cancer Archives - Page 2 of 4

Childhood Leukemia: Notes from a Retired Pediatric Oncologist

Published on November 28, 2016

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Many years ago, I was a pediatric oncologist for about six years as part of my career. Nearly all the children that I tried to treat died. It was a very stressful occupation and I gave the job to a successor and took up another interest. The chief of radiotherapy had become a friend and not very long before I gave up oncology, I was having lunch with him one day. He asked me whether I had a patient with leukemia in the hospital at that time. I replied that I did indeed have an 18-year-old girl with the variety of leukemia known as myelogenous. This particular form of leukemia was at that time the most resistant to all types of treatment. I knew that the state of her disease was critical and I did not expected her to survive. In fact her death was predictably imminent.

I asked my friend why he had posed this question. He replied that he wanted to take a unit of blood from a patient with leukemia, irradiate it and put it back into the patient. Naturally, I asked him why on earth he had conjured up this experiment. In fact I knew that blood irradiation as a treatment for leukemia had been tried with little or no success. He replied that he had had a patient with Hodgkin’s disease (cancer of the lymph glands). He had irradiated swollen cancerous glands in the patient’s neck and to his surprise, glands in the groin area disappeared. He had come to the conclusion that irradiating the neck glands had released something into the bloodstream that had an effect on the glands in the groin.

Well, I said, if you can get the blood from my patient, treat it and put it back before the patient passes on, you are welcome. He took a unit of blood and put it under the cobalt bomb (the most up-to-date way of carrying out therapeutic irradiation), turned the machine on and went for lunch. When he came back he found that he had delivered 13,000 rads (a rad is a unit of x-ray dose). When you consider that 1000 rads given to a patient could be lethal, please be aware that this dose was given to a unit of blood, not the patient. He put the blood back into my patient and to my incredible surprise, she went into a clear-cut remission. I sent her home with a modest dose of an anti-leukemia drug. She relapsed about a year later and died.

Remember, at that time our treatment of acute leukemia was unpredictable. When you achieved a remission, relapse would take place sooner or later. For this type of leukemia to produce a remission that lasted a year was impressive. In fact my friend and I did the same thing with six more children with leukemia and each of them went into remission. Although remissions didn’t last, at least one of these patients was in the end-stage of the disease after two remissions had relapsed and was not expected to respond again. Well, obviously we needed data and we asked for a meeting with the specialists known as hematologists who took care of adult leukemia. We presented the facts as we had seen them and to our great surprise, the skepticism was obvious. The whole idea was rejected and no further interest was shown by our colleagues. I went to the Research Division and I was told that they had a research project that they were following and could not take on any further work.

Because we could not collect sufficient data, we were unable to publish this in a medical journal and it has been on my conscience ever since. I have tried to get numerous physicians interested, but skepticism has always abruptly ended our conversation. I write this with the hope that somebody might read about this experiment who is in a position either to begin personal research or report it to somebody else that can. The treatment of leukemia in children is still devastating although it has advanced considerably since my years of oncology.

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What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

by Karen Ingalls, RN, MA

Published on June 22, 2015

8221 views

Ovarian cancer is the most difficult to diagnose of all the gynecologic cancers, which are uterine, fallopian, vulva, and cervical. The symptoms of bloating, back or pelvic pain, digestive issues, changes in bowels, urinary frequency, and fatigue are the most commonly reported. Other symptoms include vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge, change in weight, painful intercourse, and menstrual changes. Any one of these can be symptomatic of other diseases or disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastritis, Back Strain, or Menopause to name a few.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Scientists do not know what exactly causes ovarian cancer, but according to the American Cancer Society, there are “some factors that make a woman more likely to develop epithelial ovarian cancer,” which is the most common form of ovarian cancer. The three most prominently researched factors include:

Estrogen exposure – synthetic and endogenous
Genetics
Family history

Ovarian Cancer and the Estrogens

Estradiol is a female hormone that plays an important role in normal sexual and reproductive development. It is one of many estrogenic hormones produced by the ovaries. The ovaries produce most of the estrogenic hormones, though a far lesser amount comes from the adrenal glands. After menopause, the adrenal glands produce the majority of estrogens.

