pancreatic cancer treatment 2011
Cancer Treatment
Information, research, symptoms, cancer detection and prevention
Overcoming Cancer: Even If You cannot Cure Cancer, You Can Learn To Live With It
on August 29, 2011 - 0 Comments
Categories: Help
Cannot Cure Your Cancer? Maybe Not – But You Can Learn to Cope With It Better!
Cancer is an insidious disease which can sneak up on anybody. Sure there are a number of forms of cancer which have links to your behaviour. Not smoking will greatly reduce your chances of getting Lung Cancer. But a non-smoker can still get Lung Cancer. Frequent sun-baking without any form of protection will significantly increase your chances of contracting Skin Cancer. But a person who has rarely been exposed to the sun can still develop a case of Skin Cancer…. Why?
How can a young child get struck down with Leukemia, while an old person who has smoked, drunk heavily and eaten a very questionable diet all his can live seemingly healthily to over 100?… Why?
THE THING IS – NOBODY KNOWS.
We should proceed with this brief article. Billions of dollars’ worth of scientific and medical research has vastly improved our understanding of the various types of cancer. We’ve bucket loads of statistics telling us what the percentage chances there are of getting a particular disease – or surviving if you happen to be a victim. But these are only statistics. When dealing with an individual they’re almost useless.
Nobody knows whether or not you’ll contract cancer.
Nobody knows what type it would be if you were to get cancer.
Nobody knows whether or not you’ll survive a short time, a long time or completely recover.
There are numerous instances of people being told that they were terminally ill and would only survive a month or two. Yet they’ve gone on to live for many years – sometimes with no trace of the cancer remaining.
We should face the fact that we just do not know.
Breast Cancer Treatments – Part one: Webinar: Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments available at the Oasis of Hope Hospital w/ Dr. Contreras – Part one Second Part / Click Here …
Certainly we can make some informed decisions based on the statistics – which tell us what has happened in the past. Certain forms of cancer have been found to respond reasonably well with modern medical treatments of chemotherapy, radiology and various cocktails of drugs. In other cases alternative, natural or holistic treatments have been shown to be very effective. In all cases these past results are exactly that – results obtained for other patients, in different situations, in a time past. They may or may not have the same effect on you – whether good or bad. The Doctors do not know that either – through no fault of their own. They can only make their best guess based on the evidence before them – which will always be biased towards the type of experiences and treatments that they’re familiar with.
However you shouldn’t let this discourage you. You’re not doomed with an irreversible curse placed upon you. You’re an individual faced with a unique set of circumstances. Listen to the experts – but it’s your life, and you’re in charge of it. Make your own decisions about the course any treatment will take. Above all else remain positive – even if you have to force yourself. After all – many people in the past have overcome cancer.
There is a good deal of research suggesting that a positive attitude and mindset can do wonders for someone with any disease – particularly with cancer. Combined with a healthy lifestyle and natural, balanced nutrition – this can lead to a greatly improved prognosis.
If you sit around moping, expecting to die any minute – then that may just happen and in any case you’ll have wasted a lot of precious time being miserable.
If you can remain positive, look after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally – then you may end up living much longer, and if not you’ll at least have enjoyed what time you had left.
John Cusworth is a Biochemist and “Health Crusader” from Melbourne, Australia who supports a healthy, active lifestyle and natural, organic nutrition. Find more information about Cancer Symptoms at
http://www.multiplemyelomasymptoms.netShare your thoughts..
The Killer Cancer in Young Women! Inflammatory Breast Cancer
on August 29, 2011 - 0 Comments
Categories: Advice
Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive of all these cancers in which a tumor of any size has spread to the breast skin, chest wall, or internal mammary lymph nodes (located beneath the breast right under the ribs, inside the middle of the chest). This is a very uncommon but very serious, aggressive type of cancer.
The most distinguishing feature of this cancer is redness involving part or all of the breast. The redness feels warm. You may see puffiness of the breast‘s skin that looks like the peel of a navel orange (“peau d’orange”), or even ridges, welts, or hives caused by a buildup of fluid and edema (swelling) in the breast.. And part or all of the breast may be enlarged and hard. A lump is present only half of the time. This cancer is sometimes misdiagnosed as a simple infection.
