Cancer and Exercise

“You have cancer.” These words rip through your entire being with the horrendous force of an atomic blast. Suddenly, everything is inside-out, upside-down. Your mind tries to wrap itself around this new and frightening reality. The somber-faced doctor looking at you from across his desk surely must have you mistaken for somebody else. How can this be? Are you kidding me? Will I die? Once having worked through the myriad of denials, when the acceptance of the news finally settles in, it does so with gut-wrenching agony.

You have entered a new and foreign world. Life is now no longer just about getting the kids ready for school, walking the dog, dropping off the laundry, planning dinner for the family, cleaning the house, meeting deadlines, spending time with friends, or the minutia of daily living. Life is now also about survival.

The speed at which things begin to happen can be terrifying. You quickly have to make some decisions regarding treatment that will move your life in a direction you never anticipated. Your life may seem like it is spinning completely out of control. “Overwhelmed” is an inadequate word for the experience.

There is nothing that can totally remove the fear and the shock of discovering that you have cancer. You can, however, do something significant that will help you regain the feeling of being in control of your life, your body, and your destiny EXERCISE!

You might be tired, depressed, frustrated, drained, worn-out, and have limited strength and functional capacity. Activities of daily living might become an unimaginable challenge. Good news; moderate physical exercise has been proven to help fight the possible physical and emotional side effects of cancer and associated treatment. It can be part of your personal recipe for living stronger.

EXERCISE, your weapon, can help you make significant improvement in the following areas; stamina, functional capacity, strength, range of motion and flexibility, treatment tolerance, self-esteem, self-confidence, increased ability to perform activities of daily living.. Exercise can also help decrease pain, decrease depression and total mood disturbances, reduce sleep problems, anxiety, nausea, and cancer related fatigue. Quite simply, it can help you get your life back.

It has long been thought that staying active can lower the risk of getting cancer, but new findings show that it can also be a valuable prescription for recovery.

A recent study, released March 2004, done by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, found that women who exercised after breast cancer reduced their chance of dying from the disease by one-quarter to one-half, depending on their level of activity.

Although there are many expert theories, it is biologically unclear as to how exercise accomplishes this feat. Researchers do agree that moderate activity is an unquestionably safe recommendation and that it can have a myriad of benefits.

For breast cancer survivors, getting back normal range of motion in the affected arm can be challenging, at best. The surgical arm can feel extremely tight. Simple tasks, such as reaching a high kitchen cabinet can prove to be difficult. Presumably, after surgery for breast cancer, the surgeon will refer the patient to a Cancer Exercise Specialist (or a physical therapist trained to work with breast cancer patients) for initial assessment of range of motion, lymphedema precaution instructions, and exercise education. If the surgeon has not offered that as a viable option to you, ask about it.

A Cancer Exercise Specialist can put together an exercise program that is tailored to your individual needs and limitations. A regimen of progressive milestones will undoubtedly provide you with a sense of accomplishment and confidence, as well as bolster your self-esteem.

The goals of your exercise program should include; increasing your energy levels; improve your posture by stretching tight muscles and strengthening muscles that are weak; increase your range of motion through stretching and movement exercises that emphasize your upper body, and improving your quality of life by enhancing your physical and mental condition.

When you begin an exercise program, do not be discouraged if you find that you tire easily. Fighting and surviving cancer, takes emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental energy. You might also find that certain movements cause you discomfort. Working through slight discomfort is acceptable, but you should never try and work through any kind of pain.

Being consistent with your program will assist you in getting past these issues. It will also provide you with benefits you may not have even imagined possible when you were first diagnosed with cancer.

“Keeping up with a regular exercise program is great for my mental health.” It gives me something to look forward to, breaks up the monotony of my house-bound days, and gives me more energy. It helps me maintain a better self-image to see the positive changes in my body.
I feel strong and in control.

I believe that keeping physically active and keeping myself strong are going to help me fight and beat this not unconquerable enemy. Somebody has to beat the odds. There is absolutely no reason why it won’t be me.”

CJB – Stage IV uterine cancer

Hold close to your heart the fact that while cancer may have invaded your body, it does not have to invade your spirit.

About the Author:
CT Fox, Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist
CT Fox is a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist and NSCA Certified Personal Trainer who has the privilege to work with cancer patients in the Denver area. She can be reached at 303.475.8841.
http://www.foxfitnesstraining.com
Added: Tue Mar 21 2006
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Finding a New Appreciation For Life After Cancer

An inspirational story that will make you want to enjoy what God has given you while you can.

I have just spent a delightful two weeks with my sister, Joy. Joy is the strong, energetic type who enjoyed a daily run before starting her teaching job. She had recovered well from a total mastectomy due to breast cancer twenty three years ago, and for the last two years had been having regular check ups for polyps in the bowel.

While running early one morning, she noted her foot was hurting. It was still troubling her several days later, so she decided to make an appointment with her doctor. The doctor examined her foot and suggested it would be a good idea to have a routine blood test.

This showed that Joy was anemic, which prompted the Doctor to do a colonoscopy. Wilma’s other sister rang with the disturbing news! The colonoscopy revealed Joy had colon cancer and faced the difficult decision to have the whole bowel, or a major part of the bowel removed.

Six weeks after surgery and in between chemotherapy, Joy came to me to recover. “I am going to enjoy every day,” she said. “This has made me appreciate life, as none of us know what is in the future.” And enjoy every day we did! During our bush walks the birds seemed to sing louder and sweeter, the moss appeared greener, the trees bigger. To Joy, the mountains were awesome, and the walk along the beach with the feel of the sand between her toes and the clear blue water were described as, ‘just beautiful’.

