MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'breast cancer'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:38 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174824&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdreaming-about-cancer%2F I sleep with a dog. Well, actually, I sleep with two dogs and a husband. So you would think that when Sister and I spent several days at her cottage this past week, just the two of us, I would relish the opportunity to sleep sprawled out and alone on a comfy queen-size bed. I will admit that I was kind of looking forward to it, so I was deeply disappointed when I found it difficult to fall asleep. Sleep is my thing, so it was surprising that sleeping without my companions didn’t provide the enjoyment I was expecting, especially in the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Ontario cottage country. The fact that I tossed and turned for long periods of time before falling asleep all three nights and had a horrible dream about cancer was very perplexing. I haven’t dreamed about having cancer ev... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174824 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:34:38 +0100 5174824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174835&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F29%2Fcancer-boo-boo-guest-post%2F Seldom do I find posts reflected and focused through the eyes of a child.  Though written by Kayleigh, a breast cancer blogger, it was inspired b y the younger Daniel.  They write at Fashionably Later. A day to forget I’m having a hard time. There’s no way around it. I keep trying to turn the corner but I just can’t seem to do it. Sometimes it’s the big things, the obvious stuff that would keep anyone up at night…like, will the cancer come back, will I live a natural lifespan? That’s understandable…I can deal with all that long term, I think. But it’s actually the little things that hold me back from moving on…I’m finding the subtle stuff worse. All those countless reminders, the myriad ways that the aftermath of cancer infuses every nuance of my life. That’s what i... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174835 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:11:44 +0100 5174835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169686&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fbah-revisited-a-question-of-survival%2F I can’t believe that it’s more than a year since I published the post below; I suppose it feels more recent because it’s something I still think about, still am asked about, still don’t have an answer to. Your thoughts, as ever, are welcome. * Checking Twitter the other morning, I found this message from @joezybolsiano: I have to ask. You don’t think survival is just a matter of attitude, do you? How one copes, yes, but not actual survival? Now I love Twitter, but there are some questions I can’t answer in 140 characters. This is one of them. I thought it was a good question to make a blog post, though, because for all my Bah! attitude I din’t have an immediate answer, and I was a little bit surprised that I didn’t. So, this has been on... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169686 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:25:21 +0100 5169686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159654&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fgood-character-or-great-body-what-are-we-teaching-our-kids%2F When I was a teenager, all the girls my age were concerned about the size of their breasts, their weight, and how they looked. Thirty years later, teenage girls are still obsessed with the same thing. How sad — if only young women were more interested in becoming intelligent, caring human beings! Not that these young women don’t care about both their bodies and global issues, it is just that body image has such an effect on how they feel about themselves and can even impact what they accomplish with their education and careers. Breast cancer has a dual effect on women who are diagnosed. On the one hand it affects our wellbeing and health, but on the other it impacts how we feel about ourselves as women especially because of the disfigurement of our breasts. I wonder if it would be ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159654 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:56:04 +0100 5159654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159698&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F24%2Fstepping-stones-new-breast-blog%2F We are replacing windows in our house.  Consequently my office has been off-limits.  My desk and “publishing station” had to be partially disassembled with all furniture pushed together in the middle of the room.  The website’s publishing schedule was also interrupted. Last week I received word of a new blog by a breast cancer survivor just recently diagnosed.  As you can read below, her particular journey just began last month. Robyn Angel is really at the beginning stages.  I thought it would be interesting to give you a peek.  This is an opportunity to follow in real time one person’s experience from the beginning.  She writes with a certain energy and sense of humor.  I have excerpted here from two recent posts from Stepping Stones. What’s in a nam... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159698 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:17:42 +0100 5159698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159257&cid=t_103876_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fhow-antagon-and-other-gnrh-anatgonists.html In the past, most in-vitro fertilization (IVF) centres used pituitary down-regulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to prevent a premature LH surge and premature ovulation and luteinization. However, this required at least 7–14 days of GnRH agonist pretreatment. This is why researchers developed molecules which would cause an immediate blockage of the GnRH receptors on the pituitary gland, to stop the pituitary from producing gonadotropins instantly . This was felt to be a more rational approach , as these would induce instant downregulation , and prevent a spontaneous LH surge more effectively . Brand names of the GnRH antagonists include Antagon and Cetroride. Thus , treatment with the antagonist can be limited to only those 4-6 days when high oestradiol levels... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159257 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:41:00 +0100 5159257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159655&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbattle-breast-cancer-with-the-best-research-medicine-and-doctors%2F In my family there are a number of people who are interested in and who have pursued alternative medicine. Sister knows a lot about it, and I have an aunt who has devoted her career and most of her life to exploring health food and alternative medicine and treatments. For my part, I research it extensively. While I am not professing to be an expert or even extremely knowledgeable, I am wary of any claims to curing or successfully treating cancer outside of conventional medicine. These methods are best considered as complementary treatments, and there may be excellent benefits to pursue healthful options during conventional treatment, but not by foregoing tried-and-true Western medicine. With regards to invasive breast cancer, I just do not know anyone who has been truly cured or successful... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159655 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:11:25 +0100 5159655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159656&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flove-enough-to-find-a-cure-for-breast-cancer%2F My husband and I structured this vacation to be leisurely and unplanned. This gives us lazy mornings drinking coffee and exploring the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains off the deck of the condo we are staying in. It also means we didn’t get upset over the stormy weather that kept us inside a little longer Thursday morning. We got to watch “Good Morning America,” which I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing for months. I was wonderfully surprised when we tuned in to find host Robin Roberts introducing a music video that she appeared in for Martina McBride’s new song, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” Martina’s new song is about breast cancer and the people we love — or those who love us — who are going through it. It’s an emotional tribute to br... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159656 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:54:04 +0100 5159656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139918&cid=t_103876_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fusing-letrozole-for-ovulation-induction.html The standard medicine used for making women grow eggs ( a treatment called ovulation induction) for many years used to be clomid ( clomiphene citrate). A recent alternative to clomid is the new drug called letrozole( Femara). Letrozole, is an aromatase inhibitor, and is now being increasingly used as an alternative to clomid for inducing ovulation. The problem with clomid is that because of its antiestrogenic activity, it would cause the cervical mucus to dry up; or make the uterine lining thin. This effect would reduce fertility, so that even though ovulation induction was achieved, women would not get pregnant. Letrozole does not have the anti-estrogenic activity which clomid does, so that the uterine lining and cervical mucus with letrozole is often better than it is with clomid. The ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139918 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:32:00 +0100 5139918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140176&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flife-after-the-battle-with-breast-cancer%2F I am in North Carolina on vacation this week. My husband and I have been enjoying leisure time fishing, exploring, and watching the sun set over the mountains. Vacation time is important to me, and even though I am a full-time student and our income is drastically reduced, I would not go without it. I can’t tell you if this is because of having been threatened by breast cancer, or because of the change in attitude towards life I experienced when my dad died. It was after his death that I realized that life was for the living, that when it was over it was over, and all the things you wanted to do wouldn’t get done. My dad didn’t live for tomorrow. He enjoyed each day as it came. He was the most patient, content person you could ever meet. When he was in the hospital before his death... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140176 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:05:27 +0100 5140176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130989&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsupport-a-cure-send-your-bra-to-washington%2F The media coverage of the economic woes of the United States and the recent congressional battle over the deficit has been ad nauseam recently. Most of us have really had enough — and may even have become desensitized to the issues. This concerns me. The implication for women and especially breast cancer survivors is significant. If budget cuts for education, research, and health care continue, I worry that it will adversely affect any momentum gained over the past years in working towards a cure for breast cancer. Government’s involvement in finding a cure is paramount. Each of us needs to make an effort to keep breast cancer front and center, and I have a simple way that we can do it. I have sent e-mails to my representatives and senators about health care and breast cancer. Of... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130989 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:46:28 +0100 5130989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118936&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fchemotherapy-fantastic%2F I went to have my hair cut on Saturday. It was a new hairdresser. I took a picture of what I wanted along with me, because no matter how well I think I explain what I want, hairdressers always seem to hear, “Just do whatever you fancy, so long as you leave a funny bit that [...] (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118936 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:30:42 +0100 5118936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096203&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnyt-reports-on-research-that-links-height-to-cancer-risk%2F2011.08.04 Female models may be tall and beautiful, but they are also at markedly increased risk of developing cancer. The New York Times reported on a fascinating research article regarding height of a women and risk of cancer. Specifically, for every four-inch increase in height over 5 feet 1 inch, the risk that a woman would develop cancer increased by about 16 percent, especially for: • Colon Cancer (RR per 10 cm increase in height 1.25, 95% CI 1.19—1.30) • Rectal Cancer (1.14, 1.07—1.22) • Malignant Melanoma (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Fauquier ENT Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096203 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5096203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096282&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F00YvPBcMlds%2Ftiming-of-radiotherapy-in-implant-based.html This study demonstrated that a higher total failure rate affects breast reconstructions that undergo irradiation during tissue expansion. For this reason, we suggest that if tissue expansion can be performed during postoperative chemotherapy, chest wall irradiation should be delivered on permanent implants. The second surgical step can be scheduled 3 weeks after the end of chemotherapy, and the irradiation should not begin more than 3 weeks later. Patients whose need for radiotherapy is not known preoperatively can, in this way, improve their surgical outcome.         REFERENCES Outcome of Different Timings of Radiotherapy in Implant-Based Breast Reconstructions; Nava, Maurizio B.; Pennati, Angela E.; Lozza, Laura; Spano, Andrea; Zambetti, Milvia; Catanuto, Giuseppe; P... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096282 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5096282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096941&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F03%2Fcancer-quantity-or-quality-guest-post%2F NOTE: a reader notified me that he was unable to leave comments.  The “Register” option has disappeared from the “Meta” sidebar section.  I don’t know why.  No one can “Log In” because no one can register.  I changed my settings so that you do not have to login in order to comment. Hopefully this will work.  If we start getting hit by spammers and bots, I may have to look for another solution.  Currently we block hundreds of spam hits every week.   Dennis I sometimes think that we expect our cancer bloggers to lift us up, to make us feel more courageous, to point out the best parts of bad situations.  But anyone who has been through it, anyone who has battles the Beast knows that for every transformative moment, there are at least a dozen dismal and desparate ones. ... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096941 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:02:44 +0100 5096941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096899&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fdogs-can-fly.html The day after I wrote the post about my friend Rebecca, I went to Take the Plunge, a fundraiser for local dog rescue organizations. It was a lot of fun. We had the chance to meet many different kinds of dogs and the people who love them. They came in all shapes and sizes, colours and temperaments. We also met a miniature horse and some ferrets. One woman was pushing a cat in a stroller. The cat wasn't strapped in and seemed quite relaxed amidst all the canine chaos.The central event of the afternoon was the dock diving competition. We watched all kinds of dogs leap after toys into the pool. Some of the dogs needed to be persuaded to get out of the water. Most seemed incredibly pleased with themselves. Everyone - spectators, dogs and their human handlers seemed to be having a wonderful time... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096899 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:17:00 +0100 5096899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086233&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fnif0Us-_iWY%2Fis-prophylactic-mastectomy-worth-it.html There is a recent article which asks this question (full reference below).  I think it is a question which must be answered on an individual basis.   For someone like me, the answer would be no.  I have no family history or personal history of breast cancer.  I have small, more dense than fatty breast, but have always had normal mammograms.  I have never had any lesions which needed biopsy. For an individual woman with a strong family history of breast cancer (especially genetically proven, BRCA1 and BRCA2) and a person history of breast cancer (ie right mastectomy for lobular carcinoma), then it is easy to say “Yes, a prophylactic left mastectomy would be worth it for you.” In between these two examples is the gray area, and this article doesn’t nece... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086233 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5086233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077974&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fnewstory-flitted-on-by.html I was reading my email and 'listening' to the news on TV - multitasking early in the day again. A story flitted on by about how rates of ER negative breast cancer are down but rates of ER positive (like me) are up since 2003.Now I can't find more on this story online. I will do more looking. The ER/PR negative breast cancers are a bit harder to treat because there are no hormonal therapies, like Tamoxifen, available. The ER/PR/Her2 negative (a/k/a triple negative) is a very aggressive kind of breast cancer.It would be nice to find out more about this. I am sure there will be more some time soon, in a few months. Or the study will be refuted. But I am curious so I will look around. (Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog) Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077974 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:14:00 +0100 5077974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077981&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39214&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.butdoctorihatepink.