[Wellness] Therapeutic Breakthroughs: Mamm Single Topic Issue

["Karen Patterson" <Patterson@womens-wellness.com>]

Good afternoon. I just sat to peruse the latest single topic issue of Mamm.
I quickly became entralled and begin circling and jumping ahead just to see
what the next new idea is.  The news is not only hopeful, it is what every
cancer patient has known for years.  Our oncologists and radiologists are
not sure about how much of any one treatment is enough, or even which
treatment would work the best on us, or how long to treat, etc  Therefore,
we are barraged with everything in their arsenal and they haven't had much
choice.  Now, thanks to some very strong Breast Cancer Advocates in this
country the research is honing in on some incredible ideas.  Most of these
treatments concern some sort of targeted treatment whether that be chemo,
hormonal, genetic tumor pathology, and monoclonal antibodies.  These
articles were so interesting and encouraging.    You must get your own copy
of this issue so you can read it carefully.  It cites a lot of clinical
studies and research groups so the jargon can get heavy but it is well worth
knowing about.

I'll give you the gist of what I found so excellent and important to us all.
Scientists and Researchers are conducting tests to virtually eliminate broad
band treatment of all patients with a particular type of cancer.Admit it.
They want to be able to eliminate sentinel node biopsy. Two doctors from
Duke are testing genetically analyzed breast cancers and determined whether
of not the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.  How much
pain and suffering would that eliminate!!!They were highly accurate in
predicting metastasis solely on the genetic analysis.  It is still being
tested and worked on to improve accuracy.

Dr. Craig Henderson, MD  Adjunct Prof of Med, University of CA, SF discusses
Herceptin and other hormonal therapy and aromatase inhibitors (Arimidex,
Femara, and Aromasin) He refers to giving these therapies consideration for
adjuvant therapy.  Proteomics and Genasense which deal in tumor shrinkage
do to Epidermal Growth Factor receptors which is not being used in colon
cancer, but not yet breast.

The next article on radiation dicusses brachiatherapy, inserting device
while breast surgery occurs.  It would be left in for 4-5 days and then
removed.  This compared to 6 weeks of standard broad blasted radiation.  I
do not know if isolation is required or if burning of the area is a problem
but the shorter more targeted therapies sure sound good to me.

I am so happy to hear that soon, within my lifetime, my doctor will look at
the genetic anaylisis of my cancer and be able to tell me exactly what the
treatment should be instead of using all four chemo drugs cause they're not
sure which one works for ME with the least side effects and whole
breast,underarm radiation that lasts 7 weeks..  Nothing more, nothing less.
The day is coming ladies and we need to all help this process along.  Tell
your friends, educate your family, (some doctors coulda also use a little
help!!)and support the best you can for A CURE IN OUR LIFETIME.    No go get
your copy of MAMM and share the optimism.

Knowledge is Patient Power,
My best,
Karen



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