Archive for December 2011

Running Away From Prostate Cancer - Part 7

Saturday, December 31, 2011 · Posted in , ,

As I mentioned before in a previous article, I've always found problems more manageable when broken down into parts. That way you don't feel as overwhelmed by things. So I woke up in the hospital early the day after my surgery and felt okay. Less than 24 hours after prostate removal surgery, I started to wonder how the procedure had affected my sexual and urinary functions. Now I knew the catheter needed to be in place for at least 7 more days so the sexual function part took center stage in my mind.

I don't know how many of you reading this article have had to deal with infertility issues, but it's fairly common in situations like this to have both the man and woman tested for signs of problems. For guys, this means finding yourself in a strange place with a plastic cup in hand and trying to produce a sperm sample to do a sperm count. On the surface, this doesn't sound that difficult, right? But when people are around and you're in an unfamiliar place, it's more challenging than one would think. I've heard that at sperm banks they provide you with videos or magazines to help the process along. I didn't have any visual aids, but I wasn't trying to produce a sample. I couldn't if I wanted to because the surgery put an abrupt end to my ability to do so.

Sitting in my hospital bed, I decided to see if I could get aroused by thinking of something sexual. I'm not going to mention what I thought about though. Everyone has various things that can help stimulate them, but I wasn't sure if things would even respond. I was told that the delicate re-connective nerve work for sexual function had gone well. But until I had some kind of sign, I wouldn't be comfortable. So I leaned back and thought and thought. There was no one in the room at the time and I had a blanket and several sheets over me too. Then it happened. I started to feel movement and a sensation. From that point forward, I had the confidence that things would be alright. I didn't know if my experiment was really that significant medically. It didn't matter to me. I just felt better knowing that things were responding in a positive way just after surgery. And I did it with the catheter still in place too.

I wanted to get home as soon as possible. So I religiously followed the doctors and nurses instructions, from the breathing exercises to getting up and walking around as much as possible. The cramps that had really zapped me the day before had long dissipated. I was starting to get used to the draining cycle of the blood/fluid bags on either side of my belly button too. I was hopeful that they would be removed before I left the hospital. Around noon, I was told that I would be getting discharged soon. My wife ended up coming to the hospital in the late morning and got to hear the good news with me. Unfortunately, I ended up leaving with one bag, on my right side still attached.

On the ride back home, I thought about what my doctor had said after the surgery. He had said that everything had gone well and the cancer appeared to have been contained in my prostate. I felt relieved that the surgery was over and looked forward to being able to run in a month or two. I thought about recuperating while working on my writing and watching the Tour de France. I had a number of physical reminders of the surgery though, the right side fluid drain bag, the catheter, the stitches on my belly, a sore left hand /wrist from the intravenous feed port, and a lighter weight. After all, I didn't have a prostate anymore so I had to be lighter, right?

With any type of surgery, one has to be careful not to do too much right away. I didn't want to get sidelined any longer than I had to be because of my impatience. I knew I needed to settle into a routine to help me cope with things too. After a day, I developed a daily schedule. I took over draining the blood and urine from my wife. She was great, but I wanted to be as independent was possible. Plus she was working during the week and wasn't around until late in the day. With cancer surgery, I knew I would be visiting my doctor on a regular basis, even after the incisions had healed and the catheter and drain were out. I would be doing regular PSA tests going forward to make sure the cancer was gone. I also was looking forward to being able to pee directly into the toilet. Oh yes, the simple pleasures in life.

I'm a environmental engineer, runner, writer and poet. I have a running blog at http://www.kenmajor.blogspot.com/. There are a number of articles about running and outdoor activities. Feel free to stop by and check out my posts. I think you might find something useful.


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Running Away From Prostate Cancer - Part 8

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After having surgery, many people focus on the physical recovery. But depending on the type of surgery, there is an equally challenging recovery that can be forgotten about by the patient, his family, friends, and co-workers, the mental recovery. Cancer, heart, and other complicated surgical procedures can lead to self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and stagnation, to name a few issues. That's because a person's whole life is turned upside down during this treatment and recovery process. Also, you've lost some innocence in your life and you don't really know what the future will hold for you. Will there be a relapse? Could the cancer return? If you change your diet and take certain medications, will it really make a difference? Will you experience a heart attack?

I decided early on in my recovery that I was going to focus on the positive and try not to think about these negative things. Easier said than done though. However, I found great comfort in Lance Armstrong's story and other less famous cancer survivor experiences. I can honestly say that when I heard that Lance was diagnosed with an advanced level of cancer, I told several friends that I'd be surprised if he was still alive in a year. This was about ten years before I was actually diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Four days after my surgery, I still had the catheter and one drain bag on my right side. It would be another four days before I would shed these artificial appendages. On the 7th day after my surgery, I visited my doctor's office and they removed the right side drain bag. Then on the 11th day post-surgery, I made another visit to another branch of my surgeon's practice for the catheter removal procedure. This process reminded me how I felt during the shaving of my pubic area prior to another surgical procedure I had to repair a hydro-seal problem. I can summarize that feeling in one word. Embarrassed. In a closed bathroom with your pants on the floor, a nurse puts copious amounts of water into your bladder using the catheter line until you feel like you're going to burst. Then in an almost magician-like technique, they pull the catheter out of your pee-hole as water/urine shoots out of your penis like a fire hose. I can confidently say that the majority of this liquid ended up outside of the toilet bowl. But besides a slight tug down there, I felt fine and the catheter was removed. I was especially glad about that. I characterized this as the last part of phase 3 (post-surgical), with phase 1 (research and treatment decision) and 2 (actual surgery). I was beginning what I termed as phase 4, the start of the real recovery.

