13 Years To Diagnosis63
By JerseyNana
Ha Ha The Hypochondriac Is Here
For years I was bothered by symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness and palpitations. I had pneumonia several times and each time was treated with meds until my throat would conclude up and I was forced to stop taking the medicine. A few weeks later, I would be sick again and return to the doctor to start the routine over again. Seems that I could never really get better. The fact that I was burning the candle at both ends never seemed to bother me. I worked two and sometimes three jobs to ensure that my hubby could keep his business going and my children could attend college. It was around February of 1989 and my daughter was getting married in April and I had yet to even think about getting a dress for her wedding. One of the main things that everyone busted my chops about was that I was having lapses of memory. Dependable or imagined, I became the butt of a lot of family jokes. Anytime an illness was mentioned; everyone would point to me……one thing held true to today, I never really looked sick so how could you take me seriously?
Sarcoid Lungs What Do All Those Words Mean?
Getting back to my daughter’s wedding and my need for a dress, I was out with my sister one Saturday afternoon because we both worked at the same part-time job at a weight loss meeting. She cornered me to stop at this exclusive dress shop and I reluctantly went in. The shop owner was a doll and she helped me find just the right dress. So I tried it on and staring back at me in the mirror were these disgusting purple blotches on my milky white legs. I told her that this was the reason I hesitated to try on a dress. I made an appointment with my dermatologist as soon as Monday arrived and got an appointment for the next day. He gave me some ointment and in about three days, it was completely gone. Luckily my dermatologist knew me because I had some “benign” lumps removed from my legs about a year before that were “nothing to worry about”. I went to the dress shop the following Saturday and purchased the dress I had tried on the week before.
After my daughter’s wedding I was tweezing my eyebrows one afternoon when I discovered a bump right over my left contemplate from the middle of my eyebrow to the end of the browline. In about a month it was the size of an egg and making it difficult to completely open my eye. I went to my primary physician who sent me to a surgeon who had operated on me for a hernia and had also removed my gallbladder. I was no stranger to the operating room because a few years before I had a broken bone in my foot that required being in a cast for almost a year. The bone was supposed to heal in six weeks but did not and so I went for an operation which included my own bone obtained from my heel being grafted and held with screws. Fast forward six weeks, I am healed, now back to work. Oh no, did you say the screws have to come out now? Oh yes, and six more weeks on crutches and no putting any weight on that foot. Oh joy!
Getting back to the lump on my head, the surgeon did a nice job removing most of the lump. He told me it was a very hard and tough mass but he cut me along my browline and even though there is no hair there anymore, the scar does not look bad at all. When I went back to the doctor for a follow-up, he told me the pathology came back and the lump was “nothing to difficulty about”. As I was leaving his office I was talking to his secretary and we chatted about my lump and I told her the good news. Then I remembered seeing a doctor on television say that we should keep all copies of blood tests and other records for our own good. So she gave me a copy of the pathology report. I left his office and headed to my foot doctor. He was young and reminded me so powerful of my own son. He inquired as to how I made out with the lump removal. I told him it was another “nothing to worry about” lump but I had a copy of the pathology narrate if he wanted to see it. He read the report and folded it and gave it back to me and continued to work on my foot. He then asked me if they were doing further testing. I said no because it was “nothing to worry about” just like all the other lumps I had removed from my body over the years. Stunned, I asked him if he would do further testing, and he pointed out a few words to me like; numerous isolated and coalescent non-caseating granulomata and clinical suggestions of sarcoidosis or any other granulomatus inflammatory disease should be entertained. What the heck does that mean?
Thank God For The Internet
I rushed home from the podiatrist’s office and went correct on the computer. Individually checked the words and the word sarcoidosis seemed to be linked to many of them. When I looked it up, my eyes were wide initiate as was my mouth when I kept saying, ‘I had that’, or ‘I have that’. Those purple marks on my legs, would have gone away regardless of whether I went to the dermatologist or not. They are known as erythema nodosum; another manifestation of this illness. So I took all my info along with the pathology report to my necessary physician and he immediately took blood to check my T-cells, ordered a chest x-ray and a CAT scan of my chest with an without difference. After he received the results, he referred me to another doctor in the same building. This doctor specializes in pulmonology as well as internal medicine. I brought all my recent records and a copy of the pathology report. He suggested that I have a lung biopsy that he would perform in the hospital. I agreed and the following week I found myself in the hospital having a bronchoscopy and about a week later it was confirmed that I did have sarcoidosis. Well at least it wasn’t cancer. This doctor continued to take care of me, in spite of only having one other patient with this irregular illness and suggested that I see him as often as possible. I opted for a weekly visit until my illness was under control. Limited did I know that it was tougher than we both expected.
