TeamHOPE Texas of Fort Worth, the local chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) will host a Meet and Greet Aug. 11 at the American Cancer Society.
The event will be held at 2 p.m. At 3301 West Freeway east of Montgomery Street in Fort Worth.
The purpose is to gather people who are interested in joining PanCAN as member of the TeamHOPE affiliate in the area. Topics to be discussed include a brief overview of the organization and its mission, an explanation of the various roles within an affiliate, news about upcoming awareness and fundraising events, and opportunities to collect personally involved.
If you plan to attend, RSVP to Jaimi Nanko, TeamHOPE Manager at jnanko@pancan.org.
You can also tell Congress not to short change cancer research as well as request a complimentary information packet by going to pancan.org.
The agency also has a free information helpline for patients and their families which is 1-877-272-6226. In addition pancreatic cancer patients can enroll in research studies which are also listed on the pancan.org status.
Dr. Kevin Stein, of the American Cancer Society, just released a report stating that many people are confused about their risk factors associated with developing cancer. According to a telephone survey taken by researchers at the Society, most of us either think pollution is more likely to cause lung cancer than smoking. The findings, published in the organization’s journal “Cancer” are based on a survey conducted in 2002 of nearly 1,000 adults who never had cancer.
“There are some gaps in the public’s understanding of cancer risk factors,” says the study’s co-author Dr. Ted Gansler, in a press release.
Although pollution does contribute to lung cancer, smoking trumps it, according to research.
“Another statement that raised a red flag with researchers was the fact that 25 percent of the people surveyed said what people do in their youth does not affect their chances of getting cancer later,” said the release. “In reality, what you do as a youth has a profound effect on whether you may make cancer later.”
In one gripping finding, certain groups of people who stated they knew a lot about cancer were found to have some inaccurate beliefs.
In unrelated health news, dolphin assisted therapy (DAT) shows a benefit for kids and adults.
“While the jury is still officially out as to why DAT is such a powerfully effective therapy for some patients, theories abound,” says writer Jessica Ridenour. “Through echolocation, dolphins can allegedly detect pregnancy, as well as tumors or other illnesses in humans.
DAT program manager Pet Hoagland said in an interview that they have seen some mighty things there, using the excitement and motivation of the dolphins.
“Regardless of the mechanisms behind DAT’s benefits, these incredibly knowing, remarkably sensitive creatures have much to share with humankind,” writes Ridenour.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Awareness by on May 1st, 2011. 
Because asbestos poisoning can take years to show up in the human body, we are now seeing more and more cases of mesothelioma in the news today. According to the Mayo Clinic, an estimated “2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than are women. It’s more common in older adults; most people with mesothelioma are 65 and older, though mesothelioma can be diagnosed at any age.
“A special type of mesothelioma that is being reported and researched is peritoneal mesothelioma. The Mayo Clinic reports, Mesothelioma that occurs in the tissue in your abdomen (peritoneum) is called peritoneal mesothelioma and accounts for 10 percent to 20 percent of all mesotheliomas. In rare cases, mesothelioma can also occur in the lining around the heart (pericardium) and in the lining around the testicles (tunica vaginalis).”
The Mayo Clinic has provided some very good information on general symptoms of the illness. They include:
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs.
Pleural mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include:
* Shortness of breath
* Painful breathing
* Chest pain under the rib cage
* Current lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
* Unexplained weight loss
* Dry (nonproductive) cough
Peritoneal mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include:
* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal swelling
* A change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation
* Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
* Unexplained weight loss
For sufferers of this illness, help is on the way. From medical aid to compensation in the form of settlements, the voices of thousands are being answered.
The ITL Cancer Clinic that specializes in peritoneal mesothelioma research adds, “Each alternative cancer treatment conception is customized to the person with cancer. In addition to immune therapy such as cancer vaccine we provide angiogenesis inhibition (blocking new blood vessels that feed tumor), apoptosis inducing agents (help tumor cells to commit suicide), and cytotoxic agents that kill tumor cells while not destroying normal cells, including photodynamic therapy (a dye made from chlorophyll accumulates in the tumor, and a light is applied to activate the dye to waste the tumor).”
For more in formation on treatment possibilities, check out their website at: http://www.immunemedicine.com/
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Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on May 3rd, 2011.
