What to Do When You Can't Sleep and You are a Caregiver
We have all had trouble sleeping at one point or another, but when it becomes a nightly struggle, it can easily become an around the clock problem. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder among cancer caregivers. Stress can be a major cause for sleeping problems and being a caregiver can certainly be stressful!...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Nutmeg High Is On The Rise... Can It Cause Cancer?
Did you know that a plethora of young adults are using a common cooking spice as a recreational drug? Do a quick search YouTube and you'll find a ton of videos featuring young adults filming themselves as eating spoonfuls of nutmeg. Nutmeg --the same spice that adds flavor to oatmeal cookies and apple pie-- is getting young people high at an increasing rate. It is being consumed by the teaspoonful to produce a high last arrives several hours later. Recently, I was asked if getting "high" off nutmeg on a regular basis would cause cancer. That is an excellent question as our diet can definitely influence cancer develop...
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Sore Throat That Won't Go Away or Keeps Coming Back?
For most people, a sore throat means having a cold, a virus, or other infection that can eaily be treated with rest and a course of antibiotics. For others, it can mean something more serious, like throat cancer. But, how can you tell the difference between a cold related sore throat and one that make signal something more serious?...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Early Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs: Do They Exist?
Not long ago, the Dr. Oz Show focused on early ovarian cancer warning signs that your doctor may miss. Once touted as the silent killer because of its apparent lack of early symptoms, we now know that ovarian cancer may show early warning signs in some women. The problem is that the symptoms are so common that you may not even notice them. What are the early signs of ovarian cancer? ...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Pelvic Pain: When You Should See Your Doctor
Pelvic pain has plagued women since the beginning of time. It can be a normal sign that ovulation is occuring or part of pre-mentrual syndrome. Pelvic pain and cramping are things we have been told are just part of being a woman. As cancer research has progressed over the last few decades, we have learned that pelvic pain can be a sign of something more serious. From endometriosis to gynecologic cancer, pelvic pain can be a strong symptom. But, how do you discern between your average, run of the mill pelvic cramping that is normal and pelvic pain that is serious? Read more about pelvic pain and when you should see ...
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
How Chemo Can Affect Your Sex Life
Most people expect certain side effects of chemotherapy like hair loss and nausea, but they are usually surprised when it affects a very personal part of their life -- their sex life. The sexual side effects of chemotherapy are plenty, but what you experience and the severity greatly depends on what chemotherapy drug(s) you are taking and at what dose. From the loss of sexual desire to male impotence, chemotherapy's sexual side effects can pose unique challenges in the bedroom. The good news is that the side effects are usually temporary and can often be relieved with OTC medications and products and in...
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
What To Expect at Your First Chemotherapy Appointment
Chemo day. No one looks forward to it, but it is a necessary evil in cancer treatment. For the first timer, chemo day can bring on anxiety, apprehension, and fear. Before having cancer, no one really tells us what it's like to have chemo and even though our doctors go over what's going to happen, it still feels like we are walking into uncharted territory. Moments like these can jump start the autonomic nervous system, sending that fight or flight response into overdrive for some....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Help for Dry Mouth!
Anyone undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck area will tell you that the most troublesome side effect is dry mouth. During radiation therapy, the salivary glands become exposed to radiation, causing mild to severe damage. The result is a decrease of saliva production. While we all have experienced dry mouth at one time or another, it does not compare to that of a person who has undergone radiation therapy. Foods are hard to swallow. Water doesn't moisten the tongue or inside of the mouth. Mouth sores can form. As you can see, it can be both frustrating and devastating....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Champagne on New Year's Eve: Is It Okay for People with Cancer?
A glass of champagne to ring in the New Year is global tradition and one that many cancer patients wonder if they can still take part in. While one glass of champagne shouldn't cause harm in cancer patients, it's really best to ask a doctor before having any bubbly. Chemotherapy drugs and other medications prescribed during cancer treatment can interact with alcohol, causing an adverse or toxic reaction. It really depends on the medications you are taking. Remember to always get the "go ahead" from your oncologist before taking any medications or drinking/eating foods that may interact with your treatment meds....Re...
Source: About.com Cancer - December 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Create a Cancer Scrapbook
Creating a scrapbook can be a great way to chronicle your journey with cancer. Personally, I have never created a scrapbook, but after seeing a patient's scrapbook, I have become a huge fan because of the many benefits. It's therapeutic and I truly believe it can help you cope and mentally "sort" your experiences, good or bad. It also helps you to remember things that like the annoying roommate that wouldn't stop talking during a hospital stay or the time a small child asked to rub your bald head. It's these little moments that truly bring us back to our fight and help us remember how hard we fought or are fighting. Check ...
Source: About.com Cancer - November 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
How to Lower Your Risk of Getting the Flu
For the average healthy person, the flu can keep them in bed for a week, but for a person with cancer, it can quickly lead to hospitalization. Cancer treatment can weaken your immune system, leaving you especially vulnerable to infections. Not only are you more at risk of viral, bacterial, and other types of infections, your body has a tougher time fighting them off. If you have cancer, you absolutely must take precautions to protect yourself against the flu and other infections....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - November 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
FDA Approves New Leukemia Drug
The FDA has approved a new drug used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in patients who have not been treated previously for the disease. The drug, Gazyva, is used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat the disease. The drug is available now in the U.S., just weeks after its approval....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - November 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
High Calorie/High Protein Shakes for Weight Loss
Yes, the title is misleading. High calorie and high protein milk shakes will definitely not cause you to lose weight. But, if you have cancer, weight loss may be a real issue for you! Side effects from treatment like nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea can cause rapid weight loss. High protein/high calorie milkshakes can help you get those calories and extra protein you need while you battle cancer. If you aren't experiencing weight loss during cancer treatment, these types of shakes are not for you! Contrary to popular belief, weight loss doesn't affect every cancer patient. In fact, many people gain weight during canc...
Source: About.com Cancer - November 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Dehydration During Treatment
Staying hydrated during treatment is essential! Dehydration can be common in people undergoing treatment for cancer, especially in those who are experiencing side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The loss of fluids can quickly lead to dehydration, a condition marked by decreased levels of water in the fluid in the body to allow it to properly function. If left untreated or unrecognized, hospitalization may be needed. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration. (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - November 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
10 Things to Stop Doing If You Have Cancer
When you have cancer, it seems like just about everyone has advice about what to do. While this type of advice can be helpful, I always found it to be more helpful when someone advised me about something I should NOT do. Cancer can be a journey of ups and downs, but there are a few things that we should stop doing to have more highs than lows. 10 Things to Stop Doing If You Have Cancer...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - November 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