Estradiol and the other endogenous estrogens affect skin, hair, mucus membranes, pelvic muscles, breasts, bones, urinary tract, heart and blood vessels, and the brain. Perhaps more importantly, the estrogens affect mitochondrial energy metabolism in the heart, but also in the brain, and everywhere else as well. In light of that, it is understandable that synthetic estrogens might influence these same systems.

Oral contraceptives. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “there is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer.” However those who used birth control pills “has consistently been found to be associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer….Oral contraceptive formulations with high levels of progestin were associated with a lower risk ….” Various studies have shown a 10-12% decrease after just one year of use and as much as a 50% decrease after five years.

Some research suggests that total duration of exposure to estrogenic hormones, whether endogenously produced or synthetic (and there is some debate about this), decreases a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer. With this line of reasoning, some researchers have argued that the use of oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer because contraceptives prevent ovulation. The theory is that each time she ovulates the woman is exposed to more hormones. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins “It is hypothesized that the longer a woman is exposed to estrogen, the higher her risk of ovarian cancer…. The longer the woman menstruates, the higher her risk.” This may not be the case for all women, however.

For those who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, oral contraceptives may or may not reduce the risk for ovarian cancer, but pregnancy does. A study published in 2001 stated that “We believe that it is premature to prescribe oral contraceptives for the chemoprevention of ovarian cancer in carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, particularly in the light of the report of a possible increased risk of breast cancer in such women.” In contrast, a study in May of 2014 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute wrote, “Although we were not able to undertake meta-analyses of the existing data, it is likely that oral contraceptives are associated with ovarian cancer risk reduction. For those who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, oral contraceptives did reduce the risk for ovarian cancer.” More research is required to fully determine if or how oral contraceptives affect the occurrence of ovarian cancer, for those women with or without BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Other researchers speculate that it is not the estrogens but exposure to androgens that increases risk. Regardless of the mechanisms by which oral contraceptives may or may not confer protection against ovarian cancer, they are not without other risks. When a woman takes birth control pills she is also increasing her risk for breast, cervical, and liver cancer. Therefore, it is imperative that she understand and discuss with her physician these risk factors, as well as her personal and family history.

Since the introduction of oral contraception in the 1960’s there have been many studies on its relationship to various cancers. The studies have been on birth control pills of estrogen only, estrogen-progesterone, and those with androgenic properties (testosterone effects). How much a factor estrogen alone is in causing ovarian cancer requires more research.

I chose to not take birth control pills because I did not believe it was healthy to control when a woman was to have or not have a period. In other words, control her hormones and menstrual cycle. I am the mother of three healthy sons. If I had taken the birth control pills between pregnancies, would I now have ovarian cancer? No one knows for sure. I made my decision many years ago believing it was best for my health so I do not have any regrets.

Hormone Replacement Therapy. For many years women have used Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help relieve the hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms due to menopause. According to a study published in the Lancet in February, 2015, a study of 21,488 postmenopausal women with ovarian cancer, concluded an increase risk from the use of both estrogen-only and progesterone and estrogen combinations of Hormone Replacement Therapy. “Women who had taken HRT for at least 5 years were still at increased risk of ovarian cancer 10 years later.”

An interesting article about HRT and its affects on ovarian and breast cancers, a historical review of HRT, and post oophorectomies written by Chandler Marrs raises the question if HRT is “largely or wholly causal in ovarian cancer.” More research is needed to answer the questions raised by Dr. Marrs.

There are additional factors for the woman and her physician to take into consideration if HRT is right for her. Has she had a hysterectomy? What are her menopausal side effects, and how severely are they affecting her quality of life? Has she had breast cancer, or have a family history? “Based on the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study, taking EPT is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.” It is recommended that a woman be on as low a dose and for as short a period of time as possible to reduce her risk of ovarian cancer. There are also over-the-counter herbs and supplements that might help reduce or eliminate the menopausal side effects.

Once again I chose not to take any HRT for three reasons: one, I did not want to manipulate my hormones; two, I had a family history of breast cancer from one aunt; and three, menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and insomnia were not severe enough for me to take any HRT. I used over the counter meds for the insomnia.

Another theory suggests that tubal ligation or hysterectomies might lower the risk of ovarian cancer. This is based on “some cancer-causing substances may enter the body through the vagina and pass through the uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries.” This theory also requires more research.

Finally, there appears to be a link between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an imbalance of the female hormones, and ovarian and endometrial cancers. Any personal or familial breast cancer history also puts women at higher risk. More research is required for this complex and familial disease.

