Last week I went for my portacath insertion, which means commencement of phase two in the breast cancer marathon.
What Is A Portacath?
It is a device that facilitates the administration of chemotherapy into the venous system (i.e., into my veins). It is a fabulous gadget that is used to make the administration of chemotherapy and blood draws easier. It can also reduce the risk of certain chemotherapy-caused side effects. This device will be placed under my skin, in the upper part of my chest (though some people have it placed in the arm).
Why Have One?
Because there is greater blood flow through the central veins than through the peripheral veins (i.e., in the arms, hands, legs and feet), chemotherapy can be administered through the central lines with less risk of causing chemical phlebitis (inflammation of a vein).
Though not everyone chooses to have a portacath, it is definitely the Silver Lining choice for me. My decision is based on the level of toxicity of the chemotherapy I am about to receive and the potential damage that chemotherapy will (very likely) do to my veins. When I was an inpatient nurse, I was always relieved when a patient had a portacath because it meant that I didn't have to poke and prod (ouch!) at overworked or destroyed veins.
How Is It Inserted?
The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, with the aid of imaging guidance (ultrasound and X-ray) in the angiography suite of radiology department. This sounds fancier than it actually is.
The actual procedure takes less than an hour. An intravenous sedation is given (SL!) to make the local anesthetic injection less painful. There will be a skin incision 3 centimeters long on the chest wall for the port pocket and a 5-millimeter incision in the lower neck to enter the vein. Absorbable sutures are used for the chest wound and are buried under the skin.
Is this T.M.I.?! Perhaps not, because The Husband asked me, "Is there an incision?"
What Is The Surgical Preparation?
Prior to most medical procedures, patients are required to be "NPO" after midnight. The Latin translation is nil per os. For practical purposes, this translates to "nothing by mouth."
The purpose of being NPO (i.e., fasting) is to protect your lungs from aspiration. Aspiration is what happens when acid, food or liquid in your stomach gets regurgitated into your lungs. This is bad.
Anesthesia causes a person to lose all reflexes, including the gag and cough reflexes, which protect the airway and lungs. While anesthetized or sedated, it is easier for anything in the stomach to be regurgitated into the lungs. Eww.
So I went NPO.
What Happens After It Is Inserted?
I was able to go home two hours following the procedure, after recovering from the sedation. The Husband was with me and drove me home, as I was quite tipsy and pretty sleepy.
I kept the dressing on for three days, which meant no shower and that I'd take it off the day before I began chemo.
Though the portacath ensures that I won't be wearing any tube tops (which is a good thing because that should never have happened anyway!), I feel good about its use as a chemo-delivery mechanism, which is my Silver Lining of the day.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Get tested for cancer
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
In 2010, an estimated 102,900 new cases of colorectal cancer were anticipated, and of that number, 51,370 people were expected to die from the disease.
In Alabama, an estimated 2,300 new cases of colorectal cancer occurred in 2010, and an estimated 950 deaths will happen as a result of this diagnosis.
The good news is that when colorectal cancer is detected early, it can be effectively treated, increasing the chances of survival.
Sadly, research shows that only about half of individuals older than the age of 50 are actually screened for colon cancer.
This is why it is important to not only maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also to make it a point to have regular check-ups and routine colonoscopies, as my husband and I do.
So spread the word — having a colonoscopy isn't so bad, especially when you consider the alternatives, which could lead to death. If you are older than 50 years of age and have yet to schedule a colonoscopy, I would encourage you to make that appointment now.
Mary Sessions
Congressional Families Cancer
Prevention program of the Prevent
Cancer Foundation
In 2010, an estimated 102,900 new cases of colorectal cancer were anticipated, and of that number, 51,370 people were expected to die from the disease.
In Alabama, an estimated 2,300 new cases of colorectal cancer occurred in 2010, and an estimated 950 deaths will happen as a result of this diagnosis.
The good news is that when colorectal cancer is detected early, it can be effectively treated, increasing the chances of survival.
Sadly, research shows that only about half of individuals older than the age of 50 are actually screened for colon cancer.
This is why it is important to not only maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also to make it a point to have regular check-ups and routine colonoscopies, as my husband and I do.
So spread the word — having a colonoscopy isn't so bad, especially when you consider the alternatives, which could lead to death. If you are older than 50 years of age and have yet to schedule a colonoscopy, I would encourage you to make that appointment now.
