Recent news that the FDA will not approve the use of the drug Avastin for breast cancer has many patients who have benefitted questioning why. Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson believes it is a perfect example of why personalized cancer medicine—getting the right drugs to the right patients—is so important. “Often in trials, drugs […]
treatment
4 Tips to Reduce Hair Loss
Posted by Michelle Potter | Issues & Perspectives, treatmentSome types of chemotherapy damage cells that cause hair growth. For some patients, losing their hair is one of the most emotional and upsetting parts of undergoing treatment. The good news is that hair almost always grows back 2 to 3 months after chemo is over. Since it usually takes about one or two weeks […]
Jun 2, 2011 No comments
9 Tips for Managing Nausea
Posted by Michelle Potter | Issues & Perspectives, treatmentNausea and vomiting can occur while getting chemotherapy, right after, or many hours or days later. You’ll most likely feel better on the days you are not receiving chemo. Here are 9 tips for managing your nausea: 1. Use a journal to record what causes your vomiting and nausea. Discuss this with your doctor or nurse. […]
May 18, 2011 No comments
Do’s and Don’ts for Diarrhea
Posted by Michelle Potter | Issues & Perspectives, treatmentChemo can cause diarrhea because it harms your healthy cells that line the large and small bowel. It may also speed up food moving through your bowels. Diarrhea also can be caused by infections or drugs used to treat constipation. Here are a few dos and don’ts for managing diarrhea: Do drink 8 – 10 […]
May 5, 2011 No comments
7 Surprising Ways to Manage Chemo Side Effects
Posted by Michelle Potter | treatmentChemotherapy, designed to kill fast-growing cancer cells, can also affect healthy cells – in fact damaged healthy cells cause side effects during your chemo. Here are 7 surprising ways to manage side effects during chemo treatment: 1. Rest doesn’t always help you fight fatigue. Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue, but you may need […]
Apr 21, 2011 2 comments
Video Pick of the Week
Posted by admin | treatmentI recently visited Dr. Elias Zambidis' lab to discuss his research on turning blood cells into heart cells. They pioneered a method that uses plasmids (tiny rings of DNA) rather than viruses to transfer genetic material into blood cells, which is the first among several steps on the path to becoming heart cells. Their newly-developed recipe to […]
Apr 15, 2011 No comments
5 Ways Social Workers Can Support You
Posted by Elissa Bantug | Issues & Perspectives, Survivorship, treatmentDo you know your social worker? You should. We’ve listed 5 ways that social workers can help cancer survivors. Elisabeth Tamasi, clinical social worker at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, discusses these five tips. 1. Sexuality, Intimacy and Body Image “Social workers are great resources to help start a dialogue with you and your […]
Mar 29, 2011 No comments
Breast Cancer Patients: Lymph Nodes – Leave Them Alone?
Posted by admin | treatmentWhen most people think about breast cancer, they don’t often think about the small, pea-sized structures that dot the body and help fight infections and other foreign substances. But it’s top-of- mind for many patients who undergo surgery for breast cancer. Lymph nodes are sites for cancer spread, and certain nodes are removed during surgery […]
Feb 9, 2011 2 comments
7 Tips on Top Cancer Centers
Posted by admin | Issues & Perspectives, treatmentWhat makes an outstanding cancer center? How can patients and referring physicians determine which is best?
Dec 9, 2010 1 comment
Managing End-of-Life Care
Posted by Amy Sales | treatmentThis week, many media outlets have reported on findings from a recent study by researchers at Dartmouth College addressing the vast differences in end-of-life care for cancer patients in the U.S. The study addressed concerns that many patients may not receive appropriate end-of-life care, and this care depends heavily on where they are hospitalized.
Nov 19, 2010 3 comments