Melanie Haiken

Caring.com senior editor

About

Senior Editor Melanie Haiken, who is responsible for Caring.com's coverage of cancer, general health, and family finance, discovered how important it is to provide accurate, targeted, usable health information to people facing difficult decisions when she was health editor of Parenting magazine. She has written about health and family-related issues for magazines such as Health , Real Simple , Woman's Day , Yoga Journal , and websites such as BabyCenter.com, WebMD, and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield websites (aHealthyMe.com, aHealthyAdvantage.com) managed by Consumer Health Interactive. Melanie has held positions as Executive Editor at the Industry Standard and BabyCenter.com , and Managing Editor at San Francisco magazine. She has also worked for San Francisco's renowned Center for Investigative Reporting. She has a master's degree in Journalism and a B.A. in English, both from the University of California at Berkeley.

Melanie cared for her father while he battled esophageal cancer, which ended his life much too soon. She currently cares for her mother, who has multiple health problems including low vision. Melanie is a single mother of two daughters, so she understands the complicated pressures on the so-called "sandwich generation."

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Friday November 20, 2009

    1. Men, Women, Illness, and Caregiving: A Recipe for Divorce?

      Blog Post - A new study published this week in the journal Cancer has doctors, patients, and families talking -- and asking hard questions -- about what happens in a couple when it's the wife, rather than the husband, who becomes ill.

    2. Flu-Free Flying

      Article - Many people worry about catching a cold or the flu while on an airplane flight. Learn 12 top tips for avoiding germs and illness when you fly.

    3. A Frequent Flier's Germ Warfare Kit

      Article - It's difficult to avoid germs on airline flights. Protect yourself from colds and flu by keeping these five essential items in your carry-on bag.

    4. How to Avoid Sick Airplane Passengers

      Article - Ever wanted to change seats on an airplane -- but felt too shy or nervous to do it? Try these tips for making a graceful change of seats on a flight.

    5. 7 Preboarding Secrets to Help You Stay Healthy When You Fly

      Article - To avoid catching a cold or the flu while traveling on an airplane, learn these seven secrets for actions to take before you even get on the plane.

  2. Wednesday November 18, 2009

    1. Medication Mistakes That Can Kill

      Article - Medication mistakes are common and can be deadly. Learn -- and avoid -- the most common errors made with prescribed or over-the-counter drugs.

    2. Breast Cancer Controversy: No More Routine Mammograms for Women Ages 40 to 49?!

      Blog Post - This week a decision was made that could affect many lives. Currently mammograms are recommended as a yearly screening technique for women starting at age 40. If you have health insurance, it tends to happen pretty much automatically; your doctor sends you a reminder, and off you go to the radiology lab... 2 Comments

  3. Monday November 16, 2009

    1. The #1 Medication Mistake People Make in Cold/Flu Season

      Blog Post - Thanks to H1N1, cold and flu season has hit early this year, so it's time for one of the most important warnings of the year. Beware of accidentally overdosing on acetominophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) by taking both the painkiller and an over-the-counter cold and flu remedy that also contains it... 1 Comment

  4. Friday November 13, 2009

    1. Eating After 50: 10 Sneaky Ways to Get More Calcium

      Article - Keeping your bones strong is key to preventing osteoporosis, the bone loss that leads to poor posture, back pain, hip fracture, and many of the other problems that can sideline us as we age. Here, some sneaky tricks for working calcium into your diet and routine.

    2. Family Financial Feud: After My Father Died, My Mother and I Fought Over Funeral Costs

      Blog Post - What do you do when your beloved father dies and your mother, who was his primary caregiver, won't honor his memory the way you feel she should? That's what Joanie W. is facing. It's a common family dilemma, yet no one seems to talks about it... 2 Comments

  5. Wednesday November 11, 2009

    1. When Chemo-Brain Won't Go Away

      Blog Post - "I just don't feel as sharp as I used to; it's like my brain is moving in slow motion." My close friend Amy, who recently finished treatment for breast cancer, was speaking to me and two other friends who are also cancer survivors. It was as if her admission yanked open a door; suddenly all three began... 3 Comments

  6. Tuesday November 10, 2009

    1. Does anyone know the approximate cost of chemo treatment for non-hodgkins lymphoma?

      Answer - I'm afraid this question is too hard to answer specifically without knowing more about the diagnosis, the treatment plan, and the type of chemo your doctor is prescribing. If you're uninsured or underinsured and are afraid you can't afford treatment, talk to your doctor, get lots of specifics, and then...

  7. Monday November 09, 2009

    1. The Best Way to Protect Your Health: Take Vitamin D

      Blog Post - It's time to talk once again about the importance of vitamin D, aka the sunlight vitamin. I've written about vitamin D before, but good advice bears repeating. For one thing, a lot of Caring.com visitors have been mentioning it on some of my cancer and health posts. (Thanks for helping to spread the word... 2 Comments

  8. Friday November 06, 2009

    1. Family Financial Feuds: When An Out-of-Touch Sibling Resurfaces, Is It for Love or Money?

      Blog Post - Patricia K. got the e-mail just a few weeks after Christmas. "The holidays had come and gone, and once again no one had heard from my sister Betsy -- not even a card," Patricia says. 9 Comments

  9. Wednesday November 04, 2009

    1. Are You About to Have A Heart Attack? 7 Heart Attack Signs Women -- And Doctors -- Often Miss

      Article - Conventional wisdom has it that heart attacks come out of the blue. We're also trained to expect a heart attack to happen a certain way; the victim clutches his chest, writhes in pain, and collapses. But for women, it often doesn't happen that way... 1 Comment

    2. Early Stage Breast Cancer Alert

      Blog Post - If you or a woman you know has early stage breast cancer that's HER2-positive, she needs to know about some new research published yesterday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

  10. Tuesday November 03, 2009

    1. H1N1 Swine Flu Alert: Adults Ages 50 and Older Getting Sicker, Dying In Higher Numbers

      Blog Post - Here's some important news for older adults. Researchers are reporting that contrary to the messages we've been hearing over the last six months, the H1N1 swine flu virus can be extremely dangerous for those ages 50 and older.

  11. Monday November 02, 2009

    1. How to Stop a Cold

      Article - There are clear reasons why some people get more colds than others. Learn how to stop a cold fast, and how to prevent catching one to begin with.

  12. Friday October 30, 2009

    1. Family Financial Feuds: When Mom or Dad Is Gambling Away Financial Security

      Blog Post - I've heard so many variations on this one I could fill a page just with the individual stories. Here on the West Coast, it often involves one of the many freestanding casinos on tribal land, which are all too easily accessible from nearby towns. Or bus trips to Las Vegas or Reno organized by senior groups... 2 Comments

  13. Wednesday October 28, 2009

    1. Cancer Heroes and Heroines -- How They're Helping You and Your Family Cope With Cancer

      Blog Post - Going through cancer treatment is traumatic enough, and no one expects cancer patients to do anything more than try to get well. But some cancer survivors and their families turn around and use their experience with cancer to create foundations and services to help other cancer patients...

  14. Monday October 26, 2009

    1. Family Financial Feuds: The Case of the "Borrowing" Sibling

      Blog Post - Watching those close to us age is stressful for everyone, but certain situations seem guaranteed to set family members against one another and start families unraveling at the seams. 3 Comments

  15. Friday October 23, 2009

    1. Swine Flu Deaths: Keeping Sane and Safe

      Blog Post - Here in California where I live, the news hasn't been good this week, with 11 swine flu deaths reported. And nationwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported almost 300 deaths since the first of September. No question these are serious numbers, and there's plenty of reason for anxiety, so don't be hard on yourself if you're fretting... 1 Comment

  16. Wednesday October 21, 2009

    1. Cancer Proof Your Home: 5 Ways to Rid Your Home of Cancer-Triggering Toxins

      Blog Post - It's scary to think about cancer, but even scarier to think that we might unknowingly be doing things that put our families at risk.

  17. Monday October 19, 2009

    1. How Family Caregiving Can Save You Money on Your Taxes

      Blog Post - If you care for an aging family member, I'm guessing I don't have to point out to you the parallel with raising children. There's a reason we're called the "sandwich generation" -- we're the peanut butter and jelly holding together two pieces of bread: our children and our aging parents... 2 Comments

  18. Saturday October 17, 2009

    1. Top 10 Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

      Article - What with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the pink ribbons everywhere, breast cancer is even more on our minds than usual. What better time to think about prevention and awareness? Are you worried about the possibility of breast cancer in your future, or in the future of someone you love...

    2. Prevent Diabetes By Treating It Before It Starts

      Article - It can be really scary when a doctor tells you that you have pre-diabetes, or that the results of a glucose test show you're at risk for diabetes. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when blood glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dL or when a glucose tolerance test shows the glucose in your blood to be between 140 and 199 mg/dL... 1 Comment

    3. So Your Parent Wants to Move In With You -- Can You Afford It?

      Article - Recently I heard from Sarah, an old friend, about a hard situation she's in that I'm sure many Caring.com readers can relate to. Sarah's mother-in-law moved in with her and her family more than a year ago, and since then Sarah's had a really hard time dealing with her husband's siblings, who aren't helping out as much as they promised... 3 Comments

  19. Friday October 16, 2009

    1. Prevent Diabetes By Treating It Before It Starts

      Blog Post - It can be really scary when a doctor tells you that you have pre-diabetes, or that the results of a glucose test show you're at risk for diabetes. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when blood glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dL or when a glucose tolerance test shows the glucose in your blood to be between 140 and 199 mg/dL... 1 Comment

  20. Thursday October 15, 2009

    1. The #1 Reason You're So Tired (It's Not What You Think)

      Article - Does this sound familiar? You finally manage to get everything done and fall into bed, where it's easy to fall asleep because you're bone-tired. You sleep a reasonable number of hours -- at least it seems as if you do -- but when you wake up, you feel like you hardly slept. Then you drag around all day, feeling fuzzy-headed, grumpy, and longing for a nap...

  21. Wednesday October 14, 2009

    1. The 10 Biggest Sleep Problems and How to Fix Them

      Article - Sleep problems are common -- and often preventable. Learn the ten most common causes of insomnia and sleep problems, and how to fight them. 3 Comments

    2. Top 10 Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

      Blog Post - What with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the pink ribbons everywhere, breast cancer is even more on our minds than usual. What better time to think about prevention and awareness? Are you worried about the possibility of breast cancer in your future, or in the future of someone you love... 3 Comments

  22. Monday October 12, 2009

    1. So Your Parent Wants to Move In With You -- Can You Afford It?

      Blog Post - Recently I heard from Sarah, an old friend, about a hard situation she's in that I'm sure many Caring.com readers can relate to. Sarah's mother-in-law moved in with her and her family more than a year ago, and since then Sarah's had a really hard time dealing with her husband's siblings, who aren't helping out as much as they promised... 6 Comments

  23. Friday October 09, 2009

    1. Resveratrol Supplement and Diabetes: A New Way to Balance Blood Sugar

      Blog Post - The supplement resveratrol, a key ingredient in red wine and grapes, has been endlessly touted as an alternative treatment for preventing and treating many conditions. I wrote about its anti-cancer benefits in a previous post, and it's also thought to help with general anti-aging...

