"Leukemia - What's that?" - Barbara Bush

Wife of ex-President George Bush, Barbara recounts in her memoirs, of their early years of marriage, of how their little three-year-old daughter Robin, woke up one morning, and said to her mother, "I don't know what to do this morning, I may go out and lie on the grass and watch the cars go by, or I may stay in bed!"
Fearing that her daughter's action sounded a little like spring fever, Barbara arranged for Robin to be checked out by a local pediatrician. The examination included taking a blood sample from the little girl, with the result to be known in a couple of days.
By late afternoon next day, the pediatrician phoned advising to leave Robin at home, but Barbara should come along with her Oil Company executive husband, to the surgery.
The pediatrician, not one to pull any punches, told George and Barbara Bush, their daughter Robin had Leukemia, a word not known to the Bush's; George immediately asking what the next step was to be, and how could they treat Robin ?
The pediatrician carefully explained about white and red blood cells and, gently as possible, told them, there was no cure.
This was 1953. After further family discussions, the Bush's took their daughter Robin to see George's uncle, Dr.John Walker, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering hospital in New York, who straightaway, confirmed the pediatrician's analysis of Leukemia, with her white cell count so high, the Dr. ordered medication immediately.
Despite efforts to save Robin, sadly she past away in October, 1953, with her mother and father at her bedside.
A friend sent George and Barbara Bush a poem in memory of their little daughter, Robin.

"So I am glad that my loved one has gone,
But that the earth she laughed and lived on was my earth, too.
That I had known and loved her,
And my love I'd shown.
Tears over her departure?
Nay, a smile

That I had walked with her a little while.
Later, in memory of Robin, the Bright Star Foundation was formed to aid Leukemia Research
Acknowledgment Biography "A Memior, Barbara Bush, 1994. Geoff

The Message of Hope by David M. Bailey

We publish this Poem written by David Bailey, who has done so much to advance the cause for Cancer and Tumor treatment through his CDs and DVDs and his many concerts throughout America and Europe. For his CDs and DVDs contact his website http://davidmbailey.com/ Right now, David has entered hospital for more surgery on a cyst and tumor. Brain Tumor News extends to him best wishes for a quick recovery.

Message of Hope
The message of hope never grows old
It's the heat of the fire that drives out the cold
It's the rhythm of time that beats like a drum
It's where you are going and where you are from

The message of hope never grows old
Sweeter than honey, more precious than gold
It's the song of the bird on the very first flight
It's the light of the moon in the middle of night

The message of hope never grows old
It's the greatest story that ever was told
It's the green in the grass and the blue in the sky
It's the reason we have the courage to try

The message of hope never grows old
It makes the weak strong and turns the meek bold
Simple as sun, a joy to behold
The message of hope never grows old

The message of hope never grows old
It's the way that the world was meant to unfold
As long as you'll listen, I promise to sing
Hope never dies, let it ring, let it ring,
let it ring, let it ring.
Acknowledgment davidmbailey.com, The Brain Trust Braintmr List for this material. Geoff

Cancer Milestones in Treatment

We continue our series on the Cancer Milestones in Treatment. Tremendous strides are being made in the development for new drugs and vaccines to counter the Cancer scourge.

1884
First recorded day surgery for a Brain Tumor by Sir Rickman Goodlee

1898
Physicists Marie and Pierre Curie discover radium and later use it to effectively treat tumors

1943
The first electron Linear Accelerator designed for radium therapy is developed. Today, this equipment is the most widely used treatment device in the Western World.

1949
Swedish neurosurgeon Lars Leksell invents a stereo tactic apparatus exclusively for human functional neurosurgery. In the late 1960's, Leksell further develops the Gamma Knife - today a popular radio surgical tool that has the ability to eradicate cancerous tissue with a single high dose of radiation.

