There are many forms of cancer that exist today. One of the more severe types of cancer is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelial tissues of body organs, typically the lungs or abdomen. The cause of mesothelioma is usually a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos. This is not the only cause as there are many people inflicted with mesothelioma who never had any type of exposure to asbestos.

Years ago, exposure to asbestos was more common. Many companies had employees working with asbestos. Not only were the employees at risk, but their families were too. People who even wash the clothing of people exposed to asbestos are at risk. So it is not unusual for a wife of one of these employees to be affected if she were the sole person washing clothing. Such employees would be in the fields of construction, insulators, and boilermakers to name a few.

There are two different forms of mesothelioma. These are pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The expected survival timeof a person who has mailgnant mesothelioma is between 4 months and 2 years. This is from the time the symptoms present themselves.

Mesothelioma is not always fatal. The patient will have a chance to survive depending on the size of the cancer, where it is located, how old the patient is, and how their body responds to the different cancer treatments. Typical treatments for mesothelioma are radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Another form of treatment, though not proven, is that provitamin A or beta-carotene may decrease the risk.

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Tags: cancer treatment, chemotherapy, mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma

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Tags: cancer treatment, chemotherapy, mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma

For anyone who has had any treatment for lung cancer, it is important to take care of yourself afterwards. For example, you may get side effects or the cancer could even come back.

By having regular checkups it is possible to notice any changes in your health. In this way, you have a better chance of getting the proper treatment as quickly as possible.

The type of checkups that you may expect would be a physical examination, chest x-rays, and various other laboratory tests. You should understand that it is important to make sure that you do have these tests a regular basis.

Of course if you’re not feeling well in between, then you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Cancer can have a devastating effect on many people. Nowadays, there is also emotional support offered and this should be used.

There are many issues facing anyone who has cancer. It is not just the physical symptoms involved, there are also many fears and worries and concerns daily. In addition, family and friends have to deal with it also.

So a part of your treatment plan should be focusing on helping you to cope with the emotional and psychological difficulties that you will experience.

This support will come from many areas, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals. Try to seek out cancer support groups in your area, they will provide advice support and comfort. This support is important, because you will not feel so isolated with your condition.

Being a member of such a group provides a sympathetic environment where you can talk about your concerns with others who also have cancer or have had in the past.

Just by talking about the problem can help your attitude, which is important in fighting the disease. Your local healthcare professionals will be aware of any such groups, and you should ensure to remain in contact with them.

Find Out More Information At:

healthinfodocs.com healthinfodocs.com

healthinfodocs.com/lung-cancer/asbestos-related-lung-cancer/ Asbestos Lung Cancer

Tags: lung cancer

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Tags: lung cancer

In the past, the treatment options for a particular disease were limited to only a few. With the advancements in medical science, we have scores of treatment options available for any disease.

The various treatment options available for breast cancer have increased in number too. Today there are many ways to combat and deal with breast cancer. They can be broadly classified into the following categories:

1. Surgery: Surgery has been the traditional mode of treatment for breast cancer. However, changes have taken place during recent times. The surgery now is more precise and is directed to the exact spot of the disease so that the damage to the unaffected area is minimized.

a. Lumpectomy: The cancerous lump is removed surgically without removing the surrounding lymph nodes.

b. Mastectomy: This is performed if the lump has become large or in case the cancer has spread to other areas. The affected breast is surgically removed.
c. Lymph Node Dissection: This is the surgical removal of lymph nodes. Usually done in case of invasive breast cancer, it is a procedure performed at the time of mastectomy or lumpectomy. During mastectomy, it is an extension of the breast incision (to the armpit area). If done during lumpectomy, a separate incision is performed in the armpit. A part or all of the lymph nodes are removed. Usually it also involves cutting the nerve carrying sensation to the area.

2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation is a highly targeted and effective way of treatment, which destroys the cancer cells. High levels of radiation are sent directly to the cancer cells. Radiation therapy undertaken after surgery can also kill those cancer cells that could not be treated by surgery. It can also be combined with chemotherapy, to relieve pain, or to shrink the tumor. It is short and relatively easy but side affects can also occur. The traditional radiation therapy is external in nature. Internal radiation therapy is also being experimented. In this process, radiation-producing substances are either implanted directly in to the tumor or injected through a tube.

3. Herceptin: Applicable only to women with HER2-positive breast cancer, it consists of an antibody, the primary role of which is blocking the HER2 protein in cancer cells. It is useful in cases where the breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Also known as immune treatment, it is approved by US FDA for women with metastatic disease.

4. Hormone Therapy: It is another effective treatment. It is useful for women having hormone receptive positive breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors are more effective in women with post menopause and Tamoxifen in women with pre menopause hormone receptive positive breast cancer.

5. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy, or use of chemicals to treat a disease, is a systematic therapy. Since the use of chemicals affects the whole body by going through the blood stream, it is very effective as it can act on the cells, which are rapidly dividing. A major drawback in this mode of treatment is that the drugs act not only on the cancer cells, they act on healthy cells as well leading to various side-effects like losing hair, nausea, skin diseases and so on.

6. Alternative Therapies: In addition to the above modes of treatment, there are many alternative therapies as well e.g. yoga, acupuncture etc. Since sufficient research is not available in respect of such therapies, it is difficult to come to any decisive conclusion.

Since the disease conditions differ from patient to patient, the ideal treatment for an individual would depend on various factors. The best mode of treatment can be formulated with due consultation between the patient and the doctor.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to breast-cancer.treatment-and-guides.com/ Breast Cancer

Tags: breast cancer, chemotherapy, mastectomy

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Tags: breast cancer, chemotherapy, mastectomy

Johnny (not real name) is a 46-yar-old male. He was diagnosed with a Stage II B colon cancer and underwent a surgery which turned out to have gone wrong. A second corrective surgery had to be performed. Later Johnny was asked to undergo chemotherapy which he declined. Johnny related in great detail the “frustration” about his meeting with an oncologist. The following is the transcript of our video-taped conversation.

Encounter With the Oncologist

Johnny: I went into his (oncologist) office. I sat down and did not say anything.

Nurse: Oh, you have to wait for so long?

J: Yes, three hours. The oncologist read out my name. Then he asked the first question.

Oncologist: Mr. Johnny, what car are you driving?

J: My car is Proton Saga (Malaysian made car).

Onco: What is your profession?

J: Housing Site Supervisor.

Onco: Now, I tell you. Your cancer is like a Mercedes, BMW, Japanese car or a local car. Your case is Stage 2. So you need to take a good medicine — like a Mercedes medicine to fight.

J: He (oncologist) started to ramble on. I just listened. After he stopped, I asked him: “How much is my cost, going through all this chemo treatment?”

Onco: Are you confirmed or not? You have to confirm first that you are going for chemotherapy.

J: I was stunned. Confirmed? Before knowing anything, I have to decide and make a confirmation? I asked him (oncologist): “Sir, can you give me two minutes to digest your question.” After digesting it, I asked him: “As a consultant, you should know better than me, what type of medicine you are going to use, how much it costs and all these. So, what is the cost and the type of medicine you are going to use on me? It is only then, can I decide what to do.” The oncologist went on rambling again.

Onco: There are many kinds of medicine. There is A – the good one; B, not so good one and C, which is an oral one. So which type do you want?

This author: He (oncologist) asked you choose?

J: He asked me to confirm first that I am going to do chemotherapy. He will then tell me which type of medicine he is going to use. But, I asked him for the cost.

Author: Why did he not tell you right away that A costs so much, B so much? Even in the nasi kandar (local food) shop we have a list of prices posted on a board in the shop. Why don’t they just do that?

J: No, he would not tell me that. He wanted me to confirm first and only then will he tell me how much and what medicine he is using. I asked him: “For my stage, is it necessary for me to take oral chemo. See, my job is to walk around here and there.” He did not answer my question at all. At one point, the oncologist asked me this question through his nurse: “Do you understand what I am saying?”

J: I said this to his nurse: “Tell your doctor that I fully understand what he is trying to say. But I am not sure, if he understands what I am saying to him.”

What is Chemotherapy For?

Author: In your discussion, did he ever say that whatever drug he is giving you, is it going to help you or not?

J: No, no. He just told me it is just for prevention. He said that now I have gotten rid off my cancer, there may be some more cancer cells present in the lungs or anywhere else in the body.

Author: So, the whole idea is just for prevention?

J: Yes … and I must go for chemotherapy.

Author: In your conversation with him, did you ever discuss if chemotherapy is going to help you at all?

J: No, I did not ask. I was so fed with the way he talked to me.

Perusal of Medical Reports

J: I asked the oncologist: “Did you go through my medical report seriously?” I used the word seriously. The way I see it, he just flicked through the pages without even reading it.

Author: He did not really read the report? I mean, the way you saw it?

J: He did not take time to really look at it at all not to say read. He just looked at it and he told me that I had Stage 2. How am I going to trust him?

Author: When you asked him “Did you really read my report”, what did he say?

J: He just looked at me like this … (showing his face), and replied: “Are you confirmed or not. If you are confirmed that you are going to do chemotherapy, then come back tomorrow and I shall prepare all the things.”
I asked the oncologist again: “As a consultant, is this the correct way to talk to your patient? What if the patient tells you he does not want to go for chemotherapy?”

Onco: No, no. You have to go for chemotherapy. You have Stage 2 cancer.

J: But you still have not told me how much it is going to cost – just roughly, there is no need for the exact figure, but just give a rough figure.

Q: Okay, let me ask you about your file again. He did not read and study your medical records? What is your impression on that?

J: No, he did not read at all. That’s a fact. He is interested to know whether I can confirm if I wanted to go for chemo or not. That’s my impression.

The Explosion

J: I could not stand him anymore. I told him: “F (four letter word and other dirty words)” – right on his face. “Forget about it. I am not going for chemotherapy. You give me back all my x-ray films and file. I am not going to see you again.”

Q: You told him that?

J: Yes. He responded: “Oh, your cancer is very serious – very serious. You have to go for chemotherapy.”
He still insisted that I go for chemotherapy. I told him again: “You did not tell me how much it is going to cost.” This is the last word the oncologist said to me before I left this room. “Okay, it is going to cost around RM 4,500 per dose and you need six doses within three months.” He did not tell me what medicine he wanted to use or whether chemotherapy is going to be able to cure me or not.

The Walk Out

J: When I walked out of his room, his nurse came running after me.

Author: The nurse came after you?

J: Yes, and she said: “Mr. Johnny … er. I bring you to our Welfare Department to discuss.” I told her: “Okay. I trust you but not your doctor.” I wanted to give another try and I went to see the officer in the Welfare Department.

Welfare Officer: He did not write how much it would cost, how to negotiate with you?

J: But the last word, he told me was: RM 4,500 per dose and I have to do six doses. That means RM 27,000. So, tell me how much discount can you give me? Then I told the Welfare Officer: “Forget about it.” And I walked off from his office.

Why I Went to the Oncologist in the First Place

Author: You went to see the oncologist, but the way you talked to him seemed to be quite aggressive. I understand you. You needed information. You wanted to know many things. Your life was in his hands. Let me ask you this: Before you went to see the oncologist, have you already made up your mind NOT to undergo chemotherapy?

J: Yes.

Author: Then, why did you go and see him then?

J: Oh, because the nurse in the hospital (where I had my surgery) had been calling my wife every two to three days.

Nurse to my wife: Your husband still did not go for chemotherapy? We have made an appointment for him to see the oncologist. But he did not go.

Author: You mean the hospital was bugging you to go and see the oncologist?

J: Yes, exactly.

Author: How many times did the nurse called you?

J: As many times as I postponed the appointments to go and see the oncologist. So, at last, I had to give in and gave it a try.

For more information about complementary cancer therapy visit: cacare.com cacare.com, NaturalHealingForYou.com NaturalHealingForYou.com, BookOnCancer.com BookOnCancer.com

Tags: chemotherapy, colon cancer, healing

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Tags: chemotherapy, colon cancer, healing