For most cancers surgery is a commonplace procedure. Removing the infected tissues, either partially or fully is what surgery for cancer entails. Some factors limit the eligibility of surgery for mesothelioma patients. These factors include the patient’s age, health, and the spread of the mesothelioma. Choosing surgery as a patient can also disable you from qualifying for other types of treatments. Mesothelioma cancer surgery is used to try to cure the disease or for soothing care.
To be able to do the curative surgery the patient needs to have a fine level of health. Surgery is very hard on the body so the physician has to do a cost to benefit ration. It’s important to remember that surgery can be a life taking process. If mesothelioma is caught early enough the cancer can be totally removed. Mestheleoma however usually is caught in the later stages after the cancer has already had a chance to spread. Compounding that is how mesothelioma has a long dormant period. This projects most mesothelioma patients as being older with less than optimum health.
Surgery can also be old for soothing. Patients enter this type of surgery without thought of curing the problem but rather relieving discomfort. Patients who are not in optimum health and the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium are eligible for this type of surgery.
Another surgery that is used to ease the suffering of Mestheleoma is thoracentesis. This intention consists of removing fluid from the chest of pleural patients by way of a needle. This can make breathing easier for the patient. The needle can also be inserted into the abdomen to drain the fluid and relieve pericardial mesothelioma patients.
A relief treatment for Pleural mesothelioma patients is pleurectomy. This procedure essentially removes the outside covering of the lungs to control the amount of fluids accumulated.
A more extreme major operation to combat mesothelioma is Extrapleural pneumonectomy. This procedure removes the lung, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium. This treatment has the possibility of removing all of the cancer. This surgery combined with chemotherapy has a good chance of increasing the life of the patient. Most mesothelioma patients don’t qualify for this however. The patient has to be in excellent general health and the mesothelioma should have diagnosed fairly early. This operation is major and can result in the death of a patient. It takes a long time to recover after an operation like this.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on May 5th, 2011.
No matter what type of cancer you have or disease you always want to know that doctors are working on finding a cure.
For Mesothelioma like many other cancers still have no cure.
However doctors are still continuing to find new treatments and hopefully one day a cure.
The downfall with mesothelioma is so many people are diagnosed to late, and unfortunatly is in advanced stages.
There has been such an up rise in the disease doctors are starting to choose more notice in the cancer.
More researchers are on board now and looking for better treatments and hopefully a cure.
All newly developed drugs are tested in clinics by people who already have mesothelioma.
Of course the sucess of these drugs are found out in these clinics.
If they are sucessful they will be popular by the FDA and marketed, or thrown away and have to start all over again.
Chemotherapy is still the most favorite treatment for cancer. It is mature to relieve symptoms of mesothelioma and to make the patient feel more comfortable.
They are making progress with chemotherapy vs the cancer but still not a cure.
The newest drug is Alimta,when used with another long-used chemo drug called Cisplatin, this is the only FDA accepted agent specifically used to fight malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Another drug waiting to be approved by the FDA is called Onconase. Its the first drug in its class that has been shown to target cancer cells while leaving normal cells alone.
There are usually 3 different phases to a clinical trial.
Phase 1-usually they enroll a small group of people and test them on how the new drug is going to react and be administered.
Phase 2-trials usually give early information whether or not a recent drug will work. It also provides information about safety and benefits.
Phase 3-they compare the recent drugs with the fresh treatment. Usually people from all over participate in this phase. They will receive the fresh treatment or the standard treatment.
It’s up to you whether you want to participate in a clinical trial. Not everyone is up for being experimented on.
There will always be side effect that are not aware of yet, but the doctors are always there.
Not everybody is going to be eligible to participate in a study, but if you’re interested in finding out more information please call toll-free 1-877-FOR-MESO (367-6376)
Also if your interested in seeing all the current clinical trials available please check it out at my website- http://www.mesotheliomadiagnosisandinformation.blogspot.com
It will be under favorite links on the right side of the page.
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Filed under Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma by on May 5th, 2011.
Learning to cope with your defective mesothelioma prognosis is essential to your overall health. If things are awful, it is important to let the positive things in your life provide you with some strength. Coping with your unfavorable mesothelioma prognosis will not only help you, but it will help the one’s that you worship as well.
