A somewhat surprising and counterintuitive recommendation is the result of a multiyear breast cancer study: approximately 20% of women with breast cancer should not have cancerous lymph nodes from under their arms removed. This new approach to treatment was adopted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering, a renowned cancer treatment hospital in New York City in September 2010. Dr. Monica Morrow, chief of the breast service at Sloan-Kettering is one of the author's of the study supporting this new protocol which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on 2/9/11. The study found that the survival rate for patients whose lymph nodes were removed is very similar to the survival of patients whose lymph nodes were not removed.
The study concludes that taking out the lymph nodes does not change the treatment plan, improve survival, or make the cancer less likely to recur. Often, the removal of lymph nodes causes dangerous, painful and potentially disabling complications such as infection and/or lymphedema.
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are now standard therapy for women whose breast cancer has traveled to the lymph nodes. It is believe that this treatment is effective for wiping out any disease in these lymph nodes.
Importantly, the new results do not apply to all patients, only to those whose women who meet the specific criteria as laid out in the study with regard to lymph node descriptive details.
For products that can help you reduce and relieve side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer, please visit http://www.lotstolivefor.com/
For more information you can refer to:
The article by Denise Grady in the NY Times entitled “Lymph Node Study Shakes Breast Cancer Treatment” dated 2/9/11
The article in the Journal of the American Medical Association entitled "Auillary Dissection vs No Axillary Dissection in Women With Invasive Breast Cancer and Sentinel Node Metastasis" with multiple authors including Armando E. Giuliano, MD
A followup article to the 2/9 article in the NY Times, also by Denise Grady "Implications of Study on Breast Cancer"
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Shortages for Some Generic Drugs used for Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is seeing "a record number of shortages" this year, said Valerie Jensen of the FDA's drug shortage program. This is putting pressure on hospitals and doctors which in certain cases have been forced to search for acceptable alternative treatments. Most shortages are for injectable medications (also called sterile injectibles), including several for cancer, Ms. Jensen said.
Doxorubicin, a generic drug also known as adriamycin, is a common treatment for some breast cancers and lymphomas, is in short supply causing some patients to receive alterhative regimens.
The drug cisplatin is also in short supply. Cisplatin is a mainstay treatment for testicular cancer, and is also used for other cancers.
Shortages also exist for Leucovorin which is frequently used in combination with fluoruracil to treat cancers such as colon and rectal, head and neck, esophageal, and other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be used as an antidote to effects of certain chemotherapy drugs such as methotrexate.
Bleomycin is a chemotherapy drug that is administered for the treatment of several types of cancer, including squamous cell carcinomas, testicular cancer, head and neck cancers, and lymphomas. It works as an antineoplastic drug, meaning that it is a tumor antibiotic and is toxic to fast growing cells. Some hospitals are experiencing difficulting in procuring Bleomycin.
In a recent MSNBC online story, Jensen said 40 percent of the shortages are due to manufacturing problems, 20 percent because a firm stops making a drug and 20 percent from production delays. The basic cause, she said, is the drugs are not as profitable as newer ones. According to a report on Fierce Pharma drugs run short for a variety of reasons: Increased demand for a particular treatment, short supplies of active ingredients, manufacturing problems, recalls...and because some older drugs are only made by a handful of manufacturers, when one company's production slows or stops, that affects the entire supply. For instance, the cancer drug cisplatin is made by three companies--APP, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Bedford--and both Teva and Bedford report manufacturing delays, while APP, understandably, is struggling to keep up with increased demand.
It is important to be vigilant and to inquire about the availilbity of enough medication to complete your prescribed regimen if a generic injectible cancer medication is prescribed.
For further information you can refer to these articles:
NCI Cancer Bulletin
http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/011111/page2
ONS Connect
http://www.onsconnect.org/2011/01/whats-up-with-all-these-cancer-drug-shortages
Seattle Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2014118438_webdrugs04.html
Wall Street Journal
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2014118438_webdrugs04.html
To learn about and purchase products that can help to reduce the side effects of cancer drug treatment you can view this website: www.LotsToLiveFor.com
Doxorubicin, a generic drug also known as adriamycin, is a common treatment for some breast cancers and lymphomas, is in short supply causing some patients to receive alterhative regimens.