I had been reading about different male enhancement drugs and my doctor had provided samples of three types, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. I 'm sure everyone has seen those Enzyte TV commercials. I always laughed when I saw that commercial about male enhancement. I believe the guy's name in the commercial was "Bob". The look of Bob's wife was especially entertaining. I likened the look on her face to someone in a mood of subdued elation. I also found it amusing that some of the commercials included Bob and his friends out playing golf. A metaphor perhaps? Now this commercial had much more serious implications for me. Would I ever look like Bob? I hoped so.

I tried all three types over several weeks and ended up deciding to use Viagra. My memory on why I decided on Viagra is a little fuzzy, but I think I just felt more of a positive sensation with it than the other two. I know that others in my situation have found Cialis or Levitra worked better for them. I started taking these supplements daily as prescribed by my doctor. The only problem was that the insurance company would only authorize about 15-20 pills a month, which meant that I wouldn't have enough to take them daily. I was also told that it would be best if I scheduled an appointment to discuss all my options for sexual assistance. My understanding was that if the Viagra didn't work well enough there were other things I could use like penile injections and vacuum contraptions that could help. I was told that it could take over six months to be able to sexually perform like before surgery.

The 2007 Tour de France had just started so I enjoyed watching each daily leg of the race and following the U.S. Discovery team. If you're familiar with cycling, then you know what the terms GC, peleton, and domestique mean. This race isn't just about the top three General Classification (GC) overall winners though. There are other things to shoot for like the best new rider, the hills champion, and a chance to win or place high up in one of the many legs of the race, to name a few. My recovery or as I called it, Tour de Ken, appeared to be going well. I wasn't covering hundreds of miles like the cyclists were, but I was as determined to stay positive and keep myself as physically and mentally busy as possible. My family and friends' (my peleton) provided great support and encouragement, which helped block those negative winds, and provided the services of first class domestiques.

I'm a environmental engineer, runner, writer and poet. I have a running blog at http://www.kenmajor.blogspot.com/. There are a number of articles about running and outdoor activities. Feel free to stop by and check out my posts. I think you might find something useful.


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Prostate Cancer and the HIFU Treatment

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High intensity focused ultrasound, also known as HIFU for short, is an updated technology to assist men diagnosed with prostate cancer. It provides an acoustic ablation technique that utilizes the power of ultrasound waves to get rid of cancerous tissue on and around the prostate with fine accuracy. The targeted area is focused on using sound waves, allowing HIFU to increase the temperature of the tissue, causing it to completely break down.

Because of HIFU's control and precision, the overall risk of negative side effects connected with other prostate cancer treatments are greatly reduced, including erectile dysfunction and incontinence. Men only have to set aside up to three hours for the HIFU process and it is listed as an out-patient procedure. The HIFU process is often done in one sitting and minimal spinal or epidural anesthesia is used just to limit discomfort of the rectal probe. There is no actual radiation associated with HIFU - it is non-ionizing, which means that this treatment can be used more than one without damaging healthy tissue. Because it can be used when necessary, many physicians look at HIFU as an alternative method if other prostate cancer treatment options do not work.

Sonablate 500 is the most popular HIFU system used in the treatment of prostate cancer. This device is controlled by a computer and it delivers HIFU energy at the prostate through a rectal probe that removes all the cancer-infected tissue in the region. The technology found in the Sonablate 500 uses integrated biplanar ultrasound imaging which provides planning and monitoring in real-time as well as images of the location of the prostate both before as well as after the treatment.

The action of the HIFU is comparable to the action of focusing sunlight through a magnifying lens. HIFU provides precise focusing of ultrasound energy during the therapy session which increases the core temperature of the tissue that is located in the focal zone. This is done at a quick pace and all intervening tissue located around the focal zone remain safe and do not undergo an increase in temperature. In the end, there is a precise lesion within the target area that can be easily monitored by the cancer physician. Before undergoing HIFU therapy, a plan is created to determine all the areas that harbor cancerous tissue. Many physicians like the HIFU system because its high imaging resolution allows physicians to easily identify all vital structures, including neurovascular bundles, rectal wall, and seminal vesicles, and guarantee that only the affected areas will be targeted without causing unnecessary damage.

Prior to the HIFU therapy, patients are required to undergo two enemas two hours prior to the procedure. Because the patients need to remain still all through the duration of the treatment, a light anesthetic is given. A small rectal probe is inserted into the patient that emits ultrasound waves that bounce off the tissue. During the procedure, real-time images are provided by the Sonablate 500 of all the areas in and around the prostate. This offers the physician with immediate, detailed feedback. When the procedure is done, individuals often need roughly two hours to fully recover from the anesthesia before being sent home. After a few days, they can go back to their regular life.

Central Maryland Urology Associates is a state-of-the-art urology practice, comprised of 8 urologists located in Columbia, Maryland, half-way between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. CMUA is the only urology practice exclusively serving Howard County for over 30 years.The CMUA mission is to provide the highest quality of urologic care for our entire community through innovation, service excellence, compassion, and patient safety.

The CMUA HIFU Center is headed by Dr. Kevin Blumenthal, one of only a select few urologists trained in HIFU in the entire Mid-Atlantic region.
http://www.marylandprostatecancer.com/


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PSA Test Results Meaning Explained In Plain English

If you are wondering what your PSA test results meaning is, you're not alone. If you ask ten different people this question, you will probably get ten different answers. Below is a brief run down of what it means (in "plain English").