  24. Thursday October 08, 2009

    1. Surviving Menopause: The 7 Most Frustrating Problems and How to Fix Them

      Article - Menopause and perimenopause cause common problems. Know what to expect from perimenopause and menopause, and how to cope with the difficulties. 1 Comment

  25. Wednesday October 07, 2009

    1. Flu Alert: 10 Warning Signs That It's Time to Call the Doctor

      Blog Post - I know we're all anxious about swine flu this season, but the truth is that for most people, the flu -- no matter what type of flu it is -- doesn't pose a serious danger. 2 Comments

  26. Monday October 05, 2009

    1. Senior Fraud Alert: Beware Financial Planners With Shady Credentials

      Blog Post - I'll never forget the time my mom came home after a class at a local community center, announcing that she'd met this nice gentleman who was going to help her move her retirement account to a new company that would "pay much better." Luckily for both of us, my mom's account was managed by a trustworthy... 4 Comments

  27. Friday October 02, 2009

    1. 10 Things You Need to Know When Your Parent Is Diagnosed With Cancer

      Article - The initial diagnosis that your parent receives from her doctor may be very clear and specific or it may be quite vague. You may find out that it's a specific type of cancer (such as colon or breast cancer), the doctor may give you more-specific terminology (such as a scientific name or some explanation...

    2. Celebrate Cancer Survivors on LiveStrong Day

      Blog Post - Today is LiveStrong Day, the day Lance Armstrong's powerful organization has set aside to focus awareness on cancer, cancer research, and cancer survivors continuing to live healthy lives.

    3. 15 Questions to Ask About Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

      Article - There have been so many advances in radiation therapy in the past few years that choosing a therapeutic approach is not as simple as it used to be. Here are some questions that you or your parent will want to ask her oncologist when deciding on a plan of treatment.

  28. Wednesday September 30, 2009

    1. Heart Health Alert: Higher Stroke Risk for Women With Atrial Fibrillation

      Blog Post - Women with atrial fibrillation are significantly more likely to have a stroke or die than are men with the same condition, announced researchers at Rush University Medical Center after conducting a review of data from all the available studies. 2 Comments

  29. Monday September 28, 2009

    1. Why You Should Worry When Your Parents Mention the Word Annuity

      Blog Post - If you've been reading stories about the explosion of senior fraud over the past few years, you can't help noticing that the word annuity keeps popping up. In fact, the North American Securities Administrators Association, an association of state regulators, says over one-third of all cases of financial exploitation of the elderly involve annuities... 2 Comments

  30. Friday September 25, 2009

    1. Coenzyme Q10 Supplement Shows Promise In Preventing or Halting Parkinson's

      Blog Post - This week researchers at Rush University Medical Center announced that they're studying whether high doses of the supplement coenzyme Q10 can protect against Parkinson's disease -- or slow its development once it starts. The new research follows up smaller studies that showed that patients with early... 2 Comments

  31. Wednesday September 23, 2009

    1. Are There Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer? Yes!

      Blog Post - The average general health article on pancreatic cancer states flatly that there are no early symptoms of pancreatic cancer. People diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are typically already in advanced stage of the disease by the time it's caught, and the typical prognosis is death within five years. 2 Comments

  32. Monday September 21, 2009

    1. Prevent Falls with Safety Tips from National Falls Prevention Week

      Blog Post - Falls Prevention Awareness Week kicks off today to honor the official first day of Fall. Across America, states are organizing activities to heighten awareness of the serious risk falling poses for older adults.

  33. Friday September 18, 2009

    1. How serious is type 2 diabetes? Is it more serious than type 1 diabetes?

      Question - My mom, just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, keeps it under control without taking insulin. So is type 2 diabetes less of a problem than insulin-depen

    2. Is Your Family's Money Safe? Tips to Protect Against Scams and Schemes

      Blog Post - It happened again last week: another headline about an investment broker whose dubious practices fleeced clients' accounts for two decades before families got suspicious and started asking questions.

  34. Thursday September 17, 2009

    1. An Aspirin a Day Keeps Colon Cancer at Bay

      Article - Taking a low dose of a daily aspirin can lower the risk of death from colorectal cancer significantly, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The study investigated aspirin use among patients with Stage I colorectal cancer, and found they reduced their risk of cancer death by 29 percent...

  35. Tuesday September 15, 2009

    1. Patrick Swayze's Last Wish

      Blog Post - Patrick Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Monday night, after waging a brave battle during the 20 months since he announced his diagnosis. It may be Swayze's romantic turns in Dirty Dancing and Ghost for which he's best remembered, but cancer patients will never forget how Swayze turned his... 13 Comments

  36. Sunday September 13, 2009

    1. Frugal Living Wins Many New Fans

      Blog Post - Saving money doesn't sound like much fun, but for many of us in the caregiving "sandwich," frugal living has a different ring -- it suggests that the process of learning to live on a tight budget can be challenging, creative, and even satisfying. (And yes, frustrating and disheartening too.)

  37. Friday September 11, 2009

    1. Clinical Trials Missing from National Databases

      Blog Post - Finding and joining a clinical trial is sometimes the best way to get help when doctors have run out of treatment options. We've all heard the stories about patients who joined a trial for a new therapy and made a miraculous recovery after being told there was no hope.

  38. Wednesday September 09, 2009

    1. Health Risks from Drinking Soda, Especially for Women

      Blog Post - At a picnic this weekend, I listened as an extended family member nagged at kids to stay away from the cola and other types of soda pop being served. "They rot your teeth," one grandmother admonished her grandkids. But she herself was drinking a big glass of Diet Pepsi, and didn't seem aware of the irony... 5 Comments

  39. Monday September 07, 2009

    1. Free Caregiving Help -- From Your Job?!

      Blog Post - In the past two years, one of the hottest topics under discussion among managers and human resources (HR) experts at companies around the country has been "eldercare assistance." Employers are belatedly figuring out (reality check, please!) that a high percentage of employees -- particularly women in... 2 Comments

  40. Friday September 04, 2009

    1. An Aspirin a Day Keeps Colon Cancer at Bay

      Blog Post - Taking a low dose of a daily aspirin can lower the risk of death from colorectal cancer significantly, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The study investigated aspirin use among patients with Stage I colorectal cancer, and found they reduced their risk of cancer death by 29 percent... 2 Comments

  41. Wednesday September 02, 2009

    1. Hail, Hail, Heart Patients: an Alternative to a Common Heart Medication

      Blog Post - Say the name Coumadin (warfarin) to people with atrial fibrillation and those who care for them, and you'll get an earful. The side effects, complications, and long list of drug interaction problems associated with Coumadin make this a difficult drug to stay on long-term.

  42. Monday August 31, 2009

    1. Tips to Help Family Caregivers Save Both Time and Money

      Blog Post - How often does it occur to you that saving time and saving money are two sides of the same thing -- several times a day, right? The more time we spend caring for our parents and other elderly family members, the more deeply it cuts into our ability to work and earn an income... 4 Comments

  43. Friday August 28, 2009

    1. RIP, Ted Kennedy--and Thank You

      Blog Post - When Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with aggressive glioma, a brain tumor, he made up his mind to fight it. He had brain surgery to remove the tumor, although it's a risky choice and doctors knew all it would likely do was buy him time. He had chemo and radiation, also fighting for more time. And how did he use that time... 2 Comments

  44. Wednesday August 26, 2009

    1. Are You About to Have A Heart Attack? 7 Heart Attack Signs Women -- And Doctors -- Often Miss

      Blog Post - Conventional wisdom has it that heart attacks come out of the blue. We're also trained to expect a heart attack to happen a certain way; the victim clutches his chest, writhes in pain, and collapses. But for women, it often doesn't happen that way... 6 Comments

  45. Monday August 24, 2009

    1. Five Debt Triggers -- One Simple Solution

      Blog Post - Last week at a summer barbecue, a friend from high school told me a really scary story. When her parents, in their 80s, almost lost their house last year after her father's state pension disappeared, Karen co-signed an equity line of credit to bail them out. When they couldn't make those payments, either, the bank came after her... 1 Comment

  46. Friday August 21, 2009

    1. How to Choose the Best Nursing Home: Look for a Nonprofit

      Blog Post - Finding and choosing a nursing home isn't an easy thing to do. In fact, many people find it so daunting they don't know where to start. A new study published this week makes the decision process a little easier with some simple advice: When possible, choose a nonprofit, rather than a for-profit nursing home... 2 Comments

  47. Wednesday August 19, 2009

    1. Cancer Patients Who Get Palliative Care Suffer Less, Study Shows

      Blog Post - When people ask me, what do you wish you'd known when your dad was battling cancer, I always answer that I wish we'd called hospice sooner. What I mean by that is that I wish I'd known to ask for "palliative care," which is the term for care aimed at making cancer patients more comfortable, rather than "curing" the cancer...

  48. Friday August 14, 2009

    1. 10 Little-Known Signs of Lung Cancer (Would You Guess a Change in Mood?)

      Blog Post - In early July, Danish researchers published a new study, showing many cases in which cancer patients, particularly those with lung cancer -- discovered they had a tumor after being referred for psychiatric care. The study, published in the June 25th issue of the International Journal of Cancer, got almost no attention...

  49. Wednesday August 12, 2009

    1. How Blood Test Results Can Affect Chemotherapy

      Article - Blood test results and chemotherapy. When undergoing chemotherapy, a lot hinges on the blood test results that precede each chemotherapy session.

    2. A "Perfect Mom," a Bottle of Vodka, and 8 Dead: Why We Must Learn to Recognize Alcoholism in Women

      Blog Post - I've been very sad this week as I've followed the tragic case of Diane Schuler, who died, along with her 2-year-old daughter, her brother's three young daughters, and three unrelated adults in a fiery crash on a Hudson Valley highway. But I'm not, as everyone else seems to be, mystified... 4 Comments

    3. 5 Foods That Help You Sleep

      Article - Getting a good night's sleep is a common difficulty among adults. Know the midnight snacks that can actually help you sleep. 5 Comments

    4. 5 Foods That Sabotage Your Sleep

      Article - Getting a good night's sleep is a common difficulty among adults. Know the midnight snacks that can stop you from getting the sleep you need. 3 Comments

  50. Monday August 10, 2009

    1. Understanding Low Platelets

      Article - Why chemotherapy, radiation, and some cancers lower platelet counts, and how a low platelet count might affect treatment. 1 Comment

    2. Bad News for Those with Spinal Compression Fractures; Popular Treatment May Not Work After All

      Blog Post - For the many older adults who suffer from osteoporosis, one of the most debilitating consequences can be compression fractures in the spine, which are tiny hairline fractures in the vertebrae that happen when bones weaken and can't take the pressure of standing upright... 2 Comments

    3. What the Death of Baby Boomer Icon John Hughes Can Teach You About Heart Disease

      Blog Post - Last week, film director John Hughes, an iconic figure to Baby Boomers for his '80s-era movies about teenage angst, died of a heart attack at age 59. The outpouring of nostalgia and grief was palpable, and it wasn't just because Hughes inspired such affection, though he was a beloved figure...