The next insightful part with reference to this issue. Inflammatory breast cancer, although rare, is called “inflammatory” because the breast often looks swollen and red, or “inflamed.” This cancer accounts for one to five percent of all cancer cases in the United States. It tends to be diagnosed in younger women compared to non-inflammatory breast cancer. It occurs more frequently and at a younger age in African Americans than in Whites.
Breast Cancer PSA – Lonely
Like other types of cancer, inflammatory breast cancer can also occur in men, but usually at an older age than in women. Other symptoms include heaviness, burning, aching, increase in breast size, tenderness, or a nipple that’s inverted (facing inward). These symptoms usually develop quickly-over a period of weeks or months. Then again, it’s important to note that these symptoms may also be signs of other conditions such as infection, injury, or other types of cancer.
Diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer is based primarily on the results of a doctor’s clinical examination . Biopsy, mammogram, and breast ultrasound are used to confirm the diagnosis. This cancer is classified as either stage IIIB or stage IV . Stage IIIB cancers are locally advanced; stage IV cancer is cancer that has spread to other organs. Inflammatory breast cancer tends to grow rapidly, and the physical appearance of the breast of patients with this cancer is different from that of patients with other stage III cancers.
Prognosis describes the likely course and outcome of a disease – that’s, the chance that a patient will recover or have a recurrence. Inflammatory breast cancer is more likely to have metastasized (spread to other areas of the body) at the time of diagnosis than non-inflammatory cancer cases.
As a result, the 5-year survival rate for patients with this cancer is between twenty-five and fifty percent, which is significantly lower than the survival rate for patients with non-inflammatory. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. Statistics can’t be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient because each person’s situation is unique.
Wyatt Schell is webmaster and publisher with the exclusive cancer help resource, Cancer-Help-Treatment.com Inflammatory breast cancer can be beaten!
Share your thoughts..
Early Signs Or Indications of Lung Cancer
on August 29, 2011 - 0 Comments
Categories: Articles
Always remember that recognizing the early signs of lung tumor is very essential for non-smokers and also smokers. Currently, 50 percent of persons who develop cancer of the lungs are previous smokers, and 15 percent are for non-smokers.
The following are the early signs of lung cancer:
• Coughs that don’t go away Several people discharge or adapt to a persistent cough, and attribute it to anything else. Maybe it’s allergies, a cough that follows a dry or cold air in winter month. Of course, coughs that last more than some weeks may be an indication of something. Chronic coughs as early symptoms are even simpler to neglect if you experience conditions that incline you to cough, like in asthma, allergies, COPD or gastro esophageal reflux. Hemoptysis or coughing out blood is an ordinary sign of lung tumor, but may be fairly delicate and you can observe only little quantity of blood traced phlegm if you cough. If you suffer continual cough, consult your physician and look for second opinion if you can not get an apparent reply.
Please make sure to read this thoroughly, the problem and the options have many different distinctions. Shortness of Breath during Activity Another regular early sign of lung tumor is briefness of breath which you can only observe with activity. This may be ignored and liable in getting older, being unhealthy, or maybe because of those additional weight you gained. If you observe that you have difficulty in breathing in doing any activity, try to talk to your physician.
Aretha Franklin Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms & Prognosis.: Click to watch Aretha Franklin Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms & Prognosis.\ UPDATE: WJBK FOX two News in Detroit confirms tha…
Pain in your back, shoulder, chest or arm. Lung tumors may compress on nerves, which result in the pain in the shoulder, back, chest or in the arm, even before they can cause cough or trouble in breathing. Almost 50 percent of persons with lung cancer suffer some chest pain or aches in the shoulder in time of the findings, particularly aches that increase during breathing and coughing.
• Repeated illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia it’s common for somebody to discover that he/she has lung cancer once treated for recurring episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis. If a growth is located adjacent to the airway, it may lead to obstruction that influences you to infection. Recurring infections can be because of constant smoking or situation like COPD; however, they may also cause early sign of lung tumor.
• Any unusual signs or common decline in health If you observe any sign which is abnormal to you, it’s essential to see your physician, specifically if you have been a smoker before. Apparently dissimilar signs, like knee pain can be a premature sign of lung tumor. Common symptoms like fatigue, reduced appetite, or even despair must prompt you to consult the advice of your physician.
Learn some tips on early signs of Lung Cancer. For more Info, please visit us at:
http://symptomsofcancer.org/blog/Share your thoughts..
