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What Are The Different Treatment Options for PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder with profound implications for women. Researchers continue to investigate the causes.

There are many factors that lead to PCOS diagnosis. Treatments target causes, symptoms, and the prevention of or control of complications. Treatment options include behavioral lifestyle modifications, natural, and medical options.

PCOS involves hormonal imbalance with an excess of androgens (typically thought of as male hormones). There are irregular menstrual periods and associated infertility. Being overweight or obese contributes to insulin resistance in which the body is unable to metabolize glucose as needed. These factors cause symptoms.

  • Some Of The Symptoms Of PCOS Include
  • Skin and hair issues
  • Depression
  • Weight issues
  • Irregular periods and cramping
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

PCOS elevates a woman's risk for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, seizure disorders, pregnancy complications, and endometrial cancer. These complications must be prevented and managed well.

First Steps Toward Treating PCOS

1. Get educated. As you can see and have already experienced, PCOS is a complex, multi-factored problem. You will need to get educated about this syndrome and perhaps, consider seeking a natural alternative.

2. Get screened with blood work-up (hormone testing, lipids, blood glucose), weight, waist measurement, and vital signs if you think that you might have PCOS symptoms. 30-40% of American women may have insulin resistance. Get a pap smear because if you have PCOS, you are at greater risk for endometrial cancer.

3. Find a medical provider. You will need to have trust and good communication with a health provider who has expertise in PCOS.

4.Get support. PCOS treatment is a long and difficult journey, and depression can be part of it.

What Can You Do For Yourself?

Exercise. Start slow and gradually increase your daily exercise. Try to make it part of your normal day's routine.

Lose weight

Reduce stress.

Stress is associated with increased cortisol levels, increased weight and belly fat, increased eating, and worsening insulin resistance. It can contribute to hormonal imbalance and infertility. Learn relaxation breathing and exercises, and work at simplifying your lifestyle!

Are you living with PCOS now and want to learn more about a the best treatment for PCOS?

Discover a natural cure for this troublesome condition that sadly, can lead to infertility, by visiting http://www.pcostreatmentdigest.com

By Karen Kalata

Gold In The Cure For Cancer


By Jack Wogan

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells divide without control and they invade other tissues, that is why this terrible disease can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. In present there are more than a hundred types of cancer and they are named for the organ or type of cell in which they start. The main categories of cancer include carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma and melanoma and central nervous system cancers. A tumor is a mass of tissue and it is divided into benign tumors, which are not cancerous and malignant tumors, which are cancerous. The protein which exists in many cancer cells, also known as epidermal growth factor receptor, is not very much produced by healthy cells.

The use of gold nanoparticles to the cancer cells and hitting them with a laser was proved to be a very good method in fighting this disease. A lot of scientists from the whole world tried to find a better way to kill the cancer cells and to prevent them from multiplying by using gold nanoparticles, because they can be activated by infrared lasers and they can be heated very fast.

Another treatment used for cancer is the chemotherapy and the radiotherapy, but it was recently proved that this procedure does not have the desired effect, because the drugs that were administered to remove the disease could not reach the tumor.

The use of gold nanoparticles are suited to detect toxins and pathogens, so that lasers that react with these particles could be used to destroy cancer cells. Persons who discover cancer at the early stage have more chances of recovery from those who are at terminal stage. Colloidal gold is another method for curing cancer and it has been used from the ancient times. It has the ability to reduce the pain intensity for the patients who are suffering from cancer.

Gold has been used in the treatment of cancer for many years and this is a truth that not many people knew about. In the future and even in present, the cancer treatment may be strongly dependent on the use of pure gold or of mixed gold, so that this chemical element could be the most precious of all metals.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Signs That You Need To Know

2:30:00 AM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments
Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs are often difficult to notice. Individuals may think the signs are down to something else. In the United Kingdom roughly 7000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer per year. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed early the treatment may be more effective, the people more at risk of developing this cancer are those aged 30+, and post menopausal women.

Women need to understand that just a cervical smear test is not sufficient enough to determine if she has ovarian cancer. That test only detects cells that are abnormal which can be a sign or symptom of cervical cancer.

Some of the signs that women need to look for is for example the sudden urge to no longer eat, or urinating frequently. These are two signs that come along with this form of cancer, but of course these are also symptoms of other issues as well. Therefore you should also look for other symptoms such as constant fatigue or pain in your neck or back area. Sudden weight loss is also another possible sign that you need to be aware of.

Other symptoms can include feeling bloated even if you have not ate anything, along with diarrhea and constipation. These are all things you need to take notice of if you suspect that you may have this form of cancer. It is important to note though that even if you experience all these symptoms that they only way to truly know is to get fully diagnosed by your doctor.

As it says above these symptoms can often be mistaken for something else. Many women may already feel abdominal pains before their period is even due along with a full or gassy feeling.

The symptoms and signs can be like similar to everyday problems that most people will suffer with, this accidental delay can cause the cancer to spread. This makes treatment much more intense, tiring and the success rate may be significantly lower than that if the cancer was diagnosed at an earlier stage.

This cancer can be hereditary, if any of your family have suffered with breast or ovarian cancer you should let your doctor know and always be aware of the ovarian cancer symptoms and signs. Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs are similar to those you would get with a menstrual cycle you may feel like it is not important enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, this can be detrimental to your health. Early detection of ovarian cancer may save lives! If you or someone you know is having any of these problems please get it checked out.

By Marcus Maloney

Ovarian Cancer Stages: The Four Stages You Need To Be Aware Of

There are four ovarian cancer stages, these stages indicate how far the cancer has spread. Treatment tends to be specific for each stage. To find out what stage your cancer is scans and tests will be needed.

The ovarian cancer stages are;

This stage is where the cancer is confined to the inside of the ovaries, or on the surface of the ovaries.

This stage is where the cancer has spread to the outside of the ovaries, but is still within the boundaries of the pelvis.

This stage is where the cancer has spread to outside the area of the pelvis, the abdomen or the back of the womb or groin area.

This stage occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, this could be the lungs or liver. If this is the case but the cancer is only on the surface of the affected area then you will still be classed as stage 3.

It is crucial to discover what stage you are at as treatments will differ for each stage, upon diagnosis of ovarian cancer, your doctor will refer you to have the adequate tests. When the stage has been identified treatment will either be started or changed to suit your needs.

This process of staging was put in place by the International federation of gynecological oncologists, hence it being known as FIGO.

Each stage of ovarian cancer is split into 3 categories, these are a, b and c.

Stage 1.

A this means the cancer is found only inside one of the ovaries.
B this means the cancer is found inside both of the ovaries.
C this means that the cancer is affecting both ovaries and the ovary surface.

Stage 2.

A this means that cancer has been found in either the womb or fallopian tubes.
B this indicates that the cancer has spread areas within the pelvis.
C this means that cancer has been found to affect all areas of the pelvis and the abdomen area.

Stage 3.

A cancer cells are now found in tissue from the abdomen lining.
B tumors can now be found on the abdomen lining, these can be up to 3 cm in size.
C large tumors may now be found on the abdomen lining, groin area or at the back of the womb.

Stage 4 has no categories, this is because cancer has been found to be affecting other parts of the body.

Regardless of what stage you are at, there are some organizations which help you deal with your condition. Not only can they give you support, they can also provide you with advice on a range of things such as benefits, adaptations, or counseling.

Ovarian cancer stages should be properly identified, this is so the treatment can be altered to suit. Knowing which ovarian cancer stage you are at means that you get the most effective treatment available, if when you go for a check-up the cancer has spread to the next stage your treatment will be changed.

By Marcus Maloney

Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer And Why Early Detection Is Crucial

The first thing of note when dealing with ovarian tumors is that not all of the tumors are cancerous as it all depends on the cells that developed the tumor. In essence there are three main types of tumors that are developed in the ovaries. These are stomal, epithelial and germ cell tumors. Each have a different way of developing. For example the epithelia tumors grows on the outer area of the ovaries while the germ cell is based on the cells of the egg. The stromal tumor utilizes the hormone that regulates female reproduction.

There are some symptoms that you need to be aware of with regards to ovarian cancer, these can include swelling of the abdomen, along with constant pressure on your pelvis area. A loss of appetite is another signs of ovarian cancer. If such symptoms appear to get worse over time then it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

It is true that these symptoms do overlap with other symptoms for other diseases and ailments, but since they correlate with a serious disease such as ovarian cancer it is best to seek out medical attention to get an actual diagnosis. If you notice that you experience other issues such as back pain mainly in the lower region or you are having painful sex then you should definitely consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer will also be based on a stage level. In most cases this will range from Stage 1 to Stage 4. With Stage 1 being the early stages and Stage 4 being the latter stage of development. When detected early this cancer can be treated successfully, but if diagnosed late it can lead to serious complications are or even death.

To get a better idea of the percentages for survival I'll break down the range of survival for each stage. The earliest stage which is stage 1 has a current rate of 89% for those who are in this stage, that's why it is important that you seek treatment as soon as possible if you are experiencing any symptoms. In stage two, the percentage rate of survival is estimated to be 66 percent, while stage four has a survival rate of only 18%. As noted, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better chance you have of survival. Do not waste any time if you believe you are experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

By Marcus Maloney

Cancer - Spreading Process


By Sasi Krishna

Cancer is a lethal disease and it forms inside the body microscopically and then grows to a dangerous level. Early detection is the only way to destruct cancer cells and to save the patient, otherwise, the consequences are not good. We will see now how it spreads.

Cancer takes place when irregular and wild splitting up of cells that form the lethality. These cells are then marched into and wipe out the nearby healthy tissues and continuously reproduce them again and again and so their count increases day by day and this is the condition, in which they become wild in nature and they fail to stop their reproduction and so their growth persists. They then affect the nearby normal tissues and make them die because of less requirement of food.