Ovarian Cancer and Genetic Risk Factors

Is ovarian cancer caused by some defect in our DNA or genes? Our DNA carries instructions for each cell in our body. Any defect in our genes can cause or lead to any type of cancer. What causes the genes to be defective is not completely known. Most often the body is able to correct any damage to a gene, but due to not fully understood factors sometimes the mutated gene is not reversed. “Usually, it takes multiple mutations over a lifetime to cause cancer” which is why aging is a high risk factor for ovarian cancer.

Lynch Syndrome, an inherited cancer of the digestive tract causes a 12% risk increase for ovarian cancer because of the mutation in DNA repair genes.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are inherited genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. If these genes are mutated they increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Unfortunately women of Eastern Jewish descent (Ashkenazi) are at greatest risk. Norwegian, Dutch and Icelandic peoples also have a higher incidence of these mutations. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations account for about 15% of ovarian cancers overall. BRCA1 and 2 carriers also have a higher concentration of female hormones. Research is examining how estrogen affects the Fallopian tubes where most ovarian cancers begin. Many women with BRCA1 and 2 gene mutations choose to have their breasts and ovaries removed, which is a drastic and difficult decision.

“Most DNA mutations related to ovarian cancer are not inherited but instead occur during a woman’s life….So far, studies haven’t been able to specifically link any single chemical in the environment or in our diets to mutations that cause ovarian cancer. The cause of most acquired mutations remains unknown.”

Genetic testing is recommended. The process will include your family health history and environmental factors as well as the gene test. The information can be valuable for the patient, family members, and future generations. If tested positive, family members have the opportunity to make prophylactic decisions as to their health care options.

I chose to be genetically tested though I did not have any of the ethnic risk factors associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2. I wanted to be sure I had not passed on a mutated gene. I am glad to say that I tested negative.

Family History and Ovarian Cancer

How much of a factor is family history? Any family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancers might raise a red flag to the physician. How close the relative is to the patient is a question to be considered.

My aunt on my mother’s side had breast cancer and we do not know if she had a mutated gene (other than BRCA) that got passed on to me. My great grandfather had colon cancer but it was decided that he was too far removed from me to be a factor. My mother died from stomach cancer and my uncle who was a habitual smoker died of throat cancer. To sciences present knowledge there is no connection with my ovarian cancer.

Do you know your family history? This knowledge may be important along with the presenting symptoms for your physician in determining a diagnosis. From a small, non-scientific, and anonymous questionnaire of gynecologic survivors, here are some unfortunate and interesting statistics:

Did your physician(s) ask about your family history? Yes from 35 out of 131MD’s
Did your physician(s) ask about your symptoms? Yes from 34 out of 131 MD’s

Only about 25% of the doctors discussed the family history or symptoms. The women mainly saw their family physician or gynecologist for an initial appointment with presenting symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms:

55%–Bloating
42%–Abdominal pain
28%–Digestive problems
28%–Fatigue
20%–Frequent urination
16% –Constipation
13%–Vaginal bleeding
11%–Weight change
11%–Back pain
8%–Painful intercourse
4%–Shortness of breathe
4%–Menstrual issues
2%–Temperature
2%–Overweight

Here are some comments from the women who completed the questionnaire:

“My family doctor only did testing because I demanded it after she sent me home the first time and I still didn’t feel better after 2 months later.” (Diagnosed Stage IIIC)

“Had I not demanded the ultrasound my diagnosis would have been missed….” (Diagnosed Stage IIIC)

“I look back and I do believe I did have subtle symptoms, but my male doctor ignored my complaints….with a family history I feel I should be been looked at more closely.” (Diagnosed IIC)

“I found that the best doctor is the one that listens.” (Diagnosed Stage IC)

The following patient had a hysterectomy 14 years prior to diagnosis, removing only her uterus. “…I was on Estrogen only for all those years.” (Diagnosed IIIC)

It is important to recognize that there are many possible risk factors that have not been substantiated in various case studies. Such factors are infertility drugs, talcum powder, smoking, aspirin and NSAIDS, and dietary considerations. According to the National Cancer Institute (May 15, 2015) more research is needed for these possible contributors.

