Leukemia Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma - A Parent's Journey of Life and Death Seen Through the Eyes of a Child

2009-10-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

It was January 2003, the New Year passed. It was supposed to be a happy, and healthy Year. The New Year can be your second chance. A chance to make yourself a better person by strengthening relationships, setting goals, and striving for your dreams. Anxiously awaiting a call back from the pulmonary doctor my Father went to see about 2 hours earlier, I tried to work, but could not concentrate. I had a nervous feeling in my stomach since the night before when I realized my Dad was very sick. He sounded out of breath when speaking on the phone with him. I could hear him coughing, and sensed a weakness within him. All I could do was wait until after he saw the doctor the next day.
The word Lymphoma was foreign to me, but sent a shock so piercing through my body that I went numb. The only words that came out of my mouth when I was speaking to the doctor were "the what?" With slight hesitation she asked me if my Father shared his health issues with me. I replied, "Apparently Not!" I could not get more information until my Father gave permission. Though Lymphoma was an unknown to my sisters and me, it was not foreign to my Father who was diagnosed with it a year before. At that point he did not need treatment and because there is no cure for Mantle Cell Lymphoma, he hoped for a trial drug when the time came. Since we had lost my Mother to cancer in 1995, my Father wanted to spare us this devastating news until absolutely necessary.
At this moment, the disease that was lying still in his body, decided it was time to erupt. A family meeting would be scheduled with the cancer specialist my Dad had been seeing all year. As my younger sister, her husband, my Father's girlfriend and I gathered around my Father's hospital bed, it seemed surreal. The only option was to give my Father prednisone and follow with a chemotherapy treatment. (C.H.O.P.) Since he was so weak, there was a chance of complications that could put his life in danger. We didn't have much of a choice.
Almost every bad thing that could have happened did, plus situations that even confused the doctors. My Father ended up in the Intensive care unit 2 times. The second time he had to have a breathing tube inserted. In the meantime his kidneys were failing and he needed dialysis. On top of this, he developed a necrosis of the feet and upper lip. This caused gangrene to set in. Part of his lip died due to this lack of blood flow. There was a chance he would have to have portions of his feet amputated. After removing the dead tissue on my Father's lip his speech became impaired. The circulation problems affected his hands and he didn't have the dexterity he once did.
Based on the experience of watching my Mother wither away from cancer, I knew my survival skills would set in. You have to step out of your comfort zone and become the pillar of strength that your parent's always were to you. You become the optimist when you are feeling pessimistic. You put on a brave face when all you want to do is cry. You become the caregiver when you are used to being cared for. You become the advocate and speak with conviction when before you were the listener. You become the educator by researching the killer disease when before you were the student. Before was when you were the child and your parents were your teachers. They laid a canvas for you and with their guidance and nurturing you began to paint the picture. The picture of your life. If you were lucky like I was, you were given the tools and teachings you needed so when a situation like this arose you were able to rise up and orchestrate to the best of your ability.
The hardest part was I couldn't do anything about the physical destruction of my Father's body. Only weeks before he looked so strong, and healthy. Now he couldn't walk, and could not speak with the articulation of the intelligent man he was. He could no longer eat, and a feeding tube was inserted. How do you convince a man in this state, that has been through so much pain and suffering, that he should be happy to be alive? It is selfish in part because you want him alive for you. Was any part of this good? For me it was day-by-day survival. For my Father it was day-by-day survival. How ironic. One of us was healthy and the other near death, yet the survival skills were needed by both. I felt like every ounce of my being was sucked out of me. I felt like I had to live for both of us.
After a while you see how tired, how sad, and how lifeless your loved one becomes and you accept that their fight may be over. It should be their choice to live or not. Just seeing my Dad was enough for me, but it wasn't enough for him. I knew he hated, that we had to see him like this. There must come a point in time when you are so sick, that you give up hope, and do not want to live as you are. My Father had been SELFLESS his entire life. At this moment in time the choice was his. We owed him the right to surrender. He surrendered on April 8, 2003 and his wonderful, strong soul rose to the heavens where he was reunited with his beautiful bride. There is a missing piece in my heart and soul where my parents once were. A void that can never be filled. I have some solace in knowing they are not suffering, and are at peace in each others' arms. I am thankful for the time I had with them.

What You Need to Know About Multiple Myeloma and How to Diagnose It

2009-10-28T03:10:00.000-07:00

Some facts about this disease:

Malignant disorder of plasma cells
Peak incidence between 60-70 years
Rare under the age of 30
Males are affected more than females.

Pathogenesis:
-The tissues are infiltrated by proliferating cells.
-One type of abnormal immunoglobulins (paraprotein) usually IgG or IgA.
-This paraprotein may cause auto-immune manifestations.
-The paraprotein may coat the platelets and coagulation factors.
-Production of incomplete immunoglobulins (light chain only) by plas. cells which are excreted in urine (Bence-Jones protein).
-Diminished production of normal immunoglobulins increases infections.
Clinical picture:
i- Skeletal:

Bone aches and pathological fractures
Multiple osteolytic lesions in the skull and osteoclast stimulation

ii- Neurological:

Compression of spinal cord by vertebral lesion
Infiltration of roots, nerves and muscles by plasma cells.

iii- Renal Failure: due to:

Bence-Jones proteins: precipitated in kidneys
Nephrocalcinosis: caused by hypercalcaemia
Hyperuricaemia: due to destruction of plasma cells
Amyloidosis of kidneys
Pyelonephritis: due to susceptibility to infections

iv- Anemia: due to:

BM (bone marrow) replacement by plasma cells
BM inhibition by chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Haemolysis caused by paraprotein
Renal impairment

v- Bleeding Tendency due to:

Coating of coagulation factors by paraprotein
Coating of platelets by paraprotein

vi- Cardio-Vascular

Raynoud's phenomenon due to cold antibodies
Hyperviscosity syndrome

vii- Others:

Repeated infections
Amyloidosis

Investigations:
1- Blood picture:

Anemia
Increased ESR

2- BM Examination:
Full of plasma cells
3- Biochemical:

Increased calcium in blood
Increased uric acid in blood
Alkaline phosphatase: normal

4- Immuno electrophoresis:
Shows marked increase in one type of immunoglobulins
5- Renal:

Bence-Jones proteins
Urine electrophoresis: for paraprotein and light chains
Kidney function tests: may be impaired

6- X-ray:
Multiple osteolytic lesions in bones especially in vertebrae, skull and pelvis.
Treatment:
1- Chemotherapy:
Melphalan or cyclophosphamide.
2- Radiotherapy:
To control tumour masses.
3- Symptomatic:
e.g. infection, renal failure and pain.

Brought to you by Sayed EL Assal who is a physician graduated from faculty of medicine 7 years ago and since then he's working in health field.

3 Things That Increase Your Risk of Getting Leukemia

2009-10-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

There are always things we can do to reduce the risks of getting certain diseases. If your family history already has occurrences of leukemia in it then taking precautions is a wise step. Read on to see what things can increase your chances to contract this disease.
Doctors are still not sure of all the causes for leukemia, but there is a consensus on what factors will increase your chances to exacerbate this disease.
These are three common risk factors associated with leukemia

Smoking or Tobacco - the dangers of these toxins are clearly stated on the sides of the cigarette packages. It hasn't dampened the sales of this product and the health damage is well known.
Chemical Exposure - such as benzene and formaldehyde. This could have been over a period of time causing chronic cases that surface after years of exposure.
Infection - one type of infection is a form of HIV called HTLV-1. This virus infects T-Cells, atype of white blood cell. Usually contracted through needles, blood transfusions, sexual contact or breast feeding.

This type of cancer is contracted when your bone marrow starts over producing the white cells which are the fighter cells. These white cells can also be mutated or malfunctioning cells, in either case they cause havoc for you system.
If you read the book "Cell Talk" you will discover that the 7 trillion cells that reside in your body have a communication system. They have their own way of talking so the way you think and feel is transmitted to and through the. this opens the door for alternative treatments and other options for hope.
There is no doubt this condition is serious, but you can seriously combat leukemia with complementary options.

Start by going to Luekemia Options for more information and alternatives on this subject. It's time to take back your Health. It's time to enjoy life again and it's your time to find out about all the choices you have for Good Health.
Your body was designed for healing, give it what it needs and it will do the rest.

Leukemia Treatment With Green Tea?

2009-10-22T03:18:00.001-07:00

Chronic lymphocyte leukemia is the most common subtype of leukemia in the United States. It is presently an incurable disease. Unlike most other types of cancer in which early diagnosis increases the probability that a patient can be cured, treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy is associated with increased toxicity but no increase in patient survival.
Despite this grim fact, there is good news. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown patients with chronic lymphocyte leukemia in a phase one study, had a reduction of their lymphocyte in 33 % of participant. By doing so, the team of cancer researchers from the State University of New Jersey, established a positive link between green tea and a potential treatment of leukemia.
Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the consumption of green tea decreased the risk of cancer. Furthermore, prevention of the apparition of a tumor in animal models by tea, supported its ability to interfere with basic cancer processes, like angiogenesis and inflammation.
Green tea in a pill is still a long way off before the Food and Drug Administration approves this to be prescribed by your oncologist. By counting the phase 2 and the phase 3 studies, we are talking about 4 to 5 years before commercialization if all went well. And I am not bring the cost of these pills.
A tasty drink made with inexpensive ingredient, tea bought from the local market could sidestep many of these concerns. After all, food is the one medicine that we seem quite willing to take at least three times a day.
Want to find more about green tea go to functional food green tea.

Yanick Bertand PhD has a passion to educate people in the fight against cancer. Through his many years of research on biological impacts to cancer, Yanick Bertand has discovered that a reaction occurs when we fight cancer with nutritional elements - such as the food that we eat. In his research on the fight against cancer, Yanick has come across critical information that is not known by the general public. It is Yanick's desire to educate the public on how they can help fight cancer.

Leukemia Cancer - Everything You Need to Know

2009-10-22T03:17:00.001-07:00

Leukemia is generally considered and known as blood cancer, where as if considered in its real terms leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells and the platelets. These platelets actually help blood to clot. Additionally when the white blood cells reduce in amount they actually leave the immune system unlocked for attack and the patient sometimes die of a very usual illness like flu. In general the deficiency of normal white cells impairs the body's ability to struggle against infections. A shortage of platelets results in bruising and easy bleeding whenever there is a need of clot to stop the flow of blood.
All kinds of various acute or chronic diseases of leukemia are dangerous. Acute leukemia being a swiftly succeeding disease affects typically cells that are embryonic or primitive (which means the cells that have not yet fully developed or differentiated from the others). These not fully formed cells thus cannot achieve their standard utility. These cells are described as "nonfunctional" because they do not work like normal cells. They also number out the usual normal healthy cells in the marrow, resulting in a decrease in the number of new healthy normal cells made in the marrow. These later results in low red cell counts which is a typical form of anemia.
On the other hand chronic leukemia develops gradually, and allows the development of larger amounts of more developed cells. In broader perspective, these more grown-up cells can achieve some of their typical functionality but due to the increase in the number of cells like white blood cells the blood flow may slow down and result in severe anemia.
The leukemia is categorized in to four basic categories which are as follows:
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
For acute leukemia following are the signs and symptoms of leukemia:
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Sluggish curing of cuts and excess bleeding
• Mild fever or night sweats
• Black-and-blue spots (bruises) for no evident cause
• Pinhead-size red spots under the skin
• Pale skin
• Low white cell counts
• Aches in bones or joints
As far as chronic leukemia is concerned people with CLL or CML may not have any symptoms. Some patients learn they have CLL or CML after a blood test as part of a usual checkup. Occasionally, a person with CLL may see enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin and go to the doctor. The person may feel exhausted or short of breath or have frequent infections, if the CLL is more severe. In these cases, a blood test may show an increase in the lymphocyte count.
A comprehensive blood count is utilized to make a diagnosis of leukemia. This blood examination may confirm high or low point of white cells and show leukemic cells within the blood. Sometimes, number of platelet and red cell are fairly low. Bone marrow tests like aspiration and biopsy are often carried out to verify the analysis and to glance for any chromosome irregularities. All these tests spot the leukemia and its cell category. These tests must be continued after regular intervals after treatment commences to gauge how sound the healing is.

Facts on Leukemia and What to Do About It

2009-10-22T03:16:00.000-07:00

There are many facts known about leukemia and if someone is dealing with the problem it's these facts they need to know. Like all cancers, leukemia happens for a reason as its not some mysterious illness that science can't fathom. For instance it's exceptionally rare in S.E. Asia but is prevalent in all western developed countries.

Some of the facts that have been linked to leukemia are high voltage power lines and people living close to these have a much higher risk factor. The chemical formaldehyde that is commonly found in our homes has also been linked to it. Food items associated with leukemia are aspartame, the artificial sweetener in many soft drinks and chewing gum. Sodium nitrite is another; the additive is used in luncheon meats. Other meats that contain sodium nitrite are sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, bacon, ham, and any meats that have been processed.

Foods that are known to help leukemia patients are turmeric, the root vegetable that is the yellow colouring used in curry powder, bananas, oranges as well as grape seed extract. Also vitamin A which is most abundant in carrots, broccoli, squash and spinach. As with most nutrients it is always best to get them from natural sources and not in supplement form. In other words eat grapes, that is grapes with seed in them and buy turmeric fresh, grate it and use it in cooking.

There are many facts known about all cancers but unfortunately today our medical system is more interested in treating these different cancers instead of providing us with these known facts so we can avoid the problem in the first place. We don't have cancer prevention today; we only have expensive toxic treatments that are not very effective. Remember there is nothing in our 3 main treatments that will stop the return of cancer.

All cancers including leukemia have many known causes and these are; nutritional deficiencies, our sedentary lifestyle and the chemicals we encounter everyday. Leukemia is cancer of the blood; the body has lost control and makes too many white blood cells so why would it be any different to any other cancer. Anyone with leukemia needs to address all these issues, that is eat food in its natural state, get some exercise and be wary of all chemicals we use in our homes these days.

There is no such thing as a single cause for cancer, all cancers have multiple causes so the way to successfully overcome leukemia is to address the underlying causes and a change of diet is a great start. A strict natural diet is of paramount importance.

Alan Wighton is an independent health researcher, having spent many years specialising in cancer. For more information on effective ways to restore your health and why we only have chemotherapy to treat leukemia; please visit Cancer Facts & Information

Discover More About Childhood Leukemia and Its Chronic Symptoms

2009-10-22T03:15:00.000-07:00

Are you aware of childhood leukemia and where did it come from? You may be thinking that this is not a problem for you or your children today, but how about the future and the next generation? Nobody can't tell where this hematological disease come from, what may have started it, or what may have caused it. And this is what makes it somewhat depressing.
If you have a child who suffers from this disease, have you tried asking your doctor what may have caused this? Usually they can't really pinpoint which is which, for there are so many possible things that can trigger this, like for instance exposure to chemicals like benzene and dioxins, improper use of plastic materials, multiple nutritional problems, and merely because of genetics. All of these may affect the immune system of a child which may lead to further problems and diseases like this cancer of the blood called leukemia.
Do you know that it has been said that every single person has cancer cells in the body and it is possible that we may have already acquired them even at birth. However, these cancer cells are merely not detected as cancer unless it reaches a certain number which can be confirmed as a detectable size through a series of tests done. So you might be wondering how come your child has reached the age of 2, yet that is the only time that he or she have acquired this disease.
You may not be aware of it at first, but in the previous years or months that you are taking care of your child, he or she might have already acquired the chronic symptoms of leukemia, however wasn't still diagnosed having it because the cancer cells can't still be detected. The chronic symptoms may occur to be as a normal illness like frequent fever any time of the day, occasional stomach aches, sweating at night, bruising, getting colds and cough more often than usual. These symptoms are due to frequent ups and downs of the composition of your child's blood count. And usually a pediatrician would ask for a Complete Blood Count test and may prescribe a medicine to cure any possible infections.
Even a pediatrician can't detect childhood leukemia that soon, unless they have done all the tests and created their own work plan to pin point the main issue. Results of the tests sometimes may lead to severe anemia, or iron deficiency, but with concrete tests such as bone marrow testing, you will then be referred to a hematologist who would be able to read the findings of possible cancer cells present in the bone marrow.
It is not that easy to detect childhood leukemia if you are not aware that cancer is already present in our system and it can be triggered. With a strong immune system you can definitely prevent these cells from multiplying. So, better start living a healthy lifestyle and be aware of the environmental factors which could cause such health issues.

Geri R. is an independent health researcher and writer, who has the passion to help educate people regarding health issues, parenting, and child development.

2 Alternative Treatments For Leukemia

2009-10-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Conventional medicine is now recognizing what is called complementary or alternative treatments, alternative treatments for leukemia is one of them. If you are afflicted with this disease you will want to read further to find out about these alternative treatments.
For those who don't know, leukemia is a cancer that starts in the blood forming cells. The bone marrow produces both white and red cells, when this disease takes flight a over abundance of abnormal white cells are produced. These cells can attack good tissue, for what ever reasons they see them as the enemy.
Two Alternative Treatments For Leukemia

Nutritional Therapy - this is just what it states, re-balancing you system based on nutritional imbalances. Natural treatment through the ages has always healed the body by giving it what it lacks in nutrition. Adhering to the belief that "give the body what it needs and it will do the rest".
Naturopathic Medicine - a doctor practicing this type of medicine dips their feet in both traditional and natural treatments. The difference is this practicing doctor digs deeper, they look for the cause which can lead to the cure.

When you hear the word Alternative you will most likely find practitioners that work on a natural and/or spiritual level of healing. Some of it based on hundreds of years of passed on knowledge, some of it based on scientific fact and some of it based on the belief that your mind holds enormous power for healing.
Treatments have two goals, making you better and making life better for you. If any of the alternative treatments for leukemia can do this, why not consider them.

You can start by going to Luekemia Options for more information and alternatives on this subject. It's time to take back your Health. It's time to enjoy life again and it's your time to find out about all the choices you have for Good Health.
Check out the category on Holistic Treatments, you may find other helpful information there too.

Chemotherapy-Drug Information

2009-10-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Cells are the basic building blocks of the human body. Cells grow in our body within limits. If a sudden fast and improper growth of cells take place in a particular part or completely in the body is what we name as cancer. Chemotherapy is a special method of treating the cancer patients. With a help of some kind of drugs inserted into the body, the cancer cells are completely removed or controlled.
Several types of drugs are used in chemotherapy for curing the cancer. The chemotherapy drug usage depends on the type of cancer and stage of it. Also depending upon the age, health of the patients they vary from patient to patient. There are so many drugs available for this purpose.
Let us see some of the drugs used commonly for the chemotherapy are; Cisplatin, Carboplatin, vinorelbine, metheotrexrate, paclitaxel are the widely used. They are used in combinations most of the times.
But there lies a serious possibility of side effects emerging due to the chemotherapy. Most of the side effects happen at the time of undergoing the treatment. General side effects are abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, neck and breathing problems.
Sometimes there may be difference in blood count are seen. This occurs as result of drug used destroys the healthier cells in the body. The platelets in the body may be reduced too. It produces unstopped bleeding.
Hair loss is found to be an inevitable setback while performing this treatment. Loss of weight associated with depression may be a dangerous side effect. Most of the side effects are present at the time of performing chemotherapy and don't appear after the treatment is over.

Anand prabhakar is an author living in India. He is an expert in chemotherapy drug information and you can learn a lot about it from his website list of chemotherapy drugs

Chemotherapy - Drugs Used For Treatment

2009-10-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

The method of killing the cancer cells present the whole body or in particular part by passing anti-cancer drugs into the blood stream is called chemotherapy. It is also employed to prevent the spreading of cancer from part to another. It proves to be more efficient when it is used in the metastasis condition. In this condition the cancer spreads to all parts from where it has originated.
Each every chemotherapy agent has specific role depending upon the treatment and characteristics of the drug used. Most of them intervene with the DNA synthesis. Based on their features and treatment they are classified as alkylating agents, anti-metabolits, anthracyclines, antitumor antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, platinums, or plant alkaloids.
Alkylating agents are the widely used drugs in the chemotherapy treatment. These drugs are effective through all phases of cell cycle. The alkylate agent acts directly on the DNA strands, breaks the strands and forms abnormal pairing, thus prevents the cell division taking place, and cells die off as a result of it.
Anti-metabolits are found to be useful in treating chronic problems and some cases of leukemia and for various tumors.
Anthracyclines drugs are obtained from natural resources. They work by producing free oxygen radicals which acts with the DNA strands and prevents the cell division.
Antitumor antibiotics are obtained from soil fungus streptomyces. It employs the free oxygen radicals for breaking the DNA strands and preventing cell division. Bleomycin is a commonly used antitumor antibiotic
Monoclonal antibodies, they are attach themselves with the tumor specific antigens and thus block the growth of the cell.
Platinums, they are also used to provide the DNA impairing and to stop the cell growth. But the setback is they can injure the kidneys as they are toxic.
Plant alkaloids, according to the name they are derived from plants. And they are used in cell specific cycles.

Anand prabhakar is an author living in India. He is an expert in list of chemotherapy drugs and you can learn a lot about it from his website how is chemotherapy made

Anemia - First Treat it With a Balanced Diet

2009-10-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

Anemia is an iron deficiency in the blood resulting in the poor delivery of oxygen throughout the blood stream.
Symptoms of Anemia:

Pale skin color or tone
Pale or clear looking eyelids
Feeling of constantly being tired or weak
Lack of energy
Difficulty in focusing or concentrating

It is not always easy to diagnose Anemia straight away. If you have any of the above symptoms you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Many people make the wrong decision thinking that Anemia is not a serious condition. On the contrary, Anemia can lead to a number of serious conditions such as heart problems and a difficulty in functioning at you optimal ability.
There are several things that cause Anemia. The most common factor is due to a lack of iron intake in ones day to day diet. Ensure that you take in an efficient amount of foods such as red meat, spinach, liver and molasses. Vegetarians need to be especially cautious and make sure that they take enough Vitamin C which promotes the absorption of iron.
Another ways to become Anemic is through the excessive and continual loss of blood. Certain people are more prone to becoming Anemic than others. For example, pregnant women, who need to take twice as much the amount of iron as a normal person. Vegetarians are also more prone as they do not eat red meats. Additionally, people who drink large amounts of tea are more prone since tea is known to prevent iron absorption in the body.
The main way to prevent and treat Anemia is firstly through a balanced and nutritional diet in which you take all the correct amounts of vitamins and nutrients. Secondly, avoid excessive amounts of aspirin and alcohol as this has a negative affect toward iron absorption.
By following these easy guidelines you should be able to either prevent yourself from becoming Anemic or at least be able to treat the Anemia that you already have.

Claire has been writing articles online for nearly 5 years now. This author specializes in writing on subjects of travel, woman's issues and product reviews. Check out her latest website on women's motorcycle boots and on choosing the best women's motorcycle gear.

Survival Rate - Hodgkins Lymphoma

2009-10-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hodgkins Lymphoma is a type of cancer which affects the lymphatic system. The disease spreads by affecting the lymph nodes progressively in a systematic order. The main characteristic of this cancer is the presence of cells which are called Reed-Sternberg. This disease is known to happen in the adolescent years and young adulthood, and also to people in the age group of 50 to 70 years. It is found to be more in males than among females. The symptoms are usually swelling of lymph nodes which is painless, in the armpit, groin or neck areas. If such swellings are accompanied by weight loss, fever which keeps recurring, constant coughing, and breathing difficulty, then it is an almost sure sign of having this disease. Earlier the detection and treatment, the better are the chances of survival, as this type of cancer is considered to be the most curable.
With the advancement in medicines and other therapeutic technology, the survival rate in Hodgkins lymphoma has increased substantially. In the early 60s, 40% of the patients used to survive for five years. This has changed dramatically to little over 86% in the period between 1999 and 2005. In cases where the patient's age was below 45 years, the percentage was 91.8. As of 2009 it was recorded that there is a population of 148, 461, in the United States, who are living with this disease.
The children's survival rate for hodgkins lymphoma is 95.5 percent, for a period of approximately 5 years. These children are in the age group, between a new born to 14 years. In children the treatment given is usually chemotherapy and in some advanced cases the dosage is quite high. To increase the survival rate many are given stem cell transplants, so that the new cells are formed in place of the ones which were destroyed during the treatment. Sometimes surgery also is performed to remove the diseased tissue.
The treatment will generally depend on the stage to which the Hodgkins Lymphoma has developed. Patients having the first and second stage, are treated by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Taking into consideration various factors and coming up with the right treatment, a person having Stage 1 or 2 of hodgkins lymphoma can survive for a minimum of 10 years. In cases of, stage 3 and 4 affectation, the chemotherapy is more intense, and 5 years of survival is possible among 60% of the patients.
The survivors of this disease, have special needs and they should be taken care of properly. There should be regular medical follow-ups, accompanied by the different tests. It is of importance that the patient regularly talks to his doctor, and keeps him informed of any change in health conditions. The survivors of Hodgkins Lymphoma are always at a risk of getting different types of primary cancer. The study of the development of fresh cancer among survivors, has been going on for a long time and has been properly documented. This information helps the doctors, and the survivors can discuss all the preventive measures that can be taken.

