Cancer Treatment: December 2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Why does anti cancer drug treatment lead to hair loss and nausea

Why does anti cancer drug treatment lead to hair loss and nausea?
I need help with a paper. Many anti cancer drugs are directed at either stabilizing or destabilizing the tubulin protein that makes up microtubules and are very effective in treating cancer.....so why the hair loss and nausea?
Cancer - 5 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The hair loss is due the chemicals killing all rapidly growing sells, not just the cancerous cells, and your hair is one of those kinds of cells, chemo is not specific for cancerous cells, just rapidly growing cells, I can't think of the name for it. As for nausea, it is b/c you are basically poisoning yourself, but for the betterment of your health.
2 :
Vitamin B-17 is the ultimate cancer fighting therapy. Of course the government will put you in jail if you use it for your patients. It has been banned by the fda. Why? Because it cures cancer and it would eliminate a billion dollar industry.
3 :
these treatments and antibiotics wil make you body so acidic that will happen. your body should remain alkaline so it can repair itself so check your urine or saliva for acidity. litmus paper can be bought in a roll
4 :
It's correct that these drugs have their greatest effect on cell types which reproduce most rapidly. Hair follicle cells, and those in the lining of your gastrointestinal tract all the way from the inside of your lips to the, um, other end fall into that catagory. That being said, different protocols with the same cancer drugs can affect a person differently. I had chemo in three sets. The first set, done "IV bolus push" over five days, caused the hair loss and GI inflammation. Most unpleasant. The second and third sets (same dosage) were done weekly for six weeks, IV infusion, and there were NO side effects at all!
5 :
Chemotherapy targets fast growing cancer cells. Most normal cells are specific to the organ and does not grow. Tumor cells are the uncontrolled growth of these cells. For some reason the signal to stop growing has been turned off in these cells . . thus the rapid growth. There are only a few other cell types in the body that grow and that includes hair cells and some cells in the gastrointestinal tract. The chemotherapy can not tell the difference between the hair cells and the cancer cells, so during chemo treatment all growing cells will die off. If the chemotherapy does its job the cancer tumors will die or shrink allowing surgery for removal. The hair will fall out, but this is only a temporary nuisance. Once chemotherapy stops the hair will grow back. Most people can tolerate the nausea caused from chemotherapy, but those who cannot can use medications to keep them comfortable. It's not pleasant, but chemotherapy is effective in killing cancer. Most chemotherapy protocols have been tested by extensive Clinical Trials and are backed by documented scientific evidence as to their benefit treating human cancers. The National Library of Medicine provides assess to millions of medical journals and documents through the years: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed

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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Breast cancer treatment what was your experience in waiting time for diagnositic test & treatment

Breast cancer treatment what was your experience in waiting time for diagnositic test & treatment?
I have been through the fight this yr. Just courious about others experience in their area.
Cancer - 4 Answers
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1 :
I was blessed to be able to have the mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy all on the same day. It was the day before Memorial day weekend and my primary dr. doesn't work Tuesdays so the waiting for the results was horrible, even for 4 days. I couldn't sleep or eat. I can imagine for other people that have to wait days or weeks between diagnostic tests that it can be very stressful. I had surgery exactly one month after I was diagnosed and started chemo about one month later.
2 :
It seems right after I had my mammogram and they called me to come back for a second one, that everything after that went real fast. I had the biospy, surgery, and radiation. Now after a few months on Monday I'm going back to the radiologist for a follow up visit.
3 :
Went through it exactly 10 years ago. My experience was fine! I discovered a lump end of July, went to my doctor mid September (I waited to see if the lump grew). Next day I had a mammogram and immediately an ultrasound. The doctor who read the mammogram and did the ultrasound immediately recommended that I have a lumpectomy (rather than a needle biopsy). Saw a surgeon within 5 days. Had a lumpectomy on September 28. 4 days later I was told it was malignant and I needed another surgery. Second lumpectomy took place on October 10. Began radiation on October 25 for 6 weeks. Never had any problem with the radiation. Refused to have chemotherapy or take hormone replacement therapy. I trusted my body since it had warned me in time that I had cancer. Didn't want to mess up my internal clock. It has been ten years. I am still clear of cancer. Good luck
4 :
I went for my mammogram and the nurse came back in and showed me the spot. Took more pictures and did a ultra sound. A week later the needle biopsy. I waited 3 days for the result and it was cancer. A week later consult with the surgeon another 3 days the 2nd consult (he wanted to make sure I had time to digest what he told me). Partial mastectomy a week later. Now I am done with chemo (6 month later) and will start radiation. even though I think things moved rather quickly, every day of waiting is torture. Especially when you just been told you have cancer. These tests take time especially when they figure out what kind of cancer it is and the hormone receptors. I was told that for instance the Her2 test takes a long time because they literally watch it grow.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

What is combined modality treatment for breast cancer

What is combined modality treatment for breast cancer?
Can you explain that to me please? For the intial stage of breast cancer that is.
Cancer - 4 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
for intial stage of breast cancer, u may, kindly, consult a local homoeopath. with best compliments from www.saioam.com
2 :
The lump and maybe surrounding tissue and lymph nodes are removed (surgical modality). If lymph nodes are cancerous then radiation (another modality) and chemo are used.
3 :
The latest American Cancer Society data indicates that 89% of newly diagnosed breast cancers are now cured with current therapy which is usually combined modality, so I STRONGLY suggest NOT using homeopathic treatment for a deadly disease that is now so often cured with mainstream therapy. Most primary breast cancers are now treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy - two modalities - 1. surgery and 2. radiation. [Mastectomy is much less common today.] A third modality 3. Chemotherapy - drugs usually given by vein that can kill cancer cells throughout the body - is recommended if the primary breast cancer shows signs that suggest a significant possibility of microscopic distant spread of the malignant cells. Added note - I should correct that the 89% figure is for five year survivals which is not truly a "cure" for breast cancer since it can come back after five years in some cases - - But, it is necessary to have an initial five year disease free interval to eventually realize a "cure." We do not know about "cures" for sure until maybe 20 years have gone by. Clearly the vast majority of stage I and II breast cancers patients are cured with current combined modality therapy. I would suggest homeopathic therapy for pancreatic cancer, advanced non-small cell lung cancers, and other types of cancer for which rational, scientific, modern medicine has no good treatment.
4 :
combined modality treatment means combinations of all modalities...the modalities for cancer are surgery , radiotherapy and chemo. These are used one after the other for a breast cancer. for initial stage patient is taken up for surgery first If breast conservation surgery done then radiotherapy follows surgery which is followed by chemo. otherwise after total removal of breast or mastectomy chemo only. followed by hormonal therapy depending on hormonal status

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance cover a nutritionist if it is needed due to post cancer treatment

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance cover a nutritionist if it is needed due to post cancer treatment?

Cancer - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
you'll have to check your individual coverage. you should be able to logon to your local bcbs, check the back of your insurance card or you can use the link below to find yours. once there you should be able to access your account information and coverage online with your member id and ssn. you can also review past paid or pending claims to review your copays etc. other than that you can call the 800 # on the back of your card and speak to a rep. you may also ask to speak to a nurse or someone in utilization management. good luck to you
2 :
the hospital should have a nutritionist that would help you with your meal selections as part of the cancer treatment They usually have booklets that you follow.

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Monday, December 12, 2011

What is the treatment for skin cancer when removal doesn't work

What is the treatment for skin cancer when removal doesn't work?
I have heard that the treatment is better than in the past. Is this true?
Cancer - 3 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
There are a variety of second line treatment options - the best choice depends on the type of cancer cells, where the cancer is located, and partly on the patient's preference. Second line treatment options include freezing tissues, drying out tissues with electricity, radiation, and chemotherapy. The newer treatments are better mainly in the sense that they are more narrowly focused on the cancer cells than chemotherapy or radiation, so they kill fewer healthy cells.
2 :
That really depends on what skin cancer you're referring to. All cancer treatments are better today than in the past. If it's basal cell, removal always works.
3 :
I think they said when removal doesn't' work. Treatment options depend on the following: The stage of the cancer (whether it has spread deeper into the skin or to other places in the body). The type of cancer. The size and location of the tumor. The patientâ€™s general health. For the conventional treatment of skin cancer and for the alternative treatment of skin cancer, see links below. My advice to anyone is, try to be as strong as you can possibly be in mind body and spirit, stop smoking and boost up your natural cancer fighting cells by eating more vegetables. It has been proven to help many of us that have had and beat cancer.

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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Are there any other successful treatment for cancer other than chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Are there any other successful treatment for cancer other than chemotherapy or radiation therapy ?
I have a 26 year old friend who has been diagnosed to have Colitis ulcerosa. Any suggestions to ease his treatment and recovery?
Cancer - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Some people have tried steroids like prenisone which are normally prescribed for asthma patients.
2 :
This is something we are considering for a relative battling cancer: http://www.rain-tree.com/graviola.htm
3 :
tell him to smoke pot
4 :
hi. Ive hv a cousin who has blood disorder/blood cancer.She's 34 now with 3 young kids of her own.Married for 10 yrs and she is absolutely sick.She has deppression eversince she was told to have that sickness.3 weeks in the hospital,actually make her so weak and after she get back,we advised her to take some supplements coz she was totally weak.She cant eat and sip anykind of food or drinks.So,we give her spirulina (20 pills - perday) and the best thing is that DR XENEJI. (liquid food drink) twice per day.Dr XEneji can kills cancer within 24 hrs.Produce new cell for the body.So she gain her health within 3 days and getting better.SHe put on weight now.But somehow her hair drops a few nths ago..but to the advise of the expert,she double dosage of the spirulina...and take AO MAX - OXYGEN WATER anytime she needs.Now she becomes much more better ..we felt happy for her.I think you can help ur fren that way also.Try to look for supplement that can help with the cancerous.Give love and care/concern.Nothing in this world is impossible.Theres a cure to everythin if we willing to look n reach for it.ALl the best..hope u can find one that can cure ur fren and bring health again.
5 :
Are you sure of your friends diagnosis. Ulcerative colitis is not cancer and is not normally treated with chemotherapy or radiation. The answer though about successful treatment for cancer other than chemo or radiation, is yes, there are other modalities depending upon the type of cancer and its location not to mention the health and age of the patient. Other treatments could be surgery, radiofrequency ablation, hyperthermic chemoperfusion, limb perfusion, cyberknife, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, gene therapy, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy - all which may be used in combination as a 'multi-modality' of treatments. Other options include clinical trials and experimental treatments.
6 :
You can try emu oil gel caps. they are safe to take and have no sideeffects. Emu oil kills cancer cells.

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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Need a place near Duke Medical Center for outpatient cancer treatment

Need a place near Duke Medical Center for outpatient cancer treatment?
can anyone suggest a place to stay for 5 to 6 months while my father goes through chemo and radiation. my parents live too far away to do the drive everyday so they need to stay somewhere nearby. insurance wont cover the cost of hotel/rent while undergoing treatments. any suggestions? thanks
Cancer - 3 Answers

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1 :
Contact the social workers at the hospital. Most hospitals keep an accommodation list.
2 :
There are places near hospitals that work with them for outpatient treatments. They also have access to transportation t and from hospital. You need to contact the hospital and they'll give you the info you need.
3 :
-If failed ,start one organisation to help cancer patient,that will give you a place -You know that you can write e mails to me by clicking the word e mail which is visible in my profile available by clicking here my name/picture

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

What is the best treatment for prostrate cancer

What is the best treatment for prostrate cancer?
Should i have the prostrate removed by the De Vincie method or use the radiation seeds. I have been given a hormone shot to slow the cancer down and am taking hormone pills to reduce the size of the prostrate.
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Dunno... sorr to hear about it though.
2 :
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PROSTRATE CANCER? The treatment options for prostate cancer depend in part on whether the tumor has spread. For tumors that are still inside the prostate, radiation therapy (using x-rays that kill the cancer cells) and a surgery called radical prostatectomy are common treatment options. "Watchful waiting" is also a treatment option. In this approach, no treatment is given until the tumor gets bigger. Watchful waiting may be the best choice for an older man who has a higher risk of dying from something other than his prostate cancer. Generally, tumors that have grown beyond the edge of the prostate can't be cured with either radiation or surgery. They can be treated with hormones that slow the cancer's growth. The traditional cancer treatments Surgery, Chemotheraphy and Radiation therapy can be given for Prostrate cancers also but everything depends on the stage of the disease and various other medical aspects. -
3 :
Those are probably not your only options. I recommend looking into protons, HIFU, and traditional radiation (IMRT, IGRT, Tomotherapy, Cyberknife etc) in addition to surgery or seeds. There are pros and cons to all treatments. To make an educated decision, you should consider your pathology (Gleason, PSA) as well as your age, and what is important to you in terms of side effects and effectiveness. Leave no stone unturned. It's not that there's anything wrong with Da Vinci or seeds, but there are other options out there you should be aware of, because this is potentially your one big shot to get rid of it. I recommend getting the book "Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" (2007 ed) and checking out the eHow Guide "How to Choose the Best Prostate Cancer Treatment for YOU" at: http://www.ehow.com/how_5308649_prostate-cancer-treatment.html Best wishes.
4 :
mesothelioma is the best treatment.

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