How to Cope with an Unfavorable Mesothelioma Prognosis: Coming to Terms with Your Prognosis
It will be difficult, but you will need to come to terms with your prognosis. You will need to inform your family and friends. You will also need to realize that some aspects of your life will be different now. Ignoring these things will make things much harder for you. It is important to get these things done as soon as possible so that they are not hanging over your head.
How to Cope with an Unfavorable Mesothelioma Prognosis: Understanding Your Emotions
Naturally, you will be upset, angry, frustrated and maybe even confused. This is normal. You will minimize the emotional impact by accepting, understanding and dealing with these feelings. It won’t be easy, but it can be done. I can tell you from personal experience that being given an despicable prognosis can be Earth-shattering, but if you let it dictate your life then you are only hurting yourself. You need to deal with these emotions and move ahead. Be proactive in your medical care and you will feel like you have more power over your bad mesothelioma prognosis.
How to Cope with an Unfavorable Mesothelioma Prognosis: Physical Coping
This isn’t something that many people think about. You are doing yourself and those who love you a disservice by locking yourself in and laying in bed all day. You may endure some nasty side effects and have to perform many daily tasks. It is important to use physical means to retain going. If you experience fatigue, go for a short walk. If you are fatigued and just take a nap, then you are not working to get stronger. Mesothelioma can take a toll on your physical self and it is notable to do everything you can to get stronger and possibly better your prognosis. There will be things that you may not be able to do, but if you can do it, do it. Never give up.
How to Cope with an Unfavorable Mesothelioma Prognosis: Financial Coping
The medical bills may seem like they are taking over your life, but there are many things that you can do to stop this or at least minimize it. You may be entitled to compensation from the asbestos injury. This can greatly help. You may also qualify for Social Security Disability and this can greatly help. Once you learn to cope financially, you will be able to regain control of your life.
How to Cope with an Nasty Mesothelioma Prognosis: Know Your Illness
Ask every single question you can think of when you are with your doctor. Do research on mesothelioma. Join mesothelioma forums and groups to learn more. The more you know, the better your chances of bettering your mesothelioma prognosis.
How to Cope with an Disagreeable Mesothelioma Prognosis: Support Groups and Counseling
Many people think that these are pointless, but they are the most primary form of coping. Being able to talk about what is going on will help you to better understand everything. You can’t launch truly coping until you understand what is going on. You should also encourage your loved one’s to do this. Once you and everyone you love begins to cope, things will be much easier for everyone.
Coping with an unfavorable mesothelioma prognosis is not easy. There are several things you need to do to effectively cope with this disease and your prognosis. It is considerable to involve those around you as well. If you are having a hard time initiating the coping process be sure to talk to your doctor, because they are a very valuable source of information about things like this.
Sources
http://www.mesothelioma-information-and-hope.com/Mesothelioma-Coping.html
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Filed under Mesothelioma Awareness by on May 6th, 2011.
Asbestos is a major concern today because of the relationship it has with lung cancer and some other fatal conditions. Asbestos has been shown to be a major risk and can drastically increase the risk of lung cancer. This is especially disturbing because of the large number of commercial uses that it has been do into because if its natural properties, and the same asbestos is now causing lung cancer in many people today.
So what is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a very useful naturally occurring mineral that has been used in many commercial uses because of its asbestos and chemical resistance, along with the poor conductivity of electricity. Asbestos occurs in form of bundles of fibers, and has four forms that are feeble in different industries:
Chrysolite or white asbestos, Crocidolite or blue asbestos, Amosite or brown colored fibers, and Anthophyllite or gray colored fibers. Asbestos fibers are notorious for breaking into tiny particles that are swallowed or inhaled and can cause serious health problems, one of which is lung cancer.
Health Concerns With Asbestos
Asbestosis is the one of the most snide disorders that Asbestos causes. Asbestosis is a lung disorder that causes shortness of breath, coughing and can eventually lead to permanent damage to lungs. The other in-the-news health hazard posed by asbestos is the mesothelioma cancers that it can cause. These are membrane based cancers that cover the chest, larynx, kidney, intestinal tract, abdomen and such.
