Barb73
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Posts posted by Barb73
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Thank you, Susan,
Yes it is 54 years.
Bill and I aren't going anywhere today because he has been having fatigue, and looks as though he needs a reprieve from any outing. His feet are swollen a bit, as well, and keeping off them might be a good idea.
We can order take-out. He loves Chinese or Italian, so that's what we'll order - one or the other.
Lately, coming here has given me some release for any tensions (mostly in my thoughts - a brain can be a dangerous thing).
Thank you for the good wishes. I will relay that to Bill. He is inside watching the Food Network. Must be making him good and hungry.
Barbara
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Losing both parents within such a short span is overwhelmingly sad.
You need to be able to release the feelings and the sorrow.
I like Randy's (talking upward to the stars) and Judy's (talking in the shower). Both give the opportunity to be heard out in the ethers by loved ones "looking down."
Most of my sad moments are soothed by crying in the shower. It is cathartic for me, and seems to be key to my feeling better. It's a release.
Please come back and visit with us. We all have been through journeys and understand the walk.
Barbara
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Update on what's occurring:
Well, Patti, you were sooo right about the coumadin levels requiring some changes. It has happened again in that we need to increase the dosage (every fourth day), and see the lab once a week.
Matt, the PA, said that if all goes well it might be checked at two-week intervals.
The oncology visit resulted in Bill's being taken off the chemo. The reason the doctor gave was that the toxicity was more of a concern than any benefit being gained.
The lungs are stable, but the shoulder (recent, new scan taken) showed growth into bone. The neck nodule looks pretty much the same as it did.
He spoke with the radiologist two weeks ago, and Bill and I should call him to make an appointment. The radiologist said that he might be able to do something for the neck. He would look further into the shoulder met.
We have an appointment for Monday, September 21. I will update about how that goes.
Barbara
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Susan,
My heart goes out to you and your Mom. I remember how very, very tired Bill was on Alimta. He would be OK for a couple of days after treatment, but would fall into a very heavy fatigue.
It would last four to five days (at times) and he would bounce back, but it was always a concern whether, or not he would rebound.
I am saying prayers for a better outcome for your Mom.
Barbara
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Debbie,
I am sorry for the diagnosis for your Dad.
Bill's brother, Frank, had a very aggressive prostate cancer about 8 years ago, and survived it.
You have my prayers - definitely.
Barbara
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Hi Mary,
I am sorry that you are facing this disease with your husband, but there are many treatments available today.
My husband is a 4-year, 9-month survivor of adenocarcinoma, originally stage 111B and progressed the first year to stage 111B/IV. Bill was determined to be non-operable, but treatable.
IMO, you will not find a better place to come and receive great support, and as the others have told you, the addition of Dr. Jack West is a fantastic benefit.
It's a relief to find support and information.
Please let us know how we can help.
Barbara
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163378.php
ARTICLE:
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Scientists at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida have found that the lung cancer oncogene PKCiota is necessary for the proliferation of lung cancer stem cells. These stem cells are rare and powerful master cells that manufacture the other cells that make up lung tumors and are resistant to chemotherapy treatment.
Their study, published in the Oct. 1 issue of Cancer Research, also shows that an agent, aurothiomalate, being tested at Mayo Clinic in a phase I clinical trial substantially inhibits growth of these cancer stem cells.
"Our data indicate that PKCiota is required for the earliest steps in the development of lung cancer, which is the expansion of tumor-initiating cells or cancer stem cells," says the study's senior author, Alan Fields, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology in the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida.
"Lung cancer stem cells appear to be the major drivers in many common lung cancers, and in order for a therapeutic treatment to be effective, it has to disrupt these cancer stem cells," he says. "We show that aurothiomalate, the agent now being tested in lung cancer patients, can, in fact, target these cells."
Aurothiomalate was once used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but the Mayo Clinic researchers discovered by screening thousands of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that it also can target PKCiota. The agent is being tested in patients at Mayo Clinic's sites in Minnesota and Arizona and, based on this phase I trial, a phase II human clinical trial is planned to combine aurothiomalate with agents targeted at other molecules involved in cancer growth.