The Road Back To Health
My new doctor was wonderful and his secretary and I became good friends. It is a medical practice that has been around for many years and so many patients are up in years, and all have God and this great doctor to thank. He is so caring that I already saw him argue with a lady who was very sick but refused to go to the hospital. He came out of his office with her, put her coat on, and drove her to the hospital while everyone just waited in the office for him to return. Besides the doctor, his wonderful secretary has been with him over twenty years and when anyone calls, she immediately recognizes their voices. Actually it’s like they are her patients too, and they really are, she is as kind and caring impartial like the doctor.
One of the things I feared was the treatment. All websites I checked recommended prednisone as the drug of choice. I also read about the side effects, one being a round moon face and plenty of added weight. I have been fighting my weight all my life, now I’m gonna take a drug to make me fatter! My doctor understood my fear and promised me that he would do whatever he could so that I would not have to take prednisone. He has kept his word. He would check my breathing with a machine once a month and recommended inhalers and several different drugs given for a period of time and evaluated. I kept my weekly appointments and he took good care of me. He knows that I know my body better than anyone and sometimes I will gaze him more often than once a week. I have learned that this disease has affected me in many different ways. It runs in cycles like a roller coaster. There are great ups and bad lows. Sometimes I have gone as long as three months unprejudiced feeling wonderful and then it is a horrible ride. One thing I know for sure is you are the only one who knows exactly how you feel. Persistance is the key, and NEVER engage NO for an answer.
My Suggestions To Anyone In My Shoes
I suffered from many symptoms of all different varieties. When I went to the doctor for a “cold” or bronchitis, I never mentioned that I had purple bumps on my legs. Why should I? My shortness of breath was considered by me as the result of burning the candle at both ends. As for my memory loss…………I was so frightened that I was either losing my mind or had the early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, but it was my brain’s lack of oxygen because of my compromised lung capacity. My glands in my neck and armpits get inflammed and really hurt during some episodes, and I also was worried that I had lymphoma. And my skin, although the bumps are gone from my legs, my skin erupts with hive-like bumps that itch or hurt, depending on the mood they are in. I have almost always had arthritis and during some cycles, my joints swell and hurt like nobody’s business. I also found out tht the bone in my foot did not heal because of my body’s rejection to calcium and vitamin D. One thing I have managed to do is keep a cheerful attitude. I love people and while I was working, I made many friends that I called “my kids”. Two of them came to visit me yesterday and I have been retired over a year. They all know they are always welcome and can visit at any time. Over this first year several of them have come by and I get the ultimate compliment when they say the place will never be the same without me.
Please remember that you are your body’s boss. You, and only you know how you feel. If you have been experiencing mysterious illnesses, please keep a log of how you are feeling, the treatment and or drug you received at the time, how long it lasted, and list any other weird symptoms or changes in your body; no matter how stupid or inconsequencial you believe them to be. Keep your doctor informed of these changes, and bring your log with you so you don’t forget or get sidetracked at the doctor’s office. Another thing to remember…..if he or she does not take you seriously, find another doctor who will listen. Believe me, you will not be sorry! I wish you all the happiness and good health!
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Jan 28th, 2012. 
On January 13, 2010 it was reported that “Dexter” star Michael C. Hall has been in treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Many people have become fans of Hall through his work on the highly common Showtime series where he plays the role of a serial killer who is employed as a blood splatter expert. Michael C. Hall also played David Fisher on the HBO series “Six Feet Under” several years ago. The good news for Hall, his family, and his fans is that the disease is currently in remission but people may be wondering what is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen, tonsils, and the thymus. Lymphatic tissue is also found throughout various areas of the body, which means that the cancer can begin in a variety of areas in the body. An abnormal cell called The Reed-Sternberg cell begins to divide, and the unusual abnormal cells can prevent the body from being able to fight infections as well as form tumors.
Symptoms of the disease include swollen lymph nodes, unexplainable weight loss, persistent fever, fatigue, night sweats, swollen glands after alcohol consumption, and skin that is very itchy. The symptoms usually last for awhile or do not subside. Because most of these symptoms are often associated with other conditions, people should consult a physician for a proper diagnosis.
A enormous deal of progress has been made in developing effective treatment for people diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the recovery rate is relatively high for this type of cancer. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the two. People who have a relapse of the disease after it has been in remission will be treated again with radiation and/or chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation.
With early diagnosis and treatment, the average five-year survival rate for people with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was over 80%. For more statistics and facts for Hodgkin Lymphoma, click here.
Sources:
Dexter’s Michael C. Hall Has Cancer, People Magazine
National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Nov 30th, 2011.
The June 10, issue this month of the journal Blood, prints study that reveals new technique victorious in dramatically shrinking B cell lymphoma.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have detected a new way to target and destroy certain cancerous cells. This evidence could possibly point to new therapies to treat Lymphoma and other related cancers.
Professor James Paulson, lead researcher of the study, stated that there is high interest in progressing this technology to see if it can be used in humans and to ascertain other forms of this kind of targeting.
