Heart Cancer Therapy

Question: Could my mom get chemo or radiation therapy for small cell lung cancer with other Health conditions? My mom has small cell lung cancer recently diagnosed this past monday.She has osteporisis,heart stint,biopolar dissorder,arthritis,thryroid disease and a respitory disease.I am concerned that the oncologist will even beable to offer chemo or radiation on top of all her conditions she has.I need opinions from people that are familier with this..I need support through this hard time..Thank you..

Answer: I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I am going through much of the same. My mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about 2 1/2 months ago. By the time of the diagnosis, she had already lost quite abit of weight. She's also 83 yrs old, and has had 2 heart surgeries. The Dr's told us right away that chemo was not an option. They believed she was too frail to survive the treatments. She was given a diagnosis of 2-3 months. Right now she is in a hospice house, and doing o.k. Good days & bad days. This is a very tough thing to go through. For both your mom and you. The Dr's will look at her overall health, her age, and stage of the cancer, and decide what (if any) treatments are needed. My mom is 83, and has lived a full life. She says she's ready to go. In her case chemo might have prolonged her life by afew months, but is it worth it? These are questions only your mother can answer. Take care

Question: Post op are there groups that meet to discuss recovery, including therapy, after knee surgery? I don't need flip answers like going to the gym. Many people experience limited movement even with therapy. Pain levels are high, even with extreme medication. With the number of operations in this area, including hips. Like cancer and heart groups, there must be support groups that get together and discuss ways to enhance the recovery process. Doctors give patients the operation and device to make life better, but it is up to the patient to adjust to a new quality of life. It appears that some people handle it better than others, seems to me the answer would be served by the people that are living through it and sharing their success or failure with others.

Answer: In the search bar on this page type Post Op Knee Surgery Support Groups, hit enter.

Question: Can someone tell me how serious a staph infection in the heart is.?Or what the outcome will be? My Dad was just put in the hospital and they said he has a staph infection in his heart. He got it because he was on chemo therapy for cancer in his bladder. I'm so worried he is going to die.

Answer: That is very serious, especially because of the chemo therapy and the cancer... He will be a very difficult case to manage. I don't know what to tell you, but if it was my father, I would spend as much time with him as I could because I would not expect him to live much longer. AND... if the best happens and he pulls through... then you will still be happy you spent the time with him, so it's not a waste. At this point, you need to protect yourself from any feelings of remorse when the end comes... you don't want to be saying "If only I would have done such and such"... do it now... don't live to regret anything you could be doing now, and don't. But, you do need to get prepared for the worse.

Question: i am 34 weeks pregnant and my gran dad has cancer he was having chemo and radio therapy.? he hasn't had no treatment for about 3 weeks as it was damaging his heart. i was wondering if it would be safe for me to go by him as i am pregnant.

Answer: Yes! There are pregnant healthcare workers who take care of hospital patients that are undergoing all of this. You are fine to see him anytime!!! EDIT: Sam, good advice, however, with HIPAA laws, her grandfather's MD is limited on what he/she can say about the treatment regarding her grandfather.

Question: What is the expected life span of endometrial cancer which has metastasized to the lungs and brain? My mom has been diagnosed last May with endometrial cancer and underwent hysterectomy and radiation therapy. Just recently, we found out that it has metastasized to the lungs and brain. It breaks our heart to see her suffer much but at this time, there really is no cure available. She is now undergoing palliative radiation treatments to help manage the pain. Just wanted to have an idea how much time we have left with her?

Answer: Wow. This is rare and very unfortunate. We are sorry for you in this difficult time. Here's data looking at people in similar situations from a 2003 Canadian study. "Between January 1991 and March 2003, there were 1295 women referred to the London Regional Cancer Center with the diagnosis of endometrial cancer, and eight of these women (0.6%) developed brain metastases. Treatment and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Three patients had no other evidence of systemic disease, while five had disseminated disease. Four patients had a single brain metastasis, while four had multiple lesions. Seven patients received whole brain radiation therapy in addition to systemic steroids, of which six had temporary improvement or resolution in symptoms. Median survival following diagnosis of brain metastases was 3.5 months." This study of almost 1300 women with endometrial cancers found only 8 who developed brain involvement. I did not see a person like this in 20 years as a cancer specialist doctor. Their experience with the 3 to 4 month survival is not a prediction - since it is based on only 8 people. Doctors can never predict survival months ahead of time. When it gets down to the last days, it is relatively easy for experienced nurses and doctors to see the end coming - but family members can see that too. You will know when things are headed downhill. Enjoy the good time as much as possible. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WG6-4C0TD88-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=978008158&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=a224796b99ddb04c54434c46aa78a7b5

Question: Can Hyperthyroid symptoms sometimes make u think your having a heart related issue? I have thyroid cancer and am on suppressive therapy and my TSH is real low (<0.006) and my free T4 is 2.2H. I have been having all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism which leads to panic attacks which then I get tense in my cheast area and think I am having a heart attack. I also have been getting bouts of consectutive heart palpitations, breathlessness , panicky, shakey, and severe dry eyes.

