semicolon the art of healing

Explosion of Anger over cancer

2011-08-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

loaded civil war cannon
with gunpowder mixed with purple anger
schredded medical bills printed in cold red blood
lab reports cold facts on rye
cat scans with dark shadows of the past
crushed confetti compressed into a cannon mixed with chocolate buckshot
i aimed the cannon
out the window and fired into times square below
a hot branding iron stamped "CURED"
hiding the cancer tatoo branded into my hide
I fired the cannon with the sound of sulfure mixed with whispers
explosion of rage into the street
white snow falling on a parade of cancer patients
returning home
after another chemo treatment

My Friend in the Muumuu

2011-07-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

My chemo treatments had become routine. Xeloda twice a day at home, Oxyplain once a week in the doctor’s office. Today was Wednesday. Time for Oxyplatin.

Nurse Betty smiled and called my name. We walked to treatment room B. The door was left open. Nurse Betty took my vitals. Tried to get comfortable. Patients passed my open door. A bald woman dressed in a brilliantly colored Hawaiian muumuu dropped a large canvas bag to rest and peeked into my room.

“Good morning. How are you ?”

“Ok I guess…”

“What type of cancer do you have?”

“Stage three colon cancer. And you?”

“Ovarian.”

“What do you have in your bag there?”

She recited a list of items from memory. Magazines, a thick mystery novel, water bottles, snacks, walkman cassette player and new age relaxation tapes in a ziplock bag.

“How long is your chemo treatment?”

“Eight hours. And yours?”

“One hour.”

“I don’t know what your treatment is like. Did you bring a book?”

“Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.”

“Do you have a bookmark?”

“No. I use scrap paper”

“Here is a stainless steel bookmark. I got a bunch from my sister. I think you will like it.”

I smiled and thanked her for the gift. She picked up her bag and disappeared.

I was shocked. The lady in the muumuu had to endure eight hours of chemo!

Oh. My God.

I was lucky!

I will be out of here in one hour.

Nurse Betty entered my room with two clear bags, closed the door, hung a bag of saline solution and a bag of Oxyplatin over my head, put a needle in my left hand, adjusted the drip, checked her watch, made a note on my chart and asked how am I doing.

“Fine thanks.”

She disappeared. I read my book. The cold chemo creped up my arm. I tried to read with bookmark in place. Oxyplain knocked me out cold. I opened my eyes Rick was standing in the doorway to drive me home. In four hours I recovered. My friend in the muumuu was still sitting in a chemo chair for three more hours as I sat in a lounge chair watching Seabisket on a large screen TV and nibbled on mac and cheese.

I never saw my friend in the muumuu again. I don’t know her name. Don’t know if she is still alive. Still have the ACCO Stainless steel bookmark (made in Taiwan). Now holding my place in a Kurt Wallender mystery The Pyramid by Henning Mankell.

Colon Cancer: Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment

2011-05-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

Steps you can take NOW to prevent or defeat this highly treatable cancer
Colon (or colorectal) cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women in the United States...

...Yet when diagnosed and treated in the early stages, it is among the most curable of all cancers.

Consider this: The five-year survival rate for people whose colon or rectal cancer is discovered and treated in its earliest stage is 93 percent.

In many cases, regular screening reveals precancerous growths that can be removed, thereby preventing cancer from developing in the first place. In fact, it is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of all colorectal cancers could be prevented if everyone were screened and polyps identified and removed!

The challenge: What can you do right now to protect yourself against colorectal cancer, or, if you've already been diagnosed, to ensure a positive outcome?

To answer this question, we turned to Ross. C. Donehower, M.D., Director of the Division of Medical Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Donehower is at the forefront of research in gastrointestinal malignancies and new anticancer therapies. Dr. Donehower shares his expertise and extensive hands-on experience treating patients with colorectal cancer and those at high risk for it in our new guide: Colon Cancer: Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment .

If you have been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer - or you think you may be at risk - it's critically important to learn everything you can now, so you can partner with your doctor effectively, ask the right questions and understand the answers. That's why we have made Colon Cancer: Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment available to you instantly as a digital PDF download.

Just click the order button below and in a few moments your guide will be delivered to your email address. It's that simple.

Knowledge is Key
When It Comes To Preventing and Defeating Colon Cancer
What will you learn in this comprehensive resource? Colon Cancer: Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment explains the way colorectal cancer develops, how it can be detected early and how you can reduce your risk. It describes new developments in colon cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and research. And it explains the ways in which people who have already been treated for colon cancer can lower their risk of having a recurrence.

In the early chapters, we explain the risk factors for colorectal cancer and look in-depth at the importance of family history. If you have a familial history of colon cancer, you may want to consider genetic testing to determine your risk. Is it a good idea? What about privacy concerns? What about the cost?

In Colon Cancer, we discuss the risks and benefits of genetic testing and counseling as well as the roles of diet, lifestyle and ethnicity on colon cancer risk.

You'll read about hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC, also known as Lynch syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), the most common genetic causes of colon or rectal cancer. Other genetic conditions that increase your risk are also explained, including MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) and juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS).

The "Ick" Factor: Colon Cancer Screening
Fewer than HALF of Americans over the age of 50 have ever had any kind of colon-cancer screening test. If you've been putting off screening because of the "ick" factor, you'll want to read our chapter on Screening and Prevention, which explains your many screening choices:

Take-home fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

FIT - an alternative to the standard FOBT

Stool DNA test - the latest option

Flexible sigmoidoscopy - the five-year test

Colonoscopy - the gold standard

Double-contrast barium enema

Virtual colonoscopy - the new noninvasive option

Computed tomography - spiral CT scans, PET, MRI and ultrasound

What else can you do to prevent colon cancer? While the only known way to prevent it is to have regular colonoscopies to detect and remove precancerous polyps, researchers are looking at various medications, minerals and nutrients that may be protective.

We discuss the progress - and pitfalls - of many of the more promising options and offer bottom-line advice:

Asprin

HRT

Omega 3s

Statins

Vitamin B6

Vitamin D

For Patients Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer:
Your Options for Treatment
If your polyp biopsy results come back positive for colon cancer, it's time to make treatment decisions, and these decisions often involve surgery. Dr. Donehower addresses many of the questions that may be on your mind as you weigh your treatment options:

What type of cancer do I have - colon or rectal?

Where is it located? Is it in more than one place?

Are the lymph glands involved? Has the cancer spread outside the colon?

What stage is the cancer?

Am I a candidate for minimally invasive therapy or do I need abdominal surgery for my colon cancer?

What's transanal edoscopic microsurgery (TEM)? What's fulguration?

What will happen during abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer?

What about recovery - how long will I be in the hospital and what complications can I expect?

Will I need adjuvant therapy after surgery - radiation, chemotherapy or both?

What drugs are used for chemotherapy?

How serious are the side effects from chemotherapy drugs?

New treatments for advanced colon cancer are emerging all the time, and can often offer hope of a longer life and better quality of life. In Colon Cancer you'll learn about:

State-of-the-art chemotherapy for treating advanced, recurrent, and metastatic colorectal cancer: "targeted" antibody therapies like Avastin, Erbitux and vertibix... transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)... hepatic artery infusion (HAI).

Radiation therapy is used most often for inoperable tumors or for tumors that have not responded to chemotherapy. Choices include: brachytherapy, intensity-modulated radiationt therapy (IMRT), intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), TheraSphere and cyberknife.

Weighing the benefits of participating in a clinical trial. A clinical trial may give you access to promising new or experimental therapies that are not available otherwise.

Palliative and hospice care

Emotional issues surrounding colon cancer and its treatments

Direct to You From Johns Hopkins - America's #1 Hospital
Colon Cancer: Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment is designed to give you unprecedented access to the expertise of the hospital consistently ranked #1 of America's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -in annual rankings for more than 4,800 American hospitals.

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Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

2011-03-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

When something goes wrong with the digestive system, it usually makes itself known pretty quickly, through pain or discomfort. Common problems are upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhea, which are usually not serious and don’t last long.

Unfortunately, colon or rectal cancer may generate few or no symptoms in the early stages. Colon cancer grows slowly, does not usually interfere with function in early stages, and can remain undetected for some time. This is bad news; by the time symptoms are noticeable, colon cancer may be advanced.

Many symptoms of colon cancer that do show up could be related to other digestive issues. If they are related to colon cancer, the disease could be advanced beyond early stages. Therefore, signs or symptoms of digestive problems that last more than a few weeks should be discussed with your doctor.

Possible symptoms of colon cancer include:

* a change from usual bowel habits and appearance, such as constipation, diarrhea, or extremely narrow stools, that lasts for 10 days or more
* bright red blood in the stools or black, tarry stools, which can be a sign of rectal or intestinal bleeding
* pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen that doesn’t go away
* bloating, cramps, or gas pains
* a feeling that the rectum isn’t completely empty after bowel movements
* loss of appetite and weight
* anemia, which can be a sign of blood loss from intestinal bleeding
* vomiting
* persistent fatigue, paleness, and heart palpitations, which can be signs of anemia
* inability to pass stools at all for more than a week. This can signal an intestinal blockage, which is an emergency situation.

Posted from John's Hopkins University

Can dietary fiber help prevent colorectal cancer ?

2011-03-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

The issue of whether dietary fiber can help prevent colorectal cancer has always been unclear, as studies have reached inconsistent results. Now a study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Volume 102, page 614) suggests that the type of dietary assessment tools used in these studies might be to blame.

Researchers in the United Kingdom compared data from 579 people who developed colorectal cancer and 1,996 people who did not develop colorectal cancer. Some of the participants kept four-or seven-day food diaries in which they recorded what they ate, and others filled out a food frequency questionnaire detailing their usual diet.

In the food diary group, people who consumed 24 g of dietary fiber per day had a 30% lower risk of colorectal cancer than those who ate 10 g per day. This association remained even after the researchers adjusted for other risk factors such as age, physical activity, alcohol intake, and red meat consumption. However, the same analysis performed on the food frequency questionnaires did not find the same association.

Take-away message. Since food diaries are thought to be more accurate than food frequency questionnaires, this study supports the idea that higher dietary fiber intake can reduce colorectal cancer risk. Other studies using different parameters and assessment tools, such as food frequency questionnaires, may have reached inaccurate or inconclusive results.

FICE -- A New Imaging Tool

2011-01-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

FICE -- A New Imaging Tool

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for finding and removing – and possibly preventing – colorectal cancer. It can detect up to 95% of colon cancers and can be used to remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Today researchers are working to make colonoscopy an even better screening tool. One new imaging system in development is the Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy (FICE).

As with narrow-band imaging, FICE also narrows the bandwidth of conventional white-light colonoscopy to improve visualization, but it creates this effect electronically. Using special software, FICE takes the image transmitted from the white-light colonoscope and creates a "virtual" image at predetermined wavelengths.

The virtual image shows minute details in the polyp and the colon lining that can't be seen using standard colonoscopy. As with narrow-band imaging, the doctor can, with the push of a button, alternate between the white-light-generated image and the virtual one.

FICE is beneficial in the same way as narrow-band imaging. Research shows that it likely doesn't improve polyp detection, compared with white-light colonoscopy, but it does help differentiate cancerous and precancerous polyps from benign polyps. What's more, it may do it even better than narrow-band imaging. In a 2009 study in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the overall accuracy of FICE in identifying cancerous and noncancerous polyps during colonoscopy was 98%.

While the FICE device is commercially available, it is a newer technology than narrow-band imaging and its benefits in accurately identifying benign versus cancerous polyps require confirmation in larger studies.

From John Hopkins University

Narrow Band Colonoscopy

2011-01-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

Mixed Results on Narrow-Band Imaging

A standard colonoscope uses a regular white light to illuminate the colon. Narrow-band imaging uses an optical filter to produce blue light, which provides more contrast between the polyp and the colon lining. At the push of a button, a colonoscope with narrow-band imaging capabilities can switch between white light and blue light. Blue light has a narrower wavelength, which is why the device is called "narrow-band" imaging.

Researchers hypothesized that narrow-band imaging would improve a doctor's ability to find polyps. But clinical trials have shown mixed results, with one randomized study reporting improved polyp detection and three others showing it was no better than standard white-light colonoscopy. Based on these results, narrow-band imaging will likely not be used to improve detection of polyps.

Where narrow-band imaging appears most promising, however, is in differentiating benign polyps from those that are cancerous or precancerous. Today, the standard of practice is to remove all polyps and send them to the pathology lab for analysis. But about a third of these polyps end up being benign and thus were removed unnecessarily, putting the patient at risk -- albeit a small risk -- for bleeding complications.

Narrow-band imaging can visualize differences in surface and blood vessel patterns that can help determine whether or not a polyp is cancerous. So far, six well-designed studies have investigated whether narrow-band imaging can be used accurately to differentiate polyp types during colonoscopy. These studies found that using narrow-band imaging, doctors could accurately identify suspicious and benign polyps about 80 to 90% of the time.

Although a narrow-band imaging colonoscope called Exera is commercially available, more research and refinement of this technology are necessary to bring the accuracy rate closer to 100%. If this level of accuracy is reached, doctors could begin diagnosing polyps during colonoscopy, removing only those that are life-threatening and leaving benign ones in place.

Preventive Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

2010-12-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

In the Pipeline: Preventive Immunotherapy
for Colorectal Cancer

Your immune system serves as the front line in your body's defense against illness. Its job is to detect foreign intruders, like bacteria or viruses, and to then manufacture the antibodies necessary to destroy them. And it does this quite well -- except when the intruder is cancer.

The problem is that cancer cells are like double agents. They start off as normal, healthy cells, but when they become cancer cells, they act like foreign invaders. And even though they are doing things cells are not supposed to do, your immune system continues to perceive them as the normal cells they used to be.

But what if it were possible to teach your immune system that cancer cells are just like any other foreign invader that needs to be sought out and destroyed? That's the question cancer researchers have been pursuing. And they are now getting closer to finding the answer.

Preventive Immunotherapy

Most likely, you've received a number of preventive vaccines over your lifetime. And they've been incredibly effective at controlling diseases like measles and chickenpox and at virtually eradicating others such as smallpox and polio. All of these vaccines were designed to do the same thing: introduce your immune system to a virus so that it would know how to fight off the virus if it ever encountered it again.

The same strategy has been effective in fighting off some virus-related cancers: The hepatitis B vaccine, which helps prevent infection with the hepatitis B virus, reduces the risk of liver cancer, and Gardasil, the vaccine against human papillomavirus, reduces the risk of cervical cancer. But will a vaccine for colorectal cancer prevention be next in line?

That is the hope of a group of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. They are currently conducting a phase II trial of a vaccine, called MUC1 poly-ICLC, in people at high risk for developing colorectal cancer.

MUC1 is a cell protein that is produced in large amounts by precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer tumors. The vaccine teaches the immune system that the MUC1 protein is a foreign invader and that it needs to destroy any cells that are harboring it. Poly-ICLC is a drug used to boost the body's response to vaccination.

The researchers hope that by getting the immune system to go after these cells, the vaccine will be able to prevent polyps from turning into colorectal cancers and to keep the polyps from recurring. Interest in MUC1 for colorectal cancer stems, in part, from research showing that people with pancreatic cancer or breast cancer who naturally produce antibodies against the MUC1 vaccine live longer than those who don't produce them.

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December 15, 2010
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Personalized Colon Cancer Therapy

2010-08-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

What if there was a test that could determine the best treatment regimens for your specific tumor? How about a test that could tell you how likely you are to have a cancer recurrence? A decade ago, doctors could only dream of such tests. But in the not-too-distant future, they will probably be the mainstay of cancer care.

These developments reflect changes in the way scientists think about cancer. Initially, researchers believed that cancer was just one disease and that all cancers could be treated in virtually the same way. Now we know that's not the case. Not only does colorectal cancer differ from, say, breast or pancreatic cancer, but the latest research demonstrates that all colorectal cancers are not the same disease biologically, either.

This, in turn, is changing the way we think about colorectal cancer care. The more we learn about the different types of tumors, the clearer it becomes that not all tumors will respond in the same way to treatment regimens. Instead, the treatment must be tailored to the tumor's specific characteristics. Your doctor might refer to this new era of cancer care as personalized medicine; others call it individualized therapy, tailored treatment, or genome-based medicine. Each term refers to the same process: using genetic information obtained from your tumor to assess which treatment plan is best for you.

Biological Markers --
To move fully into this era of personalized medicine, scientists must first identify the biological markers -- measurable characteristics, like a protein level or the presence or absence of a certain gene or gene mutation -- that can tell us about your tumor's personality. These markers fall into two broad categories: predictive and prognostic.

Predictive biomarkers provide information about which chemotherapy regimens or biological agents might be effective against your tumor and which might not be effective at all.

Prognostic biomarkers assess how likely it is that your tumor is aggressive and, in turn, how likely it is to spread or recur. If you have an aggressive tumor, you may need more or different types of treatment than if your tumor is one that can be cured successfully by surgery alone. Prognostic markers could also be used in conjunction with predictive markers to determine the type of chemotherapy you need.
KRAS: The First Predictive Biomarker -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network's treatment guidelines now recommend that if you are diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer and are a candidate for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy, your tumor tissue should be tested for a predictive biomarker called KRAS, or K-ras. KRAS is a gene that helps tumors grow by sending signals to the cell nucleus through the EGFR on the cell's surface.

MACC1:
A Possible Prognostic Biomarker? A German research group recently reported that it had identified a gene, called metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1), that promotes rapid tumor growth and encourages cancer to spread to additional organs throughout the body. Early studies suggest that if your tumor has high levels of MACC1 you are at a much greater risk for developing metastatic cancer and should consider more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring than someone whose tumor has low levels of MACC1. Larger studies will need to be done to confirm these findings. However, if the results are reproduced, we might see a day when treatment decisions are influenced by a tumor's MACC1 level.

Posted in Colon Cancer on August 11, 2010

10 Questions to ask doctor about colon cancer

2010-05-20T14:11:00.001-07:00

10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Your Colon Cancer Diagnosis
The stress of a colon cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, so it's very important to have a support system of family and friends to help you with the questions and decisions you face. In this Health Alert, Johns Hopkins provides practical advice to help you cope.
Q. My doctor just told me that I have colon cancer and will need to undergo colon cancer surgery. Should I get a second opinion?
A. It is common for people to request a second opinion, especially before surgery or other involved treatment. Indeed, many insurance companies require a second opinion.
Ask your insurance company what your policy covers and if it requires you to see a doctor within that plan. Also tell your doctor you would like to have a second opinion. Most doctors are accustomed to this and will be supportive.
Ask for a referral and for copies of your medical records, including all test results, x-rays, and other imaging tests to take with you to the next doctor. You may have to sign a release and pay a copying fee, but there should be no problem in getting your records. If a second opinion (or the doctor you wish to consult) is not covered by insurance, it may be worthwhile to pay for this examination out of pocket.
When you meet with your doctor, be prepared in advance with questions you want to ask. For example:
Where is the colon cancer located?
Is the cancer in more than one place?
Are the lymph glands involved?
Has the cancer spread outside the colon? Are other organs involved?
What stage is the cancer, and exactly what does that mean?
Is this type of cancer life threatening?
Are there other tests I should have?
How soon do I need to begin cancer treatment?
What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Is colon cancer genetic? Could my children be at risk?

How Old Is Too Old for Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

2010-04-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

How Old Is Too Old for Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

When a reasonably healthy octogenarian gets a diagnosis of colon cancer, the issue of age is bound to come up. How old is too old for colon cancer surgery? What are the risks? What kind of recovery and quality of life can the very elderly expect afterward? Is it worth it? Johns Hopkins explores these questions and others in this Special Report.

The first line of treatment for colorectal cancer is to remove the primary tumor or tumors. If your cancer is confined to polyps or a small area, surgery is probably the only treatment that you need. For stage I or II cancers that have not spread to the lymph nodes, the expected five-year survival rate after surgery without chemotherapy is 80 to 90%.

Surgery usually involves removing the segment of the colon or rectum that has the primary cancer and a margin of healthy colon on either side of the cancer. The surgeon will also remove the tissue that holds the colon in place (mesentery) and the adjacent lymph nodes. The number of lymph nodes removed can be important in providing an accurate stage and prognosis.

It is true that the risks of colorectal cancer surgery are higher for some older people. An analysis of 28 studies found lower survival rates among the elderly who have coexisting health conditions, are diagnosed at an advanced cancer stage, and have to undergo emergency procedures. Another study found that octogenarians with early stage cancer survived 10 or more years after colorectal cancer surgery if they had no chronic illnesses.

It appears that quality of life after colorectal cancer treatment can be as good for octogenarians as it is for younger seniors -- even in the face of coexisting illness, according to a Canadian study that compared the outcomes of people over age 80 with those in their 60s. The average age of the older group was 83 years at the time of colorectal cancer surgery, while the "youngsters" ranged in age from 65-69. People in both groups underwent comparable surgical procedures and had similar coexisting health problems (such as hypertension and diabetes), although the older group had somewhat less advanced (lower-stage) cancers.

The responses to a survey on quality of life and functioning before and after colorectal cancer surgery were remarkably similar in both groups. Before surgery, both worried about pain, becoming a burden, and death. After colorectal cancer surgery, there were no major changes or differences between the groups in terms of their ability to perform daily functions or their overall health, sexual function, or quality of life.

Too Early To Draw Firm Conclusions?
The Canadian researchers emphasize that their study findings are preliminary, and some results may be biased. While the results are preliminary, the study provides further ammunition for the argument that determining which patients are candidates for colorectal cancer surgery shouldn’t be made solely on the basis of chronological age. High-functioning elderly people who undergo colorectal cancer surgery appear able to retain their ability to function and maintain a good quality of life.

Experts note that regardless of age the outcome of colorectal cancer surgery is likely to be better under these conditions:

The cancer is at an early stage. Most people in the study had stage 0, I, or II cancer; none had stage III or IV.

The person about to have treatment is functioning at a high level before surgery and in good general health, without multiple serious chronic diseases. People who have three or more chronic diseases -- such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or heart disease -- tend to have poorer outcomes.

The surgery is seen as a positive action, and the person with cancer is aware of the procedures to be performed and the potential outcomes.
Other issues that could affect outcomes at any age include a family history of longevity and a good support system of family and friends.

Posted in Colon Cancer on March 6, 2010

My sigmo exam

2010-02-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

I learned two very interesting facts during my sigmo exam today...

Fact #1: The outside of my behind is way uglier than I ever imagined it to be. (All hairy and bumpy.)

Fact #2: The inside of my behind is way more beautiful than I ever imagined it to be. (All pink and smooth.)

You know, I can't tell you how happy I have been since watching that "scope". If they could run a camera through my whole body -- and if everything looked that pink and clean -- I would be happier yet!

Cancer-Free-Since-1991. email from a female breast cancer survivor.