Early Detection Is Key

In closing, early detection & diagnosis are a woman’s best opportunity to treat gynecologic cancers. From Johns Hopkins, “…the combination of bloating, increased abdominal size, and urinary problems was found in 43% of women with ovarian cancer…. Women presenting with non-specific symptoms, particularly if severe intensity or rapid onset, should be thoroughly evaluated for the possibility that the symptoms are due to an ovarian mass.”

When we experience any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer for two weeks without any relief despite medications, women need to seek out medical attention quickly. We must advocate for ourselves that the physician listen to our symptoms, discuss our family history, and insist that an abdominal ultrasound and CA125 be parts of the diagnostic tools.

About the author: Karen Ingalls is the author of the award-winning book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, which discusses the symptoms, risk factors, and statistics of this lesser known disease; shares her journey; and how she used traditional medicine and complementary therapies together. She writes how “the beauty of the soul, the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation.”

Corrections. On June 26, the word ‘increases’ was changed to ‘decreases’ in the following sentence: ‘…whether endogenously produced or synthetic (and there is some debate about this), decreases a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer.’ The 2014 study was added to the discussion of BRCA mutations and oral contraceptives.

Every 8 Minutes a Young Adult is Diagnosed with Cancer

by Stacey A.

Published on June 24, 2014

3278 views

Over 70,000 young adults (YA) receive a world-altering diagnosis of cancer each year. I have. To put this into clearer perspective, that is one person, 15-39 years of age, diagnosed with the deadly disease, every 8 minutes.

I am one of them.

It is estimated that two out of three YA cancer patients will experience at least one major health complication as a result of their condition or life-saving treatment.

I am one of them.

Approximately, 1 out of 3 of them also undergoes further potentially-fatal complications due to their illness or therapy.

I am one of them.

They face a unique set of challenges (different from those of their younger child, and older adult, counterparts), ranging from increased risks for psychological and social issues, to distinct physical and financial concerns. I have. This is my 8 minutes, and how I became a statistic not just once, but twice. This is my cancer story.

Stage 3 Colon Cancer

I became a statistic when I was diagnosed with advanced, stage-3, colon cancer, in my twenties. I should have been out enjoying the warm, sunny spring day with friends, but, instead, I was at a doctor’s visit, getting nearly the worst medical test results possible. I should’ve been thinking about how to spend summer break, and looking forward to the season ahead, but, instead, I was feeling small, cold, and alone while stuck in an exam room. I should have been anticipating my future, and planning for the next phase of my life, but, instead, I was frozen in time and place at the office check-out window…trying to figure out how to tell everyone the bad news.

Cancer and Infertility

I quickly became infertile from medically-induced early menopause as a result of radiation treatment, and underwent brain fog from chemotherapy, back then. I am now undergoing recurrence of my primary tumor in my thirties, owing in no small part to being denied access to continued healthcare and regular follow-ups (after my original therapy), due to a preexisting condition (read my story of trying to get a diagnosis and treatment without insurance). And, I currently expect to live with the disease and its side-effects as a chronic illness for the rest of my life, however long or short my time may ultimately turn out to be. This means living with fatigue, low hemoglobin, iron-deficiency anemia, and sexual dysfunction, among other problems. It also puts me at increased risk for infection, digestive trouble, bone and joint pain, surgery for colostomy bag or hysterectomy, cancerous spread to lymph nodes, and secondary malignancies of the lungs, GI tract, or female organs, plus other worries.

Cancer and Long Term Health

The long-term and permanent damage done to my immune and endocrine system has proved to hold further consequences for me, as well. I am still tens of thousands of dollars in debt from my original prognosis, and debts have only continued to mount, since I first began to show symptoms of my cancer returning (which took an unnecessarily long time to confirm because of the healthcare bureaucracy of the time). It is a true challenge, trying to return to the workforce ~ not only because of my health status, but also because of my bi-weekly medical schedules; 3 – 5 days of labs, treatments, shots, other doctor appointments, and recovery periods in-between, every other week. Likewise, it is very difficult to remain positive and hopeful, when you’re often depressed and anxiety-ridden about how to pay for rent, bills, and groceries, on extremely limited resources. It’s equally tough to relax and try to relieve stress by enjoying even a short time out (although it may well be what you actually need the most), when you feel guilty about the extra expense. You may already be leaving your loved ones with financial burdens that they won’t necessarily know how to handle any better, especially without you, after all. And, it’s NEVER ever easy to be judged harshly by those who don’t understand the regular, ongoing pain, fear, loss, and uncertainty, which you go through and deal with on a daily basis. That was my 8 minutes, and how I became a statistic not just once, but twice ~ and, this is why hormones and hormones research matter to me.