  51. Friday August 07, 2009

    1. Neuropathy and Chemotherapy: What You Can Do

      Article - Chemotherapy can cause neuropathy, the medical term for nerve damage. Here's what you can do to prevent and minimize neuropathy and nerve damage. 5 Comments

    2. How to Create a Strong Breast Cancer Support Team

      Article - A set of guidelines for assembling a breast cancer support team -- from professional caregivers to other helpers.

    3. Retirement Shock: How to Get Back on Track When Your Savings Are a Shambles

      Blog Post - Are you close to or even past the time you'd planned to retire, yet despairing if you'll be able to afford to stop working?

  52. Thursday August 06, 2009

    1. Questions to Ask the Oncologist About a Cancer Diagnosis

      Article - The 20 essential questions to ask the oncologist when a someone is diagnosed with cancer. 1 Comment

    2. Understanding Low Red Blood Counts

      Article - Read our cancer and red blood cells article and find helpful red blood cells information at Caring.com.

    3. Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts

      Article - White blood cells are the body's best defensive weapons in the fight against germs and disease, so when white blood cell counts drop as a result of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or certain types of cancer, it puts the patient in a vulnerable position... 8 Comments

    4. Managing Treatment for Low Platelets

      Article - Low platelets or thrombocytopenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy or radiation. Learn how to effectively manage low platelet treatment.

    5. Managing Treatment for Low White Blood Cell Count

      Article - When someone's white blood cell count is low, his immune system isn't as strong as usual and he's at increased risk of infection, a condition known as neutropenia. The lower his white blood cell count is -- and the longer it stays low -- the higher the risk that he'll get sick or contract some type of infection...

    6. Understanding the Prognosis for Breast Cancer

      Article - Understanding the prognosis for breast cancer takes some effort. To understand the prognosis, you'll learn about staging, grading, and various tests.

    7. Hair Loss: All Is Not Lost

      Article - Find out which chemotherapy drugs cause complete hair loss and how to use wigs and scarves to help you cope with chemo drug induced hair loss.

    8. How to Manage Treatment for Low Platelets

      Article - During breast cancer treatment, be alert for the dangers of uncontrolled bleeding caused by a low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

    9. Breast Cancer Treatment: Coping With "Chemo Brain"

      Article - Breast cancer treatment can cause "chemo brain"; strategies for helping someone being treated for breast cancer cope with memory, concentration, and organization problems 3 Comments

    10. Questions to Ask the Oncologist About Breast Cancer

      Article - 20 essential questions to ask the oncologist about breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

    11. 10 Make-Ahead Meals to Bring to Family or Friends

      Article - Ten ideas for easy and appealing meals you can make ahead and take to family members or friends who are sick or just need help with cooking.

  53. Wednesday August 05, 2009

    1. Bad News for Menopausal Women: Hormone Therapy Boosts Ovarian and Breast Cancer Risk

      Blog Post - The debate about hormones just keeps raging. After a couple of years of anti-hormone publicity, the debate shifted and for the past couple of years many women I know have started taking them again. Why? Desperation, I guess. 3 Comments

  54. Friday July 31, 2009

    1. Clinical Trials: How to Get an Older Adult Accepted and Enrolled

      Article - How to get an older adult with cancer accepted and enrolled in the best clinical trial available. 1 Comment

    2. How Families and Friends Can Save Money By Trading Favors and Help

      Blog Post - There's one positive thing you can say about a down economy: It spurs people to be creative and collaborative in their quest to save money.

    3. Health Alert: 7 Vaccines Few Adults Have Had -- But Need

      Blog Post - Vaccines for adults? Yes! That's the resounding pronouncement of U.S. health officials, who last week announced results of a new CDC survey that showed that older Americans are worrisomely ignorant about the vaccines available for adults and the diseases they protect us from... 1 Comment

  55. Wednesday July 29, 2009

    1. Anti-Cancer Superfoods: Do They Really Work?

      Article - The short answer to this question is -- drum roll, please -- yes. They really do. While studies are ongoing, and in many cases experts still don't know exactly how these superfoods work, there's strong evidence that certain fruits and vegetables rich in plant-based nutrients can both prevent tumors from starting and halt their growth... 20 Comments

  56. Tuesday July 28, 2009

    1. How to Cope With Cancer Fear

      Blog Post - Sad and scary cancer announcements have come fast and furious the past couple of weeks. Yesterday, beloved Philadelphia Eagles coach Jim Johnson lost his battle with metastatic melanoma at the age of 68. Younger fans were horrified last week when Beastie Boys lead singer Adam Yauch cancelled the band... 2 Comments

  57. Monday July 27, 2009

    1. Coping With Hair Loss From Cancer Treatment

      Article - Hair loss from cancer treatment is a difficult issue for many patients. This article offers guidance to help them cope. 1 Comment

    2. Does it matter when my dad takes his diabetes pills?

      Answer - Absolutely. Some diabetes medications, including a class of drugs known as sulfonylureas, should be taken before meals, as they're specifically designed to help the pancreas secrete more insulin. Examples of these prescription pills include tolbutamide (brand name Orinase), glipizide (Glucatrol), glyburide...

    3. FAQ: Can I Get Financial Assistance if I Take a Leave of Absence From Work During Cancer Treatment?

      Answer - The first thing to do is discuss your situation with your employer. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows employees to leave work for up to 12 weeks for medical treatment without losing their jobs. While the leave is unpaid, taking it -- as opposed to quitting -- allows you to continue your health insurance for at least 12 weeks...

    4. Which Painkillers Are Safe for Seniors?

      Blog Post - Ibuprofen and other painkillers known as NSAIDs should only be used by older adults with "extreme caution," the American Geriatric Society (AGS) announced this week. The warning was part of new guidelines issued in May but published this month in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 3 Comments

  58. Friday July 24, 2009

    1. How to Deal With Hair Loss From Chemotherapy

      Article - How to deal with hair loss from chemotherapy, including scalp care, shaving, sunscreen, treating hair gently, and protecting eyebrows and eyelashes.

  59. Thursday July 23, 2009

    1. How to Get Your Health Insurance Company to Pay Up

      Blog Post - While the government wrestles with national health insurance legislation, it seems like a good time for some in-the-trenches advice. The sad truth is that even if your family is fortunate enough to have health insurance, you can still find yourself in a financial nightmare if a family member becomes seriously ill...

  60. Wednesday July 22, 2009

    1. Hand-Foot Syndrome: A Common Side Effect of Breast Cancer Treatment

      Article - Hand-foot syndrome is a common chemotherapy side effect of chemotherapy for breast cancer, but there are ways to prevent and treat this painful inflammation of the skin.

  61. Monday July 20, 2009

    1. Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Beginner's Guide

      Article - Make sense of the confusing world of radiation therapy for breast cancer.

    2. Swine Flu Vaccine Coming Soon: What You Need to Know

      Blog Post - Swine Flu was back in the news last week with reports of so many cases spreading around the globe that the World Health Organization announced it's no longer going to keep count. Even more important was the news that a vaccine should be ready by fall, as government experts called for a super "fast track...

  62. Friday July 17, 2009

    1. Save Money -- And Strengthen Family Ties -- With A Multi-Generation Vacation

      Blog Post - On a recent trip I was struck by the number of three-generation families I saw vacationing together. And I noticed the ways in which this arrangement works well to give everyone some much-needed relaxation while keeping costs down, as well.

    2. The HALO, a New Easy Breast Cancer Test, Arrives

      Blog Post - A new breast cancer test has arrived, called the HALO test, and it's all over the news. This summer, HALO breast cancer test machines started arriving at clinics and doctor's offices around the country, and ads and articles in local papers are everywhere. But, of course, everyone's wondering: Who should have it and when, and where to get it...

  63. Thursday July 16, 2009

    1. Understanding a Cancer Prognosis

      Article - Unlike the diagnosis, which provides information about the type of cancer and where it originated, a cancer prognosis tells you how far the cancer has advanced and what happens next.

    2. Cancer and Mouth Sores

      Article - Learn how cancer chemotherapy can produce mouth sores in cancer patients, and how to help prevent mouth sores for loved ones undergoing cancer treatment at Caring.com. 2 Comments

    3. Cancer Signs and Symptoms

      Article - Read our informative cancer guides to learn about cancer symptoms and how to recognize cancer signs at Caring.com. 3 Comments

    4. Battling Nausea: Helping Someone With Breast Cancer Keep Up Her Appetite

      Article - How to help someone undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer boost her appetite so she can get the nutrition she needs.

    5. The Stages of Grief

      Article - Learn how to deal with grief, find grief counseling, and about the stages of grief at Caring.com 8 Comments

    6. Understanding Breast Cancer

      Article - If you're caring for someone who's been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's helpful for you to get grounded in the basics of the disease. Breast cancer usually starts with a cancerous, or malignant, tumor located in the breast tissue. Most breast cancers are located in the area around the nipple...

  64. Wednesday July 15, 2009

    1. How To Barbecue the Healthy Way

      Blog Post - After posting last week about the latest studies linking red meat and processed meat with cancer risk, I felt a little bit guilty about putting a damper on the fun of summer barbecues. Isn't there a way we can enjoy the time-honored tradition of grilling without worrying about our health? Apparently, I'm not the only one thinking about this; the M...

  65. Tuesday July 14, 2009

    1. Clinical Trials for Cancer Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide

      Article - How to find and enroll your parent in a clinical trial.

    2. Clinical Trials for Cancer Treatment: A Beginner's Guide

      Article - A clinical trial may offer your parent an effective cancer drug or treatment. Learn the pros and cons of clinical trials, and how to find one.

  66. Monday July 13, 2009

    1. A Recession Survival Guide for Family Caregivers

      Blog Post - If economic hard times have hit your family, welcome to the club. Between lost jobs, debt, plunging home values, health care costs, and everything else going on, these are tough, tough times to live in. And for those of us struggling to care for older family members on top of everything else, they're even tougher...

  67. Friday July 10, 2009

    1. Beware Triglycerides, the "Forgotten Fat"-- and Easy Ways to Lower Your Risk

      Blog Post - If you're like most of us, you watch your blood pressure and cholesterol, wait for your doctor to say there's a problem, and leave it at that. But lately experts have been trying to wake us up to the fact that there's another piece of information on our lab reports that we need to pay attention to, and that's triglyceride levels...