Sigmoidoscopy is the minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon. A sigmoidoscopy is an effective screening tool. Doctors use it to look for benign and malignant polyps, as well as early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum.

A sigmoidoscopy is similar but not the same as a colonoscopy. A Sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid, the most distal part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.

2009 Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer White Paper

2009-05-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer White Paper
Colon cancer patients and their families have a new resource.

The numbers are alarming: The American Cancer Society ranks colorectal cancer—a term that includes cancers of both the colon and the rectum—as the #3 cause of cancer overall in the United States (and the #2 leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women).

Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to what we now know about effective colon cancer prevention. It is also one of the most curable of all cancers if you detect it and treat in its early stages.

The five-year survival rate for colon cancer when it is discovered and treated in the early stages is over 90%. In addition, early screening may reveal pre-cancerous growths (polyps) that can be removed easily, preventing you from developing colon cancer in the first place, even if you have a family history of colon cancer.

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Doc Says Doug’s Done

2009-04-14T22:08:00.001-07:00

Doc Says Doug’s Done
March 3, 2008

Mr. Beckstein, let me take a moment to look at your chart.

Here are the results from my last Colonscopy.

OK.

Here are my CEA lab tests from 2007.

OK.

I had a CAT scan in March 2007, and there was no evidence of cancer.

I see that. No evidence of disease.

It has been five years since my colon cancer diagnosis.

Mr. Beckstein, you are done.

What.

You are done with cancer.

No more CEA tests?

Yes every six months but you will need a reading of 10 before I would be concerned.

What about CAT scans?

You really don’t have to go through that test anymore.

So I am done with cancer?

Yes. Doug you are done.

I left the doctor’s office a free man.

I've Nothin' To Do

2009-04-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

I've Nothin' To Do
by Douglas Beckstein

I opened my eyes and saw my brother, David, napping in the chair in the corner of my hospital room. This was day two after my abdominal resection.

My hair was soaked with sweat. Pain meds worked great, but I had had wild dreams last night. I had no idea what kind of day it was outside the hospital. Food did not appeal. A young doctor making his rounds entered my room. “Good morning, Mr. Beckstein," he said. "What are you reading?”

I had to look at the book open on my bed to answer his question. “Gods and Demons,” I replied, with a very dry mouth. I took a sip of water through a straw.

“Is it any good?"
"I don't know,” I said. “I can't really read on this pain killer.”

Ignoring my brother sprawled in the chair, the doctor walked over to the window and stood with his back to me. “How’s the view from here?” I asked.

"I can see the highway and the roof of this hospital,” he responded. Then he turned to face me again. “Is that an iPOD you have there?"

"Sixty gigs!" I said proudly.

"Cool. I want one," he said, inspecting the device closely.

The doctor sat on my bed, lifted the sheet covering my incision, and inspected the tubes connected to my body. I was very relaxed due to his engaging conversation. There was a nine inch incision in my body; staples held me together.

He stared at my drainage tube. “You don’t need this thing anymore,” he said. He placed one hand on my belly, grabbed the tube with his other hand, and yanked. Then he stood up, wrapped the tubing and collection pouch into a ball, tossed the mess into the hazardous medical waste garbage can, and returned to my bedside.

“You are doing very well. Healing right on schedule," he said, applying a band aid to my belly. Then he was gone.

My brother woke up. “Who was that guy?" he asked.

“I think he was a doctor.” Song lyrics entered my brain. "David, do you remember the artist who sang this song?"

Countin' flowers on the wall, that don't bother me at all
Playin' solitaire 'til dawn, with a deck of fifty-one
Smokin' cigarettes and watchin' Captain Kangaroo
Now don't tell me
I've nothin' to do.

"Statler Brothers," he replied, opening yesterday's newspaper.

Waiting

2009-02-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

Waiting

Waiting for an appointment
Waiting for a parking space
Waiting for an elevator
Sitting in a waiting room
Signing yet another medical form
Looking for my health insurance card
Glancing at magazines that have nothing to do with my life
Waiting to see the doctor
Waiting for the diagnosis
Wondering, is this test accurate?
Looking at numbers on a page
Wanting to understand
Lying on my back for a CAT Scan
Trying to be brave
Asking for a second opinion
Crying quietly
Wanting you to make it better
Worrying about dying
Waiting for a cure
Wanting something sweet
Waiting for a blood test
Wanting to run away
Waiting for a prescription
Cursing side effects
Looking for solutions
Wasting time
Wishing my life was different
Wondering how long will I live?
Praying to God
Talking with friends
Telling my story
Recovering
Living more
Loving deeply

Colon Cancer

2009-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Colon cancer is the #2 cause of cancer-related death among BOTH men and women in the United States. Yet this cancer is highly treatable if detected early. I would like to introduce you to an invaluable resource in our ongoing war against colon cancer:

The numbers are alarming: The American Cancer Society ranks colorectal cancer—a term that includes cancers of both the colon and the rectum—as the #3 cause of cancer overall in the United States (and the #2 leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women).

Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to what we now know about effective colon cancer prevention. It is also one of the most curable of all cancers if you detect it and treat in its early stages.

The five-year survival rate for colon cancer when it is discovered and treated in the early stages is over 90%. In addition, early screening may reveal pre-cancerous growths (polyps) that can be removed easily, preventing you from developing colon cancer in the first place, even if you have a family history of colon cancer.

The key to preventing and treating colon cancer is current, accurate, reliable knowledge.

John's Hopkins University 2008

Cancer will Overtake Heart Disease as World's Top Killer iby 2010

2008-12-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

ATLANTA – Cancer will overtake heart disease as the world's top killer by 2010, part of a trend that should more than double global cancer cases and deaths by 2030, international health experts said in a report released Tuesday. Rising tobacco use in developing countries is believed to be a huge reason for the shift, particularly in China and India, where 40 percent of the world's smokers now live.

So is better diagnosing of cancer, along with the downward trend in infectious diseases that used to be the world's leading killers.

Cancer diagnoses around the world have steadily been rising and are expected to hit 12 million this year. Global cancer deaths are expected to reach 7 million, according to the new report by the World Health Organization.

An annual rise of 1 percent in cases and deaths is expected — with even larger increases in China, Russia and India. That means new cancer cases will likely mushroom to 27 million annually by 2030, with deaths hitting 17 million.

Underlying all this is an expected expansion of the world's population — there will be more people around to get cancer.

By 2030, there could be 75 million people living with cancer around the world, a number that many health care systems are not equipped to handle.

"This is going to present an amazing problem at every level in every society worldwide," said Peter Boyle, director of the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Boyle spoke at a news conference with officials from the American Cancer Society, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Cancer Institute of Mexico.

The "unprecedented" gathering of organizations is an attempt to draw attention to the global threat of cancer, which isn't recognized as a major, growing health problem in some developing countries.

"Where you live shouldn't determine whether you live," said Hala Moddelmog, Komen's chief executive.

The organizations are calling on governments to act, asking the U.S. to help fund cervical cancer vaccinations and to ratify an international tobacco control treaty.

Concerned about smoking's impact on cancer rates in developing countries in the decades to come, the American Cancer Society also announced it will provide a smoking cessation counseling service in India.

"If we take action, we can keep the numbers from going where they would otherwise go," said John Seffrin, the cancer society's chief executive officer.

Other groups are also voicing support for more action.

"Cancer is one of the greatest untold health crises of the developing world," said Dr. Douglas Blayney, president-elect of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

"Few are aware that cancer already kills more people in poor countries than HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined. And if current smoking trends continue, the problem will get significantly worse," he said in a written statement.

By MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer Mike Stobbe, Ap Medical Writer – Tue Dec 9, 5:43 pm ET

CEA test used for tracking Colon Cancer

2008-11-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test is a laboratory blood study. CEA is a substance which is normally found only during fetal development, but may reappear in adults who develop certain types of cancer.

Purpose

The CEA test is ordered for patients with known cancers. The CEA test is most commonly ordered when a patient has a cancer of the gastrointestinal system. These include cancer of the colon, rectum, stomach (gastric cancer), esophagus, liver, or pancreas. It is also used with cancers of the breast, lung, or prostate.

The CEA level in the blood is one of the factors that doctors consider when determining the prognosis, or most likely outcome of a cancer. In general, a higher CEA level predicts a more severe disease, one that is less likely to be curable. But it does not give clear-cut information. The results of a CEA test are usually considered along with other laboratory and/or imaging studies to follow the course of the disease.

Once treatment for the cancer has begun, CEA tests have a valuable role in monitoring the patient's progress. A decreasing CEA level means therapy is effective in fighting the cancer. A stable or increasing CEA level may mean the treatment is not working, and/or that the tumor is growing. It is important to understand that serial CEA measurements, which means several done over a period of time, are the most useful. A single test result is difficult to evaluate, but a number of tests, done weeks apart, shows trends in disease progression or regression.

Certain types of cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy for breast cancer, may actually cause the CEA level to go up. This elevation does not accurately reflect the state of the disease. It is sometimes referred to as a "flare response." Recognition that a rise in CEA may be temporary and due to therapy is significant. If this possibility is not taken into account, the patient may be unnecessarily discouraged. Further, treatment that is actually effective may be stopped or changed prematurely.

CEA tests are also used to help detect recurrence of a cancer after surgery and/or other treatment has been completed. A rising CEA level may be the first sign of cancer return, and may show up months before other studies or patient symptoms would raise concern. Unfortunately, this does not always mean the recurrent cancer can be cured. For example, only a small percentage of patients with colorectal cancers and rising CEA levels will benefit from another surgical exploration. Those with recurrence in the same area as the original cancer, or with a single metastatic tumor in the liver or lung, have a chance that surgery will eliminate the disease. Patients with more widespread return of the cancer are generally not treatable with surgery. The CEA test will not separate the two groups.

Patients who are most likely to benefit from non-standard treatments, such as bone marrow transplants, may be determined on the basis of CEA values, combined with other test results. CEA levels may be one of the criteria for determining whether the patient will benefit from more expensive studies, such as CT scan or MRI.

Precautions

The CEA test is not a screening test for cancer. It is not useful for detecting the presence of cancer. Many cancers do not produce an increased CEA level. Some noncancerous diseases, such as hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and obstructive pulmonary disease, may cause an elevated CEA level.

Description

Determination of the CEA level is a laboratory blood test. Obtaining a specimen of blood for the study takes only a few minutes. CEA testing should be covered by most insurance plans.

Preparation

No preparation is required.

Aftercare

None.

Risks

There are no complications or side effects of this test. However, the results of a CEA study should be interpreted with caution. A single test result may not yield clinically useful information. Several studies over a period of months may be needed.

Another concern is the potential for false positive as well as false negative results. A false positive result means the test shows an abnormal value when cancer is not present. A false negative means the test reveals a normal value when cancer actually is present.

Normal results

The absolute numbers which are considered normal vary from one laboratory to another. Any results reported should come with information regarding the testing facility's normal range.

Abnormal results

A single abnormal CEA value may be significant, but must be regarded cautiously. In general, very high CEA levels indicate more serious cancer, with a poorer chance for cure. But some benign diseases and certain cancer treatments may produce an elevated CEA test. Cigarette smoking will also cause the CEA level to be abnormally high.

steps to avoid cancer

2008-11-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Some do’s and don’ts for helping to avoid and fight cancer.

Your mental state
* Be positive.
* Resolve stress and past traumas.
* Accept yourself and your emotions, including the negative ones.
* Practice meditation, yoga, tai chi or some other form of relaxation.

Your diet
* These vegetables have great cancer-fighting characteristics: beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, garlic, kale, leeks and scallions.
* Also good are onions, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, red wine, soy.
* Increase your intake of omega-3s, typically found in fish (herring, trout, sardines, mackerel, halibut) and flax seeds and oils.
* Avoid sugar, white flour, vegetable oils, white rice and non-organic animal fat (meat, eggs, milk, cheese).
* Filter your tap water.

Your activity
* Spend 20 to 30 minutes a day on a physical activity like tennis, swimming or walking.
* Be out in the sun for 20 minutes every day.

And...
* Avoid being surrounded by people who smoke.
* Use cosmetic products that don’t contain parabens or phthalates.
* Use skin-care products without estrogens or placental by-products.
* Use cleaning products without synthetic chemicals.
* Don’t prepare food in a scratched Teflon pan.
* Reduce the influence of cell phones by using a headset consistently.

Source: David Servan-Schreiber, Anticancer 11-05-08
David Servan-Schreiber | November 2008 issue of ODE Magazine

How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy?

2008-10-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

If you are at low risk for colorectal cancer, how long should you wait between colonoscopy screenings? Johns Hopkins looked into this question and provides advice.

Most of us grudgingly accept the need for regular colonoscopy screenings but may wonder: Is it really safe to wait a decade before your next colonoscopy? Some researchers have wondered as well.

The 10-year interval, the gold-standard period between screening colonoscopies for people at low risk, is based in part on the amount of time it usually takes a benign polyp to become cancerous. Until recently, there was little evidence to support this practice in people whose previous colonoscopies showed no evidence of cancer or polyps.

But new research suggests that the 10-year standard is more than adequate. In fact, it may be safe -- although not recommended -- to wait up to 20 years between colonoscopy screenings. For example, a Canadian study that reviewed colonoscopy records of 35,975 people confirms that those with a negative (cancer-free) test result had a 72% lower risk of developing cancer over 10 years than the general population.

A German study that spanned more than a decade confirmed this finding and went even further: For people with a prior negative colonoscopy, the low-risk period can extend to 20 years. We're not suggesting that you allow 20 years to pass between your colonoscopy screenings. But if you have a normal colonoscopy result, you can most likely wait at least a decade before undergoing the procedure again.

Important: If a screening colonoscopy catches even one polyp, your risk of colon cancer goes up and so does the recommended frequency of screenings. The same is true if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Posted in Colon Cancer on October 7, 2008

PET Scans for Recurrent Colorectal Cancer

2008-09-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

September 10, 2008 — The use of positron emission tomography (PET) scans led to changes in disease management for more than half of all patients with suspected or proven recurrent colorectal cancer, according to the results of a study published in the September issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

In this large multicenter trial, PET scanning detected additional disease sites in 48.4% of patients in 1 study group (group A) and in 43.9% of patients in the second study group (group B). The use of PET scanning also changed the planned disease management in 65.6% of patients in group A and 49.0% of those in group B.

"The data from our study, as well as from other studies, clearly demonstrates that PET can alter management decisions, and in many meaningful ways," lead study author Andrew M. Scott, MD, director of the Centre for PET and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, told Medscape Oncology in an interview. "It can help confirm the presence of disease, identify additional sites of disease, and assist in making the most appropriate treatment decisions."

"It should be emphasized that some patients have isolated disease that can be resected, which will allow them to have long progression free survival periods or even a potential cure," Dr. Scott added. "PET scanning can more appropriately identify patients that will benefit from these treatments."

Prompted Changes in More Than Half of Patients

PET scans have been shown to demonstrate a high degree of accuracy in the detection of recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer, and although sensitivity is comparable with a computed tomographic (CT) scan in the detection of metastases to the liver, it is superior in the detection of extrahepatic disease. Previous reports estimate that the use of PET has changed estimates of the extent of disease in approximately one third of patients and that it can influence management decisions in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

However, few prospective studies evaluating the use of PET in patients with recurrent colorectal cancer have been performed, and none have been large multicenter trials. The study authors note that the effect of PET on patient outcomes, such as progression-free survival, has also not been previously reported.

The goal of the current trial was to evaluate the effect of PET on management change in patients with proven or suspected recurrent colorectal cancer and to assess the effect of management change on disease-free survival.

A total of 191 patients from 4 institutions were enrolled in the study between November 23, 2003, and August 12, 2004, and they were subsequently separated into 2 study groups. Group A consisted of 93 symptomatic patients with a residual structural lesion suggestive of a recurrent tumor, whereas group B consisted of 98 patients with potentially resectable liver or lung metastases.

Lesions Detected by PET, Management Changes

In group A, 90 (96.8%) patients underwent both PET and CT scans, whereas 3 (3.2%) patients underwent a PET scan only. In group B, 83 (84.7%) patients underwent both PET and CT scans, whereas 15 (15.3%) patients underwent a PET scan only.

Additional disease sites were identified in 45 (48.4%) patients in group A, and in the second group, additional sites were detected in 43 (43.9%) patients. Undergoing a PET scan also resulted in changes in disease management plans. On the basis of PET scan results, 61 (65.6%) patients in group A had management plans altered, and in group B, 48 (49.0%) patients had a change in management plans. In 96% of the patients participating in this study, the treatment management plan that was actually implemented was consistent with the stated post-PET management plan.

Progression-Free Survival

At 12 months, the investigators evaluated clinical outcomes by comparing the progression-free survival of patients in both groups. The researchers found that patients who had additional lesions detected on PET scan had poorer progression-free survival vs those who had conventional imaging. On follow-up, 60.5% of patients in group A had progressive disease, with additional lesions identified by PET scanning vs patients who underwent conventional imaging. In group B, progressive disease was identified in 65.9% of patients with additional lesions that were detected with PET scans.

Patients in group B who had localized disease to the liver or lungs on PET scan had a better prognosis vs those with more disseminated disease. The researchers also noted that these data clearly showed the powerful prognostic ability of PET to accurately stratify patients who are thought to have localized disease on conventional imaging. Stratification into curative and palliative groups was also improved after PET scans for patients in both groups. In addition, those in group B who planned to have surgery after undergoing a PET scan had superior progression-free survival vs patients who planned surgery before undergoing a PET scan.

"The data from our study shows that using PET scanning can impact outcomes and therapeutic decisions, and while our study did not look at cost effectiveness, there is substantial data showing that PET scanning is cost effective," said Dr. Scott.

Inappropriate treatment not only has a substantial effect on patient well-being, but also can be very costly, Dr. Scott emphasized. "PET scanning can contribute to more appropriate treatment decisions and ultimately be cost saving, but that was not specifically examined in our study."

This study was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

J Nucl Med. 2008;49:1451-1457.

The Size of a Pea

2008-09-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

The Size of a Pea and a Lot More Dangerous

Colorectal polyps are small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells that grow in the rectum and colon. Over the course of 10-15 years, some of these polyps -- usually the ones that are larger than a pea -- can become cancerous. Fortunately, regular screening for colorectal cancer helps to identify and remove polyps, often before they progress to cancer.

It is not known why polyps develop, but some people are more prone than others. For instance, the older you get -- especially after age 50 -- the more likely you are to have polyps. You're also more likely to develop polyps if you've had them before (polyps tend to recur) or if someone in your family has had polyps or cancer of the colon.

Your behavior also influences your risk: Eating a lot of fatty foods, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, not exercising, and being over weight can all contribute to the formation of polyps.

Q. I've had a colon polyp removed. What can I do to prevent colorectal cancer?

A. One crucial step is to have a follow-up colonoscopy every three to five years, depending on the number and size of your polyps.

You also need to get moving. The American Cancer Society stresses the importance of exercise for those trying to prevent polyp recurrence. Excess body weight and inactivity are linked with shorter survival times; one study found that people who exercised regularly were about half as likely to die of colorectal cancer within four years as those who did not exercise.

No diet is guaranteed to prevent colorectal cancer recurrence, but experts suggest this recipe to help lower your risk:

* Get most of your foods from plant sources (fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts).
* Avoid processed foods and limit those high in saturated fats (especially beef).
* Choose chicken, fish, or beans as your main protein sources.
* Avoid junk foods, including sodas and sugar-laden snacks.
* Have no more than one alcoholic drink per day.
* Get most of your nutrients from foods rather than supplements.

Finally, although some research has suggested that NSAIDs may prevent colorectal cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently concluded that the risks of long-term NSAID use -- such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke -- exceed the potential benefits for people at average risk for colorectal cancer.

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts 09.16.08

Improving Survival after Colon Rectal Cancer

2008-09-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

African Americans are between 30 to 50 percent more likely to die from Colon Rectal Cancer than their white counterparts. Finding explanations for this disparity has been the focus of many studies.

Is it access to health care?
Is it education?
Is it due to the type of cancer treatment?

Researchers have not solved this mystery.

09-09-08
Quoted from the Northern California Cancer Center 2007 Annual Report.

Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?

2008-09-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?
American Cancer Society

Even though we do not know the exact cause of most colorectal cancer, it is possible to prevent many colorectal cancers.

Screening:
One of the most powerful weapons in preventing colorectal cancer is regular colorectal cancer screening or testing. From the time the first abnormal cells start to grow, it usually takes about 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer. Regular colorectal cancer screening can, in many cases, prevent colorectal cancer altogether. (See the American Cancer Society screening guidelines in the next section "Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?"). This is because polyps, or growths, can be detected and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also result in finding colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable.
People who have no identified risk factors (other than age) should begin regular screening at age 50. Those who have a family history or other risk factors for colorectal cancer polyps or cancer need to talk with their doctor about starting screening at a younger age and more frequent intervals.

Diet and exercise:
People can lower their risk of developing colorectal cancer by managing the risk factors that they can control, such as diet and physical activity. It is important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods and to limit intake of high-fat foods. Physical activity is another area that people can control. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 30, preferably 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity on 5 or more days of the week. If you are overweight, you can ask your doctor about a weight loss plan that will work for you. For more information about diet and physical activity, refer to the American Cancer Society document, American Cancer Society Guidelines for Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.

Vitamins, calcium, magnesium:
Some studies suggest that taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid, or folate, can lower colorectal cancer risk. Other studies suggest that increasing calcium intake may lower risk. Some have suggested that vitamin D, which you can get from sun exposure or in a vitamin pill, can lower colorectal cancer risk. Of course, excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer and is not recommended as a way to lower colorectal cancer risk. Calcium and vitamin D may work together to reduce colorectal cancer risk, as vitamin D aids in the body’s absorption of calcium. In addition, one recent study suggested that a diet high in magnesium may also reduce colorectal cancer risk in women.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
Many studies have found that people who regularly use aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), have a 20% to 50% lower risk of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Most of these studies, however, are based on observations of people who took these medications for reasons such as treatment of arthritis or prevention of heart attacks. Two recent studies have provided even stronger evidence regarding the ability of aspirin to prevent the growth of polyps. The advantage of these recent studies is that people were randomly selected by the researchers to receive either aspirin or an inactive placebo. One study included people who were previously treated for early stages of colorectal cancer, and the other study included people who previously had polyps removed.

But NSAIDs can cause serious or even life-threatening bleeding from stomach irritation. Currently available information suggests that the risks of serious bleeding outweigh the benefits of these medicines for the general public. For this reason, experts do not recommend NSAIDs as a cancer-prevention strategy for people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, the value of these drugs for people at increased colorectal cancer risk is being actively studied. Celecoxib (Celebrex) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for reducing polyp formation in people with FAP. One advantage of this drug is that it causes less bleeding in the stomach. However, celecoxib may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A similar drug, rofecoxib (Vioxx), was taken off the market because people who took it had an increased number of heart attacks and strokes. Please check with your doctor before beginning to take aspirin and other NSAIDs on a regular basis.

