Barb73
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/173088.php
ARTICLE:
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A simple, inexpensive computer tool that measures volume changes in the size of suspicious nodules in the lungs picked up by a CT scanner can rule out non-cancerous ones with almost perfect accuracy and enable doctors to diagnose true cancers with fewer, less expensive and less invasive tests.
The new diagnostic guidelines are described in a paper published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine on the progress of large European lung cancer CT screening trial (NELSON) launched in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2004.
"For years, those of us on the front lines of managing this extremely lethal disease have seen firsthand the impact early detection can have on the patients we serve and the people who love and care for them," said Dr. Michael Vincent Smith, an Atlanta-Area thoracic surgeon, President-Elect of the Atlanta Medical Association and founder of the first lung cancer early detection program in the state of Georgia.
"This carefully executed trial in over 7000 screening participant provides insight into management modalities to assist practicing physicians who diagnose and treat lung cancers," he said.
Advances in imaging technology have enabled scanners to detect suspicious nodules in the lung smaller than a grain of rice, but how to determine which ones are cancerous without further expensive or invasive and potentially dangerous testing is the question.
NELSON collaborators addressed the issue by using volume measurement and volume doubling time as the criteria for further action, a concept first proposed by CT diagnostic pioneers with the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program.
The refined protocol can rule out non-cancer nodules with 99.9% accuracy and at the same time reduce the number of tests required to confirm cancer in a malignant nodule. In the NELSON trial, only 1% of positive cancers required a biopsy for confirmation.
"As a specialist treating lung cancer in a region of the country with some of the highest death rates, we welcome the widespread dissemination of studies like the Nelson Trial," says Dr. Smith.
"Studies like this lend greater credibility to our belief that patients enrolled in well-designed lung cancer early detection research programs based on high resolution Computed Tomography scanning will lead to generating conclusive proof of significant lung cancer mortality reduction."
The NELSON trial will continue to examine the mortality impact of CT screening by comparing the number of lung cancer deaths that occur among the 7557 people getting scans with a similar number of people who do not. In the United States, the National Lung Screening Trial is also looking at mortality differences between those screened with a chest x-ray and those screened with a CT scan.
Both trials are expected to be completed within the next three to five years.
Source: Lung Cancer Alliance
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(Medical News Today, December 5, 2009), Source: Lung Cancer Alliance)
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://67.59.172.92/article/Health/Heal ... ents/65715
ARTICLE:
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Resident Estelle Branden is a survivor.
She was among the more than 100 who attended the recent Women’s Guild Lung Institute Lung Cancer Survivor Celebra-tion at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Branden, who attended for her second year, had BAC Cancer. Bronchioalveolar cancer, sometimes called the “mystery” lung cancer, accounts for 2 to 14 percent of all lung cancers and less is known about this type of cancer than other non-small cell lung cancers.
The World Health Organiza-tion has classified BAC as a type of acenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer that is more common in non-smokers.
Now 76, Branden says she found herself always out of breath. “And I was always so active, it was very unlike me,” Branden said, and she chalked it up to aging.
She didn’t experience the coughing or coughing up blood that are often symptoms of the disease.
After a month of being winded and tired, Branden decided to see a doctor. “If there’s something you can’t do any more; it’s a signal. People attribute everything to old age and don’t have a check up.”
She went to her internist, who took an X-ray and told her “something looks funny, like shattered glass.”
On an X-ray, this usually represents some type of inflammatory process in the lungs, or some scarring, like the condition known as “pneumonitis.” The inflammation can come from numerous causes.
Her internist gave her the name of a specialist—Dr. Robert McKenna, surgical director of the Women’s Guild Lung Institute—who did a CAT scan, confirmed the “shattered windshield syndrome” and told her she had cancer.
“I was flippant about it,” Branden says. “I said, ‘What do you mean I have cancer? How long have I got’ He said, ‘A year if you don’t do anything about it.’”
McKenna told her, “This is what needs to be done; this is what has to be done.”