Professor Paulson has examined glycoprteins for numerous years among his research studies. He has initiated new ways of study and manipulations of these molecules.
In this research professor Paulson and his associates adapted some of the labs awareness to a problem with major medical importance, to obtain a novel come to aim and demolish cancer cells.
Especially, in this new study, researchers deployed to invaded B cell lymphoma which include Hodgkin lymphoma and non Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer that is most prominent in older persons and those that have outmoded immune systems. Every year there are 70,000 persons diagnosed with B cell lymphoma in the United States. The medication rituximab is frequently capable treatment for the disease, however, each year there are still 22,000 deaths from B cell malignancies.
Usually, B cells administer a vital immune function spreading throughout the blood stream to aide in the assault of infectious agents. However, when B cells become cancerous, the issue is how to distinguish which ones they are out of a multitude of other molecules in the body and aim at them for destruction while not harming surrounding tissues.
Due to the fact of professor Paulsons past research he was knowledgeable in the fact of B cells owning a particular receptor protein on the surface that acknowledges particular sugars located on glycoproteins. The researchers needed to develop a useful potential therapeutic which carries the same sugars to identify and be able to aim at these cells.
Researchers mixed to clear types of molecules forming one, using both new and old technology. One part of the possible therapeutic was made up of a certain sugar called ligand acknowledged by the B cell receptor referred to as CD22, designated on the surface of B cells. Attaching it to the surface of the other part of the possible therapeutic was a non particle refereed to as liposome, packed with a strong of a substantiated chemotherapy drug.
They already had knowledge in how the liposomes react in the body since they are already approved medications. They are designed so they do not use up macrophages in the liver. They applied the same formula, attached legands and proceeded to vivo studies.
The chemotherapy medication placed in use was doxorubicin, conventional to treat vast types of cancers. Using a nanoparticle formulation of doxorubicin called Doxil. The drug is enclosed inside the liposomal nanoparticle, this protects normal cells from the medication until it comes upon the cancer.
Usually Doxil is quietly brought to the tumors by leaving leaky tumor vasculature, the medication slowly leaks out and destroys the tumor. When enhancing the nanoparticles with CD22 ligand it carries the drug inside the cell.
The findings were fabulous. Not one mouse in the control group survived to the end of the 110 day stride, however 5 of the eight mice who got a higher dose of the compound did survive.
Researchers then went to survey for any possible detections of residual tumor cells in the survivors. A mouse that is paralyzed with the disease has 95% of the cells in its bone marrow are tumor cells.
When they examined the bone marrow of those that lived up to 100 days, no tumor cells were located.
To broaden the results researchers checked the compound’s activity in blood sample of human patients with three types of B cell lymphomas, hairy cell leukemia, marginal zone lymphoma and chronic lymphocyte leukemia. Discovered was the compound also completely bond to and erased the diseased B cells.
Researchers excited by these results are now working to progress improving the drug platform along with looking into ways to heighten particular B cell targeting along with examining technology benefits of other chemotherapy agents.
A grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases along with the National of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health funded this research.
The usual medical treatments of lymphoma, leukemia and Hodgkin and non Hodgkin lymphoma normally uses chemotherapy, radiation or both therapies. Even though these treatments do significantly improve patient survival, the side effects can be greatly horrendous.
Many alternative therapies are beneficial for patients with blood cancers for relief of many side effects. Alternative therapies do not consist of a breakdown for types of cancers. They run under cancer treatments. Here are some alternative therapies that can attend the ill effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Acupuncture
Has been proven in clinical studies to help with pain reduction and does decrease the patients use of narcotics for pain. It also has been very useful for vomiting, nausea and even constipation.
Chiropractic
Clinic studies have shown that chiropractic treatments are beneficial to cancer patients. Some therapies applied maybe:
Spinal manipulations has a array of 35 or more techniques used. Can relieve extreme joint pain.
Exercise most often will be recommended to beget flexibility and muscle tone.
Physio-therapeutic modalities which includes cold, heat, ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation.
Nautropathic Therapy
The therapies used may consist of some of the following:
Nutritional therapy has two types which are split as specialized combination of nutrients aimed at cancer therapy. The other is more general which aides in boosting and strengthening health.
Enzyme therapy is in two types food and Proteolitic enzymes.
Herbal Extracts and Plant Products
Some of the herbal extract formulas and plants than maybe used are Essica, which is a tea consisting of Indian Rhubarb, Slippery Elm and others. Hoxsey made up of Poke root, burdock root, barberry root, buck thorn buck, stillinga root. One is oral consumption the other version is a salve if the cancer is close to the surface of skin.
Sources:
The Chiro Blog For Chiropractors
Tags: lymphoma diagnosis, Lymphoma Treatment, rituxanRelated posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Nov 1st, 2011.