Female hormones:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer. But those women on HRT who do develop colorectal cancer may have a fast growing cancer.
HRT also lowers the risk of developing osteoporosis, but it may increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, and breast and uterine cancers. For these reasons, the decision to use HRT should be based on a careful discussion of benefits and risks with your doctor.

Other factors:
There are other risk factors that can't be controlled, such as a strong family history of colorectal cancer. But even when people have a history of colorectal cancer in their family, they may be able to prevent the disease. For example, people with a family history of colorectal cancer may benefit from starting screening tests when they are younger and having them done more often than people without this risk factor.

Genetic tests can help determine which members of certain families have inherited a high risk for developing colorectal cancer. Without genetic testing, all members of a family known to have an inherited form of colorectal cancer should be screened early and frequently. However, with genetic testing, family members who are found not to have inherited the mutated gene can be screened with the same frequency as people at average risk.
People with FAP should start colonoscopy during their teens. Most doctors recommend they have their colon removed when they are in their 20s to prevent cancer from developing.

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer for people with HNPCC is about 80% compared to near 100% for those with FAP. Doctors recommend that people with HNPCC start colonoscopy screening during their 20s to remove any polyps and find any cancers at the earliest possible stage. People known to carry the genetic mutation associated with HNPCC may be offered the option of yearly screening with colonoscopy or removal of most of the colon.
Ashkenazi Jews with the I1307K APC mutation have an increased colorectal cancer risk, but do not develop these cancers when they are very young. And, as a group overall, Ashkenazi Jews (even those without the I1307K APC mutation) are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than other ethnic groups. For these reasons, most doctors recommend that they carefully follow the usual recommendations for colorectal cancer screening, but earlier or more frequent testing is usually not suggested.

Since some colorectal cancers can't be prevented, finding the disease early is the best way to improve the chance of a cure and reduce the number of deaths caused by this disease.

In addition to the screening recommendations for people at average colorectal cancer risk, the American Cancer Society has additional guidelines for people at moderate and high risk of colorectal cancer. These recommendations are described in the section "Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?" Ask your doctor how these guidelines might apply to you.

My Bucket List

2008-09-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Bucket List movie stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward determined to complete everything on their "Bucket List" -- a list of things to do before they "kick the bucket."

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of visiting foreign lands. I have seen Europe, most of the USA, Canada, Hawaii and Mexico. My outdoor adventures have included scuba diving in the Mexico and Hawaii, water skiing, snow skiing in Colorado and Utah, hiking volcanoes and the Napili Coast, sailing, swimming with dolphins, ocean kayaking with sea otters and camping. I rafted down the Colorado River and backpacked in Alaska.

I have fallen in love, married wonderful women and enjoyed many happy years with both wives. I have no regrets about my decision to divorce when the marriages ended. I have had several successful jobs and have worked with some terrific people. I also have been fired and quit a few jobs when it has been time to move on. I enjoy good books, movies, art, theatre and music. I love teaching. I have many terrific friends and family members.

I am 58 years old. I am cancer free. I am dating a terrific woman who truly enjoys life and she loves me for who I am. My life is in balance. I feel truly blessed.

The author Richard Bolles calls this “life planning” in his book, The Three Boxes of Life. I highly recommend it.

Road Trip Be Prepared

2008-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

What to pack for a road trip is more difficult after cancer treatment. To some degree side effects will continue. I will eat something exotic that will give me diarrhea. I have a emergency diarrhea kit in the car. While traveling I will find restrooms with no toilet paper, no soap and no towels. Pack it.

After cancer treatments I thought I could resume my regular activities of camping and hiking and swimming and riding my bike. Wrong. Recovery is a slow process filled with surprises.

A Good Stick for a Blood Test

2008-09-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Back to Balance

2008-09-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Life after cancer for me means that I enjoy each day. I really don’t know when I will die. Could be when I am riding my bike to work. If I want to live a long vibrant life, I choose to change old habits.

1. Exercise
I need to exercise each day. Back to balance means to choose the right exercise and knowing my limits. I know when I overdo my workout because I wakeup with leg cramps in the middle of the night or have a sore back. This is called feedback. I can change my exercise plan for tomorrow. Knowing my limits before injury is an art. I enjoy hiking, swimming, ride a bike, walking, dancing and go to the YMCA to move my body.

2. Eat Right
Back to balance for food is to eat limited portions of low fat organic food. I monitor my weight daily and I am an active member of weight watchers. This group of friends help me learn to gain control over portions and eat right. I need food to nourish my body and support my brain function. Balance is needed so I can maintain my best body weight.

3. Get Enough Sleep
No more long 4-hour commutes and then nine-hour workdays for me. Overwork brings burnout and sleep depravation. I am done with that lifestyle. This burnout behavior lowered my immune system and led my to colon cancer. I bike to work through a city park in ten minutes. I take naps during the day.

4. Simple Housing
Back to balance with housing for me is living in a small studio. Living simply. No more big real estate property to manage. A small studio means I collect less stuff. I keep hauling out boxes of clothes to donate to goodwill. Less clutter more clarity. I live in an old building with wooden floors and old radiators. No air conditioning needed. I use fans.

5. Healthy Relationships
Back to balance with relationships means I end toxic relationships that suck out my life source. I do not have to fix someone else’s problems. The reason I have healthy friendships is that our relationship is respectful and supportive.

6. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Back to balance with my daily routine is making a list of things to do each day and getting my nap out of the way first. Balance makes my life peaceful and a lot more fun. Most things I worry about don’t happen. Does it take McDonalds ads to convince me that I deserve a break today?

7. Learn to Laugh and Have Fun Daily
Back to balance with overwork is planning leisure. Keep a list of fun things to do. Go see the movie The Bucket List. If today were the last day you would be alive, what would you do with your time?

8. Choose the Right Job
I am fifty-seven years old. I will be working a long time before I retire. If I want to have balance with my employment, I need to limit my stress level and work hours so my work life is sustainable.

Angels: Becoming Aware of Spiritual Support

2008-09-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

I never really had the experience of being surrounded by angels until my cancer diagnosis. This was an intense period of prayer. Asking God for help.

Friends would ask, “Is it OK if my church holds you in our prayers?” Of coarse I said, “Yes, thank you very much. That is very kind of you.” At this point in time, I was pretty skeptical about the prayer and the existence of angels.

I was raised Roman Catholic. Today I am more a Buddhist and mixture of other spiritual traditions. Prayer really was not part of my life until cancer. I began praying with friends at work. I would pray during radiation treatments. Usually my prayers were asking for the power to fight this disease. I asked God for help guide me on this path of treatment and healing.

I did plenty of praying during my cancer treatments. I saw many angels arrive with God's grace.

WHY ME? Survivor Guilt

2008-09-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Why do I get to live on and others die? October 2006 two close friends were killed instantly in automobile accidents. Both were my same age. Today another friend is dying of cancer in hospice. I feel lucky to escape the grim reaper but I question why has my life spared? What am I doing with my life and talent right now? Why me Lord? What should I do with my new lease on life?

I remember when I finished surgery, chemo and radiation treatments in 2004 I felt sooooo lucky to be alive. I was musing this same question….What to do with my life now that I successfully fought cancer?

I asked my good friend Lisa. “ Should I join the peace corps and go help somebody on the other side of the world?”

Lisa thought for a moment, then replied, “Doug how about just making a difference in peoples lives here in Oakland? You don’t have to join the peace corps.”

What a good idea. How about writing a book about my cancer experience and helping other people who have to either prep for their first colonoscopy of recover from treatments. As I reflect upon this question, I get more answers.
1. Be generous to others and yourself.
2. Enjoy each moment of life and urge others to do the same.
3. Cook meals for friends
4. Play lots of music
I remember a few years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Jimmy Carter speak. I find his life to be very inspirational. I remember to this day one quote from his talk. He said that he was standing on the shoulders of his father, who is standing on the shoulders of his father and so on. Because we have this foundation we can reach much higher than the previous generation.

So to answer the original question, Why Me? Just because. “Nothing personal. Your name just happened to come up.”

You got the whole world in you hands

2008-09-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Semi-colon

Semicolon was written for patients who are diagnosed with colon cancer. I want this book to be a resource to help you and your care-givers to develop plans to fight colon cancer and inspire you to heal completely. I encourage you to not just survive but thrive. My intention is to point the way to healing from the disease so you can continue living a vibrant life.

“Humans must rise above the Earth…to the top of the atmosphere and beyond. For only thus will we understand the world in which we live.” Socrates, 400 BC

I have traveled this road and won the battle. As a Colon Cancer Patient you have the power to heal completely. You will choose the right cancer treatment for your body. During this journey you will discover what needs healing and find the right path and proper pace for your recovery. You will find others who will help you with healing practices during and after your treatment. You have many choices to make during this journey. Remember, “You got the whole world in your hands.”

You miss 100% the shots you never take

2008-09-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

I met Tom in Silicon Valley in 1995. Tom was the Director of Manufacturing at Cisco Systems. He hired me to help coordinate a big computer project. Cisco was growing quickly and their information systems were a disaster. The manufacturing line shut down for one week so the board of directors gave Tom 10 million dollars to build a new ERP system. We had nine months, like the birth of a baby to build a world-wide Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning system.

I helped Tom setup systems and problem solve. I only had one hour each week to meet with him and plan my work. I was really impressed with how Tom made quick decisions and solved problems. Later I found out that Tom was fighting cancer. He was working part-time with the ERP project and would fly down to Southern California for chemo treatments.

I remember Tom had a great CD music collection and that he played classical guitar. When I would meet with Tom and go over what I was doing to solve problems, he would listen carefully to my report and then say, “Great, make it happen!” I had to find ways to get this ERP project going ASAP. We were hiring computer programmers to write code, planning meetings to decide how to build this world-wide system of ERP. This was fast track everything. Get a computer TODAY for a programmer when it would take purchasing two weeks. I did not have two weeks to wait. So I would lease a computer and have it delivered the next day. I learned from Tom to cut through bureaucracy and get it done. He would always back me up.

Tom would slice through the politics and dramas quickly and help the team stay on focus. The T shirt you see above is still in my closet. I never knew why I chose to keep this T shirt. Eleven years later, after I fought Colon Cancer and won, now I know why I still keep the T-shirt…. To remember Tom and to thank Wayne Gretzky for the quote.

Wayne Douglas Gretzky, OC (born January 26, 1961) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently part-owner and head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Born in Brantford, Ontario and nicknamed "The Great One," Total Hockey: The Official Encyclopedia of the NHL calls Gretzky "the greatest player of all time". He is regarded as the best player of his era and has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by sportswriters, players, coaches, and fans. Along with his many awards and achievements, he is the only player to ever have his playing number, 99, officially retired across the entire National Hockey League.

Identified as a hockey prodigy at a very young age, Gretzky regularly played at a level far above his peers.[7] He became a full professional at the age of 17 in the World Hockey Association, leading to a long career in the NHL. He set 40 regular-season records, 15 playoff records, 6 All-Star records, won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, and won 9 MVP awards and 10 scoring titles. He is the only player ever to total over 200 points in a season (a feat that he accomplished four times in his career). In addition, he tallied over 100 points a season for 15 NHL seasons, 13 of them consecutively. He retired from playing in 1999, becoming Executive Director for the Canadian national men's hockey team during the 2002 Winter Olympics. He also became part owner of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2000 and following the 2004-05 NHL lockout became their head coach

From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Gretzky

What is an Exceptional Patient?

2008-09-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

What is an Exceptional Patient?

Person is confident they will beat back the disease and resume a normal life. They hold an optimistic view of their prognosis. They involve themselves in creative activities. They believe in the power of the mind to overcome disease. They refuse to participate in defeat. Their every thought and deed advances the cause of life. Peace of mind sends the body a “live” message. They take charge of their lives. They work hard to achieve health and peace of mind.

“They do not rely on doctors to take the initiative but rather use them as members of a team, demanding the utmost in technique, resourcefulness, concern, and open-mindedness. If they are not satisfied, they change doctors.”1

Exceptional patients are loving. They will give you a hug. They love themselves and others. They love life and accept the fact they will not live forever. Exceptional patents heal themselves. “ True healing not merely reversal of one particular disease.”2

1 Love, Medicine and Miracles Lessons Learned about Self-Healing from a surgeon’s experience with Exceptional Patients by Bernie S. Siegel,MD Perennial Library Harper Row Publishers 1986 Page 3
2 Love, Medicine and Miracles Lessons Learned about Self-Healing from a surgeon’s experience with Exceptional Patients by Bernie S. Siegel,MD Perennial Library Harper Row Publishers 1986 page 4

Colon Cancer Claims Leroy Sievers

2008-09-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

Colon Cancer Claims Veteran Journalist Leroy Sievers

Leroy Sievers, a veteran broadcast journalist, former executive producer of ABC News' "Nightline" and the author of a popular and candid daily blog about his battle with cancer, "My Cancer," has died at age 53. He died on August 16, 2008.
His daily Blog “My Cancer” www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/

Too Old for Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

2008-07-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

How Old Is Too Old for Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

When a reasonably healthy octogenarian gets a diagnosis of colon cancer, the issue of age is bound to come up. How old is too old for colon cancer surgery? What are the risks? What kind of recovery and quality of life can the very elderly expect afterward? Is it worth it? Johns Hopkins explores these questions and others in this Special Report.

Few studies have looked at how the elderly fare after colorectal cancer treatment and pursued these hard-to-ask questions. But in the ones that have, the short answer is that octogenarians and even nonagenarians can fare as well as younger seniors, if they are in otherwise good health.

It is true that the risks of colorectal cancer surgery are higher for some older people. An analysis of 28 studies found lower survival rates among the elderly who have coexisting health conditions, are diagnosed at an advanced cancer stage, and have to undergo emergency procedures. Another study found that octogenarians with early stage cancer survived 10 or more years after colorectal cancer surgery if they had no chronic illnesses.

It appears that quality of life after colorectal cancer treatment can be as good for octogenarians as it is for younger seniors -- even in the face of coexisting illness, according to a Canadian study that compared the outcomes of people over age 80 with those in their 60s. The average age of the older group was 83 years at the time of colorectal cancer surgery, while the "youngsters" ranged in age from 65-69. People in both groups underwent comparable surgical procedures and had similar coexisting health problems (such as hypertension and diabetes), although the older group had somewhat less advanced (lower-stage) cancers.

The responses to a survey on quality of life and functioning before and after colorectal cancer surgery were remarkably similar in both groups. Before surgery, both worried about pain, becoming a burden, and death. After colorectal cancer surgery, there were no major changes or differences between the groups in terms of their ability to perform daily functions or their overall health, sexual function, or quality of life.

Too Early To Draw Firm Conclusions?

The Canadian researchers emphasize that their study findings are preliminary, and some results may be biased. While the results are preliminary, the study provides further ammunition for the argument that determining which patients are candidates for colorectal cancer surgery shouldn’t be made solely on the basis of chronological age. High-functioning elderly people who undergo colorectal cancer surgery appear able to retain their ability to function and maintain a good quality of life.

Experts note that regardless of age the outcome of colorectal cancer surgery is likely to be better under these conditions:

* The cancer is at an early stage. Most people in the study had stage 0, I, or II cancer; none had stage III or IV.

* The person about to have treatment is functioning at a high level before surgery and in good general health, without multiple serious chronic diseases. People who have three or more chronic diseases -- such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or heart disease -- tend to have poorer outcomes.

* The surgery is seen as a positive action, and the person with cancer is aware of the procedures to be performed and the potential outcomes. Other issues that could affect outcomes at any age include a family history of longevity and a good support system of family and friends.

Posted in Colon Cancer on July 15, 2008

My Colon Cancer Abdominal Resection

2008-07-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

My Colon Cancer Abdominal Resection
November 2003

My first surgery was for tonsils. Maybe I was seven. I remember wanting popcorn after surgery but my mom brought ice cream. I think I stayed overnight in the hospital.

In my thirties I had two hernia repair surgeries. I had to rest a few days. No big deal. In your thirties you still think you can live forever. Hernia repair was just a speed bump in my race through life. I had stitches in my crotch so it was hard to sit up and it hurt to laugh. I did not want my friends with a sense of humor to come see me in the hospital. One friend brought me lilies and made me watch the Night of the Living Dead.

In my forties I had three nasal polyp surgeries. These were outpatient and easy because I had no real fear of dying. Surgery was quick and recovery was a short duration. I had support at home and was surrounded by friends.

Preparing for colon cancer surgery was scary. My cancer diagnosis felt like the kiss of death. I carried the intense fear of dying on the operating table during my abdominal resection. I did not know if they would be able to remove all the cancer from my body. Maybe the cancer was spreading. Maybe I would die slowly wasting away as cancer spread through my body.

After my diagnosis I got a second opinion from another doctor. He confirmed I had colon cancer. Next step was to find a surgeon to do the procedure. Carrie and I met with the doctor. I asked questions and Carrie wrote down answers. I was still overwhelmed about my cancer diagnosis. The doctor who did my colonoscopy called me on my personal cell phone to make sure I got my abdominal resection surgery scheduled as soon as possible.

I made sure my health insurance would cover my procedures. The night before my surgery I had to empty out my lower intestine and colon. No food or water after midnight.

Early in the morning, Carrie, my brother, and Carrie’s parents brought me to Sutter Hospital in Sacramento. An armband was placed on my left arm. When you enter a medical center for surgery, you submit to the surgical procedures. I took off my street clothes, glasses, watch, and changed into a blue and white hospital gown. I was just another medical patient now. I gave my medical files, my wallet and car keys to Carrie. I call this my surrender to surgery.

I laid down on a gurney. I tried to relax. I was really cold. The nurse covered my legs with a warm blue blanket. Then another nurse brought elastic stockings. These were to be worn to prevent blood clots. Then my legs were surrounded with a device that massaged my legs.

Next step to prepare me for surgery was for a nurse to start an IV. Unfortunately for me a young nurse in training was assigned to me to find a vein. After several failed attempts I asked for a more experienced nurse. I noticed Carrie was getting squeamish. Carrie had fainted during one of my earlier surgeries. I suggested she find my brother David to keep me company. An experienced nurse arrived to start my IV. She found a vein immediately. She connected the needle in my arm to clear tubing and a bag of glucose.

I tried to relax. My brother and I were surrounded with a curtain. This was supposed to provide privacy in a crowded surgical waiting room. I looked into my brother’s blue eyes to draw upon his strength. We were both scared. We both were trying to be brave.

My surgeon opened my private curtain and said “Good Morning.” He looked at my medical chart. A surgical mask hung around his neck. I was probably ab resection number two on his list. For him this was just another medical procedure.

“Do you have any questions, Mr. Beckstein?” he asked.

“No.” I replied.

Another nurse appeared through the curtain to position adhesive strips on my body. These were for the EKG machine and other electronic devices. She disappeared.

My anesthesiologist arrived. He looked at my chart.

Is he old enough to practice medicine? I thought to myself. He looks so young! Hope he knows what he is doing I thought.

“I am Doctor Saunders. We spoke on the phone last night. I will start a drug to help you to relax and then when we are in the operating room you will go to sleep. “Do you have any questions, Mr. Beckstein?” he asked.

“No.” I replied. I am ready for my surgery Doctor.

I was glad my brother David was by my side. We listened to the noises coming through my privacy curtain. The anti-anxiety medicine was starting to smooth the edges of my experience.

One month before my surgery a friend recommended “Successful Surgery.” A compact disk by Belleruth Naparstek. This guided imagery and affirmations helped me prepare for this day. I played the CD at home several times to help me relax and to prepare for this stressful surgery. The day of the procedure, I forgot to bring the CD into the operating room but I could recall Belleruth’s voice.

“You will see a shimmering….” I could hear her voice telling me to relax. Her entire message was there in my brain ready to recall before my procedure.

My body began to relax as the IV medication helped me feel warm and safe. I felt like I was in a movie. My brother disappeared from view like a ship floating out to sea. My gurney rolled through big stainless steel doors and I entered the operating room. The room was very bright. I saw my surgeon and my anesthesiologist looking at me as the nurse hooked up my electrodes to the EKG.

“Ready Mr. Beckstein?”

Yes.

Fade to black.

Notes from my medical record…

A small bowel resection was performed while the patient was under general anesthesia. A nine inch incision was made in the abdomen. The diseased part of the colon was removed and the two healthy ends were sewn back together. The abdominal incision was closed. The Abdominal Resection was successful. Twenty-five lymph nodes were removed for testing.

Post-OP

“Can you hear me Mr. Beckstein?”

The recovery room nurse’s voice was far away. Maybe I could understand every other word. Like a spotty cellphone connection. I was surrounded by muffled voices drifting into my field of hearing.

A machine was inflating and deflating the blood pressure cuff squeezing my right bi-cep. It recorded a reading of 130 over 79. Pulse 60.

“Can you open your eyes Mr. Beckstein?”

“I rather not Nurse, I thought to myself. Leave me alone. I do not want to wake up. Let me sleep a little longer.”

Out of focus lights appeared through the fog covering my body.

“If you can hear my voice blink your eyes Mr. Beckstein.”

I blinked.

I was officially awake following my abdominal resection. My body felt heavy. I considered trying to move my arms but I felt like a lead blanket was covering my chest and arms like a dentist office x-ray procedure.

Nurses and doctors were walking back and forth around my gurney. Other patients were wrapped in white sheets like Egyptian mummies. No dead people here. Think I am in the recovery room. No privacy curtain here. Big wide open room where the nurses watch patients like bees buzzing in a field of flowers.

I was bored looking at the ceiling tiles, I had a wild idea. Maybe I could move the fingers of my left hand! I wiggled a few fingers. Hey they moved. Next I tried to bend my elbow and move my fingers. Success. Do I dare explore my belly to feel the incision? I was curious and scared at the same time. Conflict. What to do? I pushed away the hospital blanket to bravely explore my midsection only to be stopped with bandages and gauze and wide strips of adhesive tape. Better not to proceed to the incision just yet. Maybe too much information.

Beep. Beep, beep.
The EKG recorded my heart beat with the latest digital display for the nurse.

I was breathing.
My heart was beating.
I was alive.
I was done with surgery.
I did not die on the operating table.
Do I still have cancer in my body?
Did they dig it all out?

“You are doing very well Mr. Beckstein” my surgeon and my primary physician were looking at me. They both had a big smile. Both in surgical scrubs.

“In a few minutes they will move you to your hospital room. You get some rest. We will talk to your family now. Do you have any questions?”

“Did you remove all the cancer during this surgery, doctor?”

“Yes.”

I thanked them and drifted off to sleep. I felt no pain. Morphine floated into my bloodstream and I was grateful. I was grateful to be alive.