Follicular Lymphoma Non Hodgkins

2009-10-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

You see a 'beautiful' tan and your immediate thought might be that it is healthy looking, however that tanned look is actually your skin's response to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate into the upper layers of unprotected skin, quickly damaging skin cells even before you start showing any signs of sunburn or tan. That "healthy glow" is caused by the release of enzymes by your skin's defense mechanism, in an attempt to repair the damaged cells - basically your body's 'cry for help'. The intense redness of over-exposed, sunburned skin, is due to the increased blood flow caused by the release of chemicals or enzymes by the damaged skin. Over time, your body's repair efforts may end up leading to skin cancer.
Skin cancer is basic term for several different forms of cancer. Basal cell carcinoma , is the most common form of skin cancer and usually affects the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back. This type of cancer does not generally spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma, is the second most common form of skin cancer and usually affects the face, neck, hands, ears, lips, shoulders, arms, back and bald scalps. This type of cancer does have the ability to spread more often than basal cell. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and the least common form, however the number of melanoma cases over the past ten years has increased more than any other form of cancer. It can spread quickly if not treated early.
Following are a few interesting facts to consider the next time you are thinking of bathing your skin in the sun's rays. One blistering sunburn as youngster more than doubles a person's chance of developing skin cancer later in life. The regular use of sun protection throughout childhood can reduce the risk of skin cancer by 80%. Over 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, however less than 33% of adults, teens and children routinely use sunscreen and less than half of all teens. If that doesn't make you think, here's one more: The aging affects on your skin caused by the sun can be seen by the time you are in your 20's!

Non Hodgkins Large Cell Lymphoma

2009-10-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

The system that provides immunity to the body, consists of various other systems, and one of them is Lymphatic. Non Hodgkins Large Cell Lymphoma is a cancer of this system. This cancer makes, cells of the lymphatic system to reproduce abnormally. The result of this is the growth of tumours, and the disease is also known to spread to the other tissues and organs of the body.
Non Hodgkins Large Cell Lymphoma mostly affects children in the age group of 7 to 11 years. This disease is also known to manifest any time between infancy and becoming an adult. Among the sexes, males are much more prone to this disease, and the ratio is, for every 1 female affected, there will be three males having the disease. Children of the Caucasian race are prone to this cancer, then any other race.
It is the large size of the cells that characterizes this type of cancer among the various non Hodgkins lymphomas. The Large Cell Lymphoma also can be classified into three types, which are Immunoblastic lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and non-specified large cell lymphoma. The T cells develop into Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and B cells develop into the other two types. As non hodgkins large cell lymphoma, affects the system of the lymph tissues, the affectation will be in the area of chest, neck, throat and abdomen. If the spread of this disease is not checked in time, it will affect even the brain and bone marrow.
There are four stages to this disease, and each subsequent stage is considered more severe in terms of the spread of the disease. In stage 1, the tumour is in one location in the body. In stage 2 there are tumours in two or more locations, on one side of the body. When the tumours have spread to both sides, the disease has entered stage 3. In stage 4, the disease has affected the bone marrow. In this stage it can also affect the central nervous system. The last stage is further categorized by the severity of the affectation of the bone marrow and the number of cancer cells which are present.
Unfortunately, non hodgkins large cell lymphoma, progresses very quickly and by the time the symptoms are noticed, it is usually passed the second stage. In children where the abdominal area is affected you will find symptoms like loss of appetite, fever, constipation and pain in the abdomen. If the chest area is affected, children will get wheezing, cough, and pain while breathing deeply. The other symptoms which one can watch out for, are lymph node swellings which are painless, pain in the joints and bones, feeling of tiredness, heavy sweating at night, itching and sudden weight loss.
The treatment for non hodgkins large cell lymphoma, will depend on the age of the patient, the spread of the disease and the patient's tolerance to different curative procedures and medicines. Presently the main treatment given is chemotherapy, but it has a lot of side effects.

Lymphoedema Surgery

2009-10-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Lymphedema is generally incurable, although there are various therapies that could help to ease the discomfort. Lymphoedema surgery is one treatment method that could be beneficial to some lymphedema patients. Generally, these surgical techniques meant stripping the fluid-filled areas located under the skin. Some surgeries also involved the creation of a channel connecting the venous system and the lymphatic system to drain the excess fluids.
The idea of performing a micro-vascular surgery may sound appealing. Technically, it is just making a channel linking the vascular system to the lymphatic system to drain extra fluids. In reality though, this is a very difficult procedure and its effectiveness has not been proven. Besides, lymphedema patients have a delicate state of health and an invasive lymphedema surgery may in fact worsen the condition further. Even otherwise, lymphedema patients have various other health-related issues to cope with.
Recent progress in surgical procedures involves finding a way around the lymphatic system to draw out the excess lymphatic fluids to reduce swelling. This procedure is called lymphaticovenular bypass and is carried out under general anesthesia. Surgery may take anything between two to four hours while the patient may be allowed to go home within 24 hours. In this lymphoedema surgery, two to five small incisions are made on the arm or the leg to direct the fluid to the small veins to encourage drainage and relieve the swelling.
Lymphaticovenular bypass may be beneficial to patients who have been suffering from lymphedema for only a short while. Some patients may respond to the surgery while others may find it ineffective. Even though there may be an improvement of the condition after surgery, regular use of compression garments, bandaging and exercise is a must. Skin care is also essential. These therapies can be restarted four weeks after the lymphoedema surgery.
Lately, lymphoedema surgeries include liposuction, especially for cancer patients experiencing lymphedema. Liposuction can take care of stubborn swellings for breast cancer survivors. However, this surgical procedure can cause extensive scarring and the effectiveness may be short-lived, with the problem resurfacing in later years. Again, this is a surgical procedure that might cause complications rather than any improvement for the patient. A relatively modern development for the treatment of lymphedema is lymphatic transplant.
People who suffer from lymphedema are forever trying out newer means of treatment so as to ease the debilitating condition. Even though the combined therapy of massage, manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging and exercise is known to be effective, people want to try out lymphoedema surgery in the hope of lasting improvement. Some of these surgical procedures are very expensive and Medicare does not cover the expense. Yet, there are some insurance companies that approve lymphedema surgeries and the cost may be reimbursed to the patient.

Peter Hodges has been studying the lymphatic system and how to heal it vigorously since 2003. After many years of research he has now discovered how to heal the lymphatic system, reduce lymphedema swelling and return the body to optimal health.

Leukemia - Causes Symptoms and Treatment

2009-10-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

There are some diseases that occur without much of the fault of the sufferers. One of the most horrible diseases is Cancer and among Cancer if there is anything that is quite dangerous, it is the Leukemia. It is the Cancer of the blood or bone marrow. Its quite dangerous and difficult to cure.
There are two main types of Leukemia, the Acute and the Chronic. When the immature blood gets weight age in the body and it is increased more than the mature blood, it gets converted into Leukemia. In this type an immediate treatment is must as if the blood gets circulated in majority of the parts of body, it becomes difficult to handle the situation and that results into the blocking of bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells. So, the curing should be deadly faster. Also the lymphocytes Leukemia and myelogenous Leukemia are also the other types of this disease.
Leukemia Symptoms are difficult to find outer as it is totally internal process. If in any of the reports it is found to have the damage of bone marrow or even the lack of platelets can be the reason of this cancer. Other symptom can be the suppressing or dysfunctional behavior of White Cells in Blood without any reason. Leukemia prevents the immune system so if there are complains of frequent infections or even the tonsils, sores in mouth are felt, diarrhea, pneumonia or even the opportunistic infections are felt than there are bright chances of converting the diseases into Leukemia.
Causes of Leukemia
There are no visible reasons of Leukemia as such but still artificial ionizing radiation, different type of viruses that cause the blood platelets balancing problem and also the smoking or tobacco habit is the reason of this disease to occur to certain extent.
There are some of the people in whom the maternal-fatal transmission has become the reason for the Leukemia occurrence. Also some of the people are found to have the genetic predisposition as the reason of this disease to happen.
Treatment of Leukemia
The treatment is difficult yet not impossible as some of the medication treatment are required to get cured and beside this there are also the radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation are the treatments of this diseases. But still nothing gives guarantee as the diagnosis has no outer symptoms and the stage in which the diseases are approached is also important.
So, have the best treatment and better curing of the diseases that is quite difficult to handle, Leukemia.

Read full story at Simplehealthguide.com

Survival Rate - Hodgkins Lymphoma

2009-10-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Follicular Lymphoma Non Hodgkins

2009-10-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

Follicular lymphoma non hodgkins, affects the lymph nodes and this type is common among the non hodgkin lymphomas. It is termed as indolent because of its slow rate of growth and behavioural pattern when studied under a microscope. The lymph nodes will show a follicle-like growth and hence its name. This disease is mainly found in adults in the age group of 55. Both sexes are affected equally by this disease and demographically it is found to more prevalent in Europe and North America.
If one's lymph nodes are enlarged, coupled with fatigue, fever and weight loss, then it is a sure sign of Follicular Lymphoma non hodgkins. The swelling of the lymph nodes is not painful and hence it takes time to detect it. The swelling is usually in the armpit, groin or neck areas. The loss of weight will occur without any reason and the body weight will decrease rapidly over a period of 60 days. The fever also will be either continuously raging or will come and go, without any verifiable reason. Other symptoms might include over sweating in the night, itchy feeling over the entire body, loss of hunger, weakness, and feeling short of breath with swelling on the neck and face.
When it symptoms occur it is advisable to take a biopsy of the affected lymph node. The pathologist will observe the affected tissue under a microscope, and will find out whether there are any characteristics of lymphoma in the sample. If the diagnosis is positive, a series of different tests are performed using markers, to find out the potency of the disease and the possible course of treatments. The extent of Follicular lymphoma can be known by doing tests on blood samples and bone marrow. CT scans are also taken of the affected parts.
All these tests will provide a clear picture of how much this disease has spread in the body. The spread of the disease is not limited to lymph nodes and can affect bone marrow and different organs. To quantify the spread of the disease there a standard of stages from one to four; stage four, being the most advanced. The slow growth rate and least painful symptoms makes this disease very difficult to detect and usually it is detected when it has reached the third or fourth stage. The nature of the disease is such, that it will suddenly flare up and also regress equally fast, and this cycle is repeated many times. Even a person suffering the disease in the fourth stage, has a chance to live for 8 to 10 years with the proper treatments.
If the Follicular Lymphoma non hodgkins is detected early, then radiation therapy is known to arrest the disease and even effect a cure. If the stage is very early and is low grade, then actually no treatment is advised. Later stages call for the use of Chemotherapy, which is considered most efficacious. Other treatments like Biological therapy using Rituximab and Monoclonal antibody therapy are the other options which are available.

Andre Hansen is a Norwegian author. He writes articles on different niches. You can visit his site at http://www.discountticketsseaworldorlando.com where you can read about discount tickets sea world Orlando.

Non Hodgkins Large Cell Lymphoma

2009-10-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

Discover More About Childhood Leukemia and Its Chronic Symptoms

2009-07-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Facts on Leukemia and What to Do About It

2009-07-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Leukemia Cancer - Everything You Need to Know

2009-07-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

Fight Leukemia with a Pre-Sale Ticket Car Wash Fundraiser

2009-07-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

One of the most devastating cancers of all is Leukemia and the costs to fight it are immensely expensive. When a child has leukemia it is even more devastating threatening to cut a life short. Many times communities will rally together to have fundraisers to cover the costs. Generally the whole community and several fundraisers can come up with the funds with a couple of large donations. To attract large donors, it pays to have the public relations and show a consciousness effort to reach the goal for the treatment. Every year bone morrow transplants costs in crease. One of the fundraisers you might wish to consider is a car wash fundraiser. A pre-sale ticket car wash fundraiser can make significantly larger dollars than a normal car wash fundraiser. Let’s discuss pre-sale ticket strategies for a moment.
PRE-SALE TICKETS
You should seriously consider selling presale tickets for your car wash. There are a lot of advantages in pre-selling your tickets such as:
You know about how many people will come to your car wash ahead of time
66% of the ticket buyers never show up but you’ve already got the money
If it rains you’re washed up but not washed out
You will also have use of the money in advance even in the event of rain. Your rain date might be three weeks later yet you have most of the money in your coffers now. Important monies that can go towards your goal for the treatment.
Let’s take one of our 1990 car washes. It was for the local high school band. There were one hundred plus students in the band. The average student sold twenty tickets at $5.00 each. The presale ended up about $10,000. That in it self would be great, but it gets better. The day of the event we raised $985.00 in drive-ups. Some of the girls on the drill team waved tall flags and others held poster board signs that brought the cars in all right. We washed 408 cars. Wow, were we tired! We had two solid lines of cars at least fifteen deep all day long. 201 cars were drive-ups with no presale tickets. With tips included that made up the $985.00. That left 207 cars worth of presale with tickets. But you say, "How can that be?" 207 times $5.00 = only $1,035.00. That’s right. Since our lines were so long a lot of people didn’t claim their tickets or never intended on coming in the first place or forgot or had some thing else to do that day. I believe it was a combination of all these reasons. Whatever the reason, the money went to a good cause. We’ve had many many fundraisers that have been equally successful over the years.
Now someone will have to typeset these tickets and have them printed. There is probably someone in your group who is a graphic artist or really good with a PC or MAC computer. They’ll do fine. The tickets should be eight to ten on a page. You should print them on colored paper so they are not easily duplicated. You should pick a color that matches with your church, club or school’s colors. Have the tickets cut. Put the individual tickets into piles of twenty. Put a piece of cardboard or poster board the exact size underneath each stack. Buy some rubber cement. Put about ten stacks of twenty tickets on top of each other and put them in a vice. Paint the rubber cement on the left side of the ticket book and let dry for one hour. Repeat until you have enough booklets for each member. You might want to print another dozen booklets just in case. If the tickets are selling fast, you don’t want to run out. That will break your momentum.
You should have frequent ticket sales progress meetings with the people selling the car wash tickets. That way, if sales aren’t meeting goals you can help motivate members or reorganize the group.
Tickets can be expensive to print. Ask a local print shop to advertise on the back and become a sponsor in exchange for half price or free printing of the tickets. Most print shops do binding so you may be able to trade for that and save you the time and aggravation of binding the ticket books yourself. Print shops will do a more professional job at binding than you can do on your first time trying. Professional tickets are more presentable and look more official when selling to customers. This will help your group in their selling efforts.
When a community unites in a common cause miracles can occur, all this positive energy and mind power may significantly help the child win their battle with leukemia. Work together and work smart to raise the funds needed and the awareness required to rid the world of this terrible problem and save your local VIP from leukemia. Think on this.

Cancer Curing Brain Theory Concept

2009-07-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

As I continue my theory on curing cancer I wish to further CYA my position. I am not a medical doctor, thank god actually, because the malpractice insurance would drive me nuts. Also since I am not in the medical field at all you cannot sue me for this idea, concept of mine. Now then continuing Part III.
Chemo that is directly induced where needed might work, but we have better technology now and could use specific fluid dynamic beams of energy or radiation pointed at the exact source and area or even non-evasive light. Now then here is some additional information: it is now possible to send thoughts by fax through three-dimensional spatial representation of the brain in hologram video. We have hologram faxing available and Brain Surgeons are using this to show damage in the brain. The guy who thought of it had my friend in Malibu working for his company in LA. Now they can transmit this data by fax, three-dimensional faxing, like sending a cad cam design computer, but you can now fax it with special machinery.
Now we maybe able to use this same idea to send a thought. This relates to my theory of cancer curing so follow along. Wow, eventually the devise would be very small the size of a dime or so to send and receive data or thoughts by way of this devise, this is way in the future, but it could be available to the common man in 20 years or so. Now before this technology gets this small and nano-tech achieves these seemingly impossible feats we can use the basic concept to record a thought for my cancer experiment.
Now just think about this for a second. There have been cancer survivors with very positive thought patterns and attitudes and part of the reason they lived and others died may have been just that. We must mirror these thoughts of strength, character and attitude and place these thought patterns in those who do not have them. We can look into the thought patterns of many cancer survivors and take those and average them and mimic them and place them in the patients. Duplicate them with TMS through fMRI scanning and send those impulses to those areas of the brain of the patient.
Strong patients will be best since those thought patterns can converge. All we have to do is isolate the things I have discussed before in my many articles and in my brain research with regards to the 10,000 chemicals of the brain 2000 interacting at any one time and 200 prevalent. Take the ten strongest components of the 200 and experiment with them. What we are looking for in those miraculous cases, why did they survive, what makes them different, why do some die and others live? We look at the brain areas which light up and release the cancer fighting biological components in each strong willed survivor. We find common ground and record it, then hook a machine up to stimulate those parts of the brain in the other cancer fighting folks.
First we try the first experiment by placing thought of one persons brain into that of another, and yes as strange as this sounds I do believe it is totally possible and as the future marches on, very probable. This experiment to prove my hypothesis takes two people from the same mom, preferably brothers or sisters of the same mom and dad and hopefully born within a short time frame (2-3 years). Grew up and were nurtured by the same parents. Similar birth dates. Twins would also be good for this. To prove my experiment first; You separate the twins by 4000 miles but both at the same altitude preferably sea level. Similar longitude with similar magnetic pulls and similar gravity pull of the Earth; this will make sure that the oxygen level in the brain is similar and it will be a non-artificial environment, not a clean room.
Next; You then hook up a brain scanner that records a thought, a complex one, simple one first time. Then record where in the brain the energy is located in sequence during the thought. This is done all the time. It will take a controlled thought and focused thought at first. Next you send the digital thought sequences to the other coast. You could also fax that three-dimensional model to the East Coast or Pacific side or where you are, and hook up the data and the model to the brother or sister. And recreate the exact impulses where they occurred in the last person on the west coast or East Coast. Provided the diets are similar and the intake is similar, oxygen level, basic genetics are similar, you should have it. The same basic thought. Recorded transferred and sent and then duplicated, Thought transfer.
Now that would be a worthy accomplishment in itself but the possibilities for cancer fighting would be amazing indeed. Now obviously you do not reveal the thought to the other person, let them tell you what the thought is or was. A thought is recorded and therefore timeless. Thoughts can travel through time at least we can travel thoughts to the future. Just like knowledge. Or at least this has been theorized by many including Einstein. Now for my experiment once concept of thought transfer is proven: Now after this is done, you take a cancer survivors abilities of focusing in their own your body, mimic the diet and intake of that person with the patient anywhere in the world.

Inch by Inch

2009-07-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

The three-year-olds were singing “up like a rocket, down like the rain, ‘round and ‘round like a choo-choo train” to demonstrate how well they could hold their bows to their pint-size violins. Staying home with Nick, it was my husband who enjoyed the distinct privilege of reveling, firsthand, in these toddler’s first steps. I only got the post-recital smile—the one I always get when I think about the tiniest musicians among us—as I listened to the complete run-down of their afternoon in Westport. We’d been through that drill four times. The “taca-taca-stop-stop” rhythms on the A-and E-strings; the “Mississippi is a River”; and enough Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’s to practically send us orbiting around them. I’m the first to admit: after the fourth kid got through the “twinkles” I honestly thought that if I never heard that song again, it would be just fine by me.
But then in talking about the recital over the first dinner we’ve shared alone during the past three weeks, I couldn’t help but romanticize the whole process. As I reflected back on the past thirteen years of violin lessons, I thought about those first recital pieces, about dressing up Cristina in hand-smocked dresses with white tights and black patent leather shoes, and about the first time two of them played Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins onstage one Mother’s Day. Yesterday, just as my daughter got on stage to perform, the school director gave a couple minute speech of encouragement for the other parents. For those with babes barely “twinkling” needed to understand that, before long, they too would witness mastery up close and personal. If only they could stick with it long enough…..
Sticking with anything is hard enough. In this harried world of ours, where emails have replaced handwritten letters; “IM” has replaced leisurely phone chats; and digital pix sent over the internet have replaced personal visits: it’s no wonder that few of us have the patience for mastery. For enduring the day-to-day until the picture is 100% complete. During this time in which we find ourselves, business—and life—moves at the speed of thought. And we can hardly wait for that thought to be finished so we can move on to the next one. (Ever catch yourself finishing someone else’s sentence?)
We’re great starters, each one of us. Because starting something only requires that we overcome the law of inertia, (and maybe a dollop of temptation, too). Getting our bottoms off the sofa and over to the art studio to paint or our legs off the footstool and over to the treadmill to run both require overcoming inertia and the temptation of relaxing with too much TV. Finishing the after-school cupcake so as to pull the violin out of the case not only requires overcoming inertia; it requires serious discipline as well. But each act is far easier than incorporating it into your everyday reality. Indeed, going from the first piece in a music book to a full-fledged concerto is a different thing entirely. (As is going from a beginning painter to one who exhibits at galleries or a soft, overweight couch-sitter to a hard-bodied athlete who enjoys both physical strength and aerobic endurance.)
When I reveled today in hearing my daughter perform a drop-dead gorgeous movement from a concerto by Handel (in a post-recital private concert just for me), I was caught off-guard by its parallel to the roughly three-year endurance battle that our son is facing now with leukemia. As my daughter is sailing through mastery, I couldn’t help but think of all the violin battles we’ve had over the years when she was barely taking those first steps of musicianship. Of hating to practice, of hating to play scales, of hating those nasty etudes. The eyeball-rolling, the door-slamming, and the stomping of the feet on each step up the hardwood staircase. And yet here we were, enjoying the fruits of all of those days of practice. It was a goose bump moment that could not be denied. It was proof-positive that mastery comes in inches, and not in miles. And it was a lesson to me that battles of health, or catastrophe, or financial hardships are not fought three years out. They’re fought inch by inch.
It was my girlfriend, Lisa, who sent me the “inch by inch is a cinch” line. She met me with it when I needed to hear it the most. She met me with it when I was trying to mush three years of chemotherapy treatments into one day. When I was trying to calculate the math of a three-year chemo roadmap with high school graduation and the first two years of college away from home. Of three years of immune suppression with three other kids and an airplane-traveling husband during flu season. And of six months of long drives to the out-of-town clinic with New England snowstorms.
Yet I must claim “inch by inch” these days. I claim it when Nick’s hematologist lays out the day’s plan. I claimed it on Friday when we were sent back to the hospital for the day and another overnight stay. And I even got Dr. Joe claiming it with me. Together, we agree to not worry about what next week—or next year—will bring; it’s simply too much to think about. We agree to tackle the battle inch by inch.
Whatever your personal struggle or your present-day worry: adopt an “inch by inch is a cinch” plan of positive action. As I’ve said often: just ask yourself at the end of each day: “Did I move forward?” And if you did—even by an inch—you can sleep soundly in the assurance that you will triumph in this journey of life. One day not far from now, inch by inch, you’ll celebrate mastery. You’ll celebrate wholeness. You’ll celebrate complete healing.

Discover More About Childhood Leukemia and Its Chronic Symptoms

2009-07-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

Reflexology and Chemotherapy

2009-07-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Reflexology is a gentle non intrusive treatment carried out upon the feet alone, using reflex points that correspond to the body systems.
Reflexology is highly beneficial in alleviating adverse side effects of chemotherapy, by helping the patient to deeply relax, it also helps to reduce the level of anxiety, helping patients cope with the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea, the results reveal that treatments produce a significant and immediate effect on the patients' perceptions of pain, nausea and relaxation.
There is a myth that because reflexology rids the body of toxins, that the chemotherapy won’t work properly. There is no evidence to support this and there is a wealth of evidence about the positive results patients have felt.
Many people who have cancer and who have used Reflexology say that they find it helps ease some of their symptoms or helps them cope with the side-effects of treatment. Other people say that they just find it a very pleasant way of relaxing.
Reflexology is used by many people under going treatment for cancer, and Reflexology is included at complementary therapy centres within cancer units at Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, Harley Street Clinic, and Lister Hospital as well as being offered at many Macmillan cancer relief hospices and day care centres, with very good results.
Many patients say that as well as enjoying the relaxation and stress relief they also feel able to cope with the physical side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Its also an important factor in having time for themselves and a person to talk to that is not a part of their family and in many cases, being able to voice their problems and fears without worrying about the effect on close relatives or friends.
Reflexology is a good treatment for helping those that suffer with lymphoedema (swelling of limbs) after surgery to remove lymph glands, as it helps improve circulation and lymph flow and the Reflexologist can work over the specific reflex points for the effected area. In some cases the limb affected with lymphodeoma can be quite painful, Reflexology is very gentle and effective and in such cases is a good compliment to lymphatic drainage massage.
Overall Reflexology helps to improve the circulation and lymph flow, which benefits all body systems and organs and aids deep relaxation and better respiration and mobility, helping patients to relax and cope with the physical side effects of their treatment.

Mesothelioma – Are You at Risk?

2009-07-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

Thousands of people die due to mesothelioma. The airborne fibers of asbestos cause this fatal disease. The fibers stay in the air and when they enter our lungs they cause this disease.
Almost everyone today is unprotected from asbestos but the degree of exposure differs from person to person. It is not necessary that if you are under minimal exposure, the degree of developing this disease is less, as the characteristic of the disease is very strange. But it is very obvious that those who are exposed to asbestos for a longer duration have more chances of getting this illness.
If the nature of your work is asbestos milling or mining, shipbuilding trades, insulation work etc, then you are at a great risk of contracting the dangerous disease, mesothelioma.
The places that are badly affected by this dangererous disease are the Cappadocian region of Turkey because there are many construction workers living in this area. Many people in the United States have also contracted this disease.
Even genetics play a role. Because, some of the people who have been in contact with asbestos for years have not contracted this disease. The genetic factors have helped them to resist this disease.
Stay away from asbestos mines and do not use asbestos related products if you want to be safe.

