Cancer

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

• April 19, 2013 5:11 p.m.

  My husband of 32 yrs is waiting for results of a biopsy. Its Friday night 5:04PM. We have waited all day. So, going once again into a weekend without knowing, unfortunatley it is not our first encounter with facing a diagnosis. He has already had 2 different kinds of cancer. But this time we are more patient. Not going to let this mess up a weekend. Also, my husband said he avoids telling people and talking about it because he feels like people act and look at him like he is on his way out. Just wants to be treated and talked to in a normal way, about normal everyday things. I am a caregiver, and I feel very helpless a lot of the time. What can I do to really love and help someone dealing with cancer.

  - Robin

• April 12, 2013 3:57 a.m.

  Genny, skin and nail changes can occur during chemotherapy treatment. Keep hands and nails hydrated with hand cream that is very mild (no perfumes or alcohol. It also helps to wear gloves when doing household chores. Keep your nails short during this time. Most nail changes will improve when treatment is over - although this can take some time after chemotherapy is completed.

  - Sheryl Ness

• April 10, 2013 12:51 p.m.

  Do you have any recommendations for finger and toe nail problems related to chemotherapy side effects. All of mine are involved from the top down.

  - genny

• March 28, 2013 8:50 a.m.

  God Bless you all! Stay Strong!

  - Para

• March 10, 2013 5:40 p.m.

  Here is a great book for anyone dealing with cancer either as a patient or a supporter. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=surviving+cancer%3A+the+emotional+toll

  - bob

• February 16, 2013 5:38 p.m.

  i'm 22 and diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I have recently lost my mum and grandad to cancer, if i tell people i don't want them to feel sorry for me or be a burden so i can't. Is there a diffence between living with cancer and dying with cancer? when my tummy hurts i go the gym as it makes me feel fit and healthy

  - chloe

• February 8, 2013 5:50 a.m.

  I have bile cancer and have intensive itching. Can anyone help me.

  - Paul

• September 6, 2012 3:24 p.m.

  I am 2 years out after Bi-lateral Mastectomy. Every day since my dx is a gift. Some days are harder than others, but each and every day I am here, I feel blessed. We use the power of positivity in our home and we never look back, we never look too far forward and we do our best to simply live in the day. strong faith is required for this journey. God Bless all of you out there on this journey! I am sending you all prayers and hugs. Blessings, Deb

  - Deb

• August 22, 2012 11:17 a.m.

  Cancer survivor to me is my parents. I've had a cancerous tumor which I'm a lucky survivor of, but there's no way I can thank myself for being here. It wasn't up to me. It was the unrelentless support my parents provided me with. Not sparing expenses, hooking me up with the Everist Genomics guys (seriously check them out: http://www.everistgenomics.com/ ) and believing in me when I have lost all hope for myself was what got me through. If it was up to me, I know i wouldn't have made it. It was their continous belief in me that helped me fight it. That's why my parents are the real survivors.

  - Matteo

• July 3, 2012 8:42 a.m.

  I hurt, all the time, I fake it for my loved ones, and I try to go about living as best I can, I am a stage 3 Colon Cancer survivor 53 years old, I had stomach issues forever, had a complete colonoscopy at age 47, not a polip found 3 years later 6 inch and a half mass that penetrated the side wall. On aggresive chem (experimental)for a year with a pic line to assure the 3 days of no where land 24 hours a day every 3rd week, it is to say the least tougher than me, I have tried all I can and feel it beating me everyday, I have a good day for 3 days, and then the last 4 just feel like the life has been sucked right out of me. Now my left arm is starting to show weakness, I do have chemo brain, but manage, I have a wonderful husband who is very supportive, and now thinking maybe i need to apply for disability, as it is effecting my work. Any good words out there, I sure could use them, I do trust that God hears my plea. And so here I am writing on a Blog for the first time. God Bless everyone of you.

  - Robin

• June 28, 2012 9:11 p.m.

  I am a breast cancer survior. triple negative. I have gained 100 pounds. I work out eat right and play sports. My thyroid test were was follows: T3 1.56 T4 0.78 TSH 1.631 Do I have thyroid disease? Is there something wrong with my pituitary gland? Could this be cancer?

  - Trish

• June 13, 2012 1:31 p.m.

  I have some information regarding cancer benefits that may interest some of you. When my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer, my family discovered that his cancer was due to exposure to Uranium at a nuclear testing site in the 1950s-1960s. As many of you can relate to, medical bills can pile up with treatment and medical expenses, so we helped him file a claim to collect on benefits that we did not know he had. It was eye-opening and interesting, and is in no way a civil suit. I urge you and your family to see if you can claim any benefits. Check out this helpful website to see if you or a loved one with cancer qualify: www.cancerbenefits.com

  - Jensen

• May 21, 2012 7:31 p.m.

  Confused. Doctor took 17 limpnodes out and 8 were positive with cancer. Say's 80% chance it will come back. Stated I'm breast cancer free today after chemo and surgery. Then why do they think I should do a different type of chemo if I want to be proactive? Still confused.

  - Melissa

• April 14, 2012 6:39 p.m.

