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• Living with cancer

• December 11, 2009 6:09 a.m.

  For Lorian;: What type of thyroid cancer did you have? I have been diagnosed with papillary, tall cell and anaplastic for which I am being treated now. I had radiation but my cancer reappeared and am now in a clinical trial, taking pills and chemo. The prognosis not very good but we won't know how I am doing on this until my first CT scan.

  - janet

• December 10, 2009 8:56 p.m.

  My husband is in the second week of chemo and radiation. He has had bladder cancer for a few years but now has colon and rectal. He has been told not to eat too much fiber while he undergoes radiation. We usually eat "healthy foods" fruit to start the day whole wheat bread, more veg than meat. How do we continue to eat healthy food yet stay away from Fibre?

  - susan

• December 10, 2009 1:28 p.m.

  In 2005, I lost my mother to cervical cancer and in September 2005, my husband was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer, he underwent 18 sessions of intensive chemo., which was very very hard on me because I had just just dealt with the lost of my mother and had not come to grip with that lost. My husband was sick, angry at first because he was thinking "why me". We got beyond that and after chemo thought we were home free until he started having stomach pain, in short they did a hernia repair and in 2008 he was still having pain,he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, they removed part of his stomach and he is undergoing chemo at this time. We are blessed and grateful for each each day.Without my faith, I don't think either of us would have made it this far. This is the second round of the big "C" but we will prevail. For everyone and every family member that is dealing with this and other diseases, love each other as if is the last day because it could very well be. Be blessed

  - Kathryn

• December 9, 2009 6:16 a.m.

  A little over 8 years ago I had two types of thyroid cancer at the same time a rare thing. I just had a recurrence of one of them in my neck and had several cancer lymph nodes removed waiting to have body scan done to see if it is any where else in the body now before they do radiation on my neck this time last time I has 131 treatment four times and I had 8 year of cancer free before it decided to reared it ulgly head again but I beat it once and I will again.

  - Lorain

• December 8, 2009 10:30 p.m.

  Words of wisdom: 1. treatment will *likely* make you very tired. Accept it. You might be told treatment won't make you feel tired but that's an attempt to boost your mindset. For me, it made me frustrated and angry wondering why I had so little energy. I pushed myself and in hindsight I wish I had just gone with the flow so to speak and asked for and accepted help. 2. If you feel drained physically (and emotionally) don't be afraid to use your energy on something that brings you pleasure instead of feeling you should use it on a necessary chore. It will bring you peace of mind, help you to relax and, I believe, help with the healing process. 3. Consider using candied ginger for nausea rather than ingesting yet one more chemical. After discovering the hard way that my antidepressant and prescription anti-nausea medication didn't play nice my doctor recommended the ginger. Why it's not a first choice I'll never know. You can use it as often as needed and it's a natural substance. If you're undergoing chemo it means one less chemical in your body. 4. Ask questions. Lots of questions. Including questions regarding your treatment facility. My chemo and radiation treatments were professionally and compassionately carried out. The internal chemo for the cervical adenocarcinoma was a nightmare. 5. Don't be afraid to talk about what you're experiencing. Can't place a value on talk therapy.

  - Trudy

• December 8, 2009 9:39 p.m.

  My 21 year old stepdaughter recently lost 30 pounds without dieting. I told her I was concerned about her because I noticed how sick she looked. I talked to her and told her to please go to dr. She went alone without anyone knowing that she was going and the doctor told her her Iron was elevated and triglycerides. He was a dr at a walk in clinic. He told her she might have stomach cancer or intestinal cancer. She has had problems with constipation over the past few years. She just told us this information the last few hours and we are devestated. This dr. was cold to her and scared her without having any more lab, xray or scans to diagnose her. I called a friend that works for a gastrointestinal dr. and he is going to see her in a few days. She is also having alot of bruising. I thought maybe her stressful life over the past year had contributed to her symptoms and never suspected anything like this. If anyone has any information on these symptoms or will just pray for her. We need your thoughts and prayers. I know you all understand. God bless. Kelli and Jenna from Alabama

  - Kelli

• December 7, 2009 12:44 p.m.