Mary Sessions
Congressional Families Cancer
Prevention program of the Prevent
Cancer Foundation
Monday, March 28, 2011
Porous nanotube 'forests' catch cancer cells
Researchers from Harvard and MIT have designed a microfluidic device that uses porous "forests" of carbon nanotubes to detect individual cancer cells or viruses such as HIV in a blood sample.
Harvard's Mehmet Toner, MIT's Brian Wardle and colleagues improved upon a device developed four years ago that had forests of silicon posts to detect target cells.
By making the posts out of porous carbon nanotubes, which are cylinders of carbon atoms, and attaching various antibodies to them, sample fluid can flow through and around the "trees," increasing the chances of detection.
The antibodies will bond to targets chemically, but the device also works mechanically by trapping particles depending on the distance between the trees. The forest has 10 billion to 100 billion carbon nanotubes per square centimeter, and is 99 percent air.
It can collect cancer cells eight times better than the original device, according to an MIT release.
Each post in this forest of carbon nanotubes is about 30 microns in diameter.
(Credit: Brian Wardle/MIT)
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20048026-1.html#ixzz3qHOPf8mz
The device is about the size of a dime and the detection method is described in a study that appears online in the journal Small.
Normally, circulating tumor cells are very difficult to detect, and the device may be useful in discovering when cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body. The researchers are working to tailor the device to HIV detection.
Toner said the device could be developed into a cheap testing kit for use in developing countries where doctors don't have access to expensive lab equipment.
The original device, meanwhile, is being tried out in hospitals and may be commercialized in a few years.
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20048026-1.html#ixzz3qHOeGXhz
Harvard's Mehmet Toner, MIT's Brian Wardle and colleagues improved upon a device developed four years ago that had forests of silicon posts to detect target cells.
By making the posts out of porous carbon nanotubes, which are cylinders of carbon atoms, and attaching various antibodies to them, sample fluid can flow through and around the "trees," increasing the chances of detection.
The antibodies will bond to targets chemically, but the device also works mechanically by trapping particles depending on the distance between the trees. The forest has 10 billion to 100 billion carbon nanotubes per square centimeter, and is 99 percent air.
It can collect cancer cells eight times better than the original device, according to an MIT release.
Each post in this forest of carbon nanotubes is about 30 microns in diameter.
(Credit: Brian Wardle/MIT)
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20048026-1.html#ixzz3qHOPf8mz
The device is about the size of a dime and the detection method is described in a study that appears online in the journal Small.
Normally, circulating tumor cells are very difficult to detect, and the device may be useful in discovering when cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body. The researchers are working to tailor the device to HIV detection.
Toner said the device could be developed into a cheap testing kit for use in developing countries where doctors don't have access to expensive lab equipment.
The original device, meanwhile, is being tried out in hospitals and may be commercialized in a few years.
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20048026-1.html#ixzz3qHOeGXhz
Cancer risk is low, but possible in airport scanners
If you’ve traveled through an airport lately, you’ve probably seen one of the new full body X-ray machines called a backscatter, a type of imaging technology used by the Transportation Security Administration to identify concealed items.
A special article published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine says “passengers should not fear.” The device, which raised concerns among some because it uses small doses of ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen, poses “no significant threat” even to frequent fliers, the authors say.
Researchers at the University of California San Francisco estimated the cancer risks associated with exposure to the backscatter and found that the scan, which takes only a few seconds, contributes less than 1% of the radiation dose a flier would receive from cosmic rays during the actual flight.
They also estimated that for every 100 million passengers who flew on seven one-way flights (just over three round trips) per year, six extra cancers were detected over the course of a lifetime. For every 1 million frequent fliers – defined in this study as those who took 10 trips per week for a year where each trip lasted at least six hours – four additional cancers were detected.
“A lot of people are fearful of radiation, and I think they need to be conscious that all radiation is not the same,” says study author Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a California radiologist. “I don't think the risk is worth us worrying about because it is so low.”
According to the TSA, 486 advanced imaging technology machines are being used at 78 airports nationwide. The agency says the devices are safe and meet national health and safety standards for all passengers, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with medical implants.
Still there are some who are cautious. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research at the Columbia University Medical Center, published an article in April in the journal Radiology, and also found the radiation exposure to be small, but says even though the cancer risk is low, it is possible.
“The bottom line is that both my paper and this suggest that there will be some cancers produced in the long run from mass screening with X-rays,” he says. "The analogy I usually give is with someone buying a lottery ticket. Your individual chance of winning is extremely small, but we do know that some people will indeed win."