Leukemia and What Online Writers Can Do to Help

2009-07-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

They say that the pen is mightier than the sword and indeed it is. Now then is the keyboard and word processor mightier than cancer? It very well could be and this is why I would ask that all online article writers put in a good word for those who do research and are working on ways to cure leukemia. In fact with the right level of funding mankind could solve this problem within perhaps a decade or two.
If you have a skill of any kind shouldn’t you use it to help the common good? Shouldn’t we all work to promote the common good and remove those things, which challenge our civilization and people? We are all here for a reason and yet while we are here we can do so much more.
On one online article website there are nearly 30,000 authors, but what if everyone of them wrote one article on Leukemia next week for public awareness, then we might be able to leverage the power of the people or the power of the online writers to do some good in the World.
What would it take for you to write one more article for a special cause? Why not pick 4 special causes each month and simply write on them. That is only one per week, it will not impact your life, but it could make the difference in someone else’s. Do you see what I am writing about? Consider this in 2006.

Benzene Exposure Can Lead to Acute Myleogenous Leukemia

2009-07-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

Over the past 60 years, oil workers have been known to have an alarming degree of leukemia diagnoses. Although it had often been cited as being a genetic problem, recent studies have shown that even minor exposure to this chemical dramatically increases the chance of contracting any of a number of cancers.
Acute myelogenous leukemia is an extremely rare form of cancer. However, many petroleum industry workers have developed it. Other individuals who are at risk are printing press operators, airplane mechanics and soda production workers.
The reason these professions are particularly at risk is because of the common use of benzene as a solvent for oil based products. If one uses benzene to remove oil however, it is commonly absorbed through the skin and brought into the body.
The other common diseases contracted through occupational benzene exposure are chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and non-hodgkins lymphoma.
There are thousands of lawsuits pending in state and federal court regarding benzene side-effects. There is a wealth of information regarding benzene to be found on the internet. In order to find a benzene specialist, the internet provides many directories of benzene lawyers. Often, information and medical testing will be provided for free by law firms handling these cases. When evaluating an attorney to handle a case, it is very important to ask specific questions about their experience. The vast majority of cases are filed by a small handful of law firms who focus their practice on prosecution of these claims.

Gary Plunkett is currently working with many patients who have developed these diseases to help gain compensation for their losses.

How Is Leukemia Treated?

2009-07-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. There are two types of leukemia, chronic and acute, which are treated differently and have different symptoms. Acute leukemia rapidly progresses and needs immediate, aggressive treatment. Chronic leukemia can take months or years to show symptoms and may not need immediate treatment but will require ongoing monitoring.
Chemotherapy utilizes chemicals to treat the cancer. It causes many side effects such as hair loss, nausea and decline of the immune system. The complete course of therapy can be from two to five years including maintenance. This is the most common form of treatment for leukemia with the desired result being total remission. Even without symptoms, ongoing monitoring must occur to guard against relapse.
Radiation therapy is another form of treatment. It is painless and in low doses causes very few side effects. Where the radiation is concentrated and the exposure levels will determine the side effects, if any, and the severity of them. Damage to the skin, swelling and infertility are among the possible side effects.
A bone marrow transplant is an effective way to prolong the life of cancer patients. It is, however, a risky surgery and requires a donor which can be difficult in attaining. These surgeries should be performed at state of the art hospitals specializing in cancer treatment. This surgery has a high mortality rate and is therefore used only in life threatening cases.
Immunotherapy is a means to stimulate the immune system so the body can attack the cancer cells. This type of treatment is still in its early stages and continually under development. It is believed that this type of treatment may prove less harmful than chemotherapy or radiation therapy and may someday supplant these treatments as a method for treating cancer.
Long term effects of leukemia treatments may cause anemia. This side effect can be treated by blood transfusions or platelet transfusions. There are risks with transfusions but it is believed transfusions will help reduce the threat of additional complications such as heart attacks. Doses of antibiotics are also generally prescribed to leukemia patients to help counteract the danger of infection cause by declined immune system or treatment side effects.
There are currently almost 200,000 people in the United States diagnosed with leukemia and an estimated 35,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. It is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 20. There are many treatment facilities throughout the United States specializing in cancer treatment. Early diagnosis, aggressive treatment, and monitoring will help prolong life and increase chances of a person going into remission.

Soft Drink Alert: Dangers of Benzene

2009-06-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Losing weight is a real major health concern for at least two-thirds of the American population. Many adults and children drink themselves into being overweight or obesity. Beyond those nutritionally empty calories that soft drinks have and the number one source of calories in a typical American diet, a long known about threat in soft drinks, benzene, has health officials concerned again.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen (cancer causing agent) that has been linked to leukemia. It can form in soft drinks that contain both vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and either or, sodium benzoate, or potassium benzoate. Many soft drinks use sodium benzoate to stop bacteria growth and spoilage. Vitamin C can be present because the manufacturer added it or it can occur naturally from fruit concentrates used in the beverage. Soft drink manufacturers do not add benzene to the drinks directly, rather the compound is formed by a reaction to (ascorbic acid) and the preservatives that are added to the drink, in the presence of heat and light.
Believe it or not the FDA has known about this carcinogen threat for over fifteen years, and let the soft drink industry to voluntarily police themselves on how to best lower the benzene levels in their soft drinks. Presently the FDA is still hiding benzene data that they feel would be “confusing” to the consumers of soft drinks. I wonder if they think people will be “confused” as to why the FDA did not blow the whistle on this threat a decade and a half ago?
Because children may be especially sensitive to benzene, as their bone marrow cells are highly active, all soft drinks should be eliminated in schools immediately until they can be proven safe and free of all their harmful effects.
Being overweight or obese is just the first stage for many, of life long battles with so many other related ill health issues. Drinking yourself into a state of disease is a physical choice that you can have control over! If you are a parent, you can be the most important role model for your children. Surveys have found that parents are more of an influence on how their children eat and drink, than their peers.
While making the decision to eat more healthier foods is a wonderful thing, people are seriously underestimating the most powerful disease control weapon in their diet is in choosing more wisely on what to drink, and what to avoid.
Your body substance is made up mostly of 75% water. As a safe thirst quencher, water is hard to beat! Shelf-stable juices and single serve milks can be added as some healthy alternatives to break up the daily routine of consuming water. Try adding a squirt of real lemon or lime juice to water for an added citrus flavor.
From my perspective one of the most important and easiest changes you can make to improve your health, is to eliminate soft drinks from your daily diet. While an occasional soda is not going to harm anyone, daily consumption of them is simply a disease just waiting to happen.

Hodgkins Lymphoma

2009-06-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

A type of lymphoma, not as common as Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, is Hodgkin’s disease or Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which is characterized by malignant growths of cells in the lymphoid system. Thomas Hodgkin, who discovered this disease in 1832, was an English scholar who worked at the Guy’s Hospital in England.
Since the discovery of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, there has been a great deal of research conducted on this disease, which has contributed to the huge body of literature regarding it. This research provides vital information on understanding the disease, its symptoms, and its treatment. Below is some of the information that medical research on the disease has produced.
Features of the Disease
What distinguishes Hodgkin’s disease from other lymphoma is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the area where the cancer has developed. Most studies show that the origins of these cells are B cells. In other cases of the disease, the Epstein-Barr virus has proven to be a factor in the development of the cancer. The disease can occur in both children and adults, and among them, a higher incidence of the disease has been found among young adults between the ages of twenty-five and thirty and among those who are fifty-five or older. As with other lymphomas, the symptoms of this disease include a compromised immune system, which results in a higher incidence of infections.
Treatment
The treatment of this disease also includes some of the common modes of treatment used to treat other lymphomas. The most often used among these is chemotherapy, which involves administering powerful drugs that target the cells that cause the cancer. Another common type of treatment is radiation therapy, where a radiation beam is targeted at a localized area where there is a concentration of cancer cells. For advanced cases, a bone marrow transplant is done to bolster the body's immune system.
Hodgkin’s disease is also considered to be one of the most serious types of cancer because it can have severe effects on the body of the person who develops the disease. Fortunately, the extensive research done on Hodgkin’s disease has paved the way for the development of new and more effective treatments in fighting the disease. As a result of this, the survival rates of people who have this disease have increased in recent years.

Lymphoma Symptoms

2009-06-30T19:58:00.001-07:00

One of the most important factors in determining the survival rate or chances for remission of cancer patients is early detection. Some cancers where this is very true include breast cancer and prostate cancer because early detection of the disease makes it easier to treat since the cancer is usually just found in one localized area. With regard to lymphomas, the same principle applies; early detection of lymphomas has been proven to lead to higher survival rates. The key to early detection is an awareness of symptoms that indicate the presence of a lymphoma. Fortunately, research on this topic is extensive and provides a wealth of information that can help people detect the symptoms of lymphoma.
Some Common Symptoms
Almost all lymphomas exhibit some general and specific symptoms, which depend largely on the type of lymphoma. One of the most common symptoms among lymphomas is the swelling of lymph nodes, which often occur in the upper body. These swollen nodes are not painful, which is what distinguishes it from an ordinary case of an infected lymph node, where the swelling comes with pain. Other common symptoms include a lack of energy and dramatic weight loss. Due to the effects that lymphomas have on the immune system, increased incidences of fever and infections are also another common set of symptoms among lymphoma patients. Other symptoms include night sweats and itching deep in the skin.
Some of the more specific symptoms include lower back pain, which could be the result of the enlarged lymph node impinging on some nerves, pain in the lymph nodes after alcohol consumption, and skin patches or lesions. In addition to these symptoms, one of the most common ways by which this disease is diagnosed is through routine x-rays; these machines are powerful enough to detect any swelling in the lymph nodes of a person.
As with any cancer, early detection can also increase the chances of survival for a person who suffers from lymphoma. Given this, people need to be aware of the symptoms that they should look out for to help them detect the disease early and to get the appropriate treatment. Fortunately, the extensive research on lymphoma and it systems allow people to do just that.

An Introduction To Lymphoma

2009-06-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

One of the most important organ systems of the human body is the lymphatic or lymphoid system, which is a network of node-like structures located throughout the body. This system helps filter out bacteria and plays an important role in fighting diseases. However, just like any other organ system in the body, it is also vulnerable to developing cancers. Unfortunately, cancers that affect the lymphatic system can be dangerous, since lymph nodes are located all throughout the body. And just like leukemia, cancers involving the lymphoid system have the potential to spread.
Cancer of the Lymphoid System
Cancers that affect the lymphoid system are generally called lymphomas; the cells in the lymph nodes uncontrollably multiply, which results in the growth of a cancer mass. The different types of lymphomas are differentiated depending on the type of cell that multiplies and on how the cancer presents itself in the person. There are basically two types of lymphomas: Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Among the two, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is the more common type of lymphoma.
Effects and Symptoms
Lymphoma also compromises the immune system of a person, as the cancer can hinder the lymph nodes from performing their function, which is primarily to help the body defend itself against disease. The symptoms of this disease are sometimes hard to determine because some of its symptoms also occur in non-cancer patients. One such symptom is an inflamed or enlarged lymph node, which could also mean that the body is just suffering from an infection.
Treatment
Lymphomas are treated with some of the same treatments used on other forms of cancer such as leukemia. Some of these treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplants. All these treatments are aimed at fighting the cancer and at relieving some of its symptoms.
Just like other cancers, this cancer is also characterized by an increased growth of abnormal cells; the cells grow into a mass, and the treatments of this disease are aimed at killing these cancer cells and stopping their growth. Fortunately, the proper treatment and early detection of this type of cancer also increases the chances of beating the cancer.

Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

2009-06-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

There are two types of lymphomas: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Among the two, there are more cases of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma among those that suffer from cancer in their lymphoid systems; it encompasses over 29 types of lymphomas. In the United States, the cases of reported Non-Hodgkin's are at least seven times as common as cases of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Characteristics
This type of lymphoma is characterized by a malignant growth of B or T cells in the lymphoid system of a person. There are over twenty-nine types under this category, classified according to the type of cells that multiply and the rate by which they do so. The symptoms that people with this disease exhibit are the same as the general symptoms that people with lymphoma exhibit, including a higher incidence of infections and enlarged lymph nodes. However, just like other lymphomas, some symptoms can be very hard to detect.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Once NHL is suspected, physicians make the person undergo a series of tests that are aimed at confirming if it is indeed NHL, and if so, more tests are done to determine the type of cell growth by examining the cancer cells. With NHL, it is very important to arrive at an exact diagnosis so that the most appropriate treatment can be employed to beat the cancer.
The most often-used mode of treatment is chemotherapy, which involves administering powerful drugs that target cancer cells. This treatment is often used if the cancer is found in different areas. On the other hand, if the cancer is localized, the treatment that is employed is radiation therapy, where radiation is used to target cancer cells in a certain area. In some cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are combined to treat some cases of NHL. In more advanced cases, the treatment that is used is a bone marrow transplant, which is aimed at bolstering the body's immune system, which the cancer has severely compromised. Some of the most recent treatments that have been developed include immunotherapy, using vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapy.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), is the most common type of lymphoma. Given this, a great deal of research has been done to better understand this disease and to find ways of treating it. Fortunately, this research has provided vital information that can help the people who have cancer as well as those who are treating it.

Lymphoma - A Parent's Journey of Life and Death Seen Through the Eyes of A Child

2009-06-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

An Examination of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

2009-06-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Cancer is a life-threatening disease that is prevalent in our time. One of which is known as non-Hodgkins lymphoma or NHL. It is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system and develops in the lymphoid tissue, which contain lymphocytes that are found all over the body. The lymphatic system is part of our immune system, and contains two basic types of lymphocytes. B lymphocytes manufacture antibodies that protect your body against bacteria and viruses by attracting white blood cells that devour them.
Tlymphocytes on the other hand destroy cancer cells as well as viruses, fungi, and bacteria. They produce a chemical called cytokinesis which attracts white blood cells to help destroy harmful microorganisms. Research posted at www.cancer.org by the Cancer Society claims that non-Hodgkins lymphoma develop from B lymphocytes 85% of the time, and the remaining 15% from T lymphocytes.
Since lymphoid tissue is found in all the areas of the body, non-Hodgkins lymphoma can originate almost anywhere in the body. It commonly develops on the lymph nodes, spleen, digestive tract, and tonsils. Diagnosis can be difficult because there are at least thirty different types of lymphoma. It is a fast growing type of cancer that can spread quickly if not diagnosed immediately. Treatment depends on which type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma is present, the rate that it is growing, or if it has infected surrounding tissues.
Since every case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma is unique, treatment is often difficult and complicated. Treatment used on one case may not necessarily work on another. It is safer to obtain a second opinion before any treatment should begin. This is important especially if there are questions or doubts about the recommendations being made.
Before undergoing any major treatment or surgery consider getting a second opinion as it may spell the difference between death and a full recovery. Visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, the National Caner Institute at www.cancer.gov, and www.lymphomafocus.org, for more information on non-Hodgkins lymphoma. These websites offer critical information on signs and symptoms, early diagnosis, and various treatments and interventions.

My Earth Angel Friend - Sherin - Surviving Terminal Lymphoma Cancer Story: The Lord Still Heals

2009-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

The following "Medical Miracle Story" ezine article fits nicely into the "Rascal's Free Reprint Articles" section of my website Jesus4You.ws where it is an RSS Feed from my favorite article bank, EzineArticles.com.
For the telling my Earth Angel Sherin Story, I am going to use a complete e-mail that I sent to one of my down-line business partners, Marion, who assists me and my other new sign-up partners in two of our common Internet businesses.
Hi, My Ravishing Rascalette :)
We've got to get busy getting you into that red Ferrari, beautiful. I need to stay on tract once all of our elements are in place...LOL They're coming together ~ thanks to my Marvelous Maid Marion and OUR Savior who made this "Match Made In Heaven" a reality.
About the MySpace site: I like and want the VERY SAME background set-up as yours. I love the "Tropics" which it reflects :) I love you too, My Wonderful, Helpful Maid. If you can put the Kris Kristofferson video onto my MySpace profile (as you have on my AWESOME Direct Matches Business Profile that you created for me also), that would be a bonus!
I've just received a call from one of my former agents and former sister-in-law, Sherin. She will be coming by here in Vancouver, WA within the next couple of days and I'm sure that she will be signing up for GDI (Global Domains International). I'll place her under you, Cutie. You'll be helping Sher to set up her website. LOL. You'll love her, as I do you, "My Georgia Peach."
Probably, Sher will be signing up for DM (Direct Matches) also. She is a smart businesswoman and will recognize how valuable DM is when I let her see it via one of the banners waving at visitors to my website. LOL
Sher was diagnosed with "Terminal Lymphoma " and the Docs said that she would not make it. LOL That was about 17-20 years ago. With her sister ~ my then wife Vicki ~, I came over here to Vancouver to visit her obviously dying Sis'. Vick and I lived in Portland with our three children who were all school-age at the time. Cassie, our youngest daughter that we had together, had not yet arrived on this planet.
Anyway, Sherin was in her recliner ~ as she had been for a couple of weeks ~ unable to make it up the stairs to her condo's bedroom. I'd no sooner come in the door ~ that she had told my wife would be unlocked for us ~ than Sher asked me, "Honey, what would you do if you were me?"
I answered, "Sher, I'd get myself onto a plane and fly down to Oral Robert's City Of Hope Medical Center, in Tulsa Oklahoma, where I'd be surrounded by 'Spirit Filled' Dr's who would agree that I could live."
Sher said, "I've been reading here in this King James Bible where it says in James, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ... What do you think of that?"
Sherin had the Bible open on the little table beside her recliner. She waited while I picked up the sacred book and read the scriptures myself. I was shocked! Not because the Bible said that she could be healed ~ but because my sister-in-law had a Bible. Like my wife, Sher had been raised in an abusive Mormon home. Neither one of them had wanted anything to do with that church or any other one.
To answer her question, I said, "That's what it says, Sher."
Immediately, she said, "I haven't ever been to a real church. Do you know of a minister that would be willing to come over here and pray for me?"
"I think that I know of ONE," I replied. "Payton Hudson! This is Sunday, he may still be at his church... It's noon... That's about the time the congregation got out last week ~ when I went alone again. Vicki went to another church last week, because she doesn't like Payton's church. She says it too noisy."
Sher handed me her telephone and asked, "Will you try to call him for me?"
I did call, right then, and Payton's wife answered telling me that the service had just ended. Geri' said that she'd get her husband to talk with me before they went to lunch. Payton was soon on the telephone and I told him briefly why I had called.
"Sure, Brother!" Paton said ~ with confidence."Let me talk to her."
I handed the phone back to Sherin. They set up a time for him to bring a couple of ladies from his church with him ~ to pray for my sister-in-law's healing ~ the coming Tuesday.
I didn't see Sher for two weeks. When I did come back, she was still sitting in that same recliner. Gray in her color, she looked almost dead.
"I've been Healed," Sher told me. "That minister, his wife, Geraldine, and another lady named Vickie Adams came over and they 'Layed hands' on me. I accepted Jesus as my Savior and my healing. They all three "Layed hands" on me. The next day, I went to see my Dr. ~ the cancer specialist ~ to tell him. He said I can' be. But I know that I'm healed. Honest!"
Sherin sure didn't look healed. All I could say was, "Great, Sher. I'll agree with you. You're healed!"
Then she hit me with the hard one. "The doctor said I am too far gone to start chemo'. That it was an unlikely option for anyone with a condition this far advanced ~ even if I had started when he had advised me too ~ anyway. I declined when he wanted me to start it 'Right away' about three months ago. Honey, what would you do if you were me?"
"WOW, Sher!" I said, my not-long-a-Christian-myself head spinning. "Let me think about this a minute... I've got to use your can... I'll be right back..." I didn't want to be asked a question like that. Getting up off of the couch ~ I started walking down her hallway toward the bathroom. I was talking frantically to The Lord in my head.
"WHAT?" I ask Him, "What do I say?"
As clear as could be, Jesus answered me audibly: "I walked on water."
That didn't make any sense to me. I was frustrated. I almost yelled out loud, "I know that! Why are telling me this NOW?"
Jesus answered me again, ever so calmly, yet once more in an audible voice, " Yes son, I walked on water, but usually ~ when I wanted to cross the lake ~ I took a boat..."
Now, I'm not that smart, Marion. Instead of continuing to the toilet, I stopped... I understood... abruptly, I turned around and walked back over to Sherin who had notice my strange movements.
"Sher," I said, "Go tell your Doc that you want to start your chemotherapy. OK, so your hair will fall out... I agree with you that you're healed, but there must be some people at that hospital ~ and your Doctor ~ that need to be shown what Our Lord can do. Maybe, it's some patients that you need to 'Witness' too?" I don't remember using Sherin's bathroom before leaving.
Well, the following day, her mother found Sher in the recliner ~ slipping into and out of consciousness. Her tiny mother picked up her limp, dehydrated, starving daughter's body and carried her out to her own car. Then, she drove Sher to the hospital ~ where she was informed that she could not make the decision to have them begin Chemotherapy for her adult daughter. Sher returned to consciousness just long enough to authorize Chemo' ~ after asking three people who she loved ~ that were at her bedside ~ and then went unconscious again.
Chemotherapy was started immediately. They didn't believe that Sherin would even survive the 1st session. Well, she did! LOL She went on to endure a lot of miserable times ~ and her hair did indeed fall out. When she was totally cancer free ~ Sher's hair grew back ~ curly :) If you ask Sherin how she survived "Incurable" Cancer, she will tell you that God healed her. "Jesus paid for my healing over 2,000 years ago. Yeah, I had to go through some horrible, miserable times ~ but Jesus gave me the strength and even the faith to get through it all."
The very last time that I talked to my friend, Sher, about it, she said, "You know, Honey, I don't even remember you and Vicki coming over to see me ~ the day before I started Chemo'. I don't remember very much about that whole last week, even."
Well, I sure will never forget it. Until very recently, it was the only time that I had ever heard My Lord speak to me in an audible voice. It is incredible how very calm that Jesus sounds when we are in a frenzy.
While wearing a turban, Sherin went back to college. She just decided that she would further her education while she was surviving "Terminal cancer." At about 40 years of age ~ Sher earned a bachelor's degree in speech ~ and went on to become a very successful real estate agent.
She has since traveled and cruised all over the world. Last year ~ for a high school 'Graduation present' ~ Sher fulfilled her promise to one of her gran-daughters, Jenny, that they would go to Europe after she graduated. LOL
Some years ago ~ after I'd opened my own real estate brokerage ~ Sher obtained her "Broker's License" too. Rather than open her own brokerage, she became my most productive Associate Broker, and she managed my office for me when I wasn't there ~ like when I'd intended to open another real estate brokerage in another state.
I returned to WA state from AZ, because Sher's sister had taken our daughter with her when she, Vicki, informed me that she didn't like it Arizona, that our daughter hated the new school, and she had left me in AZ. LOL After thinking about it for a few weeks, I decided that my wife and 3rd grade daughter were up in Washington ~ and that must be where The Lord wanted me to be ~ for he time being too.
I drove back to find that my wife already had obtained an apartment for just herself and my daughter. LOL And Vicki informed me that she wanted a divorce. Washington, like most states, has a 'No-fault' divorce option which we elected to exercise. I rented my own place ~ visited Cassiopeia on weekends ~ and concentrated on my real estate business.
A few months later, Sherin and I decided that ~ since we were good friends ~ we could share a nice, 2-bedroom apartment here in Vancouver, WA. We resided together until I bought another large house and moved her sister with my youngest daughter in to share it with me. Yes, Sherin was a very good 'Roomie' besides being a 'Great Realtor.' LOL
During our time living and working together, Sher and I had some good laughs, too. She's a 'Crack-up." Sher knows no fear. I used many of the delightful characteristics that I found in my former sister-in-law as the basis of a character that I created in my mystery novel ~ FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ~ which I later wrote and published.
Seeing that I was severely depressed ~ suffering the effects of selling my real estate brokerage because of the debilitating impact of my too-bad-to-deny-any-longer MS (Multiple Sclerosis) ~ Sher had bought me a book on how to write and sell your first novel ~ hoping that I would take the bait and overcome my great depression. LOL It worked, for which I am deeply indebted to my sensitive Earth~Angel friend.
Some of my most fond memories of my times with Sher involve when we went to Europe together ~ on a month-long vacation that we both enjoyed. That was long before I had EVEN admitted that I had MS (Multiple Sclerosis) ~ although many of the mid-stage symptoms were obvious. Probably, it was another six years or so before I was "Cured" of that "Incurable Dread disease." Sherin is a trouper! I believe ~ with all of my heart ~ that Sher is also an Earth Angel.
When she comes over in the next couple of days, My Maid Marion, I'm going to help Sherin to understand that she is an Earth~Angel and that she needs to get busy with us on doing The Lord's work while becoming rich via His easy way that He's shown me for is elect chosen. Please agree with me in prayer, Marion, that Sherin will accept His commission ~ as she accepted His provision to be healed of "Terminal Lymphoma."