  68. Wednesday July 08, 2009

    1. Beware Red Meat, the New Cancer Risk

      Blog Post - When the U.S. government issued an official report last week linking pancreatic cancer risk to eating red meat, a topic that's been simmering for quite a while suddenly got shoved into the spotlight. 4 Comments

  69. Monday July 06, 2009

    1. How to Prevent Family Money Conflicts by Reconciling Money Styles

      Blog Post - Last week I explained the most common money styles and how to figure out which one is yours. You can also use this list of common money styles to figure out the money styles of your spouse, parents, siblings, or others. 1 Comment

  70. Saturday July 04, 2009

    1. FAQ: What Can I Do About Leg Discomfort That Wakes Me up in the Night?

      Answer - What you likely have is called restless leg syndrome, a type of involuntary movement disorder that causes itchiness, tingling, prickling, and other vague symptoms that prompt sufferers to feel they have to move their legs. There are many ways to treat it, depending on the factors that might be triggering it...

  71. Friday July 03, 2009

    1. "Trojan Horse" Chemotherapy the Cancer Treatment of the Future?

      Blog Post - This week health news experts were all agog over an Australian study that unveiled a treatment using tiny cells that perform like a "Trojan horse," sneaking chemotherapy agents into cancer cells.

  72. Wednesday July 01, 2009

    1. Bone Health Alert: Are Low Levels of Vitamin D Putting You at Risk?

      Blog Post - Yesterday the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) issued an alarming report announcing that vitamin D levels are at dangerously low levels across the globe, increasing the risk for osteoporosis and bone fracture, particularly for older women...

  73. Monday June 29, 2009

    1. 5 Money Styles and How Differences Cause Family Conflicts

      Blog Post - Have you given much thought to your money style? While you're at it, you might want to consider the money styles of your parents, siblings, and other family members. I'm betting a light bulb will go off, like it did for me when I did the exercise, below... 2 Comments

  74. Friday June 26, 2009

    1. FAQ: Is it normal to wake often to use the bathroom?

      Answer - Yes, but to find a solution to this sleep problem -- officially known as nocturia -- you'll need to start by identifying and treating the underlying health conditions contributing to it.

  75. Thursday June 25, 2009

    1. RIP Farrah Fawcett, Who Wanted Us to Take Her -- And Cancer -- Seriously

      Blog Post - Diagnosed three years ago with anal cancer, Farrah Fawcett talked openly about her battle with a type of cancer that's particularly embarrassing to talk about. 1 Comment

    2. What Michael Jackson's Early Death Can Teach Us About Heart Health

      Blog Post - Michael Jackson's death from cardiac arrest at the age of 50 stopped me short, just as it stopped short much of the world. How could such a thing be possible? The King of Pop may have been a controversial figure in the past few years, but he's also the iconic image of eternal youth. How could his heart have stopped... 2 Comments

  76. Tuesday June 23, 2009

    1. 5 Must-Do Rules for Preventing Medication Mistakes

      Article - Medical interactions are common and can be dangerous. Five key steps to take to guard yourself or someone you're caring for from drug complications. 1 Comment

    2. A New "Miracle" Drug Regimen Saves Men With Inoperable Prostate Cancer

      Blog Post - Thanks to an experimental new drug regimen, two men with inoperable prostate tumors who would have been "getting their affairs in order," are now cancer free, the Mayo Clinic announced this week. The results for the two men were so astonishing the clinic publicized them, even though it's unusual to announce a breakthrough based on only two cases...

  77. Monday June 22, 2009

    1. 3 Key Steps to Protect Against Falls -- and Prevent a "Cascade" of Health Problems

      Blog Post - As many of us in the role of caring for older family members have found out the hard way, a fall that leads to a broken hip or other fracture can set of a chain reaction of health problems that can leave a formerly strong and independent person weakened and frail... 4 Comments

  78. Friday June 19, 2009

    1. Don't Have Health Insurance? Here's How to Get Health Care Anyway

      Blog Post - For the almost 40 percent of us who don't have health insurance, going to the doctor has become a luxury; something we do when we can "afford it." But putting off basic health care needs is a really dangerous game; most of the major health conditions, like heart disease and cancer, are much easier to treat in the early stages... 2 Comments

  79. Wednesday June 17, 2009

    1. 7 Ways to Support Someone With Breast Cancer

      Blog Post - Finding yourself in Cancer World happens very suddenly. The doctor tells you it's cancer, and all of a sudden everything changes. How are you supposed to know, instantly, how to be supportive to a woman going through something this terrifying...

  80. Tuesday June 16, 2009

    1. FAQ: Is There a Solution for Insomnia Caused by Waking up to Use the Bathroom?

      Answer - Yes, but to find a solution to this sleep problem -- officially known as nocturia -- you'll need to start by identifying and treating the underlying health conditions contributing to it.

  81. Monday June 15, 2009

    1. 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Bringing Food to Family or Friends

      Article - Bringing a meal to family or friends in need provides real support. But avoid these five common mistakes, or you'll provide more hassle than help.

  82. Friday June 12, 2009

    1. How to Care for Someone Who Has Cancer - AND a Negative Attitude

      Blog Post - The first conversation I had about this took place in the hall outside the chemo room - and was conducted in whispers. I had stepped outside to take a few deep breaths, because it was so hard to see my friend discouraged and in pain, and I didn't know how to help... 8 Comments

  83. Wednesday June 10, 2009

    1. Wish Your Time Spent Caring for Older Family Members Could Be Paid? Maybe It Can

      Blog Post - How much time do you spend caring for a parent or other aging relative? Think about this question carefully. Do you shop, cook, and clean for someone? Do you help with daily life tasks, like medication management, bathing, and dressing? If you're helping someone with the same activities of daily living... 2 Comments

  84. Monday June 08, 2009

    1. The #1 Reason You're So Tired (It's Not What You Think)

      Blog Post - Does this sound familiar? You finally manage to get everything done and fall into bed, where it's easy to fall asleep because you're bone-tired. You sleep a reasonable number of hours -- at least it seems as if you do -- but when you wake up, you feel like you hardly slept. Then you drag around all day, feeling fuzzy-headed, grumpy, and longing for a nap... 5 Comments

    2. FAQ: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

      Answer - Early-stage prostate cancer often doesn't have many symptoms, so many men don't find out they have it until the cancer has spread, making it more difficult to treat. This is unfortunate, because prostate cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in American men, after skin cancer.

  85. Friday June 05, 2009

    1. FAQ: What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer?

      Answer - Testicular cancer is hard to diagnose early, because so often it’s asymptomatic. In fact, one in four men with testicular cancer report having no symptoms, even after the cancer has metastasized, or spread. So doctors suggest that men report any strange symptoms in the testicular or abdominal...

  86. Thursday June 04, 2009

    1. FAQ: What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer

      Answer - The problem with ovarian cancer is that many of the symptoms are easily confused with digestive disorders and bladder problems, so the cancer goes unrecognized until it’s advanced. But in retrospect, many women with ovarian cancer realize they were experiencing unexplained symptoms for months, even years, before their cancer was diagnosed...

    2. FAQ: What are the signs and symptoms of bone cancer?

      Answer - Bone cancer can have many different signs and symptoms because there are several types of bone cancer. There is cancer that originates in the bone, called primary bone cancer, and there are tumors that spreads, or metastasizes, from other locations such as the breast, lungs, or prostate, to the bone...

  87. Wednesday June 03, 2009

    1. For Cancer Patients, The Right Clinical Trial Can Be the Secret To Survival

      Blog Post - I recently received several desperate pleas from readers asking how to get into a clinical trial I wrote about some months ago. The trial is for Lucanix, a very promising treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This type of cancer, once advanced to stage III or IV, spreads aggressively to bones, liver, and other areas of the body...

    2. What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

      Answer - The problem with pancreatic cancer – and the reason so many cases aren’t diagnosed until an advanced stage – is that early-stage pancreatic tumors don’t cause many noticeable symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to have regular check-ups, as sometimes doctors find tumors during exams...

  88. Friday May 29, 2009

    1. How to Get Siblings to Help Pay for a Parent's Care

      Blog Post - Okay, it's time to tackle an especially hot topic: How do you get your siblings to help share the costs and work of caring for your parents? Usually what seems to happen is that one sibling, sometimes two, is identified as having the time and flexibility to do the bulk of the care... 5 Comments

  89. Wednesday May 27, 2009

    1. Get Tested for Inner Ear Balance Disorders to Prevent Falls

      Blog Post - Yesterday the Journal of the American Medical Association made a surprising announcement: More than a third of adults over age 40 suffer from an inner ear balance disorder that puts them at risk of falling.

  90. Monday May 25, 2009

    1. FAQ: What Are the Signs of Depression?

      Answer - The most important signs of depression concern emotions. These include a persistently sad or hopeless mood and/or loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy. One or both of these signs must be present for at least two weeks for a diagnosis of major depression to be made...

    2. FAQ: Can you treat depression without medication?

      Answer - Yes, it's possible to treat depression without medication. Intensive talk-based therapy (psychotherapy or counseling) alone can help some individuals. Many professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other counselors, provide this kind of therapy...

  91. Friday May 22, 2009

    1. How to Pay for In-Home Care: 8 Budget Tips

      Blog Post - Last week I wrote about how my sisters and I arrived at the painful conclusion that we could no longer provide all our mom's care ourselves and that our mom couldn't continue safely living alone in her house without some help. We chose to use an in-home care agency, primarily because with full-time jobs...

  92. Wednesday May 20, 2009

    1. Depression, Women, and Menopause -- a Hot Topic We Need to Talk About

      Blog Post - This past weekend I was at a gathering attended by many women ages 45 to 65, and noticed that one very hot topic seemed to trump all others: depression, and how severely it was affecting many women later in life. There were tons of stories, and many different experiences, but one common thread... 5 Comments

  93. Friday May 15, 2009

    1. The In-Home Care Dilemma: Realizing You Need It, Figuring Out How to Afford It

      Blog Post - The point at which my sisters and I suddenly realized we had to get help caring for our mom is very clear in my mind. For months we'd been trading off, driving over to her house to do the cooking, cleaning, and shopping, preparing a day or two's worth of meals that she could heat and serve... 5 Comments

  94. Thursday May 14, 2009

    1. Chemotherapy and Hair Loss: All Is Not Lost

      Article - Find out which chemotherapy drugs cause complete hair loss and how to use wigs and scarves to help you cope with chemo drug induced hair loss.

    2. What Is Radiation Therapy?

      Article - Help someone with cancer understand treatment options with this guide to radiation therapy -- what's available and how the different therapies work. 1 Comment

  95. Wednesday May 13, 2009

    1. How to Deal With Hair Loss From Chemotherapy or Radiation

      Article - How to deal with hair loss from chemotherapy. Take care of the scalp, shave, use sunscreen, treat hair gently, and protect eyebrows and eyelashes.

    2. Breast Cancer: Hormone Therapy

      Article - Breast cancer patients benefit from hormone therapy because it blocks the effects of hormones on tumor cell growth.