Dr. Fields and his colleagues were the first to discover that PKCiota is a human oncogene - an abnormal gene that cancer cells use to grow and/or survive. They found that PKCiota is genetically altered and over-expressed in a majority of lung cancers and that over-expression of the PKCiota gene in tumors predicts poor patient survival.
"We had previously shown that PKCiota is required to maintain tumor growth, but what this study sought to determine is whether PKCiota is involved in the initial steps of lung cancer development," Dr. Fields says.
Cancer stem cells are thought to hold the key not only to how lung tumors initially arise but also to how they are maintained and become resistant to treatment. Cancer stem cells are self-renewing and can also give rise to the cells that make up most of a tumor. In mice, an oncogene known as Kras is thought to transform normal lung stem cells into cancer stem cells, thereby initiating lung cancer, according to Dr. Fields. In the present study, the Mayo researchers established a strain of mice in which Kras can be activated at the same time that the PKCiota gene is inactivated. They found that when the PKCiota gene is inactivated, Kras was unable to cause errant growth and expansion of lung stem cells in mice, the process that initiates tumor formation.
"What this told us is that Kras requires PKCiota to transform the lung stem cells and make them proliferate," Dr. Fields says. "In other words, PKCiota is downstream from Kras, and is necessary for Kras to initiate lung tumor formation."
Because Dr. Fields and his colleagues had discovered that aurothiomalate disables PKCiota, they tested whether this agent is effective against lung cancer that develops due to Kras mutation. "The drug showed potent inhibitory effects on the Kras-dependent proliferation of lung cancer stem cells both in cell culture and in animals," Dr. Fields says.
"That further suggests that a drug like aurothiomalate could have an effect on tumors that are dependent on either Kras or PKCiota for growth and survival, and that is potentially a lot of cancers," he says. "Aurothiomalate appears to be one of the few drugs available that can effectively target these critical cancer stem cells. In the clinic, however, it is likely that aurothiomalate will be most effective when combined with other agents designed to target other tumor survival pathways."
The study was funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute, the V-Foundation and the American Lung Association/LUNGevity. Other Mayo Clinic researchers who participated in the study were Roderick Regala, Ph.D., Rebecca Davis, Ph.D., Alyssa Kunz, and Andras Khoor, M.D. Also collaborating on the study was Michael Leitges, Ph.D., of the University of Oslo.
Source:
Kevin Punsky
Mayo Clinic
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(Medical News Today, Lung Cancer; Stem Cell Research/Clinical Trials/Drug Trials, September 13, 2009)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163400.php
ARTICLE:
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Depression can affect a cancer patient's likelihood of survival. That is the finding of an analysis published in the November 15, 2009 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The results highlight the need for systematic screening of psychological distress and subsequent treatments.
A number of studies have shown that individuals' mental attitudes can impact their physical health. To determine the effects of depression on cancer patients' disease progression and survival, graduate student Jillian Satin, MA, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and her colleagues analyzed all of the studies to date they could identify related to the topic.
The researchers found 26 studies with a total of 9417 patients that examined the effects of depression on patients' cancer progression and survival.
"We found an increased risk of death in patients who report more depressive symptoms than others and also in patients who have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder compared to patients who have not," said Satin. In the combined studies, the death rates were up to 25 percent higher in patients experiencing depressive symptoms and 39 percent higher in patients diagnosed with major or minor depression.
The increased risks remained even after considering patients' other clinical characteristics that might affect survival, indicating that depression may actually play a part in shortening survival. However, the authors say additional research must be conducted before any conclusions can be reached. The authors add that their analysis combined results across different tumor types, so future studies should look at the effects of depression on different kinds of cancer.
The investigators note that the actual risk of death associated with depression in cancer patients is still small, so patients should not feel that they must maintain a positive attitude to beat their disease. Nevertheless, the study indicates that it is important for physicians to regularly screen cancer patients for depression and to provide appropriate treatments.
The researchers did not find a clear association between depression and cancer progression, although only three studies were available for analysis.
Article:
"Depression as a predictor of disease progression and mortality in cancer patients: a meta-analysis."
Jillian R. Satin, Wolfgang Linden, and Melanie J. Phillips.