Meet Hodgkin's Disease

2009-06-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Most people have certainly been hearing this term, lymphoma, from others. Some hospital-drama television series usually would have an episode where a patient is diagnosed with lymphoma and most of us are just left hanging on what it really is. Suffice it to say that probably, most are aware that it is a kind of cancer. Cancer in what organ or body part? Caused by what? Many people fall short of enough knowledge about this type of cancer. But no worries, they really can't be accused of apathy. Lymphoma is actually a very rare type of cancer so it is understandable that awareness on is not as prevalent as to other cancer types.
Lymphoma is considered as a collective term for a variety of cancer. This cancer type has its origin in the lymphocytes or histiocytes -- very rare from the latter, though. Lymphoma starts in a B cell in lymph nodes. The cancerous cells reproduce themselves over and over again. The presence of these unnecessary cells sets the ground for the formation of cancer. This is because these cells do not die; they are not needed by the body in the first place, and they spread to other areas, causing further harm.
There are five clusters of specific cancer types under the umbrella concept of lymphoma. The World Health Organization grouped these specific cancer types according to their cell types. The first one is the mature B neoplasms. Second is mature T cell and natural killer cell (NK) neoplasms. Third is the immunodeficiency-associated Lymphoproliferative disorders. Fourth is histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms. Last is Hodgkin lymphoma or more commonly known as Hodgkin's disease.
The most popular of all is the Hodgkin's disease. It is named after Thomas Hodgkin, who described the disease in 1832. Hodgkin's disease is characterized by the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the lymphatic system. Specifically, the Reed-Sternberg cells are the ones involved in Hodgkin's disease. This disease is very rare that it accounts for only one percent of the total cancer cases or one for every 400,000, at least in America.
The most common symptoms of Hodgkin's disease are swollen, painful or non-painful lymph nodes. The swelling usually occurs at the neck or nape, armpit, or groin. Some systemic symptoms like drastic weight loss, skin itching, low-grade fever, night sweats, and fatigue can also be indicative of a Hodgkin's disease case. Enlargement of the spleen, splenomegaly, and/or enlargement of the liver can also happen. People from the age range of 15 to 34, and above 55 are the ones most susceptible to develop Hodgkin's disease.
Just like the other kinds of cancer, the causes of Hodgkin's disease is still unknown. But the factor most likely to contribute to the development of it is genetics. People who have relatives, distant or immediate, have been inflicted with Hodgkin's disease or other types for that matter, are at a very high risk. A deteriorated or damaged immune system, from a previous ailment or operation, is also a very high risk factor. Gender is believed to play a role, too, since most recorded cases are with men.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the usual treatments for Hodgkin's disease. Radiation therapy is a high technology option, which makes use of high-energy rays capable of damaging cancer cells to stop their growth. This treatment option is administered only in hospitals and clinics, and under the permission of an expert doctor. Radiation therapy is effective for treating cases still on the early stage. A frequency of five therapy sessions in every week for several months is the average treatment period using radiation therapy. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, involves the use of drugs to kill the cancer cells. A combination of different drugs, which can work together, is the usual procedure being given by doctors when using chemotherapy. The drugs can be taken orally, or injected into arteries or even muscles for faster travel inside the body. The most popular drug combination for chemotherapy is the adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine combination called the ABVD regimen. There is a very high chance that Hodgkin's can be treated, provided that it is detected at an early stage and treated immediately with the most appropriate treatment option. Records have it that early detection and appropriate treatment gives an 85 percent chance of survival and cure.

Symptoms of Chronic and Acute Leukemia

2009-06-28T00:28:00.001-07:00

Discovering leukemia while it is still in an early phase is crucial in its treatment because when the disease advances it starts to spread in the whole body and it's much harder to be treated.
Therefore it's important to learn the symptoms of leukemia so that you can can detect its signs and take the appropriate measures. Symptoms however may vary from one person to another and they also depend on what type of leukemia the patient has. Leukemia can be divided into two major types: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia, each having its specific symptoms.
Leukemia symptoms result from the fact that the blood cells of someone suffering from leukemia are diseased and they can't fulfill their role anymore.
Patients with acute leukemia have too little red blood cells in their bodies which leads to a general feeling of weakness and to a pale color.
On the other hand, a person with too many abnormal white blood cells can develop fever, is very easily bruised, will suddenly start bleeding out his/her nose or gums and sometimes they will feel pain in the joints.
Other common symptoms of leukemia are pain in the abdomen, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, sweating, and if the disease spreads to the brain headaches, disorientation, balance problems and confusion appears.
Acute leukemia develops much faster that chronic leukemia, but it's easier to be discovered because people come at the doctor because they feel sick. Chronic leukemia develops much slower but it's harder to detect it because very often it shows no specific symptoms and it's discovered when it has already advanced a lot. Always feeling weakend and getting infections often can be a sign so visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
If someone reports a few of these symptoms to the doctor then some special tests must be performed to determine whether the person has leukemia or not and if he/she has it then some other tests need to be done to determine what kind of treatment gives the best results.
The lymph and blood marrow must be examined and blood samples must also be processed in order to establish an accurate diagnosis. Once the leukemia diagnose is established chemotherapy usually begins. The survival rate gets higher and higher each year.

Chronic Leukemia - A Less Dangerous Cancer, But Harder To Treat

2009-06-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

Leukemia is a dangerous form of cancer, and it affects thousands of people every year. It affects the white blood cells. The body loses control of the quantity and quality of blood cells, and it becomes very vulnerable because the white blood cells are supposed to protect our organism against infections. There are two main types of leukemia - acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is more dangerous because it spreads much faster, but chronic leukemia can be tricky because it has almost no symptoms.
The first organ that is affected by chronic leukemia is the bone marrow. The bone marrow is a tissue that can be found on some of the main bones in the body and that has the role of producing blood cells (red blood cells and white blood cells).
White blood cells are the guardians of the body. They can be found anywhere in the blood and they attack and neutralize any type of bacteria that enters the body and that can be harmful.
When a patient has chronic leukemia, the white blood cells from his blood are deffective and they are continuously created. A normal person should have less then 10000 white blood cells white a person with leukemia can have more than 100000, but although there are so many the protection against infections is decreased because most of the cells are malfunctioning.
A particularity of chronic leukemia is that patients who have it also have a lower number of red blood cells.
The causes of all types of leukemia are unknown, doctors cannot determine why some people have this illness and other don't. Though, scientists discovered some factors that increase the risks of becoming ill of leukemia. Among these factors radiations play an important role, many that were exposed to radiations were soon diagnosed with leukemia. Also, a malfunction in the genes can cause the blood cells to transform, so it can have a genetic cause. The causes and risk factors are still being researched.
The bad thing about chronic leukemia is that it usually shows no symptoms that can give he patient an idea about his condition. It's often discovered during routine lab tests. Some of those suffering from chronic leukemia reported having a general state of weakness and fatigue. As the disease advances blood can start to come out of the nose or of the gums for no reason, and because the organism is weakened and its defense is lowered, leukemia patients can be vruised very easy, and they are often infected with foreign microorganism.
Chronic leukemia treatment depends on each patient. After the diagnose a series of tests are made to determine which therapy the patient responds to. Chemotherapy is used in most situations. The number of people that are cured of chronic leukemia is increasing as time passes, but a there is a notable number of victims too.
New drugs and cures keep being researched by doctors and scientists and the survival rate is rising, so maybe in the near future chronic leukemia will be musc easier to treat.

Child Leukemia - Generalities, Symptoms and Treatment

2009-06-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

Leukemia interferes with the body's production of white blood cells. These cells are supposed to fight infections with viruses or bacteria, and when someone has leukemia, they are defective and their number is largely increased, but because they are not fulfilling their role any more, although their number can increase ten times the body's defense system is seriously weakened and any infection can be very dangerous.
Unfortunately leukemia can affect young children too, and the number of child leukemia cases keeps increasing.
There are two types of leukemia - acute leukemia - a cancer that develops and evolves very fast and it affects all the white blood cells, and chronic leukemia - it develops slower and healthy white blood cells can still be found.
More than 95% of the child leukemia cases are acute leukemia. Acute leukemia can also be divided into acute acute myelogenous leukemia and lymphocytic leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia because there are two types of blood cells, and each type of leukemia affects a different kind of blood cells. More than half of the children with leukemia have acute lymphocytic leukemia.
The symptoms of acute leukemia start with fever, and continue with many infections, because the child is weak against any damaging foreign microorganisms.
When the disease advances the child becomes anemic and begins to have a pale color. He will always feel a sensation of weakness and fatigue which will prevent him from playing outdoors.
All leukemia patients, including children can be bruised very easy, and the often bleed for no reason. When bleeding occurs it cannot be stopped for a long time because leukemia affects the cells responsible for healing wounds.
If the illness is not discovered and it is left untreated it starts spreading through the body and it can reach the brain, affecting some of the senses and causing headaches.
In order to diagnose child leukemia the child must go through a series of special tests. If the result is positive then therapy must begin as soon as possible. First some new tests must be performed to determine what kind of therapy works best. In most cases chemotherapy is used because it has the highest survival rate. Chemotherapy is also accompanied by drugs.
The purpose of the therapy is to heal the bone marrow, the organ that produces the defective blood cells and to kill all the malfunctioning cells from the body. If the therapy is successful it must still be continued because the cancer can re-appear.
In some more severe cases a bone marrow transplant is needed.
The good news is that therapy is getting better and better and most of the children survive this illness, but the survival rate depends on how far the cancer has advanced and on what form of it the child has.

The Best Lymphoma Classification

2009-06-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Lymphoma is a severe type of cancer which arise from white blood cells called lymphocytes. In addition to this, white blood cells help the body by fighting against bacteria and viruses. Lymphocytes includes two groups of white blood cells: B cells which change in plasma cells and produce antibodies, certain kinds of proteins that attach on infections and destroy them and on the other hand T cells which balance the immune system and fight against viruses and tumor cells. Moreover, B and T cells are travelling through the body, passing through lymph nodes and the spleen in order to find any foreign particles such as viruses and other germs. On the other hand when the B or T cells tend to enlarge too much the lymph nodes become bigger too and they may show a first sign of infection in the body.
Furthermore, when T and B cells divide the lymph nodes enlarge as well. Lymphocytes which make the lymph nodes to enlarge don't mature normally and in some cases these cells can be associated with genetic mutation. In order to find out the real type of lymphoma by using characteristics of the tumor cells, speacilists have made a classification system, known as REAL classification.
The appereance of the malignant lymphocytes represents the aspect of the cells and tissues under a microscope. Moreover, Phenotype, a type of malignant lymphocytes refers to certain unique "markers" that can be found in the cells and that may be determined through tests. Much more,classifications tests tend to be hard procedures which may take a long period of time until the results are confirmed. It is important to say that the genetic make-up known as "genotype" too refers to the DNA of the malignant lymphoma which in some cases can develop genetic mutations. Lymphoma is usually divided in two important groups: Hodgkin's disease, which is composed of Reed-Stenberg cells and tends to be less common that Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and much more its chances to be cured are bigger.
Taking all these into consideration, the diagnosis and classification of lymphomas may be hard procedures and even confusing for both patients and doctors due to the complexity of our body system and the way it works.

Different Treatments to Treat Mantle Cell Lymphoma

2009-06-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Lymphoma is a serious affection which affects different parts of the body and usually occurs in many forms. One of the most severe form of lymphoma is known as Mantle cell lymphoma. In addition to this, Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma which tends to develop and spread very fast to other organs of the body. Due to the fact that Mantle cell lymphoma spreads very fast to different parts of the body, treatments of this type of affection should be good enough to reach to all the infected cells. Unlike chemotherapy which is the main form of treatment, bringing successfully results, other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy are not enough useful to reduce the cancer.
To begin with, chemotherapy has proved to be the most efficient treatment to treat Mantle cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy can be administrated in the form of injections, drips in the veins or even tablets. Much more, a treatment for this affection may include different types of drugs and the doses depend on the patient condition. In most cases, the treatments prescribed include the CHOP regimen, a combination of four drugs which is taken in a single day and repeated every three weeks for six ot eight cycles. Even though, chemotherapy brings important results, the disease may occur again. In order to prevent a recidivism of Mantle cell lymphoma, specialists use to prescribe chemotherapy combinations, such as treatments for leukemias. On the other hand, these combinations of chemotherapy might be very toxic for some patients who suffer from Mantle cell lymphoma.
Secondly, another efficient treatment includes monoclonal antibodies such as Rituximab, usually used to treat Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Mantle cell lymphoma as well. Another way to treat Mantle cell lymphoma which tends to be a hard procedure and not widely practiced is the bone marrow or stem-cell transplant. Radiation is another procedure which is usually used when the disease is not very severe. Much more as it is known that this disease affects many areas of the body, radiation is not the best choice.
In conclusion, even though mantle cell lymphoma tends to be an incurable disease, treatments for this affection have the role in prolonging and improving the life of the patients. Nowadays many new treatments are being tested and much more clinical trials may help the patient considerably.

Aspartame and the Increased Risks of Lymphoma Cancer

2009-06-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

According to the findings of a recent study conducted by the Cancer Research Center of the European Foundation of Oncology and Environmental Sciences in Bologna, Italy, the frequent use of aspartame considerably increases the risks of developing lymphoma cancers and leukemia. Although the long-term study was conducted exclusively on female rats, without involving the active participation of any human subjects, the results are still very conclusive: aspartame is a clear carcinogenic agent that has a major contribution in the occurrence and evolution of lymphoma. A very popular chemical sweetener used as a replacement for sugar-based sweeteners, aspartame is no longer considered to be harmless.
The Italian research team that has conducted the study on the effects of aspartame on long-term use has stated that this chemical sweetener should be completely withdrawn from the market, as it greatly increases the risks of cancerous diseases. In present, aspartame is extensively used worldwide, being a common chemical component of chewing gum, sweet beverages and a wide range of other products.
Another series of studies have confirmed the strong carcinogenic potential of aspartame, revealing the fact that the chemical actually damages DNA, increasing the risks of cancer and degenerative brain diseases on long-term use. According to the findings, this commonly used product facilitates the development of tumors at various levels of the body, being a serious risk factor for brain cancers. The theories on the pronounced carcinogenic potential of aspartame have been recently supported by statistic reports: the incidence of brain tumors among animals exposed to prolonged doses of aspartame has increased over 47 times. The strong carcinogenic character of aspartame is due to the variety of toxins it contains. Medical scientists have stated that aspartame was also known to be a very unsafe chemical in the past; despite this fact, aspartame has been further promoted as harmless for commercial reasons.
The continuously increasing incidence of brain cancers among the global population is also considered to be related with the frequent use of aspartame-based products. Oncologists have stated that nowadays the incidence of brain tumors is considerably higher than it was a few decades ago, before aspartame products became available on the market. Furthermore, the increased frequency of various rare lymphoma subtypes such as reticulum cell sarcoma, microglioma and histiocytic lymphoma in the last few years has also been influenced by the use of aspartame.
Although exposure to aspartame can be considered a serious risk factor of lymphoma and other similar malignant diseases, the exact way aspartame triggers the occurrence of such disorders is still unknown. It is believed that aspartame directly interferes in the genetic structure of the body, causing genetic anomalies that later lead to production of cancerous cells. However, further studies are needed in order to provide cancer specialists with additional data on aspartame and its malignant effects on the human body.

Monoclonal Antibody - Alternatives for Treating Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

2009-06-25T20:01:00.001-07:00

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or NHL is a serious affection which occurs due to the presence of B cells (B lymophocytes), a type of white blood cells which usually lead to severe complications such as tumors. Even though, treatments with chemotherapy and radiation are considered effective for many people who suffer from NHL, on the other hand for many pantients these procedures can be very toxic.
In addition to this, specialists have developed in the laboratories a new theraphy to treat NHL, a theraphy known as Monoclonal-antibody which has been proved to be safe and effective for certain patients. As we know the body produces antibodies, substances which have the role to fight against bacteria and viruses. Moreover, monoclonal antibodies have been produced in laboratories like many other antibodies and have the role in producing anti-tumor effects. Since most NHL patients have B cells, treatment with monoclonal-antibodies has brought important results in healing lymphoma and much more they have been prescribed with other toxin or radioactive particles that usually kill cells.
Furthermore, monoclonal antibody treatments usually include medications as Rituxan or Bexxar. First of all, treatments with Rituxan are considered very effective for people who suffer from NHL and may be used for other types of lymphomas too. Rituxan is the only monoclonal antibody treatment approved for NHL and most of the time has been studied in patients that have relapsed low grade NHL. Moreover, it can be taken without other medicines and it is usually given intravenously once a week for 4 weeks. In contrast to other procedures, Rituxin doesn't offer serious side effects such as hair loss, vomiting, and low blood counts.
Secondly, another monoclonal antibody which is being tested in laboratories is Bexxar. This medicine is a murine monoclonal antibody and doesn't have a naked form due to the presence of a radiocative iodine molecule which is attached to it. Just like Rituxan, this agent is administered intravenous with the first dose having a trace amount of radioactivity and the second dose containing most of the radioactive iodine. On the other hand, Bexxar has some negative aspects, such as fever, chills or shakes and in some cases NHL patients may have temporary drop in blood counts.
Thirdly, another monoclonal antibody which has been studied as NHL treatments is Oncolym. This agent has been studied in a radiolabeled form like Bexxar and has proved to be toxic like other radiolabeled antibodies. In contrast, LL2 is a humanized antibody, using a naked, unlabeled form as well as a radiolabeled form.
To conclude, monoclonal antibodies can be very effective in treating NHL due to their low toxicity and also the advantage of combining them with each other and also by using them in combination with chemotherapy or other procedures. It is important to say that people who suffer from NHL should be aware of their condition and become well-informed in order to follow the suitable treatment.

Stages and Procedures Regarding AIDS-related Lymphoma

2009-06-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

AIDS-related lymphoma can be diagnosed by performing a serie of tests known as staging too. Much more, by doing these tests the patient can find out if cancer cells have spread within the body, affecting other organs as well. It is important to know that the tests may easily confirm the stage of the disease and in this way the physician can prescriebe the appropriate treatment. Moreover, AIDS-related lymphoma is usually diagnosed when the illness is already advanced.
To begin with, a first common procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body is called PET scan (positron emission tomography scan). Firstly, this procedure involves the injection of radionuclide glucose into the vein in order to show in a picture made by the PET scanner where the glucose is being used in the body. So, by scanning the body, the malign tumor cells become brighter because they are more active and take up more sugar than other healthy cells.
Secondly, another well known procedure is CT scan also called computed tomography or computerisez axial tomography. CT scan is a procedure that makes a serie of pictures of the areas inside the body, showing a clear image of the organs and tissues. Moreover, a common procedure is Bone marrow biopsy which includes the removing of a small piece of bone marrow and bone from the hipbone or breatsbone in order to be examined under a microscope.
Furthermore, stages of AIDS-related lymphoma may include E which means that the cancer is found in an area or organ other than the lymph nodes or has spread to tissues beyond and S stands for spleen and means the cancer affected the spleen. In addition to this there are 4 stages which are used for AIDS-related that indicate the place where the cancer can be found, lymph nodes, organs other than the lymph nodes, near the diaphragm or spleen.
It is considered that people who suffer from Epstein-Barr virus or whose AIDS-related lymphona usually affects the bone marrow and in some cases may lead to complications, such as the spreading of cancer to the central nervous system.(CNS). Much more, CNS lymphoma which starts in other parts of the body is not considered primary as the CNS lymphoma that starts in the brain and spinal cord.

Diagnosing Lymphoma

2009-06-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can develop and grow in the body without an individual knowing and it is only when the cancer spreads around the body to other organs that obvious symptoms become apparent. There are a number of symptoms that are commonly associated with lymphoma, such as swollen lymph glands, chronic fatigue, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss, however all of these symptoms can and often are caused by much less serious conditions such as a simple infection or the flu.
When the symptoms persist however most sufferers go to the doctor and although the doctor might have suspicions as to their cause he will undoubtedly send the individual for a series of diagnostic tests before confirming the presence of lymphoma. These diagnostic tests may include:
Blood tests

Because lymphoma affects the lymphocyte cells that travel in the blood stream, performing microscopic analysis of these cells can show if they are abnormal in shape and size or if they are present in very large numbers. Occasionally the cancerous lymphocytes will still be confined to the lymph glands and so will not show under the microscope however even during this early stage they release chemicals that are known as cancer markers and specific tests on blood can identify these markers.
CT and MRI scans

These are very high definition imaging techniques that can show just how large a tumor has grown and where in the body secondary tumors have spread to, if indeed they have spread. If the primary lymphoma tumor is in a position to be removed by surgery i.e. by removing the affected lymph glands, then the imaging techniques can help to identify possible complications before the surgery begins so that the surgeon doesn’t encounter anything unexpected. They can also help to show how other lymphoma treatments are working because any shrinkage in the tumor size will be apparent when two separate images, taken at different times, are compared.
X-rays

X-rays are commonly used in the diagnosis of lymphoma because when a radioactive agent is injected into the blood stream it causes any abnormal or cancerous cells to glow brightly on the X-ray film. By performing a torso scan i.e. of the major organs, any affected areas can easily be identified and the cancer specialist can get a good idea of the extent of the lymphoma and what treatment will be most appropriate.
Bone and liver biopsies

When other diagnostic tests have been performed and the lymphoma has been identified as late stage then bone and liver biopsies may be carried out. This involves a very thin slither of either bone or liver tissue being taken with a hollow needle and the resulting tissue is examined with a microscope. Generally if cancerous cells are found in either of the two sites then the lymphoma is deemed incurable and any treatment offered will be palliative i.e. it will make life more comfortable and it may prolong life for a short period of time.
Lymphoma can be a difficult cancer to treat and so it is important that it is diagnosed early. Some of the diagnostic tests are uncomfortable however they are much more preferable to endless rounds of chemotherapy and the adverse side effects that accompany it.

Cancer and Common Questions About Lymphoma

2009-06-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

If you or a family member has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, there probably are many questions you have. You will get all those answered eventually, however you first should know a little bit about cancer itself. Here we answer some of the questions to help you understand better what is going on inside your body.
What is a Cancer? Cancer is a condition in which certain of your body's cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, beyond the ability of your body to destroy these rogue cells. Your natural body defenses become insufficient to fight off this rapid growth of cells. Typically these cells then group together in a mass form called a tumor.
Your body is comprised of millions of cells, all working together in balance within your body for it's proper function. Blood cells, for example function in homeostasis; your body must have red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets for you to live and breathe. These cells each have a life span and age in your body. When they near the end of their life span they are destroyed, and new cells form to replace the lost ones. The process takes place continually, but for some this process doesn't work properly. Cells may be formed too soon and not reach maturity, or be destroyed prematurely. When this happens cancer can be the root cause of the process not functioning as it should.
What is Lymphoma? Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. What occurs is that lymphocytes are not maturing as they should, and are not becoming normal white blood cells. When such abnormal cells start taking over they will replicate faster than normal white blood cells and live longer than normal lymphocytes. They are able develop in many parts of your body, such as the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and blood. There are two major types of cancer of the lymphatic system; Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, others exists as well but these are the main two.
What is a Lymphocyte? White blood cells which help the body fight off infections and other foreign entities in your body. Lymphocytes are manufactured in the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes, and flow through your body in the lymph system. You have two main types of lymphocytes.
B-lymphocytes grow into plasma cells which make proteins known as antibodies. T-lymphocytes help destroy your body's own cells when they become infected. They assist in you fighting off viral infections that medications don't seem to take of. T cells help fight off cancer as well. Once these cells have done their jobs the survivors develop into memory cells stored in the lymph nodes. They remain, and if that particular antigen reappears they help fight if off again. This is how vaccines can work in our body.
How is Lymphoma treated? The various types of lymphoma are treated differently. Your physician will be better able to inform you which course of treatment is available for you. The majority of cancers are treated with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. The objective is to get rid of the abnormal cells and to allow new healthy cells to develop in their place. A number of treatments are sometimes needed to reach this goal and help you recover.

Why Early Detection of Slow Growing Lymphoma Is Difficult

2009-06-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

There are over 30 types of lymphoma that have so far been detected and they can be grouped according to a variety of criteria. One such criterion is how fast the cancer is growing and so lymphomas are generally classed as either slow growing or fast growing. Slow growing lymphomas can be very difficult to detect because they rarely exhibit symptoms while they are still in an early stage.
As their name suggests, slow growing lymphomas take a relatively long time to grow to a size that starts to affect the body. Initially slow growing lymphomas will confine themselves to one specific area of the body. This is normally a lymph gland or a site close to a lymph gland and because they stay confined they don’t affect any other organs or tissues. The only outward sign of early stage lymphoma is a painless swelling of the affected lymph glands however this swelling can easily be missed or ignored by the patient. Even if it is noticed it is often attributed to a simple infection and no more notice is taken of it until it starts to become uncomfortable.
It may be over a year before sections of the confined lymphoma start to break off and travel to secondary sites in the body. Lymphoma affects the lymphocyte cells of the immune system and as such it has the ability to travel through the lymphatic system and in the blood stream. When the lymphoma cells do start to migrate to other areas the immune system tries to eradicate them and it is at this stage that the first systemic symptoms are experienced by the patient. These symptoms might include fever, night sweats, abdominal distension, unexplained weight loss and occasionally anemia i.e. chronic fatigue, tiredness and pale skin, although the exact symptoms will depend on the area that the migrating cells invade.
Often it is at this stage that the patient first visits the doctor and a provisional diagnosis is made. A number of medical tests are required to confirm the diagnosis and these tests will not only provide information regarding the exact type of lymphoma that is present, they will also say whether the lymphoma is fast or slow growing and what stage it has reached.
Unfortunately, many cases of slow growing lymphoma have reached a late stage by the time they are detected and diagnosed. This means they have spread to numerous areas of the body and so are a lot more difficult to treat effectively. There will also be a lot more cancer cells then the body can easily cope with and they may have infiltrated areas that are incredibly hard to treat such as the liver and bone marrow. For this reason it is important to consult a doctor whenever swelling of the lymph glands is noticed or any of the other lymphoma symptoms mentioned above are experienced. It is highly likely that the swelling and symptoms are caused by a minor illness however it is well worth finding this out as early as possible.