  In the summer of 2005, I experienced a frequent need to urinate. Then I could not urinate any substantial amount and often did not make it to the bathroom before it began. I decided to wait for my yearly physical a few weeks away. By that time I was seeing small amounts of blood. When I went to the physical I was given a clean bill of health but then I asked for a urine test. I was told it was no longer part of a physical due to insurance costs. I told her I would pay for it and gave her my experiences of the past few weeks. By September I knew I had bladder cancer. Had I not insisted on that simple urine test I might have lost my bladder or my life. I have had one reoccurance (almost immediately after the first series of treatments) and since mid 2006 have been cancer free. I am now going every 6 months for a check up and my prognosis is very good. Be sure to insist on this simple test.

  - Ann

• December 6, 2009 10:02 p.m.

  I am moved by your stories of hardship and sacrifice. I have lost many people in my life to this disease, and I have an uncle and a father-in-law currently battling. I wanted to mention a book that I think offers a lot of hope and very compelling information to those of us affected by cancer. It's actually a short novel I bought online (e-book pdf cost six dollars) and it's called Cave Dan. It is about a man who is out of shape and he has a tumor. Of course it's a serious subject, but the book is actually a really funny satire. The quirky son motivates his dad to change his lifestyle and diet so he can get better. The diet changes are radical, but they actually make a ton of sense. I looked up the references in the book and was blown away to see how one can unleash the power of the immune system. Anyway, Cave Dan the only novel I've ever read that made me healthier and gives hope to cancer patients (as well an anyone who is overweight or has autoimmune disease). Of course I would not recommend any radical diet change without talking to the doctor, but I would recommend this novel. I got it at lulu.com, search Cave Dan. The laughs alone are good therapy. God bless -

  - Tim

• December 4, 2009 3:56 p.m.

  Anyone else out there with chemobrain? I am frustrated and angry that I agreed to chemotherapy, without full understanding of the terrible consequences of permanent brain damage associated with the chemo. I would never have agreed to the chemo, with only an 8% increase in survival, if I had been told what this would be like, for the rest of my life. Anyone else feeling this way?

  - Anne

• November 25, 2009 7:42 a.m.

  Mornin' Rina, My husband had an esthesioneuroblastomaectomy 8/06....left hospital with MRSA and a 3 yr supply of IV and oral antibiotics---as a consequence his WBC is still below normal......I give him neupogen injections (GCSF). We are blessed with excellant insurance that covers the $800.00 per injection. I believe the treatment for low WBC is dependant on the cause.

  - Nan

• November 24, 2009 6:30 p.m.

  My husband has been diagnosed with gastric cancer, any ideas to enhance white blood cell counts.

  - Rina

• November 24, 2009 12:57 p.m.

  I have a pretty aggresive non hodgkins t cell lymphoma. Diagnosed in December 2008 and continuing treatments since; stem cell transplant scheduled for December 2009. I try to stay positive and pray for strength.

  - mark

• November 23, 2009 6:44 p.m.

  I was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma found after going for a yearly physcial. I have just read many encouraging stories and thank all of you for your words. Presently I have made early morning my time to read Traveling Light, morning stretching, deep breathing while listening to encouraging music and lifting light weights. I have a gratitude journal most of my weeping comes in the early morning. I was a nordic walker with 2 other walking buddies but for now until I get tx. my walking has been at a slower pace. Tomorrow I go with the support of my son and husband to receive the game plan I am encourage by my Drs. that I could have many years ahead of me. Already I can see the blessing that our coming out of this incurable cancer bless you all and keep me in your prayers. Mary Louise

  - marylouise

• November 23, 2009 7:27 a.m.

  Dear Rena, I truly appreciate your perspective and please know that I do not, nor have I ever, thought of cancer survivors as victims. I feel empowered to work with cancer survivors, as they have taught me so much about life -- including how to live it to its fullest.