CANCER; Published Online: September 14, 2009 (DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24561); Print Issue Date: November 15, 2009.
Source
CANCER
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(Medical News Today, Cancer/Oncology, also found in Depression, September 14, 2009)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.
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Bruce,
Bill was put on Spiriva last October/November as a result of his having been sent to the ER at HUMC, in the middle of the night, due to coughing up blood.
They did CT scans, and found that there was nothing serious, just some scarring (probably from radiation).
That was almost a year ago. He was tested right after the ER visit, at the pulmonologist's office, and his lung function was below normal.
That's when he was given the prescript for the Spiriva.
Since then, and even having gone through chemotherapy, he has never had a recurrence of the cough/blood/incident.
He does very well with breathing (climbs stairs in this humongous house {3 stories high]) and I never hear him short of breath.
The best part of Spiriva is that it isn't a steroid. He was not supposed to be on one due to other issues.
He takes only that, and once a day, in the morning.
Best to you, Bruce,
Barbara
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Janette,
I can only offer you a (((hug))) and to wish you comfort in the days to come.
Grieving is so hard.
Barbara
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Bud,
So very happy to read the good news for you and Rose.
Barbara
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Bruce,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR BRU-U-U-CE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
Have a special day, dear Bruce.
Barbara
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Dana,
That was the way to go. Talking about issues clears the air, and keeps us informed.
I am so glad it turned out well for you, and that your mind is at peace.
Great going, Dana.
Barbara
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(((Eileen))),
I am sending prayers for you and your sister. May there be a successful outcome.
I only have one sister, and she was a rock for me when Bill was first diagnosed. I know how important sisters are to each other.
(((HUGS))) ,
Barbara
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Patti
,Both of us are very exhausted at this point, but can be somewhat happy over the results.
Today, I received Bill's report of the scan of his shoulder. It doesn't look too good, but I ask everyone for prayers that they will be able to ease the pain a bit for him.
We don't know what they can do, but even a little bit might help. Bill doesn't take pain pills willingly. He's from the old school. You know? Personally, I am not. I would take an elephant pill if it would quell pain.
Thank you, Patti for the support. I count on receiving something to bolster me. August was a terrible month for us, but September may offer something nice.
We will be married 54 years on September 17. That is a very positive event. It was also my parents' anniversary. Isn't life coincidental? -- or Godincidental -
Barbara
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Michele and Bud,
Thank you so much.
I don't know what I would have done without this community. I would probably be muttering to myself and drooling by now.
Barbara
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Barb,
Glad the book club gave you a good discussion, and the restaurant was nice.
Those days, or parts of days, I call
melancholy . I have had them scattered throughout my life. Thankfully, they don't last, but they can put a slight pall over things. I know the feeling.Happy for you, Barb, that the day ended on a better note.
Barbara
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Michele,
Maybe you think you are complaining, but all I hear is the frustration and long-bearing endurance that you are experiencing. Never feel hesitant about discussing these things. That is why we are here - always. It can be a normal part of caring for someone.
As to the 5 hours sleep - that's cool
. I cannot get too much more than that at night, and for me, it helps a lot. When I do get more, I can feel the difference.Every hour we get puts some energy back into play, Michele. It's money in the bank. I even cat-nap during the day inbetween chores. These old bones appreciate even 10 minutes here and there.
There's a woman who called me last evening. Her father has bone cancer. She shared her experiences with me, and I felt so much better about things.
Her extended family has always cared for their elder relatives when they had health issues. Her advantage, as she called it, was that there were always other people around to help.
You have two people for which you have concern (albeit, differently). That makes it so important that you get sleep.
Getting the words out onto type-written form can also be cathartic for us, Michele. We are all here and each of us is "going through something or other" at any given time. To say that we understand is putting it mildly.
As for being stiff in the morning, I will go along with all those who said it was the meds. I am sure, though, that the sleep he had was a blessing to him physically. It might be that he slept so soundly that he is not used to it.
Barbara
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Hi Sue and Everyone,
The update from last week was this:
Nurse from onologist's office called Sept. 4, and said to come in September 8 for bloodwork to test for Bill's coumadin levels. The numbers had not "moved" as of August 31 visit. Said to give 5mg pill and a 1/2 each evening (7 1/2 mg).
