW that he is fighting cancer without question and would be able to share the experience. None of it adds up. None of it.

Obviously, this is a television show and the producers didn't want this issue to be resolved. If the producers created this Brooks faking cancer story line, I think reality TV has sunk to a new low. Is there no line they won't cross?

I am very sorry for your loss.
JMO, Anyone who's spent time with someone who is dealing with very serious illness would see the same things. It doesn't add up in so many ways.

 

[antmaril]

I am very sorry for your loss.
JMO, Anyone who's spent time with someone who is dealing with very serious illness would see the same things. It doesn't add up in so many ways.

Thank you.

 

[WIcruizer]

If the producers created this Brooks faking cancer story line, I think reality TV has sunk to a new low.

I don't think that's the case. I DO think they may have edited the season in a certain way to make it controversial.

When someone is truly facing death they will do everything possible to fight. Why would he NOT want to go to a TOP doctor that specializes in his cancer? Why would he not want to hear what this doctor has to say about current treatment plans (that other doctors don't know about)?

Again, you assume ALL people do what you would do. Or what is the best thing to do. Brooks sounds like he was convinced by a "doctor" that this other herbal remedy (or whatever it is) will work. Look around, and you'll see all kinds of people making horrible decisions when they're in poor health, even facing death.

The mother of a good friend of mine has lug cancer and she still smokes. Our neighbor is a surgeon, but used to work as a family physician. He said you wouldn't believe how many people won't fight for their lives, or continue the horrible habits they have. He said he has flat out told people "You're going to die, literally!" But they'll keep over-eating, not exercising, not taking the prescribed meds, etc.

I get that it makes no sense, but not everyone deals with cancer the way you or I would.

 

[WIcruizer]

Also, if Vicki was really involved in Brooks' battle with cancer, her friends would have believed her.

Now that, to me, is the biggest evidence of all to be suspicious. Vicki gets involved in every detail of the lives of people close to her. The fact that she is so distant from all this has always made me wonder. Maybe she has her own doubts and doesn't want to admit it to herself and others? I don't know. But I still maintain it's a horrible thing to say about someone based on the little bits and pieces a TV show puts out there.

 

[antmaril]

I don't think that's the case. I DO think they may have edited the season in a certain way to make it controversial.



Again, you assume ALL people do what you would do. Or what is the best thing to do. Brooks sounds like he was convinced by a "doctor" that this other herbal remedy (or whatever it is) will work. Look around, and you'll see all kinds of people making horrible decisions when they're in poor health, even facing death.

The mother of a good friend of mine has lug cancer and she still smokes. Our neighbor is a surgeon, but used to work as a family physician. He said you wouldn't believe how many people won't fight for their lives, or continue the horrible habits they have. He said he has flat out told people "You're going to die, literally!" But they'll keep over-eating, not exercising, not taking the prescribed meds, etc.

I get that it makes no sense, but not everyone deals with cancer the way you or I would.

I understand that people approach cancer treatment differently. I think the real question is whether Brooks ever had cancer in the first place. I don't care how he treats it. He is free to do whatever he wants. Is he saying that he has cancer when he doesn't really have it? Do the producers know he doesn't have cancer and, yet, they continue this story line? If he has cancer and is choosing non-traditional treatment, that is his business. If he is claiming to have cancer that is not there, that is a new level of low.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I don't think that's the case. I DO think they may have edited the season in a certain way to make it controversial.



Again, you assume ALL people do what you would do. Or what is the best thing to do. Brooks sounds like he was convinced by a "doctor" that this other herbal remedy (or whatever it is) will work. Look around, and you'll see all kinds of people making horrible decisions when they're in poor health, even facing death.

The mother of a good friend of mine has lug cancer and she still smokes. Our neighbor is a surgeon, but used to work as a family physician. He said you wouldn't believe how many people won't fight for their lives, or continue the horrible habits they have. He said he has flat out told people "You're going to die, literally!" But they'll keep over-eating, not exercising, not taking the prescribed meds, etc.

I get that it makes no sense, but not everyone deals with cancer the way you or I would.

Yes, physicians see all kinds of people that ignore the doctors advice. We all know this. Cancer is completely different than having out of control diabetes or obesity. And we all know smokers that continue to smoke despite having lung cancer ( but they do get treatment or seek other opinions). When people hear cancer, the first thought is death. When some people hear obesity and death, they don't think it will happen to them. Some think the doctor is just trying to scare them to eat healthy and lose weight. Or the person tries to change their eating habits, but don't. Why? Because they don't think they will die from it.

NHL is painful, you have night sweats, fevers and chills, coughing, hard time sleeping and many more symptoms (these are symptoms of the illness and not chemo!!!!) Having cancer, you will seek the additional opinions, especially, if chemo isn't working! Again, cancer is viewed differently than other diseases.

I am an old fart. I have volunteered since 1987 with American cancer society, hospital cancer floor, relay for life, breast cancer, Lymphoma (NHL and HL). Right now, lymphoma is my main focus, but I'm going to start to volunteer for childhood cancer. Well, I hope I will. I just don't know if I can handle working with kids with cancer (really heartbreaking). Anyway, I have met and talked to a lot of people and every single one would have gone to that appt. Not to get treatment, but to see what that top specialist had to say! It doesn't make any sense that he would not go. Especially, since a "good" friend went out of her way to get the specialist to help.

Edited to add: The night sweats are the kind that your clothes are dripping wet.

Going to the top specialist doesn't mean treatment. It is just going to see what the doctor knows.

 

[dfchelbay]

So Vicki tells Briana that she & Brooks had to call Dr. Dubrow in the middle of the night so as to get one of his colleagues to give Brooks a home IV due to his chemotherapy. Vicki tells Shannon this exact same story separately. Heather hears this same story about her husband from the grapevine around OC. Heather asked Vicki directly about this story & Vicki claims to know nothing about it. Shannon & Brianna both stated that this was told to them from Vicki directly, not Brooks told Vicki this happened & she relayed it to Briana & Shannon. Vicki made these statements herself...calling Dr. Dubrow, the IV being administered by Dr. Dubrow's colleague, & that this was all in response to how terribly ill Brooks had fallen from his chemo...so Vicki is in on the lying about Brooks' cancer.

 

[antmaril]

So Vicki tells Briana that she & Brooks had to call Dr. Dubrow in the middle of the night so as to get one of his colleagues to give Brooks a home IV due to his chemotherapy. Vicki tells Shannon this exact same story separately. Heather hears this same story about her husband from the grapevine around OC. Heather asked Vicki directly about this story & Vicki claims to know nothing about it. Shannon & Brianna both stated that this was told to them from Vicki directly, not Brooks told Vicki this happened & she relayed it to Briana & Shannon. Vicki made these statements herself...calling Dr. Dubrow, the IV being administered by Dr. Dubrow's colleague, & that this was all in response to how terribly ill Brooks had fallen from his chemo...so Vicki is in on the lying about Brooks' cancer.

And, if Brooks did have a bad reaction to a chemo treatment, why in the world would he call Terry Dubrow, a plastic surgeon? Wouldn't you call your oncologist? I think you would. Like I said earlier, none of this adds up and it never will.

 

[bdcp]

And, if Brooks did have a bad reaction to a chemo treatment, why in the world would he call Terry Dubrow, a plastic surgeon? Wouldn't you call your oncologist? I think you would. Like I said earlier, none of this adds up and it never will.

You would go directly to the ER. When you are undergoing chemo (my mom did and is a breast cancer survivor of 11 years) they give you instructions on what to do in case of a reaction, etc. Seriously, anyone who believes this guy is delusional.