Occupational diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma are many times a direct result of regular exposure to asbestos. The most unsafe trades in terms of asbestos exposure are insulation in construction, manufacturing of asbestos related products such as tiles, shipbuilding companies, mining and milling industries, demolition workers, firefighters, brake repair and some other trades. All the workers in these occupations were, until very recently, in a very right danger of encountering asbestos related problems. Drinking water that had asbestos particles in it, or just inhaling and swallowing asbestos particles can easily cause lung cancer and other permanent damage. There are many new guidelines that were introduced recently because of these effects of asbestos.
New Guidelines and What’s Being Done Against It:
Workers face almost no risks of asbestos based disorders anymore today. This is primarily due to the stringent norms that have been put into finish recently. However, workers who have been exposed to even just a small amount of asbestos can salvage infections that could, if not countered, can lead to full blown lug cancer. The inconvenience extends not just to the workers, but also to their families who can encounter lung cancer and other asbestos related problems easily fair from the particles on the primary worker’s clothes. Now, most places enforce a strict code that requires the workers to shower and change their clothes before they leave the workplace.
One of the biggest challenges that asbestos related lung cancer and other conditions curtail is the dormant nature of these diseases. These diseases can remain dormant in the body for anywhere from a decade to over 40 years. As such, it is very difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stages. Generally, by the time the symptoms are actually visible, the disease has progressed enough to leave hardly any chance of survival. Asbestos and it’s related conditions are another great example of modern science making a snappy decision that has millions of lives.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on May 7th, 2011.
Father’s Day is a joyous time for most families, as they honor their father with gifts and other ways to show dad how much he is loved and appreciated. But for those of us whose father has passed on, Father’s Day can bring a sense of sadness and loss. Yet there are ways that we can unruffled honor our deceased father on Father’s Day.
Visit Him
Take a trip down memory lane by going to one of your father’s favorite places. Perhaps he had a favorite fishing area, from which many “fish stories” originated. Maybe he had a favorite status he liked to walk, to golf, or a favorite restaurant. Go to this favorite place of dad’s and he will be walking right along side of you.
Visit your father’s final place of rest. Take white flowers, which is the symbol of a deceased loved one. There are also many nice plaques and statuettes available at monument companies, garden centers and retail stores in the garden department that express love for a departed loved one. You may want to honor dad by placing one of these at his final region of rest. Spend time there; update dad on everything positive going on with you and the family.
Cook For Him
One thing about dads is that they admire to eat. On this Father’s Day, prepare dinner with all dads’ favorites, right down to his favorite dessert. Don’t forget to situation a place for him at the table, because he will be there. Perhaps family members can go around the table and tell him of a special or fair fun memory they have of time spent with him. If that is too much for your family, then spend some collected time with dad to tell him how grand you love him on Father’s Day and every day.
Give For Him
If dad had a favorite charity, deem a donation to that charity in his memory. If dad died of a specific disease or medical condition such as a heart attack, consider a donation to the American Heart Association. If he died of cancer, mesothelioma, COPD or diabetes, then a donation in his memory to the American Cancer Society, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, American Lung Association, or American Diabetes Association would be a nice gesture. But when considering a charity, only give to well-known, reputable charities. Many of the scams easily fool people these days.
Plant a Tree for Him
Now is the time when garden centers have a wonderful selection of trees, perfect to plant in the back yard in memory of dad. Consider a small plaque at the immoral of the tree with dad’s name and that it is to honor him on Father’s Day.
However you choose to honor your deceased father on Father’s Day, there is no wrong way, and he will surely be looking down smiling, knowing that his child is such a wonderful, loving person.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Awareness by on May 7th, 2011.
A transparent, almost invisible ribbon is ancient by survivors and families affected by Lung Cancer, a.k.a. the invisible cancer. Previously called bronchogenic carcinoma, the invisible cancer, or lung cancer, this deadly disease is rarely diagnosed before the battle is half over. The monster sneaks up for an attack and lies in wait, often taking years to cultivate its stronghold within the walls of your lung and your precious lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes. It has often spread to other areas of the body and reached a frightening size before the victim says, “Hey doc, I’ve got a little cough that won’t go away,” or maybe, “Hey doc, I gain really dizzy when I walk very far.” Now the doctor does a routine chest x-ray, if the patient is lucky, and discovers the severe condition that may wreck his patient’s life – if not end it.