She had the operation and went home a day and a half later after having stage two tumors removed.
Like many others, she donated her cancer cells to a tissue bank to be studied at Cedars and UCLA.
Branden, who smoked from ages 14-40, quit when she learned the cancer risks and is bothered that four of her five grandchildren smoke. “They have all the information and still go on. They believe they are immortal.”
Branden looks forward to the event each year to thank Dr. McKenna and remember a friend who wasn’t diagnosed early. “I believe in surviving every day; and I like getting together with other survivors to appreciate and honor them.”
Emmy-award winning actress and lung cancer survivor Kathryn Joos-ten also addressed the crowd.
Known as the crotchety neighbor Karen McCluskey on Desperate Housewives and Dolores Landingham, secretary to the president on NBC’s The West Wing; it was during her West Wing tenure that Joosten was diagnosed with lung cancer and had surgery in December 2001. It barely slowed her down, and she began speaking to cancer groups.
Recently, a new cancer appeared, but she remains positive she can beat it again. “I don’t see myself necessarily as a survivor, but as managing my life,” she says. “Some people are passive. I want to get out there and drive the damn thing.”
In her remarks, she spoke of the need for more funding for lung cancer research.
She also told survivors there needs to be a referral system of psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals “to help people deal with this devastating diagnosis.”
The event is also a chance to give survivors updates in new treatment, therapies and research.
Surgeons at Cedars-Sinai have been working to develop a minimally invasive surgery to treat lung cancer.
In this procedure, called a video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy, a lobe of the lung affected by cancer is removed through small incisions. Dr. McKenna was a leader in the development of the procedure, and has trained surgeons from all over the world in the technique.
Linda Salvati, another BAC survivor, whose parents died of lung cancer, spoke of the group she formed to gather others for research. “We’re seeing an increase in lung cancer in women who don’t smoke,” Salvati said. “This is still a rare form of cancer.”
Dr. Ora Gordon, director of GenRISK adult Genetic Program, spoke on “Genetics of Lung Cancer: Is it A Family Affair?”
She said research is ongoing as to why lung cancer clusters in families, effecting people at a younger age if two or more blood relatives have the disease. Even if the person doesn’t smoke.
“We’re seeing a huge increase in lung cancer in women and we don’t know why,” Gordon said. “Is it exposure to second -hand smoke or other factors? That’s what we have to find out.”
“We’re here for you and because of you,” McKenna said. “Surviv-orship is an active process. The reason we can see ahead is because we stand on your shoulders,” McKenna told the audience.—Steve Simmons
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(The Beverly Hills Courier, article by Steve Simmons, December 4, 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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COMMENT: There is a video at the site which, after a brief commercial, explains the treatment.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/health/ ... etail.html
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AURORA, Colo. -- Lung cancer is the most fatal cancer in the U.S. However a local clinical study is providing new hope for patients.
"Once they tell you it's stage four, and it's lung cancer, you know you don't have a lot of time," said Ellen Pulhamus, a 60-year-old nonsmoker who was diagnosed with non small-cell lung cancer in April 2008.
Her left lung was removed, but after chemo and radiation therapy, the cancer spread to six other areas in her body. Feeling desperate and hopeless, she got involved with the clinical trial of a new drug called an ALK Inhibitorat the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
"I'd only been on the drug for six weeks and went in for the PET scan," said Pulhamus.
And when compared to her PET/CT scan from the beginning of the study, doctors saw dramatic shrinkage of a tumor on her kidney.
"There were four other tumors, and some of them we couldn't even see anymore," said Pulhamus.
"It's really a dramatic shrinkage of the tumor that we are seeing, and for an experimental drug it's quite exciting to see that," said Dr. Robert Doebele, assistant professor medical oncology at UC Denver.
The ALK Inhibitor works by blocking the activity of a specific abnormal gene found in about 5 percent of lung cancer patients.
"And because this gene is so important for the growth and spread of the lung cancer, and its dependence on that gene, it actually shrinks the tumor," said Doebele.