Joy praises God for every new day

As nature came alive and Joy took on a new appreciation of it, I was drawn to this thought for the week.

“When men invented flying machines they were noisy, but God made songbirds so they could sing the purest music on earth! (Genesis chapter 1, verse 21)

The sophisticated song mechanism of birds leaves scientists speechless. Birds are such skilled musicians that it often requires someone with a degree in music to fully appreciate their brilliance. Nightingales can have a repertoire of 300 songs stored in their brains! They will often sing 70 songs before they repeat the repertoire again with perfect accuracy. Many birds have ‘absolute pitch’, meaning that they can determine exactly what key they sing in without reference to anything like a tuning fork!

Some birds can perform antiphonal singing where two birds alternate notes in a song. This requires knowledge of the duet by both partners and split second timing in the execution of the duet. When human beings do this it’s considered very skillful and impressive yet birds can accomplish it easily! Since man-made music has an intelligent composer, it’s perfectly reasonable to assume that birdsong has an intelligent, divine Composer.

Some say that birdsong is only required for communication and mating purposes, but the complexity of their music goes way beyond any simple sounds that would satisfy these needs. We can safely conclude that birdsong was created for our enjoyment and that the dawn chorus was meant to remind us to praise God for every new day!” www.thoughtfortheweek.co.uk

It is a reminder to us all isn’t it, to stop and enjoy what God has given us to enjoy. Often we are so busy that we fail to stop long enough to listen to and enjoy nature.

By the way, the doctor never found anything wrong with Joy’s foot. Joy believes God used the foot to get her to the doctor, as they found absolutely no signs that would suggest there was another problem. If she had left it unattended, the outcome would have been worse. She wrote this poem before she flew home:

Cancer is such an ugly word

For me to get it, oh how absurd

But cancer came knocking at my door

And it was quite a shock, that’s for sure

But I know that God really loves me

And so from all fear I’m set free.

For God has promised to be with me all the time

Even when the mountain is real big to climb

The birds are singing and I’m still here

I have great support with the angels near

I’m so blessed in so many ways

I’ll live life to the fullest till the end of my days

For God has got special plans for me

He’s given me promises so that I can see

That there’s hope in the days ahead

So I’ve got a purpose to get out of bed!

Joy has found hope and comfort in knowing God really loves her and has her future in his hands. “I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11

None of us knows what tomorrow may bring, but we can be sure of our final outcome. In the movie 'Your Destiny Your Choice', Ryan gave little thought to life after death until he faced death...he was afraid! His sister Nicky comes to visit in hospital and shows him a computer program that could make him sure of his destiny. Will Ryan choose to be sure of his final outcome? You will disover the answer when you download this movie free on my website.

About the Author:
International traveller, author, and speaker, Wilma Watson has been helping people overcome life’s challenges for over 35 years. Her encouraging words have helped thousands reach their full potential. Wilma is the producer of a unique website that makes spirituality fun and simple. Visit her site at http://www.ydyc.org
Submitted on 2005-10-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Discussing Breast Cancer with Others Could Save Someone’s Life

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women ages 40 to 59. This year alone, more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease. Another 40,000 will die from it. Even though early detection is critical to survival and every woman is at risk for developing the disease, new research shows the vast majority of women do not discuss this issue with each other.

According to a recent survey commissioned by WHEATABLES Crackers and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, there is a startling lack of dialogue among women about breast cancer risk and the importance of early detection. Sixty-five percent of women report they never or infrequently discuss breast cancer risk even though almost half report having a close personal experience (self, family or close friend diagnosed) with the disease. Seventy-three percent of mothers surveyed reported they never or hardly ever discuss breast cancer, breast self-exams or mammograms with their daughters or granddaughters and 67 percent of the women surveyed said the same about their mothers or stepmothers.

“These findings are astounding particularly because one in eight women are expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Communication and conversation are critical to understanding the importance of early detection and adopting positive breast health practices,” said Susan Braun, president and CEO of the Komen Foundation.

In response, WHEATABLES Crackers and the Komen Foundation have launched a public education initiative to encourage women to talk about breast cancer. Called “Talk About Breast Cancer - It’s a Conversation Worth Having,” the initiative is designed to help women -- and those who love them -- get the conversation going.

Special WHEATABLES Crackers packaging carries pink Ribbons for Life and conversation starter tips, including:

* Make a monthly calendar note to call your mother, aunt, sister or daughter with a reminder to conduct a breast self-exam. * Enclose a note and a pink ribbon in birthday cards to female friends 40 years of age or older, reminding them to have a mammogram.

* Ask your doctor about breast health activities at every appointment. Don’t wait for the doctor to ask you.

* Send a care package with how-to tips to young women at college or away from home; once a woman turns 20, she should begin conducting monthly breast self-exams and have a doctor or nurse examine her breasts every three years.

* Develop a “buddy” system with friends. Ask them to remind you regularly about breast health activities and do the same for them.

* Share a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa and breast cancer facts with a friend: Breast cancer is the number one killer of women between the ages of 40 and 59; the majority of women who develop breast cancer had no family history of the disease; if breast cancer is detected early, a woman’s chances of survival improve significantly.

“Regular discussions that encourage breast health activities like monthly breast self-exams, annual clinical breast exams and mammograms can make a very real difference,” said Jenny Enochson, spokesperson for WHEATABLES Crackers. “That’s why we’re so committed to getting the conversation going.”

