Tag: #cancer

WHAT IS NEW IN CANCER RESEARCH, PART 1.

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There are several types of GYN (gynecologic) cancers. There will be articles about each one of them in the coming weeks.

Uterine/endometrial cancer affects an estimated 66,200 people in the United States. Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the United States. Worldwide, an estimated 417,367 people were diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2020.

Immunotherapy is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. There is interest in a specific area of immunotherapy called “checkpoint inhibitors,” such as PD-1 or CTLA4 targeted immunotherapies. They help activate the immune system and can shrink tumors. Some of these immunotherapies work better in combination with other treatment types. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/latest-research

Advent Health donation for the research programs is an effective, safe, and easy way to donate one-time or monthly. You may designate which cancer you want to support. Here is the link: https://give.adventhealth.com/give/564821/#!/donation/checkout

You can read my story and see my page at https://give.adventhealth.com/fundraiser/5552764

“We see a day where people are screened with a simple blood draw for many cancers … That dream is closer to reality than I think any of us fully appreciate.” — Kevin Conroy, president and CEO, Exact Sciences

AESOP FABLE: FEAR

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Fear can be caused by many things or events. In the fable about the Lion and the Elephant, Aesop teaches us to think differently about our fears. When we let fear take over, we are living a less-than-healthy life. For example, fear of cancer can prevent our bodies from performing in the healthiest manner.

Physiological effects of fear: High blood pressure, racing heart, faster breathing, and blood flow away from your heart out to your limbs. These reactions are good if you are in an immediate “fight or flight” situation. Long-term effects are not healthy.

The lion was more powerful than all the other animals. ‘Yet great though I may be,’ said the lion, ‘I am terribly afraid of roosters!’

It was when he was in this frame of mind that the lion came upon the elephant. The lion greeted the elephant and stopped to converse with him. When he saw that the elephant kept on flapping his ears, the lion inquired, ‘What’s the matter with you? Why do you keep on flapping your ears like that?’

As the elephant began to speak, a gnat came whizzing by and the elephant said, ‘Do you see this little thing, this little buzzing thing? If it gets inside my ear, I’m doomed.’

‘Well then,’ the lion concluded, ‘why should I die of shame? I am an excellent creature indeed, and in much better shape than this elephant. Roosters are more formidable than gnats, after all!’

Lesson for us: Focus on our strengths rather than our weaknesses or fears. When we are facing cancer or any life-threatening or changing illness that is the time we must be like the elephant and do what we can to overcome the illness AND use our strengths to face our fear.

WELL BEING/AUTUMN

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A local magazine promotes contentment and healthy living in the northern section of Lake County, Florida. https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/well_being_lake/well_being_lake_magazine/page-b-01/page_de6d38ed-de7f-5172-bd99-d69d1062d412.html

Albert Camus wrote, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Is this not a beautiful quote?

My life before cancer was like spring: full of energy, optimistic, and blooming with ideas and projects. When cancer became a part of my life, it was like the coldest and most severe winter.

However, I have been in remission for 6 years, during which I am free of the drugs and treatments that destroyed the cancer. Just as spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation, so my body healed and became strong.

The warm summer days and sunshine filled me with Vitamin D, energy, and positivity. I became like the beautiful flowers and trees. I bloomed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the fall, I was like the autumn leaves, full of color and vibrancy. The coming winter season did not affect me as I had gained strength and fortitude to face whatever storm or cold days might appear. This season of fall, I smile with joy at each autumn flower.

CANCER: WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

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There are over 200 types of cancers, which can be grouped into 5 categories: carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as brain and spinal cord cancer.

The term “cancer” originated from the Greek word “karkinoma” which means “crab”. It was named so because tumors were observed to resemble the shape of a crab, with a central body and extending “legs”.

Approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022.

Approximately 609,360 individuals are estimated to die from cancer in the United States in 2022.

Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern. In September, we raise awareness about this disease. The number of new cases is 10.3 per 100,000 women each year, with a death rate of 6.3 per 100,000 women. Unfortunately, these numbers haven’t improved much over time. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 19,710 new cases and 13,270 deaths due to ovarian cancer. These statistics are quite alarming.

The reasons behind this issue are:

  1. Insufficient funding for research.
  2. Lack of education for doctors and nurses.
  3. Lack of awareness among women and girls about the warning signs, which can be subtle.

I want to raise awareness about this dangerous cancer. Women and girls, please pay attention to your bodies, know the signs, and see a doctor. You can support research by donating to organizations like OCRA or NOCC. You can also donate to our local fundraiser (bidpal.net/teal).

BODACIOUS

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Bodacious is a new word that was developed in the 1980s. It combines bold and audacious according to Urban Dictionary. We all know that bold means bravery and daring. To be audacious can also mean the same as bold, daring, fearless, and heroic; or it can mean impudence or impertinence (but those words are too negative for this writer).

I think of the many women and men I have met who will not let cancer defeat them. One often hears or reads about cancer patients discussing how they will fight. Whatever illness one faces, it requires bravery, daring, boldness, and hope. No good boxer enters the ring without hope.

Judi Feldman was a bodacious woman in all the kindest, gentlest, and loving ways there are. Her winning smile and sparkling eyes were the results of her positive outlook, love of people, determination, and passion to let every woman know about ovarian cancer. She worked tirelessly to shine the light on the need for more research and awareness of all gynecologic cancers.