This series of Cancer milestones to be continued. Acknowledgment curetoday.com Geoff

Being actively Involved in Your Own Treatment

Naturopath Katrina Ellis makes an encouraging point about being involved with your treatment. In her book, 'Shattering the Cancer myth', Katrina outlines the importance of understanding conventional medicine with alternative medicines, and how the two can exist together in the treatment of cancer.
It is your body and your disease. Never give away your power to anyone - especially not the power to heal your body, Katrina writes. You can ask doctors, specialists, naturual therapies and healers for advice and treatment options but ultimately, you are the one with the power to make the decisions to heal your body. Keeping your empowerment will enable you to also keep your self-confidence and motivation.
How can you take a more active part in your healing process? Firstly, ask your Doctor or specialist plenty of questions; it is your right to know everything. The more you know the more control you have over your own destiny and outcome. Never go into your healing or treatment in the dark. Find out everything you can about your type of cancer and the most effective forms of treatments to heal your cancer.
Ask for articles, research papers and information from your health practitioner concerning treatment of cancer. Ask questions and obtain more knowledge about your disease. It is your right to know the results of all tests - it is your right to be one hundred percent informed about every procedure and its possible side effects.
If you have made the conscious decision to undertake orthodox cancer treatment, please don't forget the benefits of incorporating natural therapies into your program.
Set yourself a schedule for taking your vitamins, performing your creative visualisations, meditation and yoga and allow plenty of free time for yourself. Never overcommit yourself - this is your time to rediscover what you truly love and enjoy in life.
Every day is truely precious; don't let another moment pass you by without feeling the beauty in every breath of life giving energy. It is a wonderful feeling to take charge of your own destiny and to have an active part in your own healing process. Katrina Ellis. Acknowledgment author, Katrina Ellis, 'Shattering the Cancer myth'. Geoff.

Cancer Milestones in Treatment

'Cancer is one of the major afflictions of developed societies. The fact that causation is multifactional and involves both very ancient and more recent evolutionary legacies, implies that there is no easy answers' said Professor Mel Greaves, in his book Cancer, the evolutionary legacy. The Professor continued 'But we will have new options to consider in terms of early diagnosis, biological therapy, and especially prevention".
In milestones of Cancer treatment, we see the treatment of this desease built upon successes of the past. Progress made in the past century has cleared a path for continued achievement.
At random, we will select significant dates of time that records these achievement in Cancer treatment.

1882.

The first mastectomy for Breast Cancer is performed

1897
Paul Ehrlich develops the side-chain theory, the root of his targeted therapy, or "magic bullet" concept of drugs that go straight to their intended targets to treat disease. He later wins the Nobel Prize, 1908

1900
Thor Stenbeck cures a patient with skin cancer using small doses of daily radiation therapy. This technique is later referred to as fractionated radiation therapy, which is the basis of radiation treatment used today.

During this decade, George Papanicolaou found that vaginal cell smears (the Pape smear) reveal the presence of Cancer

This series of Cancer milestones to be continued. Acknowledgement curetoday.com Geoff.

.

10 Lifestyle tips for Cancer prevention

A recent annual American Dietetic Association convention held in Chicago, a list of ten diet and activity recommendations was presented.
1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
2. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
3. Avoid sugary drinks, and limit consumption of high-calorie foods, especially those low in fibre and rich in fat or added sugar.
4. Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes (Beans).
5. Limit consumption of red meats (beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.
6. If you drink alcohol, limit your daily intake to two drinks for men and one drink for women.
7. Limit consumption of salty foods and food processed with salt (sodium).
8. Do not use supplements to try to protect against cancer.
9. It is best for mothers to breastfeed their babies for upto six months and then add other liquids and foods.
10. After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.
Keep in mind that these tips are about reducing - not eliminating, cancer risk. Many factors, including genes and environmental factors, affect cancer risk; diet and exercise are not the whole story, but within your power to change. Acknowledge WebMD Health News. Geoff.