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbig-day-is-coming.html (Source: Breast Cancer? But Doctor....I hate pink!) Breast Cancer? But Doctor....I hate pink! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077981 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:37:00 +0100 5077981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077689&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-case-for-mammograms-friends-and-family-might-be-a-greater-influence-than-doctors%2F2011.07.28 Most women in their 40′s believe they should have annual mammograms, regardless of what screening regimen their doctor might recommend. So say researchers in Massachusetts who surveyed women (primarily white, highly educated) ages 39-49 presenting for annual checkups. They gave the women a fact sheet about the new USPSTF guidelines on mammogram screening in their age group, and asked them to read one of two articles either supporting or opposing the guidelines. The researchers then asked women about their beliefs, concerns and attitudes about breast cancer and mammogram screening. Here’s what they found - Women overwhelmingly want annual mammograms – Close to 90% of women surveyed felt they should have annual mammograms, regardless of what their doctor might recommend. Women... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077689 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:00:16 +0100 5077689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077966&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fyou-get-to-choose-your-doctors%2F I write often about how it is important to work with doctors you like and can trust. I was reminded of this last week when I had my four-month oncologist appointment. I love my oncologist, Dr. Khan. He has a gentle spirit, he is always cheerful, and he is always happy to see me. I spend much of the appointment asking about the chances of cancer returning and reviewing the effects of all the treatment I had. He in turn spends much of the appointment reassuring me and reminding me that although he can never say that breast cancer is completely cured, he is convinced that I will be around for a long, long time. He can be so confident because even his patients who have had cancer return or metastasize tend to live a long time with the chronic condition. Dr. Khan is very aggressive in treating ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077966 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:22:26 +0100 5077966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077731&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fj6kzAUAU-nY%2Fmore-on-implant-related-alcl-of-breast.html This article notes (as did the recent FDA report) most investigations performed to date suggest an association between breast implants and primary ALCL of the breast.  The specifics regarding this relationship remain poorly defined. A review of all reported cases of implant-related primary ALCL of the breast demonstrates no obvious correlation with implant fill type (silicone vs. saline), surface morphology (smooth vs. textured), implant position (subpectoral vs. subglandular), or indication for implant placement (cosmetic vs. reconstructive). The FDA notes (bold emphasis is mine): ALCL is a very rare condition; when it occurs, it has been most often identified in patients undergoing implant revision operations for late onset, persistent seroma. Because it is so rare and most often ... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077731 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5077731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069819&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FqTojLUiGbPw%2F Last week, a bit of a row erupted over the decision by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence, or NICE, not to recommend the Halaven metastatic breast cancer from Eisai over concerns about side effects and cost effectiveness (read here). The agency claimed that the estimated cost per quality adjusted life year, or QALY, would exceed $110,000, which is above the threshold NICE typically prefers. In response, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry trade group took the unusual step of issuing a disapproving statement. “There is serious concern in the research-based pharmaceutical industry about delay in new and innovative medicines reaching patients which potentially denies access to proven effective drugs for urgent clinical needs…The n... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069819 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:54:46 +0100 5069819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069826&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F51VWUJEh5j8%2F Earlier this month, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a non-profit group of oncologists whose guidance is closely followed by leading treatment centers, voted overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining its recommendation that Avastin should be used to treat breast cancer. The vote came shortly after an FDA panel voted 6-to-0 to revoke the breast cancer indication for Avastin. The endorsement is important because oncologists will likely continue to use Avastin even if FDA commish Margaret Hamburg rescinds the breast cancer indication. Roche and its Genentech unit had appealed a decision last December by the agency to pull the indication for their best-selling med after new studies showed Avastin does not prolong overall survival in breast cancer patients or provide a sufficient benefi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069826 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:24:27 +0100 5069826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057891&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fdo-me-favour-honour-my-friend-by-having.html My friend Rebecca died this week. She was all of 37 years old (if I've done the math right) and she had metastatic breast cancer. She was also one of the funniest people in my online community. She was also generous, straigtforward and honest. My heart goes out to her friends and family - the people she loved, wrote about and who knew her best.Rebecca left strict instructions that we were to shed no tears after her passing (I'm afraid I've let her down on that front but I've been doing my best) and that, instead of a funeral she wanted a celebration of her life. I'd love to join the party and to hear the stories that those closest to her would be bound to share. Because Rebecca took her fun seriously.I won't be able to attend the celebration (Rebecca lived in Cape Cod) but I would like to ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057891 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:29:00 +0100 5057891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051128&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F07%2F22%2Fno-breasts-nice-shoulders-new-blog%2F Heat wave hitting the country.  Living in Canada sounds good right now.  But life has its challenges wherever you happen to live.  So we are informed by Jasmine from Montreal.  She is a breast cancer survivor and personal trainer who writes with unabashed determination at No breasts; nice shoulders Blog Cancer Dreams… The night following my first chemo session I had a dream that a very slow iridescent red snail was slowly moving in space and everything in its path turned to love, beauty, and health. I have no idea what it meant but it was vivid, colorful, and empowering since I knew the snail represented an ally and possibly my own body cells. The same night my next dream was of lightning-fast ninjas flying through the air thrashing their swords right and left – fighting hard! They... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051128 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:21:05 +0100 5051128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050578&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-rise-in-cancer-rates-may-not-mean-more-cancer%2F2011.07.21 Several newspapers in the UK reported this week that cancer rates have risen over the past two decades. That set into motion an analysis by the excellent “Behind the Headlines” service offered by the NHS Choices website. They found this in newspapers: “Cancer rates in the middle-aged “have jumped by almost a fifth in a generation”, according to The Daily Telegraph, which says that the increase “is thought to be mainly due to better detection of cancers rather than people adopting more unhealthy lifestyles”. The Sun takes the alternate view, saying that doctors are “blaming the rise on obesity and home boozing”. The Daily Mail similarly suggests that lifestyle changes are to blame.” You don’t have to live in the UK to learn f... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050578 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:00:13 +0100 5050578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036514&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fam-i-supposed-to-blogging-about-cancer.html I have been thinking (always a dangerous proposition) recently. I have a blog, as you might have noticed since you are reading it, and its called Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog. But I don't write much about breast cancer much these days. Why? Well because it doesn't consume my daily life the way it used to. But it is always there.My life has been changed twice by cancer. The first time in 1981 with my first diagnosis of thyroid cancer. It was a good cancer, a curable one, a treatable one, but it was still a roller coaster ride. I was told by my doctors that I should be fine but to be healthy, blah, blah, blah. And oh, yeah, you are now on a prescription for life to replace your thyroid hormones. This was back in the 1980's where it seemed the fad was to ask people 'if you were stranded on a... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036514 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 12:11:00 +0100 5036514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029209&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FIeHKxZD7Sj0%2F And so another working week is about to draw to a close. This is, of course, our signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda includes another installment in the ‘Let’s-See-Them-Before-They-Die‘ concert series, hanging with the short people and catching up on some sleep. And you? Perhaps this is a chance to mow the lawn or read an e-Book? Maybe you want to ponder the future without a debt deal in Washington? Whatever you do, have a great time and be safe. Catch you soon… Valeant Pharma To Buy Janssen Dermatology Portfolio (Associated Press) FDA Questions Safety of Experimental Bristol & Astra Diabetes Drug (Reuters) Eric Cantor And PhRMA Fight Drug Discounts In Debt Deal (Politico) Novartis To Cut 550 Manufacturing Jobs In The UK (The Argus) Obama Camp M... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029209 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:16:02 +0100 5029209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029035&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FAQO_1GKh8VE%2Fbreast-reconstruction-makes-breast.html Alarmingly, 70% of American women facing surgery for breast cancer are not told about the option of breast reconstruction. Perhaps one of the best things about breast reconstruction is that it can be performed at any time….  you can never “miss the boat” so to speak. Regardless of the timing of the procedure, breast reconstruction enables women to feel whole again, not just physically but also emotionally. There are several reconstructive options ranging from breast implants to using the patient’s own tissue. Tissue (or “flap”) procedures recreate a “natural”, warm, soft breast and are associated with fewer complications than breast implants. Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy ("immediate reconstruction") or any time after mast... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029035 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:13:22 +0100 5029035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029055&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F07%2F14%2Fsurviving-someone-elses-cancer-guest-post%2F Lori Marx-Rubiner, MA, MSW, describes herself as a Breast Cancer Coach/Advocate.  She has started a new blog that combines her personal and professional roles.  This particular post was written by her son Zach. – regrounding | of chemo, cancer and red, red wine Surviving Someone Else’s Cancer I was 3 ½ when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I can’t remember much of that time, but what I do remember will stay with me for the rest of my life. Mostly I remember a few things that happened when my mom had surgery. My grandma stayed with us to help out. I remember once when my mom was still in the hospital and I was with my grandma and I was crying. I don’t remember why I was, but I do remember my dad coming home and reading me a bedtime story. I think that it was h... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029055 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:33:55 +0100 5029055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029056&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F07%2F12%2Fthe-big-c-me-new-blog%2F Yeah, I know, I am at least three weeks behind.  A trip to Boston and adjusting to my new job have interrupted my routine.  I am just catching up on emails.  A number of new cancer blogs has surfaced.  Renn was diagnosed with breast cancer last October.  She writes below with humor and verve of an experience that is all too familiar. The Big C and Me PERSONA NON GRATA My bilateral mastectomy is scheduled and I’m at my primary doctor’s office on Monday to pick up a copy of my chest X-ray from a couple weeks ago. But they can’t seem to find it. Hmmm. I make a pre-op appointment for two days later and tell them they can give me the results when I come back on Wednesday. The nurse says great, we’ll see you then. Since my cancer diagnosis, my husband has been accompanyi... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029056 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:18:28 +0100 5029056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028126&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fexploring-pinkwashing-questioning-the-wisdom-of-buying-for-a-cure This article is bound to be somewhat controversial, provoking questions of whether small amounts of certain chemicals are likely to cause any harm, whether additional safety studies or regulations are needed, and how much influence environmental exposures have compared to other risk factors. Whether campaigns to buy pink products or focus primarily on treatment are the appropriate way to focus our energies on breast cancer, though, is certainly something worth thinking about and discussing. The article is available online for free. (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog) Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028126 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:17:17 +0100 5028126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029053&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbreast-is-best%2F I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. If life is going to flip a cancer your way, a breast cancer isn’t a bad one to catch. Survival rates are excellent compared to other cancers, and it’s a relatively easy cancer to talk about. Would this blog be quite as popular, I wonder, if it was about anal cancer (yes that is a real thing), or bladder cancer, or lung cancer (surely you smoked, then, and so this is somehow your own fault?), or the tricky-to-place blood cancers, or hairy cell leukemia? Talking about breast cancer doesn’t provoke social awkwardness, except for the conversations that go like this: Me: (for some reason arising from the conversation, not apropos of nothing) …. I had a breast cancer… Other person: Oh *immediately stares at my ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029053 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 09:08:22 +0100 5029053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029048&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fthank-you-betty.html Yesterday Betty Ford died. She was 93 which is a ripe old age if you ask me. In 1974 she talked about breast cancer, her diagnosis and mastectomy. That was 37 years ago if you do the math. She was the first to bring breast cancer out in public. Before she did, no one talked about it. She deserves a lot of thanks for this. She let her story be told publicly in an article in Time. The results of her going public and tell her story became evident fairly quickly. Two weeks after she talked to Time magazine, Happy Rockefeller, wife of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, did a self examination and discovered lumps and was diagnosed with breast cancer herself. She credited Betty Ford with encouraging her to do a self examination.She did not die from breast cancer even though she was diagnosed with... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029048 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:09:00 +0100 5029048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008550&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-best-evidence-says-mammograms-should-begin-at-age-forty%2F There was much hoopla a few years ago over recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to limit mammography screening to women ages 50 to 74 every other year. But there is less fanfare over new findings coming out of a study in Sweden, which suggests that regular mammograms in women ages 40 to 49 (the age group excluded by the new task force guidelines) prevented up to 30 percent of deaths from breast cancer. People, this is significant! The task force ignored studies like these ongoing in Sweden and Canada for their model, which was based on statistical data. The Swedish mammogram study spanned 29 years and included over 130,000 women. The task force’s answer to recent studies has been to recommend a baseline mammogram for women in their forties to look at breast density,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008550 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:39:24 +0100 5008550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008195&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmammogram-frequency-should-be-dependent-on-more-than-a-womans-age%2F2011.07.07 I read the LA Times article by Shari Roan, Study urges more individual mammogram guidelines, with interest.  As Roan notes, guidelines to date have mainly focused on a woman’s age and not her other risks factors. The American Cancer Society recommends that healthy women undergo screening mammograms every one to two years beginning at age 40 regardless of risk factors. In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended a different schedule which urged the inclusion of an individual’s personal risks:  screening for women ages 40 to 49 should be based on individual risk factors and women ages 50 to 74 should be screened every two years. Monday, a paper was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (full reference below) which argues for a more personalized approach to scree... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008195 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:00:00 +0100 5008195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008199&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcounter-intuitive-results-several-cancer-screening-tests-dont-improve-health-outcomes%2F2011.07.07 Nearly forty years ago, President Richard Nixon famously declared a “War on Cancer” by signing the National Cancer Act of 1971. Like the Manhattan Project, the Apollo program that was then landing men on the Moon, and the ongoing (and eventually successful) World Health Organization-led initiative to eradicate smallpox from the face of the Earth, the “War on Cancer” was envisioned as a massive, all-out research and treatment effort. We would bomb cancer into submission with powerful regimens of chemotherapy, experts promised, or, failing that, we would invest in early detection of cancers so that they could be more easily cured at earlier stages. It was in the spirit of the latter that the National Cancer Institute launched the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer (PLCO) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008199 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:00:19 +0100 5008199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008184&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2F2NrKe40onN8%2F By Archelle Georgiou. The use of Avastin for breast cancer was addressed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week. The outcome was devastating for Roche and an emotional one for many women who believe the FDA is subjecting them to a death sentence.  As usual, there are a variety of perspectives to take into consideration. The history: In 2008, Avastin was given preliminary approval by the FDA for the treatment of breast cancer on the condition that the company would do more studies to demonstrate its effectiveness. Many women have been successfully treated with Avastin — a billion dollar drug for Roche. But when Roche submitted the required follow-up studies in 2010, the data showed that there was no benefit from the drug for treating breast cancer.  Studies did not show ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008184 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:00:08 +0100 5008184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997773&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbrain-scanned.html I had a routine brain scan today, my first in two years. It was pretty uneventful (they got the vein for the contrast dye on the first poke) and was over relatively quickly.I can call for results in a week or so. And I'll probably be told that everything is fine. I wish things were like in the movies, though and a few minutes after the test, a doctor would look at the images and then we'd discuss them.I never get to see the pictures. Wouldn't you like to see images of your brain?This is Patrick Denker's brain. I would like to see mine.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997773 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:31:00 +0100 4997773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997779&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fyesterday-i-was-on-to-something.html Yesterday morning I wrote about learning how many other cancer survivors are out there with second and third cancers. Then after going to the grocery store and gardening I needed to rest my back, I decided to read my latest issue of Cure Magazine. (A note about Cure, if you have/had cancer and don't read it you should. It explains new advances and information about cancer in easily understood language that doesn't talk down to you and covers real issues.)Its latest issue covers three topics which are near and dear to my heart.- Use of radioactive iodine in treating thyroid cancer particularly when treating those under 18. I was 19 so I think I can be included in this article considering my medical history. The article states: "Radioactive iodine should generally be prescribed for those at ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997779 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:04:00 +0100 4997779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992990&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FLVsy771S9hA%2F The FDA may want to yank the breast cancer indication for Avastin, but the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will continue to provide coverage, even if treatment amounts to off-label usage. “As long as doctors continue to prescribe it, we will continue to pay, even for an off-label use, until and unless some time in the future we decide to change our coverage policy. We have no such thing underway at this time,” a CMS spokesman tells us. “We often pay for off-label use of drugs, but not always.” The move will, no doubt, cheer many breast cancer patients and their loved ones, who feared the FDA would soon put Avastin out of reach (look here), now that an agency advisory panel unanimously voted - once again - to rescind the indication. The vote came earlie... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992990 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:36:13 +0100 4992990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992996&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FIKpuqSGxcXI%2F Good morning, everyone. And how are you today? Another beautiful morning is rising over the Pharmalot corporate campus. However, we will be rolling in the sidewalks early as we prepare for a long weekend on this side of the pond. Our modest agenda includes a dip in the pool, hanging with the short people, catching up on some research (with thanks to our sources) and one of our favorite sports - hunting for mice. What about you? Anything special planned? Maybe a ride in the country, a barbecue in the backyard or how about a day at the beach? This will be Independence Day, after all, so perhaps this is a good time to think of suggestions for trimming the national debt. The symbolism is heavy, yes? Whatever you do, have a great time and be safe. See you soon… Glaxo Kicks Off Sale Of OTC... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992996 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:50:16 +0100 4992996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992693&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhelpful-breast-cancer-qa%2F2011.06.30 Attendees of the breast cancer awareness symposium “Bridging the Gap: Promoting Breast Cancer Prevention, Screening and Wellness” were given the chance to submit questions on breast cancer in the minority community. This is the first part of these questions answered by Dr. Preya Ananthakrishnan, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery and a host of the event. Q: I am a 51 year old Black women, whose mother died 13 years ago from breast cancer & her sister was diagnosed last year. I had a mammography 2 weeks ago and got the dreaded come back letter. Should I get genetic counseling? Dr. Ananthakrishnan: I would suggest that your sister with the breast cancer get tested first, and if her test result is positive then you should get tested. Furthermore, it is likely that even though you... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992693 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:00:57 +0100 4992693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992929&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhow-ive-changed.html When I was a young adult, I definitely considered myself to be an extrovert. Then, in 2007, a year or so after my cancer diagnosis (and after being on leave from my job for most of that time), I did the Meyers-Briggs test. The person who explained my results to me said that mine was the most even split between introvert and extrovert that she'd ever seen.Fast forward to last weekend when I attended the PAB conference. Walking in the door on a Friday night to an environment where it felt like everyone already knew each other was terrifying. My chest tightened, my breathing became shallow and I felt something between "slightly queasy" and "I think I'm about to puke my guts  out." I texted Tim, "This is so hard" and sent out similar messages to the Twitterverse (I will be forever gr... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992929 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:07:00 +0100 4992929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984687&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F8Pxx2sLGKGM%2F After months of controversy, an FDA advisory panel yesterday voted unanimously to uphold an earlier agency decision to yank the breast cancer indication for Avastin, a widely used sold by Roche and its Genentech unit (see this). The run-up to the two-day meeting was highly contentious as the drugmaker accused the FDA panel of bias, there were behind-the-scenes debates over potential conflicts of interest among expert speakers, and patients and their families organized protests - online and in person. Clearly, more was at stake than the fate of a best-selling med, which remains available for treating other cancers. The hearing was also a referendum of sorts on the veracity of the FDA accelerated approval program and, by extension, the agency itself. We asked Daniel Carpenter, the Allie S. F... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984687 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:45:07 +0100 4984687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984637&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F06%2F29%2FFDA-Advisors-Vote-Unanimously-That-Avastin-Approval-Should-Be-Withdrawn-And-You-Could-Hear-The-Pain.aspx The votes are in, and the Food and Drug Administration's Advisory Committee said unanimously that the approval of Avastin (bevacizumab) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer should be withdrawn.   The decision did not go down quietly, with women loudly voicing their disagreement, and one saying that this shouldn't be happening in the United States of America. I could not sit there and hear the cries without feeling their pain and anguish.   But the FDA advisors were very clear in their assessment: despite treating thousands of women, there was no group of women who appeared to benefit from the drug.  The side effects are real and the potential harms significant, and to have the drug remain on the market could mean that many  women would continue to be... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984637 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:25:00 +0100 4984637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984690&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FnPwCL76CH9s%2F Concluding a rare, two-day hearing, an FDA panel has voted 6-to-0 to revoke the breast cancer indication for Avastin, dealing a huge blow to Roche and its Genentech unit, which now stand to lose an estimated $1 billion in annual sales. The drugmaker had appealed a decision last December by the agency to yank the indication, prompting a heated debate over the veracity of the FDA accelerated approval program. A final decision, however, rests with FDA commish Margaret Hamburg. Meanwhile, the FDA and Roche’s Genentech unit will provide additional written submissions by July 28, and the docket will remain open for public comment until then (see this). At the conclusion of the meeting, some patients were particularly vocal. “What do you want us to take!? We have nothing else!” shouted ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984690 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:07:35 +0100 4984690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984650&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fback-on-avastin-debate.html Last year I blogged about the Avastin debate where it was shown that it did not help women with advanced breast cancer. Now it down to the wire, there will be a meeting next week which will probably pull the plug on its use as a breast cancer drug. But there are patients taking Avastin and claim it has saved their lives. They claim they benefit from it and don't want it pulled. What is wrong here? I think lots of things.- While Avastin is a promising drug in treating some cancers, it is not working to treat breast cancer. There is lots of data behind it saying it does not work.- The patients who are receiving it, are they really benefiting from it? Or are they experiencing a placebo effect - maybe a few but not so many? Or is something else they are doing causing the decreases in their can... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984650 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:14:00 +0100 4984650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976138&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F06%2F28%2FThe-FDAs-Decision-to-Remove-Approval-for-Avastin-in-Metastatic-Breast-Cancer-is-Caught-Between-Data-and-Emotion.aspx I attended a hearing today held by the Food and Drug Administration outside of Washington DC on the question of whether or not Avastin® (bevacizumab) should retain approval for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.  As one might expect, the experience ran the gamut from deeply felt emotions to cold hard statistics.   The presentations by patients and physicians for the most part opposed the FDA decision to remove the breast cancer indication, while an occasional person supported the FDA based on their interpretation of the data.  For the patients and their supporters, it was the reality that many of them were alive and well with few symptoms, which they and their physicians attributed to the fact that Avastin® had a significant treatment benefit for their breast... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976138 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:58:00 +0100 4976138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975865&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-bagels-and-boobs-mammogram-party%2F2011.06.28 I don’t always practice what I preach. Regular mammograms, for instance. Last year I realized I had skipped a few, so I decided to turn my procrastination into an opportunity to reach out to those of my patients guilty of the same thing. I made arrangements with my hospital to monopolize half their schedule one Saturday morning, put flyers up in my office and talked it up like crazy to every eligible woman I saw. On the appointed day, I brought a whole bunch of bagels, half a dozen spreads (I asked the ladies to bring their own coffee), and we proceeded to have a blast! Or as much fun as you can have getting your boobs squished. Hey; it’s all in the name of early detection. Last year’s final tally was a bakers dozen (twelve patients plus me), out of which about 5 people were called b... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975865 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:00:48 +0100 4975865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976159&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F06%2F27%2Fcheshire-cats-grin-new-blog%2F This entry comes from New Zealand. The other day while driving back from pink palates, with jelly legs, i keep on thinking about dieing, something which will, yes will happen to all of us, and well nobody knows when this is going to happen to them. But me being me is just hoping for 10 years, and then something started to sink in if the militia come back and overtakes my body again, I don’t just get to die. I have to suffer, badly, and no I don’t think I’m so special that I have already paid my dues, but the realisation of this really shook me…… I don’t know how the saying goes, is it ‘pray for the best, expect the worst’? The so called best doesn’t even factor in to most of my daily questions, cynical much? And then on the other hand me and Mike are very lucky, luckier t... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976159 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:36:03 +0100 4976159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968811&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Ftreatment-week.html If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968811 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:10:00 +0100 4968811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968845&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F06%2F24%2Flets-beat-this-things-new-blog%2F This notice came to me in May – I think I was in hospital at the time.  