Gynecologists, What’s Your Problem With Our Ovaries?

by Robin Karr

Published on April 1, 2013

5022 views

The New York Times recently reported that only 37% of women receive proper treatment for ovarian cancer, mostly because gynecologists do not follow guidelines set out by ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network). This information was taken from a study led by Dr. Robert E. Bristow, director of gynecologic oncology at the University of California, Irvine. Sadly, the study revealed that most women with ovarian cancer or a suspicion of ovarian cancer are simply not being directed to surgeons who specialize in treating cancer and specifically, gynecologic cancers.

According to Dr. Bristow, just making sure women get to the people who are trained to take care of them would improve the odds in the fight against ovarian cancer than any new chemotherapy drug or biological agent. Even ACOG agrees that women with pelvic masses indicating a high suspicion for ovarian cancer should be managed by physicians with the training and experience that offers the best chance for a successful outcome. Generally speaking, OBGYN’s lack this type of experience because ovarian cancer is so rare. Shockingly, more than 80% of the women in the study were treated by what the researchers call ‘low volume providers’ – surgeons with 10 or fewer cases a year and hospitals with 20 or fewer.

This story really hit a nerve with me for many reasons, but mainly because the guidelines are being ignored. Most women do not know that they need to be referred to a gynecologist specializing in oncology and it appears most docs are none to keen to tell them. These aren’t the only guidelines gynecologists ignore, by the way. When one considers that only 30% of OB/Gyn clinical practice guidelines have actual evidence behind them, it makes me wonder what the heck is going on with women’s healthcare today.

When I read that only 37% of women with ovarian cancer were receiving the proper care, I immediately thought of how I was subjected to improper clinical care. You can read my full history here.

Briefly, my healthy ovaries were removed during a routine hysterectomy, placing me at a much greater risk for heart disease. The removal of my ovaries and in fact the hysterectomy itself, was against clinical guidelines.

Women with ovarian cancer rarely receive proper treatment while women with no cancer often receive radical over-treatment.

Houston, we have a problem! When it comes to women’s ovaries, gynecologists too often just can’t get it right. Or maybe they just don’t want to… Of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed each year, 73% are estimated to involve ovary removal. Since 90% of all hysterectomies are considered to be medically unnecessary in the first place, this is a huge problem. Even more disturbing is the fact that less than 1% of women whose healthy ovaries are removed have a family history of ovarian cancer. One has to ask why gynecologists are routinely removing healthy ovaries from so many women – especially given the many serious health risks.

There are guidelines in place regarding the indication for hysterectomy and ovary removal. Yet, those guidelines are not followed. A whopping 76% of hysterectomies do not meet ACOG’s own criteria. The most common reasons hysterectomies don’t meet criteria and are considered to be inappropriate are lack of adequate diagnostic evaluation and failure to try alternative treatments before hysterectomy.

Gynecologists routinely rush women into surgery without trying other options first, including doing nothing other than ‘watch and wait’ in some cases. Clearly, women aren’t receiving proper care all the way around regarding ovarian cancer nor are they being properly informed about the alternatives to hysterectomy. Whether we’re talking about birth control, HRT, ovarian cancer or hysterectomy, it pays for women to become educated about their health and their healthcare options. It may save their life.

My Experience with Women’s Health, Endometriosis and Hormone Research

by Lauren Chmiel

Published on November 10, 2012

3053 views

My journey into the fascinating world of hormone research officially commenced in 2007, when I joined together with group of psychology and anthropology students who decided to create the Hormones and Disease Group at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Our goal was to disseminate information about diseases and research via workshops, lectures and presentations to the UNLV community, as well as the greater Las Vegas community. We wanted to not only enlighten ourselves, but to help other students and community members who may suffer from health problems such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, diabetes and cancer (to name a few).