First of all, realize the PSA test is not a set-in-stone indicator that you have prostate cancer or not.

This surprises a lot of men thanks to the misinformation that's been put out over the years about what a PSA test results meaning really means. It does not mean you have cancer or even any prostate problems at all just because it is high.

On the other hand, you are not necessarily safe and out of the woods if the score is low, either.

What the PSA measures is the level of prostate specific antigen in your blood.

If the levels are elevated, it may mean you have something wrong. But, on the other hand it might not mean anything at all. And, frankly, there have been men who had very low PSA scores (which is considered to be good) who still ended up having prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate or any number of problems.

The point is, you probably should get your PSA levels checked.

Especially if your doctor suggests is.

But, when you see the score, don't necessarily think it is a surefire indication if you have any prostate problems or not.

Maybe you do.

Maybe you don't.

But as far as your PSA test results meaning goes, it is just one of many things to test before you can be sure there is a problem or not.

Click the link below to get your FREE copy of "The Prostate Healing Food That Is So Sexually Potent Priests Were Forbidden To Eat It." A strange, but true, way to get relief from most prostate problems and reclaim the raging sex drive you once had. I'm not giving this report away free much longer, so grab it while you still can at http://prostateproblemsfixed.com/.


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Prostate Cancer - Discover More About the Threats of This Disease

Cancer is one of the most widely issues that people have to battle when it comes to health. There are different types of diseases nowadays which have unidentified origins such as prostate cancer. This particular type of cancer affects men who are merely over sixty-five to eighty years of age. The cause of this particular disease is still unknown these days however, there are certain indirect conditions and issues which are linked to it for you to consider.

Malignant tumors such as this are more often linked with old age, testosterone hormone secretion, certain effects of chemicals in the body which includes toxins or free radicals, heredity issues, and even environmental issues. Prostate cancer should be taken seriously because like any other cancer types out there, the spread of the disease can be carried out to various organs in the body.

This particular disease has symptoms to consider before even having to diagnose the person who may carry the disease. The symptoms include traces of blood in the urine, difficulty in urinating, and a burning sensation while urinating. Through thorough examination physical defects may be detected such as a hard mass or nodule which can be detected in front of the rectal area. This lump grows and after a period of time reaches the urethra which makes it difficult for the patient to urinate. Other symptoms will then occur in the later stages of prostate cancer.

This particular disease can be treated and there are various treatment options to look into to help the patient survive this kind of health condition. More often the treatment will include surgery procedure that is more known as Radical prostatectomy. There are also instances where external beam radiation is needed to eradicate cells which are causing abnormal growth of tumor in the affected area. Another treatment type involved hormone therapy where the hormones are reduced to slow down the growth of abnormal cells.

There are patients who are required to observe the situation and more often this would have to be for certain reasons that they are not that financially stable to undergo treatment of the said disease or probably because they're health is at risk if they would go through such treatment procedures. These treatments have side effects which you have to consider before getting yourself to it. Some which has to do with fertility and some will have to do with erectile dysfunction.

This is the reason why it is essential that you know what your options are before getting into a treatment process for prostate cancer. You will have to be honest with your doctor on your feelings about the whole treatment process including the procedure that you have to go through. You must be physically and psychologically willing to undergo such treatment before proceeding. This willingness has a big effect to the results as well as the success of whatever treatment process you will go through.

Do not be afraid to ask your doctor what will happen if you go through this particular treatment process. Tell your doctor what makes you not want to go through it and ask for other options available for you to survive. Be honest enough with your feelings about the whole thing with your doctor and he/she will surely be able to help you out find answers to those questions.

Irda Kadir is a freelance medical writer and has written more than 30 health books. She has a successful website of her own, and has written for magazines and publications regarding health related topics. For more information on Prostate Cancer Treatment please visit her website at http://nutritionalsupplementproduct.com/articles/Obvious-Symptoms-For-Prostate-Cancer.html


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Prostate Cancer Linked to Male Patterned Baldness

Friday, December 30, 2011 · Posted in , , , ,

Male pattern baldness can be associated with prostate cancer. The prevalence of it is common among males in the United States. It is found that factors including heritability and androgens are associated to having a cause in both. It is known to affect about 50 percent of the male population. The proven link between the two continues to be a subject of research up to now.

Studies done to discover the relation between prostate cancer and male pattern baldness have shown that men who have baldness earlier in their life have a prevalence of developing it later on. Male pattern baldness is hereditary; androgen is implicated in the development. This condition precedes prostate cancer in most cases. The exact mechanisms resulting in the prevalence of the two continues to be unknown. What is understood that these two conditions have a typical biological and epidemiological risk factors which include aging, androgenic metabolism and hereditary.

The mentioned epidemiological and biological factors have led to a common hypothesis that prostate cancer and male pattern baldness are related. Nowadays, it's used to predict the occurrence of the risk of this cancer in males. Studies have found that males losing their hair possess a 50% excess risk of getting this cancer. Again, this association is explained using aging, androgen metabolism, and hereditary factors. It is presumed that these factors play an important role in occurrence of the two.

Male pattern baldness (MPB) can be used as a biological indicator of aging thus MPB can be used to predict pathological processes related to aging including atherogenesis and carcinogenesis. Androgen is seen as a necessary factor that contributes significantly. A hormone called dihydrotestosterone or DHT promotes both the proliferation of prostate cells and hair loss, and that men who were diagnosed were more likely to have bald heads. Various studies indicate that males with baldness have an increased risk.