WHEATABLES Crackers will donate $5.00 to the Komen Foundation for every five ribbons clipped from its special packaging and sent in by customers. For more information about the campaign, log onto www.ribbonsforlife.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Uplifting Tips from Breast Cancer Survivors

I put UPLIFT: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors together because, as a survivor, I saw the need for a book that treated breast cancer as a do-able experience -- and, indeed, the response to it has been remarkable. The book contains useful woman-to-woman hints -- things the doctor doesn't say -- practical advice on topics ranging from what deodorant to use during radiation, to what minimizes nausea during chemo, to how to feel feminine and upbeat. This advice comes first-hand, in the words of 370+ breast cancer survivors, their sisters, children, parents, lovers, and friends. The new 3rd Edition adds updates, five years later, from many of the original contributors.

The following are some uplifting tips from breast cancer survivors. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do:

The Worry Box "I found a box and glued colorful scraps of wrapping paper on the top. Inside it, each morning, I tucked handwritten notes about my worries and fears. Then I closed the lid and went on with the rest of the day." Nancy Burgess, in the "TAKING THE REINS" chapter.

The Art of Healing "Go to a theater, a museum, a concert or ballet. Art can take us out of ourselves, lift us beyond our immediate environment, enrich us spiritually and aesthetically. Opening yourself to great beauty is always a life-enhancer. In times of crisis, it's also healing." Susan Stamberg, in the "TAKING THE REINS" chapter.

Pins and Needles "Apparently, there is a dressmaker in Chicago who had prostheses made out of her pin cushions, so that she could conveniently stick her needles and pins into her chest when sewing and making alterations!" Darlene Jurow, in the "HUMOR" chapter.

Eating With Friends "I found conventional support group meetings difficult, so I formed my own support dinner group. We dine out every couple of months to discuss having breast cancer. We also share stories of our spouses, children, and travels." Deborah J.P. Schur, in the "SUPPORT GROUP" chapter.

Drinking Helps "Someone told me my chemo symptoms sounded like a really bad hangover! Their suggestion that Gatorade was good for hangovers led to my drinking gallons of it, which helped steady that queasy shakiness." Jane Vaughan, in the "CHEMO AND EVERYTHING ELSE" chapter.

Accentuate the Positive "Perhaps the most significant outcome of my battle with breast cancer is that I have changed my outlook on life. I now regard life as precious and try not to focus on negative things. Eliminating stress and resentment from my life and concentrating on the positive things has become my goal. I am now more at peace with myself. " Sandy Mark, in the "PURE UPLIFT" chapter.

Looking Ahead "It's been five years, nine months for me, but who's counting! I still think about my cancer, but less and less. I'm exercising more now. I really found out how good it was after my surgery and I got into a program for cancer survivors. I only wished I had started earlier in life. Now I faithfully visit the Y to start off my day." Judy Peterson, in the "FAST FORWARD" chapter.

For more tips and quotes visit Barbara Delinsky's site at http://www.barbaradelinsky.com/uplift/uplift.cfm

Barbara Delinsky is a bestselling author. Her novels are highly emotional, character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship. They regularly appear on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today Bestseller Lists. UPLIFT: Secrets of the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors is Barbara's first non-fiction work.

Barbara donates all of her proceeds from the sale of UPLIFT to her charitable foundation for breast cancer research. So far, the sale of the book has allowed the Barbara Delinsky Charitable Foundation to fund three years of a breast surgery fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. The focus of the fellowship is to launch the career of a surgical oncologist with an additional year of training focused on innovative breast cancer treatments and research, hopefully offering returns to the field of cancer research for decades to come.

For more information on the foundation, please visit the UPLIFT website at http://www.barbaradelinsky.com/uplift/uplift.cfm

Copyright © 2006 Barbara Delinsky Charitable Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

About the Author:
Barbara Delinsky is a bestselling author. For more tips and quotes visit Barbara Delinsky's site at http://www.barbaradelinsky.com/uplift/uplift.cfm
Submitted: 2006-09-08
Article Source: GO Articles

Diagnosis of cancer and how you can control your emotions

For everybody it is a shocking time, if you receive the information from your doctor. Its very important, to bring your strong emotions under control. There are so many different aspect of living with cancer – from the pure medical issues, to emotional aspects, to the impact on the family as well as daily living considerations.

Are you sitting down? Accept that getting a cancer diagnosis is a shock to the system and people often go through the normal stages of grieving – from denial, bargaining, anger and depression and finally acceptance. How you deal with this depends much on the type of person you are and how they have dealt with similar issues in your life.

Don't go it alone. There are people who are professional counselors specifically trained to deal with people who have cancer. Sometimes it may be difficult to speak about your real feelings to family or friends, because they are also emotionally involved. A counselor is there for you and will help you come to terms with the things that you may be struggling with in a caring but neutral environment.

Join a support group. These are invaluable. Support groups go a long way towards helping people deal with the psychological aspects of living with cancer. Sharing experiences with people who are also experiencing firsthand what you are going through, goes a long way towards making things easier to live with. Here you can freely speak your mind without fearing that what you say might affect your relationships at home or with friends.

Deal with depression. Accept that there will be times when you feel lonely, depressed and sad. If you never feel this way, you are probably not facing up to the situation. Don't feel guilty when you feel depressed – it is a normal reaction in the situation. Learn to recognize the signs of depression – early awakening, excessive sleeping, a change in eating habits, and a lack of interest in things that formerly interested you, a feeling of continuous fatigue – and take action when they continue for longer than two weeks.

