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 'cancer treatment'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:53:46 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182205&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F08%2F30%2FCrizotinib-Approval-For-Lung-Cancer-Shows-Our-Miracles-Arent-Getting-Less-Expensive.aspx   Today I would like to share with you some thoughts on the topic of the costs of cancer treatments. It is the result of a moment on Saturday morning while, in the midst of listening to hurricane coverage on television, I was scanning the pages of my morning paper. There in the headlines was the comment that the Food and Drug Administration on Friday-presumably a bit later in the day, since the article was posted online at 8PM-approved a new drug called crizotinib (Xalkori®) for the treatment of lung cancer.   The news didn't get much attention, likely because it was overwhelmed by the hurricane. But at any other time, I suspect it would have been all over the media since this drug in fact represents a breakthrough treatment for some patients with lung cancer (more on th... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182205 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5182205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174611&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-drug-demonstrates-no-survival-benefit-receives-fda-approval%2F2011.08.29 Recently, the FDA announced its approval, upon accelerated review, of a new drug, Adcetris (brentuximab) for patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has relapsed after bone marrow transplant and for some patients with T-cell anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This interests me for a lot of reasons, among them that I used to work in the field of lymphoma immunology and spent some time in my life studying molecules like CD30, the protein to which the new antibody binds. First, a mini-primer on the disease and numbers of patients involved: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medical Lessons* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174611 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:00:19 +0100 5174611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159655&cid=t_106559_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_106559_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=5140201&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fguest-blogger-debbie-carnell%2F 11th August 2011 Today was a good day but: It was raining and I wore suede shoes. I had to wait an hour before I was seen by my Consultant. There’s still scarring on the primary site. The secondary tumour hasn’t shrunk as much as it could have done which means surgery to remove it. I discussed my future sex life with my Stepmum in the room. My Dad cried. I realised cancer will always be a part of my life. Today was a bad day but: My suede shoes had 4 inch heels and I wore them with a confident wiggle for the first time in months. I spent an hour chatting to my family and my Specialist Nurse. The primary cancer has shrunk so much there’s only scarring left. The secondary tumour on my lymph node alerted me something was wrong and more than likely saved my life. My Stepm... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140201 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:56:01 +0100 5140201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118647&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fexpensive-medications-is-the-benefit-worth-the-cost%2F2011.08.10 The concept of cost-effectiveness in medicine is elastic. One’s view on this issue depends upon who is paying the cost. Of course, this is true in all spheres of life. When you’re in a fine restaurant, you order differently when the meal will be charged to someone else. Under these circumstances, the foie gras appetizer and the jumbo shrimp cocktail are no longer luxuries, but are considered as essential amino acids that are necessary to maintain life. In the marketplace, except in the medical universe, goods and services are priced according to what the market will bear. If an item is priced too high, then the seller will have fewer sales and a bloated inventory. Consumers will not pay absurd prices for common items, regardless of supernatural claims of quality. Would you pay $100 fo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118647 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5118647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051120&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fcancer-chances.html Someone told me recently that I was an inspiration to people with cancer because I have lived with it so long. I don't feel like an inspiration. Its just a life. Also, sometimes I feel like a cheat. My cancers were early stage - Stage I and Stage IIA. But the Stage I would have been Stage III if I was older... a weird staging system. Maybe I'm proof that cancer doesn't have to be a killer. There are many people out there with cancer and living a long time.Betty Ford was one - she didn't die from her cancer. But in addition to famous people, normal people can get cancer and live. I have a friend who was diagnosed at Stage IV with breast cancer and now has been told, they can't find any signs of it. Can you undo stage IV? I have another friend who had Stage IV ovarian cancer, in 1980. She is... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051120 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:17:00 +0100 5051120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008199&cid=t_106559_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=4997779&cid=t_106559_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=4992936&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fits-nice-to-know-i-am-not-alone.html Back in the dark ages of the late 1970's through the early 1980's, there were approximately 10,000 cases of thyroid cancer annually in the US. More cases are in women than men and it did occur in teenagers as well as older adults. It included me in 1981. Its an isolating disease. I felt alone. Then in 1984 I had a benign breast tumor. Then in May 2007 I had breast cancer. Then in December 2007, I had another benign breast tumor. Now it turns out, there are lots of people out there like me. Finally there has been a study about people like me - 'Childhood Cancer Survivors At High Risk for Multiple Tumors as They Age'. The Childhood Cancer Survivor study "was launched in 1994 to identify the challenges facing childhood cancer survivors and to develop new methods to ease or prevent late effect... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992936 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 11:21:00 +0100 4992936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984650&cid=t_106559_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=4934731&cid=t_106559_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=4902639&cid=t_106559_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=4902650&cid=t_106559_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=4893823&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fwell-whoop-di-doo.html I found this article a couple of days ago about new targeted drugs for cancer treatment. My first thought well this is new and exciting and provides great promise for the future. Yes, its for smaller groups but as we know cancer is not one disease but hundreds of different diseases this actually makes sense.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifBut then my more cynical side shows up and says 'where is the damn cure?' Maybe I'm tired and not getting enough sleep. Maybe I'm cranky - ask my co-worker yesterday who I finally snapped at (he says he can piss off the pope so it was not a big deal) - maybe I'm stressed. Maybe it was the news that a good friend's husband's colon cancer has returned as well as the news that one of my husband's cousin's cancer has returned as well.Also, this story abou... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893823 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 11:07:00 +0100 4893823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813614&cid=t_106559_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=4762908&cid=t_106559_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=4709362&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fbut-is-it-murder.html A divorced mom was recently convicted of attempted murder for withholding cancer medications from her son who had leukemia. I know I don't have all the details but have the basics. The boy was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006 with a 95% chance for full recovery if treatments were followed. The boy was in primary custody of the mother. She did not give him his treatments because she thought they were making him sicker. The father sued for custody but it was too late and the boy died in 2009. The father has also since died in a motorcycle accident. This week the mother was convicted in court of attempted murder for withholding the medication and causing his death. She faces up to 47 years in jail.It is one thing if you are adult and able to make decisions on your own and do your own research ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709362 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:08:00 +0100 4709362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704885&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fwhat-would-your-doctor-do.html Apparently they would not do what they prescribe for their patients. A new study (of course a new damn study, there is always another study to refute any other study that was done) says that doctors are more likely to recommend a treatment path for themselves that has a higher death risk but lower risk of adverse effects - if you make it through it you are more likely to be closer to your current state, only healthier.So your doctor says "I recommend treatment course A" but probably wouldn't recommend it for themselves. If you are confused and ask your doctor what would they do in this situation, they are trained not to answer that question but to present evidence to help the patient make the decision.Maybe they better understand the issues and risks in the treatments and due to their trai... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704885 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:16:00 +0100 4704885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677040&cid=t_106559_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=4658579&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2FMedicare-Decides-To-Pay-For-Provenge-Leaving-The-Battle-Over-Cost-And-Value-To-Be-Fought-Another-Day.aspx I bet there was a huge collective sigh of relief about the land among men with prostate cancer, their families, their physicians and especially the company involved when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-which runs the Medicare program-announced their decision this afternoon to cover the new cancer immunotherapy treatment for advanced prostate cancer, called Provenge®, under Medicare.   The stakes are huge: I suspect the market (and cost to Medicare) will run into potentially billions of dollars, yet the benefits for all of that money at first glance seem to be modest.   Ordinarily, the outcome in favor of approval would have been as close to certain as possible.    After all, this new treatment for prostate cancer did increase the survival o... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658579 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:29:00 +0100 4658579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642935&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhy-does-this-have-to-be-so-confusing.html I hate this. Here is an article saying if you were on tamoxifen and went off it before five years, you run a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence than if you stayed on it for the full five years. I was on Tamoxifen for just over two years and switched to Femara. My doctor told me that in her opinion, because I am menopausal (thank you chemotherapy), I should be switched to Femara instead of staying on Tamoxifen.Cancer is confusing enough with out being complicated by news articles saying essentially 'we changed our minds'. Stop it please. Enough already. Thank you. (Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog) Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642935 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 10:58:00 +0100 4642935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631481&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-less-is-more-smaller-doses-of-chemo-may-be-equally-effective-in-aml%2F2011.03.24 A recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine includes an article with the bland title Cytarabine Dose for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. AML is an often-curable form of leukemia characterized by rapidly-growing myeloid white blood cells. Cytarabine — what we’d call “Ara-C” on rounds  — has been a mainstay of AML treatment for decades. The new report* covers a fairly large, multicenter, randomized trial of adult patients with AML. The researchers, based in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany, evaluated 860 patients who received either intermediate or high doses of Ara-C in their initial, induction chemotherapy. According to the journal, “this investigator-sponsored study did not involve any pharmaceutical companies.” The main finding was that at a median follo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631481 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:00:58 +0100 4631481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610887&cid=t_106559_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Finept-trials-tainted-studies-living-disease-waiting-cure%2F According to statistics, 1500 people die every day in the United States from cancer. Shocking statistic? Sure. But how long have these people lived with the disease, how long did they know about it? What kind of treatment did they receive? What kind of treatment could they have received if it was not held up in one study after another? A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted perhaps the most amazing point (1) How long will someone have to wait for a drug to be approved? How many treatments are there that are being held up by inefficient trials while you or a loved one are dying of cancer. Here’s where a holistic doctor like myself just doesn’t understand. Why should we trust clinical studies? Well, there are years and years of various testing done before a product is ap... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610887 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:38:31 +0100 4610887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610957&cid=t_106559_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=4592638&cid=t_106559_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=4566298&cid=t_106559_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=4544971&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-and-science-based-medicine-skepticism-vs-nihilism%2F2011.03.03 Last Friday, Mark Crislip posted an excellent deconstruction of a very disappointing article that appeared in the most recent issue of Skeptical Inquirer (SI), the flagship publication of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). I say “disappointing,” because I was disappointed to see SI publish such a biased, poorly thought out article, apparently for the sake of controversy. I’m a subscriber myself, and in general enjoy reading the magazine, although of late I must admit that I don’t always read each issue cover to cover the way I used to do. Between work, grant writing, blogging, and other activities, my outside reading, even of publications I like, has declined. Perhaps SI will soon find itself off my reading list. Be that as it may, I couldn’t miss the article that so irr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544971 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:03 +0100 4544971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495383&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpreventing-lymphedema-prior-to-treatment%2F I am worried about lymphedema. This is a condition that can develop with breast cancer treatment and involves swelling in the arm or chest after lymph nodes are removed, which clogs the flow of lymph fluid from that area. It’s something that I have been concerned about every now and then, and as I wrote earlier this week, I am aware of things I can do to prevent it. Lately though, when reading about lymphedema, it appears that it’s something we should be thinking about when we first start discussing breast cancer treatment. Surgery and radiation therapy can cause lymphedema by removing or destroying lymph nodes and vessels draining lymph fluid from the arm and chest. Lumpectomies and mapping of lymph nodes are among the techniques that doctors are using to reduce the risk of t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495383 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:47:08 +0100 4495383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482942&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Ftv-station-we-need-or-proof-that-my.html We spend too much time with screens in front of us - tv, smart phone, laptop, desktop, net book, etc.We are a world of couch potatoes. But there is a tv channel we need. The Cancer Channel. Think of the shows:- How to manage your medical team - including finding and firing doctors, choosing treatment locations, etc.