Top four | Ovarian Cancer Stages
on August 29, 2011 - 0 Comments
Categories: Symptoms
We hear more and more that our friends or family have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a terrible thing to happen to anybody. Ovarian cancer is one particular disease that seems to be on the rise so it’s important for the female population to keep their yearly checkups on schedule. There are 4 stages that ovarian cancer goes through; let’s review those ovarian cancer stages.
Stage one – The first stage is determining where the cancer is located and it can be in either one or both ovaries at this time. During this stage, the cancer is only located in the ovaries and has not moved elsewhere in the body. As this stage progresses, the cancer can be found in both ovaries and may at this time have moved to the outside and elsewhere in the body.
This can possibly be a very important section of this specific matter. Stage two – This stage verifies if the cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries as well as that the cancer could now be on the outside of the ovaries as well as possibly other organs that are contained within the pelvic area. During this stage, the cancer spreads into the Fallopian tubes and/or the uterus. At the end of this stage, the cancer has spread to the uterus, colon, rectum, bladder, and into the lymph nodes. It’s even possible at this point that the cancer can be found in the abdomen area.
Radical Hysterectomy For Cervical Cancer rhfcc-2010
Stage three – At this point, the cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries and has spread to other parts of the pelvic area. The cancer that can be found in the abdomen area are approximately 2cm or less but in the ovary(ies), the size could be larger than 2cm. Statistics show that most women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer during stage 3.
Stage four – This is the most extreme level the cancer reaches and is when the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Surgery is usually performed to remove the cancer before further treatments are prescribed. Every attempt is made during surgery to remove the cancer which can be successful, but if the surgery is not then the patient must undergo chemotherapy treatments.
These stages were developed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics or FIGO and are standard in assigning the ovarian cancer stages throughout the world.
For more useful information on Womens Cancer, check out Ovarian Cancer Stages also, visit
http://paulasbeautyshop.com/ovarian-cysts-what-are-they/Share your thoughts..
Colon Cancer Prevention With Colon Cleansing
on August 28, 2011 - 0 Comments
Categories: Information
Nowadays, colon cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. There were a few advancements in medicine in the last years, but doctors cannot find any cure for this problem.
There are a few problems which make colon cancer a dangerous disease. First, you need to know that this issue will not show any signs before it appears. Any person can suffer from colon cancer without even knowing it. Most health problems will start with some symptoms and they’ll offer you a chance to stop them.
One other useful subject related to this matter. Unfortunately, many people find about their problem when their cancer is already in terminal phase. If this wasn’t enough, the chances of survival decrease by the minute. Those who find out that they’ve colon cancer are aware of the fact that each moment without a cure will only make their situation worse. This problem cannot even be temporary stopped. This is why doctors recommend prevention. Without a cure, the only way to stay away from this problem is by avoiding colon cancer altogether.
Women Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk (Wash. U. In St. Louis) – YouTube: A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Harvard University has found that women who walk for at least 2 hours a week are less lik…
If you want to do this, you certainly need a colon cleansing procedure. Studies have shown that this treatment will cleanse your system from its toxins and this will result in a healthier body. You can try getting a natural colon cleanse and you’ll surely start to feel better in just a few days. Even more, you can be sure that the chances of getting colon cancer are lowered.
At the moment, only a successful colon cleansing strategy can offer you colon cancer prevention. Start searching for the right one and you will not have any problems.
2 great colon cleansing supplements that work well are known as Bromalite and Bowtrol.
Learn more about Bromalite [http://bromalitereviews.net].
Learn more about Bowtrol [http://bowtrol.cc].
Share your thoughts..
How To Raise Awareness About Leukemia & Lymphoma
on August 28, 2011 - 2 Comments
Categories: Resources
September is National Leukemia and Lymphoma awareness month and it’ll be the perfect time to increase public awareness about these 2 cancerous diseases. It requires proper understanding about its prevalence, prevention, and treatment.
Just to get an idea about how these diseases are affecting people around the globe over the last decade, it’s important to get hold of some statistics for better understanding. In the year 2000, approximately 256,000 people around the world, including children and adults, developed Leukemia, and 209,000 died from it. These statistics represent 3% of the 7 million deaths caused by cancer in 2000, and 0.35% of deaths overall.