For more information and resources on hodgkin's and non-hodgkin's lymphoma, other types, symptoms of lymphoma, treatment, the stages of lymphoma, medication, research, solutions and facts, visit Jeremy Parker's comprehensive reference guide on lymphoma. Also get your free copy of the "Lymphoma Information Guide" report at http://www.LymphomaResources.com

A Short Classification Of Leukemia Cells

2009-06-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

In the bone marrow are produced the leukemia cells which are abnormal and immature.These cells are classified in two types:lymphoid leukemia cells and myeloid leukemia cells.The abnormal, immature cells called leukemia cells are produced by blood-forming tissue and these are named after the lymphoid or myeloid cells.
It is better to know about the normal blood cells and about the form of these.So,in the bone marrow,which is the soft material in the center of most bones, are formed the blood cells.The immature blood cells called stem cells and blasts are produced by the marrow.
These blood cells become mature,they can be formed into one of three types of mature blood cells like:red blood that carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body,white blood cells that fight infection and disease,platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form.
One of two types of stem cells are created by mature blood cells like lymphoid stem cells or myeloid stem cells.As they grow they become lymphoid blasts, they transform in lymphocytes and then passes into white blood cells.In the same way myeloid cells grow,passes into myeloid blasts, then myelocytes and finally they become either white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets.
Abnormal cells are produced in the bone marrow and they can be either abnormal lymphoid cells or myeloid cells;appears only at people with leukemia.Lymphocytic leukemia is formed by the abnormal lymphoid cells and the myeloid leukemia is created by the abnormal myeloid cells.The types of leukemia based on the leukemia cells are four and they are the following:chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL),chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML),acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Too many stem cells develops into either abnormal lymphoblasts or lynphocytes conduct to the appearance of lymphoid leukemia cells.Unfortunatelly lymphoblastic and lymphocytic are not abble to fight infection because of the number of lymphocytes arrises in the blood and bone marrow,there is less space for healty white blood cells,red blood cells and platelets, which can cause infection anemia and easy bleeding.
At people with leukemia there are three types of lymphocytes they became abnormal:B lymphocytes that make antibodies to help fight infection,T lymphocytes that help B lymphocytes make the antibodies that help fight infection and natural killer cells that attack cancer cells and viruses.It is important for as to know the classification of these cells and their role.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children

2009-06-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Cancer in any of its forms is known to the society as a condition of adults or elder persons; still it can occur at any age even during the care-free childhood period. Children diagnosed with cancer must rapidly grow up and learn hoe to face the illness as well as their parents that will have to be able to care for them.
The most common form of malignant tumors in children is the acute lymphocyte Leukemia and it is known to affect about 2500 pediatric patients every year. The acute forms of Leukemia develop rapidly and spread to the entire body in just a few months if left untreated. Knowing how to recognize the disease seems to be most important as Leukemia can lead to death in a very short time if not treated properly.
Leukemia develops inside the bone marrow and spreads to the lymph nodes, liver, spleen and nervous system. Cancerous marrow cells produce abnormal blood cells; insufficient or inefficient red blood cells lead to anemia, a low number of white blood cells leaves the body helpless to infections, and decreased number of platelets caused bruising and bleedings. General symptoms like headaches, weakness or vomiting also occur when the cancer reaches other main organs.
No way of prevention is known to us today as leukemia cannot be linked to any lifestyle factors. A good life expectation can only be reached if a doctor is seen immediately when symptoms occur and a proper treatment is quickly administered.
The most specific diagnose is the bone marrow biopsy when a small amount of marrow is extracted from the thighbone with a needle. The microscopic examination of the tissue can establish the presence of cancerous cells inside the bone marrow. Further analysis includes blood tests for searching changes in number and function of the three vital blood cells. In Leukemia a risen number of white cells are found together with a decreased number of red ones. Through the blood tests certain diagnose of the particular form of blood cancer can be established.
Cancer cells are dangerous as they divide very quickly and an efficient primer treatment with chemotherapy must stop their multiplication. More types of chemotherapeutics are required to kill all cancerous cells as Leukemia is known to spread very rapidly throughout the whole body. The drug therapy is a long-lasting process and can produce several side-effects such as hair loss, infections, tiredness, nausea, anorexia and vomiting.
New ways of therapy are searched that should only affect the cancerous cells unlike conventional drugs. The stem cells transplantation targeting to replace the lost marrow working cellularity seems to give hopeful results.
Blood cancer can reoccur and therefore a treatment with stem cells can give more effective results. If Leukemia cannot be treated, doctors try ways of making the patient’s life with cancer easier by relieving the symptoms. About 85% of the children that have survived 5 years without cancer reoccurring are considered to have been cured.

General aspects of Mantle Cell Lymphoma

2009-06-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) takes part to a group of cancers which affect the lymphatic system. This diseases are known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The immune system is a part of the lymphatic system. It's role is to protect the body against agents that can determine infection and disease. It is represented by a network of tubular channels called lymph vessels that drain a fluid with a watery aspect known as lymph. Lymph is drained from different areas of the body into the bloodstream. It accumulates in the tiny spaces between tissue cells and contains proteins, fats, and certain white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Lymph circulates through the lymphatic system and it is filtered by small structures called lymph nodes. This filtering helps to remove microorganisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, etc.) and other foreign bodies that can affect the human body. The lymph nodes are organized in groups and they are located throughout the body, including the neck, under the arms, at the elbows, and in the chest, abdomen, and groin. In the lymphatic nodes are stored the white blood cells called lymphocytes. They may also be found in other lymphatic tissues. The lymphatic system includes mot only the lymphatic nodes, but also the spleen and the tonsils. The role of the spleen is to filter worn-out red blood cells and produces lymphocytes. The tonsils helps to fight infection too. Lymphatic tissues also include the thymus. It is a relatively small organ located behind the breastbone. It is thought to play an important role in the immune system until puberty. Another important role in the immune system is played by the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside the cavities of bones. The bone marrow produces blood cells. Lymphatic tissue and circulating lymphocytes can also be found in other regions of the body, such as the skin, small intestine, liver, and other organs. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytess. The B- lymphocytes produces specific antibodies in order to destroy certain invading microorganisms The T-lymphocytes destroy directly the microorganisms or helps the activities of other lymphocytes.
The cause of Mantle cell lymphoma and of the other cancers of the lymphatic system called lymphomas is represented by the errors that can occur in the production of a lymphocyte. This kind of errors determine the lymphocyte to transform into a malignant cell. If there is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth and multiplication of malignant lymphocytes it may lead to the enlargement of a lymph node region or even regions. The malignant process can involve the spleen and bone marrow and spread to other tissues and organs. The results of the malignant proliferation are specific complications that threaten the life of the patient.. The symptoms and physical findings are different from case to case. They depend on the extent and region or regions involved and on different other factors.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are considered to be lymphomas caused by abnormal B-lymphocytes and or derived from abnormal T-lymphocytes. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B-cell lymphoma that develops from malignant B-lymphocytes which can be observed in a region of the lymph node called the mantle zone. The Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma may also be described considering certain characteristics of the cancer cells which can be seen under a microscope. it is very important how rapid is their tendance to grow and spread. Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma can be considered a low- grade lymphoma The malignant cells tend to grow and spread slowly. There are few associated symptoms. There are also "intermediate-" or "high-grade" lymphomas in which the malignant cells grow rapidly. This forms require prompt treatment. Experts have classified MCL as an aggressive lymphoma, even if there are some aspects of indolent lymphoma.
According to various studies MCL affects men over the age of 50 years. Many affected patients have widespread disease at diagnosis, with involved regions including multiple lymph nodes, the spleen, and sometimes the bone marrow, the liver, and even regions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Decisions Upon Leukemia Treatment

2009-06-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

Very often persons without any disease symptoms whatsoever are diagnosed with chronic myeloid Leukemia during a routine blood testing. Unlike the acute forms of Leukemia, the chronic form develops an increased number of white blood cells which can still work normally in spite of their high rate of division. This aspect is responsible of the mild onset of the disease but the negative impact is due to the impossible stopping of the white cell production.
The most effective treatment in these cases is a bone marrow transplant that still implicates risks that make it inaccessible to many of the Leukemia patients. A series of other different therapy methods are available that mostly implicate high challenges in deciding upon the right one.
The increased production of immunity white blood cells is caused by an abnormal chromosome called Philadelphia that allows the bone marrow to produce irregular cells with a very rapid multiplication rate inside the bloodstream. Most of the chronic myeloid patients are taken by surprise by diagnose as they have no clinical manifestations.
The actual development of the disease is mostly unknown but physicians usually use the number of white blood cells to predict the further course of the Leukemia; a further identification of abnormal cells inside the bone marrow has a negative prognosis. Another important clinical sign is the increase of some organ’s size (especially spleen) due to an accumulation of white cells inside their tissues.
The most efficient treatment is the injection of healthy cells from a compatible donor inside the bone marrow. It has the highest chances of curing the patients but also the most many side-effects. The second therapy method is the targeted therapy with Gleevec but its curative potential is not yet well established as it has been available only since 2001. A treatment way with benefic results until this time is the immune sustaining Interferon. Other possible cures are in course of development but are not yet approved.
Patients requesting a treatment for Leukemia always expect to be cured after the therapy. The most efficient treatment is the bone marrow transplant with also the most high risks and side-effects. Other possible cures are still in process of experimentation and their capacity to provide a definitive cure is unknown. A series of years are required to determine their exact benefit.
A patient choosing to undergo a bone marrow transplant must be matched with an available donor and take a cure with immuno depressives who may cause a series of infections due to the decreased capacity of defense of the organism. A patient must be well informed about the risk and the cure statistics before choosing to suffer a transplant. This therapy is the most appropriate for young patients but is not recommended for elder persons with other pathological conditions.

Living With Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma And Fighting Depression

2009-06-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

When living with non-Hodgkins lymphoma there are many ups and downs, mentally, physically, and spiritually on the road to surviving cancer. Here are a few of the do's and don'ts that I've learned as time went on during and after my non-Hodgkins lymphoma diagnosis. If they helped me become a cancer survivor, intact, beating the odds, why couldn't they help you? So here they are...
DO make sure you know and understand what your protocol is about while living with cancer, whether it's non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or any other type of cancer, to help maintain a level of control and reduce depression on your road to becoming a cancer survivor.
DON'T assume someone will stay on top of your protocol for you. Even doctors make mistakes from time to time!
DO take medications that are intended to help cure you of cancer EXACTLY when scheduled. Sometimes depression can be medically induced, so be proactive, be on the offensive while battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
DON'T be careless when it comes to taking medications intended to aid in your end goal - surviving cancer. Missing a dose and doubling up the next time scheduled, or not taking it at all could take a major toll on your odds of surviving non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or any other cancer for that matter. That's depressing!
DO make sure you stay focused on what is right with your life while living with cancer, even in the midst of the non-Hodgkins diagnosis, and throughout the protocol. Optimism, positive thinking, love, and humor all help to lessen depression, and make all the difference in the world when working toward becoming a cancer survivor.
DON'T dwell on the misery, the unknown, and the "I should have(s)" in life. Actually, all the word "should" does is induce guilt, whether living with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or otherwise. Moreover, being negative while living with cancer is draining, both physically and mentally. And shutting loved ones out of your life during such a difficult time could be lonely and depressing!
DO make sure you get up in the morning, take a shower, get dressed, and if possible try to get some fresh air to help prevent depression. And remember, beauty comes from the inside out. People who truly care about you do not love you for your hair; they love you for the whole person you are. Cancer, including non-Hodgkins lymphoma, does not have the power to take away true love.
DON'T stay in your pajamas and robe all day. When you look good you feel good. And when you look happy, confident, and optimistic about your life, you look good... not depressed!
DO get busy LIVING when diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Face it head on! Deal with it in the best way you know how, keeping in mind that it's always a good idea to ask for help whenever you feel depressed. Always remember to take another step onward, and with a smile. You CAN THRIVE while living with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or any other type of cancer. Surround yourself with positive people and positive feelings. By doing so positive energy will come your way. You CAN be happy living with cancer. The choice is yours!
DON'T wait for the non-Hodgkins lymphoma protocol to end before you start living life once again. Do not let a cancer diagnosis or depression keep you from moving forward. Your dreams and goals may have to be reprioritized; nevertheless, keep your eye on your goal - surviving cancer. Don't choose misery over happiness! If you allow misery to take over than there will be many great experiences you might have missed, and remarkable people you could have had the chance to meet. Time doesn't stand still while you're living with cancer, why should you??!! Do not give non-Hodgkins lymphoma the power to keep you from living your life to its fullest!

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Marriage, and Children - It Was Meant To Be

2009-06-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Once diagnosed at age twenty-five with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, I was certain my love life would be on the back burner during my two and half year protocol. Living life as a cancer survivor and hoping one day marriage and children may be a part of my future seemed more like a fantasy than a reality.
I found myself going out on one or two dates with someone and end what could have been a potential relationship on purpose. What if he found out I was stigmatized with cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and ran for cover? How would I feel? How devastated would I be? Could I handle that kind of rejection based on my medical situation and physical appearance? Marriage? Children? These questions were far from superficial and barraged my mind. They were real, right down to the core. It was the fear of rejection, humiliation, and thoughts of what gentleman would want a girlfriend bald, gray, and going for cancer treatments?
I had a great wig and with some make-up no one was able to tell I was struggling to survivor cancer. I was twenty-five years young going to the bars, parties, and any and every other social function imaginable. The cancer didn't stop me there. It just kept me from entering into a relationship; actually it was me who kept me from entering into a relationship. During that time, I gave the cancer way too much power. Until I met Ronnie. I never would have expected that within nine months, post the non-Hodgkins lymphoma diagnosis, love was about to bloom and change my life completely. Yes, it was meant to be.
When Ronnie first asked me out on a date I was extremely apprehensive. He wanted me to let go of feelings of insecurity that I allowed to control me as I was on the path toward surviving cancer. He saw how I managed my cancer diagnoses, and was inspired by watching as I was capable of maintaining a smile on my face every time he saw me. I was relieved by his reaction; nevertheless, at that time, I couldn't bring myself to get past the vulnerable state. As a result, I refused to go out with him, thinking I was doing him a favor. Mentally and emotionally I still had my love life on hold. That went on for about six months; however, during that time we became the best of friends. We went to the movies together, out to eat, golfing, just enjoying each others company.
Regardless of the non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Ronnie remained persistent and helped me to see that I deserved to be happy in every aspect of my life.
He knew I wanted to be with him, just as he wanted to be with me. It was so surreal that someone like him would accept me as a girlfriend, hairless and with a blotchy gray complexion. He gave me the confidence to be secure with our relationship as it progressed further, finally culminating into true love. He became my rock and never asked for anything in return-just my health and happiness. We married on our four year anniversary, and sixteen months later we had our first of three *miracle* children.
We feel just as strongly about our relationship, if not stronger than before. We were given the opportunity to have children - something the doctors were certain would never happen. The cancer protocol was supposed to put my twenty-five-year-old body into menopause. The love and appreciation I have for my husband and children will never be taken for granted, not after living with cancer. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Marriage and Children ~ it was all meant to be.

Blood Cancer - Causes and Treatment

2009-06-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Blood is a part of the body. Blood has different components sch as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. The red blood cells (RBC), platelets also called monocytes because it is belong to the "myeloid" group and other white blood cells belong to the "lymphoid" group. Lymphoid cells are affected. Disease progresses quickly. This is most common among children. Blood cancer or Leukemia is actually a group of diseases, each of which impede with the normal functioning of blood cells and progressively weaken the system. Leukemia is classified as either Acute or Chronic. Blood and urine samples may also be tested for various substances, called tumor markers, which may indicate cancer.
Causes
A weakened immune system - this may be a result of drugs that suppress the immune system (such as those used for organ transplants), high doses of radiation (such as in radiotherapy for another cancer), or diseases that affect the immune system (such as HIV).
Contact with a chemical called benzene, one of the chemicals in petrol and a solvent used in the rubber and plastics industry.
Genetic disorders like Fanconi anemia, Schwachman-Diamond syndrome and Down syndrome.
Treatment
In radio immunotherapy, an immunotoxin--a hybrid molecule formed by coupling an antibody molecule to a toxin--is injected into the patient. The antibody locks onto a signature protein the cancerous cells express and delivers the toxic dose to the cancer cells. Because the treatment is precision-guided, adverse effects to the rest of the body are minimized. Preliminary results with the new drug are extremely promising--completely eradicating the human cancer cells grafted to mice.
Your doctor may prescribe medications, sometimes called "growth factors," that encourage your body to produce more blood cells. Medications are also used to prevent low blood cell counts in people who have a high probability of experiencing complications of cancer treatment. Medications have benefits and risks, so talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of drugs used to boost blood cell counts.
Most people feel confused and overwhelmed when they are told they have leukaemia. It's a very distressing time both for them and their families. An important part of cancer treatment is learning how to talk about how you are feeling, and getting support with the physical and emotional symptoms you are experiencing.
For more advanced cancer, you can receive extra support, known as palliative care. Doctors and nurses based in hospitals, hospices and pain clinics specialize in providing the support you need, and can also visit you at home.
Many everyday activities put you at risk of cuts and scrapes. A low platelet count makes even minor abrasions serious. A low white blood cell count can turn a small cut into a starting point for a serious infection. Use an electric shaver rather than a razor to avoid nicks. Ask someone else to cut up food in the kitchen. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and blowing your nose.
Biological therapy uses special immune system cells and proteins to stimulate the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Biological agents such as interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, tumor necrosis factors and colony-stimulating factors are natural substances found in the body that help alter the way the immune system reacts to cancer. Researchers are now able to create reproductions of some of these biological agents in laboratories, imitating the natural immune agents. These agents are used to augment the anti-tumor immune response of the patient.

Leukemia For Twins and Stem Cells Solutions

2009-06-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Although there are no accurate data for concordance rates of leukemia in infant twins, anecdotally it seems to be exceptionally high, perhaps approaching one hundred percent that is, if one twin has it, unfortunately so will the other. If correct, this suggests that MLL gene fusion in utero has a dramatic impact, ensuring subsequent leukemia. But for children aged two to six years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the concordance rate is considerably lower at around five percent. This still represents a one hundred fold extra risk of leukemia for the twin of a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia but also indicates the need for some additional postnatal event for which there is a one in twenty chance, or ninety five percent discordance. This suggests, at a minimum, a "two hit" model for the natural course of childhood leukemia.
If this model of leukemia development is correct, then, for every child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed, there should be at least twenty healthy children who have had a chromosome translocation, a functional leukemia fusion gene, and a covert preleukaemic clone generated in utero. This possibility has been investigated by screening unselected samples of newborn cord blood for fusion genes. About six hundred samples have been screened, and around one percent have a leukemia TELAML1 fusion gene. This one percent represents a hundred times the cumulative rate or risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, indicating that the frequency of conversion of the preleukaemic clone to overt disease is low. The real bottleneck in development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia therefore seems to be a stringent requirement for a second "hit" after birth-that is, exposure and additional chromosomal or molecular abnormality.
A key issue to resolve is what exposures or events might precipitate the chromosome breaks whose improper repair initiates or promotes childhood leukemia. Given the biological diversity of leukemia, it is highly unlikely that there is a single cause. Even for a defined biological subtype of the disease, there probably is not one cause as such but a causal mechanism. As with other cancers, this is likely to involve an interaction of exposure, exogenous or endogenous, with inherent genetic susceptibility, and chance. Epidemiological evidence suggests that ionizing radiation; certain chemicals such as benzene, viruses, and bacteria may play a part in the development of some subtypes of leukemia and lymphoma in adults and children.
Whether any of these exposures have a major role in childhood leukemia is uncertain, but large scale case control molecular epidemiological studies in Britain and the United States may provide answers. The United Kingdom children's cancer study (UKCCS) seeks to address several hypotheses on different exposures, combined with definition of biological subtypes of disease and genetic studies. It and a parallel US study have already ruled out electromagnetic fields as a major factor in leukemia aetiology.
Having stem cells extracted from the cord blood at birth and stored in a cord blood bank or a stem cells bank is a way to protect your child from future diseases.
It can be very useful as it contains hematopoietic stem cells, progenitor cells. The stem cells in the cord blood are mainly used to treat blood and immune system related genetic diseases, cancers and blood disorders like diabetes or leukemia.

What is Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma?

2009-06-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is any one of several cancers of the immune system. There is no particular age at which non-Hodgkins lymphoma is most likely to occur. It can occur in people of all ages. The first symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, elevated temperature, and sudden and unexplained weight loss.
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma can generally be divided into two types: aggressive, which means fast growing; and indolent, which means slow growing. In each type, there are many different variations - far too many to discuss in this limited space.
It begins when a lymphocyte mutates and becomes abnormal. This abnormal cell then starts dividing and making copies of itself. The new mutated cells divide again and again and again. With each division, the number doubles. The abnormal cells don't die like normal cells, and they don't protect the body from infections or other diseases like normal cells either. The buildup of extra cells forms a mass of tissue called a growth or a tumor.
The risk factors associated with developing this disease are a little sketchy. Researchers do know that weakened immune systems do make people more likely to develop the disease. They also know that certain infections can increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma; AIDS and hepatitis, for example. Age also creates a greater risk for developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Most new cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
Researchers are looking into the possibility of obesity causing an increased risk getting this type of cancer, and they are also looking into how exposure to certain herbicides and other chemicals might contribute to the risk for contracting it.

Milos Pesic is a respected surgeon who specializes in treating all forms of cancer and runs a comprehensive Cancer Treatment web site. For more articles and resources on cancer symptoms and treatments, breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, prostate and colon cancer and much more, visit his site at:
=> http://cancer.need-to-know.net/

Chronic Leukemia Surgery - Manage it in India

2009-06-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

The availability of high quality resources and most experienced cancer surgeons in India makes chronic leukaemia surgery now possible in India at low risk and at very less cost. The cancer research centers in India are inventing various new surgical techniques for the treatment of cancer. New techniques invented by the cancer research center of India are according to the requirement of the cancer patients so that the cancer operation becomes risk free. The medical treatment centers for cancer surgery in India provide treatment to abroad patients at very less price as compared to the cost of abroad cancer surgery hospitals of abroad. Different cancer treatment centers for cancer surgery in India are at Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Cancer surgeries in India have produced very good success rates of cure of cancer, with cancer surgery in India, the cancer can be cured completely at very low risk as the treatment is provided to patients from most experienced cancer surgeons of India. The advancement of surgical techniques reduces the recovery time after the surgery; patients can start doing their daily routine work within fifteen days after cancer surgery in India. Because of low cost of cancer treatment and availability of experienced surgeons in India, Indian cancer treatment centers becoming more popular in abroad countries, many abroad patients gets attracted to India for low cost cancer treatment in India.
Leukemia literally means 'many white cells in the blood'. The white cells are part of the body's immune system, and there are several sub-groups of white cells that have different sorts of roles in recognizing and dealing with 'invaders' such as bacteria and viruses as well as other types of foreign protein. All of the blood cells originate in the bone marrow and leukaemia which is also known as blood cancer is a disease where the bone marrow produces large numbers of abnormal white cells. This means that the normal marrow is pushed into smaller and smaller areas. This results in fewer normal cells being produced and gives rise to some of the symptoms. It is possible to have chronic leukemia for months or even years without knowing it. The symptoms are varied, but many people notice different symptoms like tiredness, bruising easily (often without having had any blow or fall), repeated infections, enlarged lymph glands, weight loss, night sweats, fever. These are most common symptoms appear when patient suffers from chronic leukemia. The surgical procedure of chronic leukemia surgery is very complex and it requires an experienced cancer surgeon for the treatment. There are many types of leukemia, each of which is classified according to the exact cell type affected by the disease. Chronic leukemia is a slowly progressive form of leukemia and tends to involve more mature cell types. It may not need treatment immediately, but if treatment is required it is usually chemotherapy, given in the form of tablets. The cause of leukemia is not known. Older people with early stage CLL have a normal life expectancy. Treatment in the form of chemotherapy will be required for those who are unwell or who have many enlarged lymph glands, or who become significantly anaemic. Chemotherapy is usually given in the form of tablets. Other chemotherapy drugs such as fludarabine may be used in late stage disease.
Medical tourism provides very good assistance to abroad patients in provision of best cancer treatment to patients. The ultimate aim of medical tourism in India is the provision of good treatment facilities to abroad patients for which they are coming India. Medical treatment centers for chronic leukemia surgery in India are at Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Nagpur and Bangalore. Medical tourism in India provides different low cost packages to abroad patients for their treatment in India. Low cost of cancer treatment and availability of most experienced cancer surgeons in India are the other reasons because of which Indian cancer surgery hospitals are becoming center of attraction now day's. Many abroad patients are getting attracted to India for low cost chronic leukemia surgery cancer treatment in India.