Someone pushed my gurney into a huge elevator. A few moments later my body was transferred from gurney to my hospital bed.

I was alone.

Fitting Exercise into Your Life

2008-07-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Being physically active has so many health benefits. So if you are thinking you can't possible fit 30 minutes or more of exercise into your daily routine, these tips from Johns Hopkins can help.

If finding enough time to exercise seems too much to contemplate, remember that any exercise is better than no exercise and small steps are the key to eventually making larger changes in your habits. What this means is that you shouldn’t forgo exercise altogether just because you can’t find the time or energy to exercise for 60 minutes a day -- even 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week offers significant health benefits. Here are some strategies you can try to increase your amount of physical activity

Replace sedentary activities with more active ones.
For example, instead of watching television while sitting on the couch, take a walk while listening to a book on tape or talking on your cell phone. Or at least try doing some calisthenics while watching your favorite show.

Look for stolen moments throughout your day to add activity.
Climb the stairs instead of taking the escalator, walk instead of taking your car or public transportation, do a lap around the mall before you start shopping, and return your cart all the way back to the supermarket instead of leaving it in the nearby cart bay.

Buy a pedometer.
This step counter will help you assess how many steps you’re taking per day. We and other experts recommend 10,000 steps a day (equivalent to about 5 miles), although most people walk much less than that. Start off by tracking the number of steps you take on a typical day. Then, try to increase your step count by 500–1,000 steps every 2–3 weeks. Keep a record of your step counts and reward yourself (not with food, of course) when you reach your goal.

Plan for exercise every day.
Mark out 30 minutes or more a day for physical activity and stick to it as if it’s an important meeting or appointment. Individuals who become habitual exercisers are those who make physical activity a priority.

Calories Burned During Moderate vs. Vigorous Activities
Calories Burned Per Hour for a 154-lb Person

Hiking 370
Light gardening/yard work 330
Dancing 330
Golf (walking and carrying clubs) 330
Bicycling (less than 10 mph) 290
Walking (3.5 mph) 280
Weight lifting (general light workout) 220
Stretching 180
Running/jogging (5 mph) 590
Bicycling (more than 10 mph) 590
Swimming (slow freestyle laps) 510
Aerobics Walking (4.5 mph) 460
Heavy yard work (chopping wood) 440
Weight lifting (vigorous effort) 440
Basketball (vigorous) 440

*People who weigh more than 154 lbs. will burn more calories per hour and people who weigh less than 154 lbs. will burn fewer calories per hour when engaged in the activities listed here. Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005.

Posted in Nutrition and Weight Control on July 9, 2008

A Good Stick for a Blood Test

2008-06-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

As a colon cancer patient, you will be getting many blood tests. I recommend you find the most experienced staff to take your blood. Experienced patients call it a “good stick.” Remember the staff who do their job well and thank them. You will want to find them next time you need a blood test.

I kept a file copy of the requested lab tests and make sure the results are sent to all the doctors that need to know the results. File folders track my progress and organize my papers. This helps me with billing and taxes time.

As the technician is drawing blood, review what lab tests are going to be conducted on your blood and find out when the results will go to your doctors. An exceptional patient is proactive with your health care.

If the lab technician is inexperienced they will keep trying to find a vein and end up bruising your arm. This is called a bad stick. Not a big deal if you just need a blood test for routine lab work and you can go home and calm down.

Unfortunately for me I got a bad stick while getting ready for my abdominal resection surgery. I had an inexperienced nursing student made numerous attempts at trying to find a vein and miss. I got more stressed from this treatment. I felt like a pincushion. She gave up on one arm, then my wife fainted. I asked for my brother to enter the prep area and help calm me down. Finally she got an IV started in my other arm.

I found it hard to relax and let go of my worries about surgery with a bad stick. I was relieved to run the Belleruth Naparstek Imagery Before Surgery recording in my head and relax before surgery.

Fecal Occult blood test screening for Colon Cancer

2008-06-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Don't assume a normal annual test for fecal occult blood (FOBT) means you can postpone your colonoscopy. According to Frank Herlong, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division at Johns Hopkins and Health After 50 Board Member, FOBTs are no longer relied upon for colon cancer screening -- though some doctors may use them to test for gastrointestinal bleeding from causes other than cancer.

Before colonoscopies became widely available and covered by insurance, annual FOBTs were an affordable and easy-to-use tool for colon cancer screening. But FOBTs have always been notoriously unreliable. Most employ a chemical called guaiac that changes color if blood is present in the stool sample. Guaiac also reacts with certain fruits and vegetables and with blood from red meat, which increases the likelihood of "false positive" results. All positive results must be confirmed by colonoscopy.

Immunochemical FOBTs, or IFOBTs, test for a protein specific to human blood. They are widely available and more accurate than guaiac based tests. But no matter which FOBT you use, a negative result does not necessarily mean that you are safe. Case in point: A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that an expensive DNA-based FOBT was capable of detecting 26% more invasive cancers and potentially precancerous growths than a common guaiac-based FOBT. But even this vastly superior DNA-based test identified only 51% of all invasive cancers detected by colonoscopy.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that not all precancerous growths or colon cancers cause bleeding; by the time they do, the cancer may be advanced. In contrast to all types of FOBTs, a colonoscopy detects -- and removes -- growths whether or not they cause bleeding. Thus, colonoscopy is your best protection against colon cancer.

Dave Barry's Colonoscopy Journal

2008-06-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

June 10, 2008

This is from newshound :

... I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenteritis, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy. A few days later, in his office, Andy showed me a color diagram of the colon, a lengthy organ that appears to go all over the place, at one point passing briefly through Minneapolis . Then Andy explained the colonoscopy procedure to me in a thorough, reassuring and patient manner. I nodded thoughtfully, but I didn't really hear anything he said, because my brain was shrieking, quote, 'HE'S GOING TO STICK A TUBE 17,000 FEET UP YOUR BEHIND!'

I left Andy's office with some written instructions, and a prescription for a product called 'MoviPrep,' which comes in a box large enough to hold a microwave oven. I will discuss MoviPrep in detail later; for now suffice it to say that we must never allow it to fall into the hands of America 's enemies.

I spent the next several days productively sitting around being nervous. Then, on the day before my colonoscopy, I began my preparation. In accordance with my instructions, I didn't eat any solid food that day; all I had was chicken broth, which is basically water, only with less flavor. Then, in the evening, I took the
MoviPrep. You mix two packets of powder together in a one-liter plastic jug, then you fill it with lukewarm water. (For those unfamiliar with the metric system, a liter is about 32 gallons.) Then you have to drink the whole jug. This takes about an hour, because MoviPrep tastes - and here I am being kind - like a mixture of goat spit and urinal cleanser, with just a hint of lemon.

The instructions for MoviPrep, clearly written by somebody with a great sense of humor, state that after you drink it, 'a loose watery bowel movement may result.' This is kind of like saying that after you jump off your roof, you may experience contact with the ground.

MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don't want to be too graphic, here, but: Have you ever seen a space-shuttle launch? This is pretty much the MoviPrep experience, with you as the shuttle. There are times when you wish the commode had a seat belt. You spend several hours pretty much confined to the bathroom. You eliminate everything. And then, when you figure you must be totally empty, you have to drink another liter of MoviPrep, at which point, as far as I can tell, your bowels travel into the future and start eliminating food that you have not even eaten yet.

After an action-packed evening, I finally got to sleep. The next morning my wife drove me to the clinic. I was very nervous. Not only was I worried about the procedure, but I had been experiencing occasional return bouts of MoviPrep spurtage. I was thinking, 'What if I spurt on Andy?' How do you apologize to a friend for something like that? Flowers would not be enough.

At the clinic I had to sign many forms acknowledging that I understood and totally agreed with whatever the heck the forms said. Then they led me to a room full of other colonoscopy people, where I went inside a little curtained space and took off my clothes and put on one of those hospital garments designed by sadist perverts, the kind that, when you put it on, makes you feel even more naked than when you are actually naked.

Then a nurse named Eddie put a little needle in a vein in my left hand. Ordinarily I would have fainted, but Eddie was very good, and I was already lying down. Eddie also told me that some people put vodka in their MoviPrep. At first I was ticked off that I hadn't thought of this, but then I pondered what would happen if you got yourself too tipsy to make it to the bathroom, so you were staggering around in full Fire Hose Mode. You would have no ch oice but to burn your house.

W hen everything was ready, Eddie wheeled me into the procedure room, where Andy was waiting with a nurse and an anesthesiologist. I did not see the 17,000-foot tube, but I knew Andy had it hidden around there somewhere. I was seriously nervous at this point. Andy had me roll over on my left side, and the anesthesiologist began hooking something up to the needle in my hand. There was music playing in the room, and I realized that the song was 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA I remarked to Andy that, of all the songs that could be playing during this particular procedure, 'Dancing Queen' has to be the least appropriate.

'You want me to turn it up?' said Andy from somewhere behind me. 'Ha ha,' I said. And then it was time, the moment I had been dreading for more than a decade. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself, because I am going to tell you, in explicit detail, exactly what it was like.

I have no idea. Really. I slept through it. One moment, ABBA was yelling 'Dancing Queen, Feel the beat of the tambourine,' and the next moment, I was back in the other room, waking up in a very mellow mood. Andy was looking down at me and asking me how I felt. I felt excellent. I felt even more excellent when Andy told me that It was all over, and that my colon had passed with flying colors. I have never been prouder of an internal organ.

ABOUT THE WRITER
Dave Barry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist for the Miami Herald.

Protect Yourself Against Prostate Cancer

2008-06-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself Against Prostate Cancer

Reducing your risk of prostate cancer begins with the big picture, those well-publicized major lifestyle changes that are widely recommended but often difficult to accomplish. Then there are the smaller details: cancer-protective foods, supplements, and medications. A serious prostate cancer risk-reduction program encompasses both approaches.

Achieving a healthy weight, committing to regular exercise, and altering long-ingrained dietary habits are the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from prostate cancer. And their payoff goes far beyond the prostate. These lifestyle changes could reduce your risk of nearly all the most devastating diseases: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other forms of cancer. What’s more, they work together to improve your health. Here are some strategies to consider:

Weight management.
The links between obesity and prostate cancer continue to strengthen. Fat cells churn out a slew of substances that fuel the development and progression of cancer. These include estrogen, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor. Men who are obese also are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. The possible reasons are that obese men tend to have larger prostates (making tumor detection more difficult), and their prostate specific antigen (PSA) scores are often deceptively low.

Regular exercise.
Vigorous physical activity appears to protect against prostate cancer. Men who exercise regularly are less likely to be diagnosed with advanced or fatal prostate cancer. Some evidence suggests that vigorous physical activity may also slow its progression.

Dietary changes.
Adopting a plant-based diet can reduce your risk of prostate cancer and improve your overall health. This dietary approach focuses on fruits, vegetables, legumes (like beans and peas), whole grains, seeds, and nuts. Soy foods (like soy nuts and tofu) also appear to be protective. Aim for at least nine fruits and vegetables a day.

To get all the cancer-fighting nutrients you need, try to include a “rainbow” of fruits and vegetables each day -- reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues/purples. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are rich in carotenoids, cancer-fighting substances that serve as coloring agents in plant foods. Also be sure to include at least one serving per day of a cruciferous vegetable (like broccoli, cabbage, or cauliflower). These vegetables contain other types of cancer-fighting chemicals.

Specific Foods, Supplements, and Medications. Ongoing research into prostate cancer prevention has identified a number of individual substances that may be protective:

Lycopene. The carotenoid lycopene is found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Cooked tomato products such as spaghetti sauce and ketchup are the richest source.

Pomegranates. Pomegranates and pomegranate juice have recently been found to cause prostate cancer cells to self destruct. Among men with prostate cancer, daily glasses of pomegranate juice have slowed the increase in PSA levels after treatment.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega- 3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat found abundantly in fatty fish (like salmon, sardines, tuna, and halibut) and fish oil. Flaxseeds, walnuts, and canola oil contain a weaker, but still beneficial, plant-based form of these healthful fats. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Several studies have suggested that men who eat fish two or more times per week have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Selenium and vitamin E. These two nutrients are being tested for their potential protective effects in SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) -- the largest clinical study ever launched about prostate cancer prevention, coordinated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Several smaller studies have shown benefits, but until the SELECT results are in, doctors recommend against taking large amounts of either nutrient. A multivitamin that includes both is the best bet for now.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating cell growth and has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The dietary sources of vitamin D include fortified milk and fatty fish. The way to boost your body's natural productin of vitamin D is to spend about 15 minutes a day (without sunscreen) in the sun.

Statins. Prostate cancer researchers are discovering the important role inflammation plays in the development of prostate cancer. High cholesterol levels also may increase the risk. The cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins tackle both problems. In a study that Johns Hopkins researchers participated in, men who took statins had half the risk of developing prostate cancer compared with nonusers.

NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also reduce inflammation and appear to lower the risk of prostate cancer. These medications target a protein called COX-2, which is believed to help prostate cancer cells spread.
Prostate Disorders Special Report by Johns Hopkins Health Alerts is owned and operated by University Health Publishing. June 1, 2008

Our email is: customerservice@johnshopkinshealthalerts.com

Cold Blooded

2008-05-29T09:40:00.001-07:00

Cold Blooded

I sat in the oncologist’s waiting room and stared at cold-blooded fish that circled in the fish tank. Like sharks who wait patiently for the kill. There will be a kill today. At 10 AM.

The cold frosted glass door opened. The receptionist asked if there have been any change of address or health insurance since my last visit.

No was my reply.

Two more minutes passed. The fish stared at me as I stared back. The nurse opened the door, announced my name, I followed her to the tiny treatment room. A chill was in the air. Chemo treatment rooms are never warm.

I sat in cold fake leather chair. I covered my lap with a tiny blue flannel blanket. The same blankets the stingy airlines offer their cold customers. I draped one blanket around my legs and tried to cover my chest with another baby blanket. The artic air conditioning cooled the room. Baby blankets tried to keep me warm. They failed.

The busy nurse looked drained of life from this job. Just another patient getting chemo. Her icy fingers found a vein. She inserted a cold needle into my body. She taped the tube to my arm and hung a clear bag of saline solution over my head.

A hot-blooded man began to chill.

Ten minutes passed. I looked at the plastic bag over my head. Empty. Nurse returned with a brand new bag of the old chemo (A cocktail that has been so effective for so many years!). The nurse removed the empty bag of saline and plugged in my cold cancer cocktail.

I sat in the chair motionless. I watched chemo float through the clear tube to the needle in my arm. The chemo crept up my arm slowly. Arm began to freeze. The chemo cocktail circulated my carcass. The chemo entered my heart. Cold chemo cocktail was pumped thru my entire body. Cold chemo killed some cancer cells. Cold chemo cocktail killed some of my brain cells too. I think. Can’t really remember that part I was cold and numb.

Drip, drip, drip.

The chemo bag emptied poison into my cold dying body. I sat helpless in a chair.

My body went cold. I began to shiver. Whenever I get cold I feel like I am dying. Parts of my body were dying during chemo.

Sixty minutes later the nurse inspected the bag with fingers covered with plastic gloves.

You are done Mr. Beckstein.

The nurse held my elbow with polar paws. She pulled the cold needle out of my vein. I held the white round cotton ball over my leaking vein. The efficient nurse wrapped eight inches of adhesive tape over the fat cotton ball and around my elbow. Not much hair left inside my arm anymore.

“Do you think you can stand up? She asked.

Yes.

I will find your friend to take you home Mr. Beckstein.

Thanks

I slowly shuffled out of the cold chemo treatment room.

I hate the cold.

Finding Your Best Diet

2008-05-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Finding Your Best Diet

The limited research on popular weight-loss plans drives home two messages: (1) weight loss is hard, and (2) finding the optimal diet for you as an individual is the only way to succeed. Here is some common-sense advice on how to choose a diet that suits you.

Long-term weight control is based on changing your eating patterns (and your physical activity habits) for a lifetime. Anyone can go on a diet for a couple of weeks, or even a couple of months, but those who lose weight and keep it off adopt a diet plan they can sustain (with some calorie adjustments) for years. Here, then, are some tips on how to choose a diet that suits you:

Do a self-assessment.

Most overweight people eat out of habit and in response to emotions rather than because they’re hungry. To learn what leads you to overeat, observe your usual diet for a week: Keep track of what you eat, when and where you eat, who you’re with when you eat, and how you’re feeling when you eat. Also make note of your portion sizes (many overweight people eat larger portions and more calories than they think).

This process will give you an idea of your trouble spots and help you decide what diet plan will work best for you. For example, if your portion sizes are too large, you might find that a diet program that provides prepackaged or prepared meals, because you won’t need to make decisions about portion size.

If you are an emotional eater, a diet plan that offers counseling or support groups might be best for helping you cope with the emotional issues that are driving you to overeat.

Find a diet that fits your personality and lifestyle.

You might be the type of person who is most comfortable with a diet that provides daily menus and recipes -- or you might prefer a plan that offers lists of foods from which you can pick and choose (or even provides prepackaged foods). You might require a diet plan that addresses some of your health concerns -- the need to lower your sodium, cholesterol, or fat intake -- or allows you to eat meals away from home because you travel a lot.

Choose a diet that is well balanced.

Trendy diets such as the Atkins plan may produce quick weight loss, but they don’t offer the full complement of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to stay healthy -- and they typically lead to weight regain when you go off the diet. These diets are also hard to stay on for the long term because they strictly limit the types of foods you can eat. The best strategy is to go on a calorie-controlled diet plan that includes all of the food groups and doesn’t deprive you of your favorite foods.

Posted in Nutrition and Weight Control on May 28, 2008

Lifetime Probability of Developing Colon Cancer

2008-05-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

There will be an estimated 108,070 new cases of Colon Cancer in the USA in 2008. The lifetime probability of developing Colon Cancer for women is 1 in 19 ; for men 1 in 18.

Colon Cancer is highly preventable when patients are regularly checked and screened via colonoscopy. For years there was only one drug to treat this cancer. Now there are five.

The five year survival rates have increased to 65 percent, but when localized colon cancer is detected early and treated surgically, the survival rate is 95 percent.

Source : May 2008 AARP Bulletin page 13

Dietary Factors and the Development Of Colon Cancer

2008-05-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies in Western countries: both men and women face a lifetime risk of nearly 6% for the development of invasive colorectal cancer. Epidemiologic studies have shown that several dietary factors contribute to the development of Colon Cancer,

high fat,
red-meat ,
obesity
lack of vegetables
lack of fiber in the diet.

In the great majority of cases, colorectal cancer arises from an initially benign overgrowth of colonic lining, a so-called adenomatous polyp which acquires with time harmful mutations and transforms into a dangerous colonic carcinoma. Observational studies suggest that the adenoma-to-carcinoma sequence takes up to 10 years. Although nearly half of Western population may harbor adenomatous polyps by the age of 50, it is estimated that only a few percent of adenomas will progress to cancer.

Adapted from materials provided by University of Helsinki, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.University of Helsinki (2008, May 7). Discovery Of A Novel Mechanism For The Development Of Colon Cancer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 12, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/05/080505125625.htm

Colon Cancer Follow-up and Recurrence

2008-04-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Following treatment for colon cancer, it's critically important to monitor your recovery with frequent doctor visits and to pay attention to potential symptoms of recurrence. Johns Hopkins doctor explain what to look for.

After colon cancer treatment, vigilant surveillance must continue for several years. Early detection of recurrent or metastasized cancer yields the best possibility for cure or containment. For these reasons, at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, most colon cancer patients come for follow-up every three to six months for the first three years, and then every six to twelve months for two years afterwards.

While it is not productive to worry about recurrent cancer, it is important to be able to begin treating the cancer as soon as possible. Thus it’s a double bind. Signs and symptoms of cancer recurrence or metastases can be vague, especially when you are recovering from major treatment. It may be difficult to sort out new sensations from the ones you had before surgery.

Some symptoms doctors suggest you take seriously include:

Fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and anorexia. These could be connected with therapy, but can also be signs of cancer recurrence.

Abdominal pain and bowel blockage. Cancer can recur in the area of the bowel where it was treated or elsewhere in the colon. This may block normal bowel movements, so do report pain and constipation.

Nausea, vomiting, or yellow discoloration of eyes and skin may be signs of metastases to the liver.

Shortness of breath might indicate lung tumors.

Infrequent urination accompanied by hip or back pain can indicate that the cancer has spread to the urinary system skeleton.

Need to contact us? Click here: http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/contact_us/
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, 6 Trowbridge Drive, Bethel, CT 06801, Attn: Web Team

Helplessly Handicapped

2008-04-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Helplessly Handicapped
4/12/08 5:02 AM

I cheated again
Used handicapped parking
But I’m not handicapped.
Told myself I earned my handicap status
Cause I am a cancer survivor
Every year DMV’s computer
Keeps renewing my blue handicapped pass
So I can cheat when I want
I can park for free, its OK I am special
I am helplessly handicapped
Push my car into a blue zone
Able-bodied people push money into meters
It is so tempting my parking pass
It sits in my glove compartment
Hiding like Halloween candy
Its OK, you earned it.
Being handicapped is a 12-step process
Hi, I’m Doug I’m slightly handicapped
I can park for free in Oakland all day
Cause I got a blue card hanging on my mirror
So easy, just hang the blue handicapped plaque
On the rear view mirror,
lock the car and walk away
I’m entitled to use my pass
Because?
Because I got cancer 5 years ago
Doesn’t that blue card expire?
Nope, I have become hopelessly handicapped
DMV will make sure it’s forever
My handicap status is permanent
But you are cured of cancer!
I am
So why are you helplessly handicapped?
Because I can still justify this behavior.
Really, and you can sleep at night?
Yeah. sometimes

Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Colon Cancer

2008-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Colon Cancer Special Report from Johns Hopkins April 1, 2008

Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Colon Cancer

Johns Hopkins specialists discuss eight complementary therapies to ease symptoms of colon cancer.

The truth: There is no "natural cancer cure,” and so-called therapies based on that claim have injured many cancer patients -- either directly, because of dangerous "treatments,” or indirectly, by keeping them from using methods validated by solid research.

Now the good news: Many complementary therapies, used along with conventional medicine, can support cancer treatments, reduce some of the adverse effects of cancer treatment, ease tension and pain, and contribute to overall health. This is known as integrative medicine.

Integrative medicine can be particularly important for palliative care: interventions that contribute to comfort and well-being but not necessarily to a cure. Yoga, acupuncture, meditation, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, and spiritual healing are used often in this way.