Hormone Research, Endometriosis and Misdiagnosis

I became further involved with hormonal research in the winter of 2008 after one of my professors from UNLV’s Anthropology Department introduced me to Dr. Chandler Marrs and the Maternal Health Lab. At the time, I was under the impression (thanks to a misdiagnosis) that I suffered from endometriosis, and with a desire to learn more about myself and other health issues specific to women, I became an undergraduate research assistant for Dr. Marrs. I believed that women’s health research was severely under-funded (a position I maintain), so in my mind, Dr. Marrs and her students were a beacon of light in a confusing, dark world filled with many questions and not nearly enough answers. Personally, I assisted with human menstrual cycle research and the role hormone fluctuation plays in the lives of young women. I believe this type of research is incredibly necessary for understanding the connection between our bodies and minds.

As someone who lived approximately 6 years of her life believing she suffered from a disease she did not have, I understand the desire to self-educate as well as assist others in understanding their own bodies, pain management techniques and alternative treatments. Not only was I coping physically with pain, I had to psychologically deal with my diagnosis and what the possible implications of endometriosis are. I went through a number of gynecologists and it took many years for my diagnosis to be corrected (I had a hernia that was creating scar tissue around my uterus and intestines). The discovery of this was a shock; not only can a hernia be fixed rather easily, I had grown accustomed to the role of an endometriosis patient seeking answers for herself and others in the same situation. However, looking at this from a positive perspective, this misdiagnosis had opened me up to a realm of health I likely would have not been so interested in.

In tandem to my position with the Maternal Health Lab, I have also conducted independent, original research for diabetes and alternative medicine as a student of medical anthropology. For me, food is a large aspect of our lives that can either hurt or harm us; it can be poison or medicine. In my opinion, the link between diet and health is incontrovertible. The more this is part of the public discussion, the further we can raise awareness and help people make better lifestyle choices. Personally, I am curious about the connections that exist between our dietary choices and how they can interact with our hormonal pathways. I believe Lucine Biotechnology is a sorely needed resource for women who are tired of having unanswered concerns and questions and I look forward to contributing to the Lucine community.

Aggressive Prostate Cancer without Symptoms

by Will Murphy

Published on October 19, 2012

4548 views

This (retired) journalist usually writes about people other than himself. Because conditions warranted, I decided to answer friends and family who were concerned about my health. I just found out the most devastating part of my prostate cancer diagnosis, that it was a rare surprise case. Let me tell you and yours how it feels. One early morning (middle of the night) I sat up and wrote this in one-take.

The Maples and Prostate Cancer

I am a fairly emotional person. Apparently I display it only through my work. Now, that I think about it, all of my feature reporting for TV and Radio has been based on what I feel must be right. Then I would find someone with those virtues and extol them. These found me.

Just the other day as I got out of my car a man (and his wife) came towards me from their position of waiting. I thought it might be for a bus, but they were not in the correct spot. Maybe he would ask. Then he told me they were waiting for a taxi to “go see the maples.” My first impression was that they were Japanese. He corrected me. “We are Korean, visiting from Chicago. We came by the big GreyHund last night. I have been here 35 years and no learn English.”

I convinced him his language was fine. I did not tell him he was miles away from the color of “the maples.” Then the taxi came to take them back downtown. They could not get a hotel there last night since they had no credit card. Somebody referred them five miles out of the center city for a fifty-dollar night. We met; I did not really help. I did not give directions miles away to the colorful trees. But he felt the need to talk about it. He came to me with her in tow. Then they were gone.

At their elderly age they were ready to get up and go to see things. They had no plan. They just went. They had a purpose. And they just went. Happily.

This was the same day I went… to hear the beginning of my prognosis for prostate cancer which has become very aggressive since we first took note in early December, last year. Since then, there has been a plan and a purpose but it did not seem obvious to me. Every three months I receive a hormone shot to maintain the speed of the cancer growth into the lymph system. Happily, the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test shows a great reduction in numbers indicating cancer. But that is almost too late.

Spreading Prostate Cancer

A full-body bone scan early this year indicated the presence of lesions in my liver, possibly in my pelvis, and maybe more. A month ago it was determined with a new MRI that a major growth on my left femur just below the hip was the reason for a major complaint while attempting walking. That curtailed my part-time position as a tour-guide inside the Lucas Oil Stadium for a while.

Immediate surgery to “burn” the tumor off the bone with RFA (radio frequency ablation) proved it was the same cancer which had traveled from the prostate.

Prostate Cancer without Early Symptoms

Confirmation is one thing. Consternation is another. We are advised as older males to be constantly vigilant for the prostate problem. It can arrive in young males too. It is the most prevalent cancer in males, after skin cancer. Prostate cancer can start with no symptoms. Apparently mine started without me. It was immediately labeled aggressive and has been so. I have been told not all cancers are detected. I have one which slipped through.