Scientists decode Cancer genes

Researchers have now found a way to decode genes of a person, including those genes that initiate Cancer. Using donated cells from a Leukemia victim, scientists compare cancerous cells with the victim's normal healthy cells through DNA, finding mutated cells.
Mutated cells are genetic mistakes, with the ones found in this research project as not in-born, but develop later in life, as a cause of cancer.
The study by Washington University in St.Louis, say the findings will not assist patients immediately, but could lead to new therapies, as well as assisting Doctors make improved choices of treatments.
Within decades, DNA sequencing would be as simples as dropping a sample of patient's blood onto a chip that slides into a desk top computer, and receiving a report that suggests which drugs to treat the patient. Geoff
Acknowledge International Herald Tribune.

Living with Hope of future!, successful Seminar ends IBTA Week

Brain Tumor supporters, Carers, friends, patients and survivors, enjoyed a 5-hour Seminar, at which Hope appears to be the reliant word for the future.
"Living with a Brain Tumor" Seminar was presented by Brisbane Brain Tumor Support Group, to 50 attendees, as part of the International Brain Tumor Alliance Week, culminating Nov.1.
A diverse range of presenters gave their audience a confidence in how difficult tumors were removed; practical issues in securing power of attorney; Centrelink assured us how to apply for benefits and confidence to be heard; Carers Queensland emphasized importance of carers' support and R and R', closing with developments of alternative medicines and use of Vitamin-C intravenous injections to help combat cancers.
Clinical Nurse Coordinator. Vivien Biggs, not only covered ranges of tumors her service covers, but expanded on new surgical techniques now used, and why some surgery's take so long.
Gary Powers, Solicitor, enforced the importance of legal tie-up with medical directives and how it was essential for all in the family to be made aware of the patient's requirements.
Lyn Brownsey, a Centrelink specialist on Disability, gave the patient audience confidence, explaining the many services available for cancer patients. The interaction with the audience demonstrated there was some lack of knowledge on behalf of patients, who intently noted the Centerlink services, as Lyn explained them. Centrelink provided plenty of material for audience study.
Carers Queensland's Ellen Slater described the many roles of Carers, and pointing out the importance for them to have respite too, as the performance factor is a safeguard for patients' welfare. Stress, and how to overcome depressive factors, were also covered by Ellen's presentation.
Interest in alternative medicines provided great listerning, as Assoc.Prof. Luis Vitetta, University of Queensland, delved into the many alternative medicines and herbs, now gaining use in Cancer treatments.
Luis, a recent import to Queensland, stressed the care to be taken in their use, not to experiment, but seriously research the value and performance of alternative medicines.
The Professor closed his presentation with news of new research into introvenous Vitamin-C injections, that have astounded researchers as to its performance in laboratory tests, with human trials expected in near future. Geoff.

MRIs for Everyone: New York City Health chases the Tumor!

As part of a National Preventative Health program, New York City Health and Brain Tumor Foundation are supporting Dr. Patrick Kelly's campaign to provide LOW COST or FREE 20 minute preliminary head MRI's for the general population.
This is a first for this road to detect tumors throughout the population, something that many brain tumor support groups throughout the world have been encouraging medical authorities to examine over past five years.
When such questions on easier availability of MRIs and unit costs were raised, they have been looked on with blank amazement. Its not that the costs of such equipment is not unknown, they are very costly to set up. But when it is realised the number of MRIs are completed each hour of the day, why, then does it cost so much for the patient.
We are talking about advanced technology here; the digital age has produced cheaper unit costs. Take the commercial digital photographic industry. It can produce very flexible en-product pricing.
It will be interesting to learn of New York City Health's costing on the above project. Geoff.

Not looking for Cancer - change your Lifestyle !