The screening populations and health education programs has led to identify people with higher risk of developing problems. According to studies done on the relation, bald males at the age of 20 are at a high risk of developing prostate cancer later on in their life. The significance of using the link helps to identify susceptible groups of males at risk. These groups of people are monitored so that in the future, in case they have prostate cancer, it is detected early and treated. Since early baldness is a risk factor, then it makes sense to advice men with early hair loss to undergo more regular screening for any signs.

Richard R. Lotenfoe, MD, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Board Certified Urological Surgeon in Orlando, Florida. He specializes in the treatment of prostate cancer using the HIFU procedure.The HIFU Treatment uses ultrasound to destroy prostate cancer cells.

Celebration, FL 34747
Toll Free: (877) 458-8443
Local: (407) 584-7771


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PSA Test Numbers - What You Should Be Looking For

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If you are concerned about your PSA test numbers, and want to know what they mean and what to do with them, then check this out.

First off, here is what a PSA test does:

What it tests is the levels of prostate specific antigen in your blood. People who have elevated levels of PSA often have some kind of prostate problems. It was once thought it meant you had prostate cancer. But really, it might not mean anything at all. Or, maybe just that you have an enlarged prostate.

Are your PSA test numbers important?

In some ways, they are almost worthless.

Especially since, a lot of men who have had high levels of PSA in their blood have had nothing wrong, and people with low levels have been found to have prostate cancer anyway.

But, even so, I do not think it is totally worthless.

Just almost worthless.

Here is what I mean by that:

First off, you should let a doctor interpret your numbers for you and if he says to get the test, you should. It cannot hurt to get tested. Just don't take those numbers as "gospel" that anything is wrong (or isn't wrong) with your prostate.

But, there is one thing the numbers are good for.

Generally, you should aim to get them lower over time.

That is a good use for those numbers -- to gauge if they are going up or down.

Lower is usually better, so as long as they are going down, you are probably doing good.

This is not guaranteed, of course.

But as far as your PSA test numbers go, that is one case where they are useful.

Click the link below to get your FREE copy of "The Prostate Healing Food That Is So Sexually Potent Priests Were Forbidden To Eat It." A strange, but true, way to get relief from most prostate problems and reclaim the raging sex drive you once had. I'm not giving this report away free much longer, so grab it while you still can at http://prostateproblemsfixed.com/


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Prostate Cancer - What It Is and Risk Factors

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Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and the second leading cause of male death in North America. Increasing in incidence with age, it is primarily a disease of older men with most of the cases diagnosed in men older than 65 years of age. Each year it is estimated that approximately 189,000 men will receive a positive diagnosis and 30,000 men will die from its effects. Although it is a major health problem for older men the rate of death from it is decreasing because of advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Prostate cancer is curable when diagnosed early. When the cancer is confined to the prostate at diagnosis the five year survival rate is 100%. This percentage drops to 95% if the cancer has spread regionally. Over 75% of all cancer diagnosis are made when the cancer is at one of these stages. In fact, even though they showed no symptoms or complications in life, many men are found to have prostate cancer during autopsy.

The prostate gland consists primarily of glandular epithelial cells. The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but it is believed that androgens have a role in its development. Almost all primary cancers of the prostate are adenocarcinomas, and develop in the peripheral zones of the prostate gland. This location increases the risk of local spread to the prostatic capsule. Despite its proximity to the rectum, metastasis to the bowel is uncommon because a tough sheet of tissue, the Denonvilliers' fascia, acts as an effective physical barrier.

As the tumor enlarges, it may compress the urethra and thereby obstructs urinary flow. The tumor may metastasize and involve the seminal vesicles or bladder by direct extension. Metastasis by lymph and venous channels is also common.

Men with early-stage prostate cancer are often asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms. Pain from metastasis to the bones is often the first symptom noticed. Urinary symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor and of the malignancy. The symptoms are often much like those associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: urgency, frequency, hesitancy, dysuria, and nocturia. There may also be noticeable hematuria or blood in the ejaculate.

Death from this type of cancer usually occurs because of secondary metastasis to the skeletal system and in particular the vertebrae. Compression fractures of the spine are common, resulting in the possible loss of mobility and bowel and bladder function. Tumors may eventually involve bone marrow, resulting in severe anemias and impaired immune function.

In addition to age, race is a significant risk factor for the development of cancer of the prostate. African American males have the highest incidence in the United States and the world, with rates more than twice as high as white males. They are also more likely to be diagnosed later in life and to die of it effects, with a mortality rate more than double that of other racial and ethnic groups. Asians and Native Americans have the lowest incidence of prostate cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Genetic and hereditary factors, with risk increased in men who have a family history of the disease.

• Having a vasectomy which is believed to increase the levels of circulating free testosterone.

• Dietary factors including a diet high in fat and red meats, low in vitamin A, vitamin D, lycopene, and selenium.

• Low exposure to sunlight.

Men in their mid forties, regardless of their risk, should have regular prostate exams with their doctor. This is the first line of defense in preventing and treating prostate cancer, which is very treatable when caught early.

To learn more about Prostate Health please visit the website Prostate Health Answers by clicking here.


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Pain in Prostate Biopsy

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One of the most popular diagnostic tests performed to detect Prostate Cancer is Biopsy. If you are experiencing urination problems, erectile dysfunction, or any prostate-related symptoms and would seek medical advice from a medical practitioner, the usual recommendation would either be for you to undergo the PSA test first then Prostate Biopsy or the latter immediately.

