The Importance of Good Relationships in a Difficult Time A diagnosis of cancer is something no one ever plans on. Even with the exchange of the vows “in sickness and in health,” it can be difficult to navigate the unchartered waters of what the illness of a partner could mean to the individual as well as to those who love them. In the case of a breast cancer diagnosis that necessitates the removal of one or both breasts, the cancer is not only something that causes sickness, pain and anguish but it also leaves behind a physical reminder. Changes Triggered by the Loss The act of removing a part of the body is about far more than the loss of body tissue. It is a physical element of personal connection to the body, one that’s never easy to articulate. For some women this act has the potential to bring up feelings of how the loss of a breast(s) could change how they and others look at them. This is a situation no one could ever anticipate, let alone know how to deal with the associated feelings. Navigating Steps Accepting the Differences – the diagnosis of cancer is a life-changing one and each person will react in a different way. In this case, it is best to take cues from the person dealing with the cancer diagnosis. Some might want to openly share their story to find support while others will choose to remain silent and independent. Acknowledging the Blessings – Understand being alive and well are the most important things. No amount of physical change should ever affect that....
Cancer does not discriminate and when it strikes, the disease can spawn advocates from every walk of life. These are individuals who go out of their way to offer options to others fighting the disease, all in an effort to make the fight against cancer a little more equal. At a recent TEDxKC event, one of the featured speakers was former figure skater and sports commentator Scott Hamilton. Best known for his 1984 Gold medal performance at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics, Hamilton continues to bring colorful commentary and energy to the field of figure skating. What people might not know about Hamilton is his journey as a cancer survivor of both testicular cancer and a benign pituitary brain tumor. Hamilton’s first cancer diagnosis of testicular cancer came in 1997, followed by a benign brain tumor in 2004 and a recurrence in the brain in 2010. An Advocate for Proton Therapy Cancer Treatment Hamilton’s TEDxKC talk focused on the growing field of proton therapy for effective cancer treatment. Proton therapy is similar to conventional radiation but it offers a reduction in negative side effects because most of the radiation remains in the tumor. First proposed in 1954, proton therapy is effective for prostate, breast, brain, head and neck, pancreatic, sarcoma, Hodgkin, pediatric and lung cancers. By depositing the concentration in the cancerous area, there is a sparing of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. There is also a reduction in negative side effects, secondary tumors, and cancer recurrence. Currently there are 14 operating proton therapy centers throughout the U.S. with another 10 under construction. Hamilton shared there is also a proton...
Cancer is no joking matter, but in an effort to lighten up some of the more uncomfortable aspects of the disease, people sometimes make jokes. One of these “laugh-because-you-can’t-cry” moments is chemo brain. The Mayo Clinic defines chemo brain as thinking and memory problems that occur after cancer treatment. The problem also goes by the names such as chemo fog, chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, or cognitive dysfunction. Cancer survivors frequently experience the disorder which can include the experience of slower cognition, inability to concentrate, or forgetfulness. All joking aside, chemo brain is a valid, yet largely unknown concern, particularly for those who receive chemotherapy in the brain or central nervous system or at a very young age when the brain is still developing. Examples of Chemo Brain Memory lapses Spacing out and trouble concentration Difficulty remembering details Trouble completing tasks or multitasking “Losing” words to complete a sentence (Cancer.org) The Mystery of the Brain Although defined as chemo brain, no one really knows if chemotherapy creates or causes the problem. This confusion is in part because the brain remains a scientific mystery and few understand its true workings, functions and capabilities. Those who believe chemo brain is not the result of chemotherapy hypothesize hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant or surgery could also cause symptoms of chemo brain. Other relatable issues can include anemia, fatigue, pain medication, infection, menopause, nutritional difficulties and sleep problems. Misunderstood but still Real It is unfair that in addition to dealing with the pain and loss associated with cancer, one must also negotiate the complications of chemo brain. Unfortunately, the misunderstanding sometimes creates...
Broaching the Topic of Selling a Life Insurance Policy for Cash When tough times hit in the form of a health crisis, people often respond in one of two ways. One option is to avoid talking about the problem and pretend it doesn’t exist. In this case, the only time people choose to discuss the problem is when the subject is absolutely necessary. The other side of the equation is openly talking about the issue and asking others to weigh in and give advice on tackling the problem. Obviously, both these examples are extremes. When faced with adversity, such in the case of a terminal cancer diagnosis, most individuals fall somewhere in between the two extremes. Many reasons exist for why people do or don’t respond a certain way including age, generational differences, upbringing, diagnosis and expectations. All of these variables can and will influence how different people could respond in a similar situation. Broaching the Topic It is a rare individual who can openly embrace the discussion of one’s own mortality. Generally these are difficult discussions to begin, and a sensitive touch broaching the subject is critical. In many cases, a conversation of one’s mortality can only take place behind closed doors and often includes only a few people such as a doctor and/or spouse or partner. This is understandable considering the impact of the news for the individual and their loved ones. As difficult as these conversations are, this is an important opportunity for the individual to articulate hopes, fears, and wishes for the future in their own way. Possible Topic Openings Asking about worries and concerns...
How a Viatical Settlement can provide Cash in a Time of Need Anyone who endures chemotherapy or watches a loved one suffer the dreadful associated side effects knows there’s a high price to pay for using chemotherapy in the treatment of terminal cancer. First used in the 1950s, chemotherapy attacks cancer cells in an attempt to slow growth and destroy cancer cells before they move to other parts of the body. Today, doctors can prescribe as many as 100 different chemotherapy drugs to fight cancer. A diagnosis of breast, kidney, stomach, brain or lung cancer and the state or amount of cancer discovered in the body determines what chemotherapy drug a doctor will prescribe. Unfortunately, chemotherapy does not discriminate, destroying healthy cells along with cancer cells. A Catch-22 Problem Depending on the levels and intensity of chemotherapy prescribed, chemotherapy can leave a terminal cancer patient in a habitually weakened state. In order to reduce the harmful effect of chemotherapy, a growing number of terminal cancer patients consider the use of complementary health approaches in addition to or instead of mainstream cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. These complementary health approaches can include dietary and herbal supplements, acupuncture, spinal manipulation (chiropractic), meditation, nutrition and other complementary health options. A 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found 65 percent of respondents diagnosed with cancer used complementary health approaches. Offering a Conventional Medicine Alternative Groups such as the American Anti-Cancer Institute offer alternatives to radiation and chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer and other immune-degenerative diseases. The Anti-Cancer Institute supports allopathic remedies designed to boost immune system response and reduce...