What are your thoughts, when your doctor tells you that you have incurable, terminal cancer? They called it Non-Hodgkin’s Nodular Lymphoma, stage 4 – whatever that was!
After the initial shock, after the fuzziness of the mind wore off, my main thoughts were predominately thoughts of thankfulness. Maybe this was the shock I needed to wake up spiritually! I remember thanking God for the “wake-up call”, believe it or not.
I have always lived by the philosophy of, “If you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything”. That map, at least you don’t do the wrong thing.
I like to explore all the possible options. So I evaluated every option I could come up with, prioritized them, and then proceeded through them. The final option, in my mind, was chemotherapy, which the doctors wanted me to begin immediately, if not sooner!
Before starting chemo, another option that popped up was to go to one of the many laetrile clinics that were located in Tijuana, Mexico. Using the process of elimination, I chose one of the 28 clinics (this was befriend in 1986), the one my “idol” Steve McQueen had gone to a short while earlier. This decision caused powerful chagrin and scorn from my three doctors (my GP, my oncologist, and the surgeon who performed the biopsy).
I spent three weeks at the clinic, and about three months at home following the extremely restrictive diet they teach, plus about 110 vitamins a day, including the laetrile, the vitimins costing about $500 a month!
After three months of this treatment, I had another CT scan, which revealed that the cancer had drastically spread and become much worse, having spread to the bone marrow. Even the doctors at the clinic in Mexico, after seeing the CT scan results, said not to delay any longer, but to begin chemo right away! So at that point, I did just that. The last option.
Chemo basically comes just shy of killing you. About the time you start feeling a little bit better, approaching normal again, it’s time for another treatment! I think I had 12 or 13 treatments, every three weeks or so, over the course of about 9 or 10 months. I lost most all my hair after several treatments, which was very shocking at the time! It was really quite surreal, to be in the shower and have substantial clumps of hair fall out. My wife called me “Fuzz-head”. Very surreal, indeed.
Once I was declared to be in remission, April 1987, the oncologists told me the cancer would definitely advance back within 6 months to 2 years – definitely! No question. No doubt. They said they would then be able to do another round of chemo, then perhaps a bone marrow transplant after that someday – but it would evetually kill me, they said.
I conception to myself, “OK, it may advance back, and it may not! God does heal! I’ll deal with that if and when it comes serve. Till then, I figured I had two choices: lay down and quit or keep on going”.
I have chosen ever since to keep on going, nearly 23 years now! The cancer never did come back! Not at all!
God does heal! It just took me a while to contemplate that, to score that.
The point is - we all have that same choice, lay down and quit or sustain on going! Live till you die, or die while you’re living!That’s the choice, no matter what’s happening in your life!
What’s your choice?
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Oct 17th, 2011.
Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases known to man. The average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months. It’s a disease that strikes approximately 3,000 United States citizens each and every year. Hard working people who have labored for a lifetime to provide for their families, doing the work that keeps this country running and a great place to live. They worked in factories, at shipyards, in mines, for the US military, as engineers, as pipefitters, as steel workers, as auto mechanics, and in so many other professions. They came home to their loved ones exhausted and covered in dirt and dust, tired but assure that they had a job and were providing for their family. What they didn’t know was that they were slowly killing themselves.
Mesothelioma is a disease that is almost 100% preventable; the only known cause is via exposure to the deadly mineral Asbestos. It comes from inhaling the particles of dust as the asbestos degrades; eating away at the lining of your lungs and developing into a deadly cancer. Dust that was inhaled in clouds of white powder, dust that was carried home on the clothes of the men who built this country, dust that was cleaned from the clothes by the wives and children who supported their sole provider at home, dust that was packed around the heating systems in houses and offices and schools, dust that carried a deadly price; and dust made a fortune in blood money for the companies that produced it.
www.MesotheliomaInfo.piczo.com is a new online resource providing education to individuals suffering from Mesothelioma. If you or someone you know is suffering from the devastating effects of this deadly disease, this website can be extremely informative from a medical and legal perspective. Covered topics include Mesothelioma facts, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, secondary exposure, treatment options, suitable information, etc.
For more information visit www.MesotheliomaInfo.piczo.com.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on Oct 2nd, 2011.
Cats have a higher risk of suffering from lymphoma than people or dogs. Male cats between the ages of nine and 13 have the highest risk of developing feline lymphoma. So what exactly causes this condition?
Causes
There are two main causes of feline lymphoma. Most cats suffer from this condition because they have contracted feline leukemia virus, also known as FeLV. Cats that are infected with feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, are also at risk of developing feline lymphoma.
Forms
Although it can affect many different organs, there are three main forms of feline lymphoma. The multicentric form affects the lymph nodes located in the abdominal area. It can sometimes affect the spleen and liver also. The mediastinal form occurs in the chest cavity, affecting the lymph nodes of the thymus, mediastinal, and sternal regions.