Lung cancer affects 130,000 + Americans each year. There are two main types of Lung Cancer: Minute Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 80% of cases are NSCLC and 90% of these were brought on by exposure to cigarette smoke. Lung cancer is now #1 in cancer related deaths in America. Early detection and aggressive treatment are crucial to surviving this silent but deadly disease.
Small Cell Lung Cancer is the most aggressive form, but is fortunately very rare. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is more common, though honest as fatal as Small Cell Lung Cancer if not detected very early. There are four main categories of NSCLC:
1 Squamous cell carcinoma: About 25% – 30% of all lung cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. They are associated with a history of smoking and tend to be found centrally, approach a bronchus.
2 Adenocarcinoma: This type accounts for about 40% of lung cancers. It is usually found in the outer region of lung. People with one type of adenocarcinoma, known as bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (sometimes called bronchoalveolar carcinoma or bronchioalveolar carcinoma) tend to have a better outlook (prognosis) than those with other types of lung cancer.
3 Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma: This type of cancer accounts for about 10% – 15% of lung cancers. It may appear in any part of the lung, and it tends to grow and spread hasty resulting in a poor prognosis.
THE BUMPY ROAD TO EARLY DETECTION
How do you detect lung cancer? There is one simple respond and many complicated ones. We will start with the simple answer: Routine chest x-rays. Any smoker over 30 should be having a yearly chest x-ray. Any non-smoker over 35 should also have one. The complicated answer: there is no single effect way to diagnose early stages of lung cancer; x-rays rarely shriek early stages insurance will not pay for PET or CAT scans unless there is already evidence of trouble, and these scans are not fool-proof. Definitive evidence is not achievable until a pathologist examines cells removed from suspicious tissue. This brings us back around to the simple answer: Routine Yearly Chest X-Rays.
Why is early detection so considerable? Well, if you are asking this question, then you have been lucky enough to never watch a loved one suffer through the advanced stages of cancer. With all cancer, the first and most significant thing is to prevent the cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body. As the cancer spreads, or metastasizes, it is upgraded to a more severe classification. The classifications for NSCLC are generally accepted as follows:
Stage 0: Cancer Cells have not spread beyond cells of the lungs lining
Stage I: Tumor is minute (less than 3 cm) and has not spread or become intrusive
Stage II: Tumor is any size with local lymph involvement or it invades local structures (the chest wall or diaphragm)
Stage IIIA: The tumor is any size with regional lymph node involvement on same side of chest as tumor, or the tumor is invading local structures with lymph node involvement.
Stage IIIB: The tumor is any size with spread to more distant lymph nodes such as those on the other side of the chest or above the collarbone, or the tumor is invading the mediastinal space, or the fluid around the lungs contains cancerous cells.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread through the blood to other areas of the body, most commonly the brain, bone, adrenal glands, the other lung, or the liver. This is advanced NSCLC.
With each step up the cancer ladder, the chances of remission drastically decline. Doctors do not always like to put your odds on the table and the data on this can vary from one spy to the next. Doctors agree on only one thing, preventing the cancer from come the lymph system is crucial, this is reflected in the survival rates. In NSCLC, the patients average a 5 years survival at the following rates:
Stage I: 47%
Stage II: 26%
Stage III: 8%
Stage IV: 2%
These are averages and the data can be deceiving. These studies include a stagering number of patients who refused treatment, discontinued treatment, not to mention those who died from unrelated medical conditions. Various treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and nutritional maintenance increase these odds dramatically.
THE LYMPH NODES
Why are cancerous lymph nodes such a catastrophe? First off, it is not a death sentence. It does, however, create a much more complicated scenario for treatment. The involvement of lymph nodes is the difference between a Stage 0 or I and a Stage II or III diagnosis.
What is it? The lymphatic system is a filtration network of vessels or nodes that reach from one end of your body to the other. When cancer cells enter the lymphatic system, they can potentially move from one spot of the body to another, which is why doctors try so hard to prevent the cancer from reaching the lymph nodes. Depending on the particular lymph node, the cancer will tend to disappear to specific areas of the body. Doctors will monitor the lung, liver and brain closely for further metastasis. Patients with cancerous lymph nodes must be monitored regularly for the appearance of abnormalities in affected lymphatic regions. This will be done with any combination of CAT, PET, Bone or MRI scans.