No Cure just Maintenance

The doctors mentioned many months ago that there would be no cure, just maintenance. Maybe two to five years of maintenance. They mentioned it again this past week… along with the fact that several other methods could be used, including some new ones just on the market. Each month there will be a shot (Xgeva) to maintain the bone loss (which allowed the tumor outside the femur) plus another attempt to curtail the growth in the lymph system.

Many friends constantly ask the regular question “what did the doctor say?” This, then, is an effort to compile the words he said along the way. Mostly it has been a wait and see procedure. Now, it will be a more aggressive approach to an aggressive cancer.

For now, there is no radiation or chemo planned but that may change.

I am an emotional man who lives alone, but I am not lonely. I have many friends around the world. And I have my family here in Indianapolis, my hometown. On the way home from the doctor I became suddenly aware of my future while listening to one of my favorite styles of music. It prompted many tears… of realization of how good I have it with my medical treatment.

I have a plan. I am pleased, too, that I met that Korean couple just passing through Indianapolis to see “the maples.” I will continue to follow this adventure of mine, as far as it goes

Blame Coco Chanel

by Lauren Dillon

Published on June 8, 2012

5233 views

It was she, after all, who stepped off a friend’s yacht in Cannes looking fabulous, free-spirited, and tan in a sea of the pale and repressed. It was she who designed freer, arm and leg-baring fashions, leading women to bob their tresses and dance with abandon down the aisle of jazz and liquor. Society, which had scorned a hint of bronze just a decade earlier, embraced it with increasing abandon.

Before Ms Chanel’s noteworthy disembarkation, tan skin was a sign of the lower class; of laboring in fields and living rough on the streets. Nobility, on the other hand, lived a life of leisure spent indoors. To tan was to toil and that was something the betters did not do. In fact, instead they pioneered the Michael Jackson trail of applying bleach to the skin, often using lead and arsenic-based face paint.

Yes, these women suffered premature death, but they looked darn good in the process.

With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, which kept workers indoors more than out, a tan became the 20^th century’s status symbol. Those who had the means for Mediterranean, island, and beach vacations were the bronzed beautiful jet set, once again distinguishable from the proletariat.

Enter Gidget and Moon Doggie, Frankie and Annette, Coppertone and Iodine-laced baby oil; by the fifties, we all aspired to a healthy, beautiful tan.

Now, a little sun is good for you, necessary actually. Without the Vitamin D the sun provides, we develop rickets and bone deformities. The first tanning beds, in fact, were a medical invention to counteract sunlight deprivation and vitamin D deficiency. Yet, on average, fifteen minutes a day, three days a week provides the Vitamin D we as humans need. We do not need to bake under the sun for hours and we especially do not need to lie in carcinogenic capsules of UV rays.

Rates of malignant melanoma have more than quadrupled in the past 30 years. It is the most common form of cancer among those aged 15-34. The World Health Organization has found that people who have been using tanning devices before age 30 are 75% more likely to develop melanoma.

We still tan. And it is killing us.

Educating the public, and particularly teenagers, about the dangers of tanning is a personal cause for me. My own father died of melanoma at 52. He only sunned himself on vacation, which was not often. He was a lifeguard in high school and during summers home from college. He never used a tanning bed. I got my olive complexion from him. Other than his pale blue-gray eyes, he did not fit the mold of a skin cancer susceptible being. He died all the same.

I see teenagers on the news tanning for prom, people still slathering themselves and lying like meat cooking in the sun, a baseball mitt brown mother taking her child to the tanning salon. With the exception of that last example, tanning is still a very accepted activity. Humans view themselves as immortal, until they don’t. Until they find a strange mole on their head or under their arm and the doctor estimates a year of life left, a year of surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation until his body gives up the fight. Until a wife and grown daughter are left bereft, and three beautiful grandchildren will never know their amazing grandfather. It’s got to stop. We are killing ourselves.

I, for one, am all for bringing pale skin back in fashion, hold the lead and arsenic please.

Eat your Sunscreen?

by Wellness Mama

Published on June 4, 2012

4950 views

As summer approaches (or feels like it is already here, as the case is where I live), sun protection is definitely something to plan for, though I do it differently than most. Conventional wisdom says to slather on some sunscreen and call it a day, but this is problematic for a couple of reasons. Wearing any sunscreen blocks the body’s ability to produce Vitamin D, which is vital for hundreds of reactions in the body (including cancer prevention).