We were told to come into the Cancer Center for blood testing on Bill on Tuesday, September 8 (yesterday) morning.
Today, Wednesday, September 9, we received a phone call from Matt, Nurse from the oncologist's office. He told me that the numbers had moved into a good area, and for Bill NOT to take tonight's coumadin.
He said to start tomorrow evening with the original 5 mg pill daily, and to continue that. The doctor will check Bill in one week to see how the numbers are at that point.
Since yesterday morning, when we went over for the blood test and my visit (afternoon ultrasound) in the same building for my AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm), we have received good news for BOTH. Bill's good numbers, and my stable (not having grown in six months) aneurysm give us a reason to smile.
That means, for now, no more injections with the Lovenox. Yippeeee. Of course that's a cautious yippeeee.
Thank you all for seeing us through.
Barbara
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((((Debra)))),
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.
You were able to give your Dad the gift of love and that was what he had wished.
Please know that we are here for you.
Barbara
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Connie,
I love reading happy posts.
Way to go...Connie....Hooooraaaay.
Barbara
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162884.php
ARTICLE:
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Nadroparin, a blood-thinning drug, halves the risk of developing blood clots in ambulatory cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and as such could become an important preventive treatment in these patients, according to an Article published Online First and in the October edition of The Lancet Oncology.
It is well known that patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy are at a high risk of developing blood clots. Preventing such complications can have a substantial effect on patient care. Indeed, thromboembolic events are difficult to manage in cancer patients, can interrupt chemotherapy and increase health expenditure. However, there is a lack of evidence from randomised trials to establish whether the preventive use of blood-thinning drugs could reduce thromboembolic events in ambulatory patients with cancer.
To provide more evidence, Giancarlo Agnelli from the University of Perugia in Italy and colleagues conducted the PROTECHT (PROphylaxis of ThromboEmbolism during CHemoTherapy) trial to assess the efficacy of nadroparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, for the preventive treatment of thromboembolic events in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy on an outpatient basis.
In total, 1150 patients aged 18 years or older receiving chemotherapy for advanced lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, breast, ovarian, or head and neck cancer were recruited from 62 centres across Italy between October 2003 and May 2007. Patients were randomly assigned to once-daily subcutaneous injections of nadroparin or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. Treatment was started on the first day of the current course of chemotherapy and given for the duration of chemotherapy up to a maximum of 4 months.
Overall, nadroparin almost halved the risk of developing a thromboembolic event-only 15 (2.0%) of the 769 patients treated with nadroparin had a thromboembolic event compared with 15 (3.9%) of the 381 patients in the placebo group.
Findings also showed that only five (0.7%) patients in the nadroparin-treated group and no patients in the placebo group had a major bleeding event. Yet, the incidence of minor bleeding was very similar in the two groups.
Interestingly, patients with lung cancer experienced the highest overall rate of thromboembolic events, 3.5% (7 of 199) in the nadroparin group and 8.8% (7 of 80) in the placebo group.
The authors conclude: "Further studies should focus on patients at high risk of thromboembolism, such as patients with lung cancer…On its own, the PROTECHT study supports the concept that thromboembolic events can be prevented in ambulatory patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy and this has potential implications for future therapeutic scenarios."
Link to article
Source
The Lancet Oncology
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(Medical News Today, Cancer/Oncology; Blood/Hematology, September 3, 2009)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.
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Maryanne,
You've got my prayers - definitely.
Yes, it's that time again, and every good thought possible will be in there for NED for Joel.
(Our niece has been going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. Her mother [my sister] has been a 40-year breast cancer survivor.)
Here's to good scans and long, long survivals.
Barbara
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Bill and I had BOTH quit about five plus years prior to Bill's diagnosis.
That was almost 11 years ago.
Barbara
. I cannot get too much more than that at night, and for me, it helps a lot. When I do get more, I can feel the difference.
Bringing everyone up to date on mom... SEPT 15th UPDATE...
in MEMBER UPDATES
Posted
Great news, Sue. Love that word BENIGN. Wonderful. Prayers continuing.
Barbara