One additional interesting element around this area of interest. In the United States alone, about 245,000 people were affected with some sort of Leukemia, and in 2008, about 44,000 of newly Leukemia-diagnosed cases were registered. This represents 30.4% of all types of blood cancers. Even in children, every third child has leukemia, commonly known as acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Benzene
Every year September is celebrated as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month, which is a great opportunity to educate people. Thousands of people every year join together to commemorate this very special occasion. These people work all year to make every possible effort to raise money for blood cancer research.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society organizes one of the best awareness events, named the “Light the Night Walk”. It’s a charity walk that’s held every year by different communities across the nation, which raises funds and donations that go towards blood cancer research, educational materials to promote awareness, developing local support groups and counseling, and providing free personalized assistance for cancer-victims and their families.
This event is the backbone of fund raising, as the research for finding the cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma depends on it. During the course of this event, everyone participating in the “Light the Night Walk” walk carries illuminated color-coded balloons. White balloons denote the leukemia survivors; red balloons denote the spreading of awareness, and the golden balloons commemorating the friends and families of those who lost their lives to blood cancer.
There are several ways to be a part of this great cause. One can show their support by joining this walk, or host their own Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness event to raise funds and awareness in public. These events carry tremendous amount of passion and emotion, thus giving promotional items to spread awareness that’s both sensitive and appropriate, would be ideal for this cause.
One can wear or give away custom awareness pins or silicone bracelets and urge people to wear them to show their support and create awareness. Lime green color bracelets are for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and any other kind of Lymphoma, while purple is used to symbolize Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. These bracelets and pins are quite subtle, and exceptionally appropriate for promoting the fight against cancer. After all, the concept of these silicone bracelets and awareness pins has its roots based on the fight against cancer.
Sienna Pacific is a manufacturer of Awareness Pins of the highest quality and offers free artwork with your Custom Lapel Pins order. Or if you wish, you can browse their awareness products in their online store.
2 Comments
Prostate Cancer Prevention that’s Free, Effective & Mandatory For Men
on August 28, 2011 - 1 Comment
Categories: Articles
Prostate cancer prevention is never a 100% sure thing. Men who thought they would never get it have gotten it. Even guys with low PSA scores sometimes get the disease — even though they eat right, exercise and follow all the usual health rules.
But, there is one thing most of these men don’t do.
And, if they simply did more of it, would probably never have to worry about getting cancer in their prostate.
What is this thing most men are missing?
Getting enough sunshine.
Very simple, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s simple — but also powerful for prostate cancer prevention.
The power of sunshine is in the vitamin D your body produces as a result of being in the sun. This vitamin D is extremely potent. In fact, I’ve heard respected doctors say that if the vitamin D in the sunshine (that you can’t get in a pill) were bottled and patented, it would be marketed as a prostate cancer cure.
But it is not just prostate cancer it is good for.
It is good for other kinds of cancers and diseases, too.
Certainly, obviously, this doesn’t mean you can go out in the sun for ten hours per day and be okay.
Like anything, you have to use common sense and moderation.
For example, if you’re someone who burns easily, then you’ll want to limit your exposure as compared to someone who can be out in the sun longer.
The point is, to get sunshine often, even if in short doses of fifteen minutes at a time.
It is one of the best prostate cancer prevention discoveries ever made.
Let’s continue with this brief article. Click the link below to get your FREE copy of “The Prostate Healing Food that’s So Sexually Potent Priests Were Forbidden To Eat It.” A strange, but true, way to get relief from most prostate problems and reclaim the raging sex drive you once had. I am not giving this report away free much longer, so grab it while you still can at
http://ProstateProblemsFixed.com1 Comment
Options to Battle the Side Effects of Chemotherapy Cancer Treatment
on August 28, 2011 - 1 Comment
Categories: Symptoms
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment often times leave cancer patients with side-effects that severely impact various aspects of their quality of life. In this post, we will touch upon some of the dietary, physical and social options available to battle the side-effects induced by chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatment.
Dietary Side Effects
Loss in appetite is a common side-effect experienced by patients who undergo chemotherapy. This loss in appetite results in a decreased protein and nutrient intake making the patient’s road to recovery more difficult. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer patients complain that certain foods like meat may be bitter or taste metallic. A patient’s sense of smell may also be affected due to chemo treatment attacking healthy cells as well as diseased cells. In general, these changes in sense of taste or smell will return to normal once treatment ends.
