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 ]

How does stress affect the body? Newly published research may provide clues to the impact of emotional stress on different parts of the body. In their study, the researchers wanted to learn if there was a connection between a specific part of the brain, called the amygdala, and cardiovascular health. The Amygdala There are actually two amygdalae, one on each side of the brain. The small-almond shaped structures are found at the end of the hippocampus. We’re learning a lot about the amygdala through brain imaging. The amygdala function in the areas of survival instincts, memory and emotions. Flight or[ Read More ]

We are adding to the list of respite opportunities that are available for adults with cancer.  In addition to a couple of programs like the ones featured in Free Vacations for Adults affected by Cancer, there are a few foundations for adults with cancer that are much like the well-known Make-A-Wish Foundation (for children) which provide support for travel or other wishes.   Dream Foundation The Dream Foundation  provides wish fulfillment for adults with cancer who are terminally ill with a life expectancy of a year or less.  Travel or vacation wishes must be fulfilled within the US.  The vacation can[ Read More ]

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 ]

Below is an infographic from Mount Sinai Hospital which provides a comprehensive description of the types, treatments as well as the signs of a stroke. Knowing the signs of a stroke can get people to the hospital promptly and reduce the severity and/or risk of disability. Having atrial fibrillation is one of the risk factors for stroke.  Check out 5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Atrial Fibrillation & Why You Should Care to learn more.  Additionally, John and Sharon Anderson share their story of the importance of rehabilitation after stroke in the post Life After Discharge From Stroke.  For journal article[ 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 ]

"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 ]

March is National Nutrition Month.  It is a educational  campaign started in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. To celebrate the importance of "eating right," the Cleveland Clinic has created an infographic on power foods for your heart which we are sharing here.   Include these foods in healthy recipes. Some of these foods help lower blood pressure and triglycerides, reducing risks of heart disease. Enjoy the flavors![ Read More ]

Dawn Goo is a waitress, former comedian, breast cancer survivor and is now under treatment for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.  She lives in El Paso, Texas.  This is a post from her Facebook page which is gathering momentum in social media among people who have experienced cancer, especially those who are dealing with Stage 4 disease. DAMN IT DAWN! WE ONLY WANT YOU TO BE FUNNY! By Dawn Lynn Goo “You can’t be sick, you’re fat. You don’t look like your dying. You still have hair. Oh come on, you’ve been dying for years. It can’t be that bad, it’s not[ Read More ]

You're at a loss.  You've just learned your friend or loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer.  What do you do?  How do you act?  What do you say? As I look back at my own actions under these circumstances, I know that I came up short.  I said the wrong things and made some basic mistakes.  Partly I could blame youth.  But mostly I think that it was the fear that shadowed every interaction I had with my loved one.  I was afraid of losing this incredibly important person, someone who was core to my existence.   That fear clouded my[ Read More ]