  96. Tuesday May 12, 2009

    1. Breast Cancer Symptoms

      Article - What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Risk factors for breast cancer include family history, overweight, drinking alcohol, and using HRT. 2 Comments

    2. Getting a Second Opinion After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

      Article - Why you should get a second opinion after a breast cancer diagnosis from an oncologist -- and why a second opinion from a pathologist is a good idea.

    3. How to Understand Blood Test Results for Breast Cancer Treatment

      Article - Blood test results before chemo sessions are important in breast cancer treatment. Results of blood tests like CBCs help show how you handle chemo.

    4. Breast Cancer Treatment: A Beginner's Guide

      Article - The basics of breast cancer treatment aren't so basic. Surgery, chemo, and radiation are just some of the basics in breast cancer treatment.

    5. 10 Early Signs of Prostate Cancer That Often Go Unnoticed

      Blog Post - Sadly, many men don't find out they have prostate cancer until the cancer has spread, making it more difficult to treat. This is because in the early stages, prostate cancer often doesn't have many symptoms. That's a problem because prostate cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in American men, after skin cancer... 1 Comment

  97. Monday May 11, 2009

    1. For Men Only: Cancer Symptoms You're Most Likely to Ignore

      Article - Many men unknowingly miss cancer symptoms, relying only on checkups, colonoscopies, and other tests. Learn 25 cancer symptoms men commonly ignore. 4 Comments

  98. Saturday May 09, 2009

    1. Managing Low Red Blood Counts

      Article - How to help someone cope with fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and other symptoms of anemia due to a low red blood cell count.

  99. Friday May 08, 2009

    1. How to Have Strong Communication With Medical Staff

      Article - Basic approaches to getting the information you need to make good decisions about your parent's medical care.

    2. 6 Things Not to Say to Someone With Cancer

      Article - What do you say to someone with cancer? Don't say 'everything is going to be all right.' Learn about the 6 things not to say to someone with cancer. 4 Comments

    3. When Mother's Day Means Grief, Not Joy

      Blog Post - This Mother's Day is the first since my mother died last June, and for the past few weeks my emotions have been a combustible cocktail of sorrow, loss, and rage. The truth is, this has never been my favorite holiday, given that my relationship with my mother was a tangled and troubled one... 6 Comments

  100. Thursday May 07, 2009

    1. How to Create a Strong Cancer Support Team

      Article - Use these guidelines to assemble a cancer support team -- everyone from professional caregivers to family helpers.

  101. Wednesday May 06, 2009

    1. Getting a Second Opinion on a Cancer Diagnosis

      Article - Guidance from Caring.com on when, why, and how to get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis. 1 Comment

    2. Defining Your Role as a Cancer Caregiver

      Article - Before you take on the role of caring for someone with cancer, read this comprehensive look at what the job entails --- how to offer the best care and how to avoid burnout.

    3. How to Find Out Exactly What Kind of Cancer Someone Has

      Article - Learn which questions to ask to understand someone's cancer diagnosis, so you can help her make the best treatment decisions and get the care she needs. 2 Comments

    4. 10 Essential Documents to Bring to the Oncologist's Office

      Article - Be prepared: The ten crucial pieces of Information you need to have when you visit a cancer doctor. 1 Comment

    5. Cancer Treatment and Nausea: What You Can Do

      Article - Chemotherapy is the number one cause of nausea in cancer patients. The first step to preventing nausea is to take the threat of nausea seriously. 1 Comment

    6. Nausea and Appetite: Helping Someone With Cancer Maintain Appetite and Weight

      Article - An action plan for helping someone with cancer boost his appetite so he can get the nutrition he needs. 2 Comments

    7. How to Get the Help You Need to Care for Someone With Cancer

      Article - Comprehensive information on getting help when caring for someone with cancer. Related information is available in the cancer section of Caring.com. 2 Comments

    8. How to Ask for Help With Cancer Caregiving

      Article - Get support you can use in caring for someone with cancer with this guide to how to ask for assistance and ways to help you may not have thought of.

    9. 12 Ways to Cope with "Chemo Brain"

      Article - Strategies for helping someone who's being treated for cancer with issues of memory, concentration, and organization. 2 Comments

    10. Breaking Through Isolation: Is it Fatigue, Depression, or Loneliness?

      Blog Post - Lately, several friends have confided to me that they're worried about family members who've lost interest in activities they used to enjoy and taken to staying home most of the time. It's probably one of the most common concerns I hear from those taking care of elderly parents and other family members... 1 Comment

  102. Sunday May 03, 2009

    1. What To Do When a Loved One Is First Diagnosed With Cancer

      To Do List - When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, use this checklist to help yourself prepare to understand cancer treatment and provide necessary care.

  103. Friday May 01, 2009

    1. Radiation Therapy: A Guide to Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and the Latest Technology

      Article - Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) offers new cancer treatments. A guide to different IMRTs, how they work, and what each does best.

    2. 5 Bills You Can Lower With a Phone Call

      Blog Post - 5 ways to lower your bills with a simple phone call. 1 Comment

  104. Thursday April 30, 2009

    1. Pain Evaluation Checklist: 10 Ways to Help Your Parent Describe Pain

      Checklist - When your parent is in pain, it can be difficult to talk about and describe. "It really hurts" usually isn't enough for the doctor to to figure out what's happening. It doesn't help that pain is subjective and some people feel it more intensely or in different ways than others...

    2. Preparing for Hair Loss: What to Do

      Checklist - Knowing your parent may lose hair due to cancer treatments, it's a good idea to prepare in advance -- no matter whether it's your mom or dad who's affected. After all, some men opt for hairpieces, too. What are the steps to take?

  105. Wednesday April 29, 2009

    1. Swine Flu: 10 Things You Need to Know to Protect Seniors

      Blog Post - Read our swine flu blog post and related swine flu discussions concerning prevention in seniors at Caring.com. 4 Comments

  106. Thursday April 23, 2009

    1. Understanding Cancer Treatment

      Article - Learn about the basic types of cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

  107. Wednesday April 22, 2009

    1. A New Gel That Treats Esophageal Cancer: A Welcome Hope

      Blog Post - A new experimental treatment for esophageal cancer offers hope and cancer patients should explore the clinical trial. 1 Comment

  108. Monday April 20, 2009

    1. Money-Saving Lessons from the Simple Living Movement

      Blog Post - Tips for saving money from the voluntary simplicity or simple living movement.

  109. Saturday April 18, 2009

    1. FAQ: How Can I Pay for Cancer Treatment With No Insurance?

      Answer - First off, realize you're not alone; 45 million Americans have no health insurance. While it makes getting treatment more difficult, lack of insurance doesn't mean you can't get treated. But you'll need to be proactive about getting healthcare, since you won't have the safety net of an insurance company and primary care doctor overseeing your treatment...

  110. Thursday April 16, 2009

    1. Think Like Grandma and Reap Even Bigger Savings

      Blog Post - Change your mindset to think like your Depression-era grandparents or parents and you'll find it easier -- and more fun -- to weather today's tough times.

  111. Wednesday April 15, 2009

    1. New Hope for Liver Cancer

      Blog Post - Beads soaked in chemotherapy or radioactive isotopes can stop growth of liver tumors. 1 Comment

  112. Tuesday April 14, 2009

    1. FAQ: How can I get financial help with basic living expenses as a cancer patient that is permanently disabled?

      Answer - If battling cancer has left you unable to work, this is considered a medical disability. However, you'll need to work with your doctor to establish your disabled status with your employer and with the state and federal governments. Here's what to do:

  113. Monday April 13, 2009

    1. What Is Breast Cancer?

      Article - Breast cancer, a malignant tumor or tumors, is curable if caught early. Learn about breast cancer tests, diagnoses, stages, and survival rates.

    2. For Women Only: Cancer Symptoms You're Most Likely to Ignore

      Article - Many women unknowingly miss cancer symptoms, relying only on pap smears and mammograms. Learn 20 cancer symptoms women commonly ignore. 14 Comments

  114. Friday April 10, 2009

    1. Your Parents' Debts and Bills - Should You Worry?

      Blog Post - Good money advice shows adult children aren't responsible for their parents' debts and bills.

  115. Wednesday April 08, 2009

    1. What I Wish I'd Known Before Beginning Chemotherapy

      Article - What should you expect during chemotherapy? Even doctors don't know everything. Read top tips about chemotherapy from cancer patients themselves.

    2. 5 Myths About Cancer Prevention: Beware the Hype!

      Blog Post - The Internet, email, and twitter are being used to spread dangerous misinformation about cancer treatment. 1 Comment

  116. Monday April 06, 2009

    1. 10 Colorectal Cancer Risks

      Article - Some risk factors for colorectal cancer may come as a surprise. Learn the most common colorectal cancer risk factors.

  117. Friday April 03, 2009

    1. Getting Out from Under Debt: Today's Family Challenge

      Blog Post - Families struggling with credit card debt may find help from a new law and these tips. 1 Comment

  118. Thursday April 02, 2009

    1. FAQ: What are the signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancer?

      Answer - The most common early sign of salivary gland cancer is a lump or swelling in the area of the salivary gland, which is between your neck and your jawline. If you detect an area of swelling in your mouth, neck, along your jaw, or higher up in your face closer to your ear, see a doctor...

  119. Wednesday April 01, 2009

    1. One Cheap, All-In-One Pill Could Cut Heart Disease Risk in Half

      Blog Post - A new polypill 5-drug cocktail may cut heart disease and stroke risk by half. 2 Comments

  120. Friday March 27, 2009

    1. Financial Crises for Caregivers: The Time vs. Money Dilemma

      Blog Post - It takes a lot of time to care for ailing and older family members, time the caregiver can't spend working and earning a living; tips for managing the cost of caregiving. 5 Comments

  121. Wednesday March 25, 2009

    1. Urgent Call to Catch Breast Cancer Early: Here's How

      Blog Post - Studies and breast cancer survivors' stories prove the importance of catching breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence early. 2 Comments

  122. Friday March 20, 2009

    1. Warning: Older Folks Losing Their Money to Scams and Fraud at Alarming Rates

      Blog Post - Financial scams aimed at seniors and elder fraud are causing seniors to lose 2.6 billion a year according to a new study.

    2. FAQ: Is There Financial Help Paying for Cancer Treatments Not Covered by Insurance?

      Answer - Yes, but be prepared to spend a lot of time and energy finding out where and how to apply for help. Start with these simple strategies:

    3. FAQ: What Can I Do If My Insurance Company Won't Cover the Costs of Cancer Treatment?

      Answer - More than you might think. As many cancer patients have learned the hard way, it's quite possible to get a great deal more coverage from your insurance company for cancer treatment, but you'll probably need to be very aggressive about enforcing rules and pursuing appeals.

  123. Wednesday March 18, 2009

    1. Families Could Save Hundreds of $$$ By Choosing the Right Medicare Drug Plan

      Blog Post - Seniors confused by Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are choosing costly plans and missing out on savings of as much as $500 a year. 1 Comment

  124. Friday March 13, 2009

    1. The 10 Biggest Money Mistakes Nearly Everyone Makes

      Blog Post - Save money by avoiding common costly mistakes in managing finances.