- Procedures - each episode features a different one and ends with a deciphering of the results and what it means- Selecting medical facilities - single vs. double rooms, private bathrooms and showers for in patients, parking logistics, time and distance between you and the hospital, food quality - cafeteria vs. in patient, gift shop selection of books and magazines, in room television, internet, cell phone, and wifi use. These are the important things. If nauseous in chemo, the... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482942 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:14:00 +0100 4482942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464661&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-new-way-to-help-protect-breast-cancer-survivors%2F During one of my classes, the instructor showed a slide of a woman’s arm afflicted with lymphedema. Until then I had never seen a picture of it. The slide showed the affected arm beside the woman’s unaffected arm, and it was pretty apparent that lymphedema had swollen the arm to more than twice its size. It was the first time I had really seen what lymphedema could do. It jolted me and rekindled my fears about this condition. Having had lymph nodes removed during my mastectomy makes me a candidate for lymphedema. I make sure I tell nurses and doctors to measure my blood pressure using my other arm. When I get fatigued, I notice that my arm feels a little numb, and it reminds me that something else has been affected by breast cancer. I asked my doctor if I should get a medical alert bra... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464661 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:18:31 +0100 4464661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455438&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-new-challenge-thanks-to-breast-cancer%2F My blog has been neglected by the fact that I am in over my head. Here I am in the middle of my pursuit of a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, wondering if I can weather it through. This is tough stuff. It helps to remind myself, though, that if it was easy there wouldn’t be a nursing shortage. There is a lot of stuff to learn, but I think a nurse needs to know all of it. So I am stuck in the middle of the program feeling a little bit challenged. I felt in over my head during breast cancer treatment too. Starting with two surgeries and then 6 months of chemotherapy, there were times I wondered if I could tough it out. The truth is we have no choice, we have to go on. One thing that we must do after we have been diagnosed with breast cancer is to resolve that we will get through it. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455438 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:03:55 +0100 4455438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455264&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-a-world-class-medical-institution-saves-you-yet-fails-you%2F2011.02.09 Let me start by saying I really like MD Anderson Cancer Center. There is a lot to like. Take their tag line for example: “Making care history.” If anyone finds a cure for this cancer or that cancer, MD Anderson will have a hand in it, I’m sure. Hospitals could also learn a thing or two about the meaning of comprehensive care, clinical integration, and customer service from MD Anderson is well. I have another reason why I like MD Anderson so well: They saved my wife’s life. You see, she was diagnosed back in November of 2004 with stage four non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As anyone familiar with lung care knows, lung cancer is a very tough adversary. It’s an even tougher adversary when your insurance company insists that your local community hospital and oncologists are �... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455264 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:00:04 +0100 4455264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411528&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffda-reports-on-association-of-breast-implants-and-a%25c2%25a0rare-form-of-cancer%2F2011.01.28 The FDA [has] issued an alert about a pos­sible link between breast implants — saline or sil­icone — and a rare form of lym­phoma called anaplastic large cell lym­phoma (ALCL). These lym­phoma cases are exceed­ingly rare, but the asso­ci­ation appears to be significant. The FDA iden­tified a total of approx­i­mately 60 ALCL cases in asso­ci­ation with implants, worldwide. Of these, 34 were iden­tified by review of pub­lished medical lit­er­ature from 1997 to May, 2010; the others were reported by implant man­u­fac­turers and other sources. The agency esti­mates the number of women worldwide with breast implants is between five and 10 million. These numbers translate to between six and 12 ALCL cases in the breast, per million women with breast implan... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411528 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:00:26 +0100 4411528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399524&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-second-opinion-is-good-but-a-third-or-fourth%2F2011.01.26 A few years ago I started writing a book on what it was like to be a cancer patient and an oncologist. This morning I came upon this section on second opinions: Is It OK To Get A Second Opinion? Definitely. And there’s no need to be secretive about it, or to worry about hurting the doctor’s feelings. Second opinions are routine in fields like oncology, and are often covered by insurance. Be up-front: Any decent oncologist can understand a cancer patient’s need to find a doctor who’s right for them, with whom they’re comfortable making important decisions. And in difficult cases, some specialists appreciate the chance to discuss the situation with another expert. So a second opinion can be beneficial to patients and physicians alike. When things can get out of hand, though, is whe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399524 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:50 +0100 4399524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394692&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fstrategies-for-survival-after-breast-cancer%2F Once we are diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a plan for treatment. Once we survive the treatment, there really isn’t a plan for our continued survival. We are not sent home with a warranty and no one assures us that the cancer won’t spread or come back. So a plan for continued health and survival isn’t a bad idea. This month, I committed to making my health a priority starting with my routine visit to my oncologist. From there, my plan is to follow up with annual tests and a colonoscopy. Next month I plan to go to my eye doctor and the dentist. In addition, my new plan needs to include my commitment to more exercise, and of course, better eating habits. However, my main focus is to find additional support through alternative medicine, perhaps herbal supplements, and massage the... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394692 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:43:08 +0100 4394692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4360984&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-treatments-to-cost-158-billion-by-2020%2F2011.01.17 Medical expenditures for cancer are projected to reach at least $158 billion in today’s dollars by 2020. That’s a 27 percent increase, assuming that incidence and treatment costs remain at 2010 levels, according to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) analysis of growth and aging of the U.S. population. But new diagnostic tools and treatments could raise medical expenditures as high as $207 billion, assuming that the costs of new treatments increases 5 percent, said the researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the NIH. The analysis appears in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Recent trends reflect a 2 percent annual increase in medical costs in the initial and final phases of care, which would boost projected 2020 costs to $173 billion.Projec... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4360984 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4360984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361262&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fthoughts-on-complementary-and.html I was misusing these terms. Complementary medicine is used in addition to traditional medicine - like acupuncture. Alternative medicine is used instead of traditional medicine - like herbal remedies, prayer, etc. I am not so sure about alternative medicine. I think they are outside my comfort zone. Complementary medicine has made me skeptical in the past. But I think my horizons are expanding for many reasons. I joined a support group during chemo and someone suggested Reiki for stress reduction. I tried it once and it made me relax. I tried it a few more times but decided I didn't like the woman doing the Reiki so I quit. She actually had me try expressive arts as well. Which in looking back, was helpful.I have several friends who have tried acupuncture, Reiki, and massage for stress and ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361262 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:20:00 +0100 4361262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349656&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-test-i-would-insist-on-if-i-found-a-breast-tumor-now%2F When I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer, the surgeon felt that a lumpectomy would sufficiently remove the tumor. The day after surgery, my surgeon explained to me that the margins were not clear and that I would subsequently need a mastectomy which was performed two weeks later. Two things greatly concerned me — one, did the cutting through the tumor mean that cancer cells had an opening to travel into the rest of my body, and two, how aggressive would treatment have to be to deal with any of the cells that had spread? Years later I have the same concerns. I am worried that cancer cells that escaped the original tumor are lurking somewhere in my body, and I am wondering if maybe the aggressive treatment will yield new cancers or problems later in life for me. A lot of these con... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349656 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:24:13 +0100 4349656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331194&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealth-care-is-not-a-right-for-breast-cancer-survivors%2F Do our representatives really think that their time is best spent trying to repeal health-care reform? After the midterm elections, I wrote a blog about breast cancer survivors not wanting another fight, but it looks like the fight is on. Does the new Republican-dominated House of Representatives truly not care that breast cancer survivors are threatened by insurance company decisions that limit or deny their coverage — or even eject them? I have been barraged with comments over the past few years from people newly diagnosed with breast cancer who can’t get coverage. They either can’t afford it or are denied for having a pre-existing condition. New reform is set to ensure that no one can be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition. Many people really do go without health insuranc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331194 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:24:32 +0100 4331194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318331&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcomparative-effectiveness-research-more-can-be-less%2F2011.01.06 Discussion About Comparative Effectiveness Research When the public turns its attention to medical effectiveness research, a discussion often follows about how this research might restrict access to new medical innovations. But this focus obscures the vital role that effectiveness research will play in evaluating current medical and surgical care. I am now slogging through chemotherapy for stomach cancer, probably the result of high doses of radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma in the early 1970s, which was the standard treatment until long-term side effects (heart problems, additional cancers) emerged in the late 80s. So I am especially attuned to the need for research that tracks the short and long-term effectiveness — and dangers — of treatments.  Choosing a surgeon this Septembe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318331 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:00:53 +0100 4318331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294950&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Flife-without-cancer-what-would-it-be.html Is my husband right? I deny this. He might possibly claim I over did things in the past few days. I am not going to say he's right but I am tired. I am achy. I am exhausted. I am lying around in bed doing a lot of nothing. I have some stuff to take care of today - laundry, wasting time on line, etc.This dealing with my health is wearing me down. But then I stopped to think, if I didn't have cancer, what would my health be like? I mean my thyroid cancer, aside from lifelong vigilance, has left me with a daily thyroid supplement. Has that contributed to my osteopenia issues or not? It depends which medical study you read. Has my breast cancer treatment caused additional health issues? Well the surgery caused lymphedema and a sore shoulder. Chemo has left me with slightly low red cell counts.... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294950 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 12:44:00 +0100 4294950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277834&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Favastin-the-fdas-disappointing-decision%2F2010.12.21 “With this disappointing decision, the FDA has chosen to place itself between patients and their doctors by rationing access to a life-extending drug. . . We can’t allow this government takeover of health care to continue any longer.” That quote, courtesy of this morning’s [Dec 17th] Washington Post, incensed me to such a degree that I am writing this blog despite the two deadlines I have today. The speaker is Sen. David Vitter (R-La). The “disappointing decision” he refers to: The FDA’s decision to remove the breast cancer indication for Avastin (bevacizumab). I wrote about this earlier, and you can read the post here, but that was before yesterday’s [Dec 16th] decision. I’m not going to comment here on the benefits or risks of Avasti... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277834 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4277834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265739&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fintensity-modulated-radiation-therapy-imrt-for-cancer-how-lucrative-is-it-for-doctors%2F2010.12.17 I’ve been traveling in Europe, including giving a talk at the Salzburg Global Seminar on involving and informing patients in healthcare decisions. In that presentation, I talked about promotion of a newer form of cancer radiation therapy called intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). So I want to point out that while I’ve been away the Wall Street Journal published an important piece on this very topic under the headline “A Device to Kill Cancer, Lift Revenue.” An excerpt: Roughly one in three Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with prostate cancer today gets a sophisticated form of radiation therapy called IMRT. Eight years ago, virtually no patients received the treatment. The story behind the sharp rise in the use of IMRT—which stands for intensity-modulat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265739 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:00:35 +0100 4265739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237895&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-treatment-with-fewer-side-effects%2F2010.12.07 Treating Cancer Better with Reduced Side Effects from Patient Power® on Vimeo. *This blog post was originally published at Andrew's Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237895 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:00:53 +0100 4237895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237833&cid=t_106559_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F12%2Felizabeth-edwards-stops-cancer-treatment%2F Attorney, author, and healthcare advocate Elizabeth Edwards has reportedly stopped treatment for her advanced metastatic breast cancer. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237833 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:28:42 +0100 4237833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230158&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedical-journal-retractions-a-transparency-issue%2F2010.12.05 Interesting case study raised by the Retraction Watch blog. A 2009 journal article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) – promoted in a news release by the journal and picked up by many news organizations — has now been retracted by the authors. But the journal issued no news release about the retraction — an issue of transparency that the RW blog raises. And you can guess how much news coverage the retraction will get. And this was all over a molecule that could supposedly “make breast tumors respond to a drug to which they’re not normally susceptible” — as the RW blog put it. But it was also a molecule, RW points out, that wasn’t even in clinical trials yet. He or she who lives by the journal news release risks one... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230158 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:00:18 +0100 4230158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225572&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-deep-dark-femara-secret%2F Last January, my oncologist gave me a prescription for Femara because my five-year course with tamoxifen had finished. Research shows maximum benefits from hormonal treatment if tamoxifen is followed by an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex or Femara for five years. I tried Arimidex in 2006 and wrote about how I had to stop because the side effects were so debilitating. So I initially put off taking it and then later blogged about the prescription still stuck to my fridge. Comments from many of you tried to ease my concerns and encouraged me to take it. So I agreed I would. I need to come clean. Until I had the bone cancer scare that I wrote about last week in my blog about pain and breast cancer, I wasn’t taking Femara. I had good intentions — really I did — mostly because of concern... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225572 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:24:16 +0100 4225572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175917&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fliquid-biopsy-a-breakthrough-for-breast-cancer%2F A new procedure to remove and study cancer cells is making headlines and causing lots of excitement. “Liquid biopsy” is a new and inventive way of biopsying cancer with only a blood test. The theory is that tiny fragments of a tumor break away and circulate in the blood — and it is these that the new test is trying to capture. Although similar technology currently exists, it is only able to trap a minute number of cells. But new technology is being developed that is aimed at capturing thousands and being able to detail treatment for that specific cancer right in the lab before subjecting a person to treatment. We are still not there yet, but initial discussions about cancer treatment using this new type of testing include words like “breakthrough” and “revolutionalize.�... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175917 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:17:42 +0100 4175917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168150&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdont-let-stress-accumulate-during-breast-cancer-treatment%2F Stress is a real outcome of battling breast cancer. It is amazing to me that the medical community hasn’t taken the psychological component that affects women who are diagnosed more seriously. When a woman is diagnosed and her world is shaken, that’s one thing — when a breast is removed and she feels her body has been mutilated, that is another. Either of these has a huge psychological impact; both of them combined feel like you’re dealing with another illness. Throughout treatment, I was able to maintain a very positive, upbeat attitude toward the diagnoses and my hope for the outcome. I was also fortunate in that I had the opportunity to have supplemental help from a chaplain at the hospital, who met with me several times during treatment to direct meditation and relieve anxiety.... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168150 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:13:06 +0100 4168150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159242&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstem-cell-researchers-turn-skin-into-blood-could-help-cancer-treatment%2F2010.11.12 From The Australian: Stem cell researchers have found a way to turn a person’s skin into blood, a process that could be used to treat cancer and other ailments, according to a Canadian study published today. The method uses cells from a patch of a person’s skin and transforms it into blood that is a genetic match, without using human embryonic stem cells, said the study in the journal Nature. Wow. Very cool. I wonder if hopefully someday this could be a replacement for random blood donation? *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159242 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:50 +0100 4159242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134030&cid=t_106559_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Funderstanding-death-while-we-live-with-chronic-pain%2F Today, dear friends, for some unknown reason, I feel compelled to share a story with you. Perhaps, it is because we are going through a loss in our family with the terminal cancer of the other grandma and I have final days on my mind and heart. Grab your tissues and let me tell you about a very special woman I took care of many years ago. As I opened the door to her hospital room, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Having reviewed her chart, I knew she was only 39 years old and she was dying of cancer. Breast cancer, diagnosed and discovered two years before, had metastasized to many other areas of her body; she had tumors behind her corneas in both eyes, partially affecting her eyesight. She was in the hospital when I first met her to have those tumors irradiated. She was also receiving chem... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134030 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:10:47 +0100 4134030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119529&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcarly-fiorina-survives-more-than-breast-cancer%2F Carly Fiorina knows what it means to fight like a girl. She had to fight breast cancer after her February 2009 diagnosis, and she is fighting for a Senate seat in the upcoming November election. Like many of us survivors, Ms. Fiorina is also subject to surprise ambushes that come in the aftermath of our battle with breast cancer. This week while on the campaign trail, the candidate was ambushed by an infection related to earlier reconstructive surgery and had to be hospitalized. The source of Ms. Fiorina’s infection is not clear. She had reconstructive surgery in July and her wounds are probably well healed by now. But infections can be present in the body for a long time and may not go away without treatment. After her surgery in 2008, Sister had a chronic urinary tract infection that o... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119529 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:46:35 +0100 4119529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119590&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsometimes-i-need-to-ignore-what-they.html Next Tuesday I have an appointment with my pain doctor. I have been hoping he will deem me okay for another cortisone injection in my left hip - so I can walk with less pain. I have already had numerous injections in different areas. Sometimes just one injection works but other times it takes 2 or 3 in a specific area. If they don't work, we get to move on to the wonderful radiofrequency denervation which is NOT fun but is supposed to kill nerves. I have mixed feelings on this so far but I like the cortisone injections. They have done well for me so far. Then they come up with the theory that cortisone injections aren't as good as they thought they were - they have only been used since the 1940's so you think they would have had long enough to figure this out so far. I was concerned when I... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119590 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:10:00 +0100 4119590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105941&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fyou-dont-have-a-good-reason-to-avoid-a-mammogram%2F What’s your reason for not getting a mammogram? Well, whatever it is, it’s not a good one. There is no good reason to avoid regular mammograms or annual breast screening. I am hearing a lot of reasons why women have not been getting their breasts screened annually after the age of 40, and I can absolutely confirm that I haven’t heard a good one yet. Most, if not all, breast experts and cancer organizations are sticking to the original guidelines of annual mammograms after age 40. Dr. Kristi Funk confirmed this when I spoke to her recently, and the American Cancer Society, among others, continues to recommend these guidelines. Mammograms save lives: They provide the best tool for early detection, and we don’t have a better method as yet. An MRI might actually provide better insight... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105941 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:12:42 +0100 4105941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086460&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbe-the-manager-of-your-breast-cancer-treatment%2F Taking charge of our care after a breast cancer diagnosis is not something most people do with any great confidence. Most of us are reluctant to challenge or question our doctors’ directives. Ultimately, though, we need to get grounded and find a way to get involved. The doctors have the knowledge and experience, but we have the intuition and ultimate responsibility for our life. Becoming a manager of your health care doesn’t mean you have to have all the expertise of a physician; it simply means that you take the initiative to learn about the disease, its treatment options, and the best services available to you. It might include asking your doctor for more explicit information or seeking second opinions from other providers. It definitely means that you put some focus on learning... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086460 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:35:13 +0100 4086460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045093&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbreaking-oncology-news-can-it-spread-socially%2F2010.10.08 I [recently] received a press release from a friend in the Bay Area. Investigators at UCSF have published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine showing that less chemotherapy can be effective at treating some childhood cancers. The paper was the result of an eight-year clinical study in children with neuroblastoma. In this particular population, researchers were able to reduce chemotherapy exposure by 40 percent while maintaining a 90 percent survival rate. You can read about it here. The press release sparked a brief email exchange between me and my friend: Who might be interested in writing about this study and is there any way to get it to spread?  What would make it sticky in the eyes of the public? Here are a few ideas: Figure out who cares. Sure it’s niche news, but t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045093 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:00:16 +0100 4045093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045291&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-your-life-worth-the-cost-of-an-annual-mammogram%2F Driving home tonight I heard a radio ad for a local clinic that will provide mammograms for 85 dollars. Apparently, as the ad puts it, if you don’t have insurance a mammogram can cost you hundreds of dollars. The significance of a mammogram in the effort to detect breast cancer early and save lives is enormous. That makes 85 bucks a real bargain — who wouldn’t pay that amount to save their life? The sad thing is that millions of women in America don’t have insurance, and many of them can’t afford 85 dollars either. There are clinics and organizations nationwide, however, that will provide mammograms for free to women who don’t have insurance and can’t afford to pay for one. I urge anyone in this situation to call their local American Cancer Society office to inquire about fre... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045291 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:57:12 +0100 4045291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031441&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpink-is-the-color-of-hope%2F Once again the world is ablaze in pink. I love this time of year. I love walking into the stores and seeing pink signs and merchandise front and center. It reminds me that we are all in this together — that there are companies and people and organizations united for one month to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for breast cancer treatment and research. This year there are banks promoting credit cards decorated with pink ribbons, as well as other merchandise I never would have thought could push pink. One interesting new campaign comes from Sutter Home, a vineyard that provides an overlay of their wine cap wound in a pink ribbon. If you add this overlay to your Facebook profile picture, Sutter Home for Hope (their organization) will donate a dollar to breast cancer treatmen... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031441 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:06:01 +0100 4031441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025743&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fcontinuing-saga-.html It's Friday, six o'clock, and I'm waiting to see if Dr. Ibrahim will e-mail today to tell me if I am in the trial, or if I am going to have to wait till Monday to find out. I would, of course, so much rather get the results of all the tests today, because then I will know if I'm getting the first dose of T-DM1 on Monday, or not. "Not" will be reason for a major meltdown, as you can imagine. Today, Megan drove me to get an ECHO (which shows how well my heart is doing). All my past ECHOs in Seattle have shown a heart that is in surprisingly good shape for a woman who has had as much chemo, and as much Herceptin, as I have. So I'm not too worried about that one.  I also had blood drawn today to check a number of things, and I am a bit worried about that bec... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025743 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:11:12 +0100 4025743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4023092&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Freal-men-face-their-breast-cancer-risk%2F Breast Cancer Awareness Month always reminds me of my responsibility to promote awareness and early detection to my girlfriends and the women that I know. I seldom consider the possibility of breast cancer affecting the men in my life, although I should, because it is very real. My boys and their cousin (Sister’s son) are at risk for breast cancer for the same reason as my nieces — their mothers are carriers of the breast cancer gene. Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen, and there are men at risk who may never get tested. It generally occurs in older men (between the ages of 60 and 70), and it can be due to abnormal estrogen levels or a family genetic predisposition. Breast cancer can also develop in men who have been exposed to radiation. Male breast cancer also comes... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4023092 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:48:09 +0100 4023092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018410&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fnon-message.html When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, my doctors told me to be very careful of information found on line other than at the American Cancer Society's website (www.cancer.org) and at Breast Cancer.org (www.breastcancer.org). If I need information, I still refer to these sites. The ACS's website is full of clinical information on all types of cancer in a somewhat dry, factual presentation. Breastcancer.org has clips of the latest news in the breast cancer world with little translations on what it means to the average person. It also has a wealth of information on many facets of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. But today I found a piece of non-information on their home page: Their founder was diagnosed with breast cancer. She posted a video about her breast cancer journey. Its a... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018410 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:25:00 +0100 4018410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003391&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fjeanne-vs-shingles-jeanne-wins.html So, I went to Dr. Lee's office this morning to have my shingles checked, and Dr. Lee was not working today, so there was something of a shuffle to get me in to see one of the other doctors in the practice EARLY enough so that I could still make my flight, if the doctor OKed it ... I realized when I got up that I was going to have to prepare for both possibilities, so I packed my laptop bag with all the things I would need if I was hospitalized today for more aggressive shingles treatment, and I packed a separate bag with the clothes and toiletries I would need if I DID make the trip to S. California. My friend Laurie, who was driving me, was smart enough to point out that we needed (well, she needed) to load the wheelchair in the trunk because I would need it if I did fly. And I rememb... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003391 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:14:20 +0100 4003391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003392&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsurgical-solutions-for-lymphedema%2F I am so happy with the results of my recent DIEP flap revision. Dr. Studinger is detailed and very attentive, and I am so fortunate to have found her. She does other plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures as well. I had the opportunity to discuss lymph node surgery with her when I had my follow-up appointment last week. Until I read her brochure, I didn’t even know that there was relief for lymphedema through surgery. Dr. Studinger is one of only a few doctors worldwide who perform successful surgery for lymph node reconstruction in the treatment of lymphedema. Every now and then I sense a little numbness in my right arm. Generally it is around the elbow and radiates to the upper arm. I know that it is because I had lymph nodes removed when I had a mastectomy of the right breast. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003392 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:13:16 +0100 4003392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994237&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F09%2Ffor-those-of-you-who-are-wondering-the-clinical-trial-is-looking-good.html Just a short note. I will try to write more tomorrow if I can find a WiFi spot at the airport. Monica and I are flying home tomorrow. So--I have a bunch of tests and scans that I have to pass, and if I do, then I'm in the trial and can get my first dose next week. The treatment appt. is already scheduled, actually. I will be flying down next week for the whole week. Longer, more detailed post tomorrow, I promise.      Jeanne   @ Jeanne Sather 2010. (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994237 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:54:11 +0100 3994237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983527&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fguess-where-i-am.html Unfortunately, I'm still hospitalized at Northwest Hospital in Seattle.  Some of the problems I came in with have not improved enough yet for me to go home, like my low blood counts (whites, reds, and platelets), my adrenal gland is not functioning on its own, and now I have shingles. (!!!!) That means I'm in an isolation room and my nurses have to gown and glove up every time they enter the room and then throw away the gloves and dump the gown in the laundry hamper as they leave my room. Anyway, emotionally I feel strong, and I am steadier on my feet and can walk a little bit, although I'm still supposed to take three walks a day using the walker, just up and down the halls.  I'll be getting two transfusions later today: whole blood and also platelets.  A... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983527 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:28:32 +0100 3983527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3934593&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2010%2F09%2F04%2FA-Message-From-Curt.aspx "There's more to it of course, but I wanted to give the flavor of the choices you can be faced with way before you think you'll need to."   That, my friends, is a message from Curt.  Read it carefully, because it is a message from a young man who is facing a circumstance that none of us ever want to contemplate.  His need to make decisions about his life and death came upon him without warning at a time when no one would have ever expected this to happen.     I don't know Curt personally.  I have "met" him through a good friend and colleague, who in turn was concerned about his good friend who suddenly found himself facing his mortality.  Otis Brawley-who is the American Cancer Society's chief medical officer-and I were consulted several times to pr... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3934593 Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:01:00 +0100 3934593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933233&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbonding-over-surgery-with-other-breast-cancer-survivors%2F I went to a follow-up appointment with my doctor for the reconstructive surgery I had a few weeks ago. I am still very concerned about everything healing up with minimal scarring, so I am taping the scars while they heal and being careful not to get anything near the wounds. It is such a task. Anyway, while I was in the waiting room I got to meet another woman who was considering DIEP flap surgery and was there to consult with my doctor. Speaking to her reminded me of what a huge decision breast reconstruction is — not getting the breasts, but settling on the type of surgery. There are still far fewer doctors performing a DIEP flap than there are who do implant surgery or TRAM flap. While each surgery has its benefits, I chose DIEP flap as it seemed to have the best outcome. For example,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933233 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:39:03 +0100 3933233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915244&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fgoings-on-at-my-house-.html Just a quick round-up, for those of you who are wondering "but how ARE you?"I feel moderately crappy, probably because of the cyberknife, and am heading to bed for a rest. Unfortunately, I'm out of new books. Good news though--very little pain right now. I have the full-blown decadron moonface. My cheeks remind me of myself as a toddler. I had this same face during the London trip: Chubby Cheeks in London The kittens are sneezing, but seem fine otherwise. I went by the rescue the other day and got some medicine for them, and while they are still sneezing, they haven't gotten any worse. I let them out to have the run of the full downstairs as I was cleaning the bathroom, where they are normally housed, and they were just a hoot--racing from one end ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915244 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:59:54 +0100 3915244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913263&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Ft-dm1-news-.html I'm not sure what this news item about T-DM1 means for me, if anything. T-DM1 is the new drug that I plan to get in a clinical trial once I've finished my current cyberknife treatments. I think it's the right drug for me--pretty much the only drug, really--and there is a trial opening at the UW/SCCA soon (although THAT is held up in a committee, I'm told). In any case, the drug maker failed to win "accelerated approval" for T-DM1, "because all available treatment choices for metastatic breast cancer ... had not been exhausted."Well, here is one woman for whom all options HAVE been exhausted. But I'm not going to panic, because I don't think this news affects the clinical trial, but it might affect how soon the drug is available outsid... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913263 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:29:57 +0100 3913263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913264&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fresurfacing-.html Well, the best-laid plans and all of that. On Thursday, I went in for what I thought would be my fourth cyberknife treatment to the sacrum, only to be told that the staff had been trying to reach me by phone to tell me not to come in, because the machine was down.Now, this kind of thing doesn't upset me--it can't upset you if you are going to survive cancer treatment. Flexibility is key here--so I just turned around and came home, with a stop by the bookstore for some "comfort reading," because I was feeling rather punk. Things got worse the following day, Friday, and I ended up taking a rest day, all tucked up in my comfy bed with the flannel sheets and LOTS of pillows. Cyberknife Guy had warned me that the treatments could cause problems with my bladder or b... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913264 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:51:39 +0100 3913264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907749&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fcyberknife-update.html Today is Day 4 of the current series of cyberknife treatments. I'm feeling a bit unsteady on my feet, which is caused by the tumor in the sacrum that we are nuking--it's pressing on some nerves that run down my legs. It's also probably a side effect of my most recent round of cyberknife, to the spine. That makes me feel queasy and wobbly. I'm using my cane and trying to stay out of trouble. I keep tripping and also dropping things, like keys and my cell phone, and whatever else I happen to have in my hand. I need to do things like getting in and out of the car in a careful, methodical way, which is so not me.  Getting into the car: Prop cane against the car.  Open door with key. Throw my bag across to the passenger seat.  Throw the cane into the fro... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907749 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:55:57 +0100 3907749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3903099&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdoes-tanned-and-wrinkled-mean-healthy-and-cancer-free%2F Recently my husband commented on how tan my feet are. I have been in love with flip-flops (also known as thongs) all summer long, so my feet are constantly exposed to the sun. I have been pretty careful about sun exposure since my early twenties. My skin has benefited from my caution, but with all the new information about vitamin D and its effects on cancer prevention, I wonder if this has been a good practice or not. I have written a little about the importance of vitamin D supplementation before, especially for women needing calcium or for those on hormonal drugs like aromatase inhibitors. Vitamin D may protect against bone loss in women taking Arimidex, a type of aromatase inhibitor, and lessen the bone, muscle, and joint pain that are known side effects of this drug. Now the effect of... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3903099 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:29:13 +0100 3903099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896054&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fcyberknife-meltdown.html I had a small meltdown on the table during my cyberknife treatment today, which was weird, because I don't feel stressed when I go in for these treatments. I felt physically sick, and wobbly on my feet, and for a minute or two there I wasn't sure if I was going to get home under my own steam or if I would have to call someone to come and get me. My suspicion is that this was caused by the huge dose of decadron I took this morning, and I need to take the same dose again before bed. The idea is that the decadron keeps the tumor from swelling and causing more damage when it gets hit with radiation. So it's necessary, but ... Anyway, the other thing that happened was that the machine had a computer problem part way through my 35-minute treatment (181 zaps, I got d... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896054 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:59:59 +0100 3896054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896057&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-few-complaints-after-surgery%2F Now I remember why I put off the surgery to fix my reconstructed breasts — healing after surgery is no fun! I feel okay, but I can’t get the sutures wet while I’m healing, so I can’t go swimming and I can’t even go outside because I’ll sweat too much. My body is having a reaction to the surgical tape, and one little spot is red and getting infected. It just sucks. The only good thing is that this time I didn’t come home with any drains attached to my body. After every surgery I usually go home with the drains, and the last time I had to keep them for almost two weeks. I’ll say it again: healing isn’t fun. I bounce back quicker than most people, but I still need to whine a little about the discomfort and limited activity due to the surgery. Because I am a little swollen ar... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896057 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:55:52 +0100 3896057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896055&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fback-to-the-cyberknife.html Today is the first of five treatments in my third series of cyberknife procedures.  OK, let's stop and think about that for a minute ... In January, I had a series of five treatments to my skull. There was a tumor there that was pressing on a nerve that controlled my tongue. It was the first tumor I've had north of my collar bone, ever, and so it got my--and my doctors'--special attention.  Important to note, however, that this was NOT a brain tumor. Just another "bony lesion," as they say in my reports.  Then, in early August, I had a series of three cyberknife treatments to zap a tumor in my spine that was moving in on the spinal cord. See: Very Quick Update That series was, I am happy to report, uneventful. No problems, no side effects... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896055 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:23:30 +0100 3896055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890477&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftreatment-for-throat-cancer-inspiration-for-michael-douglas%2F2010.08.21 There’s news that Hollywood star Michael Douglas, 65, is undergoing treatment for throat cancer. Reporters say his doctors say he is expected to make a full recovery. But, believe me — when someone is diagnosed with any kind of head and neck cancer, as this is, it’s not an easy go. My first encounter with it was with my friend Bob Moore, a former sales rep for a major pharmaceutical company. He was a positive, yet realistic guy. The disease and the toxic treatment a few years ago eventually took its toll and he passed on. My dear friend Mike Piller, famous as writer and co-executive producer of the Star Trek television series, had a similar diagnosis. He did his research and traveled to the best centers. Surgery and radiation took away part of his jaw and his ability to taste... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890477 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:00:30 +0100 3890477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889270&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdealing-with-the-scars-from-breast-cancer%2F Recently I was invited to do a guest blog on a site that produces and sells cream for people dealing with the effects of radiation treatment on their skin, including to the breast area. They provide a blog and tip site that provides encouragement to survivors of all kinds of disease; they just happened to find my blog and thought I would be a good fit. I am often asked to write guest blogs for other sites. I love these invitations because I get to find out about efforts towards breast cancer awareness and research. I also find all sorts of new resources. I don’t endorse any products and generally no one asks me to. If I have written about a specific product or company, it is because somehow these organizations provide support to breast cancer research and survivors. I found out that Jean... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889270 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:34:58 +0100 3889270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872711&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fstaying-cool-east-and-west.html One of my six key words, re: my cancer treatment, is "dehydration." Another is "hydration," which, obviously, is how I attempt to avoid dehydration. One of the drugs I was on recently, Tykerb, kept me pretty much chronically dehydrated for two years, because it causes diarrhea, The Big D. When my fluids were a quart low, I might end up in the hospital, at the cancer center with a bag of IV fluids running into my arm, or passed out on my bathroom floor. This blacking-out thing happened at least three times in the past year, and I hit my head every time. No obvious brain damage so far. As a result of all this, I have become something of an expert on staying hydrated. When we headed up to the mountain on Saturday my friend and I had a water bottle each, p... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872711 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:31:43 +0100 3872711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858332&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhen-appearance-is-affected-by-disease%2F We attended a great luau this past weekend that was held in place of a bridal shower for a couple getting married in October. The bride is the daughter of my husband’s lifelong friend, so she is basically another niece to him. She looked stunning and happy and the event was just perfect. The mother of the bride is living with a chronic illness and is also a dear friend to my husband, although we haven’t seen her for years. I didn’t recognize her at all and had to ask my husband where she was. When he pointed her out I was shocked and saddened. This once beautiful woman has been completely transformed in her appearance due to the medication she is taking to combat the effects of her disease. She has put on a great deal of weight, but it is mostly her face, which is bloated by steroids... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858332 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:26:19 +0100 3858332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831524&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fa-day-on-surgery-time.html Today was the day for my surgical procedure to place four gold seeds (fiducials, or fiducial markers, they are also called, but that sounds too much like the federal reserve and Alan Greenspan to me) in my sacrum. I was scheduled to check in at Evergreen Hospital on the Eastside at 10 a.m., and my friend Gretchen picked up Younger Son and me at 9.I rather optimistically thought that I would be on the operating table by 10:05 or so, spend an hour on the table, another hour recovering from the sedation, and be heading toward Cherry Hill for my second medical appointment of the day by noon. What was I thinking?It didn't go quite like that. We didn't get back to the house until 5 p.m.,... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831524 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:56:30 +0100 3831524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823117&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-benefits-of-female-friendship%2F Every year the girls get together for an up-north vacation. There are seven of us in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage — and it works! Hosted by a dear friend who owns the cottage and supplies all of our needs, this yearly getaway provides lots of camaraderie, talk, and tears. It is always a treat and we have a great cook among us. This past weekend was the annual event. We spent Friday on a three-hour kayaking trip down the river. Seven middle-aged women kayaking in a line, dodging fallen trees and sandbars, provided lots of laughs and challenges. Needless to say, it also allowed us to feel no guilt curling up on couches and chairs in the large living room to watch movies and graze on tons of snacks on the rainy Saturday that followed. Our fireside chats are always fun too. We e... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823117 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:01:00 +0100 3823117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3813161&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-treatment-and-recovery-are-rights-for-all-women%2F Although breast cancer can develop in men, it is a disease that strikes at the heart of women’s rights. In my previous blog entry, I wrote about the law that protects a woman’s right to reconstruction after a mastectomy — the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. I was new to America and still navigating the complex world of insurance companies with co-pays and deductibles when my mother-in-law brought me the pamphlet following my mastectomy. I was so relieved to learn that there was a law that would ensure I could feel whole again. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act covers women who have lost a breast or breasts because of cancer or non-cancerous diseases. The law requires all group health insurance plans to cover: All stages of reconstruction of the breast on whi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3813161 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:41:58 +0100 3813161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3802548&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fwalking-with-a-cane.html My legs have been getting progressively worse over the past couple of weeks--first, numbness and tingling, then weakness in my upper legs and knees especially. The decadron helped some, but I'm wobbly on my legs, so I decided to take my cane when I drove myself to radiation therapy today. And I was reminded, yet again, how differently the Temporarily Able Bodied (that's all the rest of you who don't have a life-threatening or chronic illness, broken leg, or a physical handicap) treat those of us who do. Item One: No eye contact from TAB people on the street. I am welcomed warmly inside the cancer center, by both patients and staff, and they all make eye contact, but NOT the TAB. They do when I'm not carrying a cane. Item Two: How close is too c... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3802548 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:11:06 +0100 3802548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3802549&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fassertiveness-pays-off.html After writing the last post about anxiety, and also e-mailing my doctors, I figured I might as well try to call Heather again, because she is the gatekeeper on getting me in for the "gold seeds" consultation. I happened to catch her on the phone--and she was very nice and professional--and she said, "Oh, you're on my list of people to call today," which, at this point, wasn't good enough for me. However, we both stayed friendly, and I now have an appointment with a Dr. Ferguson for next Tuesday, which was the soonest they could get me in. I do think that is OK. Then it will take a day or two to schedule the appointment to actually place the seeds--this is a day surgery, I'm going to be loopy and will need a driver, so the sooner I have that date ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3802549 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:26:07 +0100 3802549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3802550&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fanxiety-city-.html This morning, I was suddenly hit with a wave of anxiety like I haven't experienced in a long, long time. Last Friday, I saw Cyberknife Guy and we agreed to treat the tumors in my spine and sacrum with cyberknife. He went through the whole procedure and the possible side effects and told me what the next steps would be. The very next step is to have some gold seeds planted in my back around the tumor in the sacrum, to help make sure the cyberknife is on target. This procedure is handled by another department at Swedish Medical Center, so Cyberknife Guy and his staff don't have control over the scheduling of my appointment. But his nurse told me if I hadn't gotten a phone call by Tuesday, to let her know. So I waited till the end of the day Tuesday, then called ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3802550 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:47:06 +0100 3802550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798751&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fquick-update.html The daily radiation therapy to my right femur continues, and I'm getting tired. I don't know if my fatigue is from the radiation itself, or from having to make the daily trip to the cancer center. I have several friends who drive me to appointments, and sometimes I drive myself. However, the last of my 20 treatments is August 3, so that's coming up pretty quickly.In the meantime, I'm waiting to hear back from the person who has to schedule me for the next steps in my cyberknife treatment to my two largest tumors. I need a consult appt. and then an appt. to have the actual procedure done. (This is the placing of little gold seeds to guide the cyberknife.)I wish we could just skip the consult and proceed directly to doing the procedure, especially since Cyberknife... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798751 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:55:39 +0100 3798751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790884&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdoes-it-matter-when-we-get-breast-cancer%2F A radio news program I heard this morning reported that a greater percentage of women today develop breast cancer under the age of sixty-one. Having gone through the treatment and aftermath of the disease as well as reading comments on this blog, I can well attest to that fact — many women who develop breast cancer these days are in their forties and fifties. We are mothers with younger children, we are in the prime of our careers, and we are not expecting to be hit with this disease. I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 44. It sure wasn’t anything I was expecting at that time in my life. Like a lot of people, I thought of breast cancer as a disease that only older women had to worry about. I am just getting into my fifties, and breast cancer will dog me for the rest of m... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790884 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:02:22 +0100 3790884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780355&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbreast-cancer-diagnosis-and-treatment-can-women-trust-it%2F2010.07.22 The news wasn’t good this week for women concerned about breast cancer. First came the story that some women were diagnosed with breast cancer, very early stage, had treatment –- including disfiguring surgery -– and then found out they never had cancer in the first place. The pathologist goofed, maybe even a second pathologist also misread the biopsies. How does this happen? Not surprisingly it comes back to the clinical experience of the doctor. Properly diagnosing breast cancer, whether through radiology scans or pathology biopsies is not always easy. And in many communities the general radiologists and pathologists just don’t have enough specialized experience. This leads to mistakes, especially when the suggestions of possible cancer are subtle and minute. (more…) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780355 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:00:33 +0100 3780355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776567&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fa-double-catch22.html What do you call it when you've been caught in TWO Catch-22s in one day?A Catch-44? A Catch-22/22? Or just a damned mess?I thought I was on a roll yesterday morning, making arrangements to fly to California for an appointment with the doctor, Dr. Ibrahim, who is heading up the T-DM1 clinical trial in Highland, California. I e-mailed the woman who will be making travel arrangements for my friend Monica and me. I e-mailed a hotel near the clinic to make reservations. And I e-mailed the study coordinator, Tricia Ramos, to ask her if she could make the appointments for the tests and scans I need to have done at the clinic where the trial is taking place. Tricia had already told me that the results of my tests and scans done at other facilities would not be acceptable, and I wou... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776567 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:50:49 +0100 3776567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772416&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fhitting-a-few-more-balls-in-the-air-.html I now have an appointment with Cyberknife Guy for Friday, and I will track down the discs with my scans before then. Other balls that I've tossed into the air this morning:I e-mailed Tricia in Highland (she's the study coordinator) to ask her to schedule all the tests and scans I need to have done at the clinic in Highland when I'm down there next week. (I can't book my return flight until I know how long I have to stay.)I e-mailed the woman who is arranging my flights, using frequent flier miles donated by a former student.Finally, I e-mailed the hotel near the clinic in California that offers a special discounted rate to patients coming to take part in clinical trials and asked them to book me a room for three nights. After that, I will be able to stay with Megan, a... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772416 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:24:58 +0100 3772416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772417&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fhow-crazy-can-one-cancer-patient-get-.html My good friend Collin just e-mailed me, and she suggested not thinking more than 48 hours in advance as I try to navigate my way through the swamp--complete with hungry alligators--that is my life right now. That's good advice, and I'm going to follow it. Here's the latest wrinkle in the saga. I have an appointment with the clinical trial doctors in Highland, California, for July 29. However, the daily radiation to my right femur will not be finished by that date. When I went in for treatment yesterday, I thought I was going to see Dr. Eulau for our weekly checkup, and I planned to ask him how he wanted to handle that--just shorten my treatment, or have me come in and finish it after I returned from California. That's when I found out that he was on vacati... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772417 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:14:41 +0100 3772417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761591&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fthe-best-cure-.html No, I haven't discovered a cure for cancer, sorry. But I do know the best cure for the state I've been in for the past few days, ever since Dr. Lee told me in a phone call on Tuesday that my cancer is progressing pretty much everywhere. At least, this is the best cure for me: And it is to TAKE ACTION.As I wrote yesterday, Dr. Lee's staff refused to get me in to see him so that I could get answers to my questions about the four tumors in my spine that are moving toward (or possibly pressing on) my spinal cord (you know, where all the nerves are). I also needed more info about the tumor in my sacrum that is causing the numbness and tingling down my left leg, and I wanted to tell him that I wanted to move ahead with all possible speed on getting into the T-DM1 tr... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761591 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:46:36 +0100 3761591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761592&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhair-paste-for-chemo-hair%2F Yesterday I went to the salon to get my hair done for a family wedding this weekend. It reminded me that when I was at the BRCA conference earlier this summer in Toronto, I sat beside a woman whose hair had just begun to grow back — it was barely three-fourths of an inch long. She lamented that she had a wedding to go to that coming weekend and had no idea how she was going to look good with the limited amount of hair she had to work with. I recommended that she try using a hair product that my hairstylist recommended and showed me how to use when my hair began growing back. It’s a fun product called hair paste. When hair starts growing back, it isn’t quite the hairdo we were dreaming about during chemotherapy. My hair was curly and looked like I had four tufted patches on my... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761592 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:03:59 +0100 3761592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3758062&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fmy-doctor-fails-me.html I've been reeling for the past two days over my most recent bad news, not helped by the fact that Dr. Lee's staff refused to get me in to see him--AND I NEEDED HIM. I have a long list of questions about the scans that were done on Monday. So far, I only had a brief conversation with Dr. Lee on the phone to get the bad news, and we haven't reviewed the actual scans together, nor have we discussed what I want to do next. So I called to make an appt., and when the staff said he was fully booked, I asked them to squeeze me in because it was an emergency, and they refused. They reminded me that I have an appt. with Dr. Lee a week from today and told me to wait for that. Well, that's not acceptable when I have four tumors pressing on my spinal cord. (Not to ment... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3758062 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:45:44 +0100 3758062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754035&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-cancer-gone-or-just-waiting-to-get-me%2F Every now and then I struggle with the question of whether cancer will come back or if it is hiding inside of me and is just looking for an opportunity to plant its ugly, insidious self in some organ. I don’t understand if the cancer went away or if it is just dormant. When it comes to breast cancer no one likes to tell you that you are cured, and when the word remission is used it just sounds like the cancer has gone into hiding. Like most breast cancer survivors, I say things like “I had cancer,” or “I don’t have breast cancer anymore,” but this doesn’t speak to the actual status of cancer in my body. Some experts like to say that we all have cancer cells in our bodies — it is just a matter of whether it develops or not. I tested positive for the BRCA... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754035 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:50:38 +0100 3754035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3750226&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fbad-news.html Well, the news from my scans (PET/CT and MRI) yesterday wasn't good. In fact, it is bad. The falling CEA tumor marker that we were so happy about over the past couple of months was--obviously--not accurate, and my cancer has been progressing merrily, pretty much everywhere: I now have three tumors in my right lung, up from two, and they are larger; there are new tumors in my lymph nodes, and some of the ones that were there before are larger. In addition, tumors are moving out of the bone and toward the spinal cord in four places in my spine. The numbness in my left leg is caused by a tumor also, but I forget exactly where that one is.Dr. Lee called me with this news today, and then I talked to Dr. Eulau on the phone as well. We don't have a plan yet, ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750226 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:31:32 +0100 3750226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746932&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Falternative-medicine-vs-conventional-cancer-treatment%2F Driving back from visiting my family outside Toronto yesterday, I listened to an interview with Suzanne Somers. She survived breast cancer and has gone on to become a self-styled expert in health and wellness. I like this woman — she is funny, pretty, and interesting to listen to. What I don’t like is that she is espousing cancer treatment outside the medical community. She is somewhat antagonistic towards medical research and uses her own experts and studies. I think we all need to have an open mind about alternative treatments, but I also believe we need to focus on what is working and saving lives when it comes to cancer. Although Ms. Somers gives positive testimony regarding the treatments she pushes, she cannot point to the countless number of hours of research or the thousands of... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746932 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:45:41 +0100 3746932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743689&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fback-on-the-teetertotter-yet-again.html I've been riding that teeter-totter again, for a couple of weeks now, if I'm being completely honest, but I didn't want to admit it to my friends or my doctors, and I certainly didn't want to write about it.But now it's time. (Here's what happened last time: Riding the Roller Coaster, Again, in case you missed that one.)Let me explain, without the playground and amusement park images ... A couple of weeks ago, I noticed some numbness and tingling in my left foot, mostly on the bottom of the foot, behind my toes, but also a bit on the top of the foot. Now, I had a problem with this foot about six years ago, when one of the bones in the metatarsal arch dropped, causing me lots of pain. I saw a podiatrist, he made me a pair of custom orthotics, and I ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743689 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:48:58 +0100 3743689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733262&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fi-have-lovehate-relationship-with.html I think that change needs to be viewed as a good thing but sometimes it can be difficult to accept. So this doctor wants to rethink how older cancer patients are treated. Well, it sounds reasonable and probably represents some kind of progress medically and a way of reducing costs while increasing quality of life. But (of course there is a But here), what if you received the older course of treatment? What do you think now? In this case, do you feel you were over treated and put through unnecessary stress and costs? This is just one example. What if they changed the protocols for the chemo therapy you had? Do you feel over or under treated? I think the chemo regimen I underwent three years ago has since been tweaked and is similar but not the same. I am okay with that. But what if it had b... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733262 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:40:00 +0100 3733262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3730043&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpharmacists-can-help-in-the-battle-against-breast-cancer%2F One great source of support for me during and after breast cancer was my pharmacy. I had a wonderful community pharmacy with really helpful pharmacists and assistants. Whenever I showed up with a new prescription, the pharmacist would take the time to answer my questions and review the information about the medication. Since early this year I have been wrestling with taking Femera. I wrote about it in a blog after my oncologist prescribed it in January. I was supposed to start taking it right after I finished taking tamoxifen in March. Well, as much as I appreciate the encouragement I received from readers and the continued nagging from my doctor, here I am still trying to decide if I should take it. I haven’t gone in to talk to my regular pharmacist yet because if I am not prepared to s... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3730043 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:54:57 +0100 3730043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718400&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F%25e2%2580%259cnaturopathic-oncology-a-new-specialty-of-pseudoscience%2F2010.07.01 On “wholistic” medicine If there’s one aspect of so-called “alternative medicine” and “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM) is that its practitioners tout as being a huge advantage over what they often refer to sneeringly as “conventional” or “scientific” medicine is that–or so its practitioners claim–alt-med treats the “whole patient,” that it’s “wholistic” in a way that the evil reductionist “Western” science-based medicine can’t be. Supposedly, we reductionistic, unimaginative physicians only focus on disease and ignore the “whole patient.” Of course, to me this claim is belied by the hectoring to which my own primary care physician has subjected me about my horrible diet and lack of exercise on pretty much every visit I’ve had wi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718400 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:53 +0100 3718400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714390&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fgood-news.html When you live with metastatic cancer, there is nothing quite like going to your oncologist and getting unexpected good news!I am high as an escaped balloon after hearing from Dr. Lee that my CEA (tumor marker) is continuing to drop. This should mean less cancer activity, and it is now about 75, down from a high of 145 or so a few months back. Or course, the closer to zero it gets, the less cancer I have. Still, I've been anxious for the past several weeks about the possibility that my CEA is not accurate, and so we decided to have me get a PET/CT within the next couple of weeks, to confirm the good news. Or rather, we hope the scan will confirm the CEA.My weight continues to drop, although a bit more slowly. I was down another pound and a half from what I weighed three weeks ago,... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714390 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:25:40 +0100 3714390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702937&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwarfarin-for-early-cancer-detection%2F2010.06.27 In cancer treatment, detection of a tumor in an early stage markedly increases the chance of favorable outcomes.   Can the much-aligned blood thinner, warfarin, occasionally help in early detection of cancer? Few pharmacologic agents receive more bad press than warfarin.  Stories, which are too numerous to count, like “Did warfarin kill my father,” can be widely found on Internet forums, search engines, and are often quoted by reluctant patients — whose numerator of bad warfarin experiences is one. It is true that warfarin has a narrow therapeutic window — a small difference between an effective dose and dangerous dose. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr John M* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702937 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3702937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655758&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmedical-bills-mean-bittersweet-victory-over-breast-cancer%2F The most heartbreaking stories I hear are from those who found a lump or have been diagnosed with breast cancer and don’t have insurance. Fear grips us the moment we notice a lump in our breasts; fear can overwhelm us when we are told it is breast cancer. There are no words, however, to describe the horror of realizing that you can’t afford treatment. I had good insurance when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but I shared in previous entries the horror of finding we were without health insurance when my husband’s employment changed and his company didn’t offer us COBRA right away. The battle with breast cancer was bad enough, but knowing we had to pay over 1,100 dollars a month to continue coverage once we were given COBRA was like fighting the enemy on two fronts. Add in th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655758 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:17:50 +0100 3655758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652609&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Friding-the-roller-coaster-again.html Yesterday turned out to be one of those days, so I guess it's no wonder that I slept until 10:30 this morning!Actually, the day was more like playing on a teeter-totter than riding a roller coaster--remember standing on the seat of a teeter-totter (or see-saw) and then someone would jump off the other end and you'd go flying? Well, that was how my day went: Up and down with lots of bumps. I did manage to keep my balance, though, and I feel fine today. First was my phone conversation with Dr. Eulau about the results of my X-ray: He said there is erosion in the bone in my right femur because of a tumor. Treatment? Four weeks of daily radiation. Argh--there goes my summer!Then I went off to see Dr. Lee, my lovely medical oncologist, and to get treatment, which these days i... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652609 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:41:15 +0100 3652609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648751&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnew-findings-about-stress-and-breast-cancer%2F This report found an astounding 59% reduction in mortality among women with recurrence who had earlier psychological intervention to prevent stress. Prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer, I had several stressful years that began with my father’s death. My marriage broke up a year later, followed by struggling as a single mother and adjusting to a new marriage and a move to a different country while trying to help my mother battle lung cancer. I felt that many people deal with more than this, and I really thought I was coping exceptionally well. With a BRCA gene mutation predisposing me to breast cancer, perhaps these difficult years were too much for my immune system after all. So what does this mean? Psychological therapy during and after breast cancer to help deal with fear, stre... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648751 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:22:09 +0100 3648751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648748&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fnews-i-didnt-want-to-hear.html Well, this is news I didn't want to hear, and news I wasn't expecting, since I took a peek at my X-rays on Friday and they looked OK to me. Guess that's why Dr. Eulau is the doctor and I'm not, because that's not what HE saw on the X-rays. He said that there is erosion in the bone of my right femur, caused by the cancer. Now "erosion" is just what it sounds like: the bone is breaking down and getting weaker. So, since this is a weight-bearing bone, it is going to need some radiation. The first issue that comes to mind is that I'm on Avastin, and supposedly you can't get radiation therapy when you are on Avastin, but Dr. Eulau said he thinks it will be OK since we will only be radiating the upper leg--no organs will be in the field, an... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648748 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:31:50 +0100 3648748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617836&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffor-cancer-survivors-yoga-may-ease-sleeplessness-and-fatigue%2F2010.06.01 People who’ve been diagnosed cancer can be heartened by the results of a study that will be presented June 5 at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. The researchers found that the practice of yoga helped cancer survivors improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue. The lead researcher, Dr. Karen Mustian, professor of Radiation Oncology and Community and Preventive Medicine at the University of Rochester in New York,  followed 410 patients who had already completed treatment for cancer but who experienced sleep disturbance that required medication. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617836 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3617836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560330&cid=t_106559_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fattention-doctors-and-vendors-selling-patient-data-without-informed-consent-now-federal-crime Another misguided, uninformed EHR vendor will discount the price of EHR software for doctors willing to sell patient data! According to CEO Jonathan Bush, "Athena might be able to halve the amount that physicians pay to use its EHR."   Great business plan: Entice doctors to violate the law and the Hippocratic Oath.   (See the story on Athenahealth).   (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560330 Thu, 13 May 2010 13:35:24 +0100 3560330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552507&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcancer-and-the-environment%2F My editor sent me an article titled: “Americans are bombarded with cancer sources.” Now there is a good wake-up call. The article, which talks about a new report issued by the President’s Cancer Panel, explains that while most researchers believe that two-thirds of cancers are caused by lifestyle (not my contention of course), other factors like radon from the ground, medical imaging, and pollution play a significant role in increasing cancer incidence in the United States. This means the environment we live in. It was President Nixon who declared a war against cancer nearly 40 years ago, and we have not won it yet. The two “soldiers” in this war who released this report, Dr. LaSalle Leffall and Margaret Kripke, were appointed by George W. Bush and have been investigating carcino... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552507 Mon, 10 May 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3552507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552210&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fjoin-eboost-and-susan-g-komen-for-the-cure-to-fight-breast-cancer-with-an-exclusive-offer%2F Have you or someone you know been touched by breast cancer? If so, EBOOST and Blisstree understand the long journey and challenges ahead. That’s why for every box of pink lemonade that EBOOST sells, they will donate a full $10 of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Together, we can give hope to millions of women and their families – and help wipe out this dreadful disease once and for all. The EBOOST Healthy Energy Drink contains a special blend of vitamins and minerals that activate the four vital elements of performance: ENERGY, IMMUNITY, RECOVERY, and FOCUS, delivering sustained energy that lasts. EBOOST has teamed up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to raise money for breast cancer awareness with an exclusive offer for Blisstree readers. A box of 20 EBOOST p... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552210 Mon, 10 May 2010 17:14:25 +0100 3552210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545592&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffight-like-a-girl%2F At the BRCA conference I attended in Toronto this week, a young woman was sporting a great t-shirt with the pink-ribbon symbol and the words “fight like a girl.” Girls really are the best fighters. I don’t mean the kind of fighting with fists or weapons, nor do I mean the kind of bullying that sadly goes on in school playgrounds. I mean the kind of fighting that changes lives. Girls will stand their ground for their rights, go to war for their children, and fight for their lives when faced with breast cancer. This kind of fighting takes tenacity, willpower, and courage. This t-shirt brought to mind the times I advocated for loved ones and especially how I became a warrior for myself. I can honestly say breast cancer brought out the warrior in me. While the conference itself was beyon... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545592 Fri, 07 May 2010 21:11:09 +0100 3545592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538047&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F05%2F06%2Fwhat-is-radiation%2F Filed under: RadiationRadiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors by damaging the genetic material of cells in the area being treated, leaving the cells unable to grow. Although radiation damages all cells, the normal cells can repair themselves. Radiation is also used to control pain by destroying a growing tumor. Radiation is delivered in one of two was through brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy. The former inserts radioactive material, which is usually left in your body, directly into or near the tumor. The latter involves a radiation beam being used on a small area of the skin. The unaffected area is left untreated. Side effects depend on where treatment is received, but usually disappears when treatment is over. Fatigue, hair loss, nausea... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538047 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3538047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529967&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-across-the-border%2F I am in Canada visiting with family this week while waiting to attend the breast cancer conference with Sister on Wednesday in Toronto. While lounging at Sister’s this weekend, I picked up a magazine from the stack under her coffee table. It was one of Canada’s premier women’s magazines, Chatelaine. I love this magazine — my mother used to buy me a subscription every year when I lived here. As far back as I remember, Chatelaine addressed breast cancer. They would have a supplemental section a couple of times a year for Look Good, Feel Better, the Canadian Cancer Society’s self-esteem program for women going through breast cancer treatment. Actually, when I was in my twenties I questioned why they would keep reminding women that they could get breast cancer — now I applaud t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529967 Mon, 03 May 2010 19:59:12 +0100 3529967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524092&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fbreast-cancer-and-multivitamins-%25e2%2580%2593-is-there-a-link%2F Wait a minute – we thought taking a daily multivitamin could only help, not hurt us. But according to a recent health article on Canada.com (via Reuters), that may not always be the case. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted a study which found that women age 49 and over who take multivitamin supplements on a regular basis generally have a 19% higher risk of developing breast cancer. But on the flip side, other recent studies have shown that female multivitamin users are no more likely to die of cancer than non-users. And, of course, other issues can factor into a woman’s risk of breast cancer including family history, weight, exercise habits, and whether or not she smokes. The kicker? Many researchers and doctors – including Dr. Susanna C. Larsson of the Karolins... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524092 Sat, 01 May 2010 16:20:50 +0100 3524092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519428&cid=t_106559_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F176583%2F Personalizing Breast Cancer Treatment – A new study offers insight into tailoring breast cancer care. (via New York Times) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519428 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:23:06 +0100 3519428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515577&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsome-good-news-for-a-change-.html I went in to see Dr. Lee today, and also to get treatment (we're calling it targeted therapies light: reduced doses of Herceptin, Avastin, and Tykerb--the only one that bothers me is the Tykerb), and of course I had my list of questions for Dr. Lee. But he had a surprise for me: My CEA (tumor marker) has dropped substantially in just a couple of months! That means less cancer in my body. Now, I had asked to have this test a few weeks back, but with everything else that was going on, I kinda forgot about it. It was great to get some good news for a change. Dr. Lee said he wasn't sure why my marker had dropped so far, but we agreed that the radiation I had in January had probably reduced the total volume of cancer, or my tumor load, so the marker dropped. And ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515577 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:23:18 +0100 3515577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502957&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fcheryl-takes-neratinib-or-cheryls-take-on-neratinib.html  Hi there. My name is Cheryl. I mentioned to Jeanne that I've entered a clinical trial and she offered to let me do a guest post. Here it is.  I started a clinical trial six weeks ago for the experimental drug neratinib. This particular trial is trying to determine if adjuvant neratinib reduces recurrences in HER2 breast cancers for non-metastatic patients. I found out about the trial from my oncologist. Honestly, it startled me at first. I decided to enter the trial for the following reasons, presented in order of importance to me:  Fear of Recurrence: I was diagnosed at age 40 with Stage III, locally advanced, HER2+, ER+, PR+ breast cancer. My tumor was large (5.5 cm) and my lymph nodes were involved. I remember a d... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502957 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:41:07 +0100 3502957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494503&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fanyone-taking-tdm1.html This is a new drug for women with HER2-neu-positive, advanced breast cancer that is going to be available for compassionate use very soon, according to the cancer patient grapevine. I'm wondering if any of you are taking it in a clinical trial, and what you can tell me about the side effects?Readers of this blog probably know that I've pretty much run out of treatment options. I'm not sure T-DM1 is right for me either, because it is a combination of Herceptin and a "potent cytotoxic DM1." If I understand correctly, that second part is what I call a "conventional chemo drug," and I can't tolerate those anymore because of chemo toxicity from all the chemo I've had over the past 11-plus years. I'm going to discuss it today with Dr. Lee, ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494503 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:17:06 +0100 3494503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456849&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fno-one-owns-the-breast-cancer-gene-anymore%2F About 10 years ago, a cousin of mine introduced me to the Human Genome Project. He was very excited about the science and process of identifying all the human genes and their sequences. The potential for scientific and medical breakthroughs was staggering. As I got interested in the research and began to follow the project, I was appalled by the business interests involved. Specific business groups began the process of patenting some of the genetic components and findings. It would be like you owning your home and property only to find that someone else owned and had the rights to all the earth on your lot. Although companies argued that by being able to profit from their findings they could continue research and development, it is pretty obvious that individuals and stock holders would b... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456849 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:23:55 +0100 3456849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449091&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmartina-navratilova-faces-a-new-opponent-in-breast-cancer%2F The tennis champ Martina Navratilova announced just recently that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ, which is the earliest form of the disease. Ms. Navratilova has elected to have a lumpectomy followed by several weeks of radiation, which is pretty standard treatment for DCIS. But that aside, we breast cancer survivors know all too well the shock and fear Martina has had to deal with after getting this diagnosis. So much for diet and exercise preventing breast cancer, as suggested by researchers at a conference in Spain recently. Martina Navratilova has to be one of the most fit women I know of. I truly admire all her accomplishments. Like Martina, so many women really do take care of their bodies and health in every way and still get hit with this... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3449091 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:31:09 +0100 3449091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3441009&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffight-breast-cancer-with-hope%2F “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” I found a beautiful plaque with this quote and hung it in my bathroom. Why my bathroom? Well, that is the one place that I know most of my guests will end up visiting — and actually read what is on the wall. Hope has been a theme lately in my life. My brother-in-law and I had a discussion about it recently. He is a motivator, a businessman, and a marathon triathlete. He has established orphanages in Africa and is invited to speak at leadership conferences often. I think this makes him an expert on hope. Recently he began working with a mission in downtown Toronto serving meals to homeless people. He finds that the homeless who suffer most are the ones who truly feel hopeless. It isn’t just those who are down and out that need ho... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3441009 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:05:16 +0100 3441009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416247&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fsurvival-in-metastatic-breast-cancer-patients.html The headline on this research presented last Friday in Barcelona sounds good: "Survival in metastatic breast cancer patients is improving: targeted therapies have contributed."Well, that's something I know from my own experience, and that sounds good. But then when you read the presentation, by a Dr. Marie Sundquist from Sweden, it doesn't sound so good. Dr. Sundquist will tell delegates that for 288 patients with grade III tumours, the most aggressive type of breast cancer, the median survival time increased from 10 months for the 1985 to 1990 period to 17 months for the 2000 to 2004 period.Then for those patients with HER2neu-positive cancer: Prior to the year 2000, 40 HER2 positive patients had a median survival of 14 months compared to 21 months for ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416247 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:14:39 +0100 3416247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411264&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-many-breast-cancers-be-avoided%2F The Internet was abuzz yesterday with this news out of Barcelona, Spain: Experts at a conference there claim that a third of all breast cancers in the western world can be avoided. This is really a shocking claim. We are all aware that lifestyle can affect breast cancer risk; this isn’t news to us in the US. What is new is that this announcement actually indicates that as many as one-third of all breast cancers can be avoided by eating less and exercising more. Researchers at the conference pointed to better screening and new treatments as working to decrease deaths from breast cancer, but now it is time for women to do their part by losing weight and choosing a healthier lifestyle. I truly have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, I get that we need to take better care of ourselv... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411264 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:50:49 +0100 3411264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3404094&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreasts-get-good-ratings-and-an-uncomfortable-viewer%2F Like a lot of people in America, I tuned in to watch Dancing with the Stars Monday night. It was the premiere for the new season and a new celebrity cast. It’s really fun to watch actually. Every season I notice the outfits become more risqué and the show becomes a little less family oriented. This new season is no exception. One thing that is pretty obvious, well a lot of things actually, is the women’s breasts. I don’t know if it is intentional to show the jiggle, or if it is just because breasts get good ratings. All I know is you can’t miss them.  Maybe America’ fascination with breasts is what makes losing one to breast cancer especially difficult. I don’t want to suggest that losing a body part and battling a terrifying disease as not difficult, but losing a breast real... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3404094 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:19:08 +0100 3404094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395334&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealth-care-reform-a-breast-cancer-victory%2F I am sitting in my family room this Sunday evening listening to the final debate in the House of Representatives over health care reform. It is overwhelming to think that finally there will be a solution to the huge lack of accessible health care for millions of Americans. I am relieved to know that finally in America health care will be a right, and not a privilege. This is an important step in the quest for a cure for breast cancer. No matter what treatment researchers find, it won’t be a cure unless all women have access to it. Those of us that have fought and won our battle with breast cancer won’t be denied insurance for having a pre-existing condition. More women will survive breast cancer because they have screening at a critical early time; Ensuring that all women in America ca... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395334 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:48:42 +0100 3395334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385512&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-funny-surprise-from-breast-cancer%2F There is one positive thing that I can honestly say came out of chemotherapy. It came up with my hairdresser today when she happened to notice that I have great eyebrows. I know it sounds funny, but hey, let me have this one thing. I have always had darker and thicker eyebrows than most women, but not quite as great as Brooke Shields. I was constantly plucking and shaping them and then breast cancer hit. Chemotherapy thinned them out quite a bit, but it couldn’t quite get rid of them. After my hair grew back, my eyebrows took on a new shape – and I couldn’t be happier. So today, my hair dresser commented on how great my eyebrows looked. When I told her I did not have to pluck or shape them ever, I knew she was impressed. We suffer so much through chemotherapy. Many of us struggle wit... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385512 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:05:55 +0100 3385512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3383027&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Frace-and-cancer.html A couple of cancer news items caught my eye, because they both concern race and cancer. The first story says that blacks, although they have the highest cancer rates of all U.S. ethnic groups, feel less at risk than do whites. A study done at the University of Buffalo says that as a result of this attitude, blacks are less likely to get screened for various cancers with mammograms, pap smears, or tests for prostate cancer. One reason for this difference in attitudes, when compared to whites, is that blacks are less likely to report a family cancer history, meaning that they may be unaware of it. Read more: Blacks Feel Less at Risk The second story confirms something that I think we all know: poor and minority cancer patients get poorer care. The story says tha... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3383027 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:03:31 +0100 3383027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378684&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ftravel-advice.html Yesterday was a crazy day. Younger Son needed me to go with him to get his state ID card, and we drove all over town searching for a driver's licensing office, because the one in the north end of Seattle, our part of town, had closed while I wasn't paying attention. Of course, we didn't find out that it was closed until we drove up there. Then, after calling information, we drove to the south end, only to find that that office had also closed--why directory assistance gave us the phone number and address, I have no idea. So we ended up downtown, which is always difficult because of traffic and parking, plus that office is really busy. Anyway, he got the ID card, and I renewed my driver's license as well. Turns out I was driving on an expired license.... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378684 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:35:32 +0100 3378684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378688&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchemotherapy-shows-us-at-our-worst%2F The only thing more challenging than living with a teenager is living with a college kid home for spring break. Like most parents I get to see a side of my son that no one else does. If you were to meet the Big Guy you would tell me that I had a polite, charming, intelligent and sensitive young man and congratulate me for raising such a great kid, most people do. If you do meet that kid, please send him home because I think I got the wrong one. Actually though, I need to cut him some slack since he is cranky because of the pain he is experiencing from his recovering knee injury. I can relate to that. When I was going through chemotherapy there were times when I was a little cranky too. Trying to handle chemotherapy and the world at the same time can be a little overwhelming. We are run dow... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378688 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:08:47 +0100 3378688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3362542&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fincluding-family-in-breast-cancer-decisions%2F My son – The Big Guy – injured his knee last fall and had minor surgery to repair a torn meniscus. This is huge in his world because he is a college football player attending school on an athletic scholarship. This past week he injured his knee again and I am beside myself with worry about him, his emotions, and his future. Of course I am not at all concerned about his football, that is the least important to me, but not to him. We have different perspectives and different priorities. Truthfully though this is a minor injury and if we can get him to rest and stay off his knee this should clear on its own, but I still worry. The Big Guy is only 18 and can’t see beyond the next few years. For many of us that face breast cancer we often find that our priorities are different than our fa... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3362542 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:26:00 +0100 3362542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354532&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fremembering-farrahs-brave-cancer-battle%2F The Oscars are always fun to watch. This year’s awards couldn’t pass without a little controversy though. During the In Memoriam segment, Farrah Fawcett was not included among the actors shown and I was a little perturbed when the segment ended and her face was not shown on screen with the other actors that had passed away during the year. Farah lost her battle with anal cancer and I wrote a blog to commemorate her just after her death. I think she was such a big icon during my life, and especially when I was a young woman, that I almost feel snubbed that they forgot her. Her battle with cancer was chronicled by herself and was terrifically brave.  Her death reminded me that although I beat cancer once I still need to be vigilant against this foe. In my life it claimed a breast, i... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354532 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:59:10 +0100 3354532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350508&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fhawaiicrashed-and-burned-.html I came to Hawaii with my friend Monica to recover from the month of January--which was nothing but treatments, back to back--but it didn't turn out that way. I suspect I brought the bug with me, since I was already feeling sick the first day after we arrived, but it ran the full course: sore throat, sinus infection, clogged up lungs, and swollen, tender lymph nodes. As you can imagine, I spent most of the week in bed, feeling like crap, wishing I were at home, but also afraid to fly there with these sore lymph nodes. Not much fun for Monica either, she got lots of exercise--alone--and took care of me. She also helped me get an antibiotic called in by my doctor in Seattle. That seems to be working, so today's flight home will be uneventful--cross your fingers.&#016... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350508 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:19:08 +0100 3350508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346653&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhappiness-and-breast-cancer%2F Are you happy? I don’t mean happy with your life, or happy with your job or happy with your mate. I mean are you happy despite everything that might not be great in your life right now? I guess I should ask instead; are you a happy person? When I was thinking about what makes me happy I realized that I don’t need anything to make me happy. I am happy a lot of the time. Not the silly superficial happy, or the happy that comes with always finding people to party with, but really happy. In people who are happy there is just a sense of cheerfulness and optimism. These people have the ability to bounce back from sad and tragic places and move on. We can find the cancer in a body and the lump in a breast, but no one has found where happy resides. Is it in the heart or the head? I do ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346653 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:35:12 +0100 3346653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322585&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnot-on-the-run-to-beat-breast-cancer%2F Today I saw a woman jogging through the snow. She made it look like a walk in the park. I took up skiing just last year and love it, I went back to school and aced some college courses but I just can’t jog further than my mail box! I remember with triumph a time when I ran around the block at my parent’s house. That was 15 years ago and I could only do it once. Truly this is a dream of mine; to be able to lace up my Nikes and run for at least 15 minutes straight. All I can say is that when I battled breast cancer, it’s a good thing I didn’t have to out run it. Sometimes in my mind I feel like superwoman. I went a round with cancer and surgery and chemotherapy and I’m still standing, shouldn’t that mean I could at least run a 15 minute a mile? Seriously, this woman looked great.... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322585 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:39:51 +0100 3322585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314773&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Feveryone-deserves-a-lifetime%2F I am starting to hear ads in Michigan for the 3-day walk to end breast cancer. Many of you have written to me about your participation in this event and how rewarding it is. The one thing that I love about this year’s ad is the line at the end when the announcer says that “everybody deserves a lifetime.” I am sure that I have heard this line before, but it really hit me this week. The whole medical community, all the research and info sites like everydayhealth.com are dedicated to the premise that everyone deserves a lifetime. No one’s life should be cut short because a tumor began to grow in their breasts. The United States has a 5- year survival rate of over 90%. This is so exciting when you think about it. People are surviving the disease. My concern is how well we recover after... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314773 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:36:43 +0100 3314773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298550&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-and-the-power-of-napping%2F There is new information out of the University of California at Berkley that indicates that napping during the day boosts cognitive power. I like this! I am a napper. I don’t always get the opportunity for a short afternoon nap, but when I need it I take it. It might just be a few minutes before dinner or an evening class but it helps. When we go through chemotherapy or radiation one of the most distressing side effects is fatigue. Usually I worked in the morning and then went to Chemotherapy in the afternoon, returning to work the next day. This resulted in only a half day off from work. After a couple of months I would take the day after chemo off as I began to feel the cumulative effects of months of treatment. That would give me the whole day to rest. I then learned that if I cou... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298550 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:16:14 +0100 3298550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290967&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftaking-inspiration-from-other-breast-cancer-survivors%2F There is a lot of transition in my life right now. I am working on new projects and my husband is refocusing his career while my boys are working on major plans of their own. During times like this, not necessarily bad times, but when I am not the one being able to predict how we will all end up, I feel agitated and overwhelmed. I am not one to back away from risk or change, but I do fantasize about going in my office covering myself with a blanket and sitting under the desk until everything works out. Sounds crazy, but I’ve come a long way from when I used to imagine locking myself in the closet. I didn’t have these feelings when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I really am a fighter. Show me injustice and I’ll speak up, pick on my friend and you pick on me. Take on o... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3290967 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:22:33 +0100 3290967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283785&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-it-seasonal-affective-disorder-or-breast-cancer-depression%2F It’s snowing today. Well, it is Michigan. I keep asking my husband, ‘What self-respecting Canadian (me) moves south of the border and stops in Michigan?’ I grew up in northern Ontario where it snowed a lot more than Michigan. The difference in the winter weather between the two places is huge though. In the little city where I grew up we had tons of snow, but we also got a lot of sunshine. The sun shone almost every day in the winter, so much so that our city was called the sunshine capitol of the North. It made for a fun winter. Even though I had a great weekend skiing in the north part of Michigan and we haven’t had near the snow we had last year, I am finding the gloomy winter almost unbearable this year. Usually I muddle through but I have to say that I am battl... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283785 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:08:07 +0100 3283785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276038&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fcatching-up-petct-crazy-lymph-node-chest-pain.html  I am still behind on all fronts in my life, so this is going to be a quick post, and I'll try to fill in the gaps over the next few days. Valentine's Day was wonderful. Both boys were here, and both took part and helped, which was really important for me because I had hardly slept at all the night before because I needed to take some decadron--more on that later--which kept me awake the whole dang night. We had a retirement brunch for a good friend, and Laurie was here as well. I made quiche--spinach, mushrooms, onion, parmesan cheese, and then milk and eggs. Well, a bit of half and half and butter in there as well, so it was pretty rich, but we balanced that out with a big fruit salad, and Laurie made espresso drinks for whoever wanted them. Doctor&#... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276038 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:38:04 +0100 3276038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269852&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftoo-quiet-on-the-breast-cancer-front%2F I have been in the breast cancer business for six and a half years. I call it “the business” because of how it affects my life, not because of the science or medicine. In all that time I have held to the hope of a cure for breast cancer. Not a treatment, not just a drug to eliminate risk; a real cure. In the past four years I have read and written about research studies and findings and breakthroughs. I have even blogged about British scientists that said there would be a cure in two years – that was in 2009. Things are very quiet right now about breast cancer and the quiet is deafening. We are in a war. The war against cancer. Remember, Nixon declared war on cancer and no one to my knowledge has declared a truce. When you are in a war you need to know what is happening on the front ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269852 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:38:40 +0100 3269852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339766&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2010-02-11-cancer-treatment%2Ferbitux-erbitux-head-and-neck-cancer%2F Jim’s son is now getting better thanks to his holistic cancer treatments and Erbitux. Erbitux isn’t chemotherapy but in stead are antibodies helping your body to fight the cancer. Pretty logical approach to cure cancer: not using a poisonous chemotherapy in the hope to kill the cancer without killing the person buy making sure your body has an extra advantage in fighting the cancer by "adding antibodies". What is Erbitux? Erbitux is a mouse/human monoclonal antibody – monoclonal meaning all of them are cloned or made originating from the same cell. It is an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor and given by intravenous infusion for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and Erbitux is also known to treat head and neck cancer. Jim’s son is now t... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339766 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:04:57 +0100 3339766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262843&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fthe-fat-cancer-patient-down-2-pounds.html  The Fat Cancer Patient is happy to announce that she has lost two pounds!I was taking decadron, a steroid, because of my cyberknife surgery, and I was on the decadron for about two months. During that time, I gained eight (8!) pounds. Now, this is a body that was already a bit too plump, so I was not a happy camper. But I stopped taking the decadron on the weekend, after tapering off carefully to avoid the infamous "decadron crash," and by Tuesday my weight was down two pounds. I'm hoping this trend will continue and that all the people who told me it is just bloat--not fat--were right. We'll see.See: The Fat Cancer Patient Yearning for KittensFor some reason--maybe because I was feeling a bit better, and maybe because it feels like spring around ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262843 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:21:25 +0100 3262843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3247042&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fmore-tales-from-the-gowned-waiting-room.html I've been treated with radiation therapy a total of seven times now, and Dr. Eulau at Swedish has been in charge of my radiation four times. He is an excellent doctor, one of a team of three or four good doctors who have helped to keep me alive for 11 years. So I have no plans to shuffle my team, even though my doctors aren't all at the same cancer center. When you go to the Swedish Cancer Institute for radiation therapy, you wait to be called for each day's treatment appointment in the "Gowned Waiting Room." You show up, change into a gown, lock up your things, and wait for one of your team of technicians to come and get you. Sometimes things are running behind--because of problems with your machine (you are treated on the same machine e... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247042 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:16:38 +0100 3247042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3247043&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fwhat-are-friends-for.html  What are friends for?Well, I think we all need a good friend--or two or three--who can make us laugh when we need a good laugh. And a really good friend can make us laugh at ourselves. The other day when I put up my post The Fat Cancer Patient, I was in a pretty bad mood about having gained eight pounds in as many weeks, as a result of taking steroids and also not being able to exercise. My friend Julie--who's been facing some tough times of her own lately--was the first reader to respond. Here's what she said, under the title "Not over till the fat lady sings":Dearest Jeanne--Just read your fat cancer patient post and laughed out loud for the first time in weeks--not at you, but with you. We women are really something. We endure hours of hu... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247043 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:30:26 +0100 3247043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3247044&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fthe-last-day-of-treatment-blues-poisoned-.html I've been to Hiroshima--many times, actually--and I know what radiation sickness can do to people. I had that in mind as I contemplated the effects of my most recent radiation therapy. After all, it's all the same thing.Today is the last day of my 14-day run of radiation therapy. That's a lot of radiation, and of course it comes on top of five days of cyberknife treatment just prior to that, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I feel like crap today.(Apologies for the language, but a softer word is not going to do.)I have that swimmy kind of nausea. It's not violent like chemo nausea can be, I just feel like my eyes are a bit out of focus and my tummy is floating rather than attached. I don't want to eat, although an empty stomach can bring on more nausea. So I... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247044 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:03:11 +0100 3247044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3247045&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fthe-fat-cancer-patient.html I woke up the other morning and realized that I am FAT!My face is puffy and my waist is huge. And since my hair is less than an inch long, I have no place to hide. When did that happen?Well, it was a combination of factors:Taking decadron (a steroid) to reduce swelling around the tumor in my skull, and then to prevent problems--like more swelling in my head--during the cyberknife treatments. I think the decadron is causing both bloat (water) and real weight gain (fat).I've been on decadron since November. Argh.  No exercise. I can't walk without a cane, due to the tumor in my left hip. Even with the cane, I'm not walking my dog right now and haven't for several weeks. It's too painful.I just weighed myself, and I'm up eight pounds in two months. I weigh ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247045 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:52:09 +0100 3247045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243998&cid=t_106559_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Ftales-from-the-gowned-waiting-room.html  First, let me set the scene.When you go to the Swedish Cancer Institute for radiation therapy, you park in a Bank of America parking lot. Swedish provides free parking in this lot to patients who are undergoing daily radiation, and this is a nice little benefit.Otherwise, I would have paid $6 a day on each of the 15 days I've gone in for treatment. That's $90. Then, you enter the cancer center, walk past the desk where other patients are waiting to see the radiation oncologists, and continue on down a hallway to the "Gowned Waiting Room."How do I know it's called the "Gowned Waiting Room"? There's a sign, of course.A woman named Diane is in charge. She knows all her patients by name, no small feat considering that more than 100 patients come... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243998 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:17:25 +0100 3243998