A recent report from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, estimated there were 39,200 deaths from all types of cancers in 2006. Yet, a consultancy research organisation suggests 106,000 are currently diagnosed each year.
So, where are Australians going wrong?
Aussies are renowned for a 'good lifestyle' irrespective of the rules of the game. Liberal thinking of the fifties and seventies, despite parental discipline, seem to have softened the rules of life, allowing a lifestyle open to prey.
It seemed fashionable to be seen smoking (remember Marlboro?), acceptance of drinking at an earlier age, try all the time-saving foods for those on the 'go', obesity and diet were thinly thought of, sun bake and suntan, either on the beach or ultraviolet induced, and what if a melanoma occurs, and unsafe sex.
Yeah Man . . . we were having a ball!
Then the stats started to kick in. A Doctor here, a Surgeon there, started to cry out. In the new millennium, new buzz-words took on more meanings as research results took hold; eat more green veges, wholegrains, diet, sunscreen plus, new forms of x-ray, specific cancer treatment skills, oncology came to the fore. Stat figures were now being quoted for cancer regularly as the road toll.
And Yeah! We are still living a lifestyle, but with a little more care. Sure, we are still smoking and drinking too much, but our diet is better, we are curbing the suntan, a hat has become more acceptable for the beach and bush.
Technology is fast decapitating some of the myths of cancer, with projections of 20% being made a reality for improvement by 2020.
Most monies for research are privately and publicly raised as education into cancer is now more acceptable. Governments still cannot come to grips to assist general and pharmacological research into drugs, especially when research is being conducted overseas and not tapped into here. Some patients are importing their drugs directly from overseas for their treatment; religious and political misgivings seem to stall the treatment progress in this country.
Fundamental beliefs should not be allowed to hinder such progress. Health has got to be seen as a by-product of Life, not an Add-on. Geoff. Acknowledgment Weekend Australia-Health/Pacific Strategy Partners.

Ultrsound fights Cancers - trials cover Tumor, Breast and Kidney

A new revolutionary Ultrasonic treatment is gaining momentum for Tumor, Breast, Kidney, Bone and Liver Cancers. Known as HIFU, the new treatment has proven to leave patients unscathed.
Developed at Coventry University Sonochemistry dept. and Chongqing Medical University, China, researchers conducted trials at Churchill Hospital, Oxford, with procedures now a reality, proving that focused ultrasound can be used to treat specific tumors.
With UK. research teams concentrating on kidney and liver tumors, US. teams at Harvard and Brigham Woman's hospital, under control of Drs. Peter Black and Ferenc Oesz, have been working on GBM tumors.
Professor Tim Mason, a 25yr-Sonochemistry research veteran, explained the key to this new ultrasonic cancer treatment was the ability to focus low energy ultrasound beams to a small, high energy target on a tumor inside the body.
Report from patients show no side-effects or markings on the patient, and follow-up scans show tumors to be dead or beginning to shrink.
Chinese researchers also report success with HIFU treatments on bone and breast cancers.
Accknowledgement medicalnewstoday.com. Geoff

Healthy Living Seminar helps patients

Nutrition, Physical activity, Stress and relaxation, were the draw-card for 40 Cancer, Breast Cancer and Tumor patients, who attended Cancer Council Qld., "Healthy Living" seminar, held at their main offices, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Saturday 20th.
Patients, Carers, partners and friends were treated to the latest trends in food value varieties for sensible eating to aid recovery following Cancer treatment. Facts flowed to the attentive audience about dos and donts regarding values of calories, the make-up of food varieties regarding vitamins, amega3, tomatoes and broccoli, berries and green teas. Many questions were raised re use of oils, how much coffee and red wine to drink and value of mushrooms and chocolate. Presenter Dwan Vilcins, clinical naturopath, was able to change a number of myths in food tastes.
Next, Debbie Pickersgill, from UQSport, demonstrated the value of simple physical exercise for 60 year olds, plus showing the best types of movements that would improve warm-up and mobility.
UQSport, a health unit of Uni. Queensland, has developed special programs for patients who have received treatment for Cancer, Breast Cancer and Tumor receovery. Deb also supplied an easy-guide showing simple movements patients can safely used in the home.
Stress and relaxation was presented by Yoga specialist, Sheridan Oliver, who demonstrated simple exercise and breathing techniques, discussing how stress can tighten up your muscles and what to do about it.
Comments from the audience demonstrated that all the advice on Healthy Living had been taken seriously; the questuions from the floor tying-up the presenters many times. A great Seminar enjoyed by all. Geoff.