Technology developed at UC Denver allows doctors to genetically test a biopsy to identify those patients who are likely to benefit from the ALK Inhibitor. This leads to personalized medicine and therapies for patients.
For Pulhamus, the targeted therapy resulted in the 60 percent reduction of an egg-sized tumor, with just two pills a day.
"No chemo, no radiation. I've done that," Pulhamus said with a giggle.
"If we are able to tailor our therapy to the individual patient based on what we see on molecular tests, then it will be very beneficial to the patients because we won't spend time using very toxic drugs that may not work," said Doebele.
With fewer and less significant side effects, the ALK Inhibitor can be administered for months, if not years longer than chemotherapy. This means that right now, Pulhamus' wish for more time to spend with her children and grandchildren has come true.
"It changes everything, it gives me hope," said Pulhamus. "It makes me realize that maybe there is a future for me."
In fact, her third PET/CT scan revealed another 50 percent reduction in the size of her tumor.
Doctors at the University of Colorado Cancer Center recommend that everyone in Colorado with lung cancer be evaluated for eligibility in this clinical trial. For more information about free genetic tumor screenings and enrollment in the UCCC clinical trial, call Mary Jackson, 303-724-1650.
The free lung cancer tumor testing is also taking place at:
*The Brigham and Women’s Hospital *Dana Farber Cancer Institute *Emory University/Winship Cancer Center *Moffitt Cancer Center *Johns Hopkins/Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center *MD Anderson Cancer Center *Mass General Hospital Cancer Center *Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute *National Cancer Institute *UCLA/Jonssen Cancer Center *University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute *University of Texas-Southwestern Cancer Center *Vanderbilt-Ingraham
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(ABC7News, The Denver Channel.com, December 2, updated December 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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Yes, this does look very promising. I was surprised that they mentioned lung cancer. It seemingly is a "first."
I wonder what sort of "screening" it will prove to be.
Thank you for posting this article.
Barbara
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Happy Birthday Jamie
You are looking wonderful.
Barbara
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Thank you, Diane.
First, may I wish you a good scan on Monday. Scanxiety is something we all go through, but know that we are all with you "in spirit."
If I think of anything further that might be helpful regarding the hospice question I will post it in this thread.
Friends of mine, who have been through the cancer journey, told me that I needed the help. I would have resisted the hospice suggestion because there is that independent streak which is innate within.
Both childhood friends have known the journey, and have kept me on track to be realistic, along with a certain hope which fits the situation.
They came along once again, later in my life and are with me through this for a reason. They are both older (in their seventies) and know the limitations of the physical at that age.
I am quite strong (can open any jar with bare hands) but when lifting a very weakened person, it's extremely scary. Bill has had a few bouts with not being able to negotiate movement easily. This has occurred off and on at various intervals.
Tomorrow will be a special day because it says "take stats and ignore them." Bill was stage IIIB/IV within the first year of his diagnosis.
One facet that I overlooked mentioning is that our particular hospice re-evaluates the patient every 3 to 4 months to see if there has been a change. As mentioned in a prior post, each state may be different.
One patient, the nurse told me, was leaving hospice due to a vast improvement in condition. Of course, I don't know (and didn't ask) what his medical problems were.
To all who are fighting: It's worth every single minute of the work put into it. Many good times have been reaped, and we wouldn't change a thing. We tried not to look at the negative, but to always try to keep hope alive and kicking.
We will all know when to stop, but we hope that we do so only when appropriate for us.
Barbara
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Thank you for sharing your grief with us. I know it has touched me deeply. Please accept my condolences.
There were spontaneous tears while reading of your memories. Your Mom's very beautiful end-of-life story is a testament to love.
Having so many loved ones around you and your Mom had to have given all of you a great comfort.
Barbara
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Susan,
You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers for success with Tarceva.
It kept Bill stable for a time, and gave him a precious hiatus away from regular chemo.