THE FIGHT
Patients diagnosed with any stage should fight it aggressively. You hit the monster hard and relentlessly with chemotherapy and radiation and you fight through the side effects. Of all Stage IV patients, only 2% are surviving 5 years, but they are beating it. You must look at the patients who have made it and see why they made it. Here are some things many have in common:
1 Treatments: they followed an aggressive treatment plan laid out by their oncologist and radiologist, sticking it out even in the toughest of times.
2 Nourishment: they found ways to nourish their bodies despite episodes of severe nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. This helped carve side effects and also decreased chances of treatment interruption, never giving the cancer cells a fighting chance.
3 Determination: attitude has a noteworthy affect on the survival rate of all cancer patients. The patient with a determined attitude is more likely to reach remission than one who has given up.
4 Spiritual Foundation: patients with a spiritual belief system seem to handle the above three better than those who feel they are on their own in this. These patients feel they have someone or something grand bigger than themselves or their doctors working on their behalf. A spiritual belief system statistically improves a patient’s chances for remission, the ultimate goal.
The above tips are important, regardless of the stage. Many patients make the mistake of thinking, “Oh, I’ve only got Stage I,” or, “Its only Stage II.” Remember- if the cancer is not eradicated, then you will not remain a Stage I or Stage II for long! You must stop the cancer in its tracks and prevent it from spreading to your lymph system and other valuable organs.
THE CANCER MYTHS
1 Cancer Treatment is worse than Living with Cancer
This is a sad belief that results in many cancer related deaths. There are even old-school physicians who still believe this. Today’s treatments are made to sustain you active and provide a much better quality of life than in previous generations. Each patient responds differently to the side effects of chemotherapy as with any medication. Living with cancer is an oxymoron! You certainly won’t have a very high quality of life once the cancer has spread to additional valuable organs and that life will be significantly shorter (living months rather than years after diagnosis).
2 Cancer Always Comes Back
This is not a given. Many tumors, when removed early and treated aggressively, never return. Your doctor will monitor you for several years after treatment to be safe.
3 There is a Cure and They don’t want Us to know
If you are told by any person or organization that they know the Secret to curing cancer you should be weary, even afraid. There are countless predators who will try to take advantage of you in your weakened state. They may offer supplements or other cures and protocol for treating cancer. They will claim to have beat it themselves, or to have helped to cure dozens or hundreds of people. This is not only unlikely, it is ridiculous. Today’s leaders in cancer research are pursuing every avenue of treatment. If there is a cure, you can bet they will score it before the snake oil salesmen! If you have any doubts about your recommended treatments, then please call 1-800-FDA-1088 to check on questionable regimen or products.
THE NUTRITION FACTOR
Without fail, cancer patients receive unsolicited advise from their concerned family and friends. The most well-liked advise involves nutrition. Frequent suggestions may include: “Don’t eat sugar, it feeds tumors,” and, “Drink a gallon of green tea per day, it will kill the cancer and cure you.” Beware, advise from amateur nutritionists can actually wound you. Sugar does not feed tumors. Herbal tea does not cure cancer, but it can be harmful if consumed in too large of a quantity or combined with determined medications or conditions.
Although there is evidence that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can prevent cancer, there is not a shred of credible evidence that a change of diet will improve your chances of survival. Your doctor will mutter you to eat healthy when possible, but his/her main concern is that you consume adequate fluids, calories and protein – in whatever form you can handle it. The best thing to do is ask your oncologist to recommend a nutritionist.
EXERCISE
Everyone knows that exercise is noble for them, and yet few actually get any. The benefits of exercise for lung cancer patients are the same as those for a healthy person. Physical benefits are: increased energy, decrease in body aches and pains, better circulation of blood and oxygen, and a more restful sleep. Emotional effects are perhaps as important to a cancer patient as the physical benefits. Patients narrate higher spirits and a stronger will to fight the cancer when they are charged up with a little exercise.