The last form of feline lymphoma is the alimentary form. This beget of the disease affects your cat’s digestive tract. It may also affect the liver and the surrounding lymph nodes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of feline lymphoma depend on the severity and the location of the disease. Cats with the alimentary form of the disease will often experience vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a rough coat of hair. Those with the mediastinal get will have fluid in the lung cavity which will lead to respiratory problems.
If feline lymphoma occurs in the nose, your cat may experience facial swelling and a discharge from the nose. When the kidney is affected by the disease, it will lead to increased water consumption and urination.
Treatment
Treatment of feline lymphoma depends on the location and cause of the disease. The most widely used method of treatment is chemotherapy. This method usually achieves high remission rates and increases the life span of your cat. Chemotherapy drugs are given over the course of a few weeks. While taking these drugs, your cat’s white and red blood cell count must be monitored closely.
Surgery and radiation can also be used to treat feline lymphoma. These two methods of treatment are only frail when the tumor is localized and convenient to access.
This is everything you need to know about feline lymphoma. Your cat will display symptoms based upon the area that is affected by the disease. If he starts to display any of these symptoms, you should take it to a vet as soon as possible for an exam. If your cat does have feline lymphoma, he will likely be treated with chemotherapy drugs taken over the course of many weeks.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Sep 15th, 2011.
Are you having signs or symptoms of cancer? Being aware of signs and symptoms of cancer can help one to have successful treatment if he/she seeks medical attention right away. Whether minor or major, any symptom or sign that gets worse or continues for a long period of time needs to be brought to your doctor’s medical attention. There are several places that are more than happy to provide support and information about cancer.
Signs and symptoms are important components in detecting cancer. Cancer is made up of a combination of diseases, which can cause various symptoms and signs. Depending on the location, size, and how it is affecting tissues and organs, cancer will prevail certain signs and symptoms that warn humans of a serious health problem. Cancers that have spread may cause signs and symptoms to appear in several places on the body. Although, cancers, such as that in the pancreas, sometimes show no symptoms until it has become large enough and then puts pressure on nearby organs and nerves. Sadly, by the time this happens, the cancer has become a major threat. Because of matters like this, it is important for you to visit your doctor regularly, and never ignore signs or symptoms. After all, even if there is no cancer, your doctor will be able to fetch the cause of your symptoms and better your health.
Signs and symptoms range from minor to major. Minor signs and symptoms are not to be underestimated, because they can be linked to cancer, especially if they last an extended amount of time or gain worse. Some examples of general signs and symptoms that may be caused by cancer include:
Unexplained Weight Loss- This is often one of the first signs of cancer. If one loses 10 or more pounds for no reason he/she should be checked for cancer. Unexplained weight loss happens frequently with cancers of the lungs, esophagus, or stomach.
Fatigue- If one is often extremely tired and sees that rest is not easing the problem, he/she should see a doctor. This symptom can become critical as the cancer grows. Fatigue often occurs early in cancers such as leukemia. Also, Cancers that cause blood loss (stomach or colon) also cause fatigue.
Fever- This is probably the most common designate of cancer because all patients having cancer will have fever eventually. Lymphoma and Leukemia (blood cancers) can sometimes start with fever.
Pain- Pain symptoms are common with testicular and bone cancers. If one gets a headache that lasts a long time or won’t go away, it is possible that he/she may have a brain tumor, which can lead to cancer. Cancers, such as, rectum, colon, or ovary can cause assist pain. This symptom often develops when cancer has spread from its original dwelling.
Skin changes- This is a notice or symptom that can be seen. Visible changes often include: Jaundice (yellowish eyes and/or skin), hyper-pigmentation (darker skin), Erythema (reddened skin), Pruritis (itching), and excessive hair growth.
Although minor, if these signs and symptoms worsen or last for a long time, it is important to get the attention one’s health deserves.
Major symptoms and signs of cancer are ones that are common. It is crucial that one gets doctors help for these symptoms. Some major (common) signs and symptoms include:
Sores that appear not toheal – Skin cancers often behold like sores. The sores will often bleed and don’t heal. Oral cancers sometimes result with sores in your mouth for a long period of time, especially in people who chew tobacco, smoke, or drink alcohol frequently. Sores may also be early signs of cancer or infection when appearing in one’s private areas.
Unusual discharge or bleeding – This symptom occurs in the advanced or early stages of cancer. Blood appearing in phlegm may be lung cancer. A stool with blood in it may be caused by rectal or colon cancer. Abnormal bleeding of the vagina may be cancer. Blood in urine may be caused by bladder or kidney cancer.
Patches of white in the mouth or a tongue with white spots – This symptom may be Leukoplakia, often irritation caused by tobacco products. Most at risk are the tobacco users that use spit tobacco or smoke pipes. One should be checked if this symptom occurs for a long period of time because it can turn into cancer.