  - Nicole

• November 18, 2009 7:57 a.m.

  November 18, 2009 2:25 a.m. Dear Nicole As a past cancer patient I would like to mention a few toughts. a.I absolutely,opose the expression, "cancer victim".Its embarassing and insulting!! I am not a victim! I am a person with great optimism and responsibility to do whatever is needed to overcome the problem. b.I had breast cancer 15 years ago, with 2 lampectomies and full radiation treatment.I never saw myself as a sick person.Never missed a days work.For me the cancer was an ACCIDENT, which needs to be treated and its over. All those of course (as a responsible person) being on top of tests and mammograms. I had each of my lampectomies (within 2 weeks) in tne morning on Thursday, went home in tne afternoon, and back to work on Monday.No one knew about it, except my secretary. 3.In the article presented today (November 18) there is talf about survival rates.I would expect to see what are the odds of the cancer returnin after good health of 15 years with full life activities. To summarise my toughts: dont see yourself as a victim, you arent;be responsible and do your tests and mammograms as needed (every year after the age of 50 or after 40 if you are in the high risk group. Dont stop your activities, get help if you need it temporarily. But the most important: See yourself with a temporary problem (I wont call it disease) which will pass after going trough with whats needed. Dont complain about it, enjoy what life has to offer. - Rena,Israel

  - Rena,Israel

• November 16, 2009 8:28 a.m.

  Betsy: Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I will try the CDs you recommended. I am trying very hard to wrap my mind around this new way of life. In addition to my chemo I have made an appointment with an alternative doctor who works in conjunction with my treatments. I just have to get my fight back. Again thanks so much and I wish you continued good health both physically and mentally. Palma

  - Palma

• November 15, 2009 3:01 p.m.

  Palma, I have breast cancer that has metastasized to my bones. I also never expected to have a cancer reoccurrence and I have been told I will be on chemo for the rest of my life. That was a year and a half ago. I have just finished with a 3 month break from chemo. The chemo has not been bad and seems well worth the trouble. I am enjoying life more than ever before. What I have found to be helpful is listening to guided imagery CD's on my ipod to help me relax and to help with healing. I listen to Martin Rossman's Healing Cancer from Within CD's and Belleruth Naparstek's Guided Imagery for People Undergoing Chemotherapy . That CD also has great positive affirmations that have been very helpful to me. Also Iyania Vanzant was a CD that helps you be thankful for life. I wish you well. Don't give up hope!

  - Betsy

• November 15, 2009 12:04 p.m.

  We cancer free wonders are not "fighters;" we are WINNERS. Winning depicts positive; fighter/warrier depicts negative. I won my rectal tumor struggle by being a winner not a fighter. AND I avoided any negative either from people, family or with the simple word. We are winners and have much to celebrate.

  - Marty

• November 14, 2009 11:27 p.m.

  My husband has aggressive prostate cancer with a gleason score of 9/10 - it had already metastasized to many bones and was outside the prostate by the time it was detected. He had hormone therapy which is no longer effective and his PSA is beginning to rise again. He went into a clincial trial study but the medication was not helping; his only option seems to be chemotherapy but he is reluctant to have the side effects; he is basically symptom free now (no bone pain) and has a good quality of life. The oncologist we saw stated the chemo would only extend his life by 2-3 months. We were told he had about 30 months to live, that was a year ago. I'd like to know if anyone can describe the side effects of chemo and state if they feel it is really worth compromising what might be left of his life by miserable side effects? He is planning on entering another clinical trial study in hopes the medication may work. It's difficult to know what to do next.

  - Janet

• November 14, 2009 7:14 p.m.