Prostate Biopsy. This procedure may sound so simple, yet many are not aware of the discomfort, pain, and even life-long consequences that an individual has to go through in relation to this procedure.

Set to undergo biopsy? How will the procedure be done? Well, you will be made to lie on your side, curled in fetal position. An instrument will be inserted into the rectum to visualize the prostate and measure it for any abnormalities (cysts, stones, or masses). The small reproductive organs behind the prostate (seminal vesicles) will be evaluated and the area between it and the prostate will be injected one on each side with anesthesia, to numb it. The biopsy will be performed then, by taking samples of your prostate tissues and putting these samples under the microscope to look for cancer cells. Simple, right?

Would the procedure cause you pain? Definitely. The pain would not only be due to the anesthesia injections, but could also be experienced when the samples are being taken. This is a very invasive procedure which could cause infections after it is being done. Infections which are not only very painful, but the kind which could not easily be cured by the strongest antibiotics.

Indeed, biopsy is a very painful procedure, yet there is no guarantee that doing it would cure you from prostate diseases, or eliminate prostate cancer cells from your system. Who would want pain?

If you're the kind who doesn't want to get through an invasive and painful procedure like biopsy, you still have other options. Do it the natural way. Change your diet. Avoid food which could trigger prostate diseases. Change your lifestyle. Get into prostate-friendly exercises. Finally, and most important of all, take natural supplements which could keep or maintain the health of your prostate, and slow down the growth or eliminate those cancer cells.

We wouldn't want to experience pain if we could help it. Biopsy is a painful procedure. You therefore have to think a lot of times before you decide on it. Pain or no pain? The decision lies on you.


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Know More About Prostate Cancer

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Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure which wraps around the urethra making up the part of a man's reproductive system which produces a fluid that makes up part of semen. Generally, a tumor grows slowly and remains confined to the gland for many years. During this time, the tumor produces little to no symptoms or outward signs. Some aggressive types of this cancer grow and spread more rapidly than others and can cause a significant shortening of life expectancy in men affected by them.

This type of cancer is the most common malignancy in American men and the second leading cause of deaths from cancer, after lung cancer. It is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40. According to the American Cancer Society's most recent estimates, 217,730 new cases of prostate cancer would be diagnosed in 2010 and 32,050 would die from the disease.

The prostate specific antigen blood test, or PSA, is often done to screen men for this type of cancer. Because of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms. A Prostate biopsy is the only test that can confirm the diagnosis, which is where the tissue from the prostate is viewed underneath a microscope. Biopsy results are reported using Gleason grade and a Gleason score. The Gleason grade is how aggressive the prostate cancer might be. It grades tumors on a scale of 1 - 5, based on how different from normal tissue the cells are. The Gleason score is the sum of the grades from two samples of the largest areas of cancer in the tissue taken during biopsy. A PSA blood test will also be used to monitor your cancer after treatment. Often, PSA levels will begin to rise before there are any symptoms.

The best treatment for your cancer may not always be clear. In the early stages, talk to your doctor about the treatment options best for you. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with sexual desire or performance. Problems with urine control are common after surgery and radiation therapy. These problems may either improve or get worse over time, depending on the treatment. HIFU is an acoustic ablation technology that harnesses the power of ultrasound waves to destroy deep-seated tissue in areas of the body that are hard to reach with traditional treatments.

HIFU can be used as a prostate cancer salvage technique when other non-repeatable treatments fail. Surgery to remove the prostate and some of the tissue around it is an option when the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland. This surgery is called radical prostatectomy. Radiation therapy uses high-powered x-rays or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy works best to treat prostate cancer that has not spread outside of the prostate. Testosterone is the body's main male hormone which can cause prostate tumors to grow. Hormonal therapy is a treatment that decreases the effect of testosterone on prostate cancer. These treatments can prevent further growth and spread of cancer.

Many patients with prostate cancer that has not spread can be cured, as well as some patients whose cancer has not spread very much outside the prostate gland. Following a vegetarian, low-fat diet or one that is similar to the traditional Japanese diet, which would include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, may lower your risk.

Central Maryland Urology Associates (CMUA) HIFU Center was established in 2010 for the treatment of localized prostate cancer using HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound).Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer.

Central Maryland Urology Associates is a state-of-the-art urology practice, comprised of 8 urologists located in Columbia, Maryland, half-way between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. CMUA is the only urology practice exclusively serving Howard County for over 30 years.The CMUA mission is to provide the highest quality of urologic care for our entire community through innovation, service excellence,compassion, and patient safety.

The CMUA HIFU Center is headed by Dr. Kevin Blumenthal, one of only a select few urologists trained in HIFU in the entire Mid-Atlantic region.

http://www.marylandprostatecancer.com/


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Top Herbal Remedies For Prostate Cancer

Thursday, December 29, 2011 · Posted in , , ,

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is located between the urethra and bladder. Several herbal remedies are available that might be beneficial for healing prostate cancer, but there is no current medical evidence to back these assertions. Herbal therapy may diminish the severity of the disease, as well as decrease the pain and inflammation related to this condition. Before you start using alternative treatments for prostate cancer, you should consult with your doctor to discuss safety concerns, especially if you're already taking prescription drugs for other illnesses.