The drug cisplatin is also in short supply. Cisplatin is a mainstay treatment for testicular cancer, and is also used for other cancers.
Shortages also exist for Leucovorin which is frequently used in combination with fluoruracil to treat cancers such as colon and rectal, head and neck, esophageal, and other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be used as an antidote to effects of certain chemotherapy drugs such as methotrexate.
Bleomycin is a chemotherapy drug that is administered for the treatment of several types of cancer, including squamous cell carcinomas, testicular cancer, head and neck cancers, and lymphomas. It works as an antineoplastic drug, meaning that it is a tumor antibiotic and is toxic to fast growing cells. Some hospitals are experiencing difficulting in procuring Bleomycin.
In a recent MSNBC online story, Jensen said 40 percent of the shortages are due to manufacturing problems, 20 percent because a firm stops making a drug and 20 percent from production delays. The basic cause, she said, is the drugs are not as profitable as newer ones. According to a report on Fierce Pharma drugs run short for a variety of reasons: Increased demand for a particular treatment, short supplies of active ingredients, manufacturing problems, recalls...and because some older drugs are only made by a handful of manufacturers, when one company's production slows or stops, that affects the entire supply. For instance, the cancer drug cisplatin is made by three companies--APP, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Bedford--and both Teva and Bedford report manufacturing delays, while APP, understandably, is struggling to keep up with increased demand.
It is important to be vigilant and to inquire about the availilbity of enough medication to complete your prescribed regimen if a generic injectible cancer medication is prescribed.
For further information you can refer to these articles:
NCI Cancer Bulletin
http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/011111/page2
ONS Connect
http://www.onsconnect.org/2011/01/whats-up-with-all-these-cancer-drug-shortages
Seattle Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2014118438_webdrugs04.html
Wall Street Journal
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2014118438_webdrugs04.html
To learn about and purchase products that can help to reduce the side effects of cancer drug treatment you can view this website: www.LotsToLiveFor.com
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Homeopathic Treatment for Radiation Burns and Other Skin Conditions
7 Cream is a homeopathic treatment for radiation burns and radiation dermatitis, as well as an excellent cream for other skin conditions. The 7 ingredients are described below with their healing properties. You can order 7 Cream by clicking here.
7 CREAM'S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) comes from the fat obtained from the karite tree from Africa. It is extremely therapeutic; helping to heal cracked and damaged skin. Shea butter penetrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. It contains unsaponifiables and cinnamic esters, which have antimicrobial and moisturizing properties and provide protection from the UV rays of the sun.
Avocado oil (Persea americana) contains more than 20% essential unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains vitamins A, C, D and E, proteins, beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids and potassium. It has a superior moisturizing effect on the upper layer of the skin and reduces scars. A study at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that avocado oil significantly increases the water soluble collagen content in the dermis. The AMA states that it reduces roughness, cracking and irritation.
Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) is one of the safest most effective natural body moisturizers available. It is rich in lauric fatty acid. According to research as it appears to have significant antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Manuka oil A unique oil extracted from the Manuka plant. We use a particularly concentrated form of it. For example it is effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Propionibacterium acnes in concentrations as low as 1:3500.
Neem oil (Azadriachta indica) is used widely in India as an antibacterial, antiviral. antifungal, antiseptic and antiparasitic. It is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, syphilitic sores, chicken pox etc.
Manuka Honey is honey from the flower of the Manuka tree indigenous to New Zealand. Its healing properties have been known to the Maoris for a very long time. Manuka honey promotes a hydrated healing environment and rapidly clears bacteria from colonized and infected wounds. It has even been observed to be effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (MRSA). It has an anti-inflammatory action and prevents scarring. Manuka honey has been used to treat a range of skin problems including chronic sores, ring worm, eczema, fungal infections and dandruff. We use the most powerful and expensive form of Manuka Honey available.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) is a well known plant with many documented therapeutic effects. It has more than 200 biologically active components including polysaccharides, phytosterols and glycerol. Aloe Vera has been found to have anti-inflammatory, burn healing and wound and scar reducing properties. We use a pure, certified Organic, aloe Vera gel.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used by herbalists and homeopaths for hundreds of years. Its chief use is as a local application to help heal and prevent infection of wounds through its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. 7 Cream contains a powerful Organic, alcohol free Calendula extract made especially for us by Gaia Herbs and contains as much as most purely calendula creams.
