What does it mean to have hope, to be hopeful? Each of us have our own very personal ways we might answer such a big question. But, what if you were a child with a cancer or a parent with a child who had cancer? What if you asked that question of a nurse or(...)
Frank and Ellen give back
Posted by Evan Lipson | Issues & Perspectives, UncategorizedAs an oncologist, my patients frequently talk to me about the ways they "give back." Frank Potepan fought lymphoma in the 1990s, and for the last several years has been involved in developing a local hospice program. For Frank and his wife, Ellen, it's a chance to show their gratitude and a rewarding and meaningful(...)
Jun 10, 2011 No comments
11 Million Strong
Posted by Amy Mone | Issues & Perspectives, SurvivorshipWhen I think of the word cancer, “celebration” is not the next word that immediately comes to mind. But, last Sunday, that’s exactly what cancer survivors at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center did. Cancer Survivors’ Day is an annual event that falls on the first Sunday in June. It’s a date recognized around the(...)
Jun 9, 2011 No comments
A Cancer Prevention Diet
Posted by admin | Issues & Perspectives, Prevention/ScreeningLast week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture replaced its traditional food pyramid with a new "plate icon" to help direct consumers on how to eat a healthy, balanced meal. It turns out that an emphasis on fruits and vegetables can also be helpful in preventing cancer. In one segment of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer(...)
Jun 6, 2011 9 comments
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
Cell Phones and Cancer
Posted by admin | ResearchThis isn't a new story, nor one that has a definitive answer. Public health and other experts are still trying to sort out any link between cell phones and brain cancer, and now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has added radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phones and other devices to a list of "possible" carcinogens. Jonathan(...)
Jun 1, 2011 2 comments
Top Cancer Research News: April
Posted by Michelle Potter | ResearchDr. Bill Nelson discusses a new antibody drug for melanoma, hormone replacement therapy for women, vitamin D and the heart drug digoxin in treating prostate cancer. Listen to these topics and more discussed in the most recent Cancer News Review Podcast. First, Nelson reviews the FDA approval of a new antibody drug called Ipilimumab, which(...)
May 23, 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
What is Compassion? It’s a Nurse.
Posted by Amy Mone | Issues & Perspectives, UncategorizedWhat is Compassion? It’s a Nurse. Compassion is defined as the awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve that suffering. It isn’t something that can be taught. Compassion comes from the heart and it’s a quality that sets apart our cancer nurses. Our nurses put patients first by providing outstanding(...)
May 16, 2011 No comments
Heather the Cancer Warrior
Posted by Evan Lipson | Issues & Perspectives, Patient StoriesAs an oncologist, I am continually astonished by the strength and determination patients bring to bear in their fight against cancer. One such patient - Heather Johnson - is a dedicated mom, a loving wife and a self-proclaimed cancer warrior. Heather decided early on in her fight with colon cancer that she would wage an(...)
May 13, 2011 No comments