One herb, in particular, that has been tested many times and has shown positive results is called saw palmetto. This herb grows in the southeastern United States and comes from berries that are made from the saw palm tree. Saw palmetto hinders the production of DHT, which is a testosterone that is primarily responsible for the enlargement of the prostate gland. When estrogen and DHT are reduced in the body, the prostate will gradually reduce in size and thus eradicate many health problems that can result from an enlarged prostate gland. Saw palmetto is also mainly suggested for alleviating the symptoms associated with benign prostate hypertrophy. Please be aware, however, that saw palmetto is not recommended for curing prostate cancer.

Chaparral, a powerful anti-viral and anti-bacterial healing herb, is another potential remedy for dealing with prostate cancer. Also, chaparral contains strong antioxidant properties, which makes this medicinal herb a potent cancer fighter and blood purifier. As a warning, some reports have indicated that using this herb may cause irreversible liver failure.

Additional popular herbs that may alleviate some of the symptoms linked to prostate cancer (e.g. urinary incontinence) include stinging nettle, pumpkin, rye grass, and African plum tree. Even though these herbs are a common choice for many people, you should keep in mind that no sufficient scientific evidence exists at this point to support the efficacy of these herbs.

Robin Reichert is a certified nutrition consultant, certified personal trainer and freelance writer. She has been involved in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Science in natural health from Clayton College. Robin's goal is to make every personal training session fun and effective for her clients. Her services include both in-person and online personal training at http://www.trainwithmeonlinetoday.com/ Lose up to 10 lbs with a 24-DAY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE! Visit my website to get started today!


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PSA Tests - Important Or A Waste Of Time And Money?

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More and more it is becoming known how unreliable PSA tests are for accurately indicating whether or not someone has prostate cancer. Does this mean they are a waste of time and money? Or should you continue to get the test?

If you asked ten different people those questions, you would likely get ten different answers.

But the reality is, PSA tests, while useful, are not something you should take to the bank as being 100% accurate when it comes to you having prostate cancer or other related health problems.

It is true that men with elevated levels of PSA in their blood due often have prostate problems.

But, there are also many men who have high PSA levels who have nothing wrong whatsoever with their prostates. On other hand, there are also many men who have had low levels of PSA in their blood who were found to have prostate cancer. But, because they had a false sense of security (because they thought they were safe due to their low PSA number), they ended up either dying or the cancer spread.

Either way is bad.

And, this is one reason not to rely on the test for anything.

Yes, it can be a useful tool.

And in as much as you can gauge whether your PSA levels are trending up or down over time, it can be a good thing.

But don't take the results as "gospel" that anything is right or wrong.

It's just one of many ways to test for prostate cancer.

And that is why PSA tests and their results should be taken with a grain of salt.

Click the link below to get your FREE copy of "The Prostate Healing Food That Is So Sexually Potent Priests Were Forbidden To Eat It." A strange, but true, way to get relief from most prostate problems and reclaim the raging sex drive you once had. I'm not giving this report away free much longer, so grab it while you still can at http://prostateproblemsfixed.com/


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Running Away From Prostate Cancer - Part 9

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After going through cancer surgery and the death of my father-in-law in early summer of 2007, my family was in need of a little change of scenery. So we decided to head to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. We had planned to go in the late March until all hell broke loose. So after a successful cancer surgical procedure and after the funeral, we leaded south on July 21, 2007.

By that time, I had starting running again. I started out doing several miles three days a week and steadily increased the mileage as well as the number of days. I still felt a little funny around my groin area when I ran, but it didn't hurt. With the temperatures in the 80's and 90's and the high humidity, I was drinking a lot of water. What I didn't realize was that even with some stool softeners, I would have as many problems with constipation. It wasn't too much fun. I literally spent 30 to 40 minutes trying to do my business and even then things didn't always work out. I believe that I was drinking too much city water with additives in it, which made the problem worse. Once I backed off on the water and increased my use of softeners, things cleared up quickly.

The place we stayed at was right on the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Every morning I would either run or walk on the beach at around 7:30 or 8:00 am. I would always see dolphins near the shore looking for breakfast too. They would use the shoreline as a barrier to help trap fish. One day one of them came within several feet of where I was standing in the water. I was able to get some pictures, but not during this close encounter. With the hot and humid conditions, at least it was impossible to detect urinary leakage because 20 steps into my runs/walks, I was soaking wet from head to toe. It was a little more challenging when I wasn't running though. But the pads I used worked okay and they weren't too bulky to show through my clothes. I did make sure to continue to do my kegel exercises so that I would improve my urinary control.

After ten days of vacation, we headed back home. Towards the end of vacations, I tend to want to get back home to my own bed and familiar surroundings, but this time it was different. I felt like I could have stayed there for another week or more. Perhaps, I was dreading having to come back and face things and all the reminders of what I went through. I like to think I just wanted to stay on vacation. Although I prefer to run where I live because the temperatures are much milder, without the humidity most of the time.

One of my friends had been diagnosed with cancer a year or two before me and had gone through chemotherapy. He gave me a book to read called "Eat Right For Your Type", which contained a lot of information about what you should and shouldn't eat depending on your blood type. I was a little skeptical at first, but did read parts of the book to see what it recommended for me. Could my diet have been partly responsible for my diagnosis? I really didn't know. Based on my blood type, the book recommended I avoid things like beef, ham, bacon and certain kinds of fish like bluefish. Now I eat ham sandwiches almost daily and enjoy things like hamburgers and steak. I do enjoy chicken, which is recommended for my type. But I didn't buy into what the book was selling because it would have completely changed my diet and turned me into a vegetarian. As I write this article, I am rereading the relevant parts of the book again to see if I feel the same way as I did back in 2007.