CAM
CAM, or complementary and alternative medicine have been popular since the 70’s. If you are interested in CAM treatments, you should first discuss them with your oncologist. Many CAM practitioners and product manufacturers are not aware of the possible complications and adverse effects that alternative treatments can cause. When taken in conjunction with pharmaceutical medications or taken by patients with complicated health issues, the risks increase.
There are several consumer watch groups which can aid you in your investigations. To check the reliability of therapies marketed for cancer patients, visit: NCCAM, OCCAM, and Quackwatch. The site provides reviews and critiques of various treatments. Because dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, health professionals recommend spacious caution. Efficacy (the drug’s effectiveness against the disease) cannot be verified because it has not been validated by independent investigators. Thoroughly check the credentials of alternative healthcare providers, including acupuncturists and massage therapists. And again, check with your oncologist before moving forward with CAM, for even a simple massage can be dangerous for a cancer patient.
THE GOOD NEWS
Modern treatments are introduced yearly and huge strides have been made in the last ten years. Not so many years ago, any cancer meant sure death. This is the first generation to have the technology and the will to beat even the harshest Stage IV Lung Cancer. Being #1 in cancer death also makes it #1 in cancer research. As mentioned above, the keys to success are:
Hit it Hard
Stayed Well Nourished (Eat- Eat- Eat)
Believe You Can Win!
If you or someone you love is fighting NSCLC, please seek education and support.
Tags: adenocarcinoma colon treatment, adenocarcinoma esophagus treatment, adenocarcinoma pancreas treatment, adenocarcinoma prostate treatment, Adenocarcinoma Treatment, cervical adenocarcinoma treatmentRelated posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on May 8th, 2011.
The muscular tube that carries food, into the stomach is called the esophagus. The length from the throat to the stomach is between 10 – 13 inches long, and less than an inch wide, at the narrowest point. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer of the esophagus begins in the innermost layers and grows out. Approximately 13,000 people a year are diagnosed with this type of cancer, and about the same number of people, will die of this cancer each year. Currently, there is no early detection for this type of cancer. Unfortunately, diagnosing esophagus cancer behind, and within an advance state, has a high fatality rate. A Five Year survival rate has shown, thirteen percent for whites and nine percent for African-Americans. Compared to 40 years ago, same survival rate was four percent of whites, and one percent of African-Americans.
According to National Cancer Institute, there are two types of esophagus cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas tend to launch, in the upper and middle part of the esophagus. In some cases, the cancer begins, in other areas of the esophagus. Other type of esophagus cancer is adenocarcinoma, first appears in the opening of the stomach and related to Barrett’s esophagus or “GERD,” resulting from acid reflux or stomach acid, spilling into the esophagus. This adversely affects the cells, in the esophagus. Approximately, thirty percent of esophageal cancer cases are linked to GERD.
Esophagus cancer is directly attributed to smoking or chewing tobacco products, long term alcohol use, swallowing chemicals such as lye or cleaning fluids (Dry cleaning workers have a higher rate of esophageal cancer), Achalasis (A medical condition, when food does not enter the stomach, and stays or backs up into the esophagus), rare genetic disease Tylosis (symptoms include excess skin on the palms of the hands and soles. By the age of 65, these patients have a 95 percent chance, developing carcinoma of the esophagus), and head and neck cancer patients, have a greater risk, developing this type of cancer. Also, overweight and obesity increase risk factors.
Symptoms maybe, attributed to esophagus cancer includes: Having distress swallowing, unexpected weight loss, harm in the back between the shoulder and mid-chest, hoarseness,
Coughing up blood and episodes of frequent hiccups. Test to validate this type of cancer, by swallowing barium, which coats the esophagus. Afterwards, X-ray taken of the esophagus, and observing for any abnormalities, to confirm or refute the presence of cancer. Also, a physician will use an endoscope, which examines inside of the esophagus, and take biopsies (Retract runt sample of tissue to examine in the laboratory, under a microscope). If the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, referred to as staging. Depending on the stage of the disease, a plan of treatment is possible. Stages of esophageal cancer will range, from zero to five. Category five is the worst stage, and the cancer could spread to either the distant lymph nodes or other organs of the body.