Answer: Hypothyroidism brings with it a multitude of complications. Some of the most common symptoms linked to hypothyroidism are subsequently delineated: • Cardiovascular Change Individuals with hypothyroidism generally exhibit a low pulse in the range of 60 b.p.m. or less and, in prolonged cases, cholesterol levels begin to compound as a result of poor metabolic regulation and exercise. The combination of these two factors aggravates the coronary arteries and puts the cardiovascular system under a great deal of stress. In extreme cases, the compositional muscle fibers of the heart will weaken, resulting in cardiac arrest and death BETTER YOU TAKE IMMEDIATE OPINION FROM A CARDIOLOGIST.

Question: what are the risks and benefits h1n1 vaccine? My parents are wandering what the risks and benefits are. In the family their is heart disease, recent cancer (chemotherapy, radiation therapy),and diabetes. Thanks

Answer: Experimenting with Vaccines on Military men and women http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/661.html Deaths from Flu shots: http://tinyurl.com/6r7amq Children death from Vaccines --- read, view and copy Form and ask your doctor to sign it BEFORE giving any Vaccine. http://vaccine.weebly.com

Question: What is the best cure for cancer ? It is not the conventional chemo-radio therapy but a radical change of life style which implies forgetting about meat and dairy products, getting in harmony with nature, not hating but forgiving, and most important, avoiding stress by trusting God with all of your heart.

Answer: Hi Sword Here is my teacher and healer. Dr. Richard Schulze operated his famous clinic spanning three decades, from the 1970’s through the 1990’s. He had one vision and one mission, to help the sick and dying heal their diseases and build powerful health using Natural Healing and Herbal Medicine. Thousands of patients walked through the doors of his clinic and walked away healed. Many were told by their medical doctors that there is nothing that can be done, it’s too late, we’ve done all that we can do, and go home and get your papers in order because you only have a few weeks, or days, to live. But these people didn’t die, they thrived. Healing miracles literally happend in his clinic. Dr. Schulze never takes credit for his healing knowledge. In fact he often says that his patients or even God taught him everything. Regardless of who developed these programs and formulae, one thing we do know is, THEY WORK! We know this because for almost a decade now, thousands of people just like you, that have never met him and never talked to him, have healed themselves of ANY and ALL Diseases using his powerful and effective Natural Healing Programs and Herbal Formulae. Sure, they shut down his clinic and boarded up his windows, but NO ONE can stop this great man’s passion and mission. He is ALIVE and WELL and his VOICE is still LOUD and CLEAR, at Natural Healing Publications. We proudly invite you to get to know this great man and his miraculous healing work through our exclusive collection of his works. Best of health to you

Question: THERACYL IS DANGEROUS it is just hormone replacement therapy; why don't lawyers sue THERACYL like HRT co.'s? FDA PLEASE STOP ALLOWING THESE DANGEROUS HOMEOPATHIC PRODUCTS! Theracyl is just estradiol, progesterone and testosterone sprays without ANY dosing meter. If you buy prescriptions, like Estring, it's TIGHTLY dosed because WHY? The Women's Health Initiative showed that hormone replacement therapy was dangerous, caused higher rates of heart disease, dimentia, and cancers, and should only be reserved at small doses for short times for women who absolutely needed it. All those lawyers suing because women got cancer from hormone replacement therapy---heads up!!! You should be suing this company too!!! Why does the FDA allow this ancient quackery to be allowed in the midst of modern science and medicine??

Answer: A great question, one best directed to the TGA though. Probably the old 'natural' line. Natural like arsenic and heroine...

Question: I am 24 and am having an ECG tomorrow, can someone tell me what to expect? Checking for possible heart damage caused by my radiation therapy for my cancer that I had when I was 19. How long does the test last, shoud I shave my chest? Thank you!