Meg is a photographer and a breast cancer survivor.  She just started her blog last March.  I have excerpted a portion of a recent post for your edification. Last Wednesday, we celebrated Mike’s Uncle Johnny’s life at his funeral service and burial.  It was a very nice service and although the circumstances weren’t ideal, it was nice to see all of Mike’s family.  Unfortunately, coming from a pretty big family as well as marrying into a big family means that I have attended a lot of funerals in my twenty-nine years.  But, this time it was very different.  Sitting in the pew next to Mike at the gorgeous Shrine of the Little Flower Church, I was reminded of our amazing wedding day in t... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968845 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:16:02 +0100 4968845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968815&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhose-blog-are-you-reading%2F Recently the news has included an interesting revelation that a popular lesbian blogger wasn’t a lesbian at all, but a straight, married man who posed as a gay woman for years while writing his blog. After his coming out (so to speak), another “lesbian” blogger admitted that he, too, was a straight male. As a blogger myself, I was outraged. At the very least, it is unconscionable that a person would address a group of people who feel not particularly accepted by all of society and are looking to connect with someone who lived and breathed and understood their lives as one of them. It made me wonder who I was reading. Who are the real people behind the smiling headshots and avatars decorating the web pages I confidently seek out when I feel like connecting? Is that woman &mdas... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968815 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:35:42 +0100 4968815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968660&cid=t_103876_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D287 A 19% increase in reimbursement for DRG 585 is pretty exciting, especially if your inpatient surgery department is performing open biopsies, local excisions, or reconstruction surgeries of the breast for 2011.  In the last three years, DRG 585 (Breast Biopsy, Local Excision & Other Breast Procedures WO CC/MCC) has seen a 25% increase in reimbursement.   There has been a whole range of exciting advancements in outpatient percutaneous biopsy procedures.  According to an AHRQ report comparing the effectives of open surgical biopsies against core-needle, stereotactically guided vacuum-assisted core-needle biopsies have a sensitivity of 99.2%.  Still, open breast biopsies are the only procedure that’s 100% sensitive to cancer.  Interestingly, both have similar effectiveness; but, to... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968660 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:10:18 +0100 4968660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960280&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fmedical-round-up.html - This is in the category of 'if you can't cure them, confuse them'. One of the locations of the hospital I go to has decided to renumber their floors. They used to be 1, 2, 3. At the main hospital you enter on the 4th floor. Go figure.- At PT for my knee yesterday, I told the therapist I was trying to figure out the best way to keep working on strengthening my knee with out causing more pain from the bursitis in my hip. She told me that due to the pain caused by repetitive industry, she doesn't think I have bursitis but arthritis and should talk to my doctor about testing for osteo vs. rheumatoid - which runs in my family.- I'm cranky because I am waiting for my doctor to call me back - she was out on Tuesday and went home sick yesterday. When I called again yesterday, I was told that it ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960280 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:08:00 +0100 4960280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953359&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVV5N71KRqKg%2F The FDA hearing officer who is presiding over the upcoming Avastin review has rejected a request from her agency colleagues to require all outside scientific experts who speak at the meeting to disclose financial ties to Roche’s Genentech unit or rival manufacturers. The June 17 request had been made by FDA lawyers in the name of greater transparency. The two-day event, which begins June 28, stems from an unprecedented decision last year by the FDA to yank the breast cancer indication for the best-selling Avastin cancer med. That came after results of four clinical studies showed the drug does not prolong overall survival in breast cancer patients or provide a sufficient benefit in slowing disease progression to outweigh significant risks (see here). In response, Roche appealed the d... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953359 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:10:01 +0100 4953359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952926&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F1GgFzw55QrM%2Farkansas-jurors-find-cancer-therapy.html I hope @oracknows, Respectful Insolence, will write more about this. He is much better than I at sussing out fraudulent medical treatments. I have lived and practiced in Little Rock, AR for over twenty years and I did not know this was in my backyard until my local paper (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) reported on the outcome of the trial last week. The article title caught my eye as I was skimming the news: Jurors: Cancer therapy a fraud, Award in suit is $2.5 million (subscription only unfortunately). A federal jury awarded $2.5 million in damages Tuesday to a California woman who paid $6,250 to undergo alternative treatments from a Jacksonville woman who promised a “100 percent success rate” in destroying cancerous breast tumors. Antonella Carpenter, the former Jacksonville woman wh... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952926 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 11:41:55 +0100 4952926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953279&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fshort-term-planning.html I kind of left you in suspense yesterday.I was sitting an exam room, waiting to see my oncologist to discuss whether I could continue my break from chemo. Here's what happened next:We waited.We played a little Lexulous.I knit. My hands shook a little. And then the door swung open and Dr. B. entered the room. Dr. B. is not my oncologist. The cancer centre has a title called GPO (which I assume means general practitioner - oncology) for doctors who work with the oncologists. I hadn't seen Dr. B. in more than a year and without hesitating, we hugged each other - something I've never done with any doctor. She's wonderful and she's the only doctor I trust as much as my oncologist.After a physical exam (liver is where it should be and the size it should be. Chest sounds fine) and looki... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953279 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4953279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934731&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fback-to-bra-shopping-to-fit-new-breasts%2F Now that my revised, reconstructed breasts are settling down, I once again need a new bra. I have learned through my transformation that shopping for a bra is a real task. The one black lace bra that worked in the past no longer fits my new breasts, and most of the bras I have tried on lately just don’t work either. It wasn’t until I had breast cancer that I learned how important a properly fitted bra is. First, I needed a good sturdy bra when I was using just a molded prosthesis for the first breast I lost. Then after the initial reconstruction surgery, I didn’t need as much support, but I needed a bra that would give me the shape I wanted. Now I need a new bra that has the right amount of coverage and can show off the cleavage without pushing my breasts together. What I really ne... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934731 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:39:16 +0100 4934731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934076&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F06%2Fupcoming-webinars-on-latinos-and-abortion-fda-drug-approvals-and-breast-cancer An upcoming webinar may be of interest to readers: Patients Before Profits: What You Should Know About the FDA, Big Pharma, and Breast Cancer June 21, 2011 10:00AM – 11:00 AM Pacific (1:00 pm – 2:00 PM Eastern) Featuring Miriam Hidalgo, BCAction Volunteer Program Coordinator and Jane Zones, Medical Sociologist and Former BCAction Board Member We will focus on how the competing interests of pharmaceutical companies and regulatory governmental bodies can fail to deliver safe and effective drugs that patients need. If you sign up, you will learn about power players at the FDA, the origins of the accelerated approval process, and more. You will need to register online for this webinar and then will receive an email with instructions on how to join in on the 21st. (Source: Our Bodies Ou... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934076 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:04:44 +0100 4934076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953306&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fi-did-good-thing-this-weekend.html I spent the weekend volunteering at Casting for Recovery. CFR is an organization based in Vermont which provides fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer - no matter what stage or how long since their diagnosis. Its a great weekend to meet other women with the same disease and learn a new skill. You get to go once as a participant. If you haven't signed up, do so at www.castingforrecovery.org and you will have an amazing weekend.I went in 2008 as a participant. Then I went back in 2009 and this year as a volunteer. Its almost as good as being a participant. Its a way of giving back for me. I enjoy it.We were at St George's School outside of Newport RI on a beautiful campus. We could see the beach - down a big hill. We ate in a dining hall that looks like it was the model for Hogwa... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953306 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:31:00 +0100 4953306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911767&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F06%2F08%2FASCO-2011-Is-A-Wrap-Along-With-Redemption-Blisterwalks-And-Whether-I-Will-Remember-The-Hashtags.aspx I am on the plane home from the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting trying to figure out the best way to write a "wrap up" blog about my sense of what I learned and saw in Chicago over the past 4 days.   I wish I could tell you all the highlights of all the new studies and all of the exciting breakthroughs, but I can't.  Realistically is it impossible to attend all the sessions, read all of the thousands of abstracts and view the additional thousands of posters that are presented at this meeting.  There is so much information that trying to get one's arms around even a fraction of what is available is a monstrous effort.   I will leave it to others to write the headlines and the stories about what they think the latest and greatest research and/or ... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911767 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:48:00 +0100 4911767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902639&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fare-profits-driving-breast-cancer-clinical-studies%2F I got the bright idea this week that it would be great if now and then I could provide information about clinical studies being done on treatment or drugs for breast cancer. I am involved in a clinical study through Sister (the name I give to my younger sister in case you forgot) who is part of a study into the BRCA gene mutation carriers in Canada. Other than that, I have answered questionnaires for various studies. Now as a survivor I wonder if I could be helpful as a participant in drug research and trials. My investigation into this idea brought up a whole other issue however. Large pharmaceutical companies fund many of the studies looking for a wonder drug. The intent is to not only find effective and safe drugs, but profitable ones too. This actually limits the studies being done. Ta... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902639 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:29:25 +0100 4902639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902384&cid=t_103876_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2Fsunday-news-round-up-if-this-is-may-edition%2F The local newspaper is covering genetic tests for breast cancer, privacy, gene tests patents, cost, and the fears some people have about getting tested. Iris Carmen at Jezebel has a piece, “The Fight For Abortion Access For Military Women,” that is really about barriers in the military that prevent women from reporting sexual assault, the institutional difficulties faced by women servicemembers who become pregnant, and their lack of access to abortion coverage and providers. Via the CDC’s National Prevention Intervention Network (@cdcnpin) Follow @CDCNPIN@CDCNPINCDC NPIN #30years ago today, @CDCMMWR reported on 1st cases of what became known as #AIDS. http://ow.ly/59vq3 about 23 hours ago via webReplyRetweetFavorite The link in the tweet goes to the actual June 5, 1... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902384 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:49:56 +0100 4902384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902368&cid=t_103876_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fdrug-shown-prevent-breast-cancer%2F A recent study, published by Dr. Paul Goss of Massachusetts General Hospital, has shown that taking the currently available drug Aromasin (exemestane) prevented the onset of cancer by 65% in study participants. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902368 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:47:27 +0100 4902368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902650&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fanother-day-more-confusion.html As I wake up this morning (after 11.5 hours of sleep) I find three articles on the same topic - Aromasin, an existing drug for breast cancer treatment may help prevent it. The first part of my confusion. Aromasin is in a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. I am on a different one called Femara. I was told they were all the same and I would start with Femara and if I had reactions to it or handled it badly, they would switch me to another. My confusion here is if they are the same, why isn't Femara and the other AI included in this article? Or if Aromasin is different than the other two, should I switch?The second part of my confusion is that I thought I was taking it as part of the prevention plan against a recurrence in the first place. I did take Tamoxifen for two years and then ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902650 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:42:00 +0100 4902650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902644&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F04%2F2011-asco-women-with-brca-gene-mutations-can-take-hormone-replacement-therapy-safely-after-ovary-removal%2F Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which are linked to a very high risk of breast and ovarian cancer, can safely take hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) to mitigate menopausal symptoms after surgical removal of their ovaries, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which are linked [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902644 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:16:50 +0100 4902644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893830&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fin-a-car-park%2F I was making my way home from an evening with a friend in a local town. It was about 10.30, and the sky was that lovely tawny blue of almost-dark. I’d parked the car in a busy car park, but by the time I returned there were only three cars still parked: mine, at the far end away from the road, and two closer to the road. One of the other cars that remained had half a dozen young men, probably in their early twenties, standing around it, laughing and talking. And as I crossed the car park, they started to shout at me. They shouted insults. Specifically, insults about my coat. I think it’s a nice coat. (Obviously, or I wouldn’t have bought it.) It’s a Jasper Conran mac that I bought earlier in the year, so it’s not outmoded, or strange. Granted, it’s servi... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893830 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 07:45:33 +0100 4893830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876484&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fin-translation.html The cancer centre has implemented something new. When patients check in for treatment, we're asked to fill out a questionnaire related to our well-being (it has some acronym but I can't remember it). We're given the option of filling it in on a central computer but I'm really squeamish about germy public terminals. I always ask to fill the thing in manually (furthering my feeling that I am more of a Luddite than some of my seniors).Filling out the form involves reading statements such as "I am in pain" and then circling a number between 1 (no pain) and 7 (excruciating pain - or something like that). Most of my numbers were very low except for the ones about my emotional well being and sleep habits. My answers resulted in the following conversation with the well-meaning nurse who checked me... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876484 Sat, 28 May 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4876484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872365&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fkitchen-conversation-hes-so-so-right.html My spouse (after listening to lengthy rant #342 yesterday): "Not to excuse that person's bad behaviour, but a lot of things piss you off these days."Me: "True."Spouse: "Oh! We forgot to put the compost out!"Me: (String of expletives, unprintable in a blog my children might read).Spouse (Meaningful silence)Then we both burst out laughing.I need to get some perspective.But at least I can still laugh at myself.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872365 Fri, 27 May 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4872365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872367&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-end-of-the-world-really%2F The devastation from the tornadoes across this nation has been overwhelming. My husband and I can only watch the news in small segments since it is so heartbreaking and difficult to take in. The stories of lost loved ones are especially agonizing, and we empathize with them, thinking how we would feel if one of us or our loved ones had been missing for days. For many this is the end of their world. In the face of the ridiculous professions of doomsday, these people truly are impacted by the end to their lives and security as they know them. I am reminded of something Billy Graham said in a crusade decades ago: “The moment you die, it is the end of your world.” Those of us who battled breast cancer know what it is like to feel as if our world is ending. It is perhaps our first thought w... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872367 Thu, 26 May 2011 18:55:28 +0100 4872367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862610&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fc5PLtjyXfLs%2Ftransaxillary-breast-augmentation-and.html I’m not a huge fan of transaxillary breast augmentation (TABA).  One of the major selling points for the transaxillary approach is the lack of scars on the breasts.  As a woman living in the south, my arm pits are much more likely to be seen in public than my breasts.  As a surgeon, I also know that when revisions need to be done (capsule issues, etc) most recommend using an inframammary approach so why not just start there.  In my opinion, all women with implants will have a repeat surgery at some point in the future – implant failure (deflation, rupture) being a given. I admit I had not thought about how the incision might interfere with future sentinel lymph node assessment prior to this article (full reference below). Dr. Ana Claudia Weck Roxo, Rio de Janeiro S... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862610 Wed, 25 May 2011 11:11:00 +0100 4862610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862842&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprma-enhance.com%2Fdocuments%2FACS%2520Air%2520Miles%2520Program.pdf A growing number of breast cancer patients are now choosing to travel for their care, particularly for some of the more advanced breast reconstruction procedures. Insurance may cover the health care expenses but the cost of the hotel and air fare falls on the patient. Now, some patients may qualify for financial assistance to cover these extra expenses thanks to two special programs: Assistance with Air Travel Expenses The American Cancer Society (ACS) Air Miles program is a joint effort between Mercy Medical Airlift (MMA)/National Patient Travel Helpline (NPATH) and the American Cancer Society. The program is designed to help patients with the cost of air fare when traveling for cancer-related treatment. Please call the ACS at (800) 227-2345 to find out if you are eligible for help wit... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862842 Wed, 25 May 2011 01:41:14 +0100 4862842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853114&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-patient-not-welcomed-by-airline%2F Outrage was my initial response to the story of the woman who was turned away from a Korean Airlines flight last week because of stage 4 breast cancer. Crystal Kim wanted to fly from Seattle to her homeland of Korea after being diagnosed with terminal stage 4 breast cancer. Despite her doctor’s notes to the contrary, Korean Airlines decided she was too frail to travel and denied her boarding. The airline was following International Air Transport Association guidelines, which recommend that terminally ill passengers be evaluated by airline medical personnel before being allowed to fly. These, however, are only guidelines — and another carrier, Delta, who allowed Ms. Kim to board one of their flights, indicated that medical recommendations from doctors who knew her were enough for th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853114 Mon, 23 May 2011 13:44:45 +0100 4853114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853113&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fhas-anybody-seen-my-boob.html As anyone who has ever been to my house can attest, the place tends to be a total disaster pretty cluttered. We lose stuff all the time, only to find it months or even years later, after it's already been replaced.But I have to admit that never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd find myself typing this sentence: I can't find my prosthetic breast.We've actually been making some inroads in terms of beating back the clutter. But some rooms are getting worse before they get better. And our bedroom is complete tip.Now admittedly, I don't wear my prosthesis all that often. But there are days when I want to fly below the radar. There are clothes that just look better when they're symmetrical. And I haven't seen my fake breast for weeks. Could I have absent-mindedly stuck it in a drawe... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853113 Sat, 21 May 2011 20:45:00 +0100 4853113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841886&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-novel-multi-targeted-agent-cabozantinib-xl184-has-significant-effect-on-several-advanced-solid-tumors%2F Cabozantinib (XL184) demonstrated high rates of disease control in patients with prostate, ovarian and liver cancers. The investigators concluded that cabozantinib exhibits clinical activity in ovarian cancer patients with advanced disease, regardless of prior platinum drug status, as reflected by the high rates of response.  ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841886 Thu, 19 May 2011 21:53:46 +0100 4841886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841879&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fnone-of-us-knows-when-we-are-going-to.html On April 25th, Alaina Giordano lost custody of her children. A North Carolina judge ruled that her two kids need to move to Chicago to live with Giordano's ex-husband. She based this decision, in large part, on the fact that Giordano has Stage 4 breast cancer.Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economyI can't be articulate about this story, except to say that I work very hard to make sure that my kids will be all right- no matter what happens. I wish I could protect them and all those who love me from the realities of cancer. But do I think that cancer makes me a less fit parent?Not on your life.Want to read more? I first read about this on BlogHer, where Jenna argued very articulately that anyone who has ever been ill or ever might be should care about this s... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841879 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:52:00 +0100 4841879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841880&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fselfish-dear-loved-one.html I'm sorry that my fear becomes yours.I regret that you get pulled into my panic.I feel ill when my every cough, ache or bump twists your insides the way it does mine.I would prefer to protect you.I want to watch you smile, hear your laugh, feel your heart thump with joy when you pull me to your chest.I don't want to make you scared, or sad or worried.But I can't wish you weren't ever scared or sad or worried.Because I need to share.Because I need not to feel alone.Because I need you.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841880 Wed, 18 May 2011 02:10:00 +0100 4841880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841687&cid=t_103876_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D265 You have to be pretty excited that 3D mammography was just approved, but the good news does not stop there.  A unique 3D ultrasound technology is also in the FDA approval process.  Screening mammography has been the gold standard for detecting breast cancer for 30 years.  Still, the technology has a false positive rate ranging from 5.5% to 7.4%.  Because of this, patients are referred to ultrasound then MRI to rule out cancer before a biopsy is performed. Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU) is a new technology designed to produce 3D breast images in less than 10 minutes. It’s based on placing the breast in a warm water bath surrounded by multiple ultrasound transducers, allowing near instantaneous tomographic imaging of the tissue.  Although limited as a screening tool, ultrasound has proven... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841687 Tue, 17 May 2011 14:06:10 +0100 4841687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829216&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fjudge-rules-that-mom-with-breast-cancer-cant-parent%2F I have been following the story of Alaina Giordano, the North Carolina woman whose two children (ages 5 and 11) have been removed from her care and placed in the custody of their father because she has stage 4 breast cancer. It doesn’t matter that Giordano’s cancer is under control; it doesn’t seem to concern Judge Nancy Gordon that the children’s father lives in Chicago and that she is relocating the children far from their home. It only matters that this judge feels they will do better by being with the non-ill parent. Is Judge Gordon surmising that women with breast cancer can no longer parent? Since when did breast cancer take away our ability to be a loving, caring, and responsible parent? I wanted to write about this when I first heard about it from my editor last week.... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829216 Mon, 16 May 2011 18:18:14 +0100 4829216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821148&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fs3IA6zq8bsk%2F In the latest indication that Pfizer hopes to resolve burgeoning litigation over its Prempro hormone replacement therapy, the drugmaker has now set aside a total of $772 million to cover an estimated 8,000 cases in federal and state courts around the country, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Pfizer recently placed $300 million in reserves on top of $172 million in the first quarter of the year and another $300 million in previous quarters (see page 57 of the filing). The drugmaker disclosed that about one-third of all Prempro lawsuits have been resolved, suggesting another 3,000 or more remain in various dockets. Of course, the reserves could go still higher; Pfizer notes the set asides cover “the minimum expected costs to resolve a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821148 Fri, 13 May 2011 12:42:27 +0100 4821148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821096&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fbeautiful-eyes.html That's what struck me when I met Sarah in person: she had the most beautiful deep brown eyes I had ever seen, with a lovely smile to match.It was February 2010 and we were both in attendance at the Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer. We had met online through our online community, Mothers With Cancer.A short time after we met, Sarah found out that her breast cancer had become metastatic and she began treatment anew. A few weeks ago, she learned that the cancer had spread to her brain and she started radiation treatment. A couple of days ago, she was admitted to hospital with breathing issues. Last night, she passed away.I won't claim to have known beautiful Sarah better than I did. But I did consider her my friend. And I will miss her. Here are some things I knew a... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821096 Thu, 12 May 2011 17:22:00 +0100 4821096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813635&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fabout-the-girl-a-special-place-and-a-special-offer%2F Recently I came across About The Girl, a site specialising in beautiful post-surgery lingerie and swimwear, established by another woman thriving after cancer, Amy Bath. Today, About the Girl opens its first showroom. To celebrate, I’ve asked Amy along to answer some questions, and there’s a very special offer for Bah! readers too. Read on! SB: Hello, Amy, and welcome to Bah! to cancer. Can you tell us a little bit about how About The Girl came about? AB: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2007, and was treated with a lumpectomy followed by a mastectomy and as my lymph nodes were affected these were also removed. I then underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I finished my treatment feeling like I had been hit by a ten ton truck and started the long process of try... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813635 Thu, 12 May 2011 07:41:37 +0100 4813635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813636&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fnot-needlephobic-just-human%2F Reading through the edit on the Bah! book, I did wonder – not for the first time – whether I was being a little harsh on some of the people treating me. I’m not horrible about anyone (or at least no more horrible than I am here on the blog) but I am quite clear that there were many moments when a little bit of empathy would have gone a very long way. Then I remembered something – it’s not in the book, or the blog, but something triggered it and it popped up. It was the early days of herceptin and I had been asked to go on a lifestyle study. I’d agreed. I was at oncology clinic on Monday, was due to have herceptin on Wednesday, and the deadline for having bloods taken for the study was the following Monday. At the time, I didn’t have a PICC, so bloo... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813636 Wed, 11 May 2011 08:40:31 +0100 4813636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813614&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-we-need-a-longer-hospital-stay-after-a-mastectomy%2F Even though the scientific evidence shows that women recover just as well at home after a mastectomy, I don’t believe women should be sent home the day after surgery. In the late 1990s, the switch was made to sending women home quickly after surgery to remove a breast. The evidence suggested that women recover just as well at home as in the hospital. Prior to that decision, many women were in the hospital for several days — now it is up to doctors whether to keep a woman longer than the initial day of recovery. They need a medical reason for insurance to pay for the extended hospital stay. But the evidence doesn’t address the emotional impact that breast cancer and losing a breast has on a woman. We especially need time to assess our feelings about losing a breast before returni... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813614 Tue, 10 May 2011 17:00:14 +0100 4813614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789308&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fu4R23934B3k%2Fwomen-dont-regret-prophylactic.html I was alerted to the presentation at the American Society of Breast Surgeons meeting (first reference below) by Judy Boughey, MD by @MedicalNews’ tweet: ASBS: Prophylactic Mastectomy Good Even Years Later (CME/CE) http://bit.ly/kMCsdr Boughey and colleagues note that previous researchers using cross-sectional surveys have found that the majority of women are satisfied with their decision to have contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) one to several years after the procedure. Their study chose to look at the consistency of satisfaction and changes in adverse effects in the same women with longer term follow-up. To do this, they surveyed a previously established cohort of women with unilateral breast cancer who had contralateral prophylactic mastectomy at the Mayo Clinic between 19... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789308 Thu, 05 May 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4789308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789539&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Ftypical-example-of-how-not-to-present.html Here is an example of how not to present a medical study. What is wrong? Because it has a scary title "Study: Weight Gain May Boost Survivors' Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence, Death" and ends with:"The findings don't necessarily mean that everyone with middle-age creep is at higher risk of dying from cancer — the authors say that more work needs to be done to clarify whether there are thresholds of weight gain that trigger increases in risk, and more studies need to explain how weight and cancer are related."I am not targeting this medical study - I am sure it was done with the best of intentions and had some significant results somewhere, I am merely using it as an example of how not to present study results. This happens all the time - they come up with a scary title that basically sa... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789539 Thu, 05 May 2011 10:23:00 +0100 4789539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780456&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F05%2F03%2FGood-Headlines-Dont-Come-From-Limited-Science-The-Mammogram-Debate-Continues.aspx I am sitting here wringing my hands that so much has been made of some studies reported yesterday at a major radiology conference which suggest that the impact of the breast cancer screening guidelines released by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in November 2009 has either been good or bad on doctor and patient behavior.   