Treatments for esophagus, cancer includes: Radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, and laser therapy. During laser surgery, aiming a laser beam of light at the cancer through an endoscope. This vaporizes and coagulates the cancerous tissue. Approximately, seventy – eighty percent of patients benefit from this procedure. However, this needs to be repeated every six to eight weeks. Another alternative surgery, implanting an esophageal metallic stent, which relieves anguish to swallow, in more than 80 percent of treated patients. According to National Cancer Institute, most common treatment is surgery. Alternative medical choices are available, which includes: Acupuncture, massage, herbs or dietary supplements. When cancer can’t be removed, recommendation is Pallative treatment, which relieves the symptoms, of hurt and allows patients the comfort to swallow. The treatment involves inserting a cylindric device through the obstruction, and ability to swallow. Relief usually lasts up to two weeks, and then requires additional treatment. During this procedure, there is a small risk of tearing a hole in the esophagus. Always, recommend getting a second opinion, and some insurance companies require that information, before starting any treatment.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on May 9th, 2011.
A Radio Ad By An Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorney
I was listening to a current talk radio program on my car radio, something I do in my role as a hospice chaplain. A law firm’s radio commercial featured a commentator asking if I possibly had an asbestos mesothelioma accurate claim.
Perhaps you are someone who has never heard of an asbestos disease called mesothelioma. Up to that point, neither had I, but soon I continually heard references to peritoneal mesothelioma whenever that same commercial played, usually nick times a day.
The Announcer asked “Do you have a asbestos mesothelioma legal claim? “
Perhaps you have heard the ad too, if you listen to the radio or watch TV. Of course, it could be one of those advertisements we usually don’t listen to unless we have peritoneal mesothelioma or know someone who does.
But there were enough catch words on that particular lawyer’s radio ad to capture my attention. Words such as asbestos, asbestos exposure, and remodeling and construction.
It occurred to me that those in the legal profession must be making money by locating people with exposure to peritoneal mesothelioma and convincing them to file an asbestos mesothelioma legal claim.
Later I found out that mesothelioma is a manufacture of cancer that is usually caused by exposure to asbestos at some time in a person’s life. What happens is that malignant cells design in the mesothelium, which is a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs.
While those who develop mesothelioma have worked in careers where they inhaled asbestos particles, usually in the construction field. But anyone of us could have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways. Exposure may have been through the simple task of washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos.
I Began To Wonder If I Had Mesothelioma Asbestos Exposure
My guess is that I have been exposed to asbestos, as have you, most likely. Hey, if you attended school in an old building or attended worship services in an older church facility, who knows the air quality dangers that must have existed.
Even the home we were renting in San Diego at the time Iheard that mesothelioma advertisement prompted concerns about my own mesothelioma asbestos exposure. That’s because our landlord let us know that he decided not to replace the tile flooring in the bathroom due to the risk of asbestos exposure!
Then I thought back to when I was remodeling fixer-upper houses in an attempt to survive financially in a very low paying pastoral assignment. I know there was asbestos in one ancient house I remodeled in Bellingham, Washington. It had asbestos siding that I removed to put in a new window.
Back to the asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit commercial, this thought came to mind: How many of us have scraped off a popcorn ceiling as a remodeling project? Now while I avoided that particular task, my wife and mother-in-law composed won’t forgive me for sticking them with the job of scraping off the popcorn ceilings in our home in Bellingham, Washington!
Since most of us did not occupy the precautions we should have in our do it yourself projects, does that mean we are at risk? And should I write down that lawyer’s number fair in case we need to file an asbestos mesothelioma legal claim?
After listening to that radio ad about play incessantly for several months, I did find some website information about peritoneal mesothelioma, even if I couldn’t spell it without looking, let alone pronounce it lawful!
My guess is that there were many who could not spell the term, because the announcer spelled out “mesothelioma” just to make obvious we listeners had some idea how to write it out if in the event that someone did have an asbestos mesothelioma legal claim.
Asbestos Lawyer Specializing in Mesothelioma Lawsuits What an effective advertisement. Here I am thinking about asbestos disease mesothelioma and wondering if I too, should worry about mesothelioma asbestos exposure.
But then again, maybe the ad wasn’t that good, because I can’t remember the lawyer making the fair advertisement in case I have a asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit or a mesothelioma legal claim.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on May 10th, 2011.