“There is considerable uncertainty about just how many cancers that will be.”
Passengers should keep in mind they don’t have to face the risk if they don’t want to. TSA press officer, Kristin Lee, notes that the technology is optional for all passengers, and that those who do not wish to go through the backscatter screening will receive an alternative screening, including a pat-down. Find out what experts do when they go to the airport later this week in the Empowered Patient column.
A special article published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine says “passengers should not fear.” The device, which raised concerns among some because it uses small doses of ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen, poses “no significant threat” even to frequent fliers, the authors say.
Researchers at the University of California San Francisco estimated the cancer risks associated with exposure to the backscatter and found that the scan, which takes only a few seconds, contributes less than 1% of the radiation dose a flier would receive from cosmic rays during the actual flight.
They also estimated that for every 100 million passengers who flew on seven one-way flights (just over three round trips) per year, six extra cancers were detected over the course of a lifetime. For every 1 million frequent fliers – defined in this study as those who took 10 trips per week for a year where each trip lasted at least six hours – four additional cancers were detected.
“A lot of people are fearful of radiation, and I think they need to be conscious that all radiation is not the same,” says study author Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a California radiologist. “I don't think the risk is worth us worrying about because it is so low.”
According to the TSA, 486 advanced imaging technology machines are being used at 78 airports nationwide. The agency says the devices are safe and meet national health and safety standards for all passengers, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with medical implants.
Still there are some who are cautious. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research at the Columbia University Medical Center, published an article in April in the journal Radiology, and also found the radiation exposure to be small, but says even though the cancer risk is low, it is possible.
“The bottom line is that both my paper and this suggest that there will be some cancers produced in the long run from mass screening with X-rays,” he says. "The analogy I usually give is with someone buying a lottery ticket. Your individual chance of winning is extremely small, but we do know that some people will indeed win."
“There is considerable uncertainty about just how many cancers that will be.”
Passengers should keep in mind they don’t have to face the risk if they don’t want to. TSA press officer, Kristin Lee, notes that the technology is optional for all passengers, and that those who do not wish to go through the backscatter screening will receive an alternative screening, including a pat-down. Find out what experts do when they go to the airport later this week in the Empowered Patient column.
MANTECA RELAY FOR LIFE
Cancer survivors - and those who care for them - were honored during a celebration of life event conducted Saturday at The Commons at Union Ranch by the Manteca Relay for Life committee.
The event is precursor for the 24 Hour Relay for Life taking place April 30 and May 1 at the Sierra High track. The goal this year is to raise $130,000 for American Cancer Society research, education, and programs helping assist cancer victims.
For many, Relay for Life is a life-changing event that celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer while remembering those who have lost their fight..
This year, the Manteca team more than likely will reach a goal set a year ago of earning $1 million.
This is the collective amount representing 11 years of Manteca being involved in the American Cancer Society overnight event that started in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt.
He was the Tacoma, WA, colorectal surgeon who ran and walked around a track for 24 hours in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Klatt’s passion from that day grew to become Relay for Life. Included are more than 3.5 million folks from 5,000 communities nationwide along with an additional 20 other countries.
Upcoming Manteca Relay for Life fundriasers include:
Sock hop helps Relay for Life
Help St Paul’s United Methodist Church Sock Out Cancer on Saturday, April 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the fellowship hall, 910 E. North St.
The $10 ticket includes a meal as well as dancing.
The evening will include a twist contest, bubble blowing contest & hula hoop contest. There will be a raffle drawing as well as soda fountain drinks available.
Buy your tickets by contacting Deanna at (209) 823-0398 or Matt at (209)275-8383.
All proceeds go to the Manteca Relay for Life.
Crop & Shop aids Relay for Life
A Crop and Shop on Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 910 E. North Street.
“Stay and Play” pre-registration by March 30 costs $25 and includes lunch, drinks, snacks, dessert, crop cash, special gifts and raffle ticket. If you can’t “stay and play” you can stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to visit vendors, make crafts or to buy lunch.
Vendors include Stampin’ Up, Gold Canyon, Longaberger, Creative Memories, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Soy De-Lights, Avon, Relay for Life Store, Miche’ bags, Cookie Lee, Uppercase Living, and Kris’s Kreations
The event is precursor for the 24 Hour Relay for Life taking place April 30 and May 1 at the Sierra High track. The goal this year is to raise $130,000 for American Cancer Society research, education, and programs helping assist cancer victims.