Childhood Leukemia and the Help of Stem Cells

2009-06-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

The risk of any child developing leukemia is roughly about only 1 in 2000 with more or less 400 to 450 new cases a year in the United Kingdom only.
Cure rates impending seventy five percents can be achieved with combination chemotherapy, but this figure hide success rates that vary from ten to ninety percent with the different biological subtypes of the malady.
Nowadays, new insights into the underlying molecular biology of leukemia have changed our understanding of the disease. Not only are there a prospect of better treatment and the introduction of the new biologically based therapies, but, as the causes of disease are being unraveled, the possibility of prevention may not just be wishful thinking.
It has been recognized for a very long time that childhood leukemia is not one homogeneous disease. The main morphological division into acute lymphatic leukemia is supplemented by the identification of a range of subsets based on gene expression, antigens that delineate cell type or differentiation status, and chromosomal and molecular abnormalities.
There is now huge confirmation that chromosome trans location is very often the first event in infant twins with acute lymphocyte leukemia, the same breakpoints in the ML gene.
Further evidence that youth leukemia can originate before birth comes from scrutiny of neonatal blood spots or Guthrie cards. PR tests for specific fusion genes, designed for each patient, can detect as few as 1 in 20 leukemic cells in a blood spot. The presence of the same fusion gene sequence in a neonatal blood spot as is in the patient's leukemic cells at diagnosis provides unequivocal evidence that leukemia, has been initiated prenatally, probably by creation of the fusion gene itself.
If this form of leukemia progress is actually correct, it means that for every child with acute lymphocyte leukemia diagnosed, there should be at least twenty healthy children who have a chromosome trans location, a functional leukemia fusion gene, and a covert per-leukemic clone generated in-uteri.
Cord blood bank can help cure this disease thanks to the stem cells in the cord blood. The cord blood is simply the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after a baby is born and can be used because it is so rich in stem cells.
The stem cells found in cord blood restore the function of the patient's immune and blood producing systems, and is a powerful alternative to using bone marrow.

A Client, Not a Patient

2009-06-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

I won't be able to change the nomenclature of the medical profession but I refer to myself as a client, not a patient. By definition, a patient is "One who receives medical attention or treatment." The archaic meaning was "One who suffers," from the Latin verb meaning "to endure." A client on the other hand is "The party for which professional services are rendered."
Catch the nuance? A patient is the object of medical care; a client is the subject of medical services. In language as in life, an object is passive, a subject is active.
A patient complies with the experts. A client consults the experts, then follows what seems the best advice.
A patient might complain but would never contradict an authority. A client will ask questions and weigh alternatives before deciding.
A patient goes where sent and does not change doctors or clinics. A client tries to find the best physicians and facilities realistically available.
A patient asks "What?" A client asks "Why?"
Being a client takes a lot more work. I have to educate myself about my condition and treatment options. It's a daunting but doable task thanks to the Internet. There are plenty of reputable sites with reliable information the average person can understand.
Oncologists know a shipload more about lymphoma than do its sufferers, but they don't know everything. It's impossible to keep up with the ocean of new information. A dialogue with a well-informed client could suggest new possibilities to a thoughtful physician.
When I see Dr. Kurbegov, my oncologist, I'll ask if radioimmunotherapy is an option for my type of lymphoma based on an article I read in the New York Times. I'll ask about any clinical trials for which I might be a candidate, especially those sponsored by the MD Anderson Cancer Center where Dr. Kurbegov was a Chief Fellow.
I'm not trying to play doctor or impress anyone with my research skills. I'm just trying to understand my cancer and to be proactive in eradicating it. After all, it's my life.

What Are Leukemias?

2009-06-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

Leukemias are cancers of the blood and occur when there is an excess accumulation of abnormal (immature) blood cells (called blasts). Instead of maturing normally, large numbers of these blast cells turn into abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells cannot carry out the normal functions of white blood cells. They crowd the bone marrow and spill into the blood and may then spread into organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and into the cerebro spinal fluid to the brain.
In leukemia, the cells do not mature properly but continue to multiply and the bone marrow is replaced by these abnormal cells spilling over into the blood. Because the bone marrow can no longer produce sufficient normal blood cells and platelets, anemia, infections and bruising occurs.
Leukemia occurs in several forms. Some forms appear suddenly and progress rapidly over days to weeks. These are called acute leukemias. Others are less apparent and progress slowly over months to years. These are the chronic leukemias. Leukemia are also described according to the type of white blood cell which is involved; granulocytes (formed from immature cells called myeloblasts) or lymphocytes. The four main types of leukemia are:

Acute Lymphoid Leukaemia (ALL) - generally occurs in young children, but can occur in adults.
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) - usually occurs in adults, but can occur in children.
Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) - can occur at any age, but is uncommon below the age of 20 years.
Chronic Lymphoid Leukaemia (CLL) - usually occurs in older people and is rare under the age of 35 years.

Prevent Leukemia Lymphoma Cancer

2009-06-19T23:49:00.001-07:00

The leukemia lymphoma cancer at times also called as only leukemia can be categorized as disease that involves an unusual exercise and the massive build up in the number of the white blood cells in the blood or the bone marrow. It is mainly assorted in the critical or the chronic category.
Some of the most popular initial symptoms include extensive damage to the bone marrow that is owed to the upsurge of the white blood cells which precipitates into a privation of platelets, meaning that the patients of leukemia bruise very easy and bleed immoderately. Further the patients' immune system becomes feeble and the continuing deficiency of the red blood cells eventually lead to anemia. Inflated gums and tonsils, severe headaches, a magnified liver and spleen make up the other symptoms.
Despite the lack of a primary authentic cause for this disease; still the main reasons that are believed to attribute overall are viral infections, hereditary factors and several types of chemicals and radiations. Physical mutations and anemia are also the dominant contributors. Different causes need to be investigated for the discovery of prevention methods of this disease. On visibility they should be dealt with immediately in accordance with the nature of the cancer. Blood tests and white blood cells count are taken for the diagnosis.
The decision for treatment following diagnosis is made in accordance with the symptoms of the individual patients. Common treatments include induction chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and several other maintenance treatments that aim at curing the patients.
Other than that several ongoing researches regarding the criteria, causes, diagnosis and treatments are being carried out presently. The concentration of these studies is aimed at methods for both treatment and the improvement of life.

Sarfaraz was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, surrounded by traffic and technology. He writes mostly about diseases, the storybooks, futuristic columns, mysteries, as he likes to call it. He enjoys writing for web.
He wrote his first book (The Black Bodyguard of Stone-Pyramid) in 2003 and since then has provided the picture for 1 more title. His book was honored as a BEST SELLER.
Sarfaraz currently lives with his wife in Karachi near Seashore, about fifteen miles from the house where he was born.

Structure and Function of Blood and Bone Marrow

2009-06-19T23:48:00.001-07:00

Your blood circulates throughout your whole body. It supplies food, oxygen, hormones and other chemicals to all the body's cells. It also helps to remove waste products and is important in fighting infection and in controlling bleeding. Blood consists of 60% plasma (fluid) and 40% blood cells. The three most important types of cells are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Although we think of blood as a fluid, it is actually made up of both fluid and cells. These can be seen under a microscope.
Bone Marrow is the "blood cell factory" which is found filling up the cavities of bones. All blood cells originate and are produced from a single "stem cell" whose progeny grow and mature into different types of blood cells. This stem cell can and does renew itself as required by our body.
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. If you don't have enough red blood cells you have anemia.
Anemia can make you look pale and may make you feel tired, dizzy, irritable and short of breath. Red blood cells also pick up wastes on their way around the body, carrying them to the lungs to be breathed out as carbon dioxide.
White blood cells (leucocytes) are the body's infection fighters. There are three main groups of white blood cells: granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Their job is to rid your body of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, fungi and to destroy the body's dead or defective cells. If we do not have enough white blood cells we are at risk of catching all types of infections.
Platelets are small cells that prevent bleeding and makes blood clot following an injury. When a blood vessel is damaged or cut, platelets rush to the area and clump together to plug the bleeding site. If we do not have enough platelets easy bruising, nose bleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or internal bleeding from the bowel or bladder may occur.
When the body is healthy, the numbers of red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood are kept in balance.

Team in Training - What's it All About?

2009-06-19T23:44:00.001-07:00

I skipped my workout yesterday, but I had a good excuse. Seriously, I did. I skipped my workout, because I went to a Team in Training information session.
For those of you that don't know what that is, Team in Training is one of the largest training groups in the nation. They are dedicated to helping the Lymphoma and Leukemia society find a cure for blood cancers. Something that I did not know, is that the Team in Training (TNT) has donated close to $975 million to cancer research since its inception 20 years ago. In the central Texas area alone, last year TNT raised close to $1 million dollars. They're looking to raise more than that this year.
I went to the meeting, to find out more about the organization, and to find out how the whole thing works. I'm not entirely sure that I want to do the whole fundraising thing, but I wanted to know what the organization is all about. I don't know anyone with cancer (knock on wood) nor do I even understand what is involved with fundraising. I know what it takes to train for and run a marathon, the training does not concern me at all. Finding time to train, does concern me.
Here it is in a nutshell: What you, as an individual do, is join a local TNT group in your city, and fundraise. In exchange for your efforts, TNT will train you to run a marathon, a half marathon, or complete a triathlon, or whatever other event is a good fit for them and you. Here in Austin, we have a choice of events between the Phoenix Rock'n Roll marathon and the AT&T Austin Marathon.
I've never been one for giving anything to anyone. The whole concept of giving something back is foreign to me. In fact, I'm greedy and and hate sharing anything. I'm specially averse to the whole idea of fundraising, but there's something about this organization that seems different.
For one, I believe in their cause.
I don't understand cancer, and I really don't understand why the governments of the world and large corporations don't just fund anything that has to do with cancer research and finding a cure. I don't understand why it's up to us, the little people of the world, to do the big things that need to be done to make the world a better place. That's neither here nor there in the grand scheme of things, I just don't understand why individuals are left holding the bag.
Secondly, I feel like I should do something.
From a personal stand point, I am not in a great position financially. I cannot contribute any money to the cause. I simply can't help financially at this point in time.
I'm not in good shape physically either. I just measured my BMI (Body Mass Index) and I'm classified as morbidly obese. I need to do something to turn my health around. I need to get into better shape, and I feel like I need the motivation that joining this group will provide me with.
I think, that joining Team in Training will help me reach my goals of becoming more physically fit, as well as give me the opportunity to help out an organization that is worthy of help. It's a win-win all around. So, Lord willing, on August 21, I'll officially join the group and start training and fund raising for the AT&T Austin Marathon in February. May I count on your support?

Rafael is planning on completing his first trail ultra marathon before the year 2010 is out. He plans on running several shorter distance races between now and then and he also wants to lose 100 lbs of his weight along the way to accomplishing that goal.

Strategies to Counter Acute Leukemia

2009-06-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

There are several common treatments for leukemia patients.
Essentially, leukemia begins in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Because of that, this cancer can spread quickly throughout the body, eventually affecting other organs like lymph nodes, the spinal cord, the brain or spleen. When leukemia is diagnosed as acute, that means the disease is spreading rapidly.
To learn more about the different types of treatments used to treat acute leukemia, read on.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used for two purposes. The first is to actively treat and kill leukemia cancer cells in the spinal fluid and the brain. The second way in which radiation therapy is used is as a prevention method - essentially to prevent the cancer from returning to different parts of the body after chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
The main treatments for leukemia are chemotherapies. Phases of chemotherapy include induction - where the treatment is directed at killing most of the leukemia cells; consolidation - the stage when a different type of chemotherapy is given to kill off any remaining leukemia cells; and maintenance -the phase where low doses are administered to acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients to prevent recurrence.
Remission Induction
Patients who are diagnosed with AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) will typically undergo remission induction treatments which involve cytrabine and an anthracycline. Because remission induction is so intensive, it's often undergone on an in-patient basis.
Typically, a course of remission induction will only last between 5 and 7 days. However, because most of the body's healthy bone marrow cells have been destroyed over the course of the treatment, the patient must endure a lengthy hospital stay following treatment.
For acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the treatment involves a combination of anthracycline and vincristine and prednisone. This combination reduces the amount of bone marrow damage, and patients can generally expect shorter hospital stays.
Consolidation Therapy
After the initial remission induction, the patient will undergo what is called consolidation therapy. This is designed to destroy any remaining cancer cells and therefore prevent a recurrence.
Maintenance Chemotherapy
Maintenance therapy is only used on patients with ALL. The therapy is a combination of oral methotrexate and mercaptopurine along with any other necessary drugs.
Central Nervous System Treatment
Because ALL can come back in the spinal fluid or brain, some patients are treated with methotrexate, which is administered through a spinal tap or, in some cases, radiation therapy to the brain.
Transplantation of Stem Cells
Stem cell transplantation is a serious procedure, but one that is often used in younger patients with a poor prognosis. Adult patients, under the age of 50, typically undergo stem cell transplantation treatments for leukemia if their leukemia relapses.

Interesting Facts About Acute Leukemia

2009-06-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

Leukemia is also known as blood cancer. However, this term is a misnomer because rather than causing cancer in the blood, the cancer is caused in the bone marrow and it affects the white blood cells. These cells are responsible for fighting infections, bacteria and viruses that enter our body. Once the white blood cells are affected, our body gets weakened and is exposed to infections.
There are several types of leukemia and the treatment varies depending on the type. However, the two main types of leukemia are acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Chronic leukemia is considered to be milder; in other words not all the white blood cells are defective and the progress of the disease is much slower than acute leukemia.
Acute leukemia advances rapidly and all the white blood cells are not normal. However, in some cases it is easier to treat than chronic leukemia.
In the United States, each year thousands of people are diagnosed with acute leukemia. However, it has been seen that a large number of children, mostly around 4 years old, are afflicted more frequently by acute leukemia. The good news is that more and more cases are being cured and there is constant research for new medication and treatment methods.
The cause of acute leukemia is unknown. The only thing that one can say for certain is that some people are at a higher risk of getting the disease than others. People who are exposed to radiations or certain chemicals have the highest chance of contracting the disease. In addition, there is the hereditary factor. It has been seen that children receive the defective gene from their mother and this gene may lead to acute leukemia.
People who have leukemia tend to bruise easily or bleed easily from the nose and gums. In addition to weak immune system, there is a general feeling of fatigue and unexplained weight loss. The disease by itself does not have any specific symptoms.

How Safe is Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant?

2009-06-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Cancer, which was supposed to be an incurable disease, can now be cured if detected at the right time. The rapid advancement in Science and Medicine has opened wide vistas before us for the treatment of life threatening diseases including AIDS, Neurotic diseases and Genetic disorders. In many cases your doctor might suggest a Stem Cell transplant or a Bone marrow transplant as the possible solution for your disease. In this case a cord blood transplant may be a good option.
These stem cells are the blood forming cells of human body and are widely being used in transplants. These cells help in the production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Earlier there were only 2 reliable sources of Stem Cells: Bone Marrow and peripheral Blood. But recently it has been found that Umbilical Cord Blood is also good and rich source of stem cells. The waste cord and the blood contained in it were usually discarded after the birth of the baby but now it has been discovered that this cord blood is an extremely rich source of stem cells which can be readily used in transplants.
During last ten years, over 4000 umbilical cord blood transplants (UCBT) have been performed worldwide. The interest in this mode of transplant has grown drastically, as this provides easy access to an alternative for treating cancer and serious diseases. The first cord blood transplant was done in 1988 on a young cancer patient. Seeing the tremendous success of this experiment, it became a regular practice with many doctors to recommend UCBT as the solution for the treatment of a disease.
On the other hand there are some critics of UCBT who think that many complications can arise after a transplant. One of the common problems that can crop up after an Allogenic Transplant (Stem cells retrieved from cord blood of an outside donor ) is Graft Versus Host Disease or commonly known as (GVHD). The consequences of GVHD can range from mild to severe and sometimes terminating. That is why there are chances that the doctor might not approve of Cord Blood transplant.
The Reasons for Disapproval are: Many times there may not be enough blood-forming cells in the cord blood as one needs a required number of Stem Cells for a successful transplant. Secondly cord blood cells take longer to grow and produce new blood cells and till the cells engraft, the patient is at a high risk for infection. Thirdly there is no scope of getting backup cells from the same cord blood unit. However, doctors may be able to use a different cord blood unit or a backup adult donor instead.
A Cord blood transplants is as dicey as a Bone marrow or peripheral blood transplant. The risk of infection may be higher after a cord blood transplant because of the longer time to engraft. The chances of developing GVHD is however low, but the risk is still there. As every patient's Case History is different from others, if you are considering UCBT for the cure of some problem do consult the experts in this field before taking a decision.

Monica Is a veteran in the field of Writing. She loves to share her views with her readers through her articles. Please feel free to contact her at monika@emailatmobile.com

Understanding Acute Leukemia Cancer Symptoms

2009-06-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

It's unfortunate that we should have to worry about acute leukemia symptoms. After all, at some points in our history, it always looks like a disease is getting better. In this case, it is Leukemia - and many doctors say that it is something that drugs will help. However, there are still more than 30,000 Americans a year who are diagnosed with this disease. Many are diagnosed with the acute forms of Leukemia referred to as AML (Acute myelogenous leukemia) or ALL (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia).
It is very important that when an individual is diagnosed with the acute form of Leukemia, they receive treatment quickly. When they receive treatment quickly, the chances of recovery certainly improve. And, sometimes it can be put in remission; in some people it has been cured in these early stages.
Although many people may not know it, Acute Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts within the bone marrow. Doctors find that the white blood cells of those with this disease are abnormal and then they start to produce more. They continue to grow and stay in the bloodstream to crowd out the white blood cells that are healthy. When a person doesn't receive a diagnosis in time, it can spread to other areas of the body, and often will stay in the spleen and the liver.
Unfortunately, acute leukemia doesn't always have to happen. Sometimes it is caused by exposure to certain toxins, such as benzene. In fact, if this is the case, it's best to consult with an experienced attorney. Oftentimes, legal action can be taken to help those suffering because of the disease.
Acute Leukemia Symptoms
There are many symptoms of Acute Leukemia and these symptoms are different in each person. Here are a few of the symptoms:
Anemia, meaning that your iron count may be low
Headaches that are unexplained
Flu like symptoms that you can't explain - chills and fever can come with this also
Lack of appetite or weight loss that you can't explain
Petechiae, which are small red spots that show up under one's skin
Infections happen often
The stomach is painful or feels uncomfortable
As you can see, these symptoms can be due to many things and they should be checked out by a doctor to be sure as to their cause.
The Difference Between Chronic And Acute Leukemia
When someone is experiencing acute leukemia, they will have symptoms that start and seem to continue rapidly. They appear to become worse, and they may experience eye sores, muscle control loss, confusion, and even seizures. Chronic leukemia is slower, and it can be difficult to know whether the individual has leukemia or some other illness. There can be problems in the digestive track, fever, fatigue, and trouble with the kidneys.
Again, it's unfortunate that anyone should ever have to worry about acute leukemia symptoms. Cancer is a nasty disease, and in so many cases it doesn't need to occur.

Get more info on Acute Leukemia by contacting these California cancer attorneys for legal help or visit Best Life Pathways for more interesting topics.

Five Ways You Can Help Leukemia Charities and Other Cancer Related Organizations Fight Cancer

2009-06-18T03:08:00.001-07:00

When it comes to helping others affected by leukemia, you can do many things that don't involve donating money from your own pocket. Let's face it, some of us just don't have much money to donate. But don't let that deter you from helping when you desire to do so.
Here are a few ideas you can use to help leukemia charities and touch those who are affected by the disease.
1. Donate To Leukemia Charities For Research - The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are two places that you can donate money that you raise with fund raisers. It will take time and organizational skills on your part to have a successful fund raiser but the results are worth the effort. A few fund raiser ideas are:
bake sale

spaghetti dinner

sandwich sale

yard / garage sale

raffles

beaded bracelets (children will enjoy taking part)

craft sale
2. Donate Blood and/or platelets - Cancer patients undergo blood and platelet transfusions due to
the effects of chemotherapy. Donating your blood and/or platelets is a priceless gift you can give that only requires a little time.
3. Donate Hair - If your hair is long enough you can get it cut and donate it to organizations that
make wigs for cancer patients that have lost their hair due to chemotherapy. Hair loss can have
an emotional effect on cancer patients and having a wig made of real hair can help make them
feel better about their appearance.
4. Relay For Life - This is an event organized by the American Cancer Society. You can form
a team and help raise money through fund raising. Participating in the event will also show
your support for those affected by cancer. Fund raising and forming a team will again take time
and organizational skills.
5. Send Cards - Another way to touch the lives of people affected by cancer is by sending cards
to lift their spirits. There are organizations that provide the contact information to do so.
These are just a few ideas of ways you can help those affected by cancer. For more ways you can help please visit http://www.leukemia-cure.com/leukemia-charities.html.

Britt Estep is the owner and webmaster of http://www.leukemia-cure.com Since her son's leukemia diagnosis in August 2007 she has been devoted to finding a leukemia cure and helping others who are affected by the disease.

Leukemia - A Form of Cancer

2009-06-18T03:07:00.000-07:00

Leukemia is a form of cancer that develops in the bone marrow of human beings. Leukemia is usually caused by an uncontrolled production of blood cells. Those blood cells that produce at astronomical rates are the white blood cells. There are two forms of leukemia; acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia makes the bone marrow extremely crowded and prevents the bone marrow from producing healthy blood cells. This type of leukemia occurs mostly in children and long adults. In children, this is an extremely common cause of death and should be treated immediately. If not treated immediately, the malignant cells will spread to other tissues and organs throughout the body.
Chronic leukemia usually takes months or sometimes even years to develop in one's body and progress to the state of acute leukemia. Chronic leukemia is most common to occur in older adults but there is the possibility of it occurring in any age group. Once detected, treatment isn't necessarily needed immediately. Sometimes doctors will hold off on treatment to find the best way to handle the disease after they monitor its development.
There is no definitive way to prevent leukemia but avoiding such risk factors as smoking, avoiding exposure to chemicals and avoiding exposure to radiation might help prevent the development of leukemia.
Below are the symptoms of leukemia:
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Swollen tonsils
• Fever, chills, night sweats and other flu-like symptoms
• Bone pain
• Joint pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Paleness
• Weakness and fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Malaise
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Frequent infection
• Enlarged liver and spleen
• Constant headaches
For each different type of leukemia, acute and chronic, there are different types of treatments. For acute leukemia patients are treated by induction chemotherapy. Induction chemotherapy is when doctors use different medicines to bring about new bone marrow remission. Treatments also include eliminating any remaining leukemia cells; which is called consolidation therapy. There is also preventative therapy. Preventative therapy is the process of preventing the cancer from spreading to the brain and the nervous system. If the patient is not responding to any of these treatments then doctors will recommend a bone marrow transplantation procedure. Many cases of acute leukemia can be cured and some of them might not be cured.
For chronic leukemia there is no definite cure. Most treatments are combined with chemotherapy and medicinal shots of prednisone and prednisolone. Despite the lack of a cure for chronic leukemia, these cases can be controlled for long periods of time without any setbacks.
There are four factors in determining how well the body will respond to leukemia treatment. Those four factors are the age of the patient, the percentages of leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow, the degree to which specific systems of the body are affected by the leukemia and if there are any chromosome abnormalities in the leukemia cells.
Leukemia patients can seek counseling and support groups through the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

Cancer in Your Family - How to Talk to a Family Member Who Has Been Diagnosed With Leukemia

2009-06-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

Having cancer is a life changing event that is extremely difficult to overcome. When one of your children is diagnosed with cancer, it can almost kill you to know that there is not much you can do.
I am a cancer survivor, and I know that is was very hard for my family to see how sick I was. Now my stepdaughter has been diagnosed with leukemia, and it was like being kicked in the stomach when I heard the news. It has just been a few days since we found out, so I am still in shock from it all.
When you are dealing with someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer or any other life-threatening disease, be careful what you say to them. It is so hard to find just the right words, so sometimes it is best not to say too much right away. I was tempted to say something to her about not having to worry, because we would find a way to make it all go away, but I know that is not true. I wanted to tell her that we would go to every hospital and spend as much money as it would take to get her well, but that is not the reality of the situation.
So for now she knows that her family loves and supports her, and that she will have the choice of what kind of treatment she gets, and which doctors and hospitals she will go to. This gives her the respect that she deserves and the ability to have control over something that she really has no control over at all. That is the least we can do.
Also, we will not start treating her any differently. There will be no meals delivered, laundry done, or offers to baby sit with the children. That would be insulting and insinuate that she is no longer able to care for her own family. She is still working and wants to be independent. That is the word she used when she told us.
My stepdaughter is a nurse, so she knows what to expect. The rest of us will wait to see what she wants to share with us and wait until she asks before offering any help, whether that be emotional or financial in nature. Just knowing that we are there for her, respecting her decisions in all of this, is the most loving way that we can be there for her during this difficult time in her young life.

Connie Ragen Green is an author and speaker and internet marketing trainer. She gives free weekly teleseminars that will teach you how to write, market, and sell your articles and ebook to increase your visibility, credibility and passive income. Visit http://www.EbookWritingandMarketingSecrets.com and also learn the technology needed to run an online business.