Barbara
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When Bill entered hospice, it was on a "needs basis." We have yet to understand what that means exactly. We will probably know more about that as we go along.
The 100% coverage on the meds are on any meds that are related to the cancer. For example, his clotting med (Warfarin) is covered due to the clots being chemo related.
The healthcare worker comes every day for two hours and bathes Bill. Though we don't use it, if need be, she would do any laundry belonging to Bill.
The kit they give has meds for pain. Only used the morphine once when transferring to a higher-dose fentanyl patch. Since it put him out of commission for a day, we will only use that for emergency pain.
The bed is a life saver due to its having a waterproof air mattress. It can be placed anywhere needed for easy facilitation. The nurse comes once a week (at this point) and checks for vital signs, and general observation.
Bill still goes to the oncology doctor once a month for a blood evaluation and checkup. Any palliative treatments will be sought through the cancer center.
The hospice is, I was told, done on a state-by-state basis. For example, New Jersey would have features that another state might not. (I didn't know that.)
For example, if Bill were to receive palliative treatments, he would have to be removed (on paper) from hospice and returned when the treatments were completed. Another state might not require that movement.
They will provide a person to come and stay with Bill if I were to need to go somewhere. We haven't used that feature as yet. There are volunteers who dovote time for that purpose.
If there were a need for my requiring a week for any good reason they would put Bill into their facility which provides care outside the home.
The healthcare worker is a blessing because she helps me to talk to another human during the day in addition to bathing Bill. It helps keep me sane.
"Four walls .....". It's someone, other than family, who "changes the scene" a bit.If I think of any further information I'll add it to this posting. I'm sure I have forgotten something along the way.
Diane, yes, you are right.
On December 4, it will be five years since Bill's diagnosis. Just to note something important - "never, never give up." That is not to say we cannot look ahead (that is wisdom), but in your heart, hold onto hope. It is my belief that it is the reason, that along with prayer, that Bill is still here and doing as well as he has. Bill still climbs the stairs to the upstairs bath, and still goes to the store with me (on occasion). He moves slowly and deliberately (uses a cane - resists the walker), but has not "taken to the bed," as yet. When going for the doctor's appointment, I bought a trasport chair (small, light and fits into our car trunk). The wheelchair hospice provides is much larger and not easy for me to use. He cannot wheel himself due to the right shoulder metastasis.
Wishing you the very best,
Barbara
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Finally, I see that when you are in hospice, the end is in view?
How very sad.
I think Bill and I need to rethink the word hope.
Barbara
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Lily,
Your great grandchildren are so beautiful. God bless them.
You have been richly blessed.
I know the feeling. It's the greatest.
They cannot send me enough photos of our first great grandbaby. Thank you for sharing those special photos with us. Children brighten the board and give it promise.
Barbara
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Judy,
Yes, I agree. Seeing other arguments helps us to dig deeper into the subject. The subject is serious because many people take these things every single day.
As for the Avatar, Judy, I was waiting for one of our kids to come and take a recent photo of us, put it onto their PC, and send it to us.
Believe me, I have two working digital cameras, but need a "Cameras for Dummies" instructional booklet.
So, on Thanksgiving Day, I asked Joe (Floridian son) to take a photo, and to send it via his laptop (to which he is joined at the hip
).I then put it into the Photo program, and voila - you have "Ye Olde Folks" in Bergen County.
Barbara
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I didn't know Rich well, but what I had read in his posts gave me uplifting and bolstering.
My deepest sympathies to all of his friends and family, and thank you Ry, for posting this.
I am sorry for your loss, as well.
Barbara
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Kim,
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I am so very sorry.
Barbara
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Comment: I received this article in my yesterday's morning email collection. It is another view at the controversy regarding folic acid and B-12. I thought it made for an interesting analysis of the study.
Most probably, there will be many more to come. Since I take this on a daily basis, the subject will definitely be followed.