Be bodacious as you walk your path in life. Be brave, awesome, and hopeful. Let’s all shine the light!

Cancer & Outshining It

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To outshine any challenge, even cancer, can be done. It is not always easy but applying the right tools will help you to learn, grow, and find peace and joy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9oozgXaaIs

Excerpt: I faced my diagnosis of cancer by using the same coping methods I have used throughout my life. I grew up in an alcoholic family where I was not immune to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. My methods to survive and rise above this frightening and oppressive environment were to use positive affirmations, put my trust in God, and have a burning desire to
live free of those types of people and behaviors. Then and now, I surround myself with family (some of whom I adopted) and friends who can be powerful sources of strength and love.

I learned from my grandmother and adopted aunt that attitude, acceptance, and determination are important factors in healing the body, mind, and spirit. Those women were, and still are today, wonderful role models
for me. They each succeeded in living healthy and productive lives through their positive attitudes, looking at life on earth as a stepping-stone to an even greater place. They worked hard and saw each obstacle as a challenge. Thanks to them, I have always used the word challenge instead of problem, test, or trial. I like challenges because I envision positivity, winning, learning, and growing.

The book is now in pre-sale. All proceeds go to ovarian cancer research. https://www.amazon.com/Outshine-Ovarian-Cancer-Memoir-2nd-ebook/dp/B0BVKYYVFZ/ref=sr_1

Thank you for your support.

THANKSGIVING & CANCER

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THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT OUT YESTERDAY. HOWEVER, THE MESSAGE IS PERFECT FOR EVERYDAY.

You might think, “I do not want to read or hear about cancer when this is a season of joy, family, food, and gratefulness. THOSE ARE THE VERY REASONS WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CANCER AS WE PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Wishing you each a blessed Thanksgiving filled with love, compassion, peace, and gratitude.

MOST FEARED WORD?

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Cancer, death, heights, spiders, and snakes are words that create great fear. People associate cancer with death almost immediately.

HISTORY OF CANCER:

  • The earliest known descriptions of cancer appear in several papyri from Ancient Egypt
  • Hippocrates described several kinds of cancer, referring to them by the term καρκινος (carcinos), the Greek word for crab. It comes from the appearance of the cut surface of a solid malignant tumor, with “the veins stretched on all sides as the animal the crab has its feet. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_cancer).
technologynetworks.com

GOOD NEWS:

SAD NEWS:

  • 113,520 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancers of the reproductive organs in 2020.
  • Cancer of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, is the most common gynecologic cancer.
  • Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
  • It is estimated that as many as 33,620 women will die in 2020 from gynecologic cancers. https://www.cinj.org/sites/cinj/files/documents/September.Gynecologic.Cancer.2020.pdf

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:

  • know your body
  • listen to it
  • provide it with good nutrition
  • exercise
  • hygiene
  • Daily meditation/relaxation
  • preventive care
  • know your family history
  • have regular dental and medical checkups
  • and smile, laugh, and be positive.

The more we do the above, the more we can decrease the fear of the word, cancer. Thank you!

Day 2: Awareness/Knowledge

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One purpose of National Gynecologic Cancer Month is to spread awareness, which is defined as the knowledge that something exists. There is a sense of vagueness to the word, awareness.

Instead of awareness, I choose the word knowledge: acts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education.

This morning there was a warning about a railroad crossing in my path ahead. I did not ignore the sign painted on the pavement. I paid attention to where I was walking and stopped at the railroad tracks to be sure there was no train coming.

I made a conscious decision. We, humans, choose our behaviors, actions, and how we do or do not listen to our body’s warning signs. I challenge you to seek medical advice if any of these persist for 2 weeks. Insist on getting an ultrasound or a CT scan.

  • Unusual or bloody discharge (seek medical advice immediately)
  • Bloating
  • Change in bowel or bladder habits
  • Suddenly feeling full from eating even a small portion
  • Painful intercourse
  • Extreme fatigue every day
  • Back or pelvic pain

I hope my Teal Takeover walk each day will inspire you to do the same. If you want to donate to my team or form your own, just go to https://www.classy.org/team/446017. Every penny goes to promoting knowledge and funds for research.

“Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.“

SEPTEMBER: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

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The main reason: It’s NATIONAL GYNECOLOGIC CANCER MONTH! Each day I will share two things: a photo from that day’s walk and an important fact.

Teal Takeover is our local campaign to raise funds for research and awareness. I invite you to walk or run a 5K with me. Join my team, make a donation, and let’s go! My team is called the Outshiners, because we are going to outshine any challenge we face, even cancer. Here is my link: https://www.classy.org/team/446017.

Today, I am officially starting my walk…and it will be a mile each day. At 81, I am proud to be able to walk that far!!! A beautiful sunrise to start my day.

The more you know about gynecologic cancers, the better! Day 1 facts:

  • Vaginal, Cervical, Uterine (Endometrial), Ovarian, and Vulvar are the 5 major types.
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD), Primary Peritoneal Cancer, and Fallopian are three rare types.

Join me each day as we learn about gynecologic cancers and the reproductive system. Be a part of my team!