Malfunctions after Meningioma removal - Therapist comment

A Physical Therapist, who is a recent patient of Meningioma removal, has some sound words of advice for other Meningimates, who may be suffering discomfort from a craniotomy.
Sandy Conran writes: I'm a craniotomy patient, MNG survivor, and a physical therapist. Following my surgery last year my titanium screws sites were very sensitive and it was nearly 6 mth. before I could lie on my left side. Fortunately, I had access to a therapist trained in craniosacral therapy.
The basis for this therapy is that meninge layer that lines the inside of the skull and spinal cord is filled with cerebrospinal fluid that has a current, like a river. The surgery disrupted this flow, especially around the meninge incision site which is where the screws are placed post-op.
One-two 30 min. sessions with this therapist relieved the sensitivity around 2 of my 3 screw sites. The other one was too sensitive to work for several more months.
Cranio-sacral therapists may be physical therapists, massage therapists, or thier own entity.
It is considered mainstream currently but was considered more alternative therapy until last decade. Use your search engines to check for nearby practitioners or for more background information. (This is useful information. Geoff)

Health Debates reach new Lows - personal prospective

Recent debates on abortion and stem cell research have sunk to new lows, with personal religious and personal politics deciding on one's life and health.
It is incredible to think that, in this new millennium, such thoughts can even be contemplated in what is now regarded as living in a modern World.
The Victorian parliament has been debating a new deal for mothers, who may want to abort their foetus, for whatever personal or health reason. New Victorian legislation will allow abortion on demand upto 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Over in the United States Presidential elections, debate is raging between Democrat and Republican candidates, over a re-think by President George Bush, to relent slightly, to allow limited support for using embryonic stem cell research to develop medical therapies.
Democratic Vice-Presidential hopeful, Sen. Joe Biden, has wasted no time in firing a fusillade at Republican Vice-Presidential Sarah Palin, on this issue, due to the effect Rublicans oppose embryonic stem cell research, and also the fact that Sarah Palin gave birth, in April, to a down-syndrome child.
Why is it that our personal health has to be penalised by religious and political tags - health of an individual must be allowed to be free of censure. We are also being made aware of censures placed on Asiatic mothers, due to religious and political fervor. In terms of securing individual health, there is no place for fundamentalism and secularism.
Australia has to be one of the World bodies that sanctions such high degress in health care. Personal health care has to be registered well above religious and political thinking.
We have made it with anti-discrimination; the same should be applied to World Health.! Geoff.

Info Handbook/DVD for After-Treatment

Following Sept. Brain Tumor Support Group meeting, members were invited by Cancer Council Queensland, to join a Focus Group session, to discuss a proposal to develop a Survivor Kit, Book or DVD, for patients as they leave hospital after their treatment for cancer or tumor.
With funding provided by Cancer Australia, this patient-support initiative has received a large amount of experience-information to support this project.
The key issue is to ensure patients re-entering their normal life surroundings after leaving a treatment centre, will have a smooth transition to returning to as normal life as possible.
Items covered in this information project are anxiety and stress once cancer treatment finishes, uncertainly what to expect in terms of side-effects, loss of confidence in one's body and fear of recurrence, feeling socially isolated when visible support level diminishes from hospital, family and friends, feelings of guilt and anger, grief and loss related to changes cancer has made to your physical health, appearance, fertility, sexuality, work-life, income, independence and many others.
Discussions from various support groups will be collated by project officer Heather Woodford, Cancer Council Qld. from where a Focus committee will decide on the final presentation of the project.
For more information or interest, contact/email heatherwoodford@cancerqld.org.au Geoff.

Improve Brain Health: Good Nutrition!

Due to the treatment you are on, correct nutritional food guidelines are essential to pull the mind and body back into condition. Eat a variety of foods of different colors without a lot of added ingredients or processes.
Plan meals around your vegetables, and then add friut, protien, dairy and/or whole gran breads.
Add some cold water fish to your diet like tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, barra and whiting fillets; these contain important omega-3 fatty acids. Trim down meals containing red meats, frys and bbq's. Learn what a portion-size is, so you do not over eat, but enjoy your food.
Try to eat more foods low in GI (Glycemic Index). There are many GI Cook books available to help you with choice recipes. If you can only do one thing, eat more vegetables, particulary leafy green ones. Geoff Acknowlegment sharpbrains.com

Improve Brain Health: Stress Management!