(When one has clicked onto the link, the article will not come up until the reader clicks onto the news category next to the words Medfinds. It should be the second article lettered in red.)
http://www.medfinds.com/healthnotes.php ... 1_25_3.cfm
ARTICLE:
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A Closer Look at B-Vitamins and Cancer Risk
By Kimberly Beauchamp, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (November 25, 2009)—A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that high intakes of folic acid and vitamin B12 may increase the risk of cancer, deaths from cancer, and mortality from all causes in people with ischemic heart disease, in which reduced blood supply to the heart causes chest pain and difficulty exercising. The study’s surprising results have spurred a flurry of concern from some and backlash from others, as we try to gain a better understanding of the real risks of supplementing with or fortifying foods with these essential vitamins.
What did they find?
Combining the results of two previous studies of more than 6,800 Norwegians with ischemic heart disease, researchers aimed to determine whether supplementing with folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 affects cancer risk. Since Norway does not fortify foods with folic acid, this seemed an ideal population in which to study the effects of supplementation.
The study found that after 39 months of treatment, people who took 800 mcg of folic acid plus 400 mcg of vitamin B12 each day were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, die from cancer, and die from any cause, compared with people who did not supplement with the vitamins. Vitamin B6 was not associated with increased cancer risk.
Lung cancer accounted for most of the increased risk, causing the researchers to conclude that taking folic acid and vitamin B12 increases the risk of lung cancer. However, 94% of the people who were diagnosed with lung cancer during the study were either current or former smokers, making smoking an equally suspect (and well-established) culprit. The findings raise the possibility that there is a toxic interaction between cigarette smoke and folic acid or vitamin B12. Such an interaction has previously been demonstrated with beta-carotene and smoking. In lieu of additional research, one cannot necessarily generalize the findings from the new study to nonsmokers.
Folic acid: friend or foe?
Folic acid is a key player in cell development; low folic acid status in pregnant women is associated with neural tube defects (like spina bifida) in their infants, and animal studies suggest that folic acid deficiency could lead to the development of cancer. Too much folic acid might have an opposite effect, though, actually speeding the growth of cancerous cells.
During the 1990s, many countries began fortifying foods with folic acid, a nutrient that is lost in the process of refining grains. (The other obvious solution would be to encourage people to opt for more whole grains and forego processed foods altogether, but that’s another story.) Since fortification began in the US, the incidence of neural tube defects has dropped substantially, and one analysis showed that colon cancer and overall mortality have both decreased significantly, a finding that stands in contrast to those of the new study.
Food for thought before you ditch folic acid
If folic acid increases lung cancer risk, one would expect the incidence of lung cancer to have increased in parallel with folic acid fortification, but in fact this isn’t what we’ve seen. Lung cancer rates have been steadily declining over the past two decades. According to an editorial in JAMA regarding the new study, “these national incidence rates do not support a substantial, population-wide adverse effect of the magnitude suggested by (the authors).”
Another concern about the validity of the new study’s results is whether the duration of the study was long enough to draw meaningful conclusions about cancer risk. After all, the development of cancer is dependent on many factors, and it takes a long time—often several decades—to develop. So, while cancer risk did appear to increase in the group who received folic acid, it is almost impossible to attribute that risk solely to folic acid intake.
Because the study’s participants already had heart disease, the results cannot be generalized to a healthy population. Further, the original studies were designed to assess the effect of B-vitamin supplementation on future heart disease risk—not on cancer risk. Studies that attempt to ask new questions by re-analyzing old data have a relatively high potential for error.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition pointed out in a response to the new study that while “it is puzzling why patients who were given high doses of folic acid were more likely to develop lung cancer…these results are inconsistent with the larger body of data,” and that “this effect has not been observed previously.” The authors of the JAMA editorial concluded that “the findings do not nullify the potential long-term benefits that folic acid fortification may have on population health.”
What we do know
• More studies specifically designed to assess cancer risk in relation to folic acid intake are needed.