If you decide to try something your doctor has not prescribed, be sure to tell your medical team. Your cancer treatments have been carefully tailored for your situation, and adding anything else could have serious effects or interact with your cancer treatments. Look for an integrative practitioner who is also a licensed physician or who works with a medical doctor. Any integrative therapist should be willing to give reports to and consult with your doctor.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 1: Acupuncture -- The ancient treatment has been shown to ease many conditions associated with cancer, especially those connected with chemotherapy. Studies have show that acupuncture may relieve postoperative nausea and vomiting and chemotherapy-induced acute vomiting, especially when used along with conventional medications. It can also relieve peripheral neuropathy, an often-painful form of nerve damage sometimes caused by chemotherapy.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 2: Mind–Body Therapies -- A solid body of evidence shows that meditation and relaxation can ease pain, relieve stress, and improve depression. In fact, your cancer center or local clinic probably has a stress-reduction program that insurance will cover, at least in part. Programs may involve guided imagery or visualization, relaxation, and breathing techniques to enhance treatment and control pain. Meditation has been shown to contribute to relaxation and pain relief and to enhance some treatments.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 3: Yoga and Tai Chi -- These ancient Eastern movement practices were developed to balance mind and body and have been shown to improve mood and ease pain. They also contribute to muscle strength, energy level, and balance. However, they involve physical exercise, and some classes can be quite strenuous. Ask at your cancer center about tai chi or yoga classes. Some are covered by insurance or offered at a minimal cost. Look for classes developed especially for people with chronic illness or who are recovering from cancer. There are also videos and DVDs especially for cancer patients that you can use at home.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 4: Aromatherapy -- An entire philosophy and even some research support the idea that certain odors can be calming or stimulating. Most aromatherapy involves essential oils from plants or herbs. You may find aromatherapy pleasant, and it is unlikely to cause harm.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 5: Spiritual Healing -- Religion and spiritual practices bring solace and comfort to many and can be an important part of your mental well-being. Studies show they may relieve stress and anxiety and contribute to relaxation, and others who share your spiritual beliefs can be supportive. However, do not expect a cure from spiritual or religious practices, and avoid anyone who says that your thoughts or a lack of faith caused your cancer. Such negative influences will not help you to get well or feel better.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 6: Healing Retreats -- Cancer retreats can help patients and their families and caregivers. These are special residential centers, often in a beautiful setting, that offer programs to help understand and cope with the stress and complex emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis. Programs often include mind–body exercises, such as meditation and yoga; nutritional advice; help with the effects of both the cancer and its treatments; and an opportunity to be in a private setting with others who are going through a similar experience.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 7: Herbs and Supplements -- It’s true that many conventional medicines were developed from botanicals and herbal therapies. However, when used in their unprocessed state, as supplements, “special natural formulas,” and herbal remedies, most have not been shown effective in treating or preventing cancer. In fact, many of the so-called natural cancer cures may cause harm. They can damage other organs and even lead to death. Also, anything you ingest could interact with conventional cancer treatments.

However, some herbs and supplements may help with your symptoms or ease some of the most unpleasant side effects of treatment. For instance, peppermint may ease nausea and vomiting, and there also is evidence that taking ginger by mouth might help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Complementary Cancer Therapy 8: Irrigation and Enemas -- The Internet abounds with ads for “cleansing colon treatments” and enemas that are touted to prevent or cure cancer by clearing “toxins” and “unhealthy buildup” out of your colon. There is no scientific basis whatsoever for these claims. What’s more, frequent use of laxatives and enemas can cause dehydration and other health problems. Also, these treatments are not very pleasant. If you did not enjoy the colonic cleansing you underwent before colonoscopy, you probably won’t like these very much, either.

Stress

2008-03-31T15:26:00.001-07:00

Stress and Heart Disease

Though the evidence is not definitive, a lot of research suggests a possible link between stress and heart disease. Johns Hopkins cardiologists discuss this important topic.

We've all heard the remark: "If that person doesn't slow down, he is going to have a heart attack." So it's not surprising that along with the usual advice about blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, and diet your doctor may advise you to manage or reduce the stress in your life. Yet the presumed association between psychological or mental stress and heart disease remains just that -- a presumption.

After years of study, researchers have yet to prove that stress is a cause of heart disease or a trigger for a heart attack. But there is evidence to support a link between psychological stress and the health of your heart. For example, stress can cause you to overeat, smoke, drink too much alcohol, be physically inactive, and not take your medication -- all of which can have negative effects on your heart. It may also cause changes in your body that could make you more susceptible to heart disease and heart attacks.

Evidence: Interesting but Not Conclusive

When you are in a stressful situation, your body releases hormones to help you deal with the perceived threat. These hormones, such as epinephrine and cortisol, temporarily increase your heart rate and blood pressure. However, stress can cause other changes -- both temporary and more long lasting -- that can lead to problems for your heart.

What Should You Do? Though the evidence is not definitive, a lot of research suggests a possible link between stress and heart disease. Even if the relationship is indirect -- that is, stress causes you to engage in unhealthy behaviors or causes changes in your body that could put you at risk -- gaining control of your stress levels is important for both your physical and mental health. Here are three important steps for reining in the potential effects of stress:

Work with your doctor to keep track of and control any heart risk factors you may have -- from high blood pressure and high cholesterol to obesity and smoking.
Get regular exercise to lower your stress levels and its effects on your body. In a recent study of 134 people with coronary heart disease, those who walked or jogged for 35 minutes three times a week for four months reduced their stress levels and saw improvements in their heart rate variability and function of their blood vessels.
Learn some stress management techniques such as biofeedback, relaxation techniques (for example, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery). These techniques can help manage your response to stress and in the process may improve some heart risk factors, too. A recent study found that meditation reduced blood pressure and blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity and heart rate variability.

Duck and Cover

2008-02-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

Duck and Cover
1961

Little ones get ready for an Atomic bomb blast
Don’t worry Duck and cover
The nun was dressed in black and white
Wooden crucifix hung around her neck
She rang the bell and commanded
Line up quietly boys and girls and face the wall
Face down I am forced to place my head in my hands
Kneel on a polished tile floor in Catholic school
Do as I say
Face down fetal position
Duck and cover
Be prepared for radiation from the Russians
It will only last five minutes

Face Down

2008-01-30T07:36:00.000-08:00

Face Down
2003

Removed street clothes
Waited for radiation room
Waited in line with others to kill cancer
Cancer cells crawled through my caucus, hiding
Is this radiation treatment safe?
Don’t worry the doctor knows best
Face down in fetal position
Line up the lasers
Focus radiation gun to zap my back
Face down on a black table draped with a white sheet
Can’t see the man hiding behind a lead wall
Face down
No identity just a body on the slab
Bare ass exposed to the radiation gun
Hovering over my body
Face down head in my hands
Can’t look eyes closed
Fetal position
Total submission
Oh dear God kill my cancer!
Don’t move the voice said
I won’t
Don’t breathe
I won’t
Radiation gun zapped my colon
Oh God deliver me from this disease
Don’t worry
Only five minutes
You’re done now
That wasn’t so bad was it?
See you next week Mr. Beckstein

When It Comes to Colonoscopy, How Old Is Too Old?

2008-01-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Two research studies report on the benefits and risks of colonoscopy in adults over age 80.

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for finding and removing -- and possibly preventing -- colorectal cancer. It can detect up to 95% of colon cancers and can be used to remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.

Now new research shows that after age 80, colonoscopies are of limited value. According to two studies reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA ) (Volume 295, page 2357 ) and the Journal of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum (Volume 49, page 646 ) colonoscopy after the age of 80 may not be worth the risk of complications.

These studies are the first to address the issue of when people might stop colonoscopy screenings, which are recommended every 10 years. Altogether, they reviewed results from more than 2,000 patients.

Though the risks of developing colon cancer increase with age, life expectancy decreases after age 80. Since cancer-prone polyps (adenomas) grow slowly, older people are more likely than younger ones to die of other causes before a polyp turns cancerous, researchers noted.

In one study that reviewed colonoscopy in people ages 50 to over 80, screening in the very elderly resulted in only 15% of the expected gain in life expectancy of younger persons. Researchers also noted an increase in incomplete exams, inadequate bowel preparation, and complications in elderly patients. The colonoscopy is safe for the elderly, its limited value suggests that risks and patient preferences should be considered, wrote the researchers in JAMA. Those writing in the Journal of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum recommend limiting colonoscopy in the elderly to patients with symptoms or specific clinical indications.
source: John's Hopkins Health Alert Jan. 28, 2008

How to Kill Cancer Cells

2008-01-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

Cancer Cells Update from John Hopkins
January 22, 2008

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion.When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment,it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. If you want to overcome the nutritional deficiencies, changing your diet and including supplements will strengthen your immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro -intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

Cancer Cells Feed On:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alter native is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains,seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts)and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Holding on to anger and bitterness and refusing to forgive yourself or others put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercise daily with deep breathing will help you to get more oxygen down to the cellular level.

17, Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells. Fresh clean air is best for a healthy body.

Make Your Own Bucket List

2008-01-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

The Bucket List stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward determined to complete everything on their "Bucket List" -- a list of things to do before they "kick the bucket."

The script writer, Justin Zackham explains how he wrote the script, “I went to film school at NYU. I did a TV pilot that I wrote and executive produced in New York with Paul Sorvino years ago. And then I came out here (Los Angeles) and was dicking around for a while. I made Going Greek, which was a very sort of crappy fraternity comedy that I did back in 2000. I wrote, produced, and directed, and that took so much out of me that I spent another couple years dicking around. And then I just sat down one day and wrote my own "Bucket List" just to kind of get my head organized. On that list was like "Get a movie made by a major studio, marry the perfect woman," all that kind of stuff. A lot of the stuff on there wound up in the movie. I had always fantasized about going to the Pyramids, the Great Wall, I've always been sort of obsessed with the whole notion of Everest. All those things were on it, and I just stuck it on a bulletin board.

About a year later, I just came up with this quote one day, a line that's actually in the film -- "You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you." Stuck that up on the bulletin board. And then another year went by before I had the idea "What about making this into a script?" And I thought if it were about me, at the time I was about 34, it wouldn't be that interesting. So I decided to make it about two guys who had lived a full life, and they only have a few months left, and suddenly there's a ticking clock, and the things that do have real importance, at least in their minds. The story really became about the one thing neither of these guys puts on their list but is the thing they most want. And that's a best friend. I have this ridiculous process, and I wrote the actual script really quickly, in about two weeks.

For me, screenwriting is all about setting characters in motion and as a writer just chasing them. They should tell you what they'll do in any scene you put them in. Until I get to that point, my writing's not very good.

There's an old saying "Writers hate writing, but love having written." I find writing painful, but there comes a point where it's painful but you enjoy it. That's usually not until the third act.

Angels

2008-01-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

My diagnosis of cancer inspired me to begin to pray to God again. Asking for help. I knew I could not fight cancer alone.

Friends would ask me, “Do you mind if I posted your name to our prayer group at my church so we can pray for you?”

“That would be wonderful, yes, please pray for the success of my treatments and a speedy recovery.” I replied.

Prayer was a wonderful supportive step for me to ask God to help me fight cancer. One of my challenges was to take time off at work as sick leave for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I worked for the State of California for three years before my cancer diagnosis so I had accumulated very little sick leave.

I was very fortunate that my employer had a Catastrophic Leave Program. This allowed other workers to donate their leave credits of vacation, annual leave, or personal holidays to employees in extreme hardship. My supervisor prepared a request for Catastrophic Leave for me as I headed into abdominal resection surgery October 2003. I needed six months of leave credits to recover from my treatments.

After my surgery, I called my boss to see how I was doing with the Catastrophic Leave donations and he reported, “Doug you had the second highest amount of Catastrophic Leave ever recorded in this district. You must have many friends here at Caltrans. You have six months of donations for Catastrophic Leave.”

That day I realized Angels surrounded me. Angels disguised as my coworkers.

This text came into my email from some unknown source:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometime s they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a season, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Healthy Habits

2008-01-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

To get an extra 14 years of life, don't smoke, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, and drink alcohol in moderation.

That is a finding of a study that tracked 20,000 people in the United Kingdom. The benefits were also seen regardless of whether people were fat and what social class they came from.The findings were published online in the Public Library of Science Medicine journal.

by Maria Cheng
Associated Press
Jan 9th, 2008

Finding hope after your cancer diagnosis

2008-01-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Moving from Despair to Hope

The news from your doctor that you have cancer is a major shock. I never thought I would get cancer! I do not remember anyone in my family having cancer. Turns out my grandma had cancer but I was too young to remember. Most of my family members died from heart disease. I was surprised to be diagnosed with colon cancer.

My head was swimming with a mixture of thoughts and emotions. Many were fear based, panic and dispair. How do you move from the panic from a cancer diagnosis to a hopeful future?

“Hope is a belief that a positive outcome lies ahead.”1advice comes from Livestrong, Lance Armstrong’s website.

“Hope is a decision, not an emotion nor a feeling,” explains Dr. Constance Holmes at a workshop entitled “Keeping Hope Alive.” She quotes from The Anatomy of Hope by Jerome Groopman, M.D

1. Hope, unlike optimism, is rooted in unalloyed reality.
2. False hope is rooted in fantasy; true hope is rooted in facts and data.
3. When there is no longer hope for the body, there is hope for the soul.
4. Hope acknowledges the significant obstacles and deep pitfalls along the path. True hope has no room for illusion.
5. Hope is the elevating feeling we experience when we see, in the mind’s eye, a path to a better future.

“Hope comes out of the will to live fully.” Dr. Constance Holmes explained.

“The fighting spirit construct (regard cancer as a challenge, take active steps, remain resolutely optimistic) is the psychological factor most frequently reported to affect disease outcome. Research is not conclusive if the fighting spirit actually is effective with women. Male cancer patients have not been under study.” 2

“Promoting “fighting spirit” or realistic optimism at the point of diagnosis can counteract an attitude of “helplessness/hopelessness” in cancer patients. The Greer study (1999) found that women who displayed a coping style of helplessness/hopelessness had an increased risk of recurrence.”

“Lifestyle – social support, sleep patterns, exercise regularity, good nutrition – all lead to elevated mood and maintenance of resilience.” Dr. Constance Holmes reported.

I agree with Ms. Holmes. As a cancer patient I saw my role was to participate fully in the cancer treatments and fight the disease. “Realistic optimism” means to align with the treatment plan. The medical team’s job was to pick the right treatment to kill cancer. My job was to recover from treatments.

My immediate goal after diagnosis was to get a second opinion after my diagnosis. Then shop for a surgeon to proceed with the abdominal resection. Then after six weeks of recovery from the surgery start six months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

After my cancer diagnosis, I made the decision to fight this disease and live. The decision to surrender to the medical care system and cooperate with the advice of the doctors was a daily decision. This was one example of my fighting spirit and I believe it helped me overcome this disease.

HOPE: SUGGESTIONS
The suggestions that follow are based on the information presented in the Detailed Information document. They are meant to help you take what you learn and apply the information to your own needs. This information is not intended nor should it be interpreted as providing professional medical, legal and financial advice. You should consult a trained professional for more information. Please read the Additional Resources document for links to more resources.

Share your hopes with other people:
Having a conversation about hope with your loved ones and your health care team can be difficult. Yet, if they don't know what your hopes are, they may not be able to provide the type of support you need during difficult times.
You may need to be direct and tell others what you find hopeful and helpful. You also can tell them what makes you feel hopeless so that they can help you with your feelings. Let others know that you are trying to stay positive and that you want to talk about things that help you feel hopeful.

Write down your thoughts and feelings about hope in a journal:
Keeping a diary or journal may help you understand the role hope plays in your life. You might find it helpful to keep a hope journal where you record helpful sayings, note your progress and list what you are hoping for.
You are free to write about anything you like, including:
Feelings
Relationships
Hopes and fears
Your life after treatment
What it means to you to be a cancer survivor
Your plans for the present and the future
You may find the process of journaling helps you recognize areas in your life that you can feel good about and areas that you want to change.
Find a quiet, comfortable spot to do your writing. Spend as much time writing as you want. You can write several pages, a couple of lines or even just one word to express how you feel or what you are thinking.

Talk to other survivors about finding hope:
You might ask a member of your health care team if they know a long-term survivor with a similar diagnosis who would speak with you. It's sometimes helpful to meet others who have been where you are and have been able to live fully despite a cancer diagnosis.
Support groups provide a safe environment to share experiences with other survivors, learn new ways to handle difficult situations and talk about emotions. You will see different styles of coping with stress and adjusting to life as a cancer survivor. If you are uncomfortable talking about certain subjects with your family or friends, a support group offers you a place to talk freely about what is important to you.
Ways to find out more about support groups in your area:
Ask a member of your health care team for suggestions. Some cancer programs offer support groups for cancer survivors and their family members right in the clinic or hospital.
Call a nearby cancer center or university hospital and ask about support groups.
Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) and request a list of support groups and cancer centers in your area.
Visit LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare at www.livestrong.org/survivorcare, or call 1-866-235-7205 for information on support groups.

Talk to a therapist if trying to find hope causes depression, anxiety or overwhelms you in any way:
Ask a member of your health care team for a referral to a therapist who works with other cancer survivors. Most cancer centers employ oncology social workers who are specially trained to work with cancer survivors and their families. Even if you are not a patient at a cancer center, the oncology social worker may meet with you or refer you to someone else in the community.
It is important to interview the therapist to find out if he or she is the right professional for you. Speak honestly with the therapist and let him or her know your reasons for wanting to work with a therapist.

Examples of questions to ask the therapist:
What type of education background do you have?
What license do you have?
What is your experience working with people with cancer?
What do you understand about the emotional response to this illness?
Do you take my insurance?
Do you work with people who are anxious? Depressed?
Do you know community resources for people with cancer?

Naps May Boost Memory

2008-01-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

by Dave Mosher
LiveScience Staff Writer
LiveScience.com Mon Jan 7, 10:40 AM ET

If you want to remember the information in this article, take a nap.

New research conducted by brain researcher Avi Karni of the University of Haifa in Israel explores the possibility that naps help lock in sometimes fleeting long-term memories. A 90-minute daytime snooze might help the most, the study finds.

"We still don't know the exact mechanism of the memory process that occurs during sleep, but the results of this research suggest the possibility that it is possible to speed up memory consolidation," Karni said. "In the future, we may be able to do it artificially."

Long-term memory refers to memories that stay with us for years, such as "what" memories — a car accident that happened yesterday — or "how to" memories, such as one's learned ability to play the drums or tear it up in a game of soccer.

Karni, who co-authored the study in a recent issue of the journal Nature Neuroscience, instructed participants to learn a complex thumb-tapping sequence, then split the study subjects into two groups: one that napped for an hour, and one that didn't. The people who took an afternoon snooze showed sizeable improvement in their performance by that evening.

"After a night's sleep the two groups were at the same level, but the group that slept in the afternoon improved much faster than the group that stayed awake," Karni said.

An additional leg of the study showed just how much faster a 90-minute nap could help lock in long-term memories.

"Daytime sleep can shorten the time 'how to' memory becomes immune to interference and forgetting," Karni said. "Instead of 6 to 8 hours, the brain consolidated the memory during the 90-minute nap."

Choosing a Good Doctor

2008-01-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

·Consider a doctor who is referred by your primary physician.
·Ask a nurse to recommend a good doctor. They work closely with doctors.
·Seek out doctors who are board certified.
·Look for a doctor with teaching responsibilities at a hospital
·Prepare a list of questions for your doctor candidate. Setup an appointment to interview the doctor and make sure the doctor candidate answers your questions completely.
·Is the doctor taking new patients?
·Is the doctor covered by your health plan? If the doctor is not covered by your health plan, can you afford to pay the extra costs?
·How much experience does a doctor have in treating your specific medical condition?
·What are the doctor's office hours? Are the hours convenient to your schedule? Does the doctor offer extended or weekend hours? Some do.
·How can you reach the doctor during an emergency? What other doctors will fill in if your primary doctor is unavailable?
·No good doctor should be insulted if you want a second opinion.

Source http://origin.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20030324a1.asp 1/2/2008

A Brief Listing of Cancer Resources

2008-01-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

You are not alone in your fight against cancer. In addition to your doctor, nurse, and other members of your health care team, a wide range of other resources can offer you information and support during chemotherapy.

It's important to reach out to caregivers, other patients receiving chemo, and cancer survivors for hope and proof that you can be cured. Dealing with cancer is a hard fought battle, but one that you can win.

The following is a listing of resources for cancer support. When using any of these resources, keep the following points in mind:

* Investigate and verify any information you receive, so that you can understand how it may or may not apply to the specific cancer support you need.

* Always consult your doctor for health-related problems and chemotherapy side effects.

American Association for Cancer Research
215-440-9300
Politically active in the research community

American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org
News, information, support

American Society of Clinical Oncology
1900 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-299-0150
Information for people with cancer, and for doctors, nurses, and scientists

By My Side™
www.ByMySide.com
Information on infection and other side effects of chemotherapy, sponsored by Amgen

Cancer Care
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
800-813-HOPE
www.cancercare.org
America's oldest and largest nonprofit agency offering cancer information and support

Cancer Hope Network
Two North Road
Chester, NJ 07930
877-HOPENET
www.cancerhopenetwork.org
Confidential, free one-on-one support

Cancervive
11636 Chayote Street
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-203-9232
800-4-TO-CURE
www.cancervive.org
Dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer survivors

Cancer Wellness Center
215 Revere Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-509-9595
Emotional support hotline:
866-292-9355
www.cancerwellness.org
Free psychological, emotional, and social support

Center for Coping
12 West Cherry Street
Hicksville, NY 11801
516-822-3131
www.coping.com
Helping improve people's ability to cope

Chemotherapy.com
www.chemotherapy.com
When cancer treatment includes chemotherapy, patients have many questions. For the information and support that you will need, start your journey here.

Gilda's Club Worldwide
322 Eighth Avenue
Suite 1402
New York, NY 10001
917-305-1200
888-GILDA-4-U
www.gildasclub.org
Free support for people with cancer

National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service
800-4-CANCER
www.nci.nih.gov
Free information on all cancer types

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 770
Silver Spring, MD 20910
877-NCCS-YES
www.canceradvocacy.org
Network of organizations and individuals serving people with cancer

National Comprehensive Cancer Network
www.nccn.org
888-909-6226
Dedicated to advancing research and improving the effectiveness of cancer care

National Patient Advocate Foundation
800-532-5274
www.npaf.org
Information on government policies

The Wellness Community
888-793-WELL
www.thewellnesscommunity.org
Free educational support, networking groups, and social gatherings

Source : http://www.neulasta.com/patient/support/info.jsp
1/1/08 AMGEM © 2007 Amgem. All rights reserved.

April 13, 2004 Radiation Therapy Completed

2007-12-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

Email diary sent to friends:

I am done with radiation therapy. Began 5 weeks ago. Twenty five treatments. Purpose to kill cancer cells that were left behind from surgery. My treatment has been external x-rays focused around my colon where surgery was done in November 2003. My radiation treatment plus chemo treatment should yield a 90% cure of no recurrence of colon cancer in the next 5 years.

My medical treatment has been excellent. I start my next round of chemo on April 20th. I have 14 days of pill form (Xeloda) and weekly IV of Oxaliplatin. I am not sure when my chemo will be done.

I have been able to work about 5 hours a day during my chemo and radiation. Only side effect has been diarrhea. Given the list of the possible side-effects I feel lucky that my body has been able to spring back to health thru the treatments. I am getting lots of sleep, exercise at the YMCA, eat well, and my recovery is going very well.

I know I am surrounded by angels thru all this and feel blessed for all the support of family and friends. Your prayers, emails, phone calls and support have been vital to my progress in fighting this disease.

April 27, 2004 Chemo diary notes

2007-12-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

I have allergy runny nose, dry cough because bad air here (forced air furnace)
good appitite for lunch and dinner
xeloda works fine no real side effects, solid stools
weight 185
blood pressure 138/83 this is good
mind very clear
able to swim 4 laps in Ymca indoor pool

April 28
soaked in hot jacizi at YMCA today. still sore in colon area.
talked to Doctor today.
I have two more IV treatments of oxiplatin in May. Got one today.

I finish Xeloda NEXT Tuesday . then get some resting time.

One more round of Xeloda for 14 days then I think I am done with chemo.

My Diagnosis

2007-12-25T08:45:00.001-08:00

My Diagnosis
Oct 2003.

I opened my eyes seeing the face of my doctor. He had a serious, concerned look in his eyes. The anesthesia was wearing off and I wasn’t quite sure where I was.

“You have colon cancer, Mr. Beckstein. You must get an abdominal resection as soon as possible.” My doctor stated.

“What? I have cancer?” I asked dumbfounded.

“Colon cancer. Your surgeon will have to remove half your colon to remove the cancer but I don’t think you will need a colostomy bag.” He repeated since I appeared to be in shock and panic. He handed me a tiny slip of paper as the nurses wheeled me out of the procedure room. Doors opened. I felt like I was leaving a carwash. I stared at the ceiling and looked at an upside down nurse.

“You will be expelling quite a lot of air out of your rectum, Mr. Beckstein.” The nurse commented as she pushed my gurney into recovery.

“What is an abdominal resection?” I asked the nurse squinting my eyes trying to read the piece of paper the doc had handed me. It still had not hit me yet that I had cancer. She said that I needed to talk to the doctor about my diagnosis.

“Can I get you a cup of water?” she asked.

“How about bourbon?”

It was a miracle I was able to drive home by myself without having an accident. I was coming out of a routine colonoscopy and into the world of being a colon cancer patient.

I felt like I was falling down a big well with nothing to hold for safety. Falling and spinning and lost. Solid ground was a thing of the past; out of control.

My mind raced as I sat in my backyard garden. I have cancer! I have cancer? What am I going to do? Maybe the doctor is wrong. Maybe I don’t have cancer? I should get a second opinion. DAMN this is not fair! I take good care of my body and I get CANCER? Why me? What am I going to do now? MY GOD I HAVE CANCER! Am I going to die? How can I pay for this treatment? Where can I find a good doctor? What am I going to do??? Do I have enough sick leave at work for treatment??? MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

My cancer diagnosis hit me like a lighting bolt, unexpected. Out of the blue. BHAM!!! I looked around dazed, confused, scared and panic crept into my body. Adrenalin pumped into my blood stream and my heart pounded in my chest.

MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

Perhaps being told you have cancer is like being inside a tornado. Memories flood your brain and emotions trigger you body as you spin round and round as you try to figure this cancer thing out. The experience is being out of control. Shocked. Spinning and spinning and spinning.

MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

For those of you who have experienced an earthquake, a cancer diagnosis is like that. The ground starts to shake and the bookcase starts to sway next to your head and you pray the cancer will not crush you. You pray to God to give you strength to fight this disease. You pray a lot when you have cancer.

MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

I love to swim in the ocean. I am a good swimmer. One time I was in Maui on a beautiful beach. The water was 80 degrees. I put on my mask, fins and snorkel and swam alone without a boogie board. A rip current began to pull me out to sea away from the safety of dry land. I swam with all of my might against the tide. I looked at the ocean bottom with my goggles and I was not moving because the rip current was pulling me out to sea. I was lucky. I remembered how to rescue myself and get back to the safety of the shore.

The New Normal…Free at Last

2007-12-18T05:11:00.000-08:00

Free of cancer. I am free of cancer. I just completed a colonoscopy and my doctor recommended I return in five years for my next checkup. FIVE YEARS! 2012? I count five years on the fingers of my right hand like a school child. Five years!

Does this mean that I am finally cured of cancer?

YES.

No doctor will tell me I am cured. They can’t. The medical establishment lawyers won’t let the doctor’s use the word “cured.” Instead the proper medical term is “no evidence of recurring disease.”

Fine. Write anything you want in my medical record, but I am cured! I am normal again.

The new normal is no more CT body scans at $8000 per test costing me $2500 co-pay. I have the best health insurance the state of California can offer me yet I still have a co-pay. Hello…. I can find many more things I can do with $2500 then pay for more cancer tests. How about a trip to the Barrier Reef in the Pacific to scuba dive? The new normal is my medical expenses are greatly reduced in 2008.

I am cancer free. I am done! I am normal again.

According to some online dictionary, normal means “Conforming with or constituting an accepted standard, model, or pattern; esp., corresponding to the median or average of a large group in type, appearance, achievement, function, development, etc.; natural; usual; standard; regular.”

I am a regular guy now. “Regular” means I can poop with some kind of predictable pattern. I can be very proud that I am regular and I can defecate solid stools and not have diarrhea. Ask me. I am a former colon cancer patient. I can tell you stories of bowel control issues. Cancer survivors can tell you stories.

I am healthy again. I am cancer free. I am done with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. No more drugs! No more side effects of chemo brain, falling down, nausea, exhaustion, pain, panic, fear of death, etc.

I am cancer free. This is waking up at 4 AM to wait for the sunrise. Cancer free is anticipation of a new day and a new life. No more cancer ghosts hiding under my bed. No more boogieman in the closet. No more cancer ghosts floating in the air that I breathe and in the food I eat! No more tiny cancer cells floating in my body to invade organs. A clean windshield to look forward to a bright future ahead. I am alive. I am well. I am happy to be alive. I can expect to live longer now.

The CEA blood tests and CT body scans and several colonoscopies prove to my doctors and me that I am a NERD. No evidence of recurring disease.

I am cancer free! I am normal. A regular guy. I shave and put on deodorant and go to work.

Free at last, free at last, God almighty I am cancer free at last!

Green tea may protect against colon cancer

2007-12-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK -- An extract of green tea wards off colorectal cancer, animal experiments show.

According to research reported at the Sixth International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention, sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research, a standardized green tea polyphenol preparation (Polyphenon E) limits the growth of colorectal tumors in rats treated with a substance that causes the cancer.

"Our findings show that rats fed a diet containing Polyphenon E are less than half as likely to develop colon cancer," Dr. Hang Xiao, from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, noted in a statement.

These results are consistent with previously published results, which showed that green tea consumption was associated with lower colon cancer rates in Shanghai, China, he also noted.

In the study, Xiao and colleagues injected rats with azoxymethane, a chemical known to produce colorectal tumors that share many characteristics with colorectal cancer in humans. Then they fed the animals a high-fat Western-style diet with or without Polyphenon E for 34 weeks. The amount of Polyphenon the animals took in was roughly equal to about four to six cups of green tea per day.

Polyphenon E decreased the total number of tumors per rat and decreased tumor size, compared with control rats that were not given Polyphenon E, Xiao told the conference.

"In the control group," he said, "67 percent of rats developed malignant tumors while in the treated group only 27 percent of rats had malignant tumors. Most important, tea polyphenols decreased the number of malignant tumors per rat by 80 percent compared to the control group."

When the researchers analyzed blood and colon tissue samples, they found a "considerable amount of tea polyphenols in those samples in treated animals, and those levels of tea polyphenols were comparable to the human situation after ingestion of tea leaves or tea beverage," Xiao noted.

The researchers believe these findings will pave the way for clinical trials with green tea polyphenols in humans.

(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-08 10:42

The Riptide of Cancer

2007-12-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

When the doctor gave me a piece of paper with “Cancer” written on it and handed it to me and told me to go get an abdominal resection but probably would not need a colostomy bag, I went into shock.

I felt like I was falling down a big well with nothing to hold for safety. Falling and spinning and lost. Solid ground was a thing of the past. Out of control. I like pretending to be in control. Only an illusion.

My hands were sweaty on the steering wheel as I recklessly drove home alone and mind racing. My body was numb. I just got my diagnosis of colon cancer. Oct 2003.

I have cancer! I have cancer? What am I going to do? Maybe the doctor is wrong. Maybe I don’t have cancer? Maybe I should get a second opinion. DAMN this is not fair! I take good care of my body and I get CANCER? Why me? What am I going to do now? MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!
Am I going to die? How can I pay for this treatment? Where can I find a good doctor? What am I going to do??? Do I have enough sick leave at work for treatment??? MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

My bet is that nobody is ever prepared for a cancer diagnosis. It hits like a lighting bolt, unexpected. Out of the blue. BHAM!!! Then you look around dazed and confused and scared and panic creeps into your body and adrenalin pumps in your system and your heart pounds in your chest. Maybe you hyperventilate.

MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

Perhaps being told you have cancer is like being inside a tornado. Memories flood your brain and emotions trigger you body as you spin round and round as you try to figure this cancer thing out. The experience is being out of control. Shocked. Spinning and spinning and spinning.

MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

For those of you who have experienced an earthquake, a cancer diagnosis is like that. The ground starts to shake and the bookcase starts to sway next to your head and you pray the cancer will not crush you. You pray to God to give you strength to fight this disease.

MY GOD I HAVE CANCER!

I swim in the ocean. I am a good swimmer. One time I was in Maui on a beautiful beach. The water was 80 degrees. I put on my mask, fins and snorkel and swam alone without a boogie board. THEN a riptide began to pull me out to sea away from the safety of dry land. I swam with all of my might against the tide. I looked at the ocean bottom with my goggles and I was not moving because the riptide is pulling me out to sea.

My cancer diagnosis felt like a riptide pulling me out to sea and perhaps death. YOU try to figure out what to do to save your life, NOW. There are no vacations from Cancer. The riptide was pulling me away from a normal life without cancer.

Spices having anti-cancer properties

2007-12-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of the spices Jeanne Wallace specified as having anti-cancer properties. "Chai, turmeric, thyme, saffron, sage, rosemary, ginger, garlic and cinnamon.

Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CNC
(435) 563-0053
1697 East, 3450 North
North Logan, Utah 84341 USA

Graveyard shift work linked to cancer

2007-11-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

Graveyard shift work linked to cancer
By MARIA CHENG, AP Medical Writer Thu Nov 29, 8:25 PM ET

LONDON - Like UV rays and diesel exhaust fumes, working the graveyard shift will soon be listed as a "probable" cause of cancer. It is a surprising step validating a concept once considered wacky. And it is based on research that finds higher rates of breast and prostate cancer among women and men whose work day starts after dark.

Next month, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization, will add overnight shift work as a probable carcinogen. The American Cancer Society says it will likely follow. Up to now, the U.S. organization has considered the work-cancer link to be "uncertain, controversial or unproven."

The higher cancer rates don't prove working overnight can cause cancer. There may be other factors common among graveyard shift workers that raise their risk for cancer.

However, scientists suspect that overnight work is dangerous because it disrupts the circadian rhythm, the body's biological clock. The hormone melatonin, which can suppress tumor development, is normally produced at night.

If the graveyard shift theory eventually proves correct, millions of people worldwide could be affected. Experts estimate that nearly 20 percent of the working population in developed countries work night shifts.

Among the first to spot the night shift-cancer connection was Richard Stevens, a cancer epidemiologist and professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center. In 1987, Stevens published a paper suggesting a link between light at night and breast cancer.

Back then, he was trying to figure out why breast cancer incidence suddenly shot up starting in the 1930s in industrialized societies, where nighttime work was considered a hallmark of progress. Most scientists were bewildered by his proposal.
But in recent years, several studies have found that women working at night over many years were indeed more prone to breast cancer. Also, animals that have their light-dark schedules switched develop more cancerous tumors and die earlier.
Some research also suggests that men working at night may have a higher rate of prostate cancer.

Because these studies mostly focused on nurses and airline crews, bigger studies in different populations are needed to confirm or disprove the findings.

There are still plenty of skeptics. And to put the risk in perspective, the "probable carcinogen" tag means that the link between overnight work and cancer is merely plausible.

Among the long list of agents that are listed as "known" carcinogens are alcoholic beverages and birth control pills. Such lists say nothing about exposure amount or length of time or how likely they are to cause cancer. The American Cancer Society Web site notes that carcinogens do not cause cancer at all times.

Still, many doubters of the night shift link may be won over by the IARC's analysis to be published in the December issue of the journal Lancet Oncology.

"The indications are positive," said Vincent Cogliano, who heads up the agency's carcinogen classifications unit. "There was enough of a pattern in people who do shift work to recognize that there's an increase in cancer, but we can't rule out the possibility of other factors."

Scientists believe having lower melatonin levels can raise the risk of developing cancer. Light shuts down melatonin production, so people working in artificial light at night may have lower melatonin levels.

Melatonin can be taken as a supplement, but experts don't recommend it long-term, since that could ruin the body's ability to produce it naturally.

Sleep deprivation may be another factor in cancer risk. People who work at night are not usually able to completely reverse their day and night cycles.

"Night shift people tend to be day shift people who are trying to stay awake at night," said Mark Rea, director of the Light Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, who is not connected with the IARC analysis.

Not getting enough sleep makes your immune system vulnerable to attack, and less able to fight off potentially cancerous cells.

Confusing your body's natural rhythm can also lead to a breakdown of other essential tasks. "Timing is very important," Rea said. Certain processes like cell division and DNA repair happen at regular times.

Even worse than working an overnight shift is flipping between daytime and overnight work.

"The problem is re-setting your body's clock," said Aaron Blair, of the United States' National Cancer Institute, who chaired IARC's recent meeting on shift work. "If you worked at night and stayed on it, that would be less disruptive than constantly changing shifts."

Anyone whose light and dark schedule is often disrupted — including frequent long-haul travelers or insomniacs — could theoretically face the same increased cancer risk, Stevens said.

He advises workers to sleep in a darkened room once they get off work. "The balance between light and dark is very important for your body. Just get a dark night's sleep."

Meanwhile, scientists are trying to come up with ways to reduce night workers' cancer risk. And some companies are experimenting with different lighting, seeking a type that doesn't affect melatonin production.

So far, the color that seems to have the least effect on melatonin is one that few people would enjoy working under: red.

Gift for Suzanne

2007-11-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

A Gift for Suzanne
October 2006

I woke up early and made coffee.

Where is the sugar? I thought to myself as I fumbled around in a foreign kitchen. Hope they have half and half. I thought as I poured a cup of coffee, took a sip and then spat in the kitchen sink. SALT! I thought that was sugar! I searched all the cabinets. No sugar. Pat woke up and entered the kitchen quietly. She tip toed into the kitchen with toasty slippers wearing a warm terry cloth bathrobe.

“What are you looking for?” Pat whispered. We tried not to wake the other sleepers. We failed.

“Sugar” I replied embarrassed.

Pat opened a cabinet. She found a pretty canister with white sugar in four seconds flat. I configured my second cup of coffee.

Five minutes later the world was a better place. I had my coffee my way.

Pat and I slowly savored our coffee as we stared out the window at the garden in silent reflection.

We came to the Sierras for Melissa’s memorial service. She was killed in a traffic accident suddenly. Truck tire blowout, head-on collision, and Mo was gone. Maybe coffee will help with our mental clarity as we prepare for Mo's memorial service. Maybe coffee will be the comfort to soothe my despair.

“Coffee ready yet?” Tom whispered as he shuffled into the kitchen.

“I really like your bathrobe, Tom” I commented as Pat poured a cup of java for her sweetie.” Where did you get this one Pat?”

“Thrift store in Merced” she responded. I thought Tom and Pat's bathrobe collection was cool. Tom usually has that glazed look in the morning until has coffee and the morning paper.
Do they deliver a morning paper up here in the hills? I wondered.

Three people drank coffee and stared out the window waiting for caffeine to move to our brains.

Our hostess Suzanne entered the kitchen with her husband Ron. She had a small pot pipe and baggie of homegrown. Suzanne had been on the computer doing more research on her disease. Stacks of books about cancer surrounded her bed. Suzanne needed a break. She looked very tired to me this morning.

I remember the glass bowl in their living room with “Cancer Sucks!” black and white buttons. The glass bowl was half empty like her pot pipe.

“Mornin” the coffee drinkers mumbled in unison. Suzanne was fighting cancer. Pot was her pain reliever. Suzanne took a toke. We drank coffee together and stared out the window at the Sierra foothills.

“It is so quiet up here in the mountains. So peaceful.” I commented as I left the group to walk outside through the garden coffee mug in hand.

The sun was filtering through the canopy of trees. Birds sang, Fall colors surrounded me but I didn't see color that day. My heart was filled with sadness for my loss of a friend Melissa. I did not see color that day only black and white.

I opened my car trunk. I was not sure what would be a good gift for our hostess. This morning I had the answer. I returned to the kitchen with a small baggie in my hand.

“Here is some bud I think you will enjoy.” I offered it to my hostess. Suzanne smiled and looked at me with soft eyes.

“Thank you, Doug,” she said. "Want a toke?" she asked.

"I'm good," I replied. "Just need coffee, scrambled eggs, sausage and toast for breakfast this morning."

November 2007
I saw Ron and Suzanne once again at Pat’s 60th birthday party. She looked great to me compared to my last visit. She seemed peaceful. I watched her dance with her husband and visit with friends.

I asked Suzanne to look at my writing draft the “Gift for my hostess” piece and she relied:
“I liked your piece about us. Of course where I’m coming from I would call your coffee ‘sugar with a splash of coffee’ but then I have been sugar-free for year now. Coffee-free as well. You can keep your sausage breakfasts too. Believe me I’m not bitter that I can’t have meat and grease and cholesterol.

A year on my diet I believe has set me free. Reiki and diet and a good holistic local doctor have made my life better. Weekly massages too. Friends and a wonderful husband are the glue to my whole self.

I wouldn’t change anything in your writing,Doug. What a healing day that was for me. That’s when Michael Hornick offered me Reiki. He still delivers four times a week and I get to work on him with his sore hip.

We are blessed Doug, you and me, because we know the true meaning of gratitude. We see the good in Everything. Keep it up!
Happy Healing. Peace
Suzanne

January 12, 2008 at 4:30AM Suzanne died at home.

The Flexible Straw

2007-11-28T14:42:00.001-08:00

The Flexible Straw
September 2006

Autumn gave everyone a flexible straw, a large 15 by 17 inch piece of white water color quality paper. She asked each writer to drop India ink randomly on our own paper. Using our straws we blew designs.

What does this have to do with cancer? I wondered to myself.

New faces sat around a meeting room table. Cancer survivors meeting for the first time for Autumn’s “In other words” writing group. Two guys and a bunch of women.

At that time I didn’t consider myself a writer. I published health education materials in the early eighties. I used desktop publishing which allowed me to do everything. That wasn’t writing. The writing I wanted to start was to write honest stories of my colon cancer experience.

“Autumn, why are we doing an art project today? I thought this was a writing group.”
I asked the teacher. She paused a moment.

Everyone else in the room just glared at me. Just do the exercise their eyes seemed to communicate. I busied myself with snacks and sipped bottled water and waited for her reply.

The teacher explained we were doing this exercise to loosen up our minds and to become more creative. Then she gave us a writing prompt and we wrote for 20 minutes in our own spiral notebooks. Later we could read what we wrote if we chose to do share our writing.

I still have that artwork in my closet. It is stored next to my high school yearbook, the box of fading baby pictures and the backpack I used in 1985 when I took a trip to Alaska.

Before and After I Had Cancer

2007-11-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

Begun 9/14/06 and Expanded 11/07

Before I had cancer, I thought I would live forever, but now I am happy to have each day of my life.

Before I had cancer, I enjoyed recreational use of alcohol and pot but now I enjoy having a clear functioning brain and have less interest in using alcohol and pot.

Before I had cancer, I would ride a bike without a helmet, but now I wear a helmet and I am more safety conscious.

Before I had cancer I was just normal, but after I got cancer and beat the disease friends would treat me like I was SUPERMAN.

Before I had cancer my second marriage was dissolving, but after I got cancer I got a divorce.

Before I had cancer I did know there were angels, now I realize that I am surrounded by angels and know God will answer my prayers.

Before I had cancer I was under tremendous stress, now I experience a sense of peace and serenity most of the time.

Before I had cancer I would sweat the small stuff, but now I enjoy each moment and count the many blessings in my life.

Before I had cancer at times I would be fearful, but now I can honestly say I feel safe and happy and peaceful in most situations.

Before I had cancer I was sleep deprived now I get plenty of rest and take naps each day.

Before I had cancer I owned a big home with a yard to maintain, now I rent a small studio and keep it simple.

Before I had cancer I played guitar, now I play ukulele.

Before I had cancer I had a daily 4 hour commute in traffic, now a 10 minute commute by bike to get to work.

Before I had cancer I would speed on the highway in the fast lane, now I set my car on cruise control to the speed limit and ride the middle lane.

Before I had cancer I would listen to music on my ipod, now I enjoy silence.

Before I had cancer I had a to do list with much to accomplish, today I am more selective with the projects I want to do. I focus and finish.

Before I had cancer I was lacking love and affection, now I am blessed with both.

Lack of Knowledge About Colon Cancer Screening

2007-11-27T08:02:00.000-08:00

Colorectal Cancer Finding #1: Survey Reveals Lack of Knowledge About Colon Cancer Screening

According to a recent consumer survey, Americans have a poor grasp on when and why to get tested for colon cancer.

The most startling result was that 38% of people over age 50 were able to name a judge on the hit television show “American Idol,” yet only 34% knew they were at risk for colon cancer. Women were less likely than men to believe they were at risk, although the risk of colon cancer is equal in men and women. Seventy percent of those over age 50 believed that getting tested for colon cancer could reduce their risk of colon cancer, but less than half (44%) knew when they should start testing (the answer is age 50).

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in the United States: Estimates suggest that 146,000 people were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005 and 56,000 died from it. Screening tests are very effective in detecting colon cancer, and the chance of surviving colon cancer is greatest when the disease is caught early. The American Cancer Society encourages all Americans age 50 and over to talk to their doctor about colon cancer screening tests. Reported by the American Cancer Society and published online at www.cancer.org.