With the body already in a weakened state, caregivers will need to make sure patients not only eat their meals but also eat the “right” types of foods. A few recommended ways to combat the change in sense of taste or smell by the National Cancer Institute are the following:
Choose foods that look and smell good Marinate foods with fruit juices, wine, salad dressing and other spices Try tart foods and drinks Make foods sweeter Eat with plastic utensils rather than metal ones Discuss meal and options with a dietician
To battle appetite loss, other suggested methods include:
Eat smaller meals, but more frequently Drink liquids throughout the day Drink a liquid or powdered replacement Have easy-to-carry snacks readily available
Eating and getting the necessary amount of nutrition is extremely important for patients during the recovery and healing process.
Physical Side Effects
Let us proceed with this article. As part of chemo and radiation treatment therapy, most patients experience side-effects which affect their physical appearance, leaving them feeling depressed. Common physical side-effects include discolored or burnt skin, loss of eyebrows, hair follicles and acne. Fortunately, organizations like Look Good…Feel Better, a 501c3 non-profit organization, aim to help women cope with these terrible side effects. They understand that self-image and physical appearance have a direct impact on the patient’s self-esteem and in turns hinders the recovery process. The organization offers over 14,500 group workshops nationwide in more than 3,000 locations where beauty professional volunteers teach women beauty techniques to help them manage the appearance-related side effects.
Chemotherapy is a Waste of Money – YouTube: Dr. Peter Glidden talks about the incredibly low success rate for chemotherapy as a cancer treatment.
Other institutions like DNI International offer reconstructive cosmetic products and services available to cancer patients at select institutions. David Nicholas and David Miranowicz, co-presidents of DNI International, empathize with patients on how a decreased physical appearance is directly linked to a lower quality of life. “Chemotherapy can yellow the skin; they often lose their eyebrows and eyelashes, and radiation burns the skin. But with some education, we can empower them to soften the effects of those treatments, and they can feel more like themselves again…which makes them feel better.” DNI’s user-friendly reconstructive cosmetic makeup products are available to cancer patients in the Rowley, MA and Massachusetts General Hospital-Oncology Unit.
Social and Emotional Side Effects
Newly diagnosed cancer patients and families may also experience role changes. Cancer patients, who were originally extremely independent pre-cancer, will now inevitably become more dependent on their family and loved ones. Patients are also likely to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, frustration, and hopelessness. Cancer survivors like Bill Gasperson stress the importance of joining support groups and that the larger the patient’s support group is the better. Support groups offer several benefits, some which include:
Learning tips and resources through sharing among peers Connecting with cancer survivors and coaches for strength and encouragement Finding inspiration through patient empowerment Identifying the right questions across various stages in the disease Companionship – rediscovering the ability to laugh despite the disease
A strong social support network most importantly provides the patient with the emotional support to help battle the hurdles of this terrible disease. Cancer survivors have stressed that perhaps the most important emotional support is needed when they experienced disease recurrence.
We hope this post was helpful and would love to hear some of your own lessons learned.
Pulse of the Patient is an online cancer support community that’s driven entirely by patients rather than by physicians, with a primary goal to improve cancer patients’ quality of life and care through knowledge-sharing based on the principle of “If I Knew Then, What I Know Now…”. We’re the quality of life site for anyone touched by cancer. Please visit our blog at: Our Blog.
1 Comment
Long Term Cancer Treatment Effects (The Secret of Life Has Been Found in My Back Yard)
on August 28, 2011 - 0 Comments
Categories: Advice
I was sitting on the patio the other day. It was a nice cool Florida morning that you get on the east coast before summer sets in for good.
While Sampson the Chihuahua busily chased a variety of bugs and lizards’ around reminding them that they were a little late in vacating the premises from the previous nights yard party, I caught a glimpse of a squirrel watching me from the limb of the tree that overhangs a backyard fountain, he was wondering when I would be moving on so he could get a drink, hopefully before the water turned warm from the Florida sun.
Butterflies flittering in the cool morning breeze, staying just out of reach of the small brown dog running wild in the grass. The daily bird fight for tree branch supremacy taking place in the background.
I sat in my chair watching the ongoing dramas of the backyard opera unfold before my eyes, and I was content, dare I say happy.
Lucky, maybe that is the better word.
Why don’t we go on with this piece of content. I sat and thought about the scare I had a few months ago when my follow up scan had revealed that at the spot where my tumor is located and had been laying dormant for the past couple of years, a large mass had appeared. I thought about the various tests and scans that I underwent from November to February.
