Eating Together For many, being able to commune around a table--talking, laughing and eating--is a sign of health and well-being.  That's why, when someone is sick, and doesn't eat, conflict can result. Caregivers may feel enormous anxiety, guilt and hopelessness as their loved one loses weight. Yet, caregivers need to know what is really happening.  Cancer patient, Ann Silberman, in her blog, "Breast Cancer? But Doctor...I hate pink!"  explains, "This problem of being unable to eat is not a matter of will-power, nor is it in our [the patient's] control." What is going on? Cachexia There is a distinct metabolic[ Read More ]

Called the "Emperor of All Maladies." there's little doubt that a cancer diagnosis throws life completely out of control.  Unfortunately, this chaos creates vulnerabilities that can and have been exploited.  It is tempting to believe the idea that if you control your thoughts and make them positive, you can control cancer. However research doesn’t support this myth! Contrary to what you have heard in the media, there is no scientific evidence supporting the popular myth that positive thinking or a “positive attitude” cures, slows the progression of, or extends the life of people diagnosed with cancer. Research On Positive Thinking[ Read More ]

In July 2015, we published a post called Patients Included In Research: Studying Cancer by Mutation Not Organ.  In that post, we shared the goal that cancers would be treated not by the site of origin, but rather by their genetic features.  Achieving this goal is closer than you think! This week the FDA announced accelerated approval** of a "...treatment for patients whose cancers have a specific genetic feature called a biomarker.  This is the first time the agency has approved a cancer treatment based on a common biomarker rather than the location in the body where the tumor originated."[ Read More ]

Last summer we provided a series of posts on oncology basics.  Oncology Basics: Preparing for ASCO covered some of the history of oncology.  In Understanding Cells, we reviewed what is newly understood about cells--it's way beyond what you learned in high school biology.  DNA with lots of animated videos also explained some of the basics that have been uncovered and explains where mistakes happen that can cause cancer.  In Genes and Cancer Treatment, we began to explain how genes direct the production of proteins.  The pathways which cancer treatments target are explained.  Finally, we touched on Immunotherapy, a treatment modality which harnesses[ Read More ]

This study analyzed the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (MCSPC) after treatment with apalutamide (Erleada) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The study found that apalutamide plus ADT was well tolerated and improved survival compared to ADT alone in these patients.

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This summer has been a challenge after a family member with celiac disease had a gluten exposure (Click here to read more about celiac disease). Gluten damages the small intestine villi (see 5 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Your Small Intestines), which are essential for nutrition absorption.  For over a month, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting and diarrhea has led to significant weight loss.  The search has been on to find something to help sooth (or smooth) the digestive tract. Smoothies are easily digestible and can help when other foods just don't stay down. The Cleveland Clinic has created an infographic[ Read More ]

"Keep Calm And Carry On:" Really? “The shock of that day you hear the words, ‘you have cancer’ never leaves you and your sense of certainty in life and in your body can be hard to recapture after a diagnosis of cancer.”-Marie Ennis-O'Connor After Surgery, Chemo, Radiation This is the time when feeling sick is supposed to be over. After the surgeries, chemotherapy and radiations are over, your cancer is supposed to be done, right? Unfortunately, you are not done. Instead of being told you are cured, you are told that you are in remission. You have to go to[ Read More ]

This trial investigated the impact of lifestyle changes in diet and exercise on the quality of life (QoL) of advanced prostate cancer (PC) patients. 

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The study assessed the frequency of bone density testing among prostate cancer patients treated with androgen-deprivation therapy. 

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Cost Medical care for cancer is costly. In addition, there is the financial burden that patients and families face in getting to and from the best care--which may be located at medical centers far from home. The situation can seem overwhelming. Corporate Angel Network Into this dilemma, little known resources have arisen to meet this challenge. One of these is called The Corporate Angel Network. Started in 1981 by two cancer survivors, Priscilla Blum and Jay Weinberg and by Leonard Greene, who lost his wife to cancer, The Corporate Angel Network (CAN) has flown over 45,000 patients to their care—free[ Read More ]