Lump or thickening in the breast area or other body parts – Once can often feel this type of cancer through the skin. Soft tissues are often subject to this type of symptom including: lymph nodes, testicles, and breasts. Lumps can grow.
Change is bladder function or bowel movements – Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, major change in stool size, and long-term constipation. Bladder and prostate cancer can cause hurt when urinating, causing urine with blood, or the need to urinate more or less than usual.
New changes to a mole, wart, or the skin – A doctor is necessary if one notices a change in size, shape, color, or the loss of the border of a freckle, wart, or mole. Melanoma is a skin change that may be successfully treated if found early.
Trouble swallowing or indigestion – These problems may be the cause of cancer in/on the esophagus, throat, or stomach.
Irritable hoarseness or cough – this could be a cough that lasts a long time and dosen’t't seem to go away, as sometimes seen with lung cancer. Cancer of the larynx (insist box) or thyroid gland may cause hoarseness.
One noticing any of these major changes or other changes of the body should seek medical attention. There are several places one can go for abet. Cancer Care has a website, www.cancercare.org, where one can glean information about cancer and procure support for his/herself or family members that already have it. Their toll-free number is 1-800-813-4673. The National Cancer Institute is another place that also provides accurate information concerning cancer to the public and patients. Their website is www.cancer.gov, and their toll free number is 1-800-422-6237. Lastly, the American cancer Society can provide support and information. One can contact them at www.cancer.org, or 1-800-227-2345. Treatment works better in the early stages which is why one should not ignore signs and symptoms.
If someone believes signs or symptoms of cancer are noticeable it is important that one gets the medical help necessary to detect the cause of your signs and/or symptoms whether it is cancer or something else. Being provided the information about some of the most common signs and symptoms one has a better chance of detecting the cancer at its prime and has a better chance of fighting it. Do not ignore signs and symptoms; they could result in life changing consequences.
Source: American Cancer Society, Inc, Last Revised: 01/06/2010, http://www.cancer.org
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on Sep 2nd, 2011.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of cancer involving the lymphatic system and the white blood cells. We all know that our immune system fights against contagious diseases, but our lymphatic system is a large part of the immune system.
Lymphatic vessels transmit a colorless watery lymph fluid, which transmits infection fighting white blood cells (WBC) called lymphocytes. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes; the lymphatic system a transport system that functions with the circulatory system. The lymph system is sort of like a metabolic trash collector for the vascular system.
The lymph vessels carry the lymph fluid to the lymph nodes, where the fluid is filtered and the infectious agents are destroyed by the WBCs. Lymph node clusters are found in the abdomen, groin, neck, underarms and other locations. Other immune system components include the thymus, tonsils, spleen and bone marrow. In the condition of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphocytes (B cells) rise abnormally inside lymph nodes and will spread the cancer throughout the lymphatic system into many organs of the body.
What causes Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is an unusual type of cancer. This type of cancer is one of the most prevalent types in people under the age of 35. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rarely found in people over the age of 55. The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not known; however, a theory is that the disease may be linked with obvious types of viruses.
What are the symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma differ from one person to another. Some of the common symptoms are:
Swelling of the lymph nodes of the armpit, neck and groin
Fatigue
Persistent fever
Unexplained weight loss
Sweating
Itching of the skin
These symptoms may be present in other conditions, so it is important to see your physician if your symptoms don’t go away in a week or two. If swelling of the lymph nodes and the other symptoms continue for more than 6 weeks the doctor may suspect Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How is Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosed?
In the beginning, when you first notice symptoms, those symptoms may be similar to a flu virus; therefore, it is important to go back to your doctor if you don’t bag better in a few days after being treated. If you don’t return to your doctor to report that you aren’t feeling better, your doctor won’t know to peruse deeper.
Hodgkin’s disease can be best treated if diagnosed early. You should visit your doctor immediately if you are having one or more of the above symptoms. Your doctor will check your lymph nodes on your neck and other areas for swelling and tenderness. A biopsy should be taken from a lymph node as well as bone marrow if Hodgkin’s lymphoma is suspected. In order to stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a number of scans will be done including Gallium scans, PET scans and CT scans.
Stage 1 involves only one lymph node.
Stage 2 involves two lymph nodes, and possibly parts of nearby organs.
Stage 3 involves lymph nodes located above and below the diaphragm.
Stage 4 involves the lymph nodes and the organ systems of the body. Stage 4 is the most advanced type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What are the treatment options for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
With early diagnosis, Hodgkin’s disease is definitely curable with radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of both treatments. The cure depends on different factors such as the individual’s age and sex, and the stage of the lymphoma.
Sources:
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/192/main.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hodgkins-disease/DS00186/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Aug 19th, 2011.