For many, Relay for Life is a life-changing event that celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer while remembering those who have lost their fight..
This year, the Manteca team more than likely will reach a goal set a year ago of earning $1 million.
This is the collective amount representing 11 years of Manteca being involved in the American Cancer Society overnight event that started in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt.
He was the Tacoma, WA, colorectal surgeon who ran and walked around a track for 24 hours in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Klatt’s passion from that day grew to become Relay for Life. Included are more than 3.5 million folks from 5,000 communities nationwide along with an additional 20 other countries.
Upcoming Manteca Relay for Life fundriasers include:
Sock hop helps Relay for Life
Help St Paul’s United Methodist Church Sock Out Cancer on Saturday, April 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the fellowship hall, 910 E. North St.
The $10 ticket includes a meal as well as dancing.
The evening will include a twist contest, bubble blowing contest & hula hoop contest. There will be a raffle drawing as well as soda fountain drinks available.
Buy your tickets by contacting Deanna at (209) 823-0398 or Matt at (209)275-8383.
All proceeds go to the Manteca Relay for Life.
Crop & Shop aids Relay for Life
A Crop and Shop on Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 910 E. North Street.
“Stay and Play” pre-registration by March 30 costs $25 and includes lunch, drinks, snacks, dessert, crop cash, special gifts and raffle ticket. If you can’t “stay and play” you can stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to visit vendors, make crafts or to buy lunch.
Vendors include Stampin’ Up, Gold Canyon, Longaberger, Creative Memories, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Soy De-Lights, Avon, Relay for Life Store, Miche’ bags, Cookie Lee, Uppercase Living, and Kris’s Kreations
Possible colon cancer treatment under review
A new National Cancer Institute-sponsored study that includes an Ozarks site evaluates the cholesterol drug, Rosuvastatin, as a treatment to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Rosuvastatin is a statin, a class of drugs that lower cholesterol. The study was developed because laboratory research and studies conducted in large populations of patients taking a statin to reduce cholesterol suggest that taking the drug may, also, decrease the number of colon polyps. Colon polyps can lead to colon cancer if left untreated.
The study will involve 1,740 patients, who have recently been diagnosed with early stage colon cancer, and who were not already taking statins for high cholesterol. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group will take one pill a day for five years. One group will receive rosuvastatin, while the other group will receive a placebo.
"There will be an estimated 102,900 new cases of colon cancer in the United States this year," said Dr. Norman Wolmark, NSABP's Chairman. "In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country. We hope this trial will be an important step in reducing these numbers."
Rosuvastatin is a statin, a class of drugs that lower cholesterol. The study was developed because laboratory research and studies conducted in large populations of patients taking a statin to reduce cholesterol suggest that taking the drug may, also, decrease the number of colon polyps. Colon polyps can lead to colon cancer if left untreated.
The study will involve 1,740 patients, who have recently been diagnosed with early stage colon cancer, and who were not already taking statins for high cholesterol. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group will take one pill a day for five years. One group will receive rosuvastatin, while the other group will receive a placebo.
"There will be an estimated 102,900 new cases of colon cancer in the United States this year," said Dr. Norman Wolmark, NSABP's Chairman. "In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country. We hope this trial will be an important step in reducing these numbers."
Saturday, March 26, 2011
FDA Approves Drug to Combat Skin Cancer
(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug to treat patients with metastatic melanoma.
On Friday, the FDA approved the drug Yervoy -- touted as the first drug to extend the lives of people with skin cancer -- after clinical studies showed an increase in survival of patients by an average of 10 months, close to four months longer than subjects who used an experimental vaccine.
The new drug, ipilimumab, is from Bristol-Myers, and its main function is to stimulate proteins on the immune cells that affect how the body responds to cancer.
According to the FDA, patients who participated in the study experienced some side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, constipation, rashes and, in some cases, fatal autoimmune reactions.
On Friday, the FDA approved the drug Yervoy -- touted as the first drug to extend the lives of people with skin cancer -- after clinical studies showed an increase in survival of patients by an average of 10 months, close to four months longer than subjects who used an experimental vaccine.
The new drug, ipilimumab, is from Bristol-Myers, and its main function is to stimulate proteins on the immune cells that affect how the body responds to cancer.
According to the FDA, patients who participated in the study experienced some side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, constipation, rashes and, in some cases, fatal autoimmune reactions.
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