Background of Leukemia

2009-06-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Cancer hits many families and many people at all ages of life. It is a devastating diagnosis for the patient and friends and family. Leukemia is a form of cancer where immune cells proliferate without normal regression after disease has been terminated. It is named for the "milky" coloration of blood from the high count of white blood cells. Leukemia often hits children and symptoms can be disregarded and not properly diagnosed if not treated immediately.
Leukemia is actually a broad medical term. Leukemia cancer is separated into two, more defined forms named chronic leukemia and acute leukemia. Acute leukemia cancer tends to afflict children and young adults. Its proliferation of bone marrow cells inhibits bone marrow to make properly healthy cells. It is an extremely dangerous form of cancer since malignant cells are readily available to the blood stream to transport to other organs.
Chronic leukemia cancer is better known for the abnormal proliferation of mature white blood cells. When your body is faced with disease, white blood cells divide rapidly to quickly eliminate intruding microbes. A normal immune system will later destroy the excess white blood cells, however with leukemia they continue to proliferate. Chronic leukemia mostly afflicts older adults, and therapy is monitored through typical, regular doctor appointments.
The abnormal response from immune cells in cancer patients of leukemia will eventually suppress the immune system giving rise to symptoms of the disease. One life threatening side effect of abnormally high white blood cells is the lowered amount of red blood cells which carry oxygen to the body. The low red blood cell count causes anemia in leukemia patients. Other typical reactions include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and sweats. Fatigue and lethargy are often acquired. For acute symptoms, bone pain, joint pain, and severe paleness are shown in patients.
Some leukemia patients do not even show signs of high white blood cells in diagnosis tests. A rare form called aleukemia exists where test results can return as normal, however the patient still possesses abnormal growths of bone marrow tissue.
Theories as to the causes of leukemia cancer are thought to arise from mutated DNA in somatic cells. The DNA mutations inhibit natural cell death, division, and proliferation. These mutations are thought to be the result of exposure to radiation or other carcinogens.
Viruses can also account for certain samples of leukemia in patients. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or human T-lymphotropic virus are thought to carry with them a form of leukemia.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with leukemia, there are some common treatments to expect. Chemotherapy is probably the most common form of anti-cancerous treatment. Chemotherapy is used in most forms of cancer as an efficient way to kill cancer cells. Interferon treatment is a new, less traumatic form of therapy. It stimulates the immune system to fight off the disease. Other forms of treatments are marrow transplants and radiation treatment. Transplants will replenish bone marrow with healthy cells while radiation will target harmful cancer cells for elimination.

Leukemia - What Are the Causes, Symptoms and Treatments?Leukemia - What Are the Causes, Symptoms and Treatments?

2009-06-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Leukemia is cancer of your body's blood-forming tissues, including your bone marrow and lymphatic system. The 3 main forms of the disease are;
1. Acute Leukemia which is a malignant proliferation of white blood cell blasts in bone marrow or lymph tissue.
2. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia also known as granulocytic leukemia.
3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia which is common in the elderly and accounts for about 25% of all new leukemia cases.
Acute leukemia accounts for about 20% of leukemias, it's most common forms are:
1. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
2. Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML)
3. Acute monoblastic leukemia ( Schilling's type )
Incidence of Acute Leukemia
Leukemia can occur at any age, acute forms of leukemia can occur in children and young adults and in fact in this age group it is the most common form of cancer. It is more common in females than in males, in whites ( especially those of Jewish extraction ) and in urban and industrialized populations.
Risk Factors
Several congenital conditions may increase the risk of leukemia; the most common is probably Down syndrome, which is associated with a 10 to 18 fold increase in the risk of AML.
In general, nonidentical twins and other siblings of children with leukemia have two to four times the average risk of developing the disease. Also, children who have received prior radiation or chemotherapy for other types of cancer have a higher risk of contracting leukemia.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of acute leukemia may include; high fever, abnormal bleeding, easy bruising and prolonged menses. Sometimes the onset of symptoms is more gradual with low grade fever, weakness, chills, recurrent infections or lassitude, lasting for days or months before visual symptoms occur.
In addition, all AML, ALL and Schilling's type leukemias may cause anemia, fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations and abdominal or bone pain. Specific AML symptoms include, local infections such as laryngitis, joint pain and abdominal fullness. Specific ALL symptoms include, night sweats, anorexia, weight loss and shortness of breath.
Leukemia that has spread to the brain may produce central nervous system effects, such as headaches, seizures, weakness, blurred vision, balance difficulties, or vomiting. Leukemia cells may spread to the gums, causing swelling, pain, and bleeding.
Causes of Leukemia
Current research points to a combination of viruses, genetic factors, and exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation.
Treatment
Medically leukemia is treated mainly with chemotherapy, although radiotherapy and biological therapy can be used in certain subtypes of leukemia.
Nutritional supplements offer help support the healthy function of the immune system, and in particular, the white blood cells in leukemia patients. In addition, some nutritional supplements are able to kill leukemia cells.
Prognosis for Acute Leukemia
Untreated, acute leukemia is usually fatal, often because of complications that result from leukemic cells infiltrating into the bone marrow or vital body organs.
With treatment prognosis varies, survival rates in leukemia have risen dramatically in the last 40 years with improvements in diagnosis and treatment. Children between 2 and 8 have the best survival rate (around 50%) but overall, treatment does induce remission in about 90% of cases.

Blood Cancer - Acute Leukemia - Type of Blood Cancer

2009-06-14T01:56:00.000-07:00

Blood has several components like-red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma -and the cells of the blood are produced at the bone marrow. When the cells of the blood grow abnormally, it is called blood cancer or leukaemia. The whole system of production of blood cells is a controlled activity and when cancer occurs in the bone marrow, it affects the process of regulation of cell production. The abnormal growth of the blood cells weakens the body's defence mechanism. There are two types of blood cancer-acute leukaemia and chronic leukaemia.
Acute leukemia:
Acute leukemia is a type of blood cancer in which the cells develop rapidly. The immature white blood cells gather in and consequently enter the other different parts of the body. Depending on the affection of white blood cell type, in clinical terms acute leukaemia is called either acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The symptoms of acute leukaemia are
Generalized weakness and fatigue (this may be due to anaemia)
Fever
Weight loss
Frequent infections
Excessive bruising
Bleeding (of the gums or nose)
Blood in the urine or stools
Pain in the bones and joints
Breathlessness (can be due to anaemia)
Enlarged lymph glands, liver and/or spleen.
Chronic leukemia:
In chronic leukemia, the white blood cells of cancer develop slowly than acute leukaemia and they gradually could not do their function well. An increased number of lymphocytes, which make up one of the main sub-groups of white cells in the blood, are seen in chronic leukaemia. This blood cancer has a slow process of development of cancer cells. Depending on the affection of white blood cells, chronic leukaemia is called either chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The peak age for CLL is 65 and it is rare in people under the age of 45.
The following signs may oocur due to chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL):
Abdominal discomfort (this could be the result of an enlarged spleen)
Infections caused by not having enough healthy white blood cells
Fever
Night sweats
Swollen lymph glands
Bone pain
Weight loss
Headaches and vision problems
Tiredness
Anaemia
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What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

2009-06-14T01:53:00.001-07:00

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that may be caused by long term or intense exposure to benzene. This group of cancers is fairly rare and is derived from lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. The many subtypes of this cancer are mostly categorized by their aggressiveness and speed of progress. The not so aggressive (slow-growing) form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will change a person's life for a long period of time whereas the more aggressive (fast-growing) type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be fatal.
A British physician, Thomas Hodgkin, found and defined the first form of lymphoma in 1832. Later, a pathologist, Henry Rappaport, proposed The Rappaport classification which became the accepted classification of lymphomas other than Hodgkin's.
Lymphoma Linked with Benzene Exposure
Scientists have linked exposure to benzene with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is known that benzene is derived from vehicle exhaust emissions. Benzene is also frequently used in pesticides, drugs, and rubbers. Many people who have been around the chemical benzene have developed some type of leukemia. Having these cancers have altered their lives tremendously and have even been fatal.
Some Known Symptoms linked to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
There are a variety of symptoms that have been linked to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma:
* Unintentional weight loss
* Severe itchiness
* Nighttime sweats
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Swelling in the abdominal region
* Pain in the chest area
If you or someone you know has been exposed to benzene you will want to contact an attorney who has experience with benzene cases. This will insure that you receive the legal advice and guidance you need and deserve.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at his website, Burke-Eisner.com

Cord Blood Stem Cells Save Life of Leukemia Patient

2009-06-14T01:52:00.000-07:00

Most people familiar with Leukemia know that a bone marrow transplant is the final option to cure the Leukemia. A Leukemia patient must find a matching donor so their body does not reject the stem cells taken from the bone marrow of the donor. Usually the matching donor is of the same race or descent as the patient. A German usually matches with perhaps an American of German descent. Or a Chinese American might match with a Chinese donor and so on.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of matching donors in minority patients. Therefore, if an end stage Leukemia patient is unable to find a matching donor, the result could be death. This is especially true in the African American community. About 8% of donors in the Bone Marrow Registry are African Americans. Up to 80% of African American patients in need of a bone marrow transplant are unable to find a match.
Such was the case of Courtney Parham, a young African American woman who was diagnosed with Leukemia just after graduating from high school. She was in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant to save her life. But like most African American patients could not find a matching donor. Faced with death, Courtney's doctors decided on the much less known Cord Blood Stem Cell transplant. Courtney would be implanted with Adult Stem Cells taken from a baby's umbilical cord.
To make a long story short, the Adult Stem Cells did the trick. Courtney is now cured of her Leukemia and now attending college. Since her life-altering experience with Leukemia, she has become an advocate of registering and donating bone marrow.
This is a story on why donors are so important. It is very simple for the donor to save a life. Potential donors can go to the website marrow.org and find more information on how to register. The national bone marrow is actively encouraging donors from minorities as there is currently a severe shortage. Parents of newborn babies can also donate their cord blood (or store it in case they need it). This cord blood can be used to help patients such as Courtney, patients who are given a second chance at life due to a simple donation.

The Repair Stem Cell Institute is a public-service company formed to educate, teach, and help patients with chronic diseases and conditions to find qualified doctors who provide Adult Stem Cell therapy to improve the patient's quality of life.
The Repair Stem Cell Institute website http://www.repairstemcells.org has a list of diseases and injuries that are now being treated with adult stem cells. The site also tells the reader where and how to seek out that particular stem cell treatment.
Adult Stem Cells (AKA Repair Stem Cells) can now help more than 100 diseases and conditions. The Repair Stem Cell Institute provides the latest up to date information on these adult stem cell treatments.
Don Margolis, the founder of the Repair Stem Cell Institute also keeps a blog which he updates almost daily. His blog http://www.donmargolis.com contains the latest successful Adult Stem Cell stories and discoveries.

Healing Beets and Leukemia

2009-06-13T06:11:00.001-07:00

One of my co-workers was diagnosed seven years ago with leukemia. His prognosis was not very good; he was told he had about 6-12 months to live. His physicians informed him of the importance of chemotherapy treatment, which he refused to their surprise.
The patient decided to seek alternative methods of treatment. He researched the effects of diet comprised of raw fruits and vegetables. In his research, he came across a scientific study done at a nearby village of Chernobyl. The majority of the population located near the nuclear plant explosion had been diagnosed with some form of cancer. However, this one village had very few incidences of cancer. It was later concluded that the people's diet at this nearby village consisted primary of raw/cooked beets. The research scientists hypothesized that eating those cooked beets contributed to the majority of cancer-free population at this nearby village of Chernobyl.
Despite the advice of his physicians, my colleague thus began a strict diet consisting primarily of raw fruits, vegetables, especially beets, and fresh-squeezed juices. His prognosis was getting better. He made it through the first 6 months. Although his physicians warned he may have a relapse, he continued with the diet. Seven years have passed and my co-worker is still with us today.
The medicinal value of beets was used by such well-known doctors of the distant past as Avicenna, Hypocrite, Galen and Paracelsus. Doctors of Ancient Greece used beet juice to cure fevers, anemia, and diseases of the digestive and lymphatic systems.
Copyright © Rachel Madorsky

http://www.rachelmadorsky.com
Rachel Madorsky authored several books including, "Symphony of Your Karma" and "Create Your Own Destiny." Rachel's books offer profound insights into the power of natural and spiritual healing and are filled with inspiring stories of people who have benefited from her compassion and gifts. In these books, the reader gains an insight into the power of natural and spiritual healing from a science-oriented practitioner. The fundamental basis of her conclusions is personal experiences and informal experiments.

Oprah's Acai Berry For Cancer - Top Health and Natural Benefits to Help Leukemia and Other Ailments

2009-06-13T06:10:00.001-07:00

There is no known cure for cancer yet but in efforts to find a cure, a hope for one was found. In a recent study conducted by the researchers of University of Florida, it was discovered that 86% of the laboratory-cultured cancer cells self-destructed when administered with acai berry extracts. This is among the first studies which aimed to analyze the fruit's potency in countering the development and effects of cancer cells. However, this in-vitro study is limited only to leukemia cells. Apart from this, nothing else is known in the relationship between acai berry and cancer.
The results of the study were promising. However, it should be clearly emphasized that the compounds extracted from the acai berry are not sufficient to provide a cure yet.
Instead, they only showed that leukemia cells can be triggered to initiate self-destruction. Nonetheless, most compounds tested in laboratory settings often demonstrate desirable results when tested on actual human bodies. It should also be noted that the same experiment was conducted with other fruits that have certain antioxidants. Most of these fruits have shown remarkable effects.
As of the moment, it is unclear whether or not the same result will happen to cancer cells in the body when introduced with the extracts because there are several factors that may impede the same effect such as biochemical processes. But this problem will be soon answered because the same team of researchers is currently looking into the response of cancer cells towards acai berry compounds on human trials.
Acai berry may not be the cure for cancer but hopes are high and the possibilities are encouraging. Further discoveries on the effects of it on cancer cells are still in the open. Maybe in time, more conclusive evidences regarding the link between Oprah's acai berry and cancer may be found.

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Acai Berry is the #1 "Super Food" because it has so many different elements that help your body, so you can't go wrong with Acai Berries & Colon Cleansing.

Oprah's Acai Berry For Cancer - Top Health and Natural Benefits to Help Leukemia and Other Ailments

2009-06-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Living With Cancer? The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is Improving Lives and Giving Hope

2009-06-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) strongly supports finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, while improving the lives of those living with cancer. As a cancer survivor, I know firsthand how difficult living with cancer can be. I have personally benefited from the many patient services the LLS offers, such as, support groups, financial support, information on the latest news in treatment, free materials, and patient education programs.
The LLS has helped make my first year going through this life changing event, a little less challenging. I have been able to take part in a monthly support group and be among others going through the same thing, sort through my feelings, and learn coping techniques like guided imagery, and art therapy. I receive financial support to help with my on-going additional medical expenses. I have found the LLS website to be an outstanding resource with a multitude of valuable information and resources. And I have been fortunate enough to take part in a patient education program on employee work related issues and understanding your rights, along with, a cooking class on eating healthy.
The greatest benefit for me would be a chemotherapy drug I take called, Gleevec. It is a targeted drug that I take orally on a daily basis. It is specifically for those with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and has had remarkable success in achieving remission for many patients. This treatment would not have been possible without the LLS's support of research towards creating new drugs for leukemia and related diseases.
In addition to all of the benefits I've received from the LLS, they've made it possible for me to give back to the community. Earlier this year, I was featured in a newspaper article where I was given the opportunity to share my diagnosis, treatment, and outlook on life, with hopes of being able to help someone else newly diagnosed. I was also asked to take part in a special project sponsored in part by the James Cancer Hospital and The Ohio State University Department of Theater. This past October, I was able to raise over $300 for the society and walked in the Light the Night Walk annual fundraiser.
The LLS has played a critical part in my recovery, thus far, and I look forward to any new and creative patient service programs that the LLS may have to offer in the near future. If you or a loved one are living with cancer and looking for support, I strongly urge you to look into the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It could be life-changing.

I am a new freelance writer with over eight years of professional experience working in a pension system. I also have a gift and passion for writing, therefore; I have decided to utilize my talent and begin a career as a freelance writer. I have a B.S. in Business Administration, and enjoy writing articles, business and marketing plans, term papers, resumes, training manuals, speeches, monologues, and playbill bios.

Lymphoma - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

2009-06-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphocyte cells that play a role in the immune system, and primarily represents cells involved in the lymphatic system of the body. Lymphomas are of two types: Hodgkin lymphoma, which develops from abnormal B lymphocyte cells; and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which develops from either abnormal B or T lymphocyte cells, and is distinguished by unique genetic markers. There are five sub-types of Hodgkin lymphoma and about 30 sub-types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Old age; infections; medical conditions which compromise the immune system; exposure to toxic chemicals; and a family history, are risk factors for this condition. Common symptoms include painless and enlarged lymph nodes, spleen enlargement, fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, tiredness and itching. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy are the standard line of treatment for this condition.
The Ayurvedic treatment of lymphoma is aimed at treating the tumor and improving the immune status of the body. Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Guggulu are used in high doses in this condition. The herbal medicines, Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), form the main stay of treatment for this condition, and these medicines too are used in high doses for prolonged periods. In addition, medicines like Indrayav (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus) are used, which act on the blood and lymphoid tissue. Triphala (Three fruits), which comprises of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Behada (Terminalia bellerica); and Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), which comprises of Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum) and Pippali (Piper longum) are also very useful in this condition.
Hemgarbha-Ras, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani-Ras, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Abhrak-Bhasma, Heerak-Bhasma, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) are used to improve the immune status of the body and reduce the lymphoma cells.
When combined with modern therapy, Ayurvedic treatment can reduce symptoms, reduce the side effects of conventional treatment, improve the immune status of the body, improve quality of life, and prolong survival. Prolonged treatment is required to get significant therapeutic results, and courses of treatment may need to be repeated in order to prevent relapses. All patients need to be under the regular care and supervision of an Oncology team.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 23 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

A Good Survival of Lymphoma - Having a Good Time Anyway

2009-06-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe my oncologist was telling me I had to have my chemo treatment on my 60th birthday. I didn't know what bothered me the most to tell the truth, having chemo or turning 60. I told my oncologist that this was mightily unfair, and in my usual manipulative ways, conveyed to her the logic of slicing a few days off here and there. However, she said to me, "Uma, you have a good chance of beating this and I'm not going to screw around with the dates."
So there it was. I sat crying for at least 20 minutes, railing at the unfairness of it all when suddenly I thought, "My God, I'm really hurting myself by doing this. I'm getting all upset and probably destroying what immune system I have left." So then I became defiant, and said to myself,"I'm going to have a good time anyway." And I did. My friends gathered around me the night of my 60th, a special friend created a painting for me, and we had a jolly good time. Sometimes I think it was the first time I ever really understood what surrender was. It was a time when I really was aware of not having a choice but finding my choice when I let go.
As it turned out, my chemo nurses, two very funny and compassionate ladies, brought me a birthday cake. They were hysterical at the outfits I chose to wear to chemo. Since I was nearly balding, I wore a back ski cap which young gang members doff or au courant kidnappers wear, gray pajama pants decorated with little cats, a plaid shirt worn because it was the only one that opened from the front for my port and bright azure blue cashmere socks given to me by a dear friend who also did my laundry. A few weeks later that outfit got me into trouble.
I was on my way to chemo, and it was an emotionally blustery day for me, angry and self-pitying that I had to drive myself. I didn't make a full stop at a corner before turning on to the highway. Next thing I know I am hearing the siren of a policeman. So I pull over and hear, "Get out of the car with your hands up." I thought that was pretty extreme for an illegal right turn. Eager to comply, I got out of the car with my hands up. The cutest cop stood there with his gun drawn and as soon as he saw me, he began to laugh. He said that my car was similar to one that had just held up a bank and combined with my black ski cap, I was an instant suspect. We both laughed and eager for a good time, as I always was, I asked him if he would like to escort me to the hospital, sirens blaring, etc. He demurred but since he was so cute, I considered asking him if he would like to frisk me, seeing that I hadn't been frisked in a long time. But leaving well enough alone, I got into my car and laughed all the way to the chemo room, telling the nurses that story and forever being called a criminal by them from then on. I might add, their favorite criminal.
Interestingly, I had never been vain and thought I wouldn't care if I lost my hair and in some ways, that was true, except when I saw myself without it. It wasn't the hair so much as I looked so pitiful. Always having a weight problem, when I looked into the mirror I said to myself, I look like a fat concentration camp victim. And then the sadness wore in.
I remember one night very well, 3 am in the morning, looking at myself in the mirror, shaved head, blister on my lip from the chemo, terrible inflammation in my chest, writing to my spiritual teacher, saying, "Do you remember the story about the Tibetan monk, imprisoned by the Chinese for 20 years and when asked what the worst thing that happened to him, he said, "When they nailed my feet to the floor, I almost lost my temper." And then I thought, "Screw that, I as a Jew, think that the worst thing is that I am about to lose my sense of humor." But as I wrote about it to my teacher, I started to describe my brilliant and intuitive Indian born oncologist who in her high pitched voice could ask you to pass her a chapatti and with the same cheery detachment in her voice, tell you she was recommending that your pancreas and large intestines be removed by dinner. Of course, we all know what good-natured malice does. It eventually restores one's good humor.
Before diagnosis is really the worst time, because you don't know what to do. It's a time of real powerlessness. In my case, it seemed I was throwing up on a whim at all times. I later found out it had nothing to do with the disease, but occurred when my stress was at an all time high, a time when I had not discovered the joys of ativan. But more likely from ingesting some very high-powered dark green Chinese herbs that an herbalist had sworn had made her very young and strong boyfriend survive his brain tumor. This of course fed into my desire to take all those peculiar and heavily touted immune stimulating items I would never have touched before, but which began to lure me to them with their siren calls. "Cancer runs from me. Take me; I will heal you."
It is also the time of looking for that vegetable juicer you gave to your hippie niece. And buying that 25-pound bag of carrots and dark green veggies. In your state of hysteria, you find yourself asking the veggies and juicer for forgiveness for having ignored them. I can't tell you how many people who upon discovering they have cancer, start to slug down gallons of carrot juice. What they don't usually know is that carrots being as sweet as they are can contribute to your diabetes or hypoglycemia, not to mention their tendency to turn your skin orange, also contributing to the suspicion that you not only have cancer, but hepatitis. Pre-diagnosis time is also a time when you make bargains to forever eat wheat grass and be kind to people whom you don't like.
My sister, God bless her, immediately made me an appointment with a macrobiotic counselor. He was a true healer, and what I mean by that he didn't have a ready made shtick that he would impose on me, giving me guilt about the choice I made to take chemo. Since I had been a vegetarian for many about 30 years years, was a holistic practitioner and masseuse, I subscribed to a holistic way of life and naturally considered chemo at the outset to be my worst choice. But surprisingly enough, especially to me, when I heard my diagnosis, I immediately turned to my oncologist and said, "When can the chemo start?" Knowing my background (I had given her many massages), she was as surprised as I. I had been classified as Stage Two and instinctively felt that chemo was my best chance for survival. And I didn't want to be sorry while I was drinking wheat grass and taking enemas that my cancer was progressing. This of course was a very personal choice. My macro guy concurred with me, and said very simply to me, "You know, Uma, if you lived by the seashore or high in the mountains, you might have a chance of curing yourself naturally; but you don't and I think your decision to take chemo is a wise one." Thank you, Lino, for your wisdom, because I am still here and kicking.
I also remembered two holistic style friends, one an herbalist and the other an acupuncturist who had literally kept their heads in the sand during the early stages and as the cancer progressed, the acupuncturist belatedly started chemo. My other friend, the herbalist, attempted to treat her breast cancer with some red paste from Georgia. known for removing tumors from animals, and absolutely refusing to consult a doctor. I remember her calling me the last days of her life looking for some kind of pain medication and my begging her to see a physician.
As you can see keeping a sense of humor was an absolute necessity especially around the beginning of your journey. I withstood some very hysterically funny and sometimes annoying comments. In an effort to survive it all, I created my Top Ten List of the Dumbest Things People Say When you Have a Diagnosis of Cancer. Here they are:
1. I'm sorry, Uma, that you have lymphoma. My boyfriend died of that last year.
2. Do you have the good kind or the bad kind?
3. Uma, I'd like you to try these treatments. They were very effective on this woman who died last year.
4. Not to worry, my dog had lymphoma and after three chemo treatments, she is just bouncing around.
5. What must your karma be to have that?
6. I think you are so brave to be doing chemotherapy. I myself would die before I did it.
7. I once had a lump in my breast, but I really didn't want it, so it went away.
8. I have some vitamins I would like to sell you. We could both make a profit.
9 I have this lump on my head. Do you think it could be lumphoma?
10. They say that people who have a lot of anger get cancer. Do you feel that's true in your case?
You know when some of your old antagonists are afraid you are going to die, because they have started sniffing around you, wondering if it was time to ask your forgiveness now or whether they should wait until you are on your deathbed. I myself never believe in deathbed forgiveness. I know that it seems wonderful, but I truly wonder whether it is true forgiveness when you are still smarting from the pain of your childhood. I know everybody is really thrilled at the open hearts expressed, but my cynicism thinks that it is a short lived reunion and you as an adult are still suffering the results of that unloved childhood. I have felt that true forgiveness comes when you yourself feel that you are no longer victimized and you heal yourself from within. It's not like somebody saying, "Dad's dying; time to forgive." I don't think forgiveness automatically kicks in.
You do find it difficult at this time to hold a grudge. A woman with whom I had a hard time when finding out I was ill came to me and said, "I hear you have cancer." And when I looked at her face, I saw the struggle was off the table. I didn't have the time or strength to hold onto my anger with her and neither did she. Strangely enough, when I recovered, we picked up where we had left off, but this time I made a serious and successful attempt to let go of my anger with her because as Carly Simon sang, "I didn't have time for the pain."
There were other benefits at having a potentially terminal disease.
1.People cut you a lot of slack; you don't have to be so "on"all the time. When you are on chemo, you have that wonderful diagnosis of "chemo brain" It's the time when your brain is not firing on all cylinders and there are many lapses between the utterance and the thought. When things get boring, or somebody is speaking overly long, you can just look blank and mutter "chemo brain" and all is forgiven.
2.People are more inclined to offer assistance to balding women, especially if you don't wear your kerchief. That is a true and glaring statement of your physical health. Don't be afraid to go without your kerchief. You are giving people a chance to express some kindness, which is good karma for them. It's almost the closest to feeling like a monarch or at least a movie star.
3.If you are like me, never having had real time off from work, you get to sit around and watch Law and Order without feeling guilty, because the only thing that is expected of you is to survive. Nobody gives you a hard time because your only job now is to fight for your life and survive.
4.You are given an automatic, if invisible, cancer card. This entitles you to discounts at sales even if the sale is long over. I have experienced when people noticed my bald head, they would give me the sale price even if the sale were over.
5.You can go to the head of line in most lines with people smiling at you.
6. People take you out to dinner a lot. I was convinced that they had said, "This is a good time to take Uma out because she probably won't be eating that much. " What they didn't know was that my tastes had changed and upleveled considerably. I only wanted to eat at the really nice restaurants. I had started to treat myself nicer and take better care of myself; I even bought new clothes. It had suddenly become very important to me to look good. I didn't want people to say, "Poor Uma, she doesn't look good." I wanted to be flattered. I considered one of my survival tools to be people looking at me happily instead of pityingly,remembering a friend who had cancer for 25 years and made people happy because she always managed to look beautiful.
Lastly, if I was to say what was the really great benefit of cancer, I would say it gave me the chance to get more real, to drop a social mask we all wear. I didn't have to put a face on what was happening. If somebody inquired of my health, when I felt ill, I said so, and when I felt well, I told the truth. I was later told that because I answered matter of factly rather than self-pityingly, people were more comfortable and natural around me. Nobody wants to be around self-pity, even if it's deserved.
When a very close friend of mine learned of my diagnosis, I saw her immediately go into cheerleading mode. She said, "Uma, you'll write a book; you'll use this to its fullest and you'll become famous, etc." I looked at her quizzically and said, "Lily, I don't know if I'm going to survive." We just sat there and looked at each other. I couldn't put a face on what was happening; I couldn't pretend that I wasn't looking at impending death. I just became me and in that place I remember along with the fear, a sense of relief.
As a therapist, I preferred working with people who had cancer because they seemed the most authentic. Cancer wipes a mask off and if you survive, you hopefully retain that same authenticity in your life. That is a great gift - to be just you without a mask. Most of us don't know that we even wear ones; we become so anxious to please our family or our friends in subtle and not so subtle ways. But when you have a life threatening illness, it is time to do whatever you can to preserve that life. I didn't know that life meant as much to me as when I became fearful of dying. And as my mask wore off, I felt my true self begin to emerge. There came a richness and fullness that I will always be grateful for.