The reason I am doing the handwringing thing is because I don't think either study is particularly good at answering the question for which it was intended: have health professionals changed their screening recommendations to their patients as a result of those guidelines, or does it make a true difference in outcome for women between the ages of 40-49 who forgo screening mammograms?   Yet much is being made of these studies, as though... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780456 Tue, 03 May 2011 22:51:00 +0100 4780456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780459&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-can-we-stop-it-with-a-vaccine%2F Osama bin Laden is gone — now let’s target breast cancer. Like a terrorist, breast cancer is merciless and unrelenting. We don’t know where it is hiding and when the next attack is going to come. Just as there was a concerted effort to bring down bin Laden, there are countless agents working diligently on eradicating breast cancer. It poses the same threat as terrorism — it strikes fear in families and kills the innocent. Breast cancer over the years has killed as many if not more people than terrorists. In 2010, there was a lot of talk about work on a vaccine for breast cancer. It has since died down, but I was reminded of it while listening to the radio a week ago. During a news program, there was a snippet about a vaccine showing promise for pancreatic cancer. It immedi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780459 Tue, 03 May 2011 18:14:29 +0100 4780459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775551&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2FA-Moment-For-Humor-During-The-Agonies-Of-Chemotherapy-Offers-A-Lesson-In-Resilience.aspx I have always been amazed by the resilience of people with cancer, especially those receiving active treatment with chemotherapy.  There is no getting around the fact that in many circumstances, chemotherapy is fraught with havoc and turmoil that can cause the best of us to test our faith in life itself.   But sometimes, as many of us know from our family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, there are moments of insight that can be precious to experience, that teach all of us that even in our darkest and most difficult moments we can be incredibly positive, always knowing and hoping that tomorrow will be a better day.   A friend of mine reminded me of that just this past week when she sent out an email update to her many friends, letting them know about her cancer experie... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775551 Mon, 02 May 2011 14:12:00 +0100 4775551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775398&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-double-mastectomies-are-popular-watchful-waiting-is-too-difficult%2F2011.05.01 The rise of prophylactic double mastectomy in women with increased risk of breast cancer has been a topic of recent discussion. In particular, this trend has been observed amongst women with the diagnosis of unilateral carcinoma in situ, or pre-invasive breast cancer. While it has been known that in women with genetic cancer syndromes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, double mastectomy reduces risk, the efficacy of the approach is uncertain in women with other risk profiles, yet more women and surgeons seem to be doing it. Knowing when to test, treat and act is part of art of medical practice. The ability to convey this information effectively is also an art. Both patients and doctors may have a hard time embracing watchful waiting with respect to many forms of cancer and pre-cancer. In the case... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775398 Sun, 01 May 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4775398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762908&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhat-are-you-wearing-to-chemotherapy%2F Recently I heard about Libre, a company that markets clothing for patients on chemo or dialysis. This is wonderful! Someone is thinking about the comfort of those of us who must undergo chemotherapy treatment. I am a few years past chemotherapy, but I remember the struggle of deciding what to wear to be comfortable and warm during those hours I sat in the chemo clinic. I actually spent time reviewing what clothes would be appropriate and convenient for treatment while making me feel good about myself. I don’t apologize for wanting to still look my best while undergoing treatment and spending time at the clinic. My husband would meet me there from work to sit with me during the infusion, so I felt the need to wear makeup and look as attractive as I could. The solution that I came up with ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762908 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:55:10 +0100 4762908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758777&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FjQVLZDeG5Ww%2Fadvances-in-nipple-sparing-mastectomy.html There is a very nice review article of the advances in nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery in the March 2011 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (full reference below). Dr. Patrick Maxwell and colleagues includes some history of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM): NSM was attempted in the 1980s but never gained popularity owing to the controversies surrounding oncological safety. Now, better technologies for preoperative staging and assessment of lesion distance from the NAC, along with an increased understanding of the anatomy of the breast ducts with relation to the nipple, are encouraging a return to the concept. One of the key publications that renewed and increased enthusiasm for this technique was the multicenter publication of 192 patients undergoing NSM with only four recurrences, ... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758777 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:14:00 +0100 4758777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758706&cid=t_103876_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F27%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2011-vol-305-no-8%2F This study examines the accuracy and outcomes of mammography screening in women with a personal history of breast cancer (PHBC) relative to screening of similar women without PHBC. The article concludes that mammography screening in PHBC women detects early-stage second breast cancers but has lower sensitivity and higher interval cancer rate, despite more evaluation and higher underlying cancer rate, relative to that in non-PHBC women. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Athens Password, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Breast Cancer, Breast Neoplasms, Early Diagnosis, Mammography (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758706 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:04:13 +0100 4758706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753921&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F04%2F26%2FThe-Coach-And-The-Critic-Blog-Comes-To-Life-Online-A-Discussion-About-Caregivers-That-I-Will-Never-Forget.aspx On March 11 I wrote a blog about caregivers.  That blog ("The Coach And The Critic: Stories Of Caregivers Where 'Kill Me' Is Not An Option") focused on a session I had attended at the annual meeting of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network devoted to caregivers.  But the impact of that experience was far greater than I could ever hope to capture in my writing that day.   Now, the panel is available online for you to see for yourself.  It has been posted on the NCCN website in two different formats: in one, you can see the entire session which runs for a considerable period of time.  In the other, it has been broken into shorter segments around a specific question or topic of discussion.   For me, it's a no-brainer: watching the whole sh... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753921 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:48:00 +0100 4753921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734689&cid=t_103876_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F04%2Fascocap-clarifications-to-erprher2-testing-guidelines.html ASCO is publishing a clinical notice regarding clarifications to previously published guidelines for HER2 testing and estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) testing in breast cancer.  A summary can be found at the CAP Web site. The clarifications were needed since these tests are generally run on the same specimen in routine practice and reconcile discrepancies between the two guidelines regarding cold ischemia time, handling of remotely obtained specimens, appropriate fixation times in NBF, and selection of optimal areas for testing. This is a welcomed development for us practicing grunts (who must acknowledge, explain and document this stuff) but shouldn't affect current routine practice or patient testing. (Source: The Daily Sign-Out) The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734689 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:43:39 +0100 4734689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724127&cid=t_103876_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fr9krv85eH5w%2F Pam Murphy is a professionally funny lady currently starring in her own solo comedy show, The C Word (which she wrote), at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. What’s it about? Oh, you know, just her getting diagnosed with breast cancer — that’s all. Drawing room comedy stuff. No big deal. Actually, you’re about to get a sense of just how hilarious Pam makes breast cancer become while she’s onstage, and why it’s so important for our mental health that we laugh about the worst thing that’s ever happened to her in her life. (C’mon, she wants us to!) You had cancer and made it funny with your solo show, ”The C Word.” Pretend that I’m also professionally hilarious. Is it okay for me to make fun of cancer and c... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724127 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:14:48 +0100 4724127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4720051&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fmore-on-estrogen-controversyconfusion.html All of us breast cancer people know about the estrogen controversy/confusion about if you have had estrogen positive breast cancer, should you avoid estrogen in the future? Based on yet another new study (of course, what would the world be without medical studies), the answer is sometimes its good and sometimes its bad. I saw this article and thought - maybe I can finally figure this out - and it left me more confused than I was before. I am keeping my stand of I am skipping estrogen because it allows me to avoid eating tofu which I hate. (Tofu and soy can mimic estrogen so supposedly it should be avoided by women with estrogen positive breast cancer - or so the last study said.) Anyhow this article only says that sometimes its good and sometimes its bad and since I have no way of knowing ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4720051 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:35:00 +0100 4720051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4720046&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fi-can-relate-to-this.html ...and so can, I would wager, anyone who has been harassed by  condescended to infantilized by dealt with an insurance company on health related matters. Especially if you have been on long-term disability for any length of time, you can expect regular correspondence. Blogger Katherine describes this experience:"But as sure as the swallows return to Capistrano, every March CIGNA sends me information on its Cancer Support program. Last year’s began “Good health is a gift.” This year’s reads like a grade school report:Dear KATHERINE O’BRIEN:The American Cancer Society estimates that two men and one in three women will face cancer in their lifetime. Although these are scary statistics, CIGNA HealthCare wants you to know we’re here to help…"Most of us just sigh, groan, maybe... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4720046 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4720046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714969&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fmy-kids-are-alright.html I had a dream a few nights ago.My kids were in a giant flash mob, dancing their hearts out, surrounded by dozens of other kids and adults. They were exuberant and focused, their movements fluid and in synch with those around them. My heart swelled with pride and joy.I learned that the flash mob had been created to drum up excitement over an upcoming performance. In a couple of hours, my kids would go on stage and perform. I could tell they were ready.Then I was handed a note. My own performance was scheduled for right after theirs. I was wholly unprepared. I hadn't even looked at my script. I was rushing off to find it when my alarm went off.Sacha was in a play very recently. And they did organize a flash mob a week before the performance, as a form of advertisement. And Sacha performed be... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714969 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4714969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709356&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbeating-breast-cancer-is-like-taking-on-a-pitbull-you-dont-know-you-can-do-it-until-you-do%2F The other night my dog Dixie and I went for our usual walk around the neighborhood. We look ridiculous, since Dixie generally walks me while I hold on to her with all my might. To say she’s not well trained on a leash — after 10 years — is an understatement; however, she has me well-trained. Generally, we feel quite safe and arrive home without incident. This night was the exception. Half way through our trek, we were confronted by a pit bull loose in the neighborhood and obviously without an owner. My reaction was not what I would have expected. I quickly swooped up my little Dixie — a Jack Russell terrier — in my arms and yelled at the pit bull to go home while lunging at it aggressively. Initially, the pit bull repeatedly turned away and turned back — at least until Dixie de... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709356 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:22:02 +0100 4709356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709207&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedical-fatigue-hitting-the-wall%2F2011.04.13 How is it that a person with an illness forgets to take their medicine, or refuses to get a treatment, or forgoes important monitoring? I’ve been thinking about that because someone close to me has hit that “medical fatigue” wall. There has been no effective treatment for their digestive system illness and they are tired of the prods, pokes, and special exams. They just want to live their life and “cope.” One can understand – especially in a child or teenager. Imagine someone with diabetes. Diet, exercise, monitoring, medication. It can be so tiring. If only the illness – the boogieman or what some call “the beast” could just go away! But it can’t and it doesn’t. And medical treatments may well be imperfect. They probably are. So do you give up? There is no “right a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709207 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:00:52 +0100 4709207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704655&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhormone-replacement-therapy-what-weve-learned-from-the-womens-health-initiative%2F2011.04.12 This is the study that doesn’t end… The longterm follow up extends… Some people started studying hormones in menopause, And they’ll continue publishing more data just because… (repeat) In yet another paper in a major journal, we hear once more from the investigators of the Women’s Health Initiative. This time it’s the long term outcomes of women who took estrogen alone, now seven years out from stopping their hormones. What new information can we learn from this extensive analysis of new data? Nothing. Really. The WHI’s been telling us the same thing about ERT (Estrogen replacement therapy) and HRT (Combination estrogen/progestin therapy)  since 2002, and all each subsequent study does is reinforce and expand on that initial data. Unfortunately, it will probably take a fe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704655 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:00:20 +0100 4704655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704954&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNe6vaqZAGEo%2F Despite weeks of haggling, Roche and the FDA remain unable to agree on the questions that must be addressed during the upcoming June hearing that will be held to decide whether the agency will proceed with plans to remove the metastatic breast cancer indication for the Avastin. The two sides are so far apart, in fact, that each one has submitted separate documents summarizing their differing views of the key questions to be addressed. Some quick background: The FDA decided to yank the breast cancer indication after results of four clinical studies showed that Avastin does not prolong overall survival in breast cancer patients or provide a sufficient benefit in slowing disease progression to outweigh significant risks. These include severe high blood pressure; bleeding and hemorrhage; devel... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704954 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:31:32 +0100 4704954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704697&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F28vBu0N6gvc%2Fshout-outs_12.html iMedicalApps is the host for this week’s Doctor Watson issue of Grand Rounds! You can read this week’s edition here (photo credit). This is the first time iMedicalApps is hosting Grand Rounds, and to those not familiar, Grand Rounds is weekly collection of medical blog posts with different themes — hosted by various blogs. To be perfectly honest, I had no idea what Grand Rounds was until very recently. When I started iMedicalApps in November 2009, we were a rag tag team of physicians and medical students, and I had no experience with the “medical blogosphere” — I didn’t even know it existed, I just wanted to review medical apps and provide a quality resource for medical professionals.  ……….. …………………………… These two are both breast cancer ... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704697 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:06:03 +0100 4704697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704882&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fget_player Thank you to all our Facebook fans who submitted pictures of their breast cancer related tattoos. As a special thank you, all the submissions were included in this film, 'Breast Cancer Stories.' These tattoos are truly amazing and inspiring. ***** PRMA Plastic Surgery specializes in advanced breast reconstruction procedures that use the patient's own tissue. Procedures offered include the DIEP flap, SIEA flap, GAP flap, and TUG flap. We are In-Network for most US insurance plans. Patients are routinely welcomed from across and outside the USA. Connect with other breast cancer reconstruction patients at www.facebook.com/PRMAplasticsurgery. *****breast cancer reconstruction, breast reconstruction, breast reconstruction surgery, breast cancer, diep flap, after mastectomy, chrysopoulo... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704882 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:09:32 +0100 4704882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693508&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FrnpVtSoFzBk%2F Once again, another working week will soon draw to a close. And this, of course, is our signal to begin daydreaming about weekend activities. Our modest agenda includes chauffering our short people around town, taking a nap or two and attending the latest installment in what we call the ‘Let’s See Them Before They Die’ concert series. And you? Anything special planned? Maybe a walk in the park? Curling up with a good e-book? Or you could finish your taxes, even if no one is in Washington to process your return. Whatever you do, have a great time. See you soon… Amgen CEO Got $21M Compensation In 2010 (Associated Press) Indian Company Ends Sale Of Lethal Injection Drug To The US (The Atlantic) FDA Will Be Severely Limited By Government Shutdown (CNN Money) Canadian P... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693508 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:43:35 +0100 4693508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684673&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Ffat-not-unfit.html I am overweight.It's worth noting, that, even with years of therapy and a good feminist critical analysis, it still feels shameful to write that.But it's the truth that as a result of genetics, too many diets started at too young an age (I was put on my first one when I was nine), too many emotional issues related to food and sheer laziness/inattention I am carrying around at least forty extra pounds.Yet I wouldn't say that I'm unfit.My cholesterol, blood sugars and blood pressure are all excellent. I have a resting heart rate of 66. And I have heart scans every three months (because Herceptin can damage the heart), so I know that vital organ is pumping along very efficiently.I average 5.5 hours of cardio exercise every week. I run 3-4 times a week, for more than forty minutes. And, now th... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684673 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:53:00 +0100 4684673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684758&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FDD9bzsNsVtU%2F Is there a link between antidepressants and breast and ovarian cancer? A new meta-analysis of 61 trials identified a connection in nearly 33 percent of the epidemiological and pre-clinical studies conducted between 1965 and 2010 found an association between cancer and antidepressants. And the link was stronger among women using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Moreover, the study found researchers with industry ties were significantly less likely than researchers without those affiliations to conclude antidepressants increase the risk of breast or ovarian cancer. The authors of the meta-analysis, which was published this week in PLoS Medicine, suggest the findings raise public health and policy issues, “because there is increasing evidence that financial ties among... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684758 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:29:41 +0100 4684758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684412&cid=t_103876_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FNI-z-U3d6mU%2Fbreast-self-exam-poster.html HT to Street Anatomy for the link to this great poster (photo credit)  by iHeartGuts! Related posts: Breast Self-Exam (October 8, 2009) October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2, 2008) Mammograms (October 13, 2008) Breast Cancer Screen in Childhood Cancer Survivors – An Article Review (February 2009) Indications for Breast MRI – an Article Review (March 2009) (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684412 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4684412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676784&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-psychological-price-of-surviving-cancer%2F2011.04.04 One of my closest friends is a two-time breast cancer survivor. Terry (as I’ll call her) has been cancer free for eight years—long enough to be considered cured (generally defined as being in remission at least five years). But in no way is she “free” of cancer. Every abnormal blood test, every callback for another mammogram terrifies her so badly she can’t sleep until doctors rule out a recurrence. In some ways, the ongoing psychological and emotional challenges she faces have been worse than the physical treatments she endured. I thought about Terry when I read the latest government statistics on the number of cancer survivors in this country. Nearly 12 million Americans—4% of the population—are still alive after a cancer diagnosis. In many respects this is terrific news, a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676784 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:47 +0100 4676784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677040&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnot-writing-much-longer-i-hope%2F I only learned tonight that Ann Romney, the wife of Mitt Romney, a presidential candidate wannabe, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. I didn’t know that until now, but I was happy to learn that she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer — ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS. Technically, carcinoma in situ is a pre-cancer. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in situ when she was 60; she survived that and then survived lung cancer later. Women diagnosed at that early age are often considered cancer-free after a lumpectomy to remove the tiny tumor. I was not so lucky. When I was diagnosed, the cancer was invasive and had spread to several lymph nodes. That was over six years ago. I survived and I have been writing about it for five years. I never figured that I would sti... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677040 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:52:09 +0100 4677040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670300&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fquestions-for-candidates.html From the Canadian Breast Cancer Network: Questions to ask your local candidates during the election campaign Question 1: The Financial Impact of Breast Cancer  In May 2010, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network released the research report entitled Breast Cancer: Economic Impact & Labour Force Re-Entry, which firmly positioned breast cancer as an economic as well as a healthcare issue.  The economic impact of breast cancer is significant, and in many cases devastating for patients and their families. 80% of respondents experienced an economic impact following their diagnosis, often with distressing long-term financial consequences.   Some report findings: Average decline in household income was $12,000 or 10% of family income44% of respondents used savin... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670300 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:34:00 +0100 4670300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664422&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fill-take-it.html No nausea.No bad taste in my mouth.No rage or sadness.No aches and pains.I'm just very, very tired.I'm not complaining.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664422 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:41:00 +0100 4664422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664435&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fhistory-of-breast-cancer.html (Warning includes some early drawings of primitive surgery)Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.comFox News recently had a health segment on breast cancer through art through the years. I found it very interesting. - Breast cancer was first known by the Egyptians in 3000 BC and there was no treatment. - Treatment has only been more than a mastectomy in the past 100 years.I found it incredibly interesting to talk about the history of such an ailment and how it was portrayed. Maybe I'll add their book to the list of books I should read and haven't gotten around to it. I find a level of frustration in that the disease has been known for 5000 years and only treated for such a short time and there is still no cure. The writers talk about there being a cure in the next 50 years but that is co... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664435 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:34:00 +0100 4664435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653506&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhat-if-nothing-changes.html Today is a treatment day.For the first time ever, I will have Herceptin on its own (if you don't count the Demerol and Gravol I get to keep the shakes and fevers at bay).Some people have almost no side effects with Herceptin. Some feel like they have the flu. Will the fact that my body has such a strong response to Herceptin mean that I feel more of its side effects?The break from chemotherapy is meant to help me heal and rebuild - physically and emotionally.The break from chemo is also a risk.Here's hoping it all works out for the best.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653506 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4653506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642912&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffinishing-the-fight-against-breast-cancer%2F I have been writing this blog for 5 years now and last week was the first week that I missed posting one. I think I finally crashed and burned. Not from writing the blog — this is something I love — but from trying to be superwoman. I had follow-up reconstructive surgery a week ago last Thursday, and Friday I was right back to business. By Monday I was feeling the fatigue that comes after surgery, which I could have avoided by resting Friday and Saturday. I stumbled through the rest of the week barely accomplishing anything. Generally I bounce back quickly from surgery. I need at least a day of rest after, but I didn’t give myself that privilege this time. I am always encouraging breast cancer survivors to take their time healing and to give themselves as much time and spac... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642912 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:39:16 +0100 4642912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642857&cid=t_103876_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FOltDOfijMCQ%2F Twelve years ago I was in my dermatologist’s waiting room, thinking about how lucky I was. Five years before that, I had breast cancer, but was now cancer-free. I had a good job that I enjoyed and afforded me a great lifestyle. I had two children who were happy and doing well. I had many friends in my office. We went out to dinner and dancing at least once a week. I lived in the inimitable city of New Orleans in an apartment facing the bayou. I could walk across the street to City Park and surround myself with lush flowers and oak trees draped with moss. The enormous park is home to an amazing number of ducks, geese, and other colorful of species of birds and water fowl that were so domesticated they would eat from my hands. Amidst the wildlife was a first-class museum that looked li... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642857 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:00:50 +0100 4642857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642937&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwatchful-waiting-continues%2F Thursday morning saw Alan and I heading off to the Northern Cancer Care Centre at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, for my appointment at the oncology clinic. The NCCC is big and bright and clean and spacious. It has a WHSmith and a courtyard and a shop that sells hats. Everyone we met was pleasant and kind. I had high hopes, although they were starting to tarnish a little bit by the time we’d waited 45 minutes. But then we were called, by a registrar so handsome that I wondered for a moment whether I’d wandered into the set of a TV show about an oncology clinic, rather than an actual oncology clinic. (Sadly, a quick look around the waiting room at all the ill-fitting wigs and faces in shades of putty and phlegm soon put paid to that idea.) After taking a medical history and d... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642937 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 07:40:29 +0100 4642937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636618&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fgiving-in-to-monkey-brain.html HerceptinI think I'm happy with the outcome of the brouhaha over Herceptin in Ontario. For those of you outside the province or outside the loop. Jill Anzarut, a 35 year old breast woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer made the news last week when she announced that the province had to pay for Herceptin because her Her2+ tumour was less than one centimetre (that's about 1/4 inch) in diameter. The province initially refused to budge but eventually caved after a massive campaign played out in the social and traditional media. Access to Herceptin will now much more room for discretion when it comes to providing access to the drug.I feel good about this. It's not that I think that every drug should be funded for every person. Her2+ cancers are very aggressive and, as best put by Stephen... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636618 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:33:00 +0100 4636618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636441&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fphysician-attacked-on-message-board-because-commenters-believed-his-wife-got-special-treatment-for-her-cancer%2F2011.03.25 A Well Blog post series in the NY Times, written by Peter Bach, MD, an attending physician at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, chronicle’s his experiences with his wife’s diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. As painful as it was to read of Bach’s wife’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, I found reading the comments section on the first few posts to be equally difficult. The comments ranged from supportive to downright vitriolic, as patients took the opportunity to vent at doctors and a medical system that they perceive gave Bach’s wife better access to treatment than theirs. The bitterness that comes through these comments is astonishing, but should not be. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Blog That Ate Manhattan* (S... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636441 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:00:13 +0100 4636441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631550&cid=t_103876_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D220 What’s the next step when a biomarker test is positive for cancer but the tumor is too small to be detected with either ultrasound or X-rays?  Several years ago, I reported on the BT Blood test (Provista Diagnostics), a revolutionary test for breast cancer.  Since then, Power3 Medical entered the market with their BC-SeraPro test.  These new biomarker lab tests have the ability to diagnose cancer at just a few cells. How good are breast cancer blood tests?  Digital mammography has an accuracy rate for women under age 50 at 84%; film mammography, 69%.  The published results for the BT test reflect 97% accuracy.   For women over 50, digital mammography has an accuracy rate at 77%; film, 75%; BT, 86% accuracy.   So what do you do when a blood test comes up positive for breast cance... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631550 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:25:11 +0100 4631550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626988&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F03%2F23%2FOh-Where-Have-You-Gone-Vitamin-D.aspx Oh, vitamin D, where have ye gone?  We miss ya!!   That might be the refrain of many who have labored so long to promote awareness of vitamin D as a possible cancer prevention agent for the past number of years.    Not that the advocates have lost their faith-a recent article from Dr. Cedric Garland, who is an expert on vitamin D as a case in point-but a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has thrown a bit of a damper on the unbridled enthusiasm that vitamin D was the answer to cancer prevention that many have been seeking for some time.   