7 Cream was developed by a homeopathic practitioner in Canada. The water used in 7 Cream is Canadian glacier water - the world’s purest and softest water
NO parabens, mineral oil, fragrances, lanolin, propylene glycol. The unavoidable preservative and stablisers are chosen for their gentleness and non-toxicity.
This cream, while excellent as a moisturizer, protective barrier cream, and infection preventer, was also designed to be a promoter of healing for damaged skin. It is therefore very useful for injuries and burns as well as eczema and otherdermatitis type conditions and fungal infections. It can also being used cosmetically for its moisturizing effect.
7 CREAM'S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) comes from the fat obtained from the karite tree from Africa. It is extremely therapeutic; helping to heal cracked and damaged skin. Shea butter penetrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. It contains unsaponifiables and cinnamic esters, which have antimicrobial and moisturizing properties and provide protection from the UV rays of the sun.
Avocado oil (Persea americana) contains more than 20% essential unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains vitamins A, C, D and E, proteins, beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids and potassium. It has a superior moisturizing effect on the upper layer of the skin and reduces scars. A study at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that avocado oil significantly increases the water soluble collagen content in the dermis. The AMA states that it reduces roughness, cracking and irritation.
Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) is one of the safest most effective natural body moisturizers available. It is rich in lauric fatty acid. According to research as it appears to have significant antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Manuka oil A unique oil extracted from the Manuka plant. We use a particularly concentrated form of it. For example it is effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Propionibacterium acnes in concentrations as low as 1:3500.
Neem oil (Azadriachta indica) is used widely in India as an antibacterial, antiviral. antifungal, antiseptic and antiparasitic. It is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, syphilitic sores, chicken pox etc.
Manuka Honey is honey from the flower of the Manuka tree indigenous to New Zealand. Its healing properties have been known to the Maoris for a very long time. Manuka honey promotes a hydrated healing environment and rapidly clears bacteria from colonized and infected wounds. It has even been observed to be effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (MRSA). It has an anti-inflammatory action and prevents scarring. Manuka honey has been used to treat a range of skin problems including chronic sores, ring worm, eczema, fungal infections and dandruff. We use the most powerful and expensive form of Manuka Honey available.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) is a well known plant with many documented therapeutic effects. It has more than 200 biologically active components including polysaccharides, phytosterols and glycerol. Aloe Vera has been found to have anti-inflammatory, burn healing and wound and scar reducing properties. We use a pure, certified Organic, aloe Vera gel.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used by herbalists and homeopaths for hundreds of years. Its chief use is as a local application to help heal and prevent infection of wounds through its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. 7 Cream contains a powerful Organic, alcohol free Calendula extract made especially for us by Gaia Herbs and contains as much as most purely calendula creams.
7 Cream was developed by a homeopathic practitioner in Canada. The water used in 7 Cream is Canadian glacier water - the world’s purest and softest water
NO parabens, mineral oil, fragrances, lanolin, propylene glycol. The unavoidable preservative and stablisers are chosen for their gentleness and non-toxicity.
This cream, while excellent as a moisturizer, protective barrier cream, and infection preventer, was also designed to be a promoter of healing for damaged skin. It is therefore very useful for injuries and burns as well as eczema and otherdermatitis type conditions and fungal infections. It can also being used cosmetically for its moisturizing effect.
Lots To Live For, Inc. is a website that specializes in discovering excellent products to help reduce the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of cancer therapies. To view all of the RADIATION BURN products available through Lots To Live For, Inc. please click here.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Developments for Blood Test to Detect Circulating Cancer Cells
Scientists from the Boston area who invented the concept, and drugmaker Johnson & Johnson announced today that they are joining forces to market an ultra-sensitive blood-test for cancer, the Associated Press reported. Click here for the AP report.
Daniel Haber, who heads Massachusetts General Hospital’s cancer center and is one of the test’s inventors, described the procedure as “like a liquid biopsy” that avoids painful tissue sampling and may be a more reliable way of monitoring patients than periodic scans, the newswire said.