  I Tasha feel for you, knowing what it is like to sit and watch a loved one go through all that they go through. My son in law and my husband and myself went through a week of hell watching my daughter scream out in pain and not being able to do anything but be by her side,, hold her , remind her of all she has to live for.. a seven and a ten year old... this was her second battle of breast cancer but ate up her back,, and now she is waiting for a bone scan to come back with the results...she lives everyday with hope and faith.. as all of us do, all that have been touched by this disease. My husband and I never tried to cry in front of her,, but she knows the pain we feel as we watch her be brave as she receives treatments to stop the hormones.... We did find that after weeks of the initial "round two " that the tears flowed,, find someone who can be your outlet.. mine happens to be a husband who is strong when I am weak, and I am strong when he is weak... I believe the word warrior is correct in describing cancer survivors.. but find some to share your feelings with.. this is tough, not as tough as it is for the person who has this dreaded disease, but it is tough. You are young.. but my son in law was young when my daughter had her first bout with breast cancer 29, but he has stayed by my daughter and has been the best husband, father that any two parents could ever wish for... so as we wait for the results next week.. we stand on faith hope and Gods l

  - mary

• November 14, 2009 6:34 p.m.

  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2009; needless to say this certainly was a big shocker! I had a breast biopsy for confirmation and then had a lumpectomy with 36 radiation treatments. I am now, since August, taking Arimidex once a day and I am told this will probably be for five years. I am counting my blessings I have such wonderful oncologists. I am now feeling really fatigued and I think this is one side effect of the Arimidex; am I correct? Will it go away? I have had other cancers, uterine, ovarian, cervical, colon, but they were caught so early I did not have to have any further treatments, just followup every three months, six months, etc. Now I am dealing with the diagnosis of breast cancer, but feel so blessed because I have had mammograms every year; this year the changes that were seen previously had changed in appearance. I just thank God every day for the gift of my life. Am trying to stay positive, but since I no longer go every day for treatment I feel myself falling into a rut of mild depression. Thank you all for your support. Mona

  - Mona

• November 6, 2009 12:41 p.m.

  Hi, this is all new to me,my boyfriend has cancer and had been taking chemo and they said that they got it all but this year it came back,as i read it seems to be common that it comes back and from someone who has to sit and watch him while he is in pain it takes something out of me. I am buy his side the whole time never missing any appointment scan chemo I am their thorought it all and love him no matter or how small he gets or how much hair comes out ,my love stays the same and thats really what they need from family not to look at them any different.But as you know its offen hard ,I find myself cryin somedays when i come to work but not around him i like to show him that iam strong,Iam only 28 years old so i still have alot to learn but i do know that'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you' be blessed cause you are....

  - Tasha

• November 5, 2009 10:59 a.m.

  I have been recently diagnosed with recurrance of gallbladder cancer. I was told at Sloan Kettering that I will be on chemo the rest of my life. I truly was not expecting that outcome and feel overwhelmed. Does anyone have any experience with gallbladder cancer or any recurrance that has a indefinite chemo plan? How do you handle all this? How do you not want to just let nature takes it course? I was always so positive with my original treatment and now wonder if this is really a recurrance or it was never gone in the first place. Thanks for listening (reading).

  - Palma

• November 4, 2009 11:09 a.m.

  03/19/07 - diagnosed with brain cancer 04/27/07 - brain surgery 05/18/07 - went back to work 05/07/07 - 35 sessions of radiation w/chemo pills 07/12/07 - gamma radiation surgery 06/13/08 - clinical trail for Avastin & CPT11 IV 11/13/09 - 32nd chemo treatment coming up I have always considered myself a survivor & continue to have a positive attitude & have started to do things that I was waiting to do later 03/28/09 - sky diving from 13,000 feet drive my new 2006 Mustang to work everyday (never missed day off work because of sick)

  - Dale

• November 3, 2009 5:18 p.m.

  I was diagnosed with lung cancer in Aug. 2009. I had a left lower lobe lobectomy Sept. 1 and I have undergone one cycle of chemo. I have 3 more cycles to go. I am experiencing fatigue that is interfering with my work. I walk 20-30 minutes a day. I don't nap, but just get so tired that I am unable to work 8 hours. I did work 5 yesterday. I am 50 years old, and other than the lung cancer I am in good health. I receive Cisplatin and Etoposide. Is the fatigue normal for these drugs?

  - Pat