  125. Wednesday March 11, 2009

    1. Finding Help to Pay for Cancer Care

      Blog Post - Here are resources to help pay the high costs of cancer care and cancer treatment.

  126. Friday March 06, 2009

    1. Saving Money With Coupons -- Everybody's Doing It

      Blog Post - coupons are a money-saver but a time-suck. One sandwich generation mom found a multigenerational solution so everyone benefits and saves. 1 Comment

  127. Wednesday March 04, 2009

    1. What If 120,000 People Didn't Have to Get Cancer? Prevention Strategies Guaranteed to Work

      Blog Post - a new report recommends lifestyle changes guaranteed to prevent one third of all cancers, if we can make them. 2 Comments

  128. Monday March 02, 2009

    1. Is chemotherapy a common treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

      Answer - Chemotherapy drugs are often used to treat the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

  129. Friday February 27, 2009

    1. When It Takes a Village to Care for a "Sandwich Generation" Family

      Blog Post - The sandwich generation, caring for both parents and children, is faced with the impossible task of trying to be in several places at once; some tips for coping. 1 Comment

  130. Wednesday February 25, 2009

    1. Futuristic Tests to Detect Early-Stage Cancer

      Blog Post - Early detection is key to cancer survival; the latest tests and scans for early cancer detection.

  131. Friday February 20, 2009

    1. 5 Thrifty Tips From Our Mothers and Grandmothers

      Blog Post - Previous generations knew how to live much more frugally, and their wisdom, such as that in Mildred Kalish's Little Heathens, can help us save money in tough times today. 6 Comments

  132. Wednesday February 18, 2009

    1. Prostate Cancer Breakthrough Could Determine Whose Disease Is Aggressive, Whose Isn't

      Blog Post - New research discovers that an amino acid, sarcosine, can be used to predict whether a prostate tumor will become aggressive.

  133. Friday February 13, 2009

    1. Families Find Hidden Savings by Cutting Insurance Costs

      Blog Post - Members of the caregiving generation can end up paying too much for insurance simply because they lack the time to comb over policies; so here are tips for cutting hundreds of dollars in monthly costs.

  134. Wednesday February 11, 2009

    1. Possible Ban of Darvon is Good News for Seniors -- Even Those Who Take It!

      Blog Post - Darvon and Darvocet are very dangerous for seniors, with side effects such as confusion, dizziness, falling, and death, so the vote of an FDA panel to recommend a ban is good news for those caring for seniors. 1 Comment

  135. Tuesday February 10, 2009

    1. Breast Cancer Risks

      Article - Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among older women. Here's how to assess risk factors for breast cancer.

  136. Friday February 06, 2009

    1. Stressed? Try Saving Hundreds a Month on Your Mortgage

      Blog Post - refinance at the new low rates and save your family hundreds of dollars a month, a great stress-buster for caregivers.

  137. Wednesday February 04, 2009

    1. Many More Cancer Drugs Covered by Insurance Thanks to New Medicare Rules

      Blog Post - New rules for Medicare coverage make more cancer drugs available at lower cost.

  138. Friday January 30, 2009

    1. The First Money Conversation: How to Make Sure It Goes Right

      Blog Post - The first conversation with your parents about money can be hard, but there are ways to make sure it goes right. 1 Comment

  139. Thursday January 29, 2009

    1. Chemotherapy and Mouth Sores

      Article - Mouth sores are one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Learn how to prevent, treat, and reduce the pain of chemo mouth sores.

  140. Wednesday January 28, 2009

    1. Big News for Chemotherapy Patients: Timing is Everything

      Blog Post - Timing cisplatin chemotherapy appointments first thing in the day can boost the treatment's effectiveness, research shows.

  141. Monday January 26, 2009

    1. Talking to mom's doctor about her prescription drug abuse

      Community Post - Hi there, I really feel for you as I've had lots of addiction problems in my family. I'm wondering if it's possible for you to communicate directly with your mom's doctor and let him or her know there's a problem with your mom over-using the medications...

  142. Friday January 23, 2009

    1. How to Get the Help You'll Need to Care for Your Parent With Breast Cancer

      Article - Comprehensive information on getting help when caring for a parent with breast cancer. Related information is available in the cancer section of Caring.com.

    2. 7 Ways to Find Bargains in Senior Housing

      Blog Post - High vacancy rates in senior housing facilities lead to deep discounts: 10 Tips for Finding Bargains

  143. Wednesday January 21, 2009

    1. When Should We Worry About Melanoma? Now, Experts Say

      Blog Post - Melanoma rates are rising every year despite better detection and treatment. Some advice to make sure your parents and loved ones are safe.

  144. Tuesday January 20, 2009

    1. Defining Your Role as a Breast Cancer Caregiver

      Article - Before you take on the role of caring for someone with breast cancer, be sure you know how to provide the best care and how to avoid burnout.

  145. Friday January 16, 2009

    1. Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer and Neuropathy: What You Can Do

      Article - Chemotherapy for breast cancer can cause neuropathy, the medical term for nerve damage. Here's how to prevent and minimize neuropathy and nerve damage.

    2. Lumpectomy and Partial Mastectomy for Breast Cancer

      Article - Breast cancer patients may be able to get a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. A lumpectomy or partial mastectomy can be less-disfiguring options.

    3. Safe Sleep Tips to Prevent Stroke

      Blog Post - A new study shows how sleep apnea can cause strokes and death making the need for safety tips more important. 1 Comment

  146. Thursday January 15, 2009

    1. It's important to ask questions of your oncologist and get clear answers.

      Community Post - Dear Kimm,

  147. Wednesday January 14, 2009

    1. Anti-Cancer Superfoods: Do They Really Work?

      Blog Post - Cancer prevention superfoods that contain nutrients to prevent cancer and halt tumor growth. 11 Comments

    2. Does this sound like a relapse in cancer?

      Answer - What to do if you're worried about a recurrence of cervical cancer

  148. Sunday January 11, 2009

    1. Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Guide to the Latest Technology

      Article - Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) offers new treatments for breast cancer. A guide to different IMRTs, how they work, and what each does best.

    2. Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer Treatment: A Beginner's Guide

      Article - A clinical trial may offer an effective breast cancer drug or treatment that's not available any other way. Learn the pros and cons of clinical trials and how to find one.

    3. Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide

      Article - How to find and enroll in a clinical trial for breast cancer treatment.

    4. Breast Cancer Treatment and Low Platelets

      Article - Why breast cancer treatments chemotherapy and radiation lower platelet counts, and how a low platelet count might affect treatment.

    5. Breast Cancer Treatment and Low Red Blood Counts

      Article - How breast cancer treatment affects red blood counts -- and what you can do.

    6. Breast Cancer Patients: Managing Treatment for Low White Blood Cell Count

      Article - When a breast cancer patient's white blood cell count is low, her immune system isn't as strong as usual and she's at increased risk of infection, a condition known as neutropenia. The lower her white blood cell count is -- and the longer it stays low -- the higher the risk that she'll get sick or contract some type of infection...

    7. Breast Cancer Treatment and Low White Blood Cell Counts

      Article - How a low white blood cell count from breast cancer treatment affects health and how the doctor might treat it.

    8. 6 Things Not to Say to Someone With Breast Cancer

      Article - What do you say to someone with breast cancer? Don't say 'everything is going to be all right.' Learn about the 6 things not to say to someone with breast cancer. 1 Comment

  149. Thursday January 08, 2009

    1. 5 Ways to Check Up on Your Parent's Finances

      Blog Post - 5 ways to discover whether your parent is successfully keeping on top of finances.

  150. Wednesday January 07, 2009

    1. The 10 Biggest Cancer Breakthroughs of 2008

      Blog Post - The 10 biggest cancer breakthroughs of 2008 include breakthrough treatments and new drug therapies for a number of different cancers.

  151. Friday January 02, 2009

    1. Back-Up Care Keeps the "Sandwich Generation" Working

      Blog Post - Back-up care plans make it possible for the "sandwich generation" to keep on working.

  152. Wednesday December 31, 2008

    1. How to Celebrate the New Year -- with Cancer

      Blog Post - Socializing becomes challenging for people with cancer and their families. But it's important to maintain relationships. Some resolutions for keeping social networks strong. 1 Comment

  153. Wednesday December 24, 2008

    1. Discovered: A "Lint Brush" that Removes Cancer Cells from the Blood

      Blog Post - Researchers are developing a high-tech protein-coated nanotube that can filter cancer cells from the blood.

  154. Wednesday December 17, 2008

    1. Know Your Breast Cancer ABCs: New Drugs Boost Treatment Success

      Blog Post - new breast cancer drugs boost chemo success and reduce breast cancer recurrence.

  155. Wednesday December 10, 2008

    1. 8 Cancer Lessons: What We Wish We'd Known

      Blog Post - In 10 cancer lessons, cancer patients and their family members share information about cancer treatment.

  156. Wednesday December 03, 2008

    1. Breast Cancer Alert: Follow-Up Care Is a Life or Death Issue

      Blog Post - Women with breast cancer need radiation therapy after surgery, or they increase their recurrence rate fourfold.

  157. Wednesday November 26, 2008

    1. Exercise, Dietary Changes Help Cancer Survivors Stay Strong

      Blog Post - A program of diet and exercise can help older cancer survivors stay strong and remain independent.

  158. Wednesday November 19, 2008

    1. Fighting the Stigma of Lung Cancer

      Blog Post - Lung cancer causes one in three cancer deaths, yet stigma surrounds the disease and patients suffer from less aggressive treatment because they're blamed for bringing it on themselves. 1 Comment

  159. Wednesday November 12, 2008

    1. Aggressive Cancer Treatments Are Buying More Time

      Blog Post - New aggressive treatments for inoperable or incurable cancer can give patients as many as two or three more years of life. 3 Comments

  160. Thursday November 06, 2008

    1. Flu Season Alert: Watch for Signs of Leukemia in Seniors

      Blog Post - Leukemia is much more common in seniors than most people realize and is often missed because symptoms mimic those of a cold or flu.

  161. Wednesday November 05, 2008

    1. Breast cancer: treatment, prognosis, chemo

      Community Post - It sounds like your friend is still waiting to find out some important information from the pathology report, which will help a lot with making decisions about prognosis and treatment.

  162. Tuesday November 04, 2008

    1. Caring for an Alcoholic Parent: A Special Challenge

      Blog Post - Caring for a parent or family member with a drinking problem is one of the most challenging and thankless caregiving situations because you're trying to help someone who doesn't admit he has a problem.

  163. Wednesday October 29, 2008

    1. Facing the Fear: How Do We Talk About It When Cancer Spreads?

      Blog Post - Dealing with cancer progression and metastases is painful for family members. Here are valuable resources for caregivers. 1 Comment

  164. Tuesday October 28, 2008

    1. Does it sound like my father with stage 4 cancer is dying?

      Answer - When a parent has a diagnosis of Stage IV cancer, children have questions about prognosis and end of life and it can be difficult to get a clear picture.

  165. Saturday October 25, 2008

    1. Nausea and Breast Cancer Treatment: What You Can Do

      Article - Chemotherapy is the number one cause of nausea in breast cancer patients. The first step to preventing nausea is to take the threat of nausea seriously.

    2. How to Ask for Help With Breast Cancer Care Giving

      Article - Get support you can use in caring for a parent with cancer with this guide to how to ask for assistance and ways to help you may not have thought of.

    3. Breast Cancer Surgery: When Mastectomy Is Best

      Article - Mastectomy is best for a breast cancer patient if she has a large tumor or tumors in over 1/4 of her breast. You can help her recover from mastectomy.

  166. Friday October 24, 2008

    1. How do I determine if I have scar tissue related to an infusaport?

      Answer - An infusaport is placed with an outpatient surgical procedure and scarring and infection are possible, so call your doctor if you're concerned.

  167. Wednesday October 22, 2008

    1. Plastic and Cancer: How Big a Risk, Really?

      Blog Post - Plastic containing BPA may indeed pose a cancer risk, and those caring for cancer patients and others need to take precautions.

  168. Wednesday October 15, 2008

    1. High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes -- and Cancer?

      Blog Post - Risk of colorectal cancer is 75 percent higher for those with metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

  169. Thursday October 09, 2008

    1. "Chemo Brain" Can Be a Serious Concern for Cancer Patients

      Blog Post - Chemo brain, or fuzzy thinking and memory loss from chemotherapy, may be due to long term brain cell damage, but new treatments are now available.

  170. Wednesday October 01, 2008

    1. Cancer Claims Paul Newman but His Legacy Lives On

      Blog Post - Paul Newman died of cancer last week after keeping his illness private, leaving behind a legacy of an extraordinary life.

  171. Wednesday September 24, 2008

    1. New Scoring System Simplifies Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions

      Blog Post - Breast cancer patients and caregivers have to make tough decisions in deciding on a treatment plan, but a new breast cancer test takes the guesswork out of deciding who needs chemotherapy and who doesn't.

  172. Wednesday September 17, 2008

    1. Cancer Patients and Caregivers Hail New Anti-Nausea Patch

      Blog Post - The FDA's approval of Sancuso, an anti-nausea patch, excites cancer patients and caregivers because nausea can sideline those undergoing chemotherapy.

  173. Wednesday September 10, 2008

    1. New Screening Technology Catches Cancer Better Than Mammograms

      Blog Post - A new screening technology, molecular breast imaging or MBI, caught three times the number of cancers in women with dense breast tissue as mammography in a Mayo Clinic study.

  174. Wednesday September 03, 2008

    1. An Unpopular Idea: Worried About Cancer? Cut Back on Drinking

      Blog Post - More studies are showing that alcohol causes cancer, yet doctors are hesitant to suggest that patients cut back on drinking.

  175. Wednesday August 27, 2008

    1. New Lung Cancer Vaccine Quadruples Survival Time for Some

      Blog Post - A vaccine called Lucanix starting clinical trials in August 2008 may help patients with Stage III or IV non small-cell lung patients live longer with few side effects.

  176. Wednesday August 20, 2008

    1. R. I. P. Leroy Sievers, Who Taught Us to Talk About Cancer

      Blog Post - The legacy of NPR blogger Leroy Sievers, who died this week, is that he taught us to talk about cancer openly and honestly.

  177. Sunday August 17, 2008

    1. What is insulin resistance?

      Question - What "insulin resistance" means, how it affects people with type 2 diabetes, and what you can do to treat the condition.

    2. Does it matter when my dad takes his diabetes pills?

      Question - My father has type 2 diabetes and recently started taking oral medications. Is the timing of his pill taking important?

  178. Thursday August 14, 2008

    1. What I wish I'd known...

      Community Post - Gosh, so many things fall under this category, but there's one that really stands out when I look back on my time caring for my dad. The main one is that I wish we'd called in hospice, or palliative care, much sooner. We were really hung up on the idea that you don't call hospice until you're ready to...

  179. Wednesday August 13, 2008

    1. Cancer and the Single Patient: A Special Need for Help

      Blog Post - Caring for someone with cancer who doesn't have a partner is a special challenge, and a very important type of caregiving. 1 Comment

  180. Thursday August 07, 2008

    1. Exciting Clinical Trials for Advanced Prostate Cancer

      Blog Post - Late-stage prostate cancer patients now have new drugs available through clinical trials that are now recruiting.

  181. Friday August 01, 2008

    1. What chemo drugs require MUGA scan preparation for patients?

      Answer - It's important to understand why a MUGA scan may be necessary when taking certain chemotherapy drugs that can affect the heart.

    2. Is there any treatment for, "Charles Bonnet Syndrome"?

      Answer - Charles Bonnet Syndrome, which causes visual hallucinations, may be treated though the best treatment may be understanding.

  182. Thursday July 31, 2008

    1. Can you tell me about a drug called Sumitinib?

      Answer - Sunitinib, or Sutent, is one of three new biologic drugs that are giving new hope to patients with advanced kidney cancer

    2. Is severe pain in joints from Taxol common?

      Answer - Taxol chemotherapy for cancer can cause joint pain.

    3. Are there Taxotere side effects?

      Answer - Side effects from taxotere (Taxol) include bone pain and neuropathy.

    4. Is it true that a woman's body changes after chemo?

      Answer - Chemotherapy can cause some longterm changes, such as bringing on menopause, though most problems are short-term.

  183. Wednesday July 30, 2008

    1. The World Mourns Randy Pausch's Death From Pancreatic Cancer

      Blog Post - Pancreatic cancer patient Randy Pausch gained worldwide fame with his "Last Lecture" video and book, a legacy that hopefully will translate into new treatment options for deadly pancreatic cancer. 1 Comment

  184. Wednesday July 23, 2008

    1. Vision-Impaired Can Enjoy Walking and Reading With New Tools

      Blog Post - Seniors with low vision can keep reading and walking thanks to new low vision aids out this summer. 2 Comments

  185. Saturday July 19, 2008

    1. Why does my mother have sores on her skin after receiving one chemo treatment and what can be done about them?

      Answer - Sores on the hands and feet indicate hand-foot syndrome, a reaction to chemotherapy drugs that needs to be brought to your doctor's attention.

  186. Wednesday July 16, 2008

    1. Prostate Cancer Therapy May Do More Harm Than Good

      Blog Post - Treating prostate cancer with hormone therapy, also called androgen deprivation therapy, may not have any benefit, new research says. 3 Comments

  187. Wednesday July 09, 2008

    1. Red Wine -- Or Resveratrol Pills -- May Prevent Cancer Says Strong New Research

      Blog Post - Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine and blueberries, may prevent breast cancer and other types of cancer.

  188. Tuesday July 08, 2008

    1. What is the prognosis for stage 4 ovarian cancer?

      Answer - Ovarian cancer, when it has reached Stage IV, is very serious, but there are treatment options and no one can offer a prognosis for a specific case but the oncologist.

  189. Wednesday July 02, 2008

    1. Cancer Patients Tell It Like It Is

      Blog Post - Cancer patients beg doctors to speak plainly about cancer prognosis and treatment. 1 Comment

  190. Wednesday June 25, 2008

    1. Catch Ovarian Cancer Early With a Simple Symptom Screening Test

      Blog Post - Catching ovarian cancer early: A new screening tool for three key symptoms can help identify 80 to 95 percent of ovarian cancer cases.

  191. Thursday June 19, 2008

    1. Advice from someone's who's been there: how to get your parent's doctor to give you the 'nitty gritty' version.

      Community Post - What Lola said was very true when I was caring for my father, who died of esophageal cancer, also after receiving a prognosis of three to six months.

  192. Wednesday June 18, 2008

    1. Tired No More: New Drug Can Treat Cancer Fatigue

      Blog Post - New research shows that the narcolepsy drug Provigil can treat cancer fatigue. 1 Comment

    2. How can my patient get relief from the symptoms of neuropathy?

      Answer - There are many ways to relieve neuropathy or nerve damage from cancer chemotherapy.

  193. Thursday June 12, 2008

    1. Cancer Patients Fight for Access to New Drugs

      Blog Post - Access to experimental cancer drugs and treatments can save the lives of cancer patients, and the issue has become a heated one.

  194. Thursday June 05, 2008

    1. Cancer Research Breakthroughs Offer New Cancer Drug Options

      Blog Post - New cancer drugs offer hope for those with breast cancer, lung cancer, brain tumors, and pancreatic cancer.

  195. Wednesday May 28, 2008

    1. Cancer News We Can Use

      Blog Post - New research presented at ASCO offers news for those with breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.

    2. How can I relieve chemo scalp pain and sensitivity?

      Answer - After chemotherapy-induced hair loss, the scalp can become very sensitive and needs extra attention.

  196. Friday May 23, 2008

    1. Can chemo cause side effects for those exposed to the patient receiving it?

      Answer - Chemotherapy drugs are systemic agents within the cancer patient's body and cannot affect other people exposed to the cancer patient.

  197. Thursday May 22, 2008

    1. Should my dad be feeling stomach pain after chemo for stage 4 colon cancer?

      Answer - chemotherapy drugs damage the fast-growing cells that line the stomach and intestine, which can cause stomach pain as well as nausea.

  198. Wednesday May 21, 2008

    1. Macular Degeneration: All Eyes Are on Hormone Therapy

      Blog Post - New research shows that taking hormones cuts a woman's risk of macular degeneration in half. But hormone therapy raises the risk for other health conditions. 1 Comment

  199. Tuesday May 20, 2008

    1. Kennedy's Cancer Has Everyone Talking About Brain Tumors

      Blog Post - The announcement about Senator Edward Kennedy's brain tumor has the world talking about gliomas. 1 Comment

  200. Thursday May 15, 2008

    1. How does drinking alchohol affect chemotherapy?

      Answer - Drinking alcohol during chemotherapy treatment can cause problems mixing with prescription drugs and can also contribute to liver issues, if there are any.

    2. What is the chemo treatment referred to as "CHOP"?

      Answer - CHOP chemo is a regimen of four drugs used to treat lymphoma and other cancers.

    3. Will chemo take away quality of life for my mother, who has Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Weighing the pros and cons of chemotherapy for cancer and its effects on Alzheimer's is an important conversation to have with the doctor.

    4. Should we see an ear, nose and throat specialist for my mother's issues with taste?

      Answer - Taste issues after cancer treatment could be symptoms of underlying health issues.

    5. Where does the blood go that has to be replace due to chemo treatments?

      Answer - Transfusions during cancer treatment are likely a response to low red blood cell or platelet counts.

    6. What can be done about chemo swelling of the feet and legs?

      Answer - There are techniques to reduce chemo-induced edema, or swelling and make feet and legs more comfortable.