Decisions, decisions. It is possible those practical things may change for a while and that the person with cancer may need extra assistance and care. Discuss the options and deal with practical issues such as transport to and from medical appointments, possible home nursing if necessary, what to tell friends and family, medical costs, leave from work, the division of the household tasks for the time the family member with cancer may not be able to perform his/her share of the housework. There is no point at all in avoiding these topics as they are much easier to discuss beforehand than when they arise.

Family matters

Families will react in very different ways. In crises families tend to behave the way they always do, just more pronouncedly so. If a family is into avoidance, this is how this situation will be dealt with. Or if they are generally supportive, that will be the main trait of how they deal with a cancer diagnosis in one of the members of the family. Family counseling might ease the situation for everyone.

Decisions, decisions. It is possible those practical things may change for a while and that the person with cancer may need extra assistance and care. Discuss the options and deal with practical issues such as transport to and from medical appointments, possible home nursing if necessary, what to tell friends and family, medical costs, leave from work, the division of the household tasks for the time the family member with cancer may not be able to perform his/her share of the housework. There is no point at all in avoiding these topics as they are much easier to discuss beforehand than when they arise.

With our next information – we will inform you about the "Tips for daily living with cancer" – so you should have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks! If you have any question sends us your e-mail. Health-Service-Online Admin Fritz Frei http://www.cancer-info.info

About the Author:
Fritz Frei likes to inform you about important details on the diagnoses and tests of the cancer. To receive more information's about all cancer - http://www.cancer-info.info
Added: 04 Mar 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/22788.html

How to Cope With Cancer

Picture yourself walking down the street where you live. Everything looks normal, but you have a feeling that something is not quite right. Suddenly there’s a rumble and the road buckles up around your feet. You struggle, unable to move forward. Your thoughts become erratic and scattered, just when you need clarity. People come to help you, but that sinking feeling remains and something is telling you that your life will never be the same.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer you know what I am talking about. A cancer diagnosis can knock you out like nothing you’ve experienced before, and your life won't be the same. The learning curve is steep, and you’re forced up that curve at an alarming rate so that you feel unsure of which turns to take. Sometimes you feel as if you’re in a swamp with no road at all, and you rush around desperately looking for solid ground so you can rest. Some of these experiences are common, but everyone walks a different road on the journey with cancer.

Fortunately there is a lot of help out there to guide you to safety. Sometimes there seems to be too much help – too much advice, too many decisions to make. The trick is to listen to your intuition, your “gut instinct” or that “still small voice within”. Take some time alone to ask yourself questions such as “How do I feel about that?” or “What is really important to me?” Listen for the answers which may come to you when you wake up, although it may take a few days or weeks to be clear.

Cancer gives you permission to evaluate your life and prioritize what is truly important to you. Look at your activities and the people around you to see where you gain or lose energy, and reduce the impact that energy robbers have on your health and on your life. If the problem is from a relationship or work, it may be necessary to make some changes. These decisions aren't easy, so make sure you have support from other sources. The process is worthwhile when the payoff is your health, so establish your priorities and values, and be prepared to draw a line in the sand to stay within your comfort level.

I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 1986 and 2 other minor cancers in 1987. I used the wake up call to figure out how to get rid of my excess anger and depression as well as cancer. From a variety of sources I noticed a common thread and created a list of categories which I call “Find Your Own Road” to serve as a guide in finding your unique road to health. It doesn’t mean that you walk the road alone, but that you make choices about which building blocks you will use to build your road, as it will be different from everyone else’s road. There are books, tapes and videos to suit every situation and help you “Find Your Own Road”. Take the time to choose what speaks to you. Read every book with a critical eye and take only what you need, place what you may need in the future on an imaginary shelf, and discard what does not work for you. The act of taking charge and playing an active role in your health care will move you towards a better state of health.

“Find Your Own Road” –an adjunct to conventional Western medicine
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Sleep and Deep Relaxation
4. Simplicity
5. Spirituality
6. Volunteer Work
7. Support System
8. Humor
9. Art / Music
10. Complementary Therapies
11. Visualization
12. Cognitive Therapy

Items 1, 2, and 3 are the main categories to evaluate for yourself. There are guidelines posted daily about the benefits of healthy food choices and regular exercise. Pay attention – they’re talking to you! With regard to making choices, ask yourself “Is this good for my health?” Listen for the answer, and use it to plan your diet and your exercise regime. Walking is the most basic and therapeutic exercise which can be incorporated into any lifestyle. The time spent sleeping is when your body heals, so give it ample opportunity to do that, especially if you are in active treatment for cancer. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are effective in getting rid of primary cancers, but your body needs help to recuperate and maintain a healthy state afterwards. Deep relaxation means complete mental and physical relaxation for at least 15 minutes a day, this does not include time spent lying on the couch with a remote control. Deep relaxation comes from such things as deep breathing, meditation, prayer, massage.

4. Simplicity in life will help you to focus on your health. In this fast paced, high tech world we have lost sight of our basic needs and the advantages of a simpler lifestyle. Our materialistic wants can be blown out of proportion to what is really important and a cancer diagnosis serves to remind us where our priorities lie. Loving and being loved by others is a prime human need without which life just doesn’t make sense. Dealing with any unfinished business will help you achieve peace of mind and be comfortable with who you are.

