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Chemotherapy

The IsoFlow Catheter: Giving Tumors a Taste of Their Own Medicine

by Laura on September 22, 2009

I came across an article the other day regarding a new medical device that just obtained marketing clearance from the FDA.  It’s called the IsoFlow Infusion Catheter and is designed by Vascular Designs, a company founded by Robert Goldman.  Mr. Goldman had no prior experience inventing medical equipment and had already made his money selling intellectual property in the late 1990’s. It was his sister’s cancer diagnosis that inspired him to start researching various cancer treatments, which spawned the idea of the IsoFlow Catheter.  This device allows direct delivery of drugs to a targeted area such as delivering chemotherapy straight to a tumor, rather than through the entire body.  It also has a distinctive design which allows medication to be pushed sideways reaching areas that physicians were unable to directly treat before.  Unfortunately, Robert’s sister lost her battle with cancer before she could benefit from this device, but will be the reason that many others will win it!

Check out this cool video animation to learn how the IsoFlow Catheter System works.  I have to say, this device has me excited and I hope that it can provide people with an alternative treatment when all others have failed.

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The Journal of Eva Sifis (continued) – April 22/23

Cancer Treatment

For those of you who are new readers, this is a continuation of the journal entries of a courageous and inspiring woman named Eva. She has overcome tremendous odds, lived/traveled all over the world and is currently battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Continue reading about her journey through her first days as a cancer patient…

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Styling it while I still can...

Styling it while I still can...

Well today is the day my hair comes off. It’s not coming out much, only a few strands. It probably would hold out another week or so but that’s it. I’m not holding on to a lost cause. I don’t have enough hair in the first place to afford it thinning out in the first place! This is my dedication to this process. There is no going back now.
My throat is a bit sore this morning too, just a tickle. My tongue is sensitive and my nose is sort of running. I’m certainly feeling a bit off.
It’s 6.30am and I sit on my bed with my feet flat on the floor, the laptop on the bed-table.
It is here I am reminded of the way I’ve sat in bed ever since I first got this computer. With it resting on my lap with the screen open at my diaphragm and chest. Could this be a contributing factor? I sure have spent many, many hours like this.
The thing that has got me through this hospital experience with a smile on my face is the internet. I have talked for people for hours and hours and hours. Everybody knows and I mean everybody – this is a big factor in this experience, just how public it goes.

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Beads of Courage – Encouraging Positive Coping Strategies for Children with Cancer

Cancer Treatment

Seeing a child go through a battle with Cancer is heartbreaking. It’s hard to know what to say or do as they are going through the tough emotions and confusion that comes with this fight. How do you help them cope and find meaning in their illness? Well, Beads of Courage, an organization that implements evidence-based supportive care programs in children’s hospitals has developed a program to do just that. Colorful beads, each having a meaning are given to a child marking big milestones throughout their treatment; blue ones represent each trip to the cancer clinic, white for chemotherapy and glow-in-the-dark beads for radiation treatment. There are 22 different bead colors, including a final “Purple Heart” bead representing the end of treatment. The beads represent the personal journey of courage and strength for each child, but also serve as an inspiration to all.

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Medical Marijuana: a sticky situation for Cancer Patients!

Alternative Therapies
*Photo Credit: NORML.org

*Photo Credit: NORML.org

For centuries, marijuana has been used as an herbal therapy to treat an array of ailments. It was seen as early as 2737 B.C. when the Chinese Emperor Shen Neng prescribed marijuana tea for the treatment of gout, malaria, rheumatism, and oddly enough… poor memory .The mysterious healing powers were a phenomenon in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and ancient Greece. It even made its way over to Jamaica where Bob Marley enjoyed the feel good effect! Today, marijuana has proven itself to assist in treatments and ease the symptoms of common diseases like cancer.

There are currently thirteen states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana and a handful of other states that are considering passing the bill. California is one of the biggest advocates for Medical Mary, and is the only state to utilize “dispensaries” to sell medical grade cannabis. However, most states won’t give medical marijuana a second glance due to the FDA’s claim that it has a high potential for abuse. So, why don’t we clear the smoke out of the room and weed out some facts.

Photo Credit: 3dscience.com

Photo Credit: 3dscience.com

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Hair loss a familiar chemo side effect, but Red Lobster cheese biscuits tasting like lard???

Cancer Treatment

In between tweets the other night I stumbled across this compelling article on “how to counter the side effects of chemo.” Hair loss is familiar as a chemo side effect, but Red Lobster cheese biscuits tasting like lard? That’s odd (and unfair)! It got me thinking of all the other possible side effects doctors “neglect” to mention for one reason or another before you start chemo. So of course, I posted a tweet in Twitterland:

QUESTION: “Anyone doing chemo?? What is one side effect the doctors neglected to mention? Just curious…”

I was particularly intrigued by some of the responses. I compiled a short list of the ones I thought might be a little out of the ordinary…

0“Rotting fingernails!”

“I have the port in my neck, they forgot to tell me about if it gets infected and what could happen if they have to take it out”2

“During chemo, mouth sores are possible. Catsup may seem to burn tongue like hot pepper sauce. Tongue becomes sensitive”

“Metabolic rate change. Seems we were always chasing electrolytes, potassium, magnesium, etc”

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