No, the IOM did not endorse vitamin D as a cancer prevention agent.  And based on what they could say from the literature, the panel did endorse the concept that vitamin D is important for bone health, while blood te... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626988 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:36:00 +0100 4626988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626999&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F03%2Freconstruction-in-the-news%2F I consider myself very lucky not to have needed to have a mastectomy. All the more so after reading this report. Somebody, somewhere needs to be very ashamed of themselves. (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626999 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:40:39 +0100 4626999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622245&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbreast-cancer-breakthrough-less-is-more%2F2011.03.21 Recently, every newspaper in the country reported on a landmark development in breast cancer treatment. It is now clear that certain breast cancer women do not need to undergo removal of lymph nodes from the armpit as part of their treatment. This would spare them from the risk and discomfort of an unnecessary procedure. It is welcome news, particularly for those of us who argue that in medicine, less is more. This is an example of the benefit of comparative effectiveness research, a tool that can separate what patients truly need from what the medical profession believes they must have. Let’s hope that breast cancer breakthrough metastasizes across the medical profession. Here’s what it accomplished. It spares women from unnecessary surgery. It saves money. It demonstrates that physi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622245 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4622245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610957&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fget-the-best-reconstructive-surgery-for-you%2F I am so grateful that Dr. Rebecca Studinger began her practice in Michigan. Yesterday I had another breast revision surgery and fat grafting. Fat grafting is actually liposuction; Dr. Studinger took fat from another part of my body — not hard to find — and put it into my breasts to get the right size. The best thing about this wonderful doctor is that she is not only highly trained, skilled, and talented, but is willing to work with me patiently to ensure I get the results I want. Her vision for women after breast cancer matches our own. We desire natural looking breasts as close to the real thing as possible and Dr. Studinger is one doctor who can make that happen. My surgeries with her have been like a spa experience — she is that good. My doctors at Johns Hopkins were... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610957 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:48:02 +0100 4610957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4611003&cid=t_103876_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWXsonFvU_bM%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that MTI Information Technologies, which provides marketing services to healthcare providers, hired Brian Tvenstrup as sr vp of business analytics. Previously, he headed analytics for First Equity Card, a commercial lender to small businesses, and w... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4611003 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:03:11 +0100 4611003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600727&cid=t_103876_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FlfHw57PpWkQ%2F In her practiced everything’s-going-to-be-fine teacher voice, my mom recently called and told me that the doctor had seen something in her mammogram. Something that required further testing. My mom told me that she wouldn’t find out the results for several days, but that it was probably nothing. The next day she called me as I was heading out of work to meet a friend and told me that she had breast cancer. The doctors caught it early, but it was still there — the C word. Holy crap, cancer?! Is she going to be okay? What kind of treatment will this entail? Mastectomy? Chemo? Radiation? What about recurrence? Is this hereditary? Not to sound selfish, but are my sister and I doomed to get breast cancer, too? What about my little nieces? What will I do if something happens to my ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600727 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:09:58 +0100 4600727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592638&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdont-be-bullied-into-treatment-youre-not-comfortable-with%2F .If you have ever been bullied, you know that you don’t realize it at first. Initially, people tend to blame themselves for how others treat them. I was bullied as a child by a group of girls, and I can tell you that your first instinct is to think it is your fault. As a new student in a new school, I was ostracized for the first few months. At eight years old, school was my whole life, so you can imagine how much the rejection of the other students affected me. It took me well into adulthood to find it easy to make new friends. Of course I am over it now, but it had a long-lasting effect. As adults we don’t call it bullying, we call it intimidating. Often we admire people who can intimidate others, regardless of the outcome. Perhaps that is why bullying has becoming epidemic among chi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592638 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:35:31 +0100 4592638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575216&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fnow-this-could-be-fun.html I've written before about the one major limitation of Herceptin - that it doesn't cross the brain-blood barrier. A couple of years ago (after meeting several young women with metastasis that had spread to the brain), I underwent a brain MRI. To my very great relief, there was no evidence of trouble but I think I'll will be requesting another before too long.A few days ago, my friend Deanna posted a link to Breast Cancer? But Doctor...I Hate Pink and to Ann's take on the news that Viagra may help Herceptin to (ahem) penetrate the blood-brain barrier and thus help reduce the size of brain tumours. As Anne tells it:"Herceptin, the wonder drug, has a flaw: it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier was erected designed by nature to protect our brains from dangerous... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575216 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:18:00 +0100 4575216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575213&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F03%2F11%2FThe-Stories-Of-Cancer-When-Kill-Me-Is-Not-An-Option.aspx Cancer is emotional.  It is emotional for patients, families, friends and colleagues.  And there are few moments that are more touching to the human soul than hearing their stories recounting their journey, whether it is a success or unfortunately not.  These stories are frequently incredible accounts of human spirit.   Yesterday--in a room of 1200 cancer professionals at the annual meeting of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network in Hollywood, Florida--there were stories told that left no one untouched.  A moment when you could hear a pin drop, and see tears in the eyes of professionals who have seen so much heartache you would think they were used to it by now.   There was the football coach almost everyone knows who said that although he had been a lead... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575213 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:18:00 +0100 4575213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570713&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F03%2F10%2FCancer-Survivors-Are-%28Fortunately%29-Very-Much-A-Part-Of-Our-Lives.aspx An article just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in their weekly publication "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" provides an assessment of the progress we have made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.   Clearly, since 1971, we have made substantial advances in the cancer treatment.  We have become a larger and older nation.  We have pushed the threshold for the diagnosis of cancer, with breast and prostate cancers as leading examples.   The result is that we have many millions more people alive with cancer today than was ever the case in our history.   But with the progress also comes cautions about what the data means, and where our journey must go if we are to address some of the key issues reflected in these statistics. &nbsp... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570713 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:40:00 +0100 4570713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570714&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fmixed-but-good-i-think.html And I'm not talking about the weather, which while it has been mixed, has been pretty consistently bad for the last twenty four hours. We had a big dump of snow (the photo above was taken from my front door), followed by freezing rain, which will be followed by ordinary rain.Good thing I just bought rain boots.My GP called me last week to let me know the results of my endoscopy (I won't get in to see the gastroenterologist until March 21st). All my results were negative - no celiac, no bacterial infection, no cancer. It's all good.Then I talked to my oncologist on Friday. We discussed my scope results and my digestive symptoms (diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain). He expressed surprised that I was still feeling lousy on Friday after a Tuesday treatment. I told him that my recovery time ha... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570714 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:07:00 +0100 4570714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566298&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fkeep-copies-of-your-medical-records%2F I have a huge file with all the test results and pathology reports that pertain to my breast cancer. It was helpful for a while, especially when I met with the genetics counselor and the surgeons who did my reconstructive surgery. I even had my bone scans and x-rays for a while, when I carried them with me to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore to discuss prophylactic mastectomy and DIEP flap surgery. It was my oncologist’s secretary who carefully copied every test and made sure to give it to me as I left each office visit. She suggested I keep it nearby since it could prove helpful to have. Now it is just a huge file taking up room in my file cabinet. I seldom if ever look at it anymore, and it seems almost obsolete since losing both of my breasts. Truthfully though, just knowing that I have acc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566298 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:26:17 +0100 4566298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565906&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbreast-reconstruction-after-mastectomy-are-patients-making-good-decisions%2F2011.03.09 The objective of the study was to “measure women’s knowledge about reconstruction and to evaluate the degree to which treatments reflected patients’ goals and preferences.” Their conclusion (bold emphasis is mine): Women treated with mastectomy in this study were not well-informed about breast reconstruction. Treatments were associated with patients’ goals and concerns, however, and patients were highly involved in their decisions. Knowledge deficits suggest that breast cancer patients would benefit from interventions to support their decision making. Granted the study was small, but it left me wondering if we the medical community fails to educate these women.   The study involved a cross-sectional survey of early-stage breast cancer survivors from four university ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565906 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:30:00 +0100 4565906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560528&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fin-the-journal%2F A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Liz Lamb, journalist at local daily newspaper The Journal. The article came out on Saturday, and a slightly different version is online. If you’re a regular reader, there may not be anything in the piece that you don’t already know about me, but please feel free to take a look. It’s here. (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560528 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:14:24 +0100 4560528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549905&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthinking-about-breast-cancer-at-dollywood%2F I had a great week vacationing in the mountains of Tennessee. It was the first time I had been to this state, and I am in love with it. When we left for Tennessee, there was still snow in the mountains and our hope was to get some skiing in. By the time we arrived, rainstorms had washed away much of that snow, along with our goal to ski in the Smoky Mountains. But it turned out that not being able to ski didn’t detract from a wonderful time and one of our best vacations. We stayed in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. Much of our time was spent in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which not only provided some of the most beautiful mountaintop views, but housed some wonderful historical sites. We were really close to Dollywood, too — that’s Dolly Parton’s theme park. The... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549905 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:39:29 +0100 4549905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540565&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-science-should-override-celebrity%2F2011.03.02 Dr. Barron Lerner has written a book about breast cancer: “The Breast Cancer Wars: Hope, Fear, and the Pursuit of a Cure in Twentieth-Century America.” And he’s written a book about celebrity patients: “When Illness Goes Public: Celebrity Patients and How We Look at Medicine.” He wed the two topics in a blog post on the New York Times health blog entitled “Suzanne Somers, Cancer Expert.” Excerpts: “Earlier this week, NBC’s “Dateline” devoted an entire hour on Sunday evening to allow the actress Suzanne Somers to express her rather unconventional beliefs about cancer. It is not the first time a major media outlet has given air time to Ms. Somers, whose journey into the medical realm has been featured on a variety of news prog... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540565 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:00:58 +0100 4540565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536266&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F03%2F02%2Fghost-of-cancer-guest-post%2F Conclusion: No visiting the cemetery for a while. I’m strangely happier than I’ve been for a long time and there’s a palpable sense of freedom and excitement. Then there’s this small layer of dread that lives somewhere beneath the surface. It feels like I’m living with an omnipresent ghost. I keep finding ways to ignore it, only to have it appear again when I least expect it. I wonder if this anxiety lasts forever? Does anyone else out there feel the same? A very wise friend mentioned post-traumatic stress disorder, which lit a bulb in my head, and provided something my beautiful friends have given me all through this journey – good old fashioned hope. from – Keep Going! Blogging Breast Cancer (Source: Being Cancer Network) Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536266 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:54 +0100 4536266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532505&cid=t_103876_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnew-hope-for-breast-reconstruction%2F It is hard to imagine, but there is a treatment that may help women regrow breast tissue after breast cancer surgery. The procedure combines a woman’s own stem cells and fat and then injects them into a chamber in her breast to encourage the growth of new tissue to take the place of surgically removed breast tissue. This is not some futuristic science fiction; this is being done now in laboratories. The procedure is not FDA-approved, but it is being used in some countries for cosmetic purposes, and research is being done on women that have lost part of their breast to breast cancer. This is very encouraging, although there are some drawbacks. Growing new breast tissue will only work on partial breast reconstruction — as in a lumpectomy. There is no suggestion that it can work in restor... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532505 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:35:33 +0100 4532505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532213&cid=t_103876_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-experienced-is-the-radiologist-who-reads-your-mammogram%2F2011.02.28 There’s a new study out on mammography with important implications for breast cancer screening. The main result is that when radiologists review more mammograms per year, the rate of false positives declines. The stated purpose of the research*, published in the journal Radiology, was to see how radiologists’ interpretive volume — essentially the number of mammograms read per year — affects their performance in breast cancer screening. The investigators collected data from six registries participating in the NCI’s Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, involving 120 radiologists who interpreted 783,965 screening mammograms from 2002 to 2006. So it was a big study, at least in terms of the number of images and outcomes assessed. First — and before reaching any concl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532213 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:00:57 +0100 4532213