Cancer and Common Questions About Lymphoma

2009-06-11T19:58:00.001-07:00

Cancer can be a difficult thing to understand. For more on Hodgkin's Lymphoma and it's diagnosis visit http://www.fountia.com

What is Lymphoma?

2009-06-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Most folks diagnosed with any type of cancer notice it hugely difficult to agree with their predicament. The typical reaction of patients and their family is disbelief of their disease. However, cancer is something that won't go away quietly because you avoid its existence. It is therefore better to determine as much as possible of the illness and learn how to attack it than to simply hide and wait for the unavoidable to happen. In the case of people with lymphoma, it is critical that you should understand what is going on in your body and be ready for any circumstance. Many things can happen to people with lymphoma, as this type of cell anomaly is rather mobile compared to other forms of cancers.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that assaults the lymphocytes. The lymphocytes are defined by medical science as any of the nearly colorless cells found in the blood, lymph, and lymphoid tissues, constituting approximately 25 percent of white blood cells and including B cells, which function in humoral immunity, and T cells, which act in cellular specific immunity. So you should know that lymphocytes are not only most mobile as it is carried in the blood, it is also part of the body's typical protective armor called the immune system.
Like all forms of cancers, the cells divided abnormally or too quickly in folks with lymphoma. Abnormal lymphocytes most often collect in the lymph nodes making the lymph nodes enlarge. However, swollen lymph nodes does not necessarily mean you have lymphoma as there are other forms of diseases that lead to the swelling of lymph nodes. There are many forms of lymphomas; however, the most popular classification is Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is named after Thomas Hodgkin who discovered this line of cancer in 1832, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which includes all other forms of lymphoma.
Lymphocytes are part of the ordinary circulation of the human body. Since lymphoma assaults the lymphocytes, aside form the lymph nodes; the abnormal lymphocytes have access to individual parts of the human body. Although in most cases, the spleen and the bone marrow are the favorite spots where abnormal lymphocytes would gather and form lymphoma exclusive of of the lymph nodes, there are some everyone who can develop lymphoma in the liver, the stomach, and in very rare cases, in the brain. Lymphoma can form almost everywhere in the body and it is not uncommon for lymphoma to occur all at once in different parts of the human body. This is why lymphoma is considered one of the systemic diseases that affects the entire human physiology.
Indications of lymphoma are frequently affiliated with the swollen glands. As the unnatural lymphocytes no longer performs it typical functions of protecting the body from infections, the person with lymphoma become more prone to infections of any breed. It should be noted that part of the functions of the lymphocytes in the human body involves assisting the body's immune system in fighting off infection and other forms of diseases. Where a person has lymphoma, his or her immune system is now impaired and he or she can no longer fight infections efficiently.

Read more here: Lymphoma Cancer Information Portal
Jeff Kimball is a health and wellness writer and a guest writer for The-Health-and-Wellness-Center.com and contributing editor to their Lymphoma Cancer Information Portal

What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

2009-06-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at his website, Burke-Eisner.com

Aplastic Anemia Treatment

2009-06-11T02:09:00.000-07:00

People living with mild to moderate aplastic anemia are in serious condition but do not have to be hospitalized for treatment. With extremely low counts of all types of blood cells, the disease is considered severe and life-threatening that hospitalization for treatment is immediately required.
There are different treatment options recommended for every level of the illness. For the mild to moderate aplastic anemia, blood transfusions and medications are still appropriate choices; but for the severe cases, bone marrow transplants may be the only option. Some of the treatments that will be considered are:

Blood transfusions
Immunosuppressants
Stimulants for the bone marrow
Bone marrow transplants
Antibiotics
Prevention (stop exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene)

Blood transfusions do not provide permanent cure but they help relieve the symptoms through giving the blood cells that are not produced by the bone marrow. Transfusion of red blood cells helps reduce signs of fatigue and anemia. The transfused cells are expected to remain inside the body for a month or so. However, there are risks like over-accumulation of iron in the body and development of antibodies that fight the effectiveness of transfused blood cells.Transfusion of platelets is made possible through hemapheresis. It is a process of separating platelets from a donor's blood by a special machine. The blood is returned to the donor and the isolated platelets transfused to the patient. Transfusion of white blood cells is not easy because these blood cells have very short lives and are very difficult to isolate.
Autoimmune disorders can lead to the immune system attacking and damaging blood cells inside the bone marrow. Treatment is in the form of drugs that will suppress or control a hostile immune system. Examples of drugs: anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporine.
Stimulants for the bone marrow are drugs that stimulate production of new blood cells in the marrow. Examples are: filgrastim, sagramostim, and epoetin.
Bone marrow transplants promise a permanent cure without recurrence in 1 out of 5 cases.
Antibiotics may help alleviate frequent and life-threatening infections caused by the illness.
Other aplastic anemia treatments like supportive care and prevention may help improve the symptoms. Stop taking the drug that induce the disorder. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins like benzene.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Aplastic Anemia Treatment at his website. Burke-Eisner.com

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

2009-06-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

Acute myelogenous leukemia is the most common leukemia and is a fast growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Blood cells in the body are made up of platelets known as white and red blood cells. Those who have AML don't have enough white or red blood cells and instead posses abnormal cells that grow quickly as the illness progresses.
AML is not genetic nor is it infectious however it is mostly caused by being exposed to benzene.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is an organic chemical compound. Benzene is used in production of oil, rubber, dyes and plastic. Benzene is commonly used as an additive in other chemicals. There are small amounts of benzene used in manufacturing processes for instance, detergents, pesticides and drugs.
Benzene is linked to various forms of cancer, as well as other physical issues such as dizziness and mental confusion; anemia; and depressed functioning of the immune system.. People are often not aware that they have been exposed to benzene.
Symptoms of AML
Benzene exposure may occur when people breathe or ingest it through any number of common products used in daily life and at work. Being exposed can lead to a fatal illness such as acute myelogenous leukemia. There are signs you can look for.
Some symptoms of AML include:
* Abdominal swelling
* Infections that continue or repeat
* Difficulty breathing and lack of energy
* Pain in the joints or bones
Treatments
Age and disease subtype are factors that doctors will take into consideration in planning the right treatment for the person living with AML. Some treatments that are considered are:
* Chemotherapy
* Transplants from bone marrow or cord blood
* If the subtype is promyelocytic leukemia, then all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) may be used.
If you think you may have been exposed to benzene and have any of the symptoms listed above, please, contact an experienced attorney to get legal support and the direction you need.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at his website. Burke-Eisner.com

Facts on Leukemia and What to Do About It

2009-06-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

Pre-Leukemia - New Discoveries in the Treatment of Pre-Leukemia

2009-06-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Recent studies show that a mild form of chemotherapy with the use of decitabine, administered over a longer period of time, can have significantly advantageous results for patients diagnosed with pre-leukemia. More widely known as Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), pre-leukemia was recognized as a certified form of cancer just recently.

The American Cancer Society's journal published this study in their latest issue, taking a more detailed look at pre-leukemia and its effects on the human body.

New Research Revelations

Researchers estimate than 45% of the patients with pre-leukemia symptoms and those who go through a relapse respond to a second treatment course. However, they did not get the duration and quality in their second round of treatment, compared to the first few rounds of chemotherapy. With the new findings, researchers are leaning towards the belief that initial treatments given over a longer duration may have more benefits compared to numerous chemotherapy rounds.

It was discovered in the study that an average of three rounds of decitabine treatment had 10 out of the 22 patients exhibiting any type of response. Seven of the patients were observed to have haematological improvements and experienced a 50% decrease in their need for tranfusions, while three of the patients partly or completely had an effect in every one of their three cell lines. Overall, the average survival rate was declared to be 28 months, with those patients treated again with decitabine having a 13-month rate of survival before suffering from any sort of relapse.

In the group where 12 of the patients did not have any response to decitabine, the treatment had one of these two results: no effect whatsoever or the abnormal cells' suppression, without the normal cells repopulating the bone marrow. Out of the 12 patients mentioned, four developed acute leukemia from the pre-leukemia.

The authors conclude that the most advantageous treatment type for pre-leukemia patients is the initial chemotherapy session given in longer durations, followed by maintenance of shorter treatment rounds.

Pre-leukemia

Pre-leukemia is an affliction that targets the bone marrow, resulting in an increased number of ineffective red and white blood cells. Usually, the cells blast and produce from the stem cells while multiplying in the blood stream, eventually killing the normal blood cells. This results in an irregular production of blood cells, causing fewer blood cells to form (which are needed to circulate and carry oxygen to different body parts).

Although therapy is readily available, pre-leukemia affects adults in their 50s, and researchers still have to find the ultimate cure. Patients suffering from pre-leukemia generally develop leukemia, or cancer of the blood cells. This study shows that this new DNA hypomethylating agent, decitabine, will have the most benefits for patients.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Pre-Leukemia at his website. Burke-Eisner.com

MDS Treatment Options

2009-06-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

MDS or myelodysplastic syndromes are a grouping of cancer afflictions that target the white & red blood cells as well as the bone marrow. MDS can develop into leukemia if not diagnosed or controlled early enough. There are types of MDS that are easy to manage and mild, while others can be life-threatening.

Experts in the field are trying their best in finding a cure for MDS; however there are a variety of treatments patients can choose from. There are also a lot of things people can do to help raise awareness and funds for MDS and other fatal types of cancer.

Treatment Options for MDS Patients

A host of treatment options are now available for patients suffering from MDS. These factors should be taken into consideration in deciding what treatment option would be best for a patient: overall illness risk level, type of MDS, age and status of health. The most common treatments are:

* Bone marrow or cord blood transplants

* Chemotherapy

* Drug therapies

* Supportive care

Testing is always being done for new MDS treatments, which is the reason why most patients agree to be a part of the clinical trials as part of their MDS treatment. A patient can have a standard treatment such as chemotherapy combined with alternative treatment options.

Support Care for MDS Patients

Supportive care is an option that is gaining popularity for those who seek MDS treatment. The purpose of this type of treatment is to ultimately get a firm hold of the disease and any issues related to it. There are cases when supportive care is the only treatment a patient requires, combined with regular checkups with physicians to decrease any risks of the disease developing into something more serious in the future.

Supportive care can also be combined with other forms of treatment; this combination works best for those with a more severe type of MDS, or those with an advanced age. Other patients look at the benefits of getting the supportive care from time to time, augmenting the benefits of the other forms of treatment.

Blood Transfusion

A lot of MDS patients require blood transfusion to lessen their symptoms' adverse effects, and to keep the disease in line. Platelet transfusions decrease the risk of drastic bleeding problems, while red blood cell transfusions assist in reducing the symptoms that include shortness of breath and exhaustion.

When a patient undergoes blood transfusions, additional treatments should also be given to manage the iron build up in the patient's body. Excessive amounts of iron in the body may cause damage to some organs, which is why a combination of treatments would be the best thing to do. It would not do to treat an existing condition (the MDS) only to have a new problem develop (organ damage) as a result of the treatment

Treatment - Growth Factors

The medications that enable the body to develop healthier blood cells are called growth factors. MDS patients are often given growth factors to lessen their need for red blood cell transfusions. There are some cases, however, when the patient's bone marrow does not respond effectively.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about MDS Treatment at his website. Burke-Eisner.com

MDS Blood - How MDS Affects the Blood

2009-06-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

MDS or Myelodysplastic Syndromes, formerly known as pre-leukemia, are defined as a group of diseases in which the production of all types of blood cells is disrupted. The body of the person with MDS is no longer producing enough number of normal and healthy red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets.

The bone marrow normally produces 'blasts' or unformed cells that naturally form into red or white red blood cells or platelets. But the bone marrow of MDS patients produces blasts in abnormally large number but only a few blood cells develop properly.

Therefore, the term pre-leukemia is totally misleading because only a minority of MDS patients develop leukemia. Leukemia is the disorder in which white blood cells are produced in excessive amount.

The causes of MDS are still largely unknown despite the continuous efforts of researchers and scientists in this area. MDS is also believed to be the root cause of several types of cancer. Although the causes have not been definitively found, there are case studies that lead doctors to link MDS to prolonged exposures of a patient to toxic chemicals, particularly to benzene, and also close contact to radiation and strong pesticides. Since these instances are caused by environmental factors, doctors call such cases either treatment-related MDS or secondary MDS.

Some of the common symptoms of MDS are: anemia, abnormally pale skin and unexplained exhaustion (when red blood cell count is very low); and frequent infections, chronic fever, uncontrolled bleeding, and bruises easily (when white blood count is very low).

According to medical reports, anemia is the most common form of Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about MDS Blood at his website. Burke-Eisner.com

MDS Leukemia - Living With the Disease

2009-06-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

MDS (or Myelodysplastic Syndromes) generally refer to a group of blood cancers. Other types of MDS are non-progressive and may have no definite effect on the patient's health. While other sub-types are slow-progressive and may be related to leukemia, which will definitely have serious effects on one's health and life expectancy.

Myleodysplastic syndromes typically affect the cell-forming activities in the bone marrow. These cells are normally developed into mature red or white blood cells and platelets before they flow out to bloodstream. Myleodysplastic syndromes prevent blood cell formation. When blast cells in the bone marrow and blood are significantly higher, but dying before or after release into the bloodstream; the non-functional cells will continuously build-up inside the bone marrow. These abnormal activities of the blood cells may develop into a disease called MDS Leukemia.

In many cases, myleodysplastic syndromes will worsen into a type of leukemia - MDS Leukemia. When blast cell occurrence is in low proportions, doctors refer to the disorder as MDS. When there are higher proportions, the condition has worsened into a cancerous stage and is referred as MDS Leukemia. Thus, MDS and Leukemia are often joined together and have same methods of treatment.

The number of new cases of MDS in the United States is unknown. However, medical reports shown that the number of MDS cases is equivalent to the number of patients suffering from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Around 12,000 people were diagnosed with AML in 2006.

AML is incurable and often found in patients 60 years of age and above; but less common in children.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about MDS Leukemia at his website. Burke-Eisner.com

MDS Syndrome - The Truth About the Disease

2009-06-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

One of the least known cancer forms is called Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). This is also formerly known as 'pre-leukemia' but not anymore because the term is misleading.

With MDS, the bone marrow is hyperactive but does not produce the normal number of healthy blood cells in the bloodstream. When the disorder in the production of blood cells continued, the different types of blood cells will have an abnormal count and the bone marrow will begin to deteriorate. The MDS patient will have low or high amount of any or all of these blood cells (red, white, and platelet).

Although MDS syndrome can be genetic, particularly in children who develop the cancer, there are also environmental factors that have been known to cause abnormalities in healthy cells, creating cancer-causing ones. One known carcinogen is linked to MDS. This organic chemical is called benzene. It is found in gasoline, synthetic rubber, dyes, and plastics. The chemical is still used even when there are available alternative substances. People who had ingested, inhaled, and handled benzene over an extended period of time often acquired MDS.

According to medical reports, only one-third of patients get worse after MDS diagnosis. Their condition often progresses to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).

MDS syndrome is rare in children and very young people. Early detection of the disease is also rare. When the body lacks a normal count of healthy blood cells, symptoms will start to appear.

A person may be suffering from MDS when he or she had these symptoms:

Fatigue
Always breathless
Abnormal paleness of the skin
Uncontrolled bleeding
Easily bruised
Petechiae
Weight loss
Infections

If you were suffering from one or all the symptoms listed above, discuss your case with an experienced attorney.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about MDS Syndrome at his website. Burke-Eisner.com

Leukemia Treatment Failure - Are There Alternatives?

2009-06-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

I just read the story of a young man in England who is dying of leukemia. He has been through chemotherapy and radiation therapy twice. He has also had a bone marrow transplant. He has suffered through the side effects of the new bone marrow attacking his body. He has been on steroids and other drugs.

His cancer returned despite all of the treatment. He lost his girlfriend, he lost his job and he lost his flat and moved in with his parents. He is dying. He really believes that he will die.

I want to be very respectful and gentle because dying is a serious topic. However, what if there were alternatives that may help? I cannot speak for you, but it seems to me that if modern mainstream medicine failed me, I would turn to alternative medicine.

What about the work of Renee Caisse and her Essiac formula? What about the work of a German biochemist named Johanna Budwig? What about the excellent book: How To Fight Cancer and Win?

What about the work of Bernie Siegal - a cancer surgeon who found another way? There are people who have defeated cancer.

Again, I don't mean to make light of a situation as serious as cancer or leukemia. But, is it prudent to except the fact that one is incurable because a few doctors following the protocals of allopathic medicine thought there was no hope? Stories abound of people who have successfully defeated their cancer or have been in remission so long that you might as well say they won the fight.

Here are some more things to explore: What about juicing wheat grass and vegetables. What about macrobiotic diets. What about...? The list is long.

Since cancer is a serious disease, don't take any chances. What I wrote here was for information and entertainment only. I certainly do not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment suggestions for cancer. If you have or think you have any type of health condition at all, visit your doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA certainly hasn't evaluated any of the thoughts in this article, nor are they likely to if they continue to follow the trend of their history. Natural treatments are often ignored and not scientifically investigated. There is no one paying for such research.

When all else fails, what do you have to lose by trying? Next, learn more about natural cancer treatments through the links below.

David Snape is the author of the book: What You Should Know about Gum Disease and enjoys writng about health, fitness and wellness topics. He also practices an excellent form of meditation called Falun Dafa - which he believes everyone should experience for themselves.

Truth About Neck Pain And Lymphoma - Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

2009-06-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Since last 25 years, it has been discovered that non-Hodgkin lymphoma has tremendously increased as lymphatic system cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphomaa is not single disease, it is a group of similar cancers that hinders the immune system and affects lymphatic system of the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is mainly divided in two groups, namely, T-cell lymphomas and B-cell lymphoma.

Some people have a myth that non-Hodgkin lymphoma and neck pain are related to each other which is not true. There are various patients with the physical symptoms and signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In most of the cases the lymph nodes of the patients is found to be swollen and is the most common sign seen in people suffering from non-Hodgkins lymphoma. In some cases there is no pain whereas in others patients suffer from lymphoma symptoms and neck pain . Lymph nodes may get swollen or enlarged in various parts of the body such as arms or neck. If the lymph nodes of an abdomen are enlarged then you might experience a bloated feeling, swelling, back pain or discomfort. In the case of groin you might suffer from swelling in legs and ankles.

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are unexplained weight loss, chills,lack of energy,fever, itching, neck pain and night sweats. If you feel any of these then you should consult your physician immediately as all these indicates the presence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Many people complaints that their physician is not considering non-Hodgkin lymphoma even when they have symptoms such as neck pain or other lymphoma symptoms. The reason behind this decision is that if there is a serious illness then it never disappears repetitively. Therefore, non-Hodgkin lymphoma should be checked only if you face persistent symptoms of the disease and not in the case of patients non-specific complaints.

Your doctor would initiate a thorough physical examination to figure out lymphoma symptoms and neck pain to ensure that you suffer from non-Hodgkin lymphoma or not. Some of the common symptoms that doctors usually look for are swollen lymph nodes in the groin and armpits, tonsil and neck area, on the elbows, under the chin and above the shoulders. If you have enlarged internal organs or swollen lymph nodes in your abdomen then there would be signs such as, fluid or swelling in your abdomen. If you are suffering from an enlarged lymph node pressing on the spinal cord or nerves then there may be signs of paralysis or weakness. In cases where neck pain and lymphoma symptoms shows signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors prefer to do a list of tests such as blood tests, x-rays, biopsy, and many other tests.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - What Increases Your Risk?

2009-06-08T18:55:00.001-07:00

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is diverse group of cancers of lymphatic system which is part of human immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymph, tonsils, thymus and spleen. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is most commonly detected in older adults in the age groups of 60s and 70s.

There are no known causes for development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma however medical experts believe that disorders in immune system and older age may increase your chance of having the disease. Research is going on all the time to try to find out other causes that led to the development of this disease.

The following risk factors may increase your chance of acquiring this disease:

Being Male: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common in males than in women.

Age: Though NHL can occur at any age but risk increases as ones age progresses. It is most commonly found in people above 60 years of age.

Past cancer treatment: Past cancer treatment can affect your risk of NHL two-fold. Some chemotherapy drugs can increase your risk of getting NHL 10 to 15 years after treatment. Having radiotherapy in the past also increases your risk of acquiring NHL.

Weakened immune system: NHL is most commonly found in those people whose immune system does not work properly. These include HIV and AIDS patients. It also occurs among those people who take medicines that impair the immune system following an organ transplant.

Viral infection: Infection with virus called 'Human T cell Lymphoma virus 1 (HTLV1), hepatitis's C, and Epstein-Barr Virus increase the risk of developing NHL.

Bacterial infection: The bacteria called "Helicobacter pylori" increases the risk of Lymphoma called MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma. This type of lymphoma is usually located in stomach lining.

Environmental Exposure: Exposure to insecticide and pesticide, solvents, rubber processing, asbestos, arsenic, nuclear waste and fertilizers increases the risk of developing NHL.

About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in the medical industry. She also offers top quality articles like:
Incurable Diseases, Bird Flu Prevention

Leukemia Cancer - Everything You Need to Know

2009-06-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

All kinds of various acute or chronic diseases of leukemia are dangerous. Acute leukemia being a swiftly succeeding disease affects typically cells that are embryonic or primitive (which means the cells that have not yet fully developed or differentiated from the others). These not fully formed cells thus cannot achieve their standard utility. These cells are described as "nonfunctional" because they do not work like normal cells. They also number out the usual normal healthy cells in the marrow, resulting in a decrease in the number of new healthy normal cells made in the marrow. These later results in low red cell counts which is a typical form of anemia.

On the other hand chronic leukemia develops gradually, and allows the development of larger amounts of more developed cells. In broader perspective, these more grown-up cells can achieve some of their typical functionality but due to the increase in the number of cells like white blood cells the blood flow may slow down and result in severe anemia.

The leukemia is categorized in to four basic categories which are as follows:

• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

For acute leukemia following are the signs and symptoms of leukemia:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Sluggish curing of cuts and excess bleeding
• Mild fever or night sweats
• Black-and-blue spots (bruises) for no evident cause
• Pinhead-size red spots under the skin
• Pale skin
• Low white cell counts
• Aches in bones or joints

As far as chronic leukemia is concerned people with CLL or CML may not have any symptoms. Some patients learn they have CLL or CML after a blood test as part of a usual checkup. Occasionally, a person with CLL may see enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin and go to the doctor. The person may feel exhausted or short of breath or have frequent infections, if the CLL is more severe. In these cases, a blood test may show an increase in the lymphocyte count.

A comprehensive blood count is utilized to make a diagnosis of leukemia. This blood examination may confirm high or low point of white cells and show leukemic cells within the blood. Sometimes, number of platelet and red cell are fairly low. Bone marrow tests like aspiration and biopsy are often carried out to verify the analysis and to glance for any chromosome irregularities. All these tests spot the leukemia and its cell category. These tests must be continued after regular intervals after treatment commences to gauge how sound the healing is.