I was a little nervous in August because on my appointment with my cancer surgeon was looming. I had to get another PSA test done in anticipation of my appointment. I hoped it would still be <.1 ng/ml. Luckily, my results were just that. I was able to get the results before my appointment, which put me at ease somewhat. What I didn't notice at the time was the written laboratory results had this language that read "This test was performed using the Bayer chemiluminescent method. Values obtained from different assay methods cannot be used interchangeably. " I had decided to get PSA testing done from one laboratory, Quest Diagnostics to minimize variability, but I hadn't focused on the actual method for some reason. After rereading the results, it became clear to me that I needed to make sure the same test method was used too.

I'm a environmental engineer, runner, writer and poet. I have a running blog at http://www.kenmajor.blogspot.com/. There are a number of articles about running and outdoor activities. Feel free to stop by and check out my posts. I think you might find something useful.


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How to Maintain The Good Health of Your Prostate

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 · Posted in , ,

There are many ways to keep your prostate in good condition, thus lowering, if not, eliminating the risks of suffering from prostate diseases like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostatitis, and worse of them all, Prostate Cancer.

Diet and lifestyle are the two most important factors which could affect your health, especially the health of your prostate.

Work on a prostate-friendly diet. Maintaining your prostate in good health must start off with a prostate-friendly diet. Food which tend to increase the production of Estrogens must be avoided. And what are these foods? These are the type of food which contain animal fats such as dairy food like cheese, milk, butter, and yoghurt. Dairy food have been advertised as "healthy food" but in fact, they're not. They contain animal fats which would help produce estrogens in the body, which subsequently increases the ratio of Estrogens to Testosterone, causing the body to respond by converting Testosterone to DHT (Di-Hydro Testosterone), which, based on recent research, is a major cause of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Aside from dairy food, sugar is must also be avoided, if not minimized. And, to top it all, you must make sure that your diet consists of a balance of nutrients. The necessary nutrients may not be contained in the regular food served on your table. Yet, you can get these nutrients from nutritional supplements available in the market. As the old saying goes, "Eat what your body needs, and not what you want".

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet could not work on your prostate if not coupled with a corresponding healthy lifestyle. Appropriate body exercise also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy prostate. You must engage in regular body exercise to work on the development of your body muscles. I am sure all of us (including you) are aware of the benefits we can get from this activity. In relation to prostate health, exercise leads to the improvement of your prostate and sexual health by increasing the production of Testosterone.

No matter how old you may be or how healthy you may seem, you must be conscious of the condition of your prostate and you must find ways to keep it in good health. Seeing a doctor is usually done when you are already experiencing symptoms of prostate diseases. Why wait for that day when you can start taking care of your prostate NOW?


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New Evidence On Hormone Therapy

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A study released this past week says that a short course of hormone therapy to help in the treatment of prostate cancer while undergoing radiation therapy improves the survival rate by 50%. The study was published in the March 24 edition of The Lancet Oncology, Doctors in Wellington, New Zealand studied 802 men an average of over ten years. This study shows the value of doctors studying how to effectively combine treatments for prostate cancer patients so that all men can have more and better options in their course of treatment to increase survivability.

New Zealand Study

The doctors in Wellington, New Zealand at the University of Otaga, stressed the need for early detection of prostate cancer and were pleased with the results of their study. They found a halving of the risks of dying following the use of hormone therapy in combination with radiation treatment of an aggressive form of cancer. The treatment included six months of hormone treatment for some of the patients, three months for others and no hormone therapy for the control group. The results revealed that those who were given the six month course of treatment had their risk of dying from cancer reduced by half. And, that they also had a 29 percent vs. a 43 percent from dying of any cause. Those who received the three month hormone treatment showed no difference from the control group, They also noted that long term use of the hormone used in the study may result in severe side effects, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction among others.

Hormone Therapy

For several years, the drugs used in hormone therapies have been under review by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has been concerned with the side effects of long term use of the prostate cancer drug called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. This drug is found in at least seven name brand drugs and several generic products. They have been concerned with tumors becoming resistant to the drug, and the development of heart disease and diabetes from the use of the drugs. Doctors have been aware of the long term effects and caution patients who might be using these drugs for a longer period of time to watch their diets by reducing carbohydrates to control weight and to exercise. Exercise has been shown to help heart health and help in controlling weight. Doctors are always trying to balance the benefits of GnRH for their cancer patients and the negative effects of longer term use of the drug. This is made difficult because of the tendency of prostate cancer to be a slow growing cancer. The truth for prostate cancer patients is that for the majority of them, their cancer will not cause their death, but something else will.

Early Detection

For all men, early detection of prostate cancer is of utmost importance. The PSA test has been the simple blood test to aid doctors and patients in detecting their cancer. When the PSA test results begin to rise past six, doctors have had only one option to help determine if cancer is present. That option has always been a biopsy. A number doctors have been trying to find other simple blood tests that would be a better indicator of cancer. This is because only about a third of the biopsies reveal the presence of cancer. Two studies for better early detection use DNA and RNA levels in the blood or urine as indicators of cancer. In another study, the PCA3 level in the blood is used to determine if cancer is most probably present. The early tests show a high correlation between the higher levels of the test indicator and the presence of cancer when compared with biopsies. More studies need to be done to corroborate the early findings in these studies.