Answer: The test when Ive had it done was about 10-15 mins, NOT painful... Its annoying getting those little things off but you should be fine! Ive had several. If you do shave your chest, it may be more comfortable if you did just becuase when they take the little things off it may pull. Good luck & it doesnt hurt as bad as a band-aid =)

Question: What do you think of regenerative therapies? Would you like to live forever? If not, how would 150 years do you? Regenerative therapies promise to leave almost no area of medicine untouched, including ageing. They will cure Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, Alzheimer's disease, strokes, paralysis, heart disease and cancer. At the core of this medical revolution is the humble stem cell. Research continues apace and treatments are becoming a reality. Immortality might be within reach. But, does it foretell a utopian dream, or a torrid nightmare?

Answer: It would be a nightmare! Just triple and quadruple the worlds problems now and that would be the awful future. I'm happy to live my allotted span, I would not want to extend that by decades. Cure illness by all means but I think it would be messing with nature too much to keep us alive artificially

Question: How much time should we expect to have left with family member with lung cancer? My mother in law was diagnosed with lung cancer in January of 2008 (1yr. 8mo.) In May of 2008 she started receiving chemo therapy for her cancer. She has received 4 different types of chemo, and some radiation therapy during this time. None of it has help as the cancer has metastasized to her bone and now her brain. The doctors say they can continue the chemo/radiation therapy if that's what she wants but even if they get rid of the brain tumor it will just continue to return. She also has a tumor that is wrapped around her aortic artery, main artery connecting lung and heart. Or she can quit treatment and go on hospice. Does anyone know how much time we can expect to have with her if she chooses to continue therapy or if she goes on hospice?

Answer: John has a very good answer above. Is it small cell or non-small cell lung cancer? There is a significant difference. However, with either of these types - the chances of benefit after four different chemotherapy regimens have failed is close to zero. Cure is not possible if the case is as you have described it. The bottom line is that she will probably have the same amount of time with or without further chemotherapy. The malignancy will decide the ending - not your treatment choice. In most cases like this you are looking at months - not years - but we certainly can't make guesses at this distance with such limited information. Of course her doctors know all of the details of the case - information we do not have. These questions are always best answered by the doctors who know the case. Here's some rough data I use when I teach about tobacco smoking and lung cancers in my college courses. 60% of people diagnosed with either type of lung cancer (non-small cell or small cell)are dead in 1 year. 73% are dead by 2 years. 1 in 7 people diagnosed with lung cancer survive 5 years (~15%) Most of those who are cured are cured with initial surgery - - not with chemotherapy.