Most sunscreens also contain toxic chemicals that can be more dangerous than moderate sun exposure. As I mentioned in a previous post:

Despite the push for more awareness about sun exposure, and the advice to use sunscreen whenever we go outside, incidence of skin cancer, especially melanoma, is rising dramatically.

So, if skin cancer rates are rising despite sunscreen use and reduced sun exposure, perhaps there is a deeper underlying cause. I’ve written before about the link between nutrition and sunburn, and I’m becoming even more convinced of this as more evidence emerges. The most convincing part for me personally was my own reaction to the sun over the last couple of years.

I’m Irish-Scottish (which is Latin for very fair skinned!) and have always burned. In fact, even moderate sun exposure would leave me with a pinkish glow rather than a tan… until the last couple of years.

Last summer, I was able to garden for 6-8 hours including during the heat of the day without burning. We also went to Florida for a friend’s wedding and I was at the beach for 4 hours between 11-3 with no sunscreen and I didn’t burn… at all!

To those of you blessed with olive skin, this may not seem like a big deal, but to me, this is huge! I also noticed looking back at pictures of me from last summer that I don’t look like the pale-stepchild among my Italian in-laws for the first time.

The Underlying Cause:

Doctors and sunscreen manufacturers are quick to push sunscreen for those who burn easily, but this is often the equivalent of giving antibiotics for every illness. It may address a short term problem, but it does nothing to address the underlying cause.

Sunburn is a type of inflammation, and diet has a tremendous impact on inflammation in the body. As such, addressing diet is often a much more important that just slathering on the sunscreen, plus dietary improvements can improve other areas of health as well.

Certainly, it is also wise to avoid burning by wearing protective clothing or by using homemade sunscreen for prolonged exposure, especially early in the year, but a good diet and a few supplements are often far more effective at day-to-day sun protection. (You can also use coconut oil on the skin for light protection, as it is naturally about an SPF 4)

Diet for Sun Protection:

A large part of natural sun protection is eating an anti-inflammatory diet. This type of diet will also be beneficial for many other health conditions, and if you’ve read my blog before, you know the drill:

Avoid:

processed foods
vegetable oils (this is the most important for sun exposure)
grains
sugars

Eat:

lots of healthy saturated fats
lots of foods rich in omega-3s (fish, etc)
lots of leafy greens
2+ tablespoons of tomato paste daily

Supplements:

About this time of year, I also start taking a specific regimen of supplements that help reduce inflammation and improve sun tolerance. The supplements I take are:

Vitamin D3 (I take about 5,000 IU/day)- Emerging evidence shows that optimizing blood levels of Vitamin D can have a protective effect against sunburn and skin cancer
Vitamin C (I take about 2,000 mg/day)- A potent anti-inflammatory, and it is good for the immune system too.
1/4 cup coconut oil melted in a cup of herbal tea per day- the Medium Chain Fatty Acids and saturated fat are easily utilized by the body for new skin formation and are protective against burning
Fermented Cod Liver Oil/High Vitamin Butter Oil Blend (also great for remineralizing teeth)-Probably the most important supplement for sun protection. I take double doses during the summer and the kids take it too. Since adding this and the coconut oil daily, none of us have burned. It’s also great for digestive and oral health. (Amazon finally has the capsules back in stock)
Astaxanthin– A highly potent antioxidant which research shows acts as an internal sunscreen. It’s also supposedly an anti-aging supplement. I don’t give this one to the kids though.

That’s our regimen and we don’t ever use conventional sunscreen and only use the homemade stuff a couple times a year.

Do you eat your sunscreen? Still use the toxic stuff? Avoid the sun completely? Tell us below!

About the Author: Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases.

Disclaimer: This article was originally published on Wellness Mama and represents the opinions of Katie, the Wellness Mama. All information and resources found on Wellness Mama are based on Katie’s opinion and are meant to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider. Katie is not a doctor, lawyer, or psychologist and she doesn’t play one on TV. Readers should consult a doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information on this site should be relied upon to determine diet, make a medical diagnosis or determine a treatment for a medical condition.

Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Lucine Medical Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. To read more about our health policy, see Terms of Use.

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