Colorectal Cancer Finding #2: Sigmoidoscopy Misses Two Thirds of Colorectal Cancers in Women

Research suggests that flexible sigmoidoscopy, a screening test for colorectal cancer, is not as accurate in women as in men. In the study of 1,463 women (age 50–79) who underwent colonoscopy for routine colorectal cancer screening, 5% were found to have advanced colorectal cancer. The researchers estimated that if a sigmoidoscopy -- which examines only the rectum and lower portion of the colon -- had been performed, two thirds of these cancers would have been missed because they occurred too far up in the colon to be detected by sigmoidoscopy.

A colonoscopy examines the entire colon and rectum. When the results were compared to those of a similar study in men, sigmoidoscopy was half as accurate in women: While 66% of men would have had advanced colon cancers detected via sigmoidoscopy, only 35% of advanced colon cancers in women would have been found.

Based on these data, a colonoscopy is the preferred method of screening for colon cancer in both men and women. Even though a sigmoidoscopy is easier and less costly to perform and can be done without sedation, a colonoscopy is the gold standard screening test for colon cancer and is the one you should opt for, especially if you are a woman. Reported in The New England Journal of Medicine (Volume 352, page 2061).

Colonoscopy and flashbacks

2007-11-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

Someone told me that Gandhi had a colon cleanse every three months. Well good for him! I did not feel like being Gandhi. I had to empty my colon for another colonoscopy.

I have been down this road before. Prepare for a colonoscopy, find the right doctor and the right medications, empty out my digestive system, sign paperwork, find a driver, hope there is no more cancer.

Some friends ask my advice about getting a colonoscopy. I seem to be the colonoscopy poster child. I promote the colonoscopy procedure to help get colon cancer diagnosed early so we can save lives. I urge my friends and family to go do it. Some friends delay getting a colonoscopy for years. When they see me in the hall at work they assure me that they are going to get it real soon. Right.

My first colonoscopy in 2003 I did the entire procedure alone. I did the prep alone at home. I drove myself. When I got my diagnosis of colon cancer I was alone driving home. I was in shock and panic from my news and coming out of anthesia and driving home was stupid.

Four years later, 2007, I do things differently. Now I ask for help and support during this procedure.

The 2007 preparation for my procedure was different than 2003. My doctor’s instructions were much more detailed for my colon cleansing. Three days before the scope I maintained a low fiber diet. No fruits, no vegetables and no bran cereals. I was familiar with this diet. After my abdominal resection this same low fiber diet helped me gain strength and recover.

When I was on this low fiber diet for three days in 2007, I triggered memories of my cancer diagnosis of 2003. Triggers of panic. Triggered memories that I was going to die. These triggers are less powerful since I can observe them from a distance.

I talked about this triggered experience with my girlfriend and close friends. Thanksgiving is a reminder and trigger of recovering from cancer surgery three years ago. The turkey and mashed potatoes are easy to digest. Comfort food that I have always enjoyed. As a youngster Thanksgiving was associated with big family gatherings and yummy food. Now turkey is associated with recovery food and healing from cancer treatments.

The day before my recent colonoscopy in 2007 I was on the clear liquid diet. Jell-O, clear juices, tea, broth and 7up. I was at work doing this colon cleansing and I was very spaced out. This reminded me of past chemo brain. My mind was not as sharp. I wasn’t drinking coffee.

What was that password to log into the network? I thought to myself. My mind floated like chemo brain at work. I sipped mint tea and craved coffee for mental calrity.

Marsha appearsed at my cubical and waitsed to get my attention. I stopped my paperwork and asked, “How are you Marsha?”

“Do you have a moment, Doug? I have a question. I did not know who else to ask.”

It was clear this question was not work related.

“Of course I have a minute, how can I help you Marsha?” I replied and spun my chair around to face her.

“Yergal has been out sick. He has cancer in his stomach. He is going into chemo treatments in December and I wanted to know what I could do for him to help.” Her words tumbled out of her mouth quickly. She almost whispered the story.

I paused a moment to collect my thoughts. My mind was floating along from the liquid diet food fast. I call this brain functioning “swiss cheese” thinking because there were holes in my memory where data was stored but I can’t access it. I told Marsha I was getting ready for my colonoscopy and was replaying some emotions from the past. Then I gave her some ideas of what she could do to support Yergal in his treatment process.

Emotional roulette.
That is what this experience felt like. A different feeling stuffed into each bullet chamber. Spin the gun chamber. Pull the trigger. Another emotion explodes in my brain. Most of the time I am quite happy and positive about life. When I go for cancer testing the emotional roulette process may pull an emotional trigger:

1. Panic- I am going to die.
2. Loneliness- I will be abandoned if I get sick again.
3. Rage- The health care system will over charge for my treatment and my health insurance will not cover all my treatments.
4. Sadness- another friend has died from Cancer.
5. Helplessness – There is nothing I can do about this disease.
6. Confusion- what is going on? Who can I trust? Do I have chemo brain again?

“Are you ready?” Chris asked me on the phone. He was my driver to the surgery center for my colonoscopy. I grabbed my folder with medical information, my keys, my wallet and my cell phone.

“Ready” I reply, hung up the phone. locked the door, called the elevator to the sixth floor.

Come on, Come on. I thought to myself. Never patient for elevators. Finally I left the building and climbed into Chris’s car with my map in hand. I was so glad to see Chris to drive me to my colonoscopy.

“How you doing? Chris asked as he snuck through a red light and positioned himself in the left hand turn lane in the next block. The engine in his old car sounded like hyperactive squirrels tap-dancing under the hood. I hope I don't have to walk home because he car doesn't work. The least of my problems.

“Pretty good.” I answered with all the confidence I could muster. Chris knew some of the details about the prep and the colon cleansing.

He called Lorraine that morning and made plans to hike and play music. Lorraine called my cell phone right after talking to Chris. She was very understanding and supportive. I was able to talk again about my triggered feelings about my colonoscopy as I shopped for food. My procedure was scheduled for noon. I made use of the morning to do some chores and kept busy rather than fret at home.

My cell phone vibrated. I missed call. I dialed to retrieve the message. My oncology nurse friend Corrinde left a message with advice about what food to eat after my procedure. She advised me to go slow with re-entry with my gym routine. We both go the Y aerobics class and know that it is easy to over do a workout during group exercise. I called her back to thank her for her support.

We drove for 2 more minutes to our destination. Chris pulls the car over to the curb. I left my cell phone with him. He does not own one. I thanked him for the ride. He drove away. I am alone again. I crossed the street and entered the beautiful old building. I entered the waiting room, signed in, and signed away all rights without reading the fine print. Saved a copy for my own file folder. I payed the co-pay with my VISA card then sat down and looked at the waiting room magazines.

I could choose from People magazine or Outside magazine. (I wished I brought a book to read). Instead I looked at ads for $399 ski pants and beer ads and articles about how to survive being attacked by a shark. Fun reading before a colonoscopy?

“Mr. Beckstein?” a cheery young nurse called my name. “Would you please follow me?”

I was glad to leave the waiting room with the music of R & B Oldies playing thru a speaker that sounded like a 1965 transistor radio. Again not very relaxing for this patient.

The cheery nurse walked me twenty feet to a interview room and turned me over to the older nurse named “Angela”. She reviewed my chart and asked all the routine questions for my health history. I had to pull out some data from my own file folder to answer some of her questions.

She escorted me to the next room where I was prepared for "the scope". I put on flesh colored booties and a hospital gown. Blood pressure check, temperature in the ear, warm blanket then the nurse started an IV in my hand. She asked if I needed a magazine to read. I declined. She pulled the curtain and hid my gurney and attended to another patient.

More waiting. I noticed that I was calm and ready to get this done. Twenty minutes later I entered the procedure room. I greeted the doctor and noticed he had good taste in music. The nurse asked me to roll over on my side and bend my knees. The doctor told her the dose of medication and she plugged a needle into the IV rig in my hand and then I faded to a light sleep.

...fade to black...

Thirty minutes later I opened my eyes in the recovery room. The nurse asked me if I could drink a paper cup of water. I asked for a refill.

“Here are the results of your test Mr. Beckstein.” The nurse handed me a printed report with numerous color photographs of my colon.

No cancer. My colon was clean. No evidence of re-occurring disease. This is very good news!

I signed a piece of paper that verified that I got the report. Ten minutes later I left the building a free man.

A man free of cancer.

Preparation for my latest Colonoscopy

2007-11-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

My doctor prescribed OsmoPrep sodium phosphate 24 tablets for my colon cleansing. This works better than the liquid medication I got in the past.

My doctor had me stop some medications 5 days before my Colonoscopy.

He put me on a low fiber diet for 3 days before my procedure. No fruits, no vegetables, no bran cereals. I could eat meat and starches like rice and potatoes.

One day before I was on a clear liquid diet.

A colonoscopy at high noon

2007-11-20T00:56:00.000-08:00

Reactions from my writing group when I asked them to send “good thoughts” for my colonoscopy scheduled for noon on Wednesday…email replies

I have never thought so much about anyone's colon in my life! I will not slack off on Wednesday. Good luck, and happy Thanksgiving.
Autumn

A colonoscopy at high noon. Smacks of a bad western. You can get a pill regime that won't make you vomit. I got it because I told them to give it to me. My vomit regulator broke during chemo. The people who prescribe HalfLytely are assholes. The pill regime works just as well, sans the upchuck. If you need moral support, I can send over my switchblade.
Hugs
Tina

I shall be happy to think good thoughts and say prayers, too. These are important times and procedures.
Blessings, Nancy

And finally the word processor told me to consider revising some items. Not on your life!
Doug Beckstein
11/20/07

The Colonoscopy

2007-11-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

I went into my proctologist's office for my first rectal exam. His new nurse, Evelyn took me to an examining room and told me to get undressed and have a seat until the doctor could see me. She said that he would only be a few minutes. After putting on the gown that she gave me I sat down.

While waiting I observed that there were three items on a stand next to the exam table: A tube of K-Y jelly, a rubber glove and a beer.

When the doctor finally came in I said, "Look Doc, I'm a little confused. This is my first exam. I know what the K-Y is for and I know what the glove is for, but can you tell me what the beer is for?"

The Doctor became noticeably outraged and stormed over to the door. He flung the door open and yelled to his nurse. "Darn it Evelyn, I said a BUTT LIGHT!"

No Lifeguard on Duty

2007-11-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

7:30AM. Oakland YMCA.

I squat in a half filled Jacuzzi. Lukewarm water. Warming tight muscles. Sitting in a tiled tub. Trying to relax before I go to work.

“Juan’s home now.” Leroy announced. He was heading to the steam room.

“I thought he was still in the hospital.” I answered.

“Talked with him last night after dinner. He’s out.” Leroy replied.

“The cancer is in his liver now. He has been in Kaiser for a month.” I blurt out loud to no one in particular. Everyone bows their heads as if in prayer.

Three men look at me with sad eyes and say nothing. One disappears into the steam room. Another picks up his shaving kit and returns to his locker. The third man stares at the water coming into the Jacuzzi trying to relax.

The sign over our heads said, “No lifeguard on duty” in four languages.

Prevent Colon Cancer

2007-11-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

The evidence that links various foods with the risk of colon cancer is increasing. Fortunately, most of the foods that are good for you are good to eat as well.

So far, there is no surefire way to prevent colon cancer or a recurrence. But increasing knowledge about contributing factors has revealed that lifestyle choices may lower your risk. Some of the information is surprising and may challenge your assumptions. However, much of the new information echoes time-honored common sense:

-Eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables,
-Maintain an appropriate weight
-Exercise regularly.

Foods to avoid are red meat, charred meat, processed meat, and saturated fat. All are connected with higher cancer risks, though the reason remains unclear. Charred and processed meats have high levels of cancer-promoting chemicals, and saturated fat in red meat may upset the balance of bile acids used for digestion. These foods also contribute to heart disease and other ills.

There is an abundance of good foods. The Mediterranean Diet, which is based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and a small amount of meat, is a healthy basis for nutrition.

Fiber is high on the “good” list. It helps to move food through the digestive system and may increase some chemicals known to protect the colon. Studies have generally linked high levels of dietary fiber with low rates of colon cancer and adenomatous polyps, although one recent mega-study did not confirm this. The jury remains out, but for many reasons it’s still good to add fiber (beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) to your diet.

Folic acid -- also known as folate -- is related to a 20–50% lower risk of colon cancer and polyps. It can also offset some effects of alcohol, which inhibits folate production in the body. There is evidence that taking folic acid in a daily multivitamin for five years lowers the risk of colon cancer by almost 50% among women with a family history of colon cancer. All of the sources of dietary fiber listed above contain some folic acid, and you can take it in supplements as well.

Vitamin D and calcium may reduce risks. Higher levels of vitamin D are connected with lower colorectal cancer rates, and calcium in food may lower risks. However, when taken as a supplement, calcium does not appear to have the same effect. Up the odds of lowering your risks by eating calcium-rich dark green vegetables and getting vitamin D in fish, yogurt, milk, and a small amount of daily sunshine.

Other good foods linked with lower colon cancer risks include olive oil, garlic, turmeric, and colorful fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants. The evidence is mixed for coffee, but a moderate amount may reduce risks of both liver and colon cancer.

Source: John's Hopkins Health Letter Nov 6, 2007

High Prescription Prices

2007-11-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Drug companies state that the high prescription prices are necessary to fund resource on newer ones. To a certain extent, this is justifiable. Some individuals are bankrupted because of excessive medical costs, including prescriptions. Consider the number of people who simply cannot afford to purchase medications. These may include your aging parents, aunts, and uncles, your next door neighbor, or you. The reduced cost programs are open to a limited few--not those who theoretically have adequate financial resources.

The greed exhibited by large drugstore chains affects all of us. Take a look at Richard Reich's "Supercapitalism". This book may help us to understand the demise of morality in the marketplace.

Support the businesses that support affordable health care. Write to other drug stores like Long's, Rite Aid, Walgreen's, CVS, and Drug World. Let them know that you are switching to pharmacies whose pricing reflects the reality. Remember that many reasonably priced, national chain pharmacies may provide online ordering with mail delivery.

Imagine Fighting Cancer

2007-11-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Imagine fighting cancer with guided imagery. Imagine a soothing voice and relaxing music to program your brain to prepare for surgery. Imagine shrinking and killing cancer cells. Imagine healing quickly after surgery and chemotherapy treatments.

After my colon cancer diagnosis in October 2003, I called my friend Trish to get the name of the guided imagery and affirmations CD that she reported really helped her husband recover from open-heart surgery. She gave me the name of Belleruth Naparstek.

I ordered a Successful Surgery CD from Health Journeys. I played the CD several times each day to prepare me for my abdominal resection surgery. I relaxed in my bed and played the CD and drifted off to Belleruth’s voice. The guided imagery helped me reduce my anxiety of surgery.

Years later, I attended a Belleruth Naparstek seminar for cancer patients and health professionals and she reported that this guided imagery was found to be highly effective in double blind, placebo-controlled research. She reported that Successful Surgery creates the context for a successful, safe and comfortable surgery. The CD has suggestions to reduce bleeding and speed up mending with minimal discomfort. A separate music track can be played in the operating room and affirmations focus on the recovery period.

My friend Trish was right. Guided imagery and affirmations are very helpful.

Drink Water

2007-10-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

As we age, our thirst response is blunted. As a result, many older Americans may not be drinking enough water and may be at risk for dehydration, according to a report in the American Journal of Nursing (Volume 106, page 40).

Water is an essential nutrient because it is involved in all the processes in your body. Since water needs vary with diet, physical activity, environmental temperature, and other factors, it is difficult to pin down an exact water requirement. Changes in the body that accompany aging can make you vulnerable to shifts in water balance. In fact, when 35 nursing home residents were followed for six months, a third of them were found to be dehydrated -- they had not drunk enough water and other liquids, had lost too much fluid, or both.

Potential consequences of dehydration include constipation, falls, drug toxicity, urinary tract infections, longer healing times for wounds, and even hospitalization. The cue to drink, known as the thirst response, is blunted with age. At the same time, the body uses water less efficiently as we get older. Certain medications (such as diuretics and laxatives), cognitive impairment, and many illnesses (including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and infections) also raise the odds of dehydration.

Water is a great liquid to consume, but you can also obtain fluids from fruit juices, low-sodium soups, decaffeinated coffee and tea, and water-rich fruits (watermelon, berries, and grapes) and vegetables (tomatoes and lettuce). The Institute of Medicine recommends about 11.5 cups of fluid a day for women and 15.5 cups for men, which includes water in food. (About a fifth of your fluid intake comes from food.) This doesn’t mean you should start measuring your fluid intake. Instead, the Institute says you can meet your water needs simply by drinking water and other liquids when you’re thirsty.

John's Hopkins Health Alert 10/31/07

Night Sweats in a Hospital Room

2007-10-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

I opened my eyes and squinted to see the large clock in my hospital room. 4 AM. Did I get any sleep?. I ran my fingers through my hair. I was sweating from my scalp. My pillow was wet as if I were crying through my hair. Wild dreams released demons from my mind. I rolled to my left side to stare at the IV that pumped a controlled dose of painkiller into my veins. Oh what a night!

The nurse entered my room staring at her clipboard. She inspected the machine that monitored my vitals and asked me how was I doing.

“OK I guess. Is it normal to sweat like this at night?” I asked.

“Some of my patients notice night sweats with this medication.” She replied as if regurgitating text from a nursing journal.

I sipped water through a bent straw then rolled over on my back to stare at the ceiling. Maybe I can catch another nap before my roommate wakes up and turns on the TV.

The Purple Onion

2007-10-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

My purple onion began sprouting in my kitchen on my 57th birthday. It was a quiet affair. A tiny sprout pierced the paper-thin skin of the purple onion and peeked out of the darkness. The purple onion had begun its journey.

The next day the purple onion whispered, "Please sir, it is too dark for me to grow here. Can I move closer to the window? I need more light to live."

I considered this request to be reasonable indeed. I made the move. "Thanks!" the purple onion whispered.

Two weeks passed. Now the purple onion has several green shoots each ten inches long. They are green and strong. The purple onion is very happy!

I look closer at the purple onion's body. It is less plump. The green shoots are drawing energy from the inner source deep inside the purple onion. Energy for growth.

The purple onion inspires me each day to draw upon the power deep inside of me to reach out into the world.

"Take a risk!" the purple onion whispers.

The color of the purple onion represents our own majesty. There is magic in the purple onion. And there are layers. Layers of growth, just like the layers that reflect the many years each of us have been on this planet.

"Go deeper! Discover more layers," the purple onion whispers.

More history. More memories. More layers of power to draw upon to send to your shoots toward the sun.

I knew the purple onion was never alone. Not really. It was packed with all the power to complete this journey. Don't worry about the purple onion. All is well.

--Douglas Beckstein

More Reasons to Exercise

2007-10-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

It's never too late to begin to exercise. In one study, those with advanced colon cancer who exercised regularly more than doubled their disease-free survival time.

If you have been diagnosed with polyps -- cancerous or benign -- you now have an incentive to make some different lifestyle choices.

•Stop smoking and limit your use of alcohol.
Exposing yourself to these known toxins can cause cell damage that promotes cancer. A recent study shows that alcohol and tobacco users developed colorectal cancer an average of 7.8 years earlier (age 63.2 years in women and 62.1 years in men) than those who never drank alcohol or smoked.

•Eat a balanced, low-fat diet with fruits and vegetables.
Studies show that a Mediterranean diet low in red meat and saturated fat and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables is associated with overall health, including colon health. This also reduces inflammation, which is now associated with many diseases including cancer.

•Keep an appropriate weight for your age and body type.
Studies show that those who are overweight are at higher risk for colorectal cancer, and being very obese increases that risk by 50% for men and by 80% for women.

•Make daily exercise a habit.
People who exercise are at lower risk for colorectal cancer and appear to have a reduced risk of polyps.

Data from two recent studies show that after cancer diagnosis, vigorous exercise significantly increases disease-free survival and lowers recurrence risks.

source:Johns Hopkins Health Alerts

Take Control of Your Health

2007-10-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Studies show that at least half of all cancer deaths can be prevented by:

- Not using tobacco products
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get plenty of physical activity
- Eat healthy foods
- Avoid mid-day sun and protect your skin with a hat, shirt and sunscreen
- Get cancer screening tests. Treatment is most successful when cancer is detected early.

www.cancer.org
American Cancer Society

Support Increased Cancer Research

2007-10-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Increased Funding for National Institues of Health (NIH) & National Cancer Institute (NCI) in FY 2008

Over the last four years, cancer research funding has fallen more than 10 percent in real dollars, forcing reductions in research grants and critical clinical trials. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society strongly supports an increase in federal funding for both the NIH and the NCI in FY 2008.

Email your U.S. Senator and Representative TODAY and urge them to support an increase of no less than $1 billion for cancer research in FY 2008!

Prevent Cancer by Wise Food Choices

2007-09-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

We are what we eat, and that isn’t always a good thing. Some pesticides used on fruits and vegetables have been linked to breast cancer. And exposure to estrogen-like hormones used in raising livestock may increase your risk for the disease. Read labels, ask your grocer to stock organic produce and hormone-free meats and dairy products, and look for organic food at your local farmers’ market.

GO ORGANIC:
* Organic produce is grown without harmful man-made chemicals.
* Some organochlorines, chemicals made of chlorine and carbon, are estrogen mimics that cause breast cancer. Organochlorine chemicals are found in pesticides and plastics.

PICK ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOOD:
* Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene protect our cells’ DNA against damage by free radicals—harmful chemicals that are found in car exhaust, tobacco smoke, x-rays and sunlight. Free radicals can attack cell membranes and damage the DNA of cells, which ultimately causes cancer.
* Studies suggest that many women’s cancers can be prevented by eating foods rich in antioxidants, high in fiber and low in fat.

CHOOSE HORMONE-FREE MEATS AND DAIRY:
* When we eat meat, poultry, fish and dairy products, we’re also eating the residue of what those animals ate, including pesticides, growth hormones, and contaminants.
* Hormone-free beef or dairy eliminates those traces of hormones that can enter our bodies and contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.

FILL UP ON FIBER:
* A women’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is directly related to her lifetime exposure to estrogen. Fiber helps the body get rid of excessive estrogen.
* There are two types of fiber, and both are equally beneficial. Soluble fiber can be found in rice bran, oatmeal and barley. Insoluble fiber can be found in wheat bran and woody stems of vegetables and fruit.

Source:http://www.pureprevention.org/act_eatsmart.php

Prevent Cancer in Your Home

2007-09-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Your home is your sanctuary. But many household items, including paper products and cleaning supplies, contain cancer-causing chemicals. These products can be replaced with safer, non-toxic alternatives available at your local supermarkets and health food stores. Plus, by making smart purchases you let manufacturers and retailers know that you won’t stand for toxic products.