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson announced today that he has Lymphoma. This dampens the spirits of those who were hopeful that he would enter the 2008 presidential race. The announcement came this morning during an interview with Fox News reporter Neil Cavuto
Thompson told the reporter that he had non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but that he had not been ill and was not experiencing any symptoms. Thompson stated that he was in remission, but that this type of cancer was very treatable should the need arise.
Lymphoma is a cancer that strikes the immune system, affecting more than 70,000 Americans annually. There is no cure for this form of cancer, however, patience can experience extended periods of remission, but often require treatment periodically.
Thompson is well known for his political and acting career, most recently playing the part of a District Attorney in the prime time crime drama, Law and Order. Thompson stressed that he was in remission and plans to continue with his life as normal.
In 2000, Thompson offered his support to families of sick employees of the Oak Ridge Tennessee Nuclear plant. Some of these families suffered from this very same form of cancer. Thompson was appointed to the Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board. Then Senator, Thompson offered his support to the Compensation for Sick Nuclear Workers Bill.
Thompson has not commented either way on the 2008 presidential nomination. Many republicans were pushing for him to join the race. Thompson did however state that this cancer had no effect on his lifespan. Republican’s wanting Thompson to run opposing Hillary Clinton in the 2008 accelerate, may want to acquire another nominee in the event that Thompson declines to enter the rush.
Thompson, 64, has a colorful resume, ranging from attorney to stand-in for Paul Harvey broadcasts. His film credits are seemingly endless. Thompson is currently divorced, but had a two year relationship with Lorrie Morgan from 1994 to 1996. Greatly to his credit, frail Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton was prosecuted when Thompson uncovered his clemency for cash draw. Then practicing law in Nashville he was providing defense for a whistle blower in the case.
Tennessee polls project Thompson to become a presidential frontrunner should he decide to join the bustle. The probability of this happening now solely depends on his health. I’m sure the good senator would appreciate your prayers.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Jun 20th, 2011.
13 Years To Diagnosis63
By JerseyNana
Ha Ha The Hypochondriac Is Here
For years I was bothered by symptoms of chest harm, shortness of breath, hoarseness and palpitations. I had pneumonia several times and each time was treated with meds until my throat would close up and I was forced to discontinuance taking the medicine. A few weeks later, I would be sick again and return to the doctor to initiate the routine over again. Seems that I could never really get better. The fact that I was burning the candle at both ends never seemed to bother me. I worked two and sometimes three jobs to ensure that my hubby could support his business going and my children could attend college. It was around February of 1989 and my daughter was getting married in April and I had yet to even consider about getting a dress for her wedding. One of the main things that everyone busted my chops about was that I was having lapses of memory. Real or imagined, I became the butt of a lot of family jokes. Anytime an illness was mentioned; everyone would point to me……one thing held true to today, I never really looked sick so how could you take me seriously?
Sarcoid Lungs What Do All Those Words Mean?
Getting back to my daughter’s wedding and my need for a dress, I was out with my sister one Saturday afternoon because we both worked at the same part-time job at a weight loss meeting. She cornered me to stop at this exclusive dress shop and I reluctantly went in. The shop owner was a doll and she helped me find impartial the right dress. So I tried it on and staring back at me in the mirror were these disgusting purple blotches on my milky white legs. I told her that this was the reason I hesitated to try on a dress. I made an appointment with my dermatologist as soon as Monday arrived and got an appointment for the next day. He gave me some ointment and in about three days, it was completely gone. Luckily my dermatologist knew me because I had some “benign” lumps removed from my legs about a year before that were “nothing to exertion about”. I went to the dress shop the following Saturday and purchased the dress I had tried on the week before.
After my daughter’s wedding I was tweezing my eyebrows one afternoon when I discovered a bump right over my left eye from the middle of my eyebrow to the end of the browline. In about a month it was the size of an egg and making it difficult to completely open my eye. I went to my primary physician who sent me to a surgeon who had operated on me for a hernia and had also removed my gallbladder. I was no stranger to the operating room because a few years before I had a broken bone in my foot that required being in a cast for almost a year. The bone was supposed to heal in six weeks but did not and so I went for an operation which included my have bone obtained from my heel being grafted and held with screws. Fast forward six weeks, I am healed, now back to work. Oh no, did you say the screws have to come out now? Oh yes, and six more weeks on crutches and no putting any weight on that foot. Oh joy!
Getting back to the lump on my head, the surgeon did a nice job removing most of the lump. He told me it was a very hard and tough mass but he cut me along my browline and even though there is no hair there anymore, the scar does not sight bad at all. When I went back to the doctor for a follow-up, he told me the pathology came back and the lump was “nothing to worry about”. As I was leaving his office I was talking to his secretary and we chatted about my lump and I told her the good news. Then I remembered seeing a doctor on television say that we should keep all copies of blood tests and other records for our fill good. So she gave me a copy of the pathology report. I left his office and headed to my foot doctor. He was young and reminded me so much of my fill son. He inquired as to how I made out with the lump removal. I told him it was another “nothing to distress about” lump but I had a copy of the pathology report if he wanted to recognize it. He read the report and folded it and gave it back to me and continued to work on my foot. He then asked me if they were doing further testing. I said no because it was “nothing to worry about” fair like all the other lumps I had removed from my body over the years. Stunned, I asked him if he would do further testing, and he pointed out a few words to me like; numerous isolated and coalescent non-caseating granulomata and clinical suggestions of sarcoidosis or any other granulomatus inflammatory disease should be entertained. What the heck does that mean?