Get regular cardiovascular exercise. Try to get enough
sleep each night. Keep in touch with friends and family,
join a Brain Tumor Support Group.
Practice meditation, yoga, or some other calming activity as a way to take a relaxing time-out, like a massage, take the dog for a walk, go fishing, gardening, and reading.
If you can only do one thing, set aside 5 to 10 minutes just to breath deeply and recharge yourself. Geoff
Acknowledgment sharpbrain.com

Improve Brain Health: Get Physical!

If you can only do one thing, do something cardiovascular, meaning something that gets your heart beating faster. This will include walking, running, skiing, swimming, biking, tennis basketball, and any other similar sports activities.
If you are currently not physically active, start talking to your Doctor, especially if you have special health concerns, or considering making changes to your current program. Set a goal that you can achieve.
Do something you enjoy for even 15 to 30 minutes a day. You can always add more time and activities later, as you gain more confidence. Do not stress yourself if at first you cannot achieve your goal. Geoff
Acknowledgment sharpbrains.com

French Mini Laser removes GBMs

Paris, France. Since 2006, French Neurosurgeons have been developing micro-surgery applications for the removal of Brain Tumors.
Using a mini-laser, which has a temperature-controlled tip, special software controls the entire operation at the neurosurgeon's finger tips.
Drilling a 3mm hole into the skull, the laser is directed to the particular tumor, where the laser tip burns the matastesing cells, while the specially developed software keeps control of temperature in the laser cutting head. The patient is only sedated with a local anesthetic.
Six voluntary patients have so far come through these "mini-laser" operations successfully. French technology researchers expect this form of neurosurgery to expand widely to include other forms of tumor removal in the near future. Acknowledgement: Le Monde, Paris. Geoff.

Danielle's survival of Cancer and Identity - CVQ. Agm

Cancer Voices Qld. first annual general meeting, August 14, was attended by mainly executive and intrastate committee members, and small band of general membership, held at the Heart Foundation Offices, Brisbane.
Following opening report by Chair Leonie Young, cancer survivor Danielle Tindle, presented her path in her life of cancer and identity. Struck down aged 22 years, diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, with a tumor the size of a football in her chest, and smaller lumps in neck and abdomen. Danielle went on to described how she has been able to modify her life to the demands cancer has made on her. As a teenager, Danielle was ready to party and enjoy life to the full. Her ideals in fashion and outlook were changed radically when cancer treatment took away all her hair, modifying her life presentation to include a wig, permanently. "I'm not who I was, but can't relate to anyone else; I don't know who I am becoming, or even If I will live. Who am I" Danielle exclaimed.
Now 28 years, Danielle took her audience through various stages of life-changing scenarios, where she had to re-appraise herself and future directions in life, trying to understand how objectives were seen for patients through the eyes of your GP/Specialists, and the questions posed by patients to help in their identity.
Now employed with Leukaemia Foundation Australia, Danielle is researching and developing a national education support program for young people affected by blood cancer. Special Grants have allowed Danielle to tour United Kingdom and Ireland health research centres, where similar programs are assisting teenage cancer/tumor
patients; reviewing the treatments received and how these centres are achieving results. Geoff.

Dietary Supplements OK for Cancer Survivors, but . . .

