I have been making observations that patients are simply waiting too long before they have the information that they need in order to make an informed decision. I have been receiving quite a few emails and phone calls talking to lots of patients and family members out there about their diagnosis and experiences. I thoroughly enjoy being able to touch base and to hear all of your own personal stories and triumphs. At the same time, it...
I just wanted to let everyone that I have not forgotten about the site, I am in the middle of the vital stages of construction for a new cancer facility. I am still answering emails and will be creating some new posts soon. I also was just awarded membership to the Healthcare Bloggers Code of Ethics. Member Perspective Confidentiality Disclosure Reliability Courtesy http://medbloggercode.com/ As always, if you or a loved one have any other questions, comments, or concerns; if you would like more information in...
Yesterday was the last day of the month of October and I thought it would be nice to end the month with the topic of Breast MRI for Breast Cancer. One has to remember, that with all of these tools, Ultrasound, Mammography, PET, MRI, Genetic Testing, and Hormone Testing that none of them on their own are the best diagnostic test, but in the correct combination based on each patients particular diagnosis, they can be essential...
Well this week is the official American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology meeting in Los Angeles, CA. It is always a wonderful meeting with a lot of good information for other oncologists (cancer doctors) and other cancer care professionals. This is typically where a lot of studies will be reported on, results from clinical trials, new methods, new techniques, and where new and exciting treatments are unveiled and shared with everyone in attendance....
In an early release of the Journal of Clinical Oncology on-line dated Oct. 22, 2007 is a report on a study conducted at the University of Minnesota on the increase of patients choosing to have a mastectomy performed on the opposite unaffected breast in order to prevent cancer in the future. For women diagnosed with Breast Cancer, it has always been an option to have the entire breast surgically removed. As more and more...
As we all know this month is National Breast Cancer Awareness month here in the U.S., but world wide there is a awareness for Breast Cancer this month as well. Breast Cancer in the most researched and widely publicized topic of all cancers. It is great because we are making some wonderful strides in the detection, prevention, and treatment of Breast Cancer. This has helped to save more lives, keep more women from experiecing...
Today I want to take some time and touch on a topic that is up for some debate. The use of IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) in the use of breast cancer. First off, it is probably important to explain exactly what IMRT is and what it does. IMRT is like painting with radiation. As you can see in this picture of Einstein, which was made by a linear accelerator, using IMRT to do so....
With the month of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we tend to see lots of specials on TV, on the news, radio, or even at local events talking about the importance of awareness. We hear statistics and figures on women, the likelihood for developing Breast Cancer, the prognosis, even new research and rugs that have been recently approved for use in the medical field. We learn about the importance of early screening and...
As I promised the other day, I wanted to take a moment and to talk about a study that was conducted by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) in support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This trial is the first of its type to ever compare the effectiveness of two seperate drugs. The drug more commonly known as Tamoxifen (Novaldex) is already known and proven to reduce the risk of breast...
As I am sure most of you that are familiar or have done any reading on breast cancer have heard the term ER+ (positive), or Estrogen positive. But what exactly does being ER (estrogen) positive really mean, what are the implications and significance to breast cancer patients of being tested for Estrogen positive or negative? What role does estrogen play in breast cancer? Today I would like to take the time and explain what Estrogen+...