What Does It Mean

For all men, early detection is very important to reduce the risks of death by this cancer. More accurate tests before biopsies will allow men to avoid unnecessary pain and the chance of infection at the testing sites. The studies done to find more effective treatments to prolong our lives is very much in need. No man wants to leave his family before he needs to. Premature death leaves our families with bills that can be avoided through the successful management of the treatment of our prostate cancer. Increasing our life span is important for all men who strive to take care of our loved ones. The findings of the New Zealand doctors in halving the risk of dying from the more aggressive prostate cancers is a window of hope for the men who have been diagnosed with these cancers. More studies to confirm the findings of the New Zealand group will aid all doctors in helping their patients survive the devastating effects of cancer. the studies might also lead to better ways to detect and to treat this cancer of men.

Ronald Wood - The author was diagnosed with prostate cancer about a year ago (April 2010). He chose to treat his cancer with a radical prostatectomy. Due to his experience, he felt the need to create a place for men to get more information about prostate cancer, the treatments and the side effects of those treatments. You can look at his website at http://beforeprostatesurgery.com/


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How Your Prostate Functions

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All men have the organ known as the prostate gland. This muscular organ is compared, size-wise to that of the average walnut. The prostate is located right in front of the rectum, just below the man's bladder. A normal prostate gland measures at less than two inches long and they tend to weight approximately one ounce. The prostate gland is located around the urethra, the organ that is known for the transportation of urine and sexual fluids through the penis to exit the body.

The prostate is made up of a large number of very small glands. These glands are protected by the prostatic capsule, a very fibrous tissue. Around the prostatic capsule is a thick layer of fat offering more protection. The prostate gland is made of two lobes - one on the right and one on the left. The apex of the prostate gland is located further away from the bladder while the base is located just under the bladder. The back of the prostate gland is called the posterior and the front of the prostate gland is the anterior.

There are five zones associated with the prostate. The peripheral zone is deemed the largest zone. It contains an estimated 75 percent of all prostate glands. It is also the location most likely to be affected by prostate cancer, where chronic prostatitis will most likely occur, and where a large number of needle biopsies take place. The transition zone is the most likely scene of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The anterior zone is one-third of the entire prostate and made up of smooth muscle. Lastly, the central zone is where the remaining 25 percent of the prostate glands are. To prevent the semen from heading backwards into the bladder, there is the preprostatic tissue.

One of the most common cancers that men face all over the world is prostate cancer. There is no one cause of prostate cancer but there are factors that elevate a man's risk of contracting it. Men who are older than 65 and men that come from a family with a history of prostate cancer are more susceptible. Common signs of prostate cancer include the need to urinate often, inability to urinate, difficulty in either stopping and/or starting urine flow, a feeling of not emptying the bladder, burning sensation while urinating and painful ejaculation. This is because the prostate becomes enlarged. There are numerous types of prostate cancer treatments available, some more invasive than others.

The prostate's main function is the production of a large portion of the fluid known as semen. The semen is what carries sperm when it exits the penis. When the sperm is produced inside the testicles, it travels up to the prostate via the vas deferens. The sperm is added into the semen in the prostate. Once orgasm is reached, the semen is pushed from the prostate to the urethra by the ejaculatory ducts. The urethra leads all the way to the tip of the penis when the semen then exits.

Urination may also be affected by the prostate. Many individuals are aware of the fact that the kidneys are the responsible organ in terms of creating urine. When the urine exits from the kidneys and into the ureters, it empties into the bladder. When the bladder reaches capacity, the urine is sent through the urethra and out of the penis. Because the prostate rests right at the bottom of the bladder, it encircles around the urethra at the precise location where the urethra connects to the man's bladder. When the prostate expands, either because of prostate growth or prostate cancer, the prostate becomes a tight ring around the urethra. It then restricts the ability of the urine to leave the bladder and enter into the urethra.

Dr. Anshu Guleria and his staff at the Virginia Prostate Cancer Center have considerable experience in minimally invasive treatments for prostate cancer.  They will take the time to sit down with you to see if HIFU is the right prostate cancer treatment for you.  When HIFU became available in North America, Dr. Guleria studied the reports of its use in Europe and decided that HIFU is going to be the next evolution in localized prostate cancer therapy. Dr. Guleria is the most experienced doctor practicing HIFU for Prostate Cancer in Virginia and he looks forward to helping you decide what is the best prostate cancer treatment option for you.

For more information, please go to http://www.virginiaprostatecancer.com/


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Prostate Surgery Is an Effective Prostate Cancer Treatment Option

Prostate cancer is a serious problem that is most commonly found in older men. It is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men of all ages, and the most common cause of cancer related deaths in men over 75. It is rarely found in men younger than 40 so it is very important to have common prostate checkups around that age.

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is the walnut sized structure that is part of a man's reproductive system. There are a number of different treatment options. Doctors will run tests and review all of the different options with patients to come up with the most effective plan to treat prostate cancer.

One of the most well-known treatments is prostate surgery. Prostate surgery requires removing the prostate and tissue around it. This is really only an option when the cancer has not spread past the prostate gland making early detection critical. Before this surgery is done is does require a thorough discussion between the doctor and patient about all of the possible side effects and benefits. There are problems that can arise after the surgery which includes erection problems and difficulty controlling urine and bowel movements.

Another prostate treatment is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is going to use x-rays or other radioactive methods to kills cancer cells. This is another treatment that works most effectively on prostate cancer that has not spread outside of the prostate. It may also be used after surgery to make sure no cancer cells survived in the prostate area.

This prostate cancer treatment is mostly painless and radiation therapy will normally last for 6 to 8 weeks. Treatments are normally done five times a week, but the patient can come from home they do not have to stay in the hospital. The device that uses radiation to kill prostate cancer cells looks like a normal x-ray machