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 'chemotherapy'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:51:29 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181800&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhospital-ceo-is-diagnosed-with-cancer-while-building-a-new-cancer-center%2F2011.09.01 Pat Elliott, me and a HUGE cactus at Banner MD Anderson! I am just back from the Phoenix-metro area. It’s now the 5th largest in the United States and despite home foreclosures, there is still a feeling of growth in many areas. Gilbert, a nearby suburb, has expanded to over 200,000 people and a growing major medical center. I spent several days interviewing patients and staff about the soon-to-open, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. The hope is that by bringing MD Anderson’s world-renowned expertise, clinical trials and processes to this new center, cancer care around Phoenix and the southwest will be improved. Look for my video interviews coming soon. But, in the meantime, one interview stuck out for me; the one with the Banner Health President and CEO, Peter Fine. Peter is in his lat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181800 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5181800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174562&cid=t_101631_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fvenezuelan-president-hugo-chavez-undergo-chemotherapy%2F Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has opted to remain in his country to complete his third round of chemotherapy for an unspecified “pelvic” malignancy. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174562 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:23:18 +0100 5174562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159655&cid=t_101631_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=5139731&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-cancer-treatment-gains-momentum%2F2011.08.18 You heard about it first on Patient Power when, a couple of years ago, we interviewed Dr. Andrew Lowy, oncology surgeon at UC San Diego Medical Center. He explained how some patients with advanced cancer spread in their abdomen could benefit from an open surgery – perhaps as much as nine hours long – where, after snipping out visible cancer – the organs are bathed in heated chemotherapy for 90 minutes. You may recall the story of Jennifer Ambrose, a young mom from suburban Chicago, who developed cancer of the appendix. She tracked down Dr. Lowy after spotting him on the Internet. She traveled to San Diego, had the “hot chemo” procedure, recovered and then went on to have a second child – her “miracle baby.” Today Jennifer remains fine and her story is featured in my book, T... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139731 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:15:57 +0100 5139731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5131008&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F14%2Fcancer-warrior-wanted-guest-post%2F The State Fair will be closed today here in Indianapolis.  You have probably heard that 5 people were killed and 45 hospitalized last night when a freak wind collapsed a temporary stage just before the group Sugarland was to perform. Cancer is the same kind of disaster as that wind, coming out of nowhere, striking indescriminantly at innocent victims.  Long time blogger and cervical cancer survivor offers these reactions at the journey | Life as I know it! I am so angry at cancer right now! I hate it, it is pissing me off, and I just want it to go away! NOW! Yesterday, I received an email from the friend that I spoke of a couple of days ago – the one that I ran into at the lab on Thursday. In her email, she was letting me know that her Thursday morning appointment with the oncologist ... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5131008 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:32:16 +0100 5131008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5131004&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fmissing-big-picture.html A cancer friend was telling me the other day about a friend of her's who was just diagnosed with breast cancer and was refusing chemo - because she didn't want to lose her hair. I think she is missing the big picture. She can make a trade here - lose your hair and keep your life. Multiple doctors have recommended chemo to her and she still says no. I also think she is in that stage called 'denial'. She needs to move on to the anger, bargaining, depression and then acceptance stages. Its not an easy transition and it certainly doesn't happen over night. My friend was going to talk to her some more and find out about her cancer stage and other factors in her diagnosis. I have thought about this for a few days and think there is some fault of the doctors here (or maybe she just isn't heari... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5131004 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:26:00 +0100 5131004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118936&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fchemotherapy-fantastic%2F I went to have my hair cut on Saturday. It was a new hairdresser. I took a picture of what I wanted along with me, because no matter how well I think I explain what I want, hairdressers always seem to hear, “Just do whatever you fancy, so long as you leave a funny bit that [...] (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118936 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:30:42 +0100 5118936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008411&cid=t_101631_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D295 Electrically-enhanced chemotherapy has produced exciting clinical results.  The technology offers the promise of a safer, quicker therapy with lower costs from fewer agents and treatment sessions.  The NovoTTF system was recently FDA approved in the U.S. for patients suffering from end-stage glioblastoma and has been in use in Europe for several years.  Further studies are also underway for skin, breast, and early-stage brain tumors, three of the deadliest and most costly cancers to treat.  Chemotherapy has been in use as a treatment for cancer since the early 20th century.  Since then, it has grown to a $42 billion world market.  Electrically-enhanced chemotherapy uses a pulsed electrical field to increase the cell membrane’s permeability.  This allows the anticancer drug molecul... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008411 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:03:42 +0100 5008411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960066&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsuggestions-for-minimizing-spending-in-oncology%2F2011.06.22 Recently the NEJM ran a Sounding Board piece on Bending the Cost Curve in Cancer Care. The author’s take on this problem: Annual direct costs for cancer care are projected to rise — from $104 billion in 2006 to over $173 billion in 2020 and beyond.2…Medical oncologists directly or indirectly control or influence the majority of cancer care costs, including the use and choice of drugs, the types of supportive care, the frequency of imaging, and the number and extent of hospitalizations… The article responds, in part, to Dr. Howard Brody’s 2010 proposal that each medical specialty society find five ways to reduce waste in health care. The authors, from the Divisions of Hematology-Oncology and Palliative Care at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond VA, offer two lists: S... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960066 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:00:34 +0100 4960066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934158&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fvideogames-as-behavioral-intervention-for-patients-with-chronic-diseases%2F2011.06.16 In recent posts on Web-based and mobile behavioral intervention programs, we reviewed evidence suggesting that social support, in one form or another, can improve participants’ adherence and engagement with the program. That didn’t always mean however, that participants achieved better outcomes as a result. In one study for example, an online community increased engagement with and utilization of a Web-based activity program, but it did not increase participants’ actual activity levels. Another study, slightly older than the ones reviewed above, did show that a Web-based program improved outcomes. In this case, the intervention was an online videogame known as Re-Mission. Since I haven’t touched previously on outcome studies for automated lifestyle intervention tools or videogames ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934158 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:43 +0100 4934158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841885&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-genetic-biomarker-predicts-taxane-drug-induced-neuropathy%2F A new study has identified the first genetic biomarkers for taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy, a potentially severe complication of taxane chemotherapy that affects nerves in about one-third of patients with cancer receiving such treatment. ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances in Targeted Therapies, Screening, and Personalized Medicine The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) today highlighted [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841885 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:39:33 +0100 4841885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789447&cid=t_101631_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FYaFAHUra1Jg%2F Chemo brain or chemo fog refers to the cognitive changes that can occur during and after chemotherapy. These changes may translate into memory lapses, motor problems, difficulty finding words and problems managing multiple tasks and learning new things. Although the causes of the phenomenon are still under debate, it is nonetheless a real problem, affecting 20% to 30% of breast cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. This New York Time article reports that chemo brain effects may be longer lasting than originally thought. “Chemo brain,” the foggy thinking and forgetfulness that cancer patients often complain about after treatment, may last for five years or more for a sizable percentage of patients, new research shows. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology, is a vi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789447 Thu, 05 May 2011 15:38:14 +0100 4789447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775560&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2Fexperimental-drug-nvp-bez235-slows-ovarian-cancer-growth-in-mice-solid-tumor-clinical-trials-ongoing%2F A study conducted recently at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that experimental drug NVP-BEZ235, which blocks two points of a crucial cancer cell signaling pathway, inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells and significantly increases survival in an ovarian cancer mouse model. A study conducted recently at  UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) found that an experimental drug, which [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775560 Mon, 02 May 2011 22:46:06 +0100 4775560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775561&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2Fu-k-nice-issues-new-clinical-guidelines-re-recognition-initial-management-of-ovarian-cancer%2F On April 27, 2011, the U.K. National Institute For Health and Clinical Excellence issued new clinical guidelines regarding the recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer. On April 27, 2011, the U.K. National Institute For Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued new clinical guidelines regarding the recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer. In the [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775561 Mon, 02 May 2011 21:14:09 +0100 4775561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762908&cid=t_101631_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=4719916&cid=t_101631_93_f&fid=36531&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FJeffreyMD%2F%7E3%2FvL91ZM2MxrI%2F I just got home from taking the Psychiatry NBME Subject Exam and logged onto MSNBC.com and saw this story. It’s a story of a mother, Kristen LaBrie who withheld chemotherapy medications from her autistic son for at least 5 months. He died at the age of 9 in 2009. A judge has sentenced her to 8-10 years. I don’t know what she was thinking. A quote from the news story: “If I could do it differently, I would, because I certainly miss my son, and I think about him every day and I wish he could be with me and my family,” she said. Labrie, handcuffed in the courtroom, after receiving he sentence. Photo Credit: Cheryl Senter/AP Her son was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2006. The tragedy is that her son’s oncologist believed that he had a cure rate of about... JeffreyMD.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4719916 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:22:37 +0100 4719916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709363&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fslowly-but-surely%2F Some things take a deal of time, but eventually, they get there. Like post-chemotherapy nails. Still not in great shape, but I have to tell you, these are the longest and the healthiest-looking that they’ve been in more than two years. They don’t break or split, the bit coming in at the bottom is a pretty, happy pink, and my manicurist says that in a few weeks I’ll be able to have a French manicure. This has been my ambition, nail-wise, since they started to disintegrate under the cosh of chemo. When the day comes, there will be champagne to go with those French-polished nails. Oh yes there will. And while we’re talking of slow but sure, let’s take a look at my hair. Yes, there’s loads of it, yes, it’s looking like a normal person’s hair&#8... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709363 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:05:19 +0100 4709363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709424&cid=t_101631_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FpR8BdZuodiU%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. A spot of rain is falling on the Pharmalot corporate campus, but as you know, our spirits are as sunny as ever and reinforced by a bit of wisdom from the Morning Mayor: ‘Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.’ So while we down our cup of stimulation, we present the news of the world in hopes this will help you cope with those meetings and deadlines. Have a great day and give someone a big smile… BioSante Says FDA Accepts Filing For Male Testerone Gel (Reuters) Merck To Outsource Work Done At Pennsylvania Plant (The Daily Item) Novartis Drug Wins FDA Panel OK For Rare Pancreatic Tumors (Bloomberg News) Pfizer Drug Wins FDA Committee Backing For Pancreatic Cancer (Bloomberg News) Roche’s Xenical Diet P... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709424 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:12:07 +0100 4709424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709362&cid=t_101631_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=4684688&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F04%2F07%2Fcancer-ups-and-downs-guest-post%2F One of the amazing things about cancer blogging is the connectedness that we sometimes develop towards our fellow travelers, that unique sense of community.  It can be so strong that we are hesitant to give it up.  Years after the news of our remission we still identify with other survivors for we will forever be “survivors”.  Maybe it is partly because of the way cancer grabs hold of us, searing into our primal identity the brand of the Beast. Lori Lee, whop writes as “Miss Mel” at her blogsite Miss Melanoma: The Official Site for the Fun Side of Cancer , looks back at the acute phase of her own illness, offering hope to those still mired in the struggle. Ups and downs I remember when my weeks were filled with a different doctor’s appointment every day, ... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684688 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:04:02 +0100 4684688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118934&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fblood-isnt-always-thicker%2F About four years ago, I went to a doctor appointment that, until now, only my wife knew about. It was a visit to a urologist. The subject of the meeting was to evaluate my fertility. My wife and I were recently married, and so naturally the idea of children came about eventually. I dreamed of having my own kids someday. But, I also tried avoiding any conversations about procreating. This is because I highly suspected I might be infertile due to the chemo/radiation treatments I had received, yet I didn’t want it to be official. I wanted to keep hope alive through denial and avoidance. But the question kept bugging me: Can I have kids? And then I thought about what it was doing to my wife, the uncertainty. We needed to either accept bad news and move on, or realize good news and begin ... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118934 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:00:56 +0100 5118934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653516&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fblood-isnt-always-thicker%2F About four years ago, I went to a doctor appointment that, until now, only my wife knew about. It was a visit to a urologist. The subject of the meeting was to evaluate my fertility. My wife and I were recently married, and so naturally the idea of children came about eventually. I dreamed of having my Continue reading Blood isn’t always thicker… (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653516 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:00:56 +0100 4653516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653506&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhat-if-nothing-changes.html Today is a treatment day.For the first time ever, I will have Herceptin on its own (if you don't count the Demerol and Gravol I get to keep the shakes and fevers at bay).Some people have almost no side effects with Herceptin. Some feel like they have the flu. Will the fact that my body has such a strong response to Herceptin mean that I feel more of its side effects?The break from chemotherapy is meant to help me heal and rebuild - physically and emotionally.The break from chemo is also a risk.Here's hoping it all works out for the best.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653506 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4653506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653509&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F28%2Fphenoxodiol-used-in-combination-with-platinum-or-taxane-based-chemotherapy-is-active-in-platinum-taxane-resistant-ovarian-cancer%2F Phase II clinical study results suggests phenoxodiol is active in platinum and taxane drug-resistant ovarian cancer patients when administered intravenously in combination with platinum or taxane-based chemotherapy Marshall Edwards, Inc., an oncology company focused on the clinical development of novel therapeutics targeting cancer metabolism, recently announced the publication of results from a phase II clinical [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653509 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:23:51 +0100 4653509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631481&cid=t_101631_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=4610957&cid=t_101631_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=4600727&cid=t_101631_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FlfHw57PpWkQ%2F In her practiced everything’s-going-to-be-fine teacher voice, my mom recently called and told me that the doctor had seen something in her mammogram. Something that required further testing. My mom told me that she wouldn’t find out the results for several days, but that it was probably nothing. The next day she called me as I was heading out of work to meet a friend and told me that she had breast cancer. The doctors caught it early, but it was still there — the C word. Holy crap, cancer?! Is she going to be okay? What kind of treatment will this entail? Mastectomy? Chemo? Radiation? What about recurrence? Is this hereditary? Not to sound selfish, but are my sister and I doomed to get breast cancer, too? What about my little nieces? What will I do if something happens to my ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600727 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:09:58 +0100 4600727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592642&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2F2011-nccn-conference-new-treatment-options-lead-to-steady-progress-against-ovarian-cancer%2F Recommendations stemming from recent clinical trials highlight notable updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) for Ovarian Cancer at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) 16th Annual Conference. Although finding effective screening tools remains a priority, new treatment options for women with ovarian cancer, such as the ones outlined in the [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592642 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 01:20:30 +0100 4592642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570714&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fmixed-but-good-i-think.html And I'm not talking about the weather, which while it has been mixed, has been pretty consistently bad for the last twenty four hours. We had a big dump of snow (the photo above was taken from my front door), followed by freezing rain, which will be followed by ordinary rain.Good thing I just bought rain boots.My GP called me last week to let me know the results of my endoscopy (I won't get in to see the gastroenterologist until March 21st). All my results were negative - no celiac, no bacterial infection, no cancer. It's all good.Then I talked to my oncologist on Friday. We discussed my scope results and my digestive symptoms (diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain). He expressed surprised that I was still feeling lousy on Friday after a Tuesday treatment. I told him that my recovery time ha... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570714 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:07:00 +0100 4570714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560519&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F07%2F2011-sgo-annual-meeting-ovarian-cancer-abstracts-selected-for-presentation%2F The March 2011 supplemental issue of Gynecologic Oncology sets forth the ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer-related medical abstracts selected by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists for presentation at its 42nd Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer™, which is being held in Orlando, Florida from March 6-9, 2011. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is hosting its 42nd Annual [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560519 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:39:54 +0100 4560519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507280&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fselecting-targeted-therapies-online-the-future-of-personalized-cancer-treatment%2F2011.02.22 The word cancer comes from the greek word for crab “karkinos,” so named by Hippocrates who visualized the tumor and its surrounding vessels looking like a crab, dug stubbornly into the sand with its legs. We know far more about cancer today than the ancient Greeks, but the vision of an entrenched opponent, almost impossible to extract whole, appears to be vividly prescient. What we have realized over the last half century is that removal of the visible tumor is not enough. Even as we learned how to do bigger and more destructive surgeries, the cancer still managed to sneak back in, growing later at different locations. The crab’s legs are still embedded in the patient. Thus the discovery that certain chemicals could extinguish these rogue cells opened the modern era of cancer therapy... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507280 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:00:25 +0100 4507280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464660&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fwhen-google-is-not-your-friend.html So I've been having some (ahem) gastrointestinal issues for a while. Last spring, I was diagnosed with GERD. Things got better after I made some amendments to my diet and started taking meds (so much better that I got lazy about the diet and just took the meds). But now the issues are back in spades, along with abdominal discomfort and a feeling I can only discribe as "weasels chewing on my innards."A couple of weeks ago, I went to see my GP who doubled my dose of the meds, ordered some blood tests and other (ahem) samples and put in a referral to a gastroenterologist. She told me that it would likely be a six month wait. I had chemo on Tuesday, February 1st, which means I should have been feeling more or less like myself on the week end. I did not. By Saturday, I was still achy, weak, nau... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464660 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4464660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429227&cid=t_101631_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F6enU1acrRKw%2F File this under ‘going from bad to worse.’ Just a few weeks after the FDA decided to rescind the breast cancer indication for Avastin, the med sold by Roche’s Genentech unit is now linked to an increased risk of causing a fatal reaction when combined with chemotherapy, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (here is the abstract). The side effects occurred in 2.5 percent of patients given Avastin and other meds, compared to 1.7 percent for patients treated with just chemo. The study examined 16 clinical trials of Avastin for breast, lung and other cancers involving 10,217 patients. The most common side effects leading to death were hemorrhage, gastrointestinal tract perforation and infections in patients with weakened immune systems. And t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429227 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:34:26 +0100 4429227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424393&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fday-at-chemo-unit.html Today is a chemo day, so I won't be around to post anything new. This piece originally appeared as a guest post on the blog of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. It's pretty Ottawa-specific but I suspect that many of the routines are similar, wherever you're being treated.Further to yesterday's post, I thought I would write about what you can expect when visiting the cancer centre for a chemotherapy or other systemic treatment. When I was starting out, I found the chemo orientation and the tour to be very helpful but there was a lot of information to digest. And I was feeling so overwhelmed that much of it was quickly forgotten. Checking in: Present your green hospital card at reception and your requisition form for blood work, if you have an ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424393 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4424393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419375&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbe-tough-enough-to-take-care-of-yourself-through-breast-cancer%2F There was a lot of hoopla about Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler last week. During the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, Cutler hurt his knee. This game was to determine which team was going to the Super Bowl, and when Cutler seemed to check out, the victory ultimately went to Green Bay. The uproar that erupted was caused by sportswriters, fans, and even Cutler’s own teammates, who questioned his toughness and commitment to the team and wondered whether he even had an injury. Ultimately, an MRI showed that indeed Cutler had suffered a serious knee injury. This weekend, instead of apologizing, the accusers seemed to think he should have been tough enough to play the duration of the game with an injury. You are probably wondering what this story has to do with br... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419375 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:08:56 +0100 4419375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405992&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmakeup-is-fun-even-during-chemotherapy%2F This weekend I went shopping with girlfriends. We had a blast. We looked at jewelry and tried on clothes and played with makeup — all the girly stuff. These two girlfriends and I each have two sons. In addition, all of our sons are pretty much the same age and in college. That means that we haven’t had daughters to shop with, but we do have each other. I treasure all my girlfriends; I can’t imagine life without any one of them. We had a great time trying on new makeup. I love makeup. Lipstick is my favorite, but I love choosing new eye colors too. Makeup was something I really appreciated while I was going through chemotherapy. Christmas fell halfway through my treatment period and Sister surprised me with a gift basket filled with the best makeup including lipstick, blusher, eyeline... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405992 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:35:13 +0100 4405992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394692&cid=t_101631_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=4382762&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Frealistic-medicine-the-kind-of-thinking-to-look-for%2F2011.01.21 There are several stages in becoming an empowered, engaged, activated patient — a capable, responsible partner in getting good care for yourself, your family, whoever you’re caring for. One ingredient is to know what to expect, so you can tell when things seem right and when they don’t. Researching a project today, I came across an article* published in 2006: ”Key Learning from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s 10-Year Patient Safety Journey.” This table shows the attitude you’ll find in an organization that has realized the challenges of medicine and is dealing with them realistically: “Errors are everywhere.” “Great care in a high-risk environment.” What kind of attitude is that? It’s accurate. This work began after the death of Boston Globe healt... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382762 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:00:29 +0100 4382762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372218&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F01%2F19%2Fbabies-or-not-guest-posts%2F Today was spent updating the Honor Roll page.  I am gratified by the response of all our Guest Bloggers to the new Award Badge.  It is wonderful to be able to lend support to some of the great writing that goes on in personal cancer blogs.  It is also rewarding to see our logo spread across the cancer blogging community. Since news of Being Cancer Network is spreading, bloggers are contacting me asking to be included in our Cancer Blogs Lists.  Recently Amy wrote to let me know about her blog and battle with breast cancer.  She writes at Babies or Not. It Has Begun When the shock that I have breast cancer was still fresh, I had conversations on the phone with many women who had been in my shoes before me, some with diagnoses much worse than my own. “This is the worst part,&#8221... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372218 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:46:30 +0100 4372218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304878&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-cancer-hits-a-doctors-home%2F2011.01.02 This year has been a weird one for me and cancer. In the ER, we see cancer patients pretty infrequently. The occasional chemotherapy with fever, but that’s about it. I think the oncologists try hard to keep the patients out of the ER — to everybody’s benefit. But this year, I’ve had a weird rash of cases where I’ve made primary diagnoses of cancer in the ER — several times over and over and over again. In ten years I don’t think I’ve made as many cancer diagnoses as I have this year alone. Just very strange. Unfortunately, it came home to roost. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Movin' Meat* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304878 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0100 4304878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300552&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-war-against-cancer-a-new-perspective%2F2010.12.30 Myths and misconceptions about cancer abound. Oncologists are frequently criticized for torturing patients by burning, cutting and poisoning without making any real progress in the war against cancer. Siddhartha Mukherjee, an oncologist and cancer researcher, tries to set the record straight with his new book The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.   It is a unique combination of insightful history, cutting edge science reporting, and vivid stories about the individuals involved: The scientists, the activists, the doctors, and the patients. It is also the story of science itself: How the scientific method works and how it developed, how we learned to randomize, do controlled trials, get informed consent, use statistics appropriately, and how science can go wrong. It is so bea... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300552 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:00:43 +0100 4300552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298774&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fhappy-new-hair%2F I didn’t much mind losing my hair to chemotherapy – hair loss is such an integral part of our cultural framework of cancer that I think I might not have felt I Had Cancer Properly if I’d kept it. (I know lots of people do keep their head of hair, thanks to different chemotherapy cocktails and the ordeal that is the cold cap. I am glad for them.) But even though I didn’t really bother about my hair going, I’ve been pretty obsessed with it coming back. Haircuts, colours, the first time I could tuck it behind my ears…. I’ve treasured every milimetre of my returning tresses. And I’ve been very clear about my intentions for my hair: long, long, long. Long enough for me and a passing netball squad to sit on. Long enough to plait into a couple of ro... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298774 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:50:26 +0100 4298774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275552&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-chemo-brain-and-post-traumatic-stress%2F I have posted tons of blogs over the past few years and one of my favorite still remains the one I did about chemo brain entitled, “You know you have chemo brain when.” The comments are actually hilarious — well, if you are a breast cancer survivor. I doubt if anyone else would find it as funny. I have written about chemo brain in other blogs since then, and I still wrestle with the idea that I am suffering — slowly, hopefully recovering some of my brain functioning affected by what I still call chemo brain. Lately I have had another idea about it. I think a component of the whole chemo brain condition could actually be attributed to post-traumatic stress. Post-traumatic stress has gained a lot of attention lately, especially as we see more and more war veterans returning home with... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275552 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:29:40 +0100 4275552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134030&cid=t_101631_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=4134150&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F03%2Faccess-pharma-commences-european-phase-ii-study-of-prolindac%25e2%2584%25a2-paclitaxel-in-platinum-sensitive-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F Access Pharmaceuticals announces commencement of a Phase 2 combination trial for its second generation DACH-platinum cancer drug, ProLindac™ (formerly known as AP5346), in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients. This trial is an open-label, Phase 2 study of ProLindac™ given intravenously with paclitaxel. The combination trial will be conducted in up to eight European participating centers. Access [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134150 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:04:01 +0100 4134150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4122024&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F31%2Fgirls-with-stage-i-ovarian-germ-cell-tumors-can-safely-skip-chemotherapy-until-recurrence%2F Researchers from Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center found that as many as 50 percent of young girls treated for germ-cell ovarian tumors may be safely spared chemotherapy using a “watch and wait” strategy to determine whether follow-up treatment is needed. Researchers from Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC) found that as many as 50 percent of young girls [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4122024 Sun, 31 Oct 2010 22:23:31 +0100 4122024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098364&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fanother-poor-idea.html I understand the desire to rein in health care costs. I understand that cancer is a very expensive illness to treat. I understand that having standard treatment protocols is a usual practice. I don't understand why insurance companies are trying to get involved with deciding doctors need to follow standard protocols for cancer treatments as a way to control costs.One of the things you learn with cancer is that every cancer is different. You can take two patients with the same cancer diagnosis and their treatments may differ. Tumor aggressiveness, lymph node status, tumor size, age of patient, other health issues, etc. In cancer staging, there is some wiggle room. For example with my diagnosis of Stage IIA breast cancer it is defined as one of these three conditions:'The tumor is 2 cm or le... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098364 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:10:00 +0100 4098364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045093&cid=t_101631_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=3993839&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fpsychological-or-physical-stress-decrease-effectiveness-of-chemotherapy%2F We thought you’d be interested in reading this post from Catherine Donaldson-Evans at AOL Health. Cancer patients who subject themselves to psychological or physical stress, even in the form of intense exercise, a day or two before treatment might be canceling out its effects without even realizing it. New research shows that significant stress in the body, including that caused by a rigorous workout, may activate a protein that will help deadly cancer cells survive chemotherapy and radiation. Scientists at The Ohio State University say the findings suggest that cancer cells have found a way to use the stress-sensitive protein to stave off treatment. “One of the known inducers of this factor is exercise. I am not against exercise, but the timing is critical,” study lead ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993839 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:59:18 +0100 3993839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987200&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fchronically-whiny.html I always think it's going to be different.I say to myself, "This round of treatment, I will exercise and write and continue with my daily routine and see if that makes me feel better."And thent, in the days that follow each dose of vinorelbine and Herceptin, I stay in bed too sick to do anything and lacking the self-discipline (motivation?) to try getting exercise, writing or going about my daily routine.I don't even bother to eat well (although the soup I made the night before chemo was delicious and easy to heat up, so I did eat lots of that) or even do the easy things that might help (I was on the phone with my writing buddy and she asked if I'd been drinking hot water with lemon and ginger. Easy to prepare and she swears by it, yet I had completely forgotten).I don't even drink enough ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987200 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:42:00 +0100 3987200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987233&cid=t_101631_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FF6ERgR5025Y%2F There is nothing like a story that tugs on the heart strings and forces reconsideration of an issue. Take the very sad tale of two close cousins from California who both developed melanoma - Tom McLaughlin landed in the experimental arm of a clinical trial for a Roche drug, PLX4032, while Brandon Ryan was chosen by computer lottery for the placebo. Their plight and the implications were detailed movingly in The New York Times. The central issue raised is whether a controlled trial for extending life is ethical. In this instance, PLX4032 was shown to shrink tumors in some patients, but only for a limited time, and the key question was whether those patients would live longer. The standard chemotherapy used in melanoma, dacarbazine, slowed tumor growth in 15 percent of patients for an averag... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987233 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:37:26 +0100 3987233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885512&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-good-stuff-can-outshine-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis%2F There is a Bible book in the Old Testament called Job, which tells the story of a man who had everything in life. Job was a well-respected and good person who was prosperous and had a big family. But when God allowed Satan to test Job, he lost everything, including his children. While he was sitting forlorn and discouraged, his wife — who I assume was just as adversely affected by all the loss — told him to curse God and die. I don’t blame her for her sentiment at the time. Job, however, resisted all urges to turn on God and refused to give up his faith. In the end, God restored everything to Job and more. Lately I have heard more than one person give themselves the name of Job. We are all tempted to see our particular hardship as the worst thing that could happen to anyone. A woman ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885512 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:45:18 +0100 3885512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872491&cid=t_101631_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Factor-michael-douglas-diagnosed-throat-tumor%2F In a somewhat vaguely worded press release, it was announced today that actor Michael Douglas has been diagnosed with a “throat tumor” of unknown etiology and will undergo eight weeks of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872491 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:32:16 +0100 3872491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858332&cid=t_101631_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=3849040&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fi-get-personal-with-run-for-cure.html This is the text from my page at Run for the Cure site;Thanks for visiting my personal page.I was diagnosed with very agressive breast cancer in January 2006. In November of that year, I learned that it had spread to my liver.My oncologist told me that the were "more tumours than they could count" and when I asked how long I could expect to live, he reluctantly answered, "Years. Not decades."Fast forward to June 2007, when after several rocky months of treatments, I started feeling much better. Then, on June 30th 2007, a scan confirmed what my body had been telling me - there was no longer any sign of cancer in my body!I have been in remission for three years. I'll remain in treatment (chemotherapy and Herceptin every four weeks) for the forseeable future, though. There are so few women in... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3849040 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:18:00 +0100 3849040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845062&cid=t_101631_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fashley-anne-kirilow-fakes-cancer-money-disney-trip%2F Toronto-area resident Ashley Anne Kirilow faked having cancer and receiving chemotherapy by shaving her head and eyebrows and plucking her eyelashes and then bilked local charities and residents out of almost $20,000. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845062 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:27:47 +0100 3845062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790702&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-cancer-letter-reveals-rhodes-scholar-falsification-by-duke-cancer-researcher%2F2010.07.26 This is not good. Not good at all. Recently Paul Goldberg of The Cancer Letter reported on an investigation into Duke cancer researcher Anil Potti, M.D., and claims made that he was a Rhodes Scholar in Australia. The misrepresentation was made on grant applications to National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The Cancer Letter, a $375 per year go-to newsletter on cancer research, funding, and drug development, has made this issue free at this PDF link. News & Observer higher education reporter Eric Ferreri has a nice overview of the situation. Potti has been placed on administrative leave by Duke, and the ACS has suspended payments on his grant and initiated their own investigation. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Terr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790702 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:00:07 +0100 3790702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776569&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fwatch-me-on-tee-vee.html Or catch it online.I'm being featured in a story on cancer blogging on CBC News Network (formerly Newsworld). Tune in this evening, between 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET You can also watch online at cbc.ca/connect (I'll post a direct link to the video once the show has aired).I promise to blog more about the whole experience (I was interviewed at home with my family and in the chemo room) but I wanted to give all a chance to check it out..If you watch the show, let me know what you think.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776569 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:55:00 +0100 3776569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761592&cid=t_101631_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=3754035&cid=t_101631_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=3746932&cid=t_101631_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=3743496&cid=t_101631_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fdr-melissa-mcdiarmid-discusses-risks-handling-chemotherapy-drugs%2F University of Maryland occupational safety physician Dr. Melissa McDiarmid discusses the health risks to pharmacists and nurses who handle and prepare chemotherapy drugs. Sue Crump, Bruce Harrison, Karen Lewis, and Brett Cordes are healthcare workers who all contracted cancer that they believe was related to their chronic exposure from handling the drugs. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743496 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:27:16 +0100 3743496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740787&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F09%2Fesmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-regarding-brca-gene-mutations-ovarian-cancer-supportive-cancer-care%2F The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is the leading European professional organization committed to advancing the specialty of medical oncology, and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and care. …  The ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines include coverage of  (i) BRCA gene mutations in breast and ovarian cancer, (ii) gynecologic tumors, and (iii) supportive [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740787 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:27:51 +0100 3740787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718645&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F01%2Fclinical-conundrums-choosing-the-best-management-approaches-in-patients-with-ovarian-cancer%2F On June 16, 2010, Clinical Care Options Oncology released a Microsoft Powerpoint Presentation entitled, “Clinical Conundrums:  Choosing the Best Management Approaches in Patients With Ovarian Cancer.” The presentation provides the most recent data on managing patients with ovarian cancer in the frontline and recurrent setting and in specific clinical scenarios. On June 16, 2010, Clinical Care [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718645 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:53:12 +0100 3718645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718646&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F01%2Fbms-345541-dasatinib-resensitizes-carboplatin-resistant-recurrent-ovarian-cancer-cells%2F Johns Hopkins medical researchers discovered through proteomic analysis that RELA and STAT5 are upregulated in carboplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells, according to a published study appearing in the June 18 edition of PLoS One. Moreover, the researchers also demonstrated that BMS-345541 (a NF-kappaB inhibitor) and dasatinib (a STAT5 inhibitor) could resensitize carboplatin-resistant, recurrent ovarian cancer [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718646 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:53:34 +0100 3718646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595550&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fwin-win-save-25-on-eboost-pink-lemonade-and-fight-breast-cancer-with-susan-g-komen-for-the-cure%2F Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer? Or maybe you’ve received that diagnosis yourself. If so, EBOOST and Blisstree understand the long road and challenges ahead. That’s why for every box of pink lemonade that EBOOST sells, they’ll 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 terrible 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 awarenes... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595550 Tue, 25 May 2010 14:00:42 +0100 3595550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515578&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fstaying-abreast-of-better-health-practices%2F Steven Narod, MD, is a foremost authority on BRCA cancers. I met him after my genetics team at the University of Michigan referred Sister to him in Canada. Dr. Narod is affiliated with the Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto and is what you would expect from a passionate researcher — quirky and optimistic. Sister has been proactive about her diagnosis and is involved in a study in Canada where she is tested twice yearly; she receives a mammogram in January and an MRI in May. Her goal is to keep her breasts, and aggressive monitoring will identify any sign of a breast tumor early. She also stays abreast (pun intended) of continuing research and findings regarding genetic breast cancers. A hysterectomy two years ago reduced Sister’s risk of both breast cancer and ovarian canc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515578 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:35:30 +0100 3515578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508189&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealwomenonhealth.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F04%2FKelleyPromo-04-28-10.mp3 Kelley Connors This post was written by Kelley Connors, President, Founder, Real Women on Health! We’re a culture that mixes sexy and boobs.  So, can a woman feel sexy without breasts? For breast cancer, and other, survivors, the question sounds just as practical as  provoking.  Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer affecting women, except non-melanoma skin cancer. It’s commonness increases with age and with more targeted treatments available today, women are living longer with cancer. But the effects of treatment remain.  In some cases, women choose to have their breast removed as prevention… while others have no choice and must have surgery and chemotherapy. Regardless of the path a woman chooses,  cancer wreaks havoc on her “sensual self.” From the toxic eff... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508189 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:07:03 +0100 3508189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508133&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Fjothy-rosenberg-who-says-i-cant%2F Filed under: Cancer SurvivorsJothy Rosenberg never wanted to be a hero. In the 1970s, he was a kid who was interested in girls and sports. At 16, though, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and given a choice - to have his leg amputated or die. Within hours, doctors removed his leg. Unfortunately for Rosenberg, his specialist was used to working with older patients with weaker blood flows. The surgery became more complicated than necessary and now, though he is a grandfather, his phantom pain still rages. Rosenberg struggled to learn to use his prosthesis, but his determination and strong will - sometimes confused with stubbornness - made it possible for him to learn to maneuver on his new leg or, when that didn't work, without the prosthesis. By the time Rosenberg was in col... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508133 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3508133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508394&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhos-really-controlling-your-health-care%2F For the past year I have been debating health-care reform on the national front at Washingtonpost.com. People in America have been so concerned about big government takeover of health care that their fears have played right into the hands of big business. The practice of targeting and cancelling policies of people diagnosed with serious and chronic illness is well documented. Last week the news agency Reuters reported that WellPoint, the country’s largest insurance agency with nearly 34 million policyholders, had cancelled the policies of at least two women diagnosed with breast cancer [Editor’s note: WellPoint has issued a statement denying these allegations]. This isn’t new — breast cancer is expensive to treat and easy to profile, so insurers know what groups of people are most ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508394 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:30:19 +0100 3508394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494506&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-hair-is-back-and-so-is-my-vanity%2F Finally! After five years, my hair is back to where it was before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When my hair first started growing back after chemotherapy, it was completely different than what I was expecting. It was dark and curly, and the texture was thicker than my ”real” hair. I didn’t mind it much, mostly because I was so grateful not to be bald anymore. It was also a novelty to have short, dark, curly hair when most of my adult life I had shoulder-length, blond, straight shiny hair. As my hair continued to grow, it lost the curliness and I had long wavy brown hair — this was a novelty for me too. I actually felt like a sexy, sultry brunette. What I didn’t feel was like myself. For a few years, I struggled with my appearance. I liked how I looked as a brunette, bu... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494506 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:06:34 +0100 3494506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449091&cid=t_101631_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_101631_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=3429403&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2F0-2-9-14.html Yesterday was a chemo day, so I don't have much in the way of original thought to offer up to you.It was more stressful and a longer day than most but made infinitely easier by the presence of my friend T. We had lots to talk about and she ably distracted me when I felt the stress levels rising (the guy beside me was, for much of the time, having a shouted conversation with the man across the "pod."). She even tucked me in very sweetly as I settled in for my post Demerol nap.Between bloodwork and chemo, T. and I went out to lunch at The Green Door. Over our veggies, we got to talking about food. I've been seeing a nutritionist, who has made some initial adjustments to my diet (minimal sugar, no dairy, more raw food, a high quality protein with every meal or snack). Since I told the nutrion... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429403 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +0100 3429403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399131&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fperspective-in-grey.html On June 30th it will be three years since my first clean scan, after the cancer had spread to my liver.For almost three years, I have had no evidence of disease (been NED, in cancer lingo).And yet I remain in treatment.I am asked frequently why I continue to receive chemotherapy and Herceptin, if there is no sign of cancer in my body. And the truth is that I often ask myself the same question. Certainly, I don't feel like I have cancer. And I do feel that the cumulative effects - both physical and emotional of ongoing treatment are wearing me down.I am stuck in cancer's grey area.My oncologist said to me last summer, "For all we know, you could be cured."We just don't know enough.Another oncologist I spoke to, hinted that some would take me out of treatment at this point. A third suggested... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399131 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:20:00 +0100 3399131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385512&cid=t_101631_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=3378688&cid=t_101631_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=3338404&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F05%2Fgog-says-continuation-of-pivotal-opaxio-maintenance-therapy-trial-gog-212-remains-high-priority%2F Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Notifies CTI That Continuation of GOG-212 Pivotal Trial of OPAXIO Maintenance Therapy in Front Line Ovarian Cancer Remains High Priority.  GOG-218 Bevacizumab Results Do Not Influence Importance of GOG-212 Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (“CTI”) announced today that the company received a statement on March 1, 2010 from the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) leadership [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338404 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:48:42 +0100 3338404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311889&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F25%2Fgenentech-announces-positive-results-of-avastin-phase-iii-study-in-women-with-advanced-ovarian-cancer%2F Genentech announces positive results of Avastin Phase III study (GOG 218) in women with advanced ovarian cancer. The study showed that women who continued maintenance use of Avastin alone, after receiving Avastin in combination with chemotherapy, lived longer without the disease worsening compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. This is the first Phase [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311889 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:40:30 +0100 3311889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298550&cid=t_101631_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=3283785&cid=t_101631_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=3262847&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhy-am-i-keeping-this-wig-after-i-survived-cancer%2F Like a lot of women I know I have fat pants in my closet. You know, the ones you kept from when you were at your heaviest so you can remind yourself how much weight you lost. They are usually one or two sizes bigger than you are now. Only some of us keep them because every now and then our weight creeps back up and we actually need a pair of bigger pants. We refuse to pay for fat clothes because we are convinced the weight will come off again. Some of us never even tell anyone but sisters and close girlfriends about our fat pants. Certainly my husband doesn’t know. When he comes with me to doctor’s offices I don’t even let my husband see the nurse weigh me or check my height; I don’t want to ruin his image of me as tall and thin, which isn’t easy to accomplish... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262847 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:29:19 +0100 3262847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254667&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmaking-up-for-things-breast-cancer-has-stolen%2F I was looking for a pair of earrings the other day that I haven’t worn in years. I couldn’t find them because they were among the pieces of jewelry that were stolen during a break-in that occurred during the first months I was going through chemotherapy. It happened during the day while everyone was out of the house. I had forgot the earrings were among the things stolen. In the midst of battling breast cancer, a break-in seemed like a small thing. Now and then though I realize that pieces of me were stolen during that robbery. Little things that might not have been extremely valuable but meant a lot. Like the pearls my parents gave me, or a pendant from a friend; things that I can never replace. My husband took the insurance money and bought me a huge diamond ring to try to ma... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254667 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:16:12 +0100 3254667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254668&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F08%2Fidentifying-overcoming-taxane-drug-resistance%2F Proteomics study reveals a protein that, when suppressed, makes cancers more susceptible to chemotherapy involving taxane drugs. Taxanes, a group of cancer drugs that includes paclitaxel (Taxol®) and docetaxel (Taxotere®), have become front-line therapy for a variety of metastatic cancers. But as with many chemotherapy agents, resistance can develop, a frequent problem in breast, ovarian, prostate [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254668 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:18:24 +0100 3254668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231434&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F02%2F02%2Favoid-chemotherapy-side-effects%2F Filed under: Cancer CaregiversAfter passing a bill that allows marijuana use for medical purposes, New Jersey is the fourteenth state to have legalized its use. Although the federal government still regards marijuana as illegal, it is becoming a popular drug at the state level. What most people don't realize is that a synthetic version of marijuana is already legal and available by prescription in all states. Marinol, a synthetic THC, received FDA approval in 1985. Doctors who prescribe the drug generally use it to treat chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting, among other conditions. If you don't live in a state that allows marijuana to be used for medical purposes, there are other ways to curb side effects. Before starting chemotherapy, make sure that you have a friend o... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231434 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3231434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212566&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2Ftwo-combination-treatment-regimens-added-to-updated-nccn-guidelines-for-ovarian-cancer%2F The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently updated the NCCN Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer to include two additional combination treatment regimens for women with select types of recurring ovarian cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently updated the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for Oncology™ for Ovarian Cancer to reflect the addition of two preferred combination [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212566 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:44:49 +0100 3212566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208315&cid=t_101631_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2Fcope-with-hair-loss%2F Filed under: Cancer CaregiversCancer patients often have a hard time coping with hair loss. Remember, not all chemotherapy medicines cause hair loss, and doctors can tell you what to expect. Although hair loss doesn't occur right away -- and hair grows back after treatment -- losing one's hair can be an emotional experience, especially because hair loss occurs on all parts of the body -- facial hair, arm and leg hair, underarm hair and pubic hair. During chemotherapy, hair and scalp need special care. Use a mild shampoo and a soft hair brush. Try to air-dry your hair. Wear a short hair cut, which will make hair look thicker and fuller. Sleep on a satin pillowcase. Do not use rollers, dye hair or get a perm. Use a sunscreen, sunblock, hat, scarf or wig to protect the scalp f... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208315 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3208315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200629&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbuying-shoes-to-get-through-chemo%2F I have decided that I need a pair of red patent leather high heel pumps with a platform. I saw them somewhere a couple of weeks ago and they keep creeping into my thoughts. I have a real weakness for shoes. This doesn’t make me unique as a woman, shoes have a real appeal for most of us. These shoes are pretty sensational though, they are shiny and the perfect shade of tomato red and have at least a four inch heel. I picture them with a skinny pair of jeans (I was envisioning when I was skinnier). Truthfully I didn’t buy them because I sensed they would end up with the rest of my collection of shoes, many of which are still new and in the box. OK, I confess, I am obsessed with shoes and have a very weird relationship with them. They make me happy! Before I had the second surgery... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200629 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:02:09 +0100 3200629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197844&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fin-other-news.html I was felled by a yucky stomach bug this week and really didn't feel much like blogging. It's the price I pay for a weakened immune system. My older son is home sick today, too. Not sure what his excuse is.Also, my spouse is in Florida. As far as I know, he's not sick.To compensate for my bitterness at having been struck down during a week of single parenting (I know, some of you have to deal with this kind of thing all the time), I thought I would show off a little.Here is my latest clapotis. I made it for my mom.She thinks she's not very photogenic but I think she's lovely.I made this thing on tiny (2.75mm, if you care about these things) needles and a laceweight (read very fine) yarn. It nearly killed me. I was working on it during chemo one day and one of the pharmacists, herself a kni... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197844 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:22:00 +0100 3197844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163916&cid=t_101631_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Flasting-side-effects-from-ms-meds%2F I can’t remember what I was doing the other day, but the way I moved my arm coupled with the angle of the light showed two very deep groves from the back of my hand, running serpentine around my forearm before they fade into the muscle near my elbow.  I’ve seen these collapsed veins before; the result of treatment with Novantrone for my progressive multiple sclerosis. But that day, again in that certain light, they looked deeper, older and more prominent than I’ve seen in a while. As I made this morning’s coffee, I saw them again and I thought they (and other lasting side effects) might be a good topic for today’s blog. Though Novantrone is “baby chemo,” it is still a pretty potent and dangerous drug.  Anyone that has watched their chemo nurse “suit-up” before h... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163916 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:33:22 +0100 3163916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149274&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fback-to-the-front-lines-in-the-battle-against-breast-cancer%2F I’m at four month visits with my oncologist now. After five years of trotting off to the same office, I still look forward to visiting my old support network that saw me through chemotherapy. It appears though that after five years, the old support staff has changed. The oncology nurses that hooked me up to the drip bags have all moved on to other jobs and I didn’t recognize anyone in the chemo clinic this visit. Maybe that’s a good thing. Nothing to link me to the chemo period. This visit I met with my doctor’s physician assistant. She checked me out and told me everything looked good, gave me my prescription for a chest x-ray and sent me to the chemo clinic for a blood sample. Before she finished though she advised me that I was finishing with Tamoxifen this month... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149274 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:37:25 +0100 3149274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111647&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftake-it-easy-this-christmas%2F I’m ready for Christmas! My tree is up, my house is decorated and even the outside of my house is all lit up for the holidays. My Christmas shopping is pretty much done and some of the gifts are wrapped. This is a major breakthrough for me. Every Christmas Eve I wish I had two more weeks to get ready, not this year though. In the midst of the busiest season I have ever known, I somehow managed to pull it all together. Being organized doesn’t come easy for me. I’m one of those people who does better when I have more stress and a lot to accomplish; it makes me focus. Another successful Christmas that I can remember was the one I celebrated in the middle of chemotherapy. I was working, I was bald and I was chemo challenged – that’s what I call being physically weaken... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111647 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:46:18 +0100 3111647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075728&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flosing-health-care-in-the-middle-of-chemo%2F Those of us that have been through treatment for breast cancer know how complicated it can be to have to deal with insurance companies to make sure you are covered for tests, surgery and office visits, it can be a nightmare to navigate through. My personal nightmare is all about losing health insurance coverage in the middle of chemo. When I was in my third month of chemotherapy, my husband’s job situation changed. That meant that after 30 days we would have to choose COBRA or be without health insurance. I still had several more chemotherapy sessions scheduled. So we chose COBRA. I have told this story before, but it helps people understand why I am so committed to health care reform. It is because in the middle of chemotherapy I had to find an additional 1200.00 dollars a month to ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075728 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:23:54 +0100 3075728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067271&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F07%2Fmit-develops-new-platinum-compound-as-powerful-as-cisplatin-but-better-able-to-destroy-tumor-cells%2F MIT chemists have developed a new platinum compound that is as powerful as the commonly used anticancer drug cisplatin but better able to destroy tumor cells. Massachusetts Institute of Technology chemists have developed a new platinum compound that is as powerful as the commonly used anticancer drug cisplatin but better able to destroy tumor cells. The new compound, [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067271 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:30:43 +0100 3067271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039996&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FcStDxmXtqm0%2Fcancer-control Soon into my cancer care, I somewhat unintentionally started developing small, mundane rituals around my house. After my first surgery, I had a daily pattern.  When I could muster up the energy, I would sit in a warm bath and listen to Patsy Cline.  The bathroom was a world away from the rest of my studio apartment where my mom and I were living side by side.  Getting into the tub felt like a vacation, and a major accomplishment.  My world had become so small, so boring, so comparatively unproductive that taking my Patsy Cline bath everyday felt like a tangible accomplishment. I typically despise routine, schedules, and predictability.  But so many things that I could formerly count on, like having a social life, working, paying bills, were thrown out the window when I became a young ... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039996 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:07:23 +0100 3039996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023377&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fanother-side-effect-of-chemotherapy-smell-sensitivity%2F This Saturday I had an amazing day with one of my close friends. She planned a fun girl’s day for us starting with a pedicure for me. She wanted me to unwind – I’ve been a little overwhelmed lately. It was a wonderful day and I am so grateful to have a friend like her. In fact I have the most wonderful friends in the world, they all care deeply and make me feel loved. My darling friend had a sample of a fragrance she loved and wanted to purchase a bottle of the spray cologne. The problem was she didn’t know the name so the sales associates had to spend some time to track it down, which involved smelling a lot of perfume samples in the store. I used to always wear perfume. It was one of my favorite gifts, and my mother always gave me my favorite fragrance for Christmas. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023377 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:55:15 +0100 3023377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989362&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2F15-movies-that-stick-with-you.html This is a meme that has been doing the rounds on Facebook. I posted it there yesterday but I am too tired and lazy to write anything original today thought it worth sharing with the rest of the worldRules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen movies you've seen that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. You can participate in the comments or leave a link to your own blog. 1. Gallipoli2. Fast Times at Ridgemont High3. An Officer an A Gentleman4. El Norte5. The Killing Fields6. Swimming to Cambodia7. The Princess Bride8. Grease9. Priscilla Queen of the Desert10. The Breakfast Club11. Rachel Getting Married12. History of the World Part 113. The Producers (the original version)14. The Thomas Crowne Affair15. Mamma Mia (Source: Not j... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989362 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:51:00 +0100 2989362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984987&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F11%2Fucla-researchers-significantly-inhibit-growth-of-ovarian-cancer-cell-lines-with-fda-approved-leukemia-drug-dasatinib-sprycel%25c2%25ae%2F The drug dasatinib (Sprycel®), approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in patients with specific types of leukemia, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death, say UCLA researchers in the November 10th issue of the British Journal of Cancer. The drug, when paired with [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984987 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:45:53 +0100 2984987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963293&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F04%2F%25c3%25a6terna-zentaris-lhrh-receptor-targeted-therapy-aezs-108-produces-positive-preliminary-results-in-advanced-stage-ovarian-cancer%2F Preliminary Phase II clinical study evaluation shows that primary efficacy endpoint has been met for patients with advanced-stage, platinum-resistant, taxane-pretreated ovarian cancer who were treated with the targeted therapy AEZS-108. Æterna Zentaris Inc. , a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced positive efficacy data from a Phase II study with its [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963293 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:39:09 +0100 2963293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954743&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fthings-ive-learned-in-last-7-days-about.html My older son and I were both sick last week and are bouncing back rather nicely. The experience taught me a few things, though:1- The illness varies in its intensity. We both ended up with fairly mild cases.2- My doctor is extremely efficient and her office is very well organized. This ended up making a very big difference for us.3- Tamiflu, if administered within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, can greatly alleviate those symptoms.4- Oral Tamiflu can make you feel very, very queasy.5- You don't always get a fever when you have the illness.6- If you have any of the symptoms, you should assume you have the illness.7- You will not get tested for H1N1 unless you land in the hospital.8- Even if you think you've had swine flu, you should still get the vaccine, unless it was confirm... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954743 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:15:00 +0100 2954743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934918&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fblog-post.html Yesterday morning, I got a call from Oresta. She told me that she had read my article in the Centretown Buzz and wanted to reach out to me.Even though I love her store and spa (I asked for gift certificates for Christmas last year), I was not on her mailing list and had not received the letter that I posted above.It's hard to read, so here is the text, in full:OCTOBER is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTHPinkwasher: (pink’-wah-sher) noun. A company that pur-ports to care about breast cancer by promoting a pinkribboned product, but manufactures products that arelinked to the disease.Dear clients,ORESTA organic skin care confectionery is committed to providing organic spatreatments and to supporting companies that manufacture truly pure and organicproducts. We believe in beauty without compromi... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934918 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100 2934918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916403&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F21%2Fendocytes-ec145-produces-significant-anti-tumor-activity-in-advanced-stage-chemoresistant-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F Endocyte, Inc., … presented data from a Phase 2a clinical trial for EC145, … In 49 women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, EC145 was shown to have anti-tumor activity in a significant percentage of participants in the trial. …[T]he overall disease control rate, defined as stable disease, partial or complete response to therapy, was 40.8 [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916403 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:40 +0100 2916403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865897&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FBtlxZ2sm7OQ%2Frandom-acts-of-kindness During my first cancer treatment I was scared and in pain. I wanted hope and an escape, reassurance and strength. It came in the mail. I received a hand written letter full of empathy and understanding from a guy named Brian. He had suffered from Crohn’s disease and knew what it was like to feel young and beaten down. He told me to remember often the time in my life when I felt the most proud of myself, to remember the details of that moment and how it made me feel. It would get me through the worst of times, he said. And he was right. I remembered a dance performance I created two years before my diagnosis. I worked so hard and fiercely designing the movement, costumes, the sound score, and an intricate backdrop. I worked with an opera singer, live musicians, and dancers. I wove togethe... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865897 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:22:20 +0100 2865897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859060&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FFj25xFGOhvI%2Fcancer-risks-physical-activity I often hear that people live more fully after having a life threatening illness, doing things they have never done before. Not me. Since going through cancer treatment, I have a whole new relationship to physical risk. I just cannot stand it. I used to love hiking – scrambling up rocky hillsides, walking on narrow cliff ledges, going into the total isolation of deep, deep woods. Not now. Instead of freeing adventures I see in hiking mostly risks – falling to my death, injuring myself far away from help, stumbling across snakes. Radiation treatment was hell for me.  I reached new lows I never knew were possible.  My body now feels hardwired with the message “You are breakable.” I drive like a grandma because I know I’m breakable. I wash knives more carefully in the sink because... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859060 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:04:12 +0100 2859060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832371&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F24%2Fmodified-chemo-regime-increases-survival-in-advanced-ovarian-cancer-patients-but-adds-toxicity%2F Women with advanced ovarian cancer lived longer and without their tumors growing after receiving a modified regimen of a standard chemotherapy drug combination, Japanese researchers reported last week. In a large phase III clinical trial, women who received carboplatin every 3 weeks and a reduced dose of paclitaxel (Taxol®) once a week for 3 weeks [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832371 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:44:57 +0100 2832371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809864&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-chicken-catcher-vsthe-opera-singer-and-cancer-survivor%2F Kudos to the winner of America’s Got Talent, but I’m not sure he deserved to win. His talent was marginal at best, so I have to say that people were swayed by his story. An unemployed chicken catcher with a family to support who sang to his wife was America’s choice to win the million dollar prize and a show in Vegas. It seems the sister dance team or the over-the-top percussion team would make a greater show in Vegas, but Americans weren’t going for that. It even appeared that America was going to select the remarkably talented opera singer who had overcome cancer when the final two stood side by side. But no, America wanted the chicken catcher. Isn’t that how it goes sometimes? You know how it should be, you sense what would make a better story, but it doesn... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809864 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:43:09 +0100 2809864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807842&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Frandom-out-of-necessity.html It's Day 3 After Chemo and my brain is jumping around like a puppy with a burr up her butt. I can't focus on anything for more than a few seconds so here is a little bit of randomness:One:It appears that my family and I will be among the first in line for the H1N1 vaccine. My kids will be so thrilled.Two:My friend Jeanne, the Assertive Cancer Patient, posted about a reader in Texas who has $187,000 worth of Neupogen that she can't use:"Texas doesn't have a drug repository that would take this medicine and pass it on to someone who needs it, and she hates to see it go to waste, as do I. Any ideas, readers? Obviously, we can't break the law and put this stuff on eBay or Craigslist, so I am looking for legal ways to get these expensive drugs to someone who can use them."Three:Yesterday, I got... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807842 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:06:00 +0100 2807842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807843&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Ffrequent-flyer.html I had chemo on Tuesday. It was kind of a long day (I started with bloodwork at 8:30 and left the hospital at 3:30) which passed quickly due to the company of a really good friend. We had so much to say to each other that we needed the whole day to cover everything (except for when I was sleeping. The demerol/gravol combo really does knock me out).It would have been an even longer day if I hadn't been on the receiving end of a little preferential treatment. At one point, the nurse who coordinates the chemo floor came out to reception and wrote on the notice board that they were running an hour behind schedule. I happened to be standing nearby and she caught my eye and said to me, in French, "environ" (approximately). I was surprised, then, when my name was called a few minutes later. I pass... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807843 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:59:00 +0100 2807843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793390&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fbone-loss-public-service-announcement.html I have been reading Cancer Fitness by Anna L. Scharwtz. I'm only a few chapters in, but the book has already taught me some important things.I don't tend to devote a lot of thought to preventing bone loss but I did know that regular weight-bearing exercise helps prevent bone loss and to build strong bones. And while I walk and run (just finished the Running Room's beginner program again), I really don't do any strength training (or core work, for that matter, despite repeated promises to myself).The women in my family tend to have strong bones (and good bone density) but what I didn't realize was how many factors put me at risk:early menopause, as a result of chemotherapy.doxorubicin (Adriamycin, the infamous "red devil). I had 6 rounds (this is also the drug that temporarily damaged my he... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793390 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:21:00 +0100 2793390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789168&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Foncology-appointments-and-co-pays%2F Last week I had my regular oncologist appointment. My appointments are now four months apart instead of three months. I had the usual blood pressure check, review of medication and blood tests. The doctor also palpated for any lumps and listened to my lungs through a stethoscope. The usual stuff. She also checked my chart for my last chest X-ray and gave me a script since it’s been over a year and a half. That is something that I don’t like. I have the same discussion every visit about the necessity of X-rays and whether they can promote cancer. The response is always the same one about how these x-rays have very little radiation and it is important to monitor my lungs. This time I also wanted to know the increased risks for another cancer because of chemotherapy. My father wen... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789168 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:24:25 +0100 2789168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859070&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FB2bXNuQcCHk%2Fcancer-identity In 10th grade chemistry I created 40 phonetic spellings of my first name, chose Kairol, and it stuck. (I was born with the Mrs. Brady spelling. And yes, in 1987 you coul make up whatever name you wanted and slap it on a drivers license.) So, I got curious when I recently learned Matthew Zachary, founder of I’m Too Young For This, is actually named Matthew Greenzweig. He developed Matthew Zachary as an alter ego after treatment. Here’s what he told me: “When I was a senior in college, I was a concert pianist diagnosed with brain cancer. They said I’d never play again. I had horrific radiation, was so depressed, and thrown into the lion’s den of trying to figure out what happens to your life after treatment. That was the story of Matthew Greenzweig’s life and it was uncomfortable... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859070 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:09:28 +0100 2859070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670949&cid=t_101631_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FrZYUDP-BGt4%2F Good article today in the NYT on "chemo brain" - some typical short-term and long-term cognitive consequences of chemotherapy. The Fog That Follows Chemotherapy (New York Times) One quote is critical - for chemo brain and also for a variety of clinical conditions that present associated cognitive impairments: "Controlling for brain function before cancer treatment begins can help determine cause and effect. In one study, cancer patients took a battery of neuropsychological tests before starting chemotherapy, three weeks after completing treatment, and again one year later. Although a third of the patients had signs of cognitive impairment before therapy began, the number jumped to 61 percent after treatment, and half remained impaired a year later." As we have discussed... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670949 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:47:22 +0100 2670949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2662629&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F01%2Fm-d-andersons-epha2-targeted-therapy-delivers-chemo-directly-to-ovarian-cancer-cells%2F With a novel therapeutic delivery system, a research team led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has successfully targeted a protein that is over-expressed in ovarian cancer cells. Using the EphA2 protein as a molecular homing mechanism, chemotherapy was delivered in a highly selective manner in preclinical models of [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2662629 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:49:10 +0100 2662629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657726&cid=t_101631_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FJz96xWDQvdg%2F After finding out you have cancer, how serious it is and how it may be treated, a common worry is the loss of hair. Hair is a big thing in our society and both men and women often put a lot of time and effort into how their hair looks. The loss of the hair almost seems like the final straw - an emotional hurt that takes a lot out of you. There are ways that people cope, from buying a wardrobe of funky hats and colorful scarves to buying wigs of similar hair or something completely different. Others embrace their baldness and don’t cover up. Scalp Cooler from Paxman Coolers Ltd. A new idea has come to market that, while maybe sounding a bit “out there,” seems to be helping patients who are losing their hair and studies are finding that it may have some benefit. Called a sc... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657726 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:46:33 +0100 2657726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262865&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2Fsongs%2FColdDesert.mp3 Am I Benjamin Button? Feels like it. Severe osteoporosis. Severe kyphosis. Old, decrepit grannies have that. I’m 28. And a guy. F. me. This song has been on repeat lately. Feel free to mope with me: Cold Desert by Kings of Leon I’m on the corner, waiting for a light to come on That’s when I know that you’re alone It’s cold in the desert, water never sees the ground Special unspoken without sound You told me you loved me, that I’d never die alone Hand over your heart, let’s go home Everyone noticed, everyone has seen the signs I’ve always been known to cross lines I’ve never ever cried when I was feeling down I’ve always been scared of the sound Jesus don’t love me, no one ever carried my load I’m too young to feel this... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262865 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:22:00 +0100 3262865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598163&cid=t_101631_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F14%2Fjournal-of-care-services-management-2009-volume-3-number-4%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Home healthcare: Emerging evidence for NHS commissioners Fade Skinny: Evidence of the potential for home healthcare to form part of a coherent suite of appropriate, flexible and cost-effective services is emerging. As healthcare budgets come under increasing pressure and demands for care to be delivered in a manner more convenient to patients increase, so interest in this method of care delivery has grown. This paper briefly reviews the evidence base for home healthcare. (Print copy held at the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness Tagged: Athens Password, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Commissioning, Cost Effectiveness, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Home Healthcare, Oncology Services, Outreach, Patient Satisfaction (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598163 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:11:10 +0100 2598163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859123&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fchemo%2F Imagine your worst stomach flu ever. Now imagine you have to walk 20 miles. Then it starts to snow. Minutes later you are in a desert. Then ants crawl over you and sting every inch of your skin they can find. Snowing again. Then you vomit. Desert-like heat. More vomit. Ice cold storm. Lungs burning. Bones aching. Vomit. You burn up. Vomit. Cold. Stomach churning. Insides twisting. You dry heave now, since there’s nothing left inside you. More ants crawling and stinging, but this time, they are under your skin. Dry heaves. Cold as hell. Piercing headache, like needles through your eyes and temples. Hot as hell. Every noise is like a loud crash. More dry heaves, only spit and snot come out now.You are as exhausted and uncomfortable as you have ever felt in your life. Then imagine you&#... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859123 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:03:16 +0100 2859123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512859&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fdown-and-up-and-some-parentheses.html Well, hello there.It's been quite the week.On June, 10th, I woke up with a sore throat. I didn't take my temperature until early afternoon, by which time it became clear that I was running a fever. I called the nurse who works with my oncologist (I'm supposed to do this, since I have a suppressed immune system, thanks to chemotherapy) and was directed to go to the emergency room at the hospital connected to the cancer centre.I really, really balked at going but within three hours I was home with a prescription for penicillin (I think chemo recipients get fast-tracked through emergency these days). I was moved pretty quickly to my own treatment room (the most traumatic moments came when I was asked if I minded if a less-experienced nurse accessed my portacath. Within minutes, there were fiv... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512859 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:20:00 +0100 2512859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593220&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-06-15-cancer-treatment%2Fsmall-cell-carcinoma-of-the-lungs%2F What do you do when your oncologist gives you a small cell lung cancer prognosis of 6 months with chemotherapy and half as long without chemotherapy?   Gary wants to know. Please share your experience like we share ours.   Small cell lung cancer prognosis and secondary liver cancer   As far as I have experienced: as soon as doctors and oncologists hear "secondary liver cancer", they reason that:   "with a normal effort" there is no cancer treatment.   We stress "with normal effort". With a huge extra effort and doing everything right, our few secondary cancer survivors are living proof that you can survive secondary liver cancer much longer than the prognosis done in your hospital.   If you want to go the "do everything rig... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593220 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:09:21 +0100 2593220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464158&cid=t_101631_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theangriestpharmacist.com%2F2009%2F06%2F08%2Flots-of-stuff-to-look-at%2F Finally, a non bullshit assessment of generic drugs from someone without their head up their ass. They got valid opinions from people that matter and aren’t retarded. http://www.newsmagazinenetwork.com/feature/cover-stories/090512-671/brand-name-versus-generic-drugs — Here’s a case that is a bit odd.  Mother and son run away after MD tells them the 13 yr old’s Hodgkin’s Lymphoma  is worsening. Mother rejected chemo and western medicine and settled for tried, tested, and true homeopathic Indian Medicine. The courts did not think this was a good idea. http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/25/minnesota.forced.chemo/ Let us not forget,”Child Dies, Parents Perplexed”: http://www.theangriestpharmacist.com/2008/03/28/child-dies-parents-perplexed/ — Here&#... The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464158 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:36:38 +0100 2464158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464394&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fanxiety-and-breast-cancer%2F Stress is hard on the body. In past blogs I have eluded to the role I believe stress may have played in my developing breast cancer, recently though I have been dealing more with anxiety.  Anxiety was something I battled when I was first diagnosed. There is a difference between anxiety and stress although both are brutal to deal with. Stress I believe comes from dealing with overwhelming circumstances. Anxiety is different in that it is fear of the future. Breast cancer provides an environment for both to flourish. Trying to manage a busy life and family while undergoing treatment and battling the disease causes stress for many. Worrying about what will happen from treatment or how breast cancer will affect your life is the anxiety that comes with the diagnosis. The fear that causes anxie... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464394 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:34:45 +0100 2464394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442581&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Frunning-from-chemotherapy%2F Remember those days when you woke up and realized that it was the day you had been dreading? The day when you had to go for chemotherapy? Well then, you probably remember once or twice wondering what would happen if you just didn’t show up. You knew the doctor might call you and maybe family and friends would offer to take you so you didn’t have to go alone, but beyond that it really was your will that got you to go for your treatments. Imagine then if you decided not to go for chemotherapy and the police showed up to take you. That’s the startling reality for Daniel Hauser, the young 13-year-old boy who ran away recently with his mother to avoid having chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Those of us that have been through chemotherapy can imagine the desperate hope of that boy to... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442581 Fri, 29 May 2009 21:11:50 +0100 2442581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858819&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=39013&url=http%3A%2F%2Fironictwistoffate.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fyear-in-life-of-my-hair.html As of May 15th, it's been one year since I started chemo and geez, has my hair been through changes (not to mention my body!). I've treated my hair as sort of a science experiment - took pictures of my head throughout what I call my cancer year. I've gone from pin-straight hair my whole life (just don't remind me of my 80's perms) to a curly, almost uncontrollable, fro. The best way to describe this is when I wake up in the morning, I look like Crusty the Clown from the Simpsons. Hairspray and gel have become my friends.So here it is folks, a year in the life of my hair.In the beginning... there was hair. Long hair.Which was then cut before chemo.And shaved 2 weeks into chemo (before it fell out)Sportin' the scarfTowards the end of chemo... Look ma! No eyebrows or eyelashes!The rebirthAnd ... Ironic Twist of Fate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858819 Wed, 27 May 2009 00:17:00 +0100 2858819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415713&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F16%2Fginger-quells-cancer-patients-chemotherapy-related-nausea%2F “People with cancer can reduce post-chemotherapy nausea by 40 percent by using ginger supplements, along with standard anti-vomiting drugs, before undergoing treatment, according to scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center. …” People with cancer can reduce post-chemotherapy nausea by 40 percent by using ginger supplements, along with standard anti-vomiting drugs, before undergoing treatment, according [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415713 Sat, 16 May 2009 23:21:44 +0100 2415713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415640&cid=t_101631_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F4OJJeJEmteM%2F The Oncotype DX test is an important diagnostic tool to help women with breast cancer determine how likely she will benefit from adding chemotherapy to her treatment. The test also measures how likely her cancer will return in the future. Well, new research found that Oncotype DX Test may also help predict the return of colon cancer, and affect the treatment course of a patient. A patient with low “odds of recurrence” may not need chemotherapy, and can stick to surgery alone. Oncotype DX Test for colon cancer is similar to the ones that is used in breast cancer, but the colon-cancer test is not as strong in predicting recurrence than breast cancer, but the test is useful nonetheless. Genome Health, the makers of Oncotype DX test, will likely commercialize the genetic test for colon ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415640 Sat, 16 May 2009 03:27:00 +0100 2415640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399145&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchemo-brain-and-stress%2F I’ve been focusing on stress a lot lately in this blog.  As if stress isn’t bad enough, couple it with chemo brain and I’m having a bad week! I have written about chemo brain often over the past three years of blogging. Those of us that experienced it after chemotherapy treatments are finding that there are lingering symptoms of fuzzy brain, forgetfulness and mixed up words and thoughts. At my middle age it’s easy to write it off to age, but because these symptoms assaulted me right after I went through chemotherapy, I have remained suspicious. These past months, maybe because I am managing the symptoms better, I found they were lessoning. Lately though as I have been dealing with stressful situations, I have found stress has exacerbated the cognitive problems. I have to wonde... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399145 Fri, 08 May 2009 17:37:13 +0100 2399145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593223&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-05-08-cancer-treatment%2Fcolon-cancer-treatment-2%2F   All medical info and patients experiences related to colon cancer treatment in order to better follow the discussion between Lisa whose dad had colon cancer and Mag whose father underwent colon cancer surgery 2 weeks ago.   Read first what doctors can tell you about colon cancer treatments and read more below many cancer stories about patients and their loved ones needing to deal with colon cancer.   Notice that:   in a conventional medicine prognosis, the patient’s general health comes last  in all our cancer survival stories we stress on doing everything you can to improve your general health first!   Wikipedia also has a huge coverage about colorectal cancer.   Colon cancer treatments according to your doctor   Prognosis or chance of re... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593223 Fri, 08 May 2009 05:41:32 +0100 2593223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390260&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F06%2Fpattern-of-genetic-faults-could-predict-whether-an-ovarian-cancer-patient-will-respond-to-common-chemo-drugs%2F “… A pattern of genetic defects in tumours could indicate whether ovarian cancer patients will respond to common chemotherapy drugs before treatment starts, reveals a Cancer Research UK study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences … The researchers studied patterns of gene expression that indicate high levels of abnormal chromosomes or [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390260 Thu, 07 May 2009 01:16:10 +0100 2390260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382769&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmeditation-for-stress-and-breast-cancer-treatment%2F Years ago I discovered meditation as a method to reduce stress. I always thought there was some secret to it involving Far Eastern chants and pretzel poses. I actually fell into a method of meditation that worked for me and now describe it as a place in your mind to retreat to for peace and calm. It started by realizing that I needed to get away but didn’t have the means or resources to do that.   So I took a few moments one morning to imagine a place that would provide complete calm away from my world. See, it doesn’t sound eerie or bizarre in any way! The place that came to me was a room overlooking the ocean with two balcony doors wide open to the outside with gauze curtain panels blowing in the breeze.  The best part about my envisioned room was that the only furniture in the roo... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382769 Fri, 01 May 2009 17:52:10 +0100 2382769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381446&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fa-weekly-combination-of-topotecan-docetaxel-produces-clinical-benefit-in-heavily-pretreated-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F Recurrent and metastatic endometrial and ovarian cancers can be notoriously difficult to treat. … Physicians at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University showed that a combination of two chemotherapy drugs not only produced clinical benefit for such patients but were also well tolerated.  The results of this phase II study were published [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381446 Fri, 01 May 2009 04:42:16 +0100 2381446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381094&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fisnt-this-lovely.html I'm still feeling crappy, so I thought I would share something that really makes me smile.I met Claudia at the 2009 Conference for Young Women Affected By Breast Cancer. Every time I saw her, she was wearing a very different and very funky hat.This one, made from coffee filters was one of my favourites:When Claudia was diagnosed with breast cancer, she launched the She Arts Project: "a collaboration with 30+ Artists with photographs from Meg Luther Lindholm."The photographs eventually became part of an travelling exhibit. You can see more of them here.I love this kind of thing. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381094 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:05:00 +0100 2381094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353885&cid=t_101631_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F21%2Ffrog-in-the-pot-how-stress-creeps-up-on-us%2F Did you know that if you boil a pot of water and throw in a live frog that that frog will hop right out, saving his life to croak again another day (ha, ha)? If, on the other hand, you place a frog in a pot of cold water and turn the heat up slowly, that frog will stay in the pot. He will not jump out but slowly acclimate to the increasingly hot water until it boils to death. Truth or urban legend? To prove it I’d have to cook a live frog and that’s not going to happen. It sounds true and so should be because of what it teaches us. A women comes to see me for help. She tells me her story, sighs, and then says, “Really, it’s not that bad.” Oh, yes, it is! She’s sitting in a pot of very hot water. If she had been dropped into her intolerable situation all ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353885 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:48 +0100 2353885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326619&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F05%2Fsynergistic-anti-tumor-effect-of-crm197-paclitaxel-in-ovarian-cancer%2F CRM197, an inhibitor of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), produces a synergistic ovarian cancer anti-tumor effect when combined with paclitaxel, according to study results published in the March 15th issue of the International Journal of Cancer.  The investigators, Dr. Shingo Miyamoto and his colleagues, are affiliated with the Fukuoka University in Japan.  “The treatment of [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326619 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:31:22 +0100 2326619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2277185&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F16%2Fearly-detection-remains-key-in-updated-national-comprehensive-cancer-network-nccn-guidelines-for-ovarian-cancer%2F New updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ for Ovarian Cancer were presented at the NCCN 14th Annual Conference on March 14. Notable additions to the NCCN Guidelines are a section on managing allergic reactions to chemotherapy agents and new agents for recurrence therapy. Robert J. Morgan Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P. of  the City [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2277185 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:23:47 +0100 2277185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260489&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fwhat-if.html "We have all the tools to eliminate mortality from Her2 positive breast cancers in the next 10 years."-Dr. Eric Winer, Director, Breast Oncology Centre, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (February 28, 2009, 9th Annual Conference For Young Women Affected By Breast Cancer).Her2 is a protein. And it fuels cancer cells. Her2+ breast cancers are always very aggressive and, had I been diagnosed before Herceptin was widely available, I am sure that I would not be alive today. Now, a whole host of new drugs are being developed to attack this breast cancer that affects primarily younger women.Dr. Winer's words are among the most hopeful that I have heard in a long time.And then today, I heard a story on the CBC about a man who is being forced to choose between taking an oral chemotherapy drug for his br... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260489 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:58:00 +0100 2260489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260473&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffear-of-breast-cancer-and-the-courage-to-fight-it%2F I was in Virginia this past week on a ski vacation and somehow ended up at the top of the longest and most difficult hill for my first run. The bright orange signs lining the entrance to the ski lift that said “experts only” should have been my first clue. I am not an overconfident skier, I am a beginner. My husband however who has extensive experience skiing thought that my overcautious approach and slower pace would allow me to handle this ski hill just fine. Once I got to the top of the hill, I learned quickly the difference between being fearless and being courageous. I had to get to the bottom of the hill, but it wasn’t going to be without great fear and trepidation. I was courageous enough however to suck it up and show great spirit in taking the initiative to get down. I later... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260473 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:10:09 +0100 2260473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2242975&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F05%2Fprolindac-produces-66-disease-stabilization-in-heavily-pretreated-patients-within-phase-ii-study-high-dose-groups%2F “… ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. … , announced today positive safety and efficacy results from its Phase 2 monotherapy clinical study of ProLindac(TM) in late-stage, heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients. In this monotherapy study 66% of patients who received the highest dose achieved clinically meaningful disease stabilization according to RECIST [Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors] [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2242975 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:51:38 +0100 2242975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235722&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F05%2Fevaluation-of-neoadjuvant-chemotherapy-and-debulking-followed-by-intraperitoneal-chemotherapy-in-women-with-stage-iii-and-iv-epithelial-ovarian-fallopian-tube-or-primary-peritoneal-cancer%2F It is well known that intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy prolongs survival in optimally cytoreduced (or debulked) ovarian cancer patients.  For patients who can not be optimally debulked, it is possible to administer neoadjuvant chemotherapy to place that patient in a position to be optimally debulked (i.e., 1 cm or less of residual disease post surgery) , [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235722 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:43:55 +0100 2235722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2218537&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F25%2Fsometimes-more-is-less-evaluation-of-experimental-platinum-based-treatment-regimens-in-advanced-stage-ovarian-cancer-a-phase-iii-trial-of-the-gynecologic-cancer-intergroup%2F “… Compared with standard paclitaxel and carboplatin, addition of a third cytotoxic agent [gemcitibine, liposomal doxorubicin or topotecan] provided no benefit in PFS [progression-free survival] or OS [overall survival] after optimal or suboptimal cytoreduction. Dual-stage, multiarm, phase III trials can efficiently evaluate multiple experimental regimens against a single reference arm. The development of new interventions [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2218537 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:36:44 +0100 2218537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2205988&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F22%2Flibbys-hopetm-adds-new-cancer-video-archive-courtesy-of-vodpodcom%2F Yesterday, Libby’s H*O*P*E* added a new cancer video archive to the weblog courtesy of Vodpod.com.  Currently, the archive contains approximately 90 videos that address many general cancer and ovarian cancer issues, as well as the personal voices of those affected by cancer. The new video archive is located on the homepage right sidebar.  All you [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2205988 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:41:59 +0100 2205988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2202581&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F20%2Fendocyte-begins-phase-ii-clinical-trial-of-ec145-for-treatment-of-women-with-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer%2F “Endocyte Inc. has announced the initiation of a randomized Phase II clinical study of the company’s investigational drug EC145 in women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The phase II trial, also called the “PRECEDENT study,” will evaluate the efficacy and safety of EC145 when administered in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). …The PRECEDENT study will [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2202581 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:35:15 +0100 2202581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190656&cid=t_101631_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fhelp-me-i-want-to-be-father.html I recently received a heartbreaking email from a young man. My medical history is as follows. I have been treated for testicular cancer in 2003 and one of my testicles is removed with a surgery. Before and after the surgery I have undergone 4 cycles each of chemotherapy. Every 6 months I get the blood tests done and everything seems to be normal for me. Last year April I have undergone testicular biopsy and it resulted in azoospermia. Last month I got the FSH blood tests done and it came out as 23.51.I have consulted many doctors and as my FSH is high one of the doctor has referred us to sperm donor program. Is this my only option ? Is there any way I can have a baby with my own sperm ?Unfortunately, this man now has complete testicular failure; and his sperm production has been wiped out ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190656 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:10:00 +0100 2190656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260483&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flove-is-greater-than-breast-cancer%2F On my vanity sits a beautiful silver box embellished with hearts and rhinestones. On top of the box is an oval plaque engraved with the words, “I’ll always be your baby boy.” A secret nickname follows the inscription. This is the Christmas gift I got from my youngest son, and the inscription alludes to a passage from a favorite book I used to read him when he was very young. The nickname is one that only I call him, one that he usually rolls his eyes at. After opening his presents Christmas morning, my son left the room for a few moments and returned with a beautifully wrapped present that he handed sheepishly to me. The moment I opened the box, I began to cry, it was so beautiful and truly unexpected. My son also cried and hugged me. He later told me that he understood at that momen... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260483 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:43:44 +0100 2260483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2167740&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fand-i-got-shot-and-everything.html I have the flu. Or some kind of bug.I took my temperature last night and realized that I was running a fever. When this happens, I am supposed to go to the hospital but it seemed counter-intuitive to take my worn down self to an emergency room full of sick people.I called the cancer centre this morning and they told me to come on in to their stretcher bay area (I was still feverish, sore all over, queasy and light-headed). I got my blood counts checked and all is well on that front. They also gave me some intravenous fluids, which perked me up a bit (the trip into the cancer centre had knocked the stuffing out of me).Then they sent me home with instructions to get lots of rest and stay hydrated.It's not even insult to injury, it's injury to injury. At least I know that my body has the whit... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2167740 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:28:00 +0100 2167740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2163666&cid=t_101631_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fwalloped-wallowing-and-whining.html Chemo has knocked me on my ass.I had treatment on Tuesday (Herceptin and vinorelbine). Yesterday, I felt a little green and a little sore but not too bad, really. Today, I am in rough shape.My body hurts.I feel really queasy.My head feels like it's stuck in a vise.I am so, so tired (and yes, I am staying in bed).I have a couple of posts in draft form but I can't be coherent enough to make them blog-worthy today.So - know any good jokes?I'll be feeling better by Saturday. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2163666 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:03:00 +0100 2163666