5. Spirituality is an individual thing and may or may not include formal religion. Many people say that their faith has sustained them through an ordeal with cancer which is a wonderful thing for them. For those who have no formal religion, the world offers spirituality in many ways: spending time appreciating nature, and expressing gratitude for what you have, will help you to connect with your inner self and also see a bigger picture. Nurturing yourself will ultimately help you to connect with and nurture other people.

6. Volunteer work can provide you with many happy hours. When I was going through chemotherapy, I heard on the radio about a study which said that volunteering gives you satisfaction and promotes longer life. “Right, I can do that” I thought, and added one more block to build my road to health.

7. Building a support system keeps you moving forward on the road. I found support from my husband, other family members, and friends without whom I would not be where I am today. It’s tough to walk a cancer journey alone and well worth the effort to develop a strong support system. Working with other volunteers provides me with peer support; we even ran a retreat for women with breast cancer for 6 years. I am now a life coach and I coach people who would like additional support in coping with cancer.

8. 9. & 10. The fields of music, art and laughter offer a wealth of healing power. At the retreats we provided a variety of activities including music, art, and humor workshops which were well received. There were also sessions with practitioners of Massage, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology, Reiki, Yoga, Qi Cong, Tai Chi, Spirituality, and others. The idea was to give people a sample of things that would help to promote wellness in their lives after cancer treatment.

11. We all use visualization to get us where we want to go. During my cancer treatment, I used visualization to strengthen my belief that I could do something constructive to heal myself. I found color pictures of T-cells killing cancer cells in the June 1986 edition of National Geographic magazine, and I spent many hours visualizing my cancer cells being snuffed out by hard working killer T-cells. Imagery is an individual thing so it’s important to visualize something that will work for you.

12. Cognitive Therapy has helped me to work through anger, and reduce negative self talk and depression. Positive thinking is encouraging, but without behavior change it can be superficial. Positive behavior comes from working through negative thoughts and letting them go, at the same time replacing them with positive thoughts and actions. Taking charge of your health helps to control stress from fear, anxiety or worry, and is a process which requires ongoing vigilance.

Western medicine can work wonders and I had excellent care through diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy in 1986 and 1987. I felt something missing though, and I struggled emotionally for a long time before I felt secure ground beneath me. Learning how to cope has now restored my confidence, but I continue to watch my step and stay focused on my road to good health. When my body tells me I’m a little off course, I make a conscious effort to get back on the road again.

Facing cancer has changed my life – I’m grateful to all the people who have been part of my journey and I appreciate every single day. I believe that by improving my quality of life, I have also been able to enjoy a greater quantity of life.


About the author:
Lynn Roodbol is a health care worker who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986 and 2 other minor cancers in 1987. She has attended many seminars and workshops on cancer, and volunteered in many capacities . She is now a certified coach for people with cancer and lives in Ontario Canada. Lynn can be reached at http://www.cancersupportcoach.com
Copyright 2005 Cancer Support Coach
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16 Tips for daily living with Cancer.

All our information comes from the daily practice of cancer patient's they have managed the life crises with the cancer disease and with that, they have become the psychic power for every day! Check it out!

1. Water, water everywhere.

Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water per day. This not only prevents constipation, but helps your kidneys to cope with the medication you may be taking.

2 Short cuts.

If you are going to have cancer chemotherapy, chances are that your hair may fall out. If you cut it short before the time – this way there will be much less hair to lose and the change will not be that remarkable, should your hair fall out.

3. Cut out the coffee.

If you have problems with diarrhoea, caffeine in any form will make this worse. Remember that there are many cola drinks that contain caffeine – look out for these.

4. Watch your temperature.

You are most susceptible to bacterial infections 7-12 days after chemotherapy. Watch out for any signs of an increasing temperature and go and see your doctor. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill, as you are also very susceptible to viral infections.

5. Three meals a day.

If you are on any type of cancer medication, you should not skip meals. A small meal is better than no meal at all. Nausea is often a problem, especially if you have had cancer chemotherapy. An empty stomach will worsen all symptoms that you do have. Starches such as rice and bread and potatoes are generally well tolerated. Remember fruit and vegetables are good for you too.

6. Bed knobs and broomsticks.

Delegate as much of the heavy housework as you can and let other people help you. The things that you do have to do, should be spread out over the week. Remember that fitting long handles on brooms and dusters can alleviate the bending you have to do normally. Take regular breaks and get a high chair so that you can wash dishes and iron while sitting down.

7. Be freezer wise.

If you are living by yourself, cook more than you need on the days you are feeling better. You will be very grateful on other days if you can just pop something into the microwave.

8. Put your money where your mouth is.

Spend money on decent mouthwash – cancer chemotherapy as well as other cancer treatments can play havoc with the inside of your mouth. The cells inside your mouth are rapidly dividing cells – the ones targeted by chemotherapy. You may develop mouth ulcers. A mouth wash and regular brushing with a soft toothbrush could go a long way towards preventing mouth ulcers.

9. Enjoy yourself.

Just because you have cancer doesn't mean that you have to stop doing all the things you really enjoy, whether it is seeing people, going to the movies, reading, watching sport, cooking, going to the theatre, going to the pub. You might have to make minor adjustments to make things a little easier, but it is important that you should enjoy yourself as well.

10. The magic of sleep.

Sleep gives your body a chance to regenerate and recover. Usually adults need about seven hours. Try and get an extra hour of sleep every day, if possible. The cancer medication you take can put extra stress on the body – try for an afternoon nap as well.