Question: Would you be willing to sign and date a formal document supporting President Bush’s policy and decision? on the issue of stem cell research………. The following are diseases and conditions that research shows can be cured through the development of embryonic stem cell therapy. Type 1 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis There are around one million Americans suffering from type 1 diabetes, which represents somewhere between 5% and 10% of the total number of Americans suffering both type 1 and type 2 forms of the disease. Type 1 diabetes often first appears in children over the age of 4, and is especially seen with the arrival of early adolescence at around 12 or 13 years of age. 1,000,000 children. About 700,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke each year and more than 158,000 of them will die, according to the American Cancer Society. Over the course of 40 years, that comes to a total of 6,320,000 people who will die from strokes. (continued) More than 910,000 Americans still die of heart disease annually, according to the American Heart Association. Over the course of 40 years that comes to 36,400,000 that will die from a treatable disease. Estimated new cancer cases in the United States for the year 2002, according to the American Cancer Society (Year 2002 Surveillance Research from the American Cancer Society). It is estimated that about 555,500 Americans will die from cancer, corresponding to 1,500 deaths per day. Over the next 40 years that is 22,200,000 deaths. 5 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer's disease. 25% of these People will die from the effects of the disease annually. That’s 60,000,000 people That will die from it’s effects over the next 40 years. The following statistics from the CDC show that on average in the United States in 2005, someone died in a fire about every 2 hours (143 minutes), and someone was injured every 29 minutes (Karter 2006). In 2005, fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires in the United States, which claimed the lives of 3,030 people (not including firefighters). Treatable burns will claim the lives of more than 44,000 People over the next 40 years with about 30% of the victims being under the age of 12. That’s 13,200 children in the U.S. who will die from burns. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease, affecting more than two million people in the United States. The disease is three times more common in women as in men. The disease can begin at any age, but most often starts after age forty and before sixty. 2,000,000 people suffer from the disease in the U.S. on an annual basis. In the U.S., more than 10 million people have osteoporosis. Many will suffer from Broken bones and thus developing complications such as infection or pneumonia that result in death. Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting more than 1.5 million people in the United States Every year, approximately 10000 people in the United States survive an acute traumatic injury to the spinal cord. Over the course of 40 years this would come to About 400,000 people living with injuries to the spinal cord. THIS COMES TO A TOTAL OF 119,644,000 (ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN MILLION, SIX HUNDRED FORTY FOUR THOUSAND) UNNECESSARY AMERICAN DEATHS OVER THE NEXT 40 YEARS……………. 4,565,200 of these will be CHILDREN. Three years ago a bi-partisan group of 206 House members signed a letter asking President Bush to expand the amount of federal funding available for stem cell research. Former President Ronald Reagan’s wife, Nancy Reagan added her support. President Bush limited the amount of stem cell lines that could be developed to what amounted to a drop of water in an ocean. This effectively tied the hands of Medical Researchers in the United States. My question is would you be willing to sign and date a formal document supporting President Bush’s policy and decision on the issue of stem cell research that could then be entered into a international data bank that would also make yourself and/or any of your family members ineligible for any future treatments or cures that come from stem cell research? Putting your ideology, causes and beliefs where your mouth is so to speak. The research is continuing to be developed in Canada and Europe, so it is just a matter of time until it becomes medical practice anyway. The only thing that pro-life supporters are blocking is the development of the research by American Doctors and Researchers. If by standing by your morals you would lose your families right to receive treatment in the future would you be willing? Under these terms do you still think that ignorance is bliss? The forms will be circulated throughout the country during census. Time to put up or shut up. wd ...You didn't understand the question. Would you sing and date a formal legal document supporting Bush's very limited policy on the issue of stem cell research and GIVE UP your own and your families right to benefit or be treated by any future cures found through stem cell research? Son of (a) Bush....... Adult cells do not reproduce themselves in the lab in a quantity sufficient to cure most diseases. Also they are very limited to their application. Many embryotic cells are thrown away every day. Why throw away a cure for millions... unless pro-life isn't about life. TO JERRY: So you say that you know how many mini-skirts that Paris Hilton has? I doubt that. I believe you lie sir. First off- You know nothing of who I got my FACTS from. For your information my sources included 3 of the top medical research people in the U.S. today. Second, President Bush limits the number of lines to much LESS than 100, and you say he doesn't limit PRIVATE funding. I didn't realize that the U.S. Govt. controls free enterprise. When did this take effect? Under Bush? You seem to know a lot about nothing. YOU say the best research comes from not having governments overseeing them? REALLY...? Then how is it that the U.S. went from a theory to the creation of the atom bomb in less than 5 years? And I do believe that the people who work at NASA would disagree with you. Again you LIE sir. to jerry (continued) Third, you show your true agenda sir. Your "true colors" so to speak. You worry about paying more taxes and not human life. You try to talk a subject into the ground so that you can justify not paying for it. But if it works without you losing a dime, you want yourself and your family to benefit from it. You strike me as a semi-wealthy welfare recipient. You avoided the question I asked. It was simple enough. You either believe or you don't. Just prove it was all I was asking. You have presented nothing more than a rant from someone who wants a "free ride". And YOU sir, and those like you degrade the American Public. Thank you for proving "MY" point.

Answer: As I said...... Anyone who hasn't been trained in this field doesn't understand that there are MILLIONS of combinations in the genetic make-up of a human. Bush's policy limits the lines that can be researched by scientists to some 70 odd lines. That is like Bush giving a baker a single grain of wheat and telling him that he expects him to bake 24 dozen loaves of bread with it. OR as stupid as giving one lone soldier a single bullet and telling him to go fight the war by himself. Bush does not have the power to limit PRIVATE funds regardless of what "JERRY" says. He attacks HONOR for bringing the TRUTH to the public attention, and then reports me and has my answer removed because I noticed what he was doing. HONOR I think what you are trying to say is that "SOME PEOPLE" talk a good talk, but they can't walk the walk. One of the people who responded to your question seems like a semi-wealthy WELFARE recipient. He doesn't want his tax dollars to pay for creating cures that will save so many lives, but he's more than willing to benefit from any that are found. Just as long as it doesn't cost him a precious dime of his money. His attitude is defeatist to America. He's not about life... he's about DEATH. AMERICAN deaths. He is a whining example of why the U.S. is in decline.

Question: What is the single most important factor in reducing the incidence of osteoporosis in older women? 8)Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been shown to be one way to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, however recent clinical trials have indicated there are dangerous increased risks of heart disease, stroke and various cancers associated with HRT. What is the single most important factor in reducing the incidence of osteoporosis in older women and when do women need to start being concerned about this?