Most of all I remember the relief I felt when I finally received a call from the University of Florida telling me that this large mass in what remains of my right lung was not cancerous.
Personalized Breast Cancer Treatment, A Story From Mexico – YouTube: ENGLISH SUBTITLES. Listen to Monica’s story about how she benefited from personalized breast cancer treatment in Mexico. As many women mistakenly do, she ass…
A small lizard caught my eye and I watched it fearlessly climb the side of the fountain, although he had no idea what was awaiting him at the top of his climb, the very same fountain that the homeland security squirrel had kept under surveillance for quite some time now, patiently waiting, never losing site of where he was or what he wanted.
As I watched that fearless little lizard, he stopped suddenly, sensing the danger from a low flying bird, he stayed perfectly still and then when danger had passed, he made his way to the water basin. It occurred to me that I was more apprehensive in the months from November to February then during the time when I was diagnosed and being treated for small cell lung cancer. I think more then anything else, because unlike my friend the lizard, I didn’t sense the impending danger. The fact that something was not right came as a total surprise. I had gotten comfortable with where I was in my recovery and was rewarded for that complacency with a swift slap in the head as a reminder that If I want to continue to survive, I should never let my guard down.
At the point in time after I was originally diagnosed, I was receiving radiation twice a day along with chemotherapy. Everything was what it was, the only unknown at that point was whether A) I could survive the treatment and B) Would the treatment be enough to stop the cancer. But this last thing was out of the blue and for a period of time, a crew of different Doctors from different institutions and back rounds could not figure out what it was or why it was there.
So here it’s in a nutshell.
Once you survive the initial treatment and that treatment provides positive results, you start to slowly put your toes back into life’s swimming pool, carefully testing the water to see how cold it’s.
Step by step inch by inch you commit a little more into living, At some point prior to cancer, you might have fearlessly dove in without even knowing how deep the water was but now you move a little slower, a little more apprehensive, forever aware that there could be danger ahead as the water gets deeper. Before you know it, as time passes you once again find yourself wading in the water.
If your very lucky, you never again have to be startled back into reality by someone yelling, “GET OUT OF THE POOL!” just as you were getting comfortable.
So I get this phone call from a doctor at the University of Florida with my test results.
From what they could tell, the mass was not the tumor becoming active but basically a cloud in my lung comprised of dead cells and tissue which had succumb to the prolong effects of radiation treatment. Are these fresh cells that have recently died or past relics from the epic battles that took place inside my lung a few years prior? We may never know.
Some things we know all too well..
We know about the side effects of radiation treatment as we’re receiving it. We’ve a pretty good idea of what to expect from chemotherapy treatments. But what about a couple of miles down the road? What are the long term effects and should they be a concern?
Here’s what I think I know.( I had radiation to the brain, so sometimes I get a little confused.)
For the first 5 years after lung cancer treatment, you see your oncologist every 3 then 6 months as time moves on. 5 years is the benchmark. It is all about “Alive at Five” baby.
After that I am not sure (Get to 5 and we will talk). I believe that you fall under the responsibility of your regular physician.
I know I’ve written quite a bit about fighting cancer and what it takes to survive as you’re going through treatment, but I think this is the first time that I’ve dared to let myself think beyond the 5 year wall. I guess the recent flare up, startled me back into the realization that this is no longer a sprint for me it is a marathon and It might be ok for me to start thinking long term again.
I know that lung cancer is notorious for its rate of reoccurrence. So that is the first culprit I’ve to be always aware of. I know that some of the other possible long term side effects from radiation and chemo treatment range from kidney and liver issues, cataracts, severe tooth decay, hypothyroidism, intestinal problems and then a variety of secondary cancers and lung disease.
I know that if you have had radiation to the brain, you’re open to memory loss, difficulty concentrating and bouts of confusion.
I know that not a whole lot is known about the long term effects of these treatments, maybe because in the world of lung cancer, 5 years is long term.
Here’s what I know for sure.
1) Any long term side effect you receive from lung cancer treatment should be considered as the “price of admission” for being allowed back into life’s swimming pool.
2) Lung cancer is an ongoing fight, the true definition of beating lung cancer is simply holding it off for as many years as it takes to die from something better. Like old age.