Many doctors believe that stray cancer cells in the blood mean that a tumor has already spread, or is likely to spread. This test that can capture such cells and determine whether cancer cells are circulating in the blood, and the volume of the cells in the blood. This level can be monitored over time to determine if chemotherapy or other treatments are effective on a particular patient. Circulating Tumor Cells are also referred to as CTC's
The test was invented by Boston scientists from Massachusetts General hospital and Harvard University. The Veridex unit of Johnson & Johnson is joining with the doctors and scientists who invented it to further the research and refine the tool.
To read a CNN report about this test click here.
For products that can help reduce cancer treatment side effects click here.
Daniel Haber, who heads Massachusetts General Hospital’s cancer center and is one of the test’s inventors, described the procedure as “like a liquid biopsy” that avoids painful tissue sampling and may be a more reliable way of monitoring patients than periodic scans, the newswire said.
Many doctors believe that stray cancer cells in the blood mean that a tumor has already spread, or is likely to spread. This test that can capture such cells and determine whether cancer cells are circulating in the blood, and the volume of the cells in the blood. This level can be monitored over time to determine if chemotherapy or other treatments are effective on a particular patient. Circulating Tumor Cells are also referred to as CTC's
The test was invented by Boston scientists from Massachusetts General hospital and Harvard University. The Veridex unit of Johnson & Johnson is joining with the doctors and scientists who invented it to further the research and refine the tool.
To read a CNN report about this test click here.
For products that can help reduce cancer treatment side effects click here.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Lots To Live For, Inc. Partners with Happy Chemo! To Offer Free Items With Orders
Lots To Live For, Inc. has partnered with the Happy Chemo! website which offers discounts and support for cancer patients. This resource is helpful for both patients and caregivers. Great cancer gift ideas can be found through the Happy Chemo website partners. Happy Chemo is an oxymoron on a mission - the desire to make the cancer experience a little brighter and easier to endure.
Fighting cancer is a tough journey. Happy Chemo! partners with local and national companies to provide cancer patients and caregivers with exclusive special offers to provide relief before, during and after chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. Cancer symptons can bring emotional and mental anxiety, not just to the patient, but to the caregivers and family as well. You can find the Lots To Live For, Inc. partner page by clicking here.
Check out the Happy Chemo! website for some support, some special offers, and new resources to explore.
Fighting cancer is a tough journey. Happy Chemo! partners with local and national companies to provide cancer patients and caregivers with exclusive special offers to provide relief before, during and after chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. Cancer symptons can bring emotional and mental anxiety, not just to the patient, but to the caregivers and family as well. You can find the Lots To Live For, Inc. partner page by clicking here.
Check out the Happy Chemo! website for some support, some special offers, and new resources to explore.
Friday, December 17, 2010
31 Myths and Truths About Breast Cancer from the National Breast Cancer Coalition
The website http://www.knowbreastcancer.org/ has a list of 31 myths and truths about Breast Cancer with the ultimate hope of educating and empowering women to help detect, prevent and ultimately cure this disease.
The following is from the website:
"It’s time to move beyond awareness to action. It’s time to peel back the pink to see what’s really happening in breast cancer research, treatment, prevention and cure.
Our breast cancer myths and truths are backed by science, documented by credible and trusted sources and chosen because they are often misunderstood by or misrepresented to the general public.
We challenge you to become educated, speak up on behalf of women and men everywhere and take action to end this disease. We also call on you to help us spread this message to people you know: friends, family, coworkers, anyone who cares about ending breast cancer.
We will show you the way and give you the tools to get involved and make a difference.
Please join us."
To view the thought provoking and informative 31 Myths and Truths you can visit the National Breast Cancer Coalition website by clicking here. When you click in to view the 31 Myths and Truths, you can then click on each item to get further information about that specific myth or truth.
For example Myth #12 is: Everyone's breast cancer is the same.
If you click on the myth you will be taken to a more detailed page about that statement (click here to complete the example and view the detail about this myth) and you will learn about some unique characteristics of different types of breast cancer, and why they are not all the same.
There is plenty of additional information worth reading behind this seemingly simple 31 item list.
For products that can help to reduce and relieve the side effects of breast cancer treatment you can reference our website at http://www.lotstolivefor.com/
The following is from the website:
"It’s time to move beyond awareness to action. It’s time to peel back the pink to see what’s really happening in breast cancer research, treatment, prevention and cure.