It is quite common practice for long-term cancer survivors to use wide-range of Dietary supplements. 753 Cancer patients with over 5 yrs. out-of-their-diagnosis, were phone-questioned about their dietary habits and supplement use.
Denise Snyder, RD. Clinical trials Manager, Duke University School of Nursing, expressed concern at the use of one specific type of nutrient, that could upset metabolic balance in the body processing nutrients. "Maybe too much of one thing, not enough of something else that may put your cells at risk", said Snyder.
Of those tested, 75% said they used dietary supplements. These ranged from multivitamins 80%; calcium 50%; antioxidants, C, E, carotenoids, selenium and combinations 41%; fish Oil 29%; glucosamine, chondrolin combinations 19%, and 18% took botanicals and herbs.
Denise Snyder was surprised at numbers taking supplements, with 90% claiming use off one formulation for 12 month or more. A healthier lifestyle seem to be main draw for adding supplements to diet.
Those who ate high amounts of fruit and vegetables, fibre and less saturated fats, tended to add supplement to their diet, too.
It would appear that 'balance' seems to be the clear winner, for it is recommended discussions with your GP or dietician to check a need to take so many supplements.
"If you eat fish three times per week, maybe there is need to cut down on fish oil" concluded Denise Snyder.
Acknowledgement WebMD/American Cancer Society.

Water better with Drugs - Juices unsettling!

Tablets! . . . when you swallow them down, is it with fruit juice, your brandy, beer, champas, or just plain Water? Have you noticed how tablet packaging advises fruit juices can decrease absorption of many Drugs? These comments should not be taken lightly as juice can effect allergies, transplant rejection, cancer and high blood pressure.
David G. Bailey, PhD., Professor Clinical Pharmacology, University of Weston Ontario, London, Canada and his researchers discovered in 1991, that grapefruit juice increased blood concentrations of blood pressure drug Plendil to possible dangerous levels, as well as slowing down key liver enzymes that clears Plendil, and some 40 other drugs, from the body.
Now new Bailey research reports grapefruit, orange and apple juices decease the absorption of several important medications. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure we'll find more drugs affected this way," says Bailey, reporting his findings in a report to 236th annual meeting of American Chemical Society.
It was found a substance called naringin in grapefruit was a culprit, blocking OATP1A2, a transporter molecule in the gut, which carries some drugs from the samll intestines into the blood. Orange juice contains hesperidin, but a culprit in apple juice remains aloof for time being.
David Bailey says the concern is loss of benefit of medications essential for treatment of serious condituions.
Healthy volunteers took fexofenadine with either grapefruit juice, a glass of water mixed with naringin, or pure water. A drug taken with grapefruit juice or the nnaringin mixture halved the amount of drug absorption to reach the bloodstream.
People/patients should take their tablets with water only, advises Bailey. "People taking medications should check with their GP or Pharmacist before taking medications with fruit juices" Prof. Bailey concluded.

Booming-Base Decibels hinder Tumors

Hi, Music appreciated Tumor sufferers, recently we have been under sufferance of Deep Base Decibel syndrome from the younger set wanting to share their lust of powerful thumping base music via stereo systems.
Whether it is one of the neighbours, or the car that pulls up beside you at the traffic lights, the 'thumping' stress it blasts out on my partner's Meningioma is distressing to see. Not only this, but the music and public announcements in major shopping centres seems to have got louder, too.
Have you visited a Record Bar lately, or one of the 'new' fashion shops, where the Manager, in all their psychedelic color, appear to be dancing, or twitching to the rhythm, even when they try to sell you something? Enquiring into this 'new' form of retailing (having spent 40 years in the game), what was the advantage of this style of music?
"Man, you have'nt lived! This is cool for everyone. It puts customers into the swing to buy!".
My partner finds the violins playing in a store like Myers or Millers, for example, much more pleasant to her Meningioma. Has anyone else been affected by this trend in music? Geoff.

New Vaccine kurbs Glioblastoma

At a recent conference of American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) annual meeting, Duke University research group released news of a new vaccine containing common type of herpes virus, human cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Used in conjunction with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide, seems to be successful delaying the recurrence of glioblastoma in a small group of patients.
Researchers at Duke University built upon this knowledge by developing a CMV vaccine, testing it on nearly two dozen patients, where early results appeared promising, but continued research is still required.
A Duke news release on the study is available at http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/News/10320. Geoff.