11. Get some fresh air.

Even if you are not well enough to exercise, an hour or two in the sunshine or somewhere outside where it is pretty can do wonders for your sense of wellbeing. If you are well enough to go for a walk, do so – walking is pleasant and very beneficial exercise.

12. Friends indeed.

This is the time when you will find out who your true friends are. When you are having a tough time, or need someone to talk to, or need to go out somewhere nice like the movies, friends are invaluable. Don't be afraid to ask – chances are you would have been there for them had the situation been reversed.

13. No pain, no pain.

With modern medical science being what it is, there is no reason why anyone should endure inordinate pain on an ongoing basis. If your painkillers do not work, or if they have nasty side effects, get something else from your doctor.

14. Bathroom blues.

Move into the bedroom closest to the bathroom, especially if you have difficulty moving. Have a handrail installed if you need it. Remember that showering is always easier than bathing. Put a panic button in the bathroom in case you fall or get stuck or injured.

15. Bring on the entertainment.

Many people who spend long periods of time in bed complain of boredom. There is much that can be done to alleviate this. The radio, magazines and books, cable TV, books on tape and videos are but a few examples of things that can be done to combat boredom. Get a book or magazine holder, so that you don't have to balance the weight of books or magazines while you are reading.

16. Life line.

Get a telephone next to your bed. This is a good idea not only in an emergency, but is also nice for social contact. A cell phone/mobile phone that you can carry around in the house with you is also great Pre-Programmed Emergency numbers.

With our next information – we will inform you about the "Living with cancer -the medical side". –you should have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks! You have more questions' – send us a mail!

Fritz Frei Admin
Health-Service-Online
http://www.cancer-info.info

About the Author:
Fritz Frei likes to inform you about important details on the diagnoses and tests of the cancer. To receive more information's about all cancer - http://www.cancer-info.info
Added: 13 Mar 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/23244.html

The Day I Was Diagnosed Having Cancer

Sure you’ll going to be worried learning about this piece of news. It took a lot of courage in me to discuss a sickness that is so close to death. It would mean the end of everything….From the traveling that I enjoy the most. From breezing through the lights and sounds of Los Angeles, the eye-catching Hong Kong-based signature clothes, the scenery of New Zealand to the aroma of my home sweet home. It would mean the end of my sleepless nights of chatting, and writing testimonials in friendster and other forms of letters. It would mean the end of my favorite past time which is malling.It would mean the end of being with my family who cares and loves me so much and it would be the end of hanging-out with my friends. I can’t stand these realities that would soon unfold my future. I’m scared but I know I will survive.

It really is a fact that I upset a lot of people from the time I was born. Given that my name is SMILE, I should have brought smiles to people. Yet, I’ve been so hard-headed, inconsiderate, unforgiving, and most of all—selfish. I’ve been so crazy, oftentimes, fickle-minded. I’ve made decisions based from others’ perception not mine. I’ve been involved with my first boyfriend ever during junior year in College whom I love dearly until this very day. Yet, we are bound to take different paths and choices to make our lives worth living. My only consolation? We remained the best of friends.

On one hand, I often wondered why of all people I was the chosen one. I’m still young, active, and vibrant. But I guess there seems to have no choice but to accept my fate. Whatever reason it was, I don’t know. Let me tell you all time and again, I’m not complaining but yes, I am sad. Wish I could turn the situation into a lighter one but it would not be. I just pray that people will remember SMILE as a human being prone to all inconsistencies. Let my memories stay with you all….

“ATE SMILE, wake up!” shouted Joseph, my younger brother. Oh my goodness! It was just a bad dream! A dream that taught me not just lessons but revelations. All the while, I thought I’m dying with cancer but it was my SOUL and HEART that’s dying. What an eye-opener! Better wipe your tears away now my friends for SMILE is still around. But, I do hope this time a BETTER one.

About the Author:
MS.MERYL SMILE C. MATIENZO, is a B.S PSYCHOLOGY graduate from Letran-Calamba. She was the Vice-President of the Letran Supreme Student Council (2001-2002). She's a Senior Staff writer of the Knight Publication for three years and was a Dean's Lister during her College years. The author also was also nominated in the 2002 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. She now works as a Researcher.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Fighting For Your Life

Recently the well known American news anchor Peter Jennings died of lung cancer just a few months after he publicly announced that he had the disease and that he was going to fight it with everything he had.

After his death, I read some of the tributes that poured in about the life of Peter Jennings. One of the common themes that appeared in the statements made by his friends and colleagues was that they remembered what a determined, competitive man he was.

They said that he took on his battle with cancer head on, and that he fought his cancer the same way he battled everything, with steely will and determination. And unfortunately he didn’t win.

Reading about Peter Jennings’ losing battle with lung cancer reminded me of another conversation I had had about cancer very recently.

Last week I had a meeting with one of my business associates, a man named Brian, to discuss some business matters.

After our business meeting was finished, Brian started telling me about his parent’s experience of living with cancer. A lot lof what Brian had to say was very thought provoking to me.

Brian told me that his mother had been diagnosed with a bad type of bone cancer and doctors had told her that she had only a very short time to live. Yet in spite of the fact that her cancer kept spreading to other parts of her body, she managed to live fourteen years longer than what her doctors had originally predicted.

Brian said that he often wondered why his mother managed to live such a long time with cancer when many of his younger friends who got cancer died of it quite quickly.

Brian told me “I come from a sports and and athletic background, and so a lot of my friends are athletes. My athletic friends tend to be very focussed and competitive people, and they’re used to being very aggressive. When they were diagnosed with cancer, I watched them go into their competitive and athletic mode, and they would say ‘I’m going to fight this thing’.

They would fight their cancer the same way they fought their athletic battles, with gritted teeth and courage and determination.

Brian said, “What I noticed about these guys who were so tough and fought cancer so hard was that in a lot of cases they burned out really soon.

When my mother got cancer, Brian continued, “Her approach was kind of the opposite. She wanted to live, but she never said she was going to fight this cancer. One of the things I watched her do is that she decided to drop everything that was stressful from her life.”

Shopping was stressful for her, so she dropped it. Driving a car was stressful so she stopped driving. In fact, she stopped doing everything she didn’t want to do, and she only kept the things she really enjoyed.

And she made a point of becoming very relaxed and enjoying her life.

Then Brian told me, “This experience made me think that maybe the idea of fighting for your life when you have cancer is like trying to fight off insomnia.”

“If you decide to fight insomnia by gritting your teeth and saying ‘I’m tough, I’ve fought lots of battles, I’m going to fight this insomnia and I’ m going to beat this thing, well, you’ll never fall asleep. It won’t work.”

Now I can’t say that what seemed to work for Brian’s mother in living with cancer is the miracle key for anyone else who has cancer. This wasn’t a scientific study, and many other factors are involved.

But Brian’s comments about his mother’s approach to living with cancer, and his comments about trying to use will power to fight insomnia are worth keeping in mind when we are facing a problem. Not every problem can be solved with will power and determination.

In such fields as business and sports, an attitude of determination and competitiveness can be very useful, and can be highly rewarded. If we have been very successful in these fields by being high powered, determined and aggressive, we may try to use the same approach to tackle every problem. Aggressively and head-on. With grit and determination.

However, being aggressive and determined does not work on every kind of problem.

If your mate is unhappy in your marriage, or your child has a serious illness, or if you have too much stress in your life, then using determination and aggression will not solve these problems. In these situations, aggressiveness does not work.

We need to recognize those situations where another approach might work better.

Sometimes what we need to do is relax more, let go of our illusion that we can control everything, become more humble, and be open to living in the moment even when we don’t know all the answers.

About the author:
Royane Real is the author of several self help books, including “Your Quick Guide to Improving Your Learning Ability” Sign up today for her free newsletter filled with life improving tips at http://www.royanereal.com
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Helping Someone with Cancer

Do you know someone with cancer? A cancer diagnosis can be crippling in itself, inciting fear and anxiety over an unknown or perhaps dreaded future. Victims worry about their health, their looks, and their families when a doctor pronounces this terrible sentence. If a friend or family member is struggling with one of the many forms of cancer, your support and encouragement are likely to be most welcome.

But how do you help someone who has cancer? There are several things you can do to make your friend or loved one feel more at ease.

1. Treat the person the same as always. Don’t approach her gingerly, as though she might break or fade away. Nor should you overdo it, however, by talking too much or roughhousing with children who may be physically fragile. Just treat the person the same as you would if he had not been diagnosed with this condition. Of course, if the diagnosis is grim, you need adapt your attitude accordingly and not gloss over serious implications.

2. Offer practical assistance. As you have time, run errands or bring in a home-cooked meal. Grocery shopping, letter mailing, and kid drop-offs at sporting events can save the sick person’s time and energy. Depending on how well you are acquainted with the victim, you might want to come over a few hours each week to clean house, baby-sit, or cook meals for freezing.

3. Be an encouragement. Send a funny get-well card or an inspiring note. Drop off a humorous video or suggest praying together before you leave. Using discretion, you might want to let others know about the ill person’s indisposition so they can possibly help out, too.

4. Be willing to listen. Sometimes those facing a serious problem like cancer, especially when a terminal diagnosis has been given, may simply want to reminisce about the past, discuss future plans, or share difficult emotions. Just being available to listen in person, by telephone, or via the Internet can provide a beautiful source of support. Don’t push or pry, however. Wait until the person is ready to talk.

5. If the situation warrants, consider donating financial support. A single mother with two fatherless children may need to get connected to social service agencies. Or she may have some general support already, but lack a little extra money for holidays or birthdays. You may want to send a card with a $20 check that could help pay for special occasions or real needs, needs, like medication, above and beyond any insurance coverage.

6. Provide transportation. If the person grows weak or is unable to drive and family members work at jobs that keep them from driving the sufferer to appointments, ask if you can take the person when you are available. Getting around is one of the greatest challenges facing people who become immobile with serious illnesses.

Whatever your circumstances, chances are you can offer some kind of help to a person who is struggling with cancer. It will certainly be appreciated!

About the author:
Charles Kassotis
For more information about helping someone who has cancer or to get help for a loved one or yourself, visit Cancer Directory at http://www.cancerdir.com
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Cancer - The Missing Point

If one were to judge by television advertising and news reports, it would seem that the "war on cancer" is all but won. What are the weapons being heralded? Drugs, research, tests and exams. They miss the point.

"Prevention" is promoted as meaning catching the disease early. Really. That also misses the point. Is it "prevention" if you call 911 when you come home and see smoke billowing from all your windows? Do we just live with a carpe diem philosophy and wait for the doctor to tell us we have a lump in our breast or a swollen nodular prostate? Is the cause of cancer a lack of one of the new cancer drugs? Is the cause of cancer really unknown, requiring endless research?

First, let me put to rest the propaganda that the war is being won. Since President Nixon declared the war (1971) and after over 200 billion dollars have been spent on research (remember, one billion is a thousand million), more Americans will die of cancer in the next 14 months than have died in all U.S. wars ever fought combined! (Where are the protest marches?) Soon, cancer will overtake heart disease as the number one killer.

Decades ago, early in the war, there were some dramatic successes such as with Hodgkin's disease and some forms of childhood leukemia. There can be little doubt that debunking (surgical removal) of large cancers brings benefits. But the big killers such as colorectal, lung, prostate and breast cancer remain as threatening as ever. Survival gains are measured primarily in additional months (not years) added to life, not in cures. The placebo effect is by and large ignored. (People getting a sugar pill placebo in cancer studies have been known to lose their hair and some actually cure themselves by simply thinking they will be cured.) A percentage of people can experience remissions spontaneously and from simple lifestyle adjustments, but the cancer therapy is always credited with the cure. (Investigations, "Placebo Learning: The Placebo Effect as a Conditioned Response," 1985; 2(1):23. O'Regan B, et al. 1993. Spontaneous Remission: An Annotated Bibliography. Sausalito, CA. Talbot M. 1991. The Holographic Universe. New York. Harper Collins Publishers. Townsend Letter, 2004; 251:32-3.)

Statistics can always be massaged to create the result desired. This practice is rampant in cancer research. Animal models (euphemism for real living and feeling caged creatures being tortured by the millions) do not prove effectiveness across species boundaries to humans. Neither do laboratory cell lines. That's why all the "breakthroughs" based on tumor shrinkage never pan out. For-profit drug companies and National Cancer Institute grant-based research ignore metastases (the spreading cells of cancer through the body) in their positive reports. Instead they highlight and focus on more easily obtained lab results, such as "tumor shrinkage,” and on easily manipulated clinical data such as "five-year survival."

Twelve new "improved" drugs introduced in Europe between 1995 and 2000 were no better than the drugs they replaced. But the prices were all higher, in one instance by a factor of 350 times. One new "revolutionary" drug, Erbitux™, found to "shrink" tumors but not extend the lives of patients at all costs $2,400 per week. Avastin™, another costly chemotherapeutic, by the best calculation, extended the lives of 400 colorectal patients by 4.7 months. Tamoxifin™ is proven to be effective in decreasing breast cancer. Risk is decreased by about 15% but what is not equally heralded is the fact that it increased the risk of endometrial uterine cancer by about 15%. (Patient Information: Nolvadex, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals)

Are such results worth the financial devastation and miserable life that chemotherapy, radiation and surgery impose? Is that the way to spend one's remaining days? If such therapy does add a couple of months, are those couple of months really worth the poking, prodding, pain, unrelenting nausea, disfiguring, destruction of the immune system and increased susceptibility to other diseases? "Yes" would be a hard answer to justify.

In the face of a cancer diagnosis most people just throw up their hands in terror and surrender to the conventional cancer therapy death process. The feeling is that something must be done, and, since "doctors know best," one must begin the "fight" by following the advice of the doctor. But fighting does not mean surrendering to the will of another person who has their own personal agenda and narrowed field of view dictated by the club they belong to. That misses the point. You must do something.

Here's the on-point best approach:
1. Prevention means adjusting your life right now so that you are living in tune with your design. Cancer is, quite simply, the reaction of cells subjected long enough to an environment they are not designed for. The genetic apparatus loses its bearings, becomes insane, if you will, and regresses to embryonic infancy and just begins multiplying recklessly. What is the proper environment? It is that food, air, water and lifestyle you are genetically designed for. The proper healthy preventive living context is encapsulated in the Wysong Optimal Health Program™.
2. If you get cancer, don't panic. First thing is follow #1 advice. Learn. Gather as much information as you can from all resources, not just what the medical establishment provides. We try to gather such information for you in The Wysong Directory of Alternative Resources.
3. Think about what has happened in your life that has caused the disease. It is caused, it does not just happen. Correct your life.
4. You take control of your own body and you make the decisions. Determine to set right what is wrong and do it. Taking control is essential to not feeling like a helpless victim and sinking into hopeless despair – a sure mindset to speed the disease along.
5. Think long and hard before submitting to unproven cancer therapies. If the doctor cannot prove effectiveness (at least prove that you will be better off with the therapy than without) and if you are not willing to take the risk of all the contraindications, then don't submit because you think it is "all that can be done." It isn't. See #2 above.

All good things in life are hard. In our modern world, good health takes effort and attention. Preventing and reversing disease also takes effort – your effort. Begin today to take charge of your health and be the best you can be. Most chronic degenerative diseases have long latency periods, the time between when the disease begins and it manifests in overt symptoms. Most everyone reading this has such disease brewing within at this very moment. So take advantage of the window of opportunity and give your body a chance by living the life you were designed to live. That will not only prevent disease from gaining a foothold, but reverse disease that is incubating within.


About the author:
Dr Randy Wysong is a former veterinary clinician and surgeon, college instructor in human anatomy, physiology and the origin of life, inventor of numerous medical, surgical, nutritional, athletic and fitness products and devices, research director for the present company by his name and founder of the philanthropic Wysong Institute. He is author of The Creation-Evolution Controversy now in its eleventh printing, a new two volume set on philosophy for living, several books on nutrition, prevention and health for people and animals and over 15 years of monthly health newsletters. He may be contacted at Wysong@Wysong.net and a free subscription to his e-Health Letter is available at http://www.wysong.net.
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