  I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with cancer in February, 2005 and treated for one year with chemo and radiation. Due to financial circumstances I had to work through treatment. I did not get sick from chemo at all - - I would go for treatment and then back to the office. I had my left breast removed and was off work for one week. I had radiation early in the morning and then I went to the office. I did what the doctors told me to do and so far I am still cancer free. I take one pill every day to keep the cancer from coming back. I did not listen to people telling me terrible things about chemo and radiation. I have lost weight and now I wear a size 36 b bra. I did have reconstruction to my left breast. I never missed a day of work except for the week after surgery. I had surgery Friday and came home on Sunday. My co-workers call me "one tough cookie" or the "bionic woman." I hope someone reading this gains some strength in their fight with cancer.

  - Sally

• February 25, 2012 2:17 p.m.

  Great book on Amazon to help everyone deal with the emotional toll of cancer called "Survivng Cancer: The Emotional Toll" Getting great reviews: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=surviving+cancer%3A+the+emotional+toll

  - Tom

• December 30, 2011 9:06 p.m.

  I found out today that I have prostate cancer. I can't believe I have cancer. I am 50 years old. I cried when I first found out. I don't know why. Maybe I am scared or sad because both my parents died from cancer. I have talked to people who have had prostate cancer. I will see my doctor to discuss treatment options. I just don't want my family to be distressed with my cancer. But God bless my family. My brothers and sisters.

  - John

• December 28, 2011 12:56 p.m.

  For Laura, Laura i am so sorry you are going through what sounds like a very depressed period right now. I know that if anyone has a reason to feel depressed its those of us who suffer with any form of cancer. However as crazy as it may seem and sound, your attitude determines your altitude. Try to celebrate life as best you can although your capabilities may be limited. Develop or enhance your Spiritual life. Another thing that has helped me has been creativity: write, sing, sew , crochet, knit, and find some way to encurage someone else. You CAN do it: no matter how litle we think we have some one needs us. Be encouraged.

  - Norma

• December 28, 2011 12:41 p.m.

  Thanks for this encouragement. My blog, " A Higher Place " is about encouragement. I am a cancer survivor , but the blog us not limited to cancer. I am , however adding this blog to my "links we love" feature , so other survivors can receive the same information and encouragement. Once again, thanks. Be Encouraged, Norma

  - Norma

• November 12, 2011 2:10 p.m.

  Teri You have a heavy load. I would advise you to seek spiritual support thru your church or perhaps the American Cancer Society. Perhaps they can refer you to a support group. Many hospitals have patient support groups, so ask around. In the meantime I will pray for you. It is important to try to develop a more positive attitude, and to "see" yourself with your kids as they grow up. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing!

  - Alayne

• November 10, 2011 12:53 p.m.

  It is very tough finding out u have cancer. I'm only 19 and i got diagnosed with asteo sarcoma in my knee. Also on top of that i was preganat with my second son. He is ok thank god. Nothing affected him. I still have not found out if it is gone yet. I am always stressed and Ib try so hard to stay strong and not be so emotional in front of the kids. I dont know how to cope with it yet. Im very scared to loose my life so young and not being able to see them grow i dont want to think bout that happening but its so hard i just dont know what to think. i know i have to be strong for them cuz they need me. I think i really need some advice.

  - teri

• October 27, 2011 8:00 a.m.

  Keep it coming, wiretrs, this is good stuff.

  - Hawk

• October 20, 2011 10:23 p.m.

  I need some advice for my friend who has many, many problems including malignant biopsies from his lung and stomach, nodules on his lymph nodes (not biopsied), high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and kidney failure (20% functioning). It's strange because he still functions quite normally every day with the exception of being very achy mostly in his legs. He also has water retention in his ankles and feet. They have had a hard time getting his blood pressure under control and it normally runs 180-200 (top number) over 130-170(bottom number). Now they have him on 2 steroids, 2 drugs for stomach ulcers, a water pill, 2 drugs for kidneys, a drug for the bones to make the RBC's produce faster, and a shot he has to give himself for the cancer. They have also put him on a diet in which he basically can eat only certain fruits and vegetables, no protein, no potassium, no starches, and I'm not certain on what else he can't eat. Does anyone have some helpful suggestions? He is not getting better and I'm afraid of what the outcome will be if he doesn't get the proper help asap

  - judy

• October 13, 2011 11:19 a.m.

  I am 6 wk.s post op from a mastectomy; had stage 1 invasive mammary cancer. I'm trying to deal with going back to work as a HOSPICE nurse. . .of course, all my patients die. God has used me in this job (R.N.) for 5 yrs., but am wondering, at age 72. if it is time for me to retire and concentrate on my 10 grandkids...I know that I am the only one who can really answer this question, and I also know it is important for me to keep my mind active and give back. . .am confused and thought you might have something to add. Thanks so much! phyllis

  - Phyllis

• October 13, 2011 8:37 a.m.

  you have done a good job. I really appreciate you. I also know the best destination for cancer treatment that is Germany cancer clinic. Germany cancer clinic

  - Sahil

• October 2, 2011 11:32 a.m.

  Debbie, I strongly urge that she get a 2nd opinion. There are many ways to treat. My husband had chemo & radiation then surgery followed by more chemo. The outcome was very good. Tell her to remain positive and keep looking for a favorable treatment. My husband had stage 3 rectal cancer. The process was rough but the outcome was well worth the effort. Let us continue to lift up each others spirits. God bless!

  - Alayne