The abnormal cancer fragments have some different characteristic features from the normal tissue fragments. They then become malignant and so invade to the adjacent normal tissues and organs and then spoil their normal function. A number of the malignant cells get separated from the starting point area of cancer formation and so they move to the blood vessels and also to the lymph vessels that are present in the remote areas of the focal point of cancer. In this way, they cells affect the growth of the normal body tissues and organs.

Cancers are of two types such as slowly developing and rapidly developing. The rapidity is depending on the area of disease where it affects in the human body. The ratio of rapidity also depends on the inborn character of the cancer fragments types too. The spreading nature of it is called metastasis. In the initial phases, any type of cancer may grow slower compared to the speed of growth of it in the late phases. The diagnosis of cancer in the initial phases may be known accidentally or by any symptoms of the patient.

Tumor or massive collection of cancer happened after its spread. Nodule is another name of the tumor. The steadfastness of the organ is felt in the patient if the cancer is in the surface organs. We don't need to fear that every swelling or tumor is malignant one. Some cancers are malignant and some nodules are benign types. Benign types will be cured easily and malignant tumors are fatal. The best examples of benign tumors are cysts and warts and adenomas. The malignant nature of the cancer is assessed only when the tissue of the area of their appearance by a visual examination called biopsy. Biopsy will determine whether they are malignant or curable benign.

Introduction to Ovarian Cysts

2:25:00 AM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments
Cysts are mostly considered like and confused with abscess but technically, cysts are closed sacs and may contain air, fluids or semi-solid material. If it is collection pus, it is not a cyst but an abscess. On the formation of a cyst, it has to be removed through a surgery if it does not go away on its own.

The ovarian cysts are the cysts that develop in ovaries of women. They are small fluid-filled sacs, which are generally harmless but they may cause problems like bleeding, rupturing or pain and then, surgery may be needed for its removal. One should be aware of the function of ovaries and the formation of cysts.

Women have two ovaries that store and release eggs, at each side of the uterus. One ovary produces one egg each month which is described as the monthly menses cycle. The lining of these ovaries may develop some cysts which may go away on their own or may have to be removed by surgery. The ultrasound image of the ovaries resembles cysts as bubbles and it contains only fluid, surrounded by very thin wall, known as functional or simple cyst.

Women of all age can get affected by ovarian cysts and mostly all of them are functional. They are mostly benign which means they disappear on their own and they are not cancerous and occur normally so they are not a part of any disease. Ovarian cysts occur mostly during a woman's childbearing years. There are types of ovarian cysts and some of them are:

Follicular cyst is a simple cyst which usually gets formed in the time of ovulation and its rupture can create severe pain on the side of the ovary on which the cyst forms. The sharp pain occurs during the menstrual cycle while the ovulation is taking place. Only one-fourth of women with this type of cyst experience pain and the cysts produce no symptoms and disappear on their own.

Hemorrhagic cyst is functional which occurs when bleeding happens within a cyst. It may also happen that symptoms like abdominal pain may be present with it. Dermoid cyst is a benign tumor also referred to as mature cystic teratoma. It affects younger women and is abnormal in nature. Dermoid cysts can contain other type's body tissues growth like fat, hair, bone or cartilage. The ultrasound of such a cyst may vary but its MRI and CT scan can show fat and dense calcifications. These cysts can also become inflamed and ovarian torsion can also occur, compromising the blood supply and severe abdominal pain.

One can obtain more information on different types of ovarian cysts with the help of online healthcare services.

An ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about two centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. Find out more about asthma and online healthcare services visit our website.

By Jennifer A Stone

4 Tips to Prevent Cervical Cancer, Naturally

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancers affecting a significant number of women worldwide every year. Though unlike breast cancer, it has certified preventive measures. The medical condition starts with the cervix undergoing precancerous changes. This is termed as cervical dysplaxia, which can be mild to severe. Its development to cervical cancer takes years to happen, and it is aided by other factors. However, as earlier mentioned, cervical cancer can be prevented and one can reduce her risk of having it.

Have a Check Up

Those who have a family history of cervical cancer have a higher risk. The same is the level of risk with women who had an intercourse at a relatively younger age and those who had multiple partners. If you are one of these people, then it is best to see an OB-GYN doctor and have a pap smear. With this test, the doctor can check and treat if you have precancerous/abnormal cells before they can even progress to cervical cancer. You can also ask your doctor for recommendation as to how frequently should you get a pap smear.

Use a Condom and Limit Sexual Partners

For women who have multiple sexual partners, it is recommended that condoms should be used during the intercourse. However, it is best that the woman should limit the number of sexual partners as contracting HPV or human papilloma virus can cause cervical cancer. Self-discipline must be done as not only will the risk of having cervical cancer lessened, but the chances of acquiring sexually transmitted disease also decreases.

Stop Smoking

According to researches, smokers have a higher risk of up to 4 times greater than nonsmokers. This is due to the fact that the cervix can absorb the toxins released from smoking. The cells in the body may undergo changes because of this exposure, which can then lead to cancer of cervix. Plus, by quitting smoking, you also lessen your risk of having other forms of cancer.

Healthy Diet and Exercise

Eating healthy truly does a difference on your risk level. The most recommended foods are vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as they are rich in fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. These can help in preventing precancerous cells from turning to this type cancer.

Food supplements may also be taken, after consultation with a doctor. Vitamin C is mostly advised to be taken as it is also rich in antioxidants. Exercise is also very important and must be done at least 4 hours in a week. Even just walking can suffice.

Aside from these, be wary if you are also having immunosuppression or if your immunity has been decreased. This is largely attributed to prolong use and high dosage intakes of steroids, and other chemicals consumed to treat other diseases such as HIV or Leukemia. Immunosuppression increases the risk of your body to develop cervical cancer.

With these four tips, you may have noticed that they mostly pertain to disciplining the self. So, to sum it all up, the primary key to preventing cervical cancer naturally is by having a healthy lifestyle.

By Aiden Ozdemir

How Can Women Avoid the Danger of Cervical Cancer?

How can women prevent cervical cancer?

Cervical Cancer is when abnormal cells that are found in the cervix turn into cancer cells. This cancer is mostly caused by the human papillomavirus, or more commonly known as HPV. Women could have HPV for years and not even know it, because sometimes it does not show any symptoms. A few symptoms to watch out for would be bleeding from the vagina that is abnormal, pain during sex, bleeding during sex, and discharge from the vagina that includes blood. Cervical Cancer is more common with women over the age of 30, but it is never to early to start thinking abut getting tested for this disease. Women today may think this test is something they should keep putting off but if you are over the age of 21 or if you have been sexually active for more than three years, you should take some time to get this quick test.

The test is called a Pap Test, or more commonly known as a Pap Smear. A Pap Smear is a quick test taking at the most 5 minutes. The doctor will have you lay on an examining table, and using a speculum will open the vagina to see the cervix. After the cervix is seen, the doctor will use a special brush to collect a few cells and send them off to the lab for testing. Also during the Pap Smear a doctor does a quick pelvic exam to check the uterus and ovaries for any imperfections.

The next step after the Pap Smear would be waiting to hear about your results. If everything is fine, your doctor will usually send out a generic letter saying everything checked out fine and you can come back in a year. The other circumstance is if they find something on your Pap Smear. If this happens the doctor is in contact with you to make you aware that abnormal cells were found on your Pap Smear and that you have to come in for a biopsy, and a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a test used to see a magnified and illuminated view of the cervix to look for the lesions or abnormal cells. To highlight these cells the doctor will use a solution, and any lesion will be illuminated. After viewing this the doctor will take a biopsy, which is the removal of a small piece of tissue, and they will send the tissue off to see if the abnormal cells are at a mild state. If this is so the doctor will recommend more frequent Pap Smears to make sure that the cells stay at the mild state, these tests would range from every 3-6 months, until you get a few normal Pap Smear in a row. If the Biopsy comes back with cells in a higher abnormal state, then your doctor will recommend what treatment plan is best for you to handle this disease.

Women can avoid getting Cervical Cancer, it is all about early detection. The earlier you can catch this cancer, it may be easier to get rid of this disease. If you can keep up with your yearly Pap Smears, the chances of the cancer being caught in an earlier stage are higher so it can be easier to get rid of.

This article was written by Meagan E Lowery.

For more information you can go to http://myfamilyplate.com


By Meagan E Lowery

Endurance Rate of Cancer, Stage 4


By Mudassir Mansoor

Cancer is a dangerous disease and now very common in the people. The basic reasons are bad quality of foods and pollution present in the environment. It is a symbol of dread and demise. All the scientific and medical cures have been failed to control the curse. But proper and timely treatment can control this problem.

Like the other fatal disease it has many ranks and phases so it should be diagnosed at the early stages. The rate of survivorship is difficult to express in the terms of time. In the common types this is maximum five years for most of the patients. The effects of treatment depend upon the intensity of the care and medical treatments. The 4th phase of this disease is considered as the last period of life because the germ cells spread in all over the body at this phase.

There are different kind's survival rates of this disease according to the affected part and its host in the body. The colon cancer although difficult to treat yet the treatment result is good. The best solution is to remove the affected area by the operations. But 7-14 percent people die after 4-5 years. In the liver type it is five years and mortality rate is half of the patients.

In the brain cancer if the patient has crossed the limit then there are very less chance of life. Only way of cure is brain surgery in which the survival rate is only 5 %. Lungs cancer is another one in which living chance is less but hope is always there for the improvement. Breast cancer is easy to diagnose at the initial stage and its cure is easy.

The survival rate is only 15 % at the 4th stage. In the cancer of the prostate and ovaries the treatment is possible but before the 4th stage it is better to take action. At the 4th stage the rate of these two are 55% and 36 % respectively.

You can make improvement in your present condition by timely diagnosis of the cancer. Take care of your health and consult your doctor for a complete medical check up before it's too late.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

2:01:00 AM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments
Ovarian cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that originates in the cells of the ovaries. It is the fifth most common cancer in women. As a matter of fact, it causes more deaths than any other type of gynecologic cancer. Ovarian cancer is often goes undetected in its early stages and it is usually found when the cancer cells have already spread into the pelvis and abdomen.

There are several factors that increase a person's risk of developing this disease. Women who give birth earlier in life are less likely to get this cancer. Additionally, the more children they have, the lower the risk will be. Women who have inherited BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation are at greater risk than those who have not. Women with personal or family history of ovarian and breast cancer should be more careful about their health since they are at greater risk of developing the disease. Age is another major risk factor; most deaths caused by this disease occur in women age 55 and older.

As with other types of cancer, ovarian cancer is indeed a very scary disease. However, it does not mean that it can't be cured. If the tumor is detected early, there is a 90 percent chance it will be cured. If the cancer is detected late and has already spread to other parts of the body, the chance of survival is lower and it can even lead to death. Hence, you need to know what the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are.

When the tumor is in its early states, it tends to show warning signs which are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases such as digestive and bladder problems. These include abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating, and feeling full quickly. Additionally, sufferers may also experience other symptoms such as abnormal menstrual cycles, heavy feeling in pelvic area, swollen abdomen, back pain, digestive problems (such as lack of appetite, indigestion, constipation, nausea and vomiting, weight gain or loss), excessive hair growth, as well as increased urinary frequency.

These symptoms are likely to be persistent and they tend to worsen over time. If you have experienced any of these symptoms for more than a week, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will be able to tell if they are indeed symptoms of ovarian cancer or if they indicate other diseases. If you do have ovarian cancer, your doctor should be able to determine the suitable treatment options based on the diagnosis.

By James Liuh

My Battle With Cancer

I had to battle with ovarian cancer.

I don't mind telling people about my story and how it all began, it will help people realise what to look for and how I actually felt during the journey of having to battle with it.

I will try and explain as best as I can, but I was so ill I can't remember half the dates so I will explain briefly.

It all started back in December 2009, I was only 17 at the time. My stomach felt all bloated and I just felt really sluggish and my mum actually asked me if i was pregnant and I obviously knew I wasn't, but she kept doubting me.

So I had endless trips up to the doctors, and he said that it was just constipation, so he prescribed me with different laxatives every time I went up. Also I had endless trips up to A&E waiting for hours on ends for doctors to see me just to tell me to go home, do some exercise and eat something. By this time I was so ill my stomach looked like I was past 9 months pregnant (no exaggeration). I couldn't eat, drink or sleep properly, even though I looked huge I was losing a ton of weight underneath it all.

I was having loads of blood tests and x-rays and the doctors kept saying I had constipation even though deep down I knew it was something more, but what can you do? You just take what the doctors tell you, because they know right?

This one night I went into hospital, anyone could see that I was severely ill by now, my skin was dry, the whites of my eyes were yellow and I had cracked lips. I stayed in over-night and the following day i had a CT scan and the results came back that i had 'lumpy' ovaries. Well this could've been anything, so that following night I was transferred to a different hospital. At this point I really didn't know what to think, I was just so ill my head was all over the place.

Okay it was about January 2010 now and I still didn't know I had cancer but I was surrounded by MacMillan nurses.

So the results of my scan had came and and apparently I had a cyst on one of my ovaries which was leaking fluid from it which was causing this bloating, so I thought great somethings getting done about it and that would be the end of it, but no not for a long shot yet. I had to go into ultra-sound scan to have this bag attached to my abdomen to leak the fluid out before I could have an operation to remove my ovary, this took around about 3 days to do and they drained about 14 litres of fluid from me which is around about 3st in weight.

But that wasn't the end, it was just the beginning. I had to have an operation a few days after to remove my ovary with the cyst on and a benign tumor from my other ovary, I still didn't know I had cancer at this point. I went for my operation, everything went well but this is the shocking part, a day after my operation I was drugged up to my eyeballs still not knowing what I'd got, a nurse came in and said something like "A MacMillan nurse will come in, in a minute and discuss the next step which will be chemotherapy" That's when I found out.

At this point I'd burst into tears and was hysterical, it was horrible, I'd just found out that I'd got cancer.

One of the MacMillan nurses came in after that and explained to me that she didn't know what kind of chemotherapy I'd be having, she was trying to comfort me about not losing my hair, that was the thing I was most worried about.

Okay so I was out of hospital, I was recovering from my operation very well but I was still really weak, I needed to build up some strength before the next step, chemotherapy.

The appointment came through to see my consultant for the first time, and he would tell me all about the nasty stuff that I'd have to have put through my body.

I was scared and nervous, and thought I was prepared about what he was about to tell me, but I wasn't. Everything was double-dutch to me and my parents and I couldn't bring myself to absorb any of it.

Okay so I'd had intense chemotherapy for 3 months, not all at once but different intervals of it. It was around about my second cycle of chemotherapy that I was starting to lose my hair, it started thinning out and I'd wake up every morning with more and more hair on my pillow, it felt like someone had stabbed me in the heart, I was scared for my life. Eventually you could see my scalp through what little hair I had left, I looked severely ill at this point, but I just couldn't bring myself to shave it off, I loved my hair too much.

After a while the chemotherapy started messing my veins up and every day I'd have my cannula changed 3 times at the least. This one day it took about 4 different people to try and get a cannula in me to start my chemotherapy, I was crying my eyes out in pain. Eventually an anaesthetist came up and managed to get one in my arm in an awkward position, it was about 9pm and my consultant came up and said "Tomorrow you'll have a hickman line fitted" (A hickman line is a tube that goes in your chest into a main vein which is a lot bigger than ones in your arm) I was so relieved I couldn't take any more pain.

So I had my hickman line fitted and there were no problems after that, my final cycles of chemotherapy went smoothly and I was much happier that I didn't have to feel like a pin cushion.
But now I've survived cancer, alive and well and having regular blood tests and scans. I couldnt've done it without my mum, dad and brother though. They were with me every step of the way.

By Stacey Blount

What Are the Side Effects of HPV Vaccine?

A lot of publicity has been given to the dangers of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine recently. Many of them unfounded, misleading and dangerous and could possibly prevent our ongoing efforts in our fight against cervical cancer. This article is an effort to counter this and inform all concerned regarding the true side effects associated with this vaccine.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is derived from the protein material from human papilloma viruses without any of the genetic material associated with the virus. The CDC and FDA monitor the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (or VAERS). This system is a reporting mechanism for ANY adverse event after vaccination and allows detection of any safety concerns. There are known limitations in this system, such as the variable quality of data, variable reporting (both under reporting and stimulated reporting). This also fails to assess the link between cause and effect. Despite these limitations, this system is the best available and can be accessed by all concerned.

Out of more than 28 million doses of this vaccine given as of January of 2010, 16000 episodes of adverse events were reported to VAERS. Over 90 percent of them were not serious events and included irritation at the site of the injection, nausea, headaches and fainting episode, especially in the adolescent age group. It is recommended that the patients be vaccinated while they are sitting and observed for about 15 minutes for fainting spells before being released.

Regarding serious events that were reported, the most common was an entity called Venous Thrombotic Events (VTE). "Blood Clot in veins" in simple language! Investigations of these events showed co-morbid conditions such as obesity, oral contraceptives, smoking and other contributing factors that could explain these thrombotic events. Therefore, the association between vaccination and VTE appeared to be co-incidental rather than cause and effect. There was not a single event of mental retardation that has been linked in any form or fashion to this vaccine.

Death reports around the time of HPV vaccination were fully investigated and were discovered to be related to such conditions as Diabetes, Cardiac disease and viral illness. There was no unusual patterns suggesting that HPV vaccination caused any of these deaths.

In the final analysis, the benefit of HPV vaccination in the prevention of cervical cancer far outweighs the risks involved. It is my strong recommendation that any adverse event from any vaccination be reported to http://vaers.hhs.gov/index. Only through the concerted efforts of all involved will we be able to uncover hitherto unknown effects that may change our current recommendations regarding the safety of this vaccine.

Dr. Kumar is a board certified Radiation Oncologist who is co-founder of a private practice group in Florida. He has over 17 years experience dealing with cancer patients including several members in his own family who have been afflicted by this disease.

His philosophy of managing patients is through a unique holistic approach that takes into account the wishes and needs of patients and their families. He believes that any battle is won at the level of the mind first before the body goes into action to win the war. His website http://curingcancerofthemind.com reflects this philosophy.

He is always available to help any patient with questions regarding cancer and radiation therapy and can be reached at 772 293 0377.


By Ramesh T Kumar

A Healthy Immune System - The Key To Fighting Cancer


By Alan Wighton

The war on cancer to find a cure has been going on for over 40 years but what people don't realize is we already have a cure and that is to remove the reasons why it first grew. Since cancer is simply a disease of a weak immune system which has allowed normal body cells to mutate or grow out of control, doesn't it make sense to strengthen the immune system which will allow the body fight the cancer? Every person's body is capable of doing this because we all have an immune system,

What are our present treatments for cancer? We have surgery which weakens the immune system, we have radiation which also weakens it and we have chemotherapy which temporarily destroys the immune system. Also those three treatments only focus on removing cancer growths no matter where they appear in the body, and these growths are only a symptom of a problem. That is the growth is a sign from the body that something is wrong and by removing the growth, that doesn't deal with the reason why it first grew.

The way of treating cancer by strengthening the immune system works with advanced cancer as well, so for someone who's been given a very grim future there is no doctor, no drug or no treatment that can help them and the quicker they realize they have to take charge of their health and make these important lifestyle changes, the sooner they will regain their health.

We do not need artificial substances and chemicals potions which are what drugs are to protect us from cancer. They may work for bacterial infections and are also good for pain relief but for degenerative diseases which is what cancer is, this is a very primitive approach. Remember that chemotherapy is a poison and is today's equivalent of blood letting or the use of mercury or arsenic which was common practice until recently. Now days we know blood letting and other toxic treatments didn't work.

The presumption that cancer must be cut out of the body is accepted without question these days, but you don't need to cut it out or otherwise purge it. All you need to do is to stop these wayward cells from dividing and you do that with the food you eat and other simple lifestyle changes. The human body is capable of doing this.

The key to strengthening the immune system is to make lifestyle changes, especially with the food you eat. We have moved away from eating freshly grown healthy food to a diet of processed food which we mistakenly believe to be healthy. Processed foods contain fat, salt or refined sugar and food additives, substances that contribute to cancer but the biggest problem is these foods are no longer fresh. We are in fact poisoning ourselves with our highly processed and nutritionally depleted food.

Other lifestyle changes we need to make is with a little exercise as it's very important. Our immune system needs muscular activity to allow it to function properly but thanks to the motor car, the television set and other labour saving devices we no longer get the exercise we need.

The most effective way to avoid or beat cancer without it ever returning is to remove its causes which are the reason why it first grew. The only thing standing between you and cancer is your immune system.

Watching Out for Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for another milder condition by both women and doctors alike. They are so vague that they can often lead you to think that you may have a condition in the reproductive system, but that it is not as serious as cancer.

Cancer is something that everyone has been trying to avoid. Currently, healthy living has taken a front seat in today's society. People are so health conscious that they do away with food that they think is unhealthy. Not only are they trying to avoid cancer, but all other forms of diseases as well. However, we all know that no matter how healthy you are, you will get sick one way or another. The next best thing you can do is early detection. With early detection, you might be able to stop the disease early in its tracks and this could mean a lot when it comes to your survival. This is especially true with cancer.

The sad thing about cancer though, is that it is very cunning. You feel fine one day. And the next day you discover you are already in Stage 4. Do not be disheartened though. There are actually signs and symptoms that you can watch out for. You may have noticed them before, but dismissed them as something that you shouldn't be concerned about. Well this time, you know better.

In ovarian cancer, you should be looking out for pelvic or abdominal pain. Now, women suffer from abdominal pain regularly, especially during their menstrual cycle. This is called dysmenorrhea. However, dysmenorrhea would only last for a short while - 3 to 4 days max. In ovarian cancer, abdominal pain may last for two to three weeks.

Painless bleeding is another great sign of cancer. Women with ovarian cancer might bleed a lot. They will bleed more than normal, and the thing that separates them from menstrual bleeding si that bleeding in ovarian cancer lasts for weeks at a time.

Changes in your menstrual cycles could be attributed to a lot of factors. Stress, for one thing, would greatly affect you menstrual cycle. However, if you observe that you have been suffering from continuous abnormalities in your menstrual cycle, like amenorrhea, mittelschmerz, excessive bleeding and more, you should immediately consult with your doctor.

Other symptom associated with ovarian cancer would be feeling of fullness after just a small intake of food or water, bloating, changes in your bowel movement, constant back pain that cannot be explained, decrease or lack in appetite, and pelvic heaviness.

As you can observe from the previous paragraph, the symptoms mentioned could also be related to other reproductive system conditions. They key here is to get consultation as early as possible. Most people are too scared to go to the doctor and find out that they are already suffering from a serious disease. If you ask me, it is better to know than to be ignorant. If you are aware of your condition, you could get treatment and increase the chances of your survival, right?

By Danica Susan

Uterine Cancer Symptoms and How to Deal With Them

Uterine cancer is a type of carcinoma that appears in the female reproductive organs. It is the fourth most frequently occurring cancer after breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Uterine cancer is considered as the most common cancer in women and fortunately it is curable, too. In Canada, about 3,900 women are diagnosed with this disease each year and the survival rate is more than 80%. The survival rate could be much greater if the carcinoma could be detected earlier. Most cases are called endometrial cancers because they grow in the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium.

Learning the symptoms is one of the ways to detect the cancer earlier. Unfortunately, sometimes it is hard to notice the symptoms as they often mimic other ailments. Most often, uterine cancer presents no symptoms. If symptoms exist, they usually appear when it has reached an advanced stage but this condition varies from woman to woman. Here are some uterine cancer symptoms you can learn:

1. Women who suffering from this disease may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding; it can be heavy or only light bleeding during the month.

2. When you find unusual heavy vaginal discharges, it may be a symptom of uterine cancer. The discharge may often be foul smelling or contain mucus.

3. If should notice pelvic pain which is not related to the usual menstrual cycle, it can be a symptom of this disease. The pain may range from mild to severe and can last for hours.

4. Bleeding after douching, sexual intercourse or between your periods is another symptom. Sexual activities can cause irritation of the cervix and finally cause bleeding.

How to Deal With the Symptoms

One common question that women often ask is how to deal with uterine cancer symptoms. Well, there are many ways you can cope with these symptoms. First, you can take careful note of symptoms that you are experiencing. Make a list of the symptoms and add additional notes such as the frequency of occurrence, the time when you have them, and the degree of pain experienced. After that, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the symptoms. Give your notes to the doctor and go over the list with him. It best to be honest with your doctor and clearly answer his questions. Once you have discussed the symptoms with him, now work out coping strategies with him. Based on your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe some medications such as a painkiller for the pelvic pains or antibiotics for vaginal infections. Make sure that you follow your doctor's guidance to control the growth of the cancer.

To find out more information about Uterine Cancer Symptoms please visit http://symptomsof-disease.com/2011/10/uterine-cancer-symptoms-and-daily-habits/. You will find some useful information and tips.

By Roro Wulandari

Essential Information About Bladder Cancer


By Sasi Krishna

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, wherever it originates, it has the same characteristic features of spread and invasion to other organs and lethality. There are four stages in the cancer of any type, such as stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV. The treatment type varies in each stage, and when the origin and spread of the disease when formed in the bladder, it is called bladder cancer. The main symptoms of bladder cancer are the patient feels pain on urination, some patients may get bleeding too, this condition is called hematuria medically, and the other symptom is frequent urgency to urinate. Polyuria is the another symptom (poly- means many, -uria means urination), in which the patient goes to urinate abnormally more number of times.

Cancer staging will confirm the depth of metastasis and based on the staging type whether it is stage 0, I, II, III, or IV, the treatment regimen will differ. Disease is detected by way of a visual examination method called cytoscopy (cyto- means urinary bladder and scopy means visual examination) of the urinary bladder. After that cancer is confirmed by a biopsy of the urinary bladder. Urine samples are taken in this stage called voided urine sample, which is done mainly to diagnose the urinary bladder.

Cell counts also are measured in the urine samples to confirm the diagnosis. Microscopic granules of blood will occur in the urine of the patient is done visual examination under microscope.

TNM is the staging method of bladder cancer. For example, stage I cancer is mentioned as T1 N1 M1. Here T refers to tumor, N refers to nodes, and M refers to metastasis or spread level. The more metastasis increases, the more the severity of the cancer increases to the adjacent organs of the urinary bladder.

The stage IV is the worst and utmost matured stage of bladder cancer. In this stage, the disease possibly would have spread to the other adjacent organs. Generally, smokers are more probably affected by bladder cancer and so avoiding smoking is the best measure to avoid this disease if it is found in the early stages. Both genders are equally prone to this disease.

Surgical removal of the disease area if required with radiation to the cancerous areas and drug therapy are the common regimens of bladder cancer. Transitional cell carcinomas are the common type of bladder cancer, in which the disease spreads in the inner lining of the bladder.

What to Do After Cancer

1:42:00 AM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments
Many people suffering from cancer find that they are no longer able to conceive, despite all of the best efforts of fertility preservation. There is nothing guaranteed to succeed with fertility preservation during cancer treatments, but it is important to have the right attitude about getting pregnant and starting a family once you have cured your cancer. There are a number of solutions that you can consider, and you may find that starting a family is possible despite the damage the cancer and the subsequent treatments have done to your body.

How to Get Pregnant

If the cancer has damaged your body, it may be very difficult for you to get pregnant. Men suffering from cancer will often become sterile as a result of the treatments, and women may find that one or both of their ovaries are damaged beyond repair. If this is the case, here are some ways that you can get pregnant or start a family despite the cancer treatments:

1. IVF

In vitro fertilization is a method of artificial insemination in which the eggs of the woman are extracted and combined with the semen of the man. The combined eggs and sperm are then incubated to encourage fertilization, and they are then injected back into the woman's womb once the egg has been fertilized. If you suffered from cancer and the treatments have caused early menopause or caused you to stop ovulating, you may find that using this method of conception makes getting pregnant possible.

2. Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination is a more natural method of conception, and it calls for the semen to be injected directly into the womb to make it as easy as possible for the sperm to fertilize the egg. This method is good for men who have low sperm count or motility as a result of their cancer treatment, or for women who have only a few eggs left.

3. Fertility Drugs

Fertility drugs help to boost the fertility level in the bodies of both men and women by increasing the levels of the hormones that control fertility. These drugs may have negative side effects, but they will be a good solution for those who are suffering from lower fertility than normal as a result of the cancer treatments.

4. Egg and Sperm Donors

Women who have gone through radiation treatment may find that they no longer have any eggs produced by their ovaries, and men may have a very low sperm count as a result of their treatments. If this is the case, the solution may be to obtain a donor for the eggs or sperm. There are hundreds of sperm banks in the country with many sperm samples available, and there are many places where cryopreserved eggs can also be obtained.

5. Surrogacy

If the mother's womb has been damaged or rendered inhospitable for the growing embryos, the body will reject it. In order to avoid this problem, surrogacy is another option to consider. Surrogacy involves implanting inseminated eggs inside a third party's womb, and the embryo simply grows to full term and is delivered by this third party. Many people suffering from cancer find that they are no longer able to conceive, despite all of the best efforts of fertility preservation.

Dealing With the Emotions

Once the cancer treatments have been completed, there is likely to be a flood of emotions that you may have no idea how to deal with. Many people find that they have a low self esteem or self image as a result of the changes their body has undergone, and it is important to deal with these properly. Another emotion that conflicts many people is the feeling that you are alone in your struggle. You may find that negativity floods you, and you may feel that the rest of your life is over.

The reality is that you are never alone. There are many people who have undergone similar situations, and they know what you are feeling. If you feel these negative emotions, you should seek help. Recovering from cancer is as much a mental battle as it is a physical battle, and you will find that you will need help to overcome the battles you face. Don't hesitate to seek help from friends, family, and even professionals if needed.

By Robert O Dewald

Cheap Way To Screen for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of women cancer deaths in developing countries where health care resources are lacking and not adequate, particularly in the poor rural regions.

A cheap screening method is helping to detect for early signs of cervical cancer. It requires a swab of vinegar (with 3 to 5 percent acetic acid) on the cervix and after three to five minutes if any area turns white, it is a sign of a pre-cancerous or cancerous lesion. A lesion is known to have more DNA, and thus consists more protein compared to other tissues. Acetic acid coagulates with the protein which results in a whitish appearance. Any detection of an abnormal lesion will be frozen and destroyed using cryotherapy, or cold therapy, which utilises a metal rod cooled by a tank of carbon dioxide.

This test is also called visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and it was developed by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine based on a well-known procedure among gynecologists in the United States, in which vinegar is used to confirm a positive Pap (Papanicolaou) smear. It has been introduced in pilot projects in more than 20 nations such as Peru, India, Philippines and Thailand.

Cervical cancer is cancer at the neck of the womb called the cervix. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a group of over 100 different types of viruses, and some are known to infect the cells in cervix, leading to cancerous growth. Cervical cancer in its early days does not cause any symptoms. In later stages symptoms are unusual pelvic pain, pain while urinating or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Benefits of The VIA Screening

Just regular table vinegar is needed for VIA, which makes it a truly inexpensive screening procedure.

A 1999 field study in Zimbabwe comparing the vinegar test method with a Pap smear found that the acid test detected more lesions though at the same time it was also more prone to false positives. However it is still proving to be an effective and safe alternative to the more expensive Pap smear for screening early signs of cervical cancer. It can help the health care personnel make an instant decision as to whether a person needs further treatment.

Both the VIA screening and cold treatment can be performed on the same visit, unlike a Pap smear where you have to go back home and wait for lab results to come back before you visit your doctor a second time to hear the outcome. The VIA procedure can be carried out by a nurse or a medical worker after three to four days of training.

To learn more about cancer preventive strategies, head over to the health journal Tips Of All Sorts and if optimal health is your goal, check out the "Total Health Breakthrough" dietary plan today!

Tips Of All Sorts is a health reporter's journal with notes on modern day issues that matter to everyday living.

By Edward Lewis

Brief Explanation of Ovarian Cancer and It's Lab Test CA-125

Ovarian cancer disease is also known as the silent killer. That is because the disease is usually found when the patient is in the final stages of this cancer. Many women do not know the early warning signs of this cancer. Believe it or not, the American Cancer Society ranks this cancer as the fourth cause of cancer death in women.

What are the ovaries and what do they do?

The ovaries are the internal almond-shaped organs that are located internally on each side of the pelvis. The purpose of the ovaries is to produce eggs on a monthly basis. They are used for the fertilization process, which is pregnancy.

Where does the cancer start?

The tumor starts in one or both of the ovaries. Cancer cells from the original cancer place can spread to other parts of the body.

What are the signs and symptoms I should know?

    * Abdominal bloating, abdominal pressure, and abdominal pain
    * Nausea, indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea
    * A loss of appetite
    * A feeling of being full even after a light mean has been eaten
    * A sudden weight loss or even gain for no apparent reason
    * Unexplainable vaginal bleeding
    * Pain during sexual intercourse
    * Fatigue and back aches

**It is best to seek medical attention if these symptoms continue for 2 or more weeks**

Are there women who are at risk for this cancer?

Certain risk factors make some women more at risk. These factors include:

    * Family history, such as your mother and/or sister
    * Family history of breast or colon cancer has also been tied to ovarian cancer
    * Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk; and increases even more at age 60 or older
    * Women who have never had children are at a higher risk than women who did have children
    * If a woman has a personal history of breast or colon cancer, this puts her at a higher risk to develop ovarian cancer

Is the pap test used to find ovarian cancer?

No, this test is used to screen for cervical cancer.

What tests are used for screening ovarian cancer?

At this point in time, there is no specific screening to detect ovarian cancer.

What tests are used to diagnose this cancer?

If you have experienced any of the symptoms that were previously discussed, see your doctor. Your doctor will examine you by performing a vaginal/rectal examination. Your doctor will then determine if you should receive a pelvic sonogram. The doctor also may order a lab or blood test called CA-125 that also can identify ovarian cancer.

Please, if you have any questions or concerns about this cancer contact your doctor. Remember that when ovarian cancer is found in its early stages the survival rate is much higher. Be aware of these important signs/symptoms. Share this information with as many women as you can.

By Jessica Watson

Natural Cure to Cancer - Treat Cancer Naturally


By Robert L Coleman

Dread cancer no more. It is not the deadly disease anymore that it used to be even a couple of decades back. Various kinds of natural treatments to cancer have been invented by scientists and their researches have proved that cancer can be prevented and cured in a natural way without harmful and painful chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It has been proven now that the alternative natural cures applied to treat cancer are fruitful and of course painless unlike the other methods. Natural treatments are a little complicated and hence must be done by an experienced person.

The best natural cures for cancer start working quickly on certain aspects of the disease to get rid of it. It will start by protecting the cells that have not been harmed by cancer yet, killing the cancer cells or restoring them to normal cells, curbing the spreading of cancer and guarding the non-damaged cells from the harmful affects of lactic acid. There are 5 protocols that are generally followed to cure cancer naturally. However, none of these protocols can be used in combination. They must be used separately or else might cause heavy damage to the cells.

The first is the Cellect-Budwig Protocol. This is basically a nutritional supplement manufactured for cancer patients. It is available in the form of powder containing amino acids, vitamins, immune builders, and trace minerals. Advanced stage patients can use it along with maintaining a strict diet routine and can reap the benefits. The second is the Cesium Chloride Protocol. This treatment is extremely powerful and stops the cancer cells from multiplying. It also aids in stopping the cachexia cycle and is an alkaline protocol. If you are suffering from cancer which is spreading very fast throughout the body then, applying any of these will bring fast and positive results because these stop spreading of the infected cells.

Bill Henderson Protocol is another effective protocol for cancer patients. This boosts the immune system and eliminates the infected cells. This protocol is in fact the least expensive among all the other ones. LifeOne Protocol is extremely effective for particular types of cancer. It was being manufactured by Dr. Jim Howenstine and is a supplement based product including immune builders. Tony Isaacs is the last protocol used to cure cancer. This is also an immune building protocol made of Oleander leaves. The leaves of this plant are used in pill form today to treat cancer. The specialty of this plant is that it can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and also kill the cells causing cancer.

Aloe Arborescens is a plant that can treat cancer successfully. Protandim prepared from green tea extract and herbs is also used as a natural cure to cancer. The One Minute Cancer Cure is also a process that is known to kills cancer cells. It is known to oxygenate the body and destroy cells that cause tumor or cancer. As the name suggests, it can be used one minute everyday at home. It works on the theory of increasing oxygen levels in blood which results in the death of pathogens thus curing you of fatal diseases like cancer. The One Minute Cure can be used as the cure of all diseases that can prove fatal.

The History of Asbestos

Asbestos derives its meaning from the Ancient Greeks, meaning "inextinguishable," because of its harmful biological effects. A person who is exposed to asbestos may contract a disease known as asbestosis. This respiratory disease scars the tissue in the lungs. The lungs are prevented from freely exchanging gases, as well as, expanding and contracting properly.

Additionally, Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma can develop. Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma are highly aggressive diseases that are usually the result of exposure to asbestos that has occurred over a long period of time. Treatment options are expanding but there is currently no cure.

Discovery of the Harmful Effects of Asbestos

Asbestos was first diagnosed in 1924 when a young woman died in her twenties after being exposed. Eventually, studies performed on English workers showed that asbestos presented a real risk and exposure could cause sickness and even death.

Unfortunately, the United States did not act on this information immediately. Workers continued to be exposed to this harmful substance and it would be years before the extent of the damage was know. This harmful substance particularly affected workers in specialized occupation including Naval Veterans, fire-fighters, shipyard workers, brake mechanics, steam fitters and construction workers.

People who have worked in these occupations may be particularly vulnerable to contract asbestosis or another asbestos-related disease because they were often in close contact with it.

Failed Prevention of Injury

When asbestos was started to be used in homes and workplaces throughout the United States, it was presumed safe by the general public. The manufacturers, however, knew that this was not true. Going back to the early 1900's, a series of corporate lies and half-truths kept the public from knowing that exposure to asbestos could many times lead to an early and painful death. During this time when asbestos use was prominent and the companies knew what a health risk it could pose, they started to do various studies of the health of their workers to see if asbestosis (the precursor to Mesothelioma, where inhaled asbestos fibers cause scarring and damage to the lungs) was present. These studies brought back shocking results: that up to 29% of workers had asbestosis, which would lead to Mesothelioma or other debilitating lung problems.

Injury Liability of Manufacturers

Asbestos became very popular due to its ability to insulate buildings and products. The courts have recognized that the asbestos manufacturers are responsible, requiring them to provide compensation to the victims and their families.

Rudolph Migliore, more commonly known as Rudy, is a well-known attorney with over 33 years of experience. Rudy has made Suffolk County, New York his home since 1963. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1968 to 1974. A quintessential family man, Rudy strongly conveys this trait in his legal practice.

By Rudolph Migliore

Mesothelioma - All About It

Mesothelioma also commonly referred to as malignant mesothelioma, is an odd type of cancer which grows in the protective lining which shells most of the body's inner organs, the mesothelium. The cancer is as a result of exposure to asbestos.

The cancer usually develops on the pleura (i.e. the exterior lining of the lungs as well as interior chest barrier). Nonetheless, the cancer can also grow in the peritoneum (the coating of the abdominal cavity), the tunica vaginalis (a bag which environs the testis) or the pericardium (i.e. the pouch which surrounds the heart).

A majority of individuals who acquire mesothelioma have at one point in their lives worked on professions where they breathed in asbestos as well as glass specks, or were exposed to asbestos dust along with fiber by other means. It has also been shown that cleaning the garments of family members who worked with asbestos can put the person doing the laundry at risk of suffering from mesothelioma. While it is true that smoking can enhance one's chances of suffering from other types of asbestos-stimulated cancers, there is no medical proof to show that there is a link between mesothelioma and smoking. Individuals who have been subjected to asbestos have already accumulated harm for asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma. Payments from asbestos funds or litigation are a critical matter in law practices concerning mesothelioma.

The signs that someone is suffering from malignant mesothelioma consist of shortness of breath as a result of pleural effusion (i.e. the fluid in-between the lung and chest barrier) or chest barrier pain, on top of general signs, for example, weight loss. The diagnosis can be identified with chest x-rays coupled with CT scan, and is verified with a biopsy (tissue test) on top of microscopic analysis. A thoracoscopy (this is where a tube with a camera is inserted into the chest) can be utilized to get biopsies. It enables the insertion of substances, for instance, talc to destroy the pleural space (known as pleurodesis), that deters more fluid from gathering and surging on the lung. In spite of therapy with chemotherapy, radiation and at times surgery, the mesothelioma has a bleak prognosis. Studies regarding screening examinations for the early prognosis of mesothelioma are still going on.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma might not show until twenty or fifty years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, coughing and aches in the chest, as a result of gathering of fluid in the pleural space, are some of the most common signs of pleural mesothelioma.

Signs of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss, intestinal swelling along with aches as a result of ascites (this refers to accumulation of fluid in the intestinal cavity). Other signs of peritoneal mesothelioma might include bowel blockade, anemia, blood clotting irregularities as well as fever. In case the cancer has spread further than the mesothelium to other areas of the body, signs might be aches, issues with ingesting, or swelling of neck or face.

These signs might be triggered by mesothelioma or by other disorders that are less grave.

Mesothelioma which touches on the pleura can create the following signs and symptoms:
- Chest barrier aches.
- Coughing, wheezing and hoarseness.
- Exhaustion or anemia.
- Difficulties in breathing.
- Pleural effusion (i.e. fluids which environs the lung).
- Traces of blood in the sputum coughed out.

In acute cases, the individual might have numerous tumor heaps. The person might also develop a pneumothorax (collapsing of the lung). Over time, the illness can metastasize or spread to other areas of the body.

Tumors which affect the intestinal cavity frequently do not trigger signs till they are at a later stage. The signs and symptoms might include:
- Intestinal aches.
- Weight loss.
- Issues with bowel movements.
- A load in the abdomen.
- Uncharacteristic accumulation of fluid in the belly.

In acute cases of illness, the following signs and symptoms might show:
- Acute ascites.
- Low blood sugar level.
- Pleural effusion.
- Clotting of the blood in the veins which may in turn trigger thrombophlebitis.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation. In a layman's term, this refers to a condition resulting in acute bleeding in numerous body organs.
- Jaundice. This refers to the yellowing of the eyes as well as the skin.
- Clotting of the blood in the arteries of the lungs.

Unlike other types of cancers, mesothelioma does not normally invade the brain, adrenal glands or the bone. Pleural tumors are normally located on one side of the lungs.

What causes mesothelioma?

The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. In the U.S., asbestos is the main cause of malignant mesothelioma and is regarded as "incontrovertibly" related to the growth of mesothelioma.

Learn more about mesothelioma or visit us at www.asbestosmesotheliomacancer.net.

By Lexor Chey Ann

Metastatic Lung Cancer Affects Other Body Parts

Lung cancer is strongly related to smoking. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, of which 43 are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). These carcinogenic compounds include carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, arsenic, formaldehyde, etc. Other causes of the disease include radon gas, asbestos, particulate matter, and viruses. Nicotine is highly addictive, thus it can be difficult for smokers to quit their unhealthy habit, even after they are diagnosed with the disease. It becomes even worse because once a smoker has the disease, his or her remaining lifetime will be significantly short, because the survival rate of this cancer is lower than that of other cancers. The cancerous cells can also spread at a faster rate to other parts of body. And even if they don't, a sufferer will still experience breathing problems.

In most cases, metastatic lung cancer affects the liver, brains, adrenal glands and bones. To determine the extent of the cancer spread can be determined using an assessment technique known as lung cancer staging. Staging varies for the two types of the cancer, namely the Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC) and the Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC).

The SCLC staging can be classified as either limited stage or extensive stage. In the limited stage, the tumor is found in one lung or only in the lymph nodes of that lung. In the extensive stage, the tumor has spread into both lungs or other organs in the body. When the cancer has reached the latter stage, chemotherapy is usually the preferred treatment. However, the NSCLC is the most widely used staging scheme. It is divided into four stages, with stage 1 being the mildest form, and stage 4 being the most severe form. NSCLCs can also be categorized into 3 subgroups, namely adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type, accounting for 40% of all NSCLC cases. It is also the most common type of lung cancer found in non-smokers ("never-smokers").

Whether the lung cancer affects other body parts or not would depend on the cancer cell metastasis. To determine whether it has metastatized or not, doctors would use diagnostic techniques such as conventional chest radiography, computerized tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. Based on the test results, your doctor can determine the best treatment for you. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. However, metastatic lung cancer is very difficult to treat, because the cells have spread into various parts of the body. To treat this disease, each and every cell needs to be removed, and this is not an easy thing to do.

By Andy Mahesa

4 Things You Can Do to Deal With Metastasis

3:19:00 AM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

By Nelson Berry

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world. It affects thousands of people; and it doesn't choose any age, gender, or ethnicity. Because of the very bad prognosis, a lot of patients-and their families and friends-are finding it hard to deal with. But it becomes much worse when they learn about metastasis.

Metastasis means that the cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body, usually those that are near the primary tumor. When metastasis occurs, it means that the cancer is already in its advanced stage, and the survival rate is much lower.

It's not surprising therefore if 80 percent of those with metastatic cancer lose their hope for living a much longer life. But the truth is there are still things you can do to extend life, if not live it to the fullest.

If you're suffering from metastasis, take note of these tips:

1. See your doctor as regularly as possible. You want to monitor the progress of your illness. There are already several cases where metastasis had already occurred, and yet they still lived for a number of years because they had learned how to control the spread of cancer cells. But you can only do that if you deal with your doctor on a regular basis.

Normally, you'll be asked to undergo a series of tests to see if there's any improvement. The tests can also be utilized to determine any possible complications later. Depending on the metastatic cancer, you may be asked to go through tests at least every three months.

2. Take your medications. If you have been unfaithful with your medications, then now is the best time that you don't. The different medicines that you take are very important to halt, if not to slow down, the spread of cancer to various parts of the body. The medications can also help relieve of any symptoms or signs that may develop because of metastasis. The kinds of drugs you take will depend on what type of cancer you have. The dosage, meanwhile, will be according to the severity of the metastasis.

3. Join support groups. It's a lot harder to deal with the illness alone. You need to get a lot of support, especially from those who are sharing your experience. There are plenty of support groups that you can participate in. In fact, a lot of health care facilities already have their own in-house groups to help their patients manage their illness more effectively. By just being there, you'll realize that you're not alone in your battle.

4. Relieve yourself of the stress. Stress is one of the biggest enemies of cancer. When you're stressed, your immune system goes down. You will lose your ability to fight the cancer spread. There are different ways on how to manage stress, and one of these is through affirmations or subliminal messages.

Make it a habit to spend at least 15 minutes of relaxation. While doing so, listen to subliminal messages and affirmations that may carry the following messages:

I live life to the fullest.
It's quality of life I seek.
Cancer doesn't define me.

An Asbestos and Mesothelioma Statistic

It's 4.45 in the morning, pitch black outside. The alarm clock goes off - the most hated sound at the start of the day. He hits it out, half asleep. Trying to get out of the oh-so-comfortable slumber, all he can think of is how he's going to need a bit more time to get up. 5 minutes, tops! A minute later, a second alarm goes off, tearing him out of his inertia all over again. Sensing it's going to be futile to continue fighting his time, he surrenders to his time-keeper & slowly rolls out of bed.

His wife dozes peacefully, he glances at her a moment - they have been married since high school & he's in still in love with her. Through the painful times, when their world seemed to collapse, he learned to love her even more. He's grateful for having her in his life, but hardly acknowledges it. A tired smirk grows out of the corner of his mouth as he gets up, goes to the bathroom & gets ready.

Half an hour later, he fetches his lunch box from the kitchen, grabs his gear & locks the door as he leaves his home. 'I hope that crazy leakage finally gets fixed today!' he thinks, as he hops into his truck, backs out the driveway & heads to work. A pipeline burst at one of the shafts near the lift, flooding the central area at the top. Getting in & out of the mine has since become a pain. He's been supervising at an asbestos mine, at mid-managerial level, just shy of 13 years now. He's been working in it, overall, for 30 years.

The time is now 6.00 am & he's just arriving outside. As he puts his hard hat on & walks towards the mine, his foreman meets him, sarcastically jokes about how he didn't get any last night again, then briefs him about the day. He takes a look at the roster, sifting through the pages of the activity log. 'Tunnel 6 approaching 80% completion'

'Whoa! If the guys keep it up at this rate, we'll complete the project 6 weeks in advance.' he thinks to himself. 'Way to go, boys!'

Before he walks up the stairs to his office behind the main entrance, he looks over to his left & notices something he's not happy about at all. The central area is still flooded up & now leaking down the lift.

'Those contractors are in for it!'

Inside his office, he drops his gear in the closet, sinks into his office chair & begins collating last week's records on tunnel 5's output. He's been leading all project management since he was a foreman & despite his vast experience & nearly unblemished track record over his career, he still gets nervous whenever he's running a project. It's the same butterflies in his tummy he hasn't been able to get rid of, over the years. They've probably been responsible for his high performance, he reckons, so he's not particularly bothered.

3 minutes go by & a tiny heap of reports have already piled up in front of him, on his heavily, document-littered desk; he still needs a few more before he meets up with his team, then phone the agency to break hell on the lousy contractors. Pictures of his daughter, when she was a child, hang behind him, on the wall. Portraits of his wife & son pose beside him. How time flies! Just yesterday, it seemed, he was throwing his daughter up in the air, as she always loved; now she's about to graduate from college, with a major in cybernetic engineering & $23,000 debts. And his son, now a freshman on full scholarship at a leading private university, doesn't stop calling & texting about the girl he's newly fallen for, whom he's this time convinced is the one.

Got it! The last pair of reports he'd been looking for. At the bottom of the pile as always, when you're searching for something. Now, off to brief the guys. He shuts his office door but suddenly feels dizzy & an incredible pain in his chest - like a heavyweight boxing match for the world title, trying to break out of it. He feels feverish at the same time & is, inexplicably, getting out of breath. The day hasn't even started & he usually only feels like this, half way through. It's been a couple of months now like this, but he's been shrugging it off as a normal thing that comes with age. At 59, he is entering a new phase in life & kissing his prime years goodbye.

It's at the point, where he almost gets off the stairs, that he notices how pale his hands are, after wiping sweat from his forehead. Barely able to breathe, he blanks out within a few split seconds & falls head-first to the ground, all the way from the last three steps of the staircase.

The next thing he realizes is that he's lying on a bed, without the usual sounds & noise in the atmosphere. 'The day couldn't possibly be over! Where did everybody go?'

Groggy, he opens his eyes, to notice he's actually not even at work anymore. He's in a private room that looks like a hospital. It's filled with machines, medical equipment, a large window behind him on the left... & his wife sitting next to him, holding his right hand. He really is in a hospital... yet has no idea how he got there!

A doctor then comes in & talks to his wife. She tells her she would like to keep him a while longer, for observation & to run a few tests. His wife becomes agitated & his right hand is now squeezed. 'What's wrong with him?' she asks the doctor, in a crackling voice. 'We don't know yet. At this point, it's too early to say. The tests will narrow down diagnostics & confirm what will have to be done.' the doctor replies. She continues, 'Your husband has been running a high fever, his pale skin suggests, among other possibilities, anaemia. Because he's a miner, we're not going to rule out possibilities of developing rare forms of cancer that can be caused from inhaling asbestos.'

'My husband has been working in the mine over 30 years! He couldn't have any such thing!' the wife exclaims. The doctor looks at her a bit surprised about her naïveté, then tactfully rebuts 'Alright, but such diseases, if they are present, do take a very long time to fully develop.', then pauses before she carries on. 'Well, like I said. We'll like to keep an open mind & run all necessary diagnostics as a precautionary measure... just to be sure! The tests will include but may not be limited to X-rays & CT/MRI scans. If all goes well, he should be out within a week!'

The miner closes his eyes again, in thought. 'Seven whole days! That should take the leakage off my back & drive some other clown crazy!'

The doctor leaves the room & he begins to relax more. His chest still feels tight, but the boxing match is over for now. It was a probably a draw! 'That fall should have taken me out. I feel like parts of my head are in a coma!' he mumbles. His wife, meanwhile seated next to him again, looks up to him in shock. 'You're lucky to even be alive! The foreman found you on the ground, lying face down from the stairs. The 1st Aid struggled to get you back until the ambulance came & this is the 1st thing coming out of your mouth?' she blurts out. She rapidly becomes so angry, her eyes fill with tears. She gets up, sharply turns away from him as she drops his hand in disgust, walks away from his bed, towards the door, leans her head back with both hands & breathes in deeply, then exhales, once. Great! Now, he's ticked her off. He closes his eyes again, returning to his thoughts. 'Fire in the hole! 3... 2... 1...'

She turns back to him, 'If I were given a moment for every time I have put myself out there for you whenever you were in need, I would get two consecutive lifetimes to make up for myself, you ungrateful,... ungrateful,... you...!!'

He senses he's going to have to diffuse the situation quickly or else the volcano will erupt! He gathers his strength, achingly leans forward and thereafter mumbles, 'Darling... I had no idea.' He stretches out his hand, 'Come on honey... I'm sorry!' His voice drenched in pain. She returns to her seat, wiping her cheeks, he lies back on his pillow & slowly exhales for a couple of seconds. 'Sheesh! If I keep this up, I'll take myself out!'

They hold hands again.

A few days go by & the couple is still together in the hospital room. The swelling on his head from the fall has reduced & his fever is gone. His chest doesn't feel too great but he's sure it'll be fine. They just finished having lunch & are discussing how much time he'll take off before returning to work. The door opens, it's the doctor. They greet each other. His wife is not able to hide the smile on her face. She's made her mind up today that they'll be leaving, so she's only expecting good news from the results. The doctor converses with the miner & checks how he's feeling, while in the meantime another doctor walks in. A tall man, holding a large folder. The wife can't make out what's inside it but can recognize an X-ray sheet, peeking out. Instantly, without even trying to doubt herself, she concludes that it's turned out to be more serious than she first thought. Her mood free falls quicker than the '08 market crash. She struggles to keep a hold of her emotions again, sucking her lips in.

The doctor introduces the tall gentleman, 'This is our resident diagnostics officer here at Memorial Hope.' The officer politely nods at the couple, they nod back. She goes on, 'After several hours of examining with the best medical team in the area...' she pauses, then continues, 'I'm afraid we've come to the conclusion that your condition is far more serious than initially anticipated.'

The miner slowly gulps what must feel like an oz of saliva, in fear. He's as tough as can be & has taken his fair share of hits in life & kept going, but was honestly of the opinion they were, thank God, over. 'Wait!' he thinks. 'Don't thank him yet!'

The doctor then announces monotonously, 'Our results conclusively confirm that you have Mesothelioma, a terminal cancer that is affecting your lungs. It has already spread to more than half its area. At this stage, you won't have more than 8 months left!'

Immediately, the miner pants hard, then in the pain to speak, shouts to his wife, 'Get me a bin!'

His wife, already burst up tears, grabs the paper bin from the corner & holds it in front of him. He flings his head just over the ledge & throws up right into it. His wife pats him on the back, throughout. 'I'm really sorry! There's nothing we can do. We have put together a treatment plan that you will be undergoing, which includes ingesting medication to ease the pain.' the doctor says, trying to allay the despair in the hopelessness of the situation. The resident diagnostics officer, blushed with anguish, hunches down to his colleague & whispers, 'This may not be such a good time to show the results, right?'

The doctor, obviously irritated by what she had just heard, gestures hurriedly with her hand that he leave, then consoles the couple.

A few minutes & a bin full of fresh vomit later, the wife, now whimpering uncontrollably, mutters, 'We just finished puh... paying our mortgage. Our kids are taken care of... we were looking forward to a holiday cruise! Wha... wha... what are we supposed to do now?', then cries heavily, all over again. This time being embraced by the middle-aged doctor. The wife sits down next to her husband when she gets a hold of herself again & clutches his hand, TIGHT! The miner responds, almost whispering, 'In all of my life, I never thought this would happen to me. It's always the other guy!' while looking out of the window.

It's a bright, sunny day. Not a cloud in the sky. Perfect to have a picnic, stroll through the park - smell the roses!

At that moment, an eagle lands onto the ledge, outside. Both the doctor & the miner momentarily notice the bird, a bit taken aback. The eagle looks through the window into the room, as if lost & unable to find what it had come to see. Then, unanticipated, the miner & the eagle both lock eyes & observe each other for a moment! The eagle then flies away.

The miner is left with a subtle impression. A couple of seconds later, he turns back. He clears his voice calmly, fighting tears from his eyes as he looks at the doctor, then begins, 'Tell me doc... What can we do over the next period? Less than a year ain't a mighty long time!' He holds his face & finally breaks down to let the tears run their course. Joining his wife, who has been quietly sobbing all along. The doctor, now clearly affected by her patient's misfortune, despite her professional experience, takes a step to his bed.

'Find an attorney! Sue the pants off your employer! It's a long shot taking it up through the union & you don't enough time now anyway!' She stops abrupt, conscious of possibly being insensitive. 'I don't know how to say these things... just fight for your right through a good Mesothelioma lawyer. File a lawsuit that will make up for everything you've lost.'

She turns to the wife & squeezes her hand in sympathy, then looks on to the miner & says, 'You're in my prayers!', then leaves the room.

It's been four days since the diagnosis. The couple are out of hospital, the miner is with his wife at a prominent law firm, in the larger, neighboring town, 40 minutes drive away from home. They have been referred to the firm by the doctor, who personally inquired for a really good attorney from her 'friends at the top' of Memorial Hope Hospital. When she found one & contacted the lawyer, she pleaded that he handles their case pro bono, as a personal favor to her. In the phone call she said, 'They're really good people. Life can be so cruel sometimes. It's a crying shame what happened to them, a real tragedy!'

The couple just finished telling the lawyer their story. He's sitting at his desk, across them, in his corner office overlooking the metropolis skyline. He has been listening intently, without ever interrupting. All through the narration, he had been nodding, while twisting his Mont Blanc pen around his fingers. The miner's wife, who's meanwhile become cynically disposed to life itself, stares at the lawyer from her chair, almost menacingly. Her eyes are dreary but alert. It's evident she has been crying profusely over the past couple of days. The creases beneath her eyes are contoured deeper into her face & she now looks 10 years older. The miner himself is still pale, but now as composed as he usually is. There used to be a youthful vigor about him; that's all gone. Nowadays he appears frail; a shadow of his former self. Like a man his age, working in the service sector, or so.

The lawyer discreetly clears his throat. His face looks like he's in heavy brainstorming. Gently, he lays his pen in front of him. 'What has happened to you is a case of extreme worker negligence. You have been working in hazardous conditions, from which you were not personally protected in adequate measures, over your 30 year career. A rare disease which you could have been prevented from developing, now severely affects you & is in its final, terminal stages.' he says. 'This leaves you with leverage over your employer, to seek the maximum compensation for your losses, both health-wise & financial.'

Then he stops for a moment. The miner's wife, who in the past week has lost all of her natural optimism & become severely bitter from the cards life has played her, opens her eyes noticeably wider, despite her skepticism. The lawyer proceeds, 'There are four ways to go about this, one of which will be the most realistic method to get us to succeed in our legal proceedings. You have to understand that because your disease has developed so late, the other options may not have as great a chance to win your case as the actual one. Think of it like trying to accelerate a car from standstill, in the second gear or even third, if possible, when the highest & most effective amount of torque comes from the first gear.' The miner nods his head in understanding, knowing exactly what he means.

'Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex & every case is unique & cannot be generically given a one-size-fits-all solution. Cases can be broadly categorized in four areas, though. Product liability, professional malpractice, worker compensation & wrongful death. From what your doctor has already told me, in addition to your elaborate statements, I recommend we sue for worker compensation. It is the most befitting litigation in your circumstance so, to give you an example, it will be proven that the mining group would have exposed you to asbestos, illicitly during your job. The company will therefore be fully responsible for your tragic incident & will be made to pay a very high sum in compensation. If a strong case is made, which we will put forward, the management executives will have nowhere to run to, because even if they file for bankruptcy, federal injunctions could be pulled to effect the complete payment. It's bulletproof! And as a personal guarantee... I've been working in this field for 25 years. I understand it from the inside out. My reputation precedes me in the industry. I have strong ties with unions, agencies & health-care providers nationwide. I'm not saying this as an audition to you. I'm saying it because I want you to know who you're dealing with,... and what it means when I say that I'm going to personally make sure that you both get your entitled compensations to the maximum we can squeeze out of them. I'm going to do everything I can. Let's suck them dry... off the record!' The miner manages to reveal a relieved smile. His wife becomes elated, gets emotional again & rushes for some tissue out of her handbag, while she strenuously grips herself together again. With all the crying she has been doing ever since, you'd think she would have become good at it by now!

The miner reaches over & rubs her back. The lawyer had seen it all, but in all the years he had been working with asbestos victims, he's never been able to get over the raw nature of pure human emotion - the grief, the anguish he's experienced in every case. Every single one. Every one had a profound story to tell. None of the clients could truly understand WHY but they all shared one thing in common; they had all been afflicted by an ordeal so catastrophic, that simply none of them ever thought it would happen. But it did & that had become their reality.

The lawyer himself is doing fine. He owns a Carrera & a 5-bedroom, countryside villa in the high-brow parts of town. Business is good & he's been securing his retirement annually with well cared for investment portfolios. His wife, a former national beauty pageant finalist, owns & runs a thriving cosmetics retail chain, which spans across 3 countries. They have no kids. He's in his mid-sixties. He's developed a thick skin from weathering the failures & riding out the successes in the industry. Nonetheless, all his material wealth never totally insulated him from the powerful emotions of simple despair. Every time his clients 'had a moment', it psychologically scooped a chunk out of him as well. And no success can protect you from that! Like inhaling passive smoke: It sucks the life out of you in trickles, exponentially confirming your death sentence... by cancer.

Empathizing with the wife, the lawyer reaches into the bottom drawer of his mahogany desk, brings out a box of luxury tissues & hands it to the miner's wife. 'We thank you sir, we really appreciate your help!' the miner says as his wife grabs a handful of tissue out the box & tries to stop a seemingly unrelenting flow of tears. 'This is just a difficult time for us. We're faced with so much,...' the miner swallows, inhales & exhales once, then continues in his ailing voice; one that's had the joys of a long life evaporated from overnight, in large amounts. 'We don't know where to go from here, so we're just putting everything to God.' A shallow smile briefly surfaces on his face. 'He'll be our support!'

The lawyer adds, 'Given the extraordinary circumstance surrounding you, your doctor urged me to be lenient on your legal fees & I agree. I have therefore determined to represent you, as promised... pro bono!'

The miner flashes his eye-brows as his eyes light up. He clearly cannot believe what he had just heard. His wife, half way in control of her tears now, chips in with a slightly cynical undertone, 'He must be supporting us already!' as she chuckles, while her husband, keeping his eye-brows raised, smiles at her. The lawyer too, but in a defensive, guarded demeanor. 'God bless you, sir!' the miner says. His wife in a monologue speaks semi-melancholic, 'In the depths of your tribulations & miseries, an angel often appears...' Looking out the windows, she begins to hum melodically & drifts into an absence - her new found way of dissociation.

The lawyer presents the miner the contracts & goes over them, while regularly glancing at the miner's wife who seems to make no efforts to return to 'reality'. Her humming in the place she's at is just about good enough for her. She'll stay there a while, if only for a moment. It will summon the strength she needs in herself to continue living out this nightmare. A moment at a time. The miner signs in the spaces where the lawyer's index finger moves to. When he finishes, they both rise & shake hands while the miner's wife, dismayed snaps out of her spell. What could actually be worse: That place or reality?

She gets up while grabbing her husband's arm, braves a brief smile to the lawyer, without shaking hands with him. The couple make their way out of the modern office complex that houses several law firms, consultancies, an accounting firm & an S.E.O. marketing company. All that swarms around are people in suits & business skirts, walking in & out of the entrance in a frenzy... followed by a couple of casually dressed, obvious geeks. Arm in arm, the senior pair closely hold each other, while they slowly walk through the parking lot to their truck. They gently enter the vehicle; his wife pulls out the keys & ignites the truck. It's an old Durango. They reverse out the parking space & make their way home.

A week later, a worker compensation lawsuit is filed against the mining group by the couple's lawyer. Five days later, the hearings begin, as promised. The lawyer forwards a powerful case against the defendant. The miner at first was at the opening of the case, but subsequently stopped appearing due to his treatments supervised by his doctor at Memorial Hope. His children were now also present with their parents throughout the medical schedule. They were told the news when their parents felt they had everything 'under control', much to the anger of their daughter. A week into his treatments, the miner stopped responding to medicines administered & deteriorated rapidly health-wise. At this point, he swiftly became hospitalized again. His family, not missing a single event, cried in torment through it all. Two days later, he passed on. His family mourned privately for days & buried him at the end of that week. If God rests on that day, they decided, he will too! They say when you die, your life flashes before you. It seems to be no different when someone you love dies, too. All you keep on seeing are pictures of every little, precious time you shared with that special person throughout your life together. Like they fill your mind up & all you see are real images & living memories of that person, in one gigantic, virtual reality simulation in a vivid, high-definition, cinematic experience in 3D.

During the legal proceedings, a further lawsuit was charged against the mining group. It was the litigation of 'wrongful death'. The family appeared at every court date throughout their inexplicable grief. After a period of four months, the jury, by unanimous decision found the defendant guilty on all charges & ordered them to pay an astronomical sum to the plaintiff's family, as well as to incur the legal fees of the entire case, in full. When the lawyer embraced the widow, her daughter & son, he said 'This case may have set a record in payouts from Mesothelioma litigation but it will never fill the canyon of loss you feel in your hearts. I just hope the river that flows at the bottom of it, will be a piece of mind you will reach to, once your pain is dispersed!'

The widow faintly looks up to him & replies 'Pain? The real judgment was already passed when my baby died.'

As she grabs her handbag & moves in front of her kids, she carries on 'We have already become sentenced to pain. We have just became its warden now... because money never takes away the pain of the loss of a loved one, but it may ease it.' As she slowly walks out of the courtroom corridor, her daughter, now the tallest in the family, wraps her arms around both her mom & her little brother.

Outside the courthouse, a small group of local reporters have amassed & haste towards the family upon first sighting. A barrage of questions are asked simultaneously while camera lights are flashing & an electronics store worth of microphones, phones & audio recorders are shoved in the family's faces, which visibly upsets the daughter as she tries to keep her cool. A security guard from the courthouse springs to their rescue & backs the reporters off. A question a journalist yells, behind the 6"6ft sturdy frame of the security guard, sounds, 'Do you feel you have been given justice?' At that point, the daughter, who can't control herself anymore, from the gross insensitivity of the press to their situation, stops, turns to the reporters & shouts 'Justice? What do you care? You'll get your story anyway! And the crimes will continue to be committed by other organizations that will make ten-fold in turnover of what is paid in our 'record' compensation. Another person gets infected & the cycle continues.' She breaks down into tears now & screams angrily, 'WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT MY DAD? HE'S JUST ANOTHER ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA STATISTIC!'

(Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features herein are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if I use one of these terms.)

Specialist Listings contains resources on mesothelioma & how current affairs & contemporary history affect people who suffer from it. It contains an up to date account of litigation experts on mesothelioma/asbestos-exposure cases, many of whom have impeccable reputations & impressive track records in their respective niches. More importantly, it provides a voice for people who have been affected by any of such diseases & strives to make their plight a lot more understandable to the vast majority of otherwise healthy people, so that more positive actions can be effected for the betterment and healing of cancer-inflicted people's lives. Bookmark Specialist Listings now at http://specialistlistings.blogspot.com.

By Dotun Adewunmi

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