CLEAN WITHOUT BLEACH AND CHLORINE:
* Paper products are often bleached to make them whiter, and scientific evidence indicates that exposure to the chlorine used in many bleaching processes increases your risk of breast cancer. Choose toilet paper, tissue and office paper labeled “Processed Chlorine Free” (PCF).
* Replace harmful household cleaners containing bleach with cheaper, non-toxic alternatives like baking soda, borax soap and vinegar.

FIGHT HOUSEHOLD PESTS SAFELY:
* Studies have found potential links between pesticides and breast cancer risk. Look for natural alternatives to chemical weed and bug killers and take preventative measures such as mulching for weeds and using traps, barriers, fabric row covers, or plant-based repellants to get rid of pests.

BE CAREFUL WITH PLASTICS:
* Some plastics leach chemicals into the substances they touch, so you should try to choose non-plastic alternatives when possible.
o Avoid microwaving your food in plastic containers or in plastic wrap. Choose ceramic or glass containers instead.
o Swap plastic water bottles for stainless steel or aluminum options.
o Choose non-toxic baby toys and shower curtains instead of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), plastic or vinyl.

source http://www.pureprevention.org/act_healthyhome.php?msource=pure0907&tr=y&auid=3039015

These boots are made for walking

2007-09-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

I laced up my new hiking boots as my friends watched me and then shook their heads. Two weeks before departure for Kauai, I finally bought hiking boots.

“How do your new boots feel?” Lior asked as she waited patiently with our hiking team. I jammed a water bottle in my pack and locked my car.

“Great. I got my poles too.” I replied proudly.

Lior and Laura inspected my hiking poles and then they gave advice on how to make pole adjustments for our hike. I missed the hiking pole workshop for some reason. They both filled me in on what they learned so far on how to use hiking poles. I am wobbly on steep trails so these poles are going to help me.

Off we go on our training hike in the Oakland hills. The sun will set soon so we better get moving. My boots fit perfectly. Better support for my ankles than my old pair of boots.

These boots are made for hiking and that’s just what I’ll do.
One of these days these boots are going to walk all over Kauai.
Ready boots?
Start walking.

On October 5, 2007 thirty hikers flew to Kauai and hiked the Wiamea Canyon. Our boots were made for walking. We raised $400,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This means that our team has been able to fund 3 research grants and provided financial aid to 52 families!

After four months of training with Hike for Discovery I was able to complete an eight hour hike in the Wiamea Canyon in the on narrow slippery slopes. Probably the hardest hike of my entire life. I believe I no longer have a fear of heights!

Go Team!

Four Genes That Cause Colorectal Cancer

2007-09-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

Four Genes That Cause Colorectal Cancer

Johns Hopkins professor Ross C. Donehower, M.D., F.A.C.P. discusses four newly-identified genes for colorectal cancer.

Scientists are identifying specific genes that confer a high risk of developing some cancers, including colorectal cancer. If you happen to carry one of these specific genes, your risk of colorectal cancer is increased considerably. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if cancer seems to run in your family or if a close relative has been found to carry one of these genes.

* Colorectal Cancer Gene 1: Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) -- Also called Lynch syndrome, this inherited tendency to develop colorectal cancer represents between 2% and 7% of all colorectal cancers. Not all people who inherit this genetic disorder will develop colorectal cancer, but they do inherit a significantly increased risk as well as a risk of developing other related cancers. Cancer tends to show up during puberty or the early twenties.

* Colorectal Cancer Gene 2: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) -- This rare form of inherited cancer causes a massive overgrowth of polyps in the colon and rectum, often among people who are in their teens. Less than 1% of all colorectal cancers are due to FAP, which is also known as Gardner’s syndrome, familial polyposis, or hereditary polyposis of the colorectum.

* Colorectal Cancer Gene 3: APC I1307K Mutation -- This is a genetic variant of FAP found in about 6% of Ashkenazi Jews whose ancestors came from eastern Europe. The mutation increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by as much as 30%. (The risk among the general population is about 5–6%.) Compared with FAP, the number of polyps in the colon is much lower, as is the risk of cancer.

* Colorectal Cancer Gene 4: MYH Polyposis Syndrome -- This form of colon cancer is a recently discovered recessive syndrome. Those who develop the disease must have inherited a particular mutated gene from both parents. Those who inherit only one affected gene are not at special risk for cancer but may pass the gene to their offspring. Affected individuals typically develop 10–100 polyps at around 40 years of age and are at high risk for developing colon cancer.

Safe Water Bottles

2007-09-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Plastic generates more questions to the Breast Cancer Fund about safety and health than any other household product. We can tell you how to choose wisely (avoid #3 and #7 plastics) and reduce leaching (don’t microwave in plastic), but it would be better for all of our health if toxic plastics weren’t sold in the first place.

Nalgene, maker of the clear, plastic water bottles that come in a rainbow of colors and appeal to adventurers and urbanites alike, has based its business on environmental sustainability. Most recent, Nalgene teamed up with Brita on a new campaign to reduce the use of disposable plastic water bottles.

We sincerely applaud the efforts of these companies to look for ways to reduce plastic from the environment. We are troubled, however, that Nalgene still makes and sells water bottles that contain a chemical called bisphenol A (identified as #7 plastic), despite overwhelming evidence showing health harm from even very small exposures to BPA.

Bisphenol A is a known hormone disruptor and several studies have shown that exposure to BPA in utero can cause breast cancer later in life. As Pete Myers, founder and CEO of Environmental Health Sciences, has noted:
“Since 1997, well over 200 articles have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature showing that BPA (bisphenol A) has a biological impact on cells and animals beneath the current federal standards, which were based on data gathered in the early 1980s… Significantly, all of the reports of major effects come from government or academic studies, while none of the 12 studies funded by industry has reported harm.”

Clearly under pressure from consumers, Nalgene touts the safety of BPA on the company’s Web site—largely citing “sources” supported by industry, including the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division (motto: “Better living with plastics”) and Polycarbonate/BPA Business Group.

It’s time for Nalgene, a subsidiary of ThermoFisher Scientific, to focus its sustainability efforts on our environment and our health.

Ask Nalgene to remove BPA from their products.

http://www.breastcancerfund.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=3374453&msource=news0907&auid=2987417

Diet and the risk of Colon Cancer

2007-09-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

A number of studies have confirmed a link between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer. In one study of 150,000 adults reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, people who ate the most red and processed meat over a 20-year period had a 50% greater risk of developing colorectal cancer than those who consumed little meat.

Individuals who ate more poultry and fish than meat had a 70% lower risk of colon cancer. Likewise, a large European study of close to half a million people found that those who ate the most red and processed meat had the highest risk of colorectal cancer, while those who ate the most fish had the lowest risk of colorectal cancer. Eating poultry neither increased nor decreased the risk of colorectal cancer.

Finally, a third study, performed in Japan, found that women who followed a traditional Japanese diet (high in salted fish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables) or a typical Western diet (high in meat and cheese) had a higher risk of colon cancer than those who consumed a healthy diet (high in vegetables, fruits, and soy). Men did not have a higher risk of colorectal cancer as a result of eating a Japanese or Western diet.

Women who consume a diet with a high glycemic load—one that includes lots of simple and complex sugars—may be more likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who eat low-glycemic diets. Dietary factors have been strongly linked to colorectal cancer, but the long-term effects of a high-glycemic load have remained unclear.

In their study, which was reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers followed more than 38,000 women for an average of almost eight years. Participants were asked to record all the food they ate at the study’s onset. By the end of the study, 174 women had developed colorectal cancer. Women with the highest glycemic load were almost three times as likely to develop cancer as those who ate a low-glycemic diet.

High total carbohydrate and fructose intakes were also associated with an elevated risk of colon cancer. The study authors remark that trying to establish a link between diet and disease is difficult because dietary factors are interrelated and complex. Although a high glycemic load may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, other variables such as body weight, level of physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and nutrient intake probably play a role as well.

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts February 27, 2007

New Tests Ease the Colorectal Screening Process

2007-09-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

Colorectal cancer screening tests may not be all that much fun … but new options now make these necessary tests more comfortable.

More than half of people who should be screened for colorectal cancer are not. Reasons vary, but the primary reason seems to be the inconvenience, followed by trepidation about discomfort or pain.

New colorectal screening tests and preps can help solve some of these problems and improve screening rates. However, some are not widely available, and none is good enough –- yet -- to replace the traditional colonoscopy.

Colorectal screening with FIT:
The most simple colorectal test -- one that doctors recommend be done yearly -- is the take-home fecal occult blood test (FOBT), for which you take a tiny swab from your feces for three bowel movements in a row. Yet studies show that nearly half of people who are offered this test never complete the FOBT or don’t turn it in.

Although it is not the most pleasant of chores, the reason most people give for failing to follow up on this colorectal screening test is the six days of drug and diet restrictions beforehand. These seem daunting, especially to health conscious people who follow diets high in prohibited foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C. Many said they found the dietary restrictions confusing or believed they had invalidated the test by not following the diet instructions.

A newer colorectal test, the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), doesn’t require any diet or drug restrictions. FIT is like FOBT without the hassle. You can skip dietary restrictions because it only detects human blood. It’s covered by Medicare and some insurers but is not offered everywhere, as it is somewhat more costly than the FOTB. Ask if it is available to you.

Colorectal screening with PreGen-Plus:
An even more promising new colorectal screening test can detect tiny bits of DNA shed from cancerous tumors or polyps into feces. Preliminary studies show this test to be much more accurate than the fecal blood tests in finding colon cancer, and it requires no dietary changes or other preparations. However, it does require an entire bowel movement to be captured, packaged, and shipped to a lab within 24 hours inside a cooler. At $500 a test, it is much more expensive than fecal blood tests, and is not covered by Medicare or most insurance carriers. This test has great promise, once the price and kinks are worked out. If you want to try it and pay for it yourself, ask your doctor about the PreGen-Plus test.

Colorectal screening with OsmoPrep:
A complete emptying of the colon is essential for a colonoscopy or other colorectal imaging tests, and many people find that one of the most unpleasant aspects of the procedure is the preparation: drinking a gallon of salty laxative, glass by glass, every 15 minutes for four hours. The salty fluid can be nauseating, even when it is flavored.

A new tablet preparation approved in March 2006 offers some improvement, because any clear liquid can be used and because it takes less time and less fluid.

A sodium phosphate laxative called OsmoPrep is given in 32 tablets, taken with a half gallon of any clear liquid in two sessions totaling two hours. Some tablets are taken the night before, and the rest three to five hours before the procedure. The pills are not yet available everywhere.

Colorectal screening with a virtual colonoscopy:
At first glance, the concept of a CT scan instead of one that involves internal scoping has great appeal, as there is no invasive procedure involved -- just a high-tech imaging procedure. However, most people don’t realize that it would still require the unpleasant preparation -- the purging of the bowels with laxatives after a period of eating a limited diet.

So far, the imaging test is not as accurate as a colonoscopy, and if polyps are found, a regular colonoscopy will be required, which doubles the cost and inconvenience of testing. One advantage: The test is noninvasive and thus removes the very small risk of a perforation during the exam. Colorectal cancer experts haven’t given this test their complete approval yet. It is still being studied.

Colorectal screening with robotic colonoscopy:
In development now is a self-propelled and self-navigating colonoscopy tool, which uses gentle air pressure to travel though the colon. An Israeli medical team that researched the device says it does not require sedation, is less likely to cause damage to the walls of the colon, and takes less expertise to operate. The device includes pressure regulators to ensure that air pressure stays within safe limits. However, the device doesn’t have the capacity to carry any instruments. So if a biopsy or polypectomy is necessary, a regular colonoscopy will have to be performed anyway.

Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Alerts 9/4/07

Diet Joke from God

2007-09-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, 'You want chocolate with that?'

And Man said, 'Yes!' and Woman said, 'and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles.' And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, 'Try my fresh green salad.' And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, 'I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.' And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it 'Angel Food Cake,' and said, 'It is good.' Satan then created chocolate cake and named it 'Devil's Food.'

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, 'You want fries with that?' And Man replied, 'Yes! And super size them!' And Satan said, 'It is good.' And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created HMOs.

Joke: a generic name for Viagra

2007-08-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

In Pharmacology, all drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name. For example, the trade name of Tylenol also has a generic name of Acetaminophen. Aleve is also called Naproxen. Amoxil is also called Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen.

The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra. After careful consideration by a team of experts recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and Ibepokin.

Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form. It will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink. This product will give new meaning to the names of "cocktails", "highballs" and a "stiff drink". Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.

There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on
Alzheimer's research. So by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no idea of what to do with them.

If you find this joke to be in bad taste I really don't care.

Turmeric Inhibits colon Cancer

2007-08-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Indian Spice Turmeric Inhibits Cancer Hormones

Curcumin, the main ingredient in the spice turmeric, has been used for centuries in Indian traditional medicine and curry, and has been shown to be an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Now a laboratory study suggests it could become a colon cancer preventive or treatment. The study looked at the effects of curcumin on cell activity and found it interferes with neurotensin, a gastrointestinal hormone suspected of setting off the cancer process in colon cells.

University of Texas researchers treated some human colorectal cancer cells with neurotensin, with and without curcumin. They confirmed that neurotensin started a chain reaction of chemicals that can increase the growth of cancer and also the migration of cancer cells and that curcumin blocked the process.

Curcumin appears to do this by blocking the biochemical signals sent by neurotensin that contribute to colon cancer cell growth and migration (the spread of cancer to other body sites). The cell studies need to be followed up by clinical studies in humans, the researchers say. Curcumin may have the potential to both treat and prevent colon cancer and other cancers.

This study was reported in the journal, Clinical Cancer Research (Volume 12, page 5346. Johns Hopkins Health Alert 8/20/2007

Anthocyanins slow the growth of colon cancer

2007-08-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

New research suggests that anthocyanins -- the compounds that give color to most red, purple and blue fruits and vegetables -- appreciably slow the growth of colon cancer cells.

Evidence from laboratory experiments on rats and on human colon cancer cells also suggests that anthocyanins -- the compounds that give color to most red, purple and blue fruits and vegetables -- appreciably slow the growth of colon cancer cells.

The findings also bring scientists a step closer to figuring out what exactly gives fruits and vegetables their cancer-fighting properties.

“These foods contain many compounds, and we're just starting to figure out what they are and which ones provide the best health benefits,” said Monica Giusti, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of food science at Ohio State University.

Giusti presented the findings, which represent the collaborative efforts of Giusti and her colleagues, on August 19 at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston.

Giusti and her colleagues found that in some cases, slight alterations to the structure of anthocyanin molecules made these compounds more potent anti-cancer agents.

In their studies on human colon cancer cells grown in laboratory dishes, the researchers tested the anti-cancer effects of anthocyanin-rich extracts from a variety of fruits and vegetables. They retrieved these anthocyanins from some relatively exotic fruits and other plants, including grapes, radishes, purple corn, chokeberries, bilberries, purple carrots and elderberries.

The plants were chosen due to their extremely deep colors, and therefore high anthocyanin content. Some of these plants are also used as a source of food coloring.

The researchers determined the amount of extract needed from each plant to cut the growth of human colon cancer cells in half. Altering pigment structures slightly by adding an extra sugar or acid molecule changed the biological activity of these extracts.

The researchers added different extracts to flasks that contained colon cancer cells. They used an analytical technique called high-performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry in order to determine the exact chemical structure of each compound. They used biological tests to determine the number of cancer cells left after anthocyanin treatment.

The researchers found that the amount of anthocyanin extract needed to reduce cancer cell growth by 50 percent varied among the plants. Extract derived from purple corn was the most potent, in that it took the least amount of this extract (14 micrograms per milliliter of cell growth solution) to cut cell numbers in half. Chokeberry and bilberry extracts were nearly as potent as purple corn. Radish extract proved the least potent, as it took nine times as much (131 µg/ml) of this compound to cut cell growth by 50 percent.

“All fruits and vegetables that are rich in anthocyanins have compounds that can slow down the growth of colon cancer cells, whether in experiments in laboratory dishes or inside the body,” Giusti said.

In additional laboratory studies, she and her colleagues found that anthocyanin pigments from radish and black carrots slowed the growth of cancer cells anywhere from 50 to 80 percent. But pigments from purple corn and chokeberries not only completely stopped the growth of cancer cells, but also killed roughly 20 percent of the cancer cells while having little effect on healthy cells.

In animal studies, rats induced with colon cancer cells were fed a daily diet of anthocyanin extracts either from bilberries and chokeberries, which are most often used as flavorings or to make jams and juices. The dietary addition of the anthocyanin extracts reduced signs of colon tumors by 70 and 60 percent, respectively, when compared to control rats.
Giusti says the results suggest that anthocyanins may protect against certain gastrointestinal cancers.

“Very little anthocyanin is absorbed by the bloodstream,” Giusti said. “But a large proportion travels through the gastrointestinal tract, where those tissues absorb the compound.”

In fact, other researchers at Ohio State have found that black raspberries may help reduce the growth of esophageal and colon cancers tumors.

Still, Giusti stops short of recommending one kind of fruit or vegetable over another. She and her colleagues are continuing to study how the chemical structure of anthocyanins contributes to the potential health benefits of food as well as how changes to these structures may affect the body's ability to use the compounds.

“There are more than 600 different anthocyanins found in nature,” she said. “While we know that the concentration of anthocyanins in the GI tract is ultimately affected by their chemical structures, we're just beginning to scratch the surface of understanding how the body absorbs and uses these different structures.”

She pointed out that her team is also evaluating how these pigments interact with other compounds in foods – such interactions could ultimately affect the health benefits of the food or the anthocyanin itself.

“It is possible to use natural, anthocyanin-based food colorants instead of synthetic dyes,” Giusti said. “Doing so still maintains the wonderful colors of foods while enhancing their health-promoting properties.”

This work received support from a U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Research Initiative grant.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Ohio State University. August 19, 2007

Poopy Pants

2007-07-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I enjoyed a wonderful Sunday brunch with Barbara. We planned our day and decided to attend an outdoor theater event in Berkeley.

We both made numerous trips back and forth from the house to the car loading our provisions for a picnic: sunscreen, water, picnic lunch, ice chest, etc. At one point I pooped in my pants then off to the bathroom. As I sat on the john I planned my next steps.

"Barbara, could you bring my suitcase back in the house please?" I yelled.

She came down the hall and asked. "Sure, I can get it. What's going on?"

"I pooped in my pants and I need some anti-diarrhea pills" I answered.

"I am sorry. How many pills do you need?" She inquired.

"Two." I answered back. "Will you help me with this mess?"

Barbara showed me the cleaning supplies in her bathroom and then opened the pill blister pack then brought me a glass of water.

"Do you want to step into the shower and clean yourself?" Barbara posed as she handed me a glass of water and two pills to swallow.

"Thanks" I replied feeling very supported. I took my medicine as Barbara handed me a towel.

"Doug you aren't the only one who poops in their pants" Barbara announced. "I read your blog about the bowel control issues and I just want you to know that it happens to me too. I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have bowel control issues too. Changes in routine effects me too. You need to talk about it sweetie. This is normal."

"Thanks for reminding me. I forgot again that I'm not the only one who has poopy pants." I responded as I began to clean the toilet and rinse my underwear in the sink.

It has been three years now since the doctor removed half my colon. My body has healed but now I do not have the reservoir to hold stool. I don't get the message that I have to poop until the last minute so I still poop in my pants and still feel a bit ashamed.

"Did I pack and second pair of underwear in my suitcase?" I asked.

"No, I don't see any" Barbara answered.

I stepped into the shower, changed my attitude and washed away that poopy pants problem. I was going on a picnic with Barbara it is time to have fun. We had a great time in the park seeing a theatre production with friends.

Later that evening Barbara returned to Santa Cruz but required three stops to use the restroom on the way home. Same problem as I had in the morning. Barbara determined that it was the yummy Sunday brunch was the cause.

I am so glad I am able to talk about this when it happens. I feel so accepted by Barbara. I am a lucky guy to have a lady in my life who is so understanding!

Lloyd's Bruise

2007-07-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

“Lloyd How are you?” I asked as I opened the door to the men’s locker room at the Oakland YMCA.

“I fell on my butt when I hit a rock skiing at Squaw Valley yesterday” Lloyd said. He dropped his gym bag and pulled down his pants. One cheek that had a black and blue bruise.

Lloyd had no shame. The door of the men’s locker room was ajar when I saw his butt cheek. Women were entering their locker room a few feet away this didn’t disturb Lloyd.

“Look at this Lloyd!” I pulled down my pants to reveal my 9-inch incision from my abdominal surgery. Not to be outdone by Lloyd. We blocked the door to the men's locker room.

This was dueling scars. Injury and story. We entered the locker room to catch up on our lives. I hadn't seen Lloyd for weeks.

“So you come to the Y to sit in the Jacuzzi for your butt bruise? That looks painful!" I commented.

“Not to bad. It only hurts if I sit down. I will do some stretching and swim a few laps to ease my tight muscles.” Lloyd replied. "then the Jacuzzi."

“How did you get that scar, Doug?” Lloyd inquired. He hung his street clothes in a locker and put on a Speedo swimsuit.

“Colon cancer, stage three, diagnosis was October, abdominal resection after Halloween then six weeks recovery.” I replied as I checked out my locker to find clean white socks to wear. The words just tumbled out of my mouth.

“Did the surgeon remove all the cancer? Lloyd asked as he weighted himself on the scale.

You could see the bones through the skin on Lloyd's body. He just weights himself for fun.

“Yes, now I have six months of chemo and radiation treatments.” I replied trying to be as casual about the next phase of my cancer treatment. Telling the story took some of the sting out of it.

“You’ll do fine Doug. I have many friends who have beaten cancer. You are a fighter plus you have a positive attitude. That will get you through. I will say a prayer for your speedy recovery.” Lloyd walked to the showers and turned the corner and was gone.

I paused a few minutes. I realized it was great to be back at the YMCA again to see my friends. I sat starring at my locker and realized how lucky I was to be alive.

“What’s the story on that scar?” Henry asked as he spun the tumblers of his combination lock. "Haven't seen you around the Y for a few weeks." Seven AM. Henry is right on time.

“I had surgery six weeks ago.” I replied. Didn't want to tell the whole story again.

“You be careful and go easy. Don’t hurt yourself.” Henry advised. Henry was 70. The man was known for the best Gumbo in Oakland and his band played great zydaco music.

“It is going to take a while to rebuild my adnominal muscles. Think I will swim a few laps in the pool with Lloyd.” I thought out loud.Lloyd was amazing. He was 85 years old and he still alpine skis, windsurfs, lifts weights and God knows what else.

Henry carried his shaving kit to the mirrors for his morning shave. Henry and his buddies lined up and shaved together every morning. They chatted about grand children and sports.

“Yes, someday when I grow up I want to be just like Lloyd.” I said walking toward the pool.