Our breast cancer myths and truths are backed by science, documented by credible and trusted sources and chosen because they are often misunderstood by or misrepresented to the general public.
We challenge you to become educated, speak up on behalf of women and men everywhere and take action to end this disease. We also call on you to help us spread this message to people you know: friends, family, coworkers, anyone who cares about ending breast cancer.
We will show you the way and give you the tools to get involved and make a difference.
Please join us."
To view the thought provoking and informative 31 Myths and Truths you can visit the National Breast Cancer Coalition website by clicking here. When you click in to view the 31 Myths and Truths, you can then click on each item to get further information about that specific myth or truth.
For example Myth #12 is: Everyone's breast cancer is the same.
If you click on the myth you will be taken to a more detailed page about that statement (click here to complete the example and view the detail about this myth) and you will learn about some unique characteristics of different types of breast cancer, and why they are not all the same.
There is plenty of additional information worth reading behind this seemingly simple 31 item list.
For products that can help to reduce and relieve the side effects of breast cancer treatment you can reference our website at http://www.lotstolivefor.com/
Sunday, December 12, 2010
San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2010 Information
The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium attracts academic and private physicians and researchers, as well as other health care professionals focused on curing breast cancer, to discuss and learn about new and late-breaking research including experimental biology, etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of breast cancer and pre-malignant breast disease, as well as new findings from clinical trials. With the addition of the AACR as a symposium collaborator, this year’s program will attract more thought-leaders and high-quality proffered papers in basic and translational breast cancer research as well as increase the participation of young investigators by providing superior education and training opportunities for the next generation of breast cancer researchers.
You can view information about the symposium: http://www.sabcs.org/
Abstracts from presentations are available on the website above.
The publication Cure Today has a daily email which reviews highlights of the presentations at the symposium each day. There are also video interviews with some of the presenters. You can view these daily hightlights at: http://media.curetoday.com/sabcs2010/day1.html
Following are two briefs that appear in the Cure Today highlights:
Highlights from the 2009 Symposium: An Update
COMPILED FROM STAFF REPORTS
Physicians, researchers and advocates from all around the world came away from the 2009 SABCS with answers to a number of important questions: Is beginning on an aromatase inhibitor better than switching from tamoxifen? Is Herceptin more effective with or following chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer? Does Avastin slow progression of metastatic breast cancer and by how much? And how well does Xgeva work against bone pain and fracture when compared with Zometa? Get an update on last year's breaking news.
Preventing Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers
BY MELISSA WEBER
Every woman with a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene should have their ovaries removed to lower their risk of ovarian cancer, said speaker Susan Domchek, MD, during an educational session Wednesday at the SABCS. Calling the preventive surgery "mandatory" in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, Domchek said there's no evidence that current ovarian cancer screening is effective.
Click on the abstract name above to be taken to the full article referenced.
To view products that can help with side effects caused by breast cancer treatment, please visit: http://www.LotsToLiveFor.com
You can view information about the symposium: http://www.sabcs.org/
Abstracts from presentations are available on the website above.
The publication Cure Today has a daily email which reviews highlights of the presentations at the symposium each day. There are also video interviews with some of the presenters. You can view these daily hightlights at: http://media.curetoday.com/sabcs2010/day1.html
Following are two briefs that appear in the Cure Today highlights:
Highlights from the 2009 Symposium: An Update
COMPILED FROM STAFF REPORTS
Physicians, researchers and advocates from all around the world came away from the 2009 SABCS with answers to a number of important questions: Is beginning on an aromatase inhibitor better than switching from tamoxifen? Is Herceptin more effective with or following chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer? Does Avastin slow progression of metastatic breast cancer and by how much? And how well does Xgeva work against bone pain and fracture when compared with Zometa? Get an update on last year's breaking news.
Preventing Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers
BY MELISSA WEBER
Every woman with a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene should have their ovaries removed to lower their risk of ovarian cancer, said speaker Susan Domchek, MD, during an educational session Wednesday at the SABCS. Calling the preventive surgery "mandatory" in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, Domchek said there's no evidence that current ovarian cancer screening is effective.
Click on the abstract name above to be taken to the full article referenced.
To view products that can help with side effects caused by breast cancer treatment, please visit: http://www.LotsToLiveFor.com
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