Answer: I think the best method to help prevent osteoporosis is exercise. Exercise strengthens the bones in men and women. Also there are good medications on the market to help prevent this condition: If the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is the only issue under consideration, then bisphosphonates such as alendronate, ibandronate, or risedronate are more effective than menopausal hormone therapy in preventing osteoporotic fractures, and less likely to be associated with substantial adverse effects. So far, bisphosphonates are the most effective category or prescription medications for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. hope this helps..

Question: Survival of metastatic breast cancer to other organs? My Mum had breast cancer when she was 39 and had radiation therapy. She was fine and then 15 years later discovered it had come back with a vegeance. She has fought it for the past few years and has now discovered this year that it has spread to her lungs (4 tumours), spine (T7), and her brain (7, small - 2mm, slow-growing tumours). She also had to have fluid from around her heart drained and that was full of cancer cells. She is having heavy duty chemotherapy (she has not had chemo before now), then radiation on her brain, and then more chemo. The doctors have always said it will not save her life, just extend. I just want some estimate of time. I have written on here already but didnt really get any sufficient answers. I know I cannot be getting a definite answer, I just want to know if she is looking at 6 mns, 1yr, 2 yrs, 3 yrs etc? I dont want to be thinking 5 yrs if she doesnt have that long and I dont want to be thinking 6 months if its longer. I just want ppls opinions pls

Answer: Unfortunately, the you and the previous respondant are correct, and there is no way to know for certain how long her lifespan will be. The medical community is notoriously bad at predicting life-span, and patients will frequently surprise us by living much longer or also much shorter than expected. The reason for the errors is that we base estimates in studies of large populations of people, and typically give the median (not average) survival. This means if you look at 100 people with metastaic breast cancer, we tell you how long the 50th person lived. Of course, there is a 1st person who likely passed away within 1 week and the 100th who likely lived many years, but this number will give families a ball-park to guide there expectations. You describe your mother's disease quite well, and certainly some estimates can be given based upon this. However, without seeing her current health, and knowing details of her tumours, the estimates will still be very rough - and again simply estimates. Unfortuantely your mother has breast cancer that has recurred, and now is found spread to 3 different organs, and growing. Because of this her prognosis is limited. Patients with multiple brain metastases have a median survival of 6-8 months with radiation, and I should tell you the fact that she has other sites of involvement would tend to make this lean toward the lower end of this range (~6 months). To re-iterate, however, depending upon other factors her prognosis may be slightly better. Clearly since she is receiving chemotherapy and radiation, she is still functionally and cognitively reasonably well, which improves prognosis. If she did not receive chemotherapy her first time around, and now responds well to the chemotherapy, then this also will improve her prognosis. Finally, if her cancer has characteristics that will make it responsive to hormonal therapy or biologic therapy (Herceptin) then this also can very signficantly improve her outlook. Based upon what you have indicated, I would estimate that a typical survival would be ~6-12 months, but the factors listed above could improve (or worsen) this. Finally, I should mention that while the 15-20% 5-year survival is technically correct, this is a number for all individuals involved, and likely less applicable to your mum. In particular the longer-term (5-year) survivors are typically those who have never been diagnosed with breast cancer before, and those who have only 1 site of metastatic disease. While I'm not trying to be negative here, I get the impression that you really do want an honest estimate of what you can expect. Good luck. Do not hesitate to clarify anything. I really hope this helps.

Question: I suffer from depression and have for 14 years but my major problem is chronic fatigue? I am 65 and retired after a lifetime teaching- I have tried many things including acupuncture,cognitive behaviour therapy, diet modification chinese medicine(herbs) supplements such as Korean ginseng- I try to keep my mind active by being involved in things- I help at a school on two half days per week and I teach computers to senior citizens and learn Bridge on another day. This has helped but on the other days I find it more difficult because if I try to read for example, I just fall asleep. I can't do a lot of gardening because I suffer with a very bad back. I go walking half an hour a day. What i'd like to do is get back to golf. I'm waiting for the cooler weather and back strngthening exercises I'm doing to work. I have prostate cancer and a heart problem but I don't worry about these - the cancer is not causing any problems at this popint in time.Any ideas to help withthe chronic fatigue.???? I checked out sleep apnoea- but that cause was ruled out. I am a christian and pray to God every day. This has helped me to keep going when I get rally down. I'm having the problem right now trying to keep focussed on what I'm doing.

Answer: there could be many reasons for depression. You may have alot going on or feel like your not wanted, needed or loved. Yes depression can be cured but it's REALLY hard to do. It really depends on what stage you are in. IM or E-mail free_help2@yahoo.com & they can help