Thank God For The Internet
I rushed home from the podiatrist’s office and went suitable on the computer. Individually checked the words and the word sarcoidosis seemed to be linked to many of them. When I looked it up, my eyes were wide open as was my mouth when I kept saying, ‘I had that’, or ‘I have that’. Those purple marks on my legs, would have gone away regardless of whether I went to the dermatologist or not. They are known as erythema nodosum; another manifestation of this illness. So I took all my info along with the pathology report to my primary physician and he immediately took blood to check my T-cells, ordered a chest x-ray and a CAT scan of my chest with an without contrast. After he received the results, he referred me to another doctor in the same building. This doctor specializes in pulmonology as well as internal medicine. I brought all my new records and a copy of the pathology picture. He suggested that I have a lung biopsy that he would perform in the hospital. I agreed and the following week I found myself in the hospital having a bronchoscopy and about a week later it was confirmed that I did have sarcoidosis. Well at least it wasn’t cancer. This doctor continued to take care of me, in spite of only having one other patient with this strange illness and suggested that I see him as often as possible. I opted for a weekly visit until my illness was under control. Little did I know that it was tougher than we both expected.
The Road Back To Health
My unique doctor was wonderful and his secretary and I became good friends. It is a medical practice that has been around for many years and so many patients are up in years, and all have God and this stout doctor to thank. He is so caring that I already saw him argue with a lady who was very sick but refused to go to the hospital. He came out of his office with her, set aside her coat on, and drove her to the hospital while everyone fair waited in the office for him to return. Besides the doctor, his wonderful secretary has been with him over twenty years and when anyone calls, she immediately recognizes their voices. Actually it’s like they are her patients too, and they really are, she is as kind and caring just like the doctor.
One of the things I feared was the treatment. All websites I checked recommended prednisone as the drug of choice. I also read about the side effects, one being a round moon face and plenty of added weight. I have been fighting my weight all my life, now I’m gonna take a drug to make me fatter! My doctor understood my panic and promised me that he would do whatever he could so that I would not have to take prednisone. He has kept his word. He would check my breathing with a machine once a month and recommended inhalers and several different drugs given for a period of time and evaluated. I kept my weekly appointments and he took good care of me. He knows that I know my body better than anyone and sometimes I will see him more often than once a week. I have learned that this disease has affected me in many different ways. It runs in cycles like a roller coaster. There are great ups and terrible lows. Sometimes I have gone as long as three months just feeling amazing and then it is a horrible ride. One thing I know for obvious is you are the only one who knows exactly how you feel. Persistance is the key, and NEVER take NO for an answer.
My Suggestions To Anyone In My Shoes
I suffered from many symptoms of all different varieties. When I went to the doctor for a “frigid” or bronchitis, I never mentioned that I had purple bumps on my legs. Why should I? My shortness of breath was considered by me as the result of burning the candle at both ends. As for my memory loss…………I was so insecure that I was either losing my mind or had the early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, but it was my brain’s lack of oxygen because of my compromised lung capacity. My glands in my neck and armpits get inflammed and really hurt during some episodes, and I also was worried that I had lymphoma. And my skin, although the bumps are gone from my legs, my skin erupts with hive-like bumps that itch or hurt, depending on the mood they are in. I have almost always had arthritis and during some cycles, my joints swell and pain like nobody’s business. I also found out tht the bone in my foot did not heal because of my body’s rejection to calcium and vitamin D. One thing I have managed to do is keep a contented attitude. I love people and while I was working, I made many friends that I called “my kids”. Two of them came to visit me yesterday and I have been retired over a year. They all know they are always welcome and can visit at any time. Over this first year several of them have come by and I get the ultimate compliment when they say the place will never be the same without me.
Please remember that you are your body’s boss. You, and only you know how you feel. If you have been experiencing mysterious illnesses, please keep a log of how you are feeling, the treatment and or drug you received at the time, how long it lasted, and list any other strange symptoms or changes in your body; no matter how stupid or inconsequencial you believe them to be. Keep your doctor informed of these changes, and bring your log with you so you don’t forget or get sidetracked at the doctor’s office. Another thing to remember…..if he or she does not take you seriously, find another doctor who will listen. Believe me, you will not be sorry! I wish you all the happiness and good health!
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on May 11th, 2011.