3) As it’s with fighting the initial battle, the long term vigilance should involve a proper diet, exercise, stress maintenance, regular medical checkups, staying aware of yourself ( if it do not feel right, it is probably wrong) get it checked out.
You might want to keep a journal from diagnosis onward to help keep track of changes and challenges along the way.
4) Enjoy life, if we’re discussing long term, (a few miles down the road past the 5 year rest stop.) then you my friend are fortunate. I hope that you’re finding ways to take advantage of the additional time you earned by surviving.
Bottom line on long term side effects….
Do not spend any time worrying about them. It is pointless and worry leads to stress. Just be aware of yourself and watch for changes within. Remember there might be setbacks just react as needed. If you do experience long term effects keep one thing in mind, you’re still alive, even when the odds were stacked so heavily against you, is there really anything so great that you cannot now handle?
So now it is time for me to begin moving forward with my day. I push my daily bout of thankful reflection to the back of my mind and start thinking about today.
At my feet lay my little dog napping, exhausted from his back yard triumphs of chasing butterflies. I look up and there still sit is the squirrel patiently waiting for his drink. Just below him, sitting in the fountain is the lizard, who bravely faced the unknown to get where he needed to go.
My thought today is that if I could learn to live like these 3 little guys: Without fear like the lizard, Vigilant like the squirrel, and always willing to chase butterflies like Sampson the pup.
I might just make it quite a ways farther down the road then anyone expected.
Tim Giardina is the co-founder and President of the GFLCCO as well as a current small cell lung cancer survivor. The GFLCCO is developing a World Wide network of supporters with facts and information regarding lung cancer, lung cancer treatment, proper diets and exercise and alternative medicines and treatments as well as valuable links to a deep pool of resourses for patients and their families. The primary function of the GFLCCO is to support Scientists by funding research for a cure. If you would like to learn more about the GFLCCO, need information or support or would be interested in reading more of Tim’s work, please visit us at
http://www.gflcco.com we’re a non profit organization that also relies on the support of others to carry on with our work, if you find our site useful, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Share your thoughts..
Thyroid Cancer Cures & Facts
on August 28, 2011 - 0 Comments
Categories: Advice
There are many types of cancers that can infect the body. If you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you can in some way, consider yourself to be lucky. Thyroid cancer patients have a 95% survival rate. Most patients can bee treated well enough they can say they’ve been cured.
This form of cancer only makes up 1% of all cancer patients, and it affects women more than it does men. For this reason, thyroid cancer is said to be gender related, although the absolute cause is unknown.
Thyroid cancer is divided into 4 categories, papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The papillary form of cancer is the most common form, and it’s also the most curable. The follicular form of thyroid cancer is more malignant than papillary. Follicular cancer is common for older people, and the cancer cures are typically successful. Medullary cancer originates in the upper lobe of the thyroid. It can spread to the lymph nodes in the early stages of the cancer. This type of cancer may also be genetic and could possibly run in families. Anaplastic is the rarest form of thyroid cancer. This cancer can spread rapidly through the lymph nodes, and could cause a massive lump on the neck. This type of cancer is again, common in people above the age of 65. Anaplastic cancer has the highest rate of fatality.
Be sure to evaluate this informative article properly, the problem and the alternatives have a number variations. Most cures involve chemotherapy. Actually, this version of cancer is the most susceptible to chemo. This is because thyroid cells act differently than other cells in the body. Thyroid cells are unique because they’ve the ability to absorb iodine. When you use chemotherapy, the iodine is concentrated to the cancer cells specifically. This cuts down on the negative effects of chemotherapy. Many patients who use chemotherapy as a cancer cure don’t experience hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, or any of the other negative effects associated with chemotherapy.
Cancer Facts : How to Check Your Skin for Skin Cancer – YouTube
Usually, thyroid patients will have the growth removed surgically first. Than, the radioactive iodine treatment will begin and will continue for about 2 weeks. After that, patients will return to the doctor every six months to a year to get blood tests. Most thyroid patience never see it return after the initial radioactive iodine treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with this dreaded disease, you can take comfort in the fact that thyroid cancer cures have a 95% success rate. Talk to your doctor right away about your treatment options so that you too can get on your way to a fast recovery.
Ty has lost 7 close family members due to cancer. He devoted the last decade of his life to medical research to find thyroid cancer cures so you and your family do not have to experience the same tragedy.
Share your thoughts..