Saying Thanks cultivates a grateful Heart

By focusing on what we are thankful for, and saying thank you, even the most difficult times can create feelings of love, compassion and hope.
Mary Beth Sammons, Carepages.com, suggests these 10 tips for saying thanks.
1. Be grateful and recognise the things others have done to help you.
2. When you say "Thank you" tell the person specifically what it is you appreciate and why.
3. Post a 'thank you to all' on your Care page, or email those in your Care community.
4. Send a hand-written thank you note. These are noteworthy because so few of us take time to write.
5. Think thoughts of gratitude - two or three good things that happened today; notice a calm settle through your head, at least for a moment. It activates part of the brain that floods the body with endophins, or feel-good hormones.
6. Remember ways your life has been made easier or better because of others' efforts. Be aware of the many good things going on around you, and acknowledge them.
7. Keep a journal/diary to note a list of good things or people you are grateful for today. The list will grow as you notice more of the good things around you.
8. Being grateful shakes out of self-absorption and helps you recognise those who have done wonderful things for you. Expressing that gratitude will continue to draw people into your sphere.
9. Remember this: "When you learn, teach. When you get, give" - Maya Angelou.
10. Join forces to do good. If you survived illness or loss, you may want to reach out to others to help as a way of showing gratitude for those who reached out to you.
Acknowledgement Mary Beth Sammons, Carepages.com

Tumor Cells blood tagged by Microchip

In today's fast technical World, tumor cells are not only sought out by Biomedical research, but electronic techniques are fast approaching the stage where special software-controlled microchips analyse tumor cells from blood of patients with solid tumors.
A research team from Cancer Center, Massachusetts General, led by Dr.Daniel Haber, MD. Phd. says circulating tumor cells (CTC) are located in a fragile atmosphere and are scarce in the blood, accounting for one in a million cells of a typical cancer blood sample. Being very hard to detect in a patient's blood, a newly developed chip offers non-evasive monitoring of patients with solid tumors.
Research has shown CTC chip will identify genetic changes in blood samples of patients likely to benefit from recommended treatments from those not likely to benefit. A suprise to researchers was to find the genetic make-up of tumors changed continuously during treatment.
A spokesman for American Cancer Society said this new research will play a big role for new cancer treatments. "A major problem is that we are still using a definition of cancer established in early 1800's. A new 21st. century definition will examine genetics of a tumor to establish path of mutation or cause of cell death" he concluded.
Acknowledgment New England Journal of Medicine.

Understanding Cancer - Does not stick together or become specialised

Cancer Cells can lose molecules on their surface, that keep normal cells in the right place, become detached from their neighbours, allowing the cancer cell to spread to other parts of the body.
Unlike normal cells, cancer cells do not carry on maturing once they have been formed. With all the reproducing, it is not suprising that more of the genetic information in the cell can become lost.
Cells become more primitive tend to reproduce more quickly and even more haphazardly.
Understanding Cancer series, Cancer Research UK.

Understanding Cancer - Normal Cells

Normal body cells have a number of important characteristics
They can reproduce themselves exactly
Stop reproducing at the right time
Stick together in the right place
Self-destruct if they are damaged
Become specialised or 'mature'

PET, with FET, picks out Tumor activity

Within the World of Cancer and Tumors, the 'lingo' being used in everyday communications is forever changing, and is at times, difficult to keep up with. We have gotten used to such terms and acronyms as Xray, MRI, fMRI, CT, PET, Chemo, and so it goes on.
Now, Australian researchers have launched another new tab to describe fluoroethyltyrosine, or FET. Developed in trials by Cooperative Research Centre, Biomedical Imaging Developments, Melbourne, have shown that radio active amino acids are able to double the scans to locate active tumor cells in the brain.
Identifed as FET, fluoroethyltyrosine is injected into a patient prior to scanning the tumor. Used in conjunction with a PET (position emission tomography) scan, it correctly identifies patients needing treatment; FET pinpointing accurately active tumor cells in the brain.
A research spokesman said tumors require large amounts of amino acids to support abnormal growth, FET distinguishing active cancer tumor cells against normal brain tissue. Geoff.
Acknowledement theage.com