    7. Why do eyelashes grow in and fall out since chemotherapy?

      Answer - When hair and eyelashes and eyebrows grow back in after chemotherapy, there are often longterm changes.

    8. Where can you get cancer chemo bracelets to help with nausea?

      Answer - A product called ReliefBand gives off low-level electric currents to the inside of the wrist.

    9. Where can you get cancer chemo bracelets to help with nausea?

      Answer - Chemotherapy drugs damage the cells in the bone marrow that generate new red and white blood cells.

    10. what kind of meals should i feed my dad to help him...

      Answer - Loss of appetite and weight loss are a big issue during cancer treatment but there are many things you can do.

  201. Wednesday May 14, 2008

    1. Call Us Cancer "Carepartners"

      Blog Post - When you're helping someone you love battle cancer, you're right there on the front lines with them.

    2. What are the best foods for chemo patients?

      Answer - While undergoing chemotherapy, patients need to combat nausea and loss of appetite and keep up their weight.

    3. Is it okay to share a bathroom with someone going through chemo?

      Answer - Chemotherapy is not contagious so there should not be a problem sharing a bathroom.

    4. How effective is Dioxil in treating sarcoma?

      Answer - Doxil is considered one of the first-line treatments for some types of Sarcoma; however, effectiveness depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease and other factors.

  202. Wednesday May 07, 2008

    1. New Test Can Spare Breast Cancer Patients from Chemo

      Blog Post - The new test Oncotype DX spares many women with early stage breast cancer from chemo by revealing which cancers are low risk. 1 Comment

    2. Can you get pregnant if your husband has leukemia?

      Answer - Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat certain kinds of leukemia cause infertility.

    3. What can be done for sore hands and feet as a result of chemo?

      Answer - Hand-foot syndrome is the name for a condition in which chemo drugs cause pain, sensitivity, and peeling on the palms, soles, and fingertips.

    4. Does chemotherapy shrink tumors while waiting for surgery?

      Answer - Yes. Chemotherapy drugs are systemic, and travel throughout the body "mopping up" stray cancer cells. So any other tumors that were present, in addition to the one that was originally found would hopefully shrink or go away altogether. Today chemotherapy is often given prior to cancer surgery for this reason...

    5. A friend tells me I am emotional over having ovarian cancer. How can you not be emotional facing recurrances or dying?

      Answer - It's natural to feel extremely emotional during cancer treatment, and the best place to discuss this is with a support group.

    6. Are there white blood cells supplements to rejuvenate blood counts during chemo?

      Answer - There is a drug, neulasta, that boosts white cell count.

  203. Tuesday May 06, 2008

    1. Can cancer be treated as aggressively if you have COPD?

      Answer - Studies show cancer can be treated similarly in patients with COPD but outcome isn't as good.

  204. Thursday May 01, 2008

    1. When do chemo side effects start?

      Answer - Side effects usually start a few days after the first chemo treatment but it depends on what kind of chemotherapy regimen.

    2. How do I help my sister cope with chemo?

      Answer - Suggestions for coping with side effects from chemotherapy.

    3. Is it normal for blood cells to become enlarged after chemo?

      Answer - Enlarged blood cells not a common side effect of chemotherapy.

    4. Using VP160 on a 79 year old father for his lung cancer

      Answer - Carboplatin chemotherapy is commonly used for lung cancer and can affect blood counts.

    5. How long does chemo last?

      Answer - chemotherapy is given in cycles, usually weekly, or every two or three weeks.

  205. Wednesday April 30, 2008

    1. A Promising New Lung Cancer Vaccine

      Blog Post - This week brought welcome news for people with non-small cell lung cancer: Long-term results from a clinical trial showed that a new immune-boosting treatment worked as well or better than chemotherapy at reducing relapse.

  206. Monday April 28, 2008

    1. Why would my brother-in-law take chemotherapy pills for a skin rash?

      Answer - Chemotherapy is not usually the treatment for a skin rash but can cause a rash.

    2. How do you treat a chemo burn?

      Answer - Chemical burns are rare in chemotherapy treatment but can occur when the drug leaks into tissues.

    3. Is it normal to be burned severely during chemo and radiation?

      Answer - Burns do occur as a result of radiation treatment, but severe burns are not normal and must be discussed with the doctor.

    4. Is there a limit of chemotherapy treatment for one patient?

      Answer - There is not a limit on chemotherapy per se, but there are times when it ceases to be effective.

  207. Thursday April 24, 2008

    1. What can be done to treat mouth and vaginal sores from chemo?

      Answer - Mouth and vaginal sores are a common side effect of chemotherapy and can be treated with rinses and medications.

  208. Wednesday April 23, 2008

    1. Is a common side effect of chemotherapy blurred vision?

      Answer - Blurred vision is not a common side effect of chemotherapy but certain chemotherapy drugs can cause it.

    2. Is it okay to resume tanning after having chemo?

      Answer - Tanning increases the risk of skin cancer so it's not a good idea for anyone, particularly those who have already had cancer.

    3. What can I expect when my mother being receiving chemotherapy?

      Answer - Your mother is receiving chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells that have spread to other areas of her body from the original tumor. (The fact that your mother's cancer is stage IV means that the cancer has spread.) Read more about what to expect from chemotherapy and cancer treatment here.

    4. What could be causing a low white-blood, red-blood, and low-platelet counts in a former cancer patient?

      Answer - Low red blood cell and platelet counts can be caused by chemotherapy, but if chemo isn't the cause, talk to the doctor.

    5. What are the side affects from having chemo abraxane/avactin when you take blood thinners warfin?

      Answer - Abraxane and Avactin are chemotherapy drugs that may interact with warfarin, a blood thinner, so discuss with your doctor.

    6. How fast does hair fall out from chemo?

      Answer - It's difficult to predict hair loss as it varies by chemo drug and individual.

    7. Is it safe for a patient undergoing chemo to get a tattoo?

      Answer - Tattoos are not a great idea during chemo because of infection risk.

  209. Tuesday April 22, 2008

    1. A Powerful New Weapon in the Fight Against Cancer

      Blog Post - Can something this simple really be this powerful? Research published this week finally confirms what researchers have long suspected: That vitamin D lowers the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

  210. Friday April 18, 2008

    1. Is chemo weakness a common side effect of treatment?

      Answer - Chemotherapy can make some patients very weak, but check with your doctor.

    2. If I stop chemo, my doctor says my colon cancer will return. When?

      Answer - colon cancer is likely to recur without chemotherapy.

  211. Tuesday April 15, 2008

    1. Telling Our Stories: The Importance of Personal Cancer Blogs

      Blog Post - These great cancer blogs help those fighting cancer learn from others' stories. 3 Comments

  212. Tuesday April 08, 2008

    1. Aging Smokers: Who's Going to Get Lung Cancer?

      Blog Post - It's a medical fact that smokers are at much greater risk for lung cancer than nonsmokers, but it's long been a mystery why some smokers remain cancer free. New research breakthroughs provide answers about lung cancer risk and diagnosis. 1 Comment

  213. Tuesday April 01, 2008

    1. Alcohol Abuse Among Seniors -- the Last Taboo Subject

      Blog Post - Alcohol abuse among seniors still tends to be secret, but new data show it's more common than most people suspect. A guide to how to talk about it. 1 Comment

  214. Wednesday March 26, 2008

    1. Can breast cancer spread to the spine also spread to the brain?

      Answer - Breast Cancer has a typical pattern of metastasis, but can spread to many areas of the body. 1 Comment

    2. Are there any long term effects due to M.O.P.P. chemotherapy which could effect your cardiovascular system?

      Answer - The chemotherapy regimen known as MOPP used to treat Hodgkin Disease can have long-term effects but not on the heart.

  215. Tuesday March 25, 2008

    1. Overweight Women at Greater Risk for Cancer But Receive Fewer Screenings

      Blog Post - Being overweight is a risk factor for many types of cancer, but new research shows that overweight women are less likely, rather than more likely, to receive recommended screenings.

  216. Tuesday March 18, 2008

    1. New Research May Predict Risk of Cancer Recurrence

      Blog Post - Cancer researchers have discovered clues to identify which lung and breast cancers will spread, suggesting possible tests and cancer treatments.

  217. Saturday March 15, 2008

    1. How long does nausea last after chemo? How soon does it hit?

      Answer - A discussion of the typical timing of nausea attacks during chemotherapy.

  218. Friday March 07, 2008

    1. How long does it take for hair to return after chemo?

      Answer - An explanation of when cancer patients can expect to see their hair grow back after chemotherapy.

    2. How long will chemoembolization last?

      Answer - Chemoembolization, a combination of site-specific chemotherapy and cutting off blood vessels, is a procedure used to treat liver tumors.

    3. Media Focus on Patrick Swayze's Cancer Begs the Real Questions

      Blog Post - The sudden media attention on Patrick Swayze's diagnosis with pancreatic cancer sure got a lot of cancer patients and their caregivers thinking, judging from the buzz in the blogosphere. What it really got me thinking about wasn't Patrick Swayze himself, though like all his fans, I certainly feel a pang...

  219. Tuesday March 04, 2008

    1. Should I talk to my dad about his drinking? I think he's in denial.

      Community Post - Hey Rebecca, Boy have I been there. I think you could try the letter-writing option; if nothing else, it might make you feel better to air your feelings and concerns and feel that you've done what you can.

  220. Monday March 03, 2008

    1. Should Cancer Patients Take a Chemo Vacation?

      Blog Post - Most news headlines about cancer treatment trumpet a new drug or treatment option, so last week it was a rare sight to see the journal Cancer reporting a study by Tomazs Beer of Oregon Health & Science University about the benefits of taking a break from treatment.

  221. Wednesday February 27, 2008

    1. Exactly which chemotherapy drugs are cardiotoxic?

      Answer - A review of which chemotherapy drugs are known to damage the heart muscle.

  222. Tuesday February 26, 2008

    1. What is red devil chemo and what are the side effects?

      Answer - Adriamycin, aka the "Red Devil," is a chemotherapy agent used to treat many kinds of cancer, including breast, lung, ovarian, and bladder cancer. It's also often called Doxorubicin, which is the generic name. Adriamycin is a brand name.

  223. Sunday February 24, 2008

    1. What happens to patients on chemo if they catch a cold or the flu?

      Answer - Because chemotherapy compromises a cancer patient's immune system, colds and flus can be more serious.

    2. What is platinum chemo?

      Answer - A description of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs and their uses in cancer treatment.

  224. Friday February 22, 2008

    1. Chemotherapy and parrots in the home?

      Answer - Parrots can transmit bacteria so caution is needed in immune-compromised cancer patients.

    2. Is it safe for a chemo patient who has now grown back their hair to get a perm?

      Answer - Hair that regrows during or right after chemo may be too delicate to tolerate a perm.

  225. Friday February 15, 2008

    1. What is Albuterol updrafting with chemotherapy treatment?

      Answer - Inhalers can control chronic cough in cancer patients