• For now, it seems reasonable and safe to take folic acid at lower doses (less than 800 mcg per day) and to eat folic acid-fortified foods.
• Leading a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the majority of cancers: don’t smoke, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a balanced diet including plenty of fresh brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
(JAMA 2009;302:2119–26)
Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. She cofounded South County Naturopaths in Wakefield, RI, and now sees patients in East Greenwich and Wakefield. Inspired by her passion for healthful eating and her own young daughters, Dr. Beauchamp is currently writing a book about optimizing children’s health through better nutrition.
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(Medfinds, Article by Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, November 25, 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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Kathleen,
I love reading good news. Somehow, it lifts all boats.
Barbara
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Thank you, Ginny.
BTW, Ginny, that is what my mother used to say. "Yeah, a day late and a dollar short."
Thanks for your reminder of that nap. It is becoming a must.
Barbara
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Katie,
Without this site, I would be very lost right about now.
This is an oasis, a place of refreshment and even a catharsis in many ways.
Thank you for this gift.
Barbara
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http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/14/34617 ... -away.html
ARTICLE:
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Cornell University researchers, with support from the American Institute for Cancer Research, have been studying cancer fighting compounds in apples, finding that the popular fruit can help prevent and even aid in cancer treatment. Food scientist Rui Hai Liu has been researching the anti-cancer effect of apples, finding 13 compounds in the peel that either killed cancer cells or inhibited the growth in liver breast and colon cancer cells. Scientists also say apple compounds could be developed to help prevent resistance to chemotherapy drugs
The cancer fighting compounds found in apples are triterpenoids. Dr. Liu has been studying fruits and their health benefits for over a decade. He says, “I’m interested in the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and when you look at all the fruits and vegetables we saw the apple was rich in phenolic compounds with potent anti-proliferative properties – it was due to be studied.” Phenolics are phytochemicals that have a wide range of health benefits.
One study performed this year by Dr. Liu revealed that fresh apples and apple extract inhibited breast tumor growth in lab animals. Apples and apple extract decreased compounds in the animals that are cancer producing. Dr. Liu began studying apples for fighting cancer in 2000.
Colon cancer was also found to respond to treatment with apple extract. The apple compounds protected DNA from damage and blocked carcinogens. Cells treated with apple extract showed less propensity to metastasize.
Beneficial compounds in apples could also find a place in chemotherapy. Cancer cells can become resistant to treatment with chemotherapy drugs. Researchers found that apples can block the action of a protein that makes cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. The protein, kappa B (NF-KB), was blocked by apple extract and curcumin. Resveratrol was also studied, but did not produce the same results.
Dr. Liu suggests eating a wide array of fruits and vegetables, and not just apples. He says …"don’t just eat apples; variety is best. "The thousands of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables can be looked at as a team."
Apples are known for their health benefits and are now found to have potential for fighting cancer and bolstering the effect of chemotherapy drugs. Fresh apples and apple extract contain beneficial triterpenoids that fight inflammation and can inhibit spread of cancer, reduce the chances of cancer metastasis, and even lead to cell death in liver breast and colon cancer.
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(EmaxHealth.com, Health and Nutrition, Submitted by Kathleen Blanchard, RN, November 27, 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.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 40783.html
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AUSTIN — It was just a slight cough and a tingling in her fingers.
State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon wasn't really worried about either as this year's regular legislative session was winding down at the Capitol.
“We were all coughing,” she said. “It's like a meat locker in there.”
As for the tingling, a fellow lawmaker suggested it might be carpal tunnel syndrome because she did a lot of repetitive page-turning as a member of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee.
It was enough to prompt McClendon to see a doctor, and the diagnosis turned out to be stark: stage 4 lung cancer, which already had spread to her brain. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of lung cancer.
“It just felt like I was laid out on the floor, and somebody just dropped a bowling ball in the middle of my stomach,” said McClendon, D-San Antonio, who had quit smoking in 1998. “It was just like — just everything went out of me.”
Aggressive treatment
Then she got busy figuring out what to do.
“You are in shock for a day at least, but then you've got to pull yourself together,” McClendon said.
Surgery wasn't an option, so she embarked on a course of radiation and chemotherapy that drove the cancer into remission.
McClendon plans to start “maintenance” chemotherapy in December. In the meantime, she has gone public with her story because she wants to share her good fortune by urging people to get potentially lifesaving screening and checkups — and not let fear hold them back.
“I wanted people to know if they get detected for it early, if they get treatment, then there is life,” she said. “It's not a death sentence.”
McClendon praised her doctors, including Dr. Amy Lang, a medical oncologist at the START Center for Cancer Care in San Antonio, who she said prescribed a “very aggressive” treatment plan. She said Lang came highly recommended and did a good job of answering the questions McClendon and her husband had about treatment.
It's a mutual-admiration society.
“Everyone that meets Ruth falls in love with her, including me,” said Lang, who emphasized McClendon's message, saying, “Don't ignore your symptoms. Go and see your doctor if you think something isn't right. Trust your gut instincts.”
Hopes and prayers
McClendon's cancer “is an incurable disease as of today, but she has had a dramatic response to chemotherapy and radiation,” Lang said. “Her prognosis is good. She knows that there's a possibility that the cancer could come back, but we know that using the maintenance therapy has been shown to prolong that time before the cancer comes back.”
Besides the power of medicine, McClendon also credits the power of prayer — her own prayers and those of family and friends.
“When someone tells you (that) you have stage 4 cancer and it's inoperable, you depend very heavily on your medical team, and I had a very excellent medical team,” she said. “But without prayer, there is no way you can get through anything of that magnitude.”
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(Chron./Houston & Texas News, Article by Peggy Fikac, San Antonio Express News, November 26, 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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Lily,
Yes, Lily, the cleanup is the one unfavorite chore.
But, you now appreciate having your own place to yourself, and able (hopefully) to take a nice rest.
Tomorrow, I plan a long nap. It will be the first day without anybody around.
Bill can take one, too, which he does anyway. Barbara
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Dear Judy and Kasey,
What a lovely response and from two pretty faces.
You know, we had a very quiet day, but everything turned out so very nicely that it seemed exceptionally special.
Jeanne made me a dry martini
, Joe had picked out the turkey (which turned out absolutely perfect), and Bill ate so much that it began to make me wonder where he was putting it all.Joe connected us with SKYPE, where we "met" our new great granddaughter, and spoke to her Mom and Dad (our granddaughter and her hubbie).
Our son, John and his wife Linda, and our grandson, Alex, stopped by on their way to Linda's brother's home. We had been invited, but the trip would have been way too much for Bill, and probably for me, as well. I'm a little pooped.
They will be here for Christmas.
Our son, Bill, begged off in lieu of coming here Monday with a friend who will cut Bill's hair into a buzz cut. He needs it badly.
Fr. Bill had been here last week to give his father the Annointing of the Sick. It must have worked because Bill has been up and around, eating his way through turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
Love you guys,
Barbara
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Dear All,
You have supported me, and also given me the opportunity to be able to try to support you when needed. It has kept me bolstered many, many times, and confident at poignant moments in this "walk."
This Thanksgiving Day was very special for Bill and for me. Something, which cannot be explained easily, touched all of us in our family. It made the day one of remembrance. Bill, I and two of our children who were with us knew we were all loved.
I am grateful for that, and for our other children who are doing so much for Bill's quality of life.
Thanks to them, and to all of you who are with us on this journey.
Barbara
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Thank you, Caren.
Glad Ellen is OK.
Barbara
"Four walls .....". It's someone, other than family, who "changes the scene" a bit.
).
Bill can take one, too, which he does anyway.
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Judy, Dear
Bill was without a diagnosis due to two digital exrays saying that he was clear.
I know you will not blame me for not being trusting of them.
Those two digitals put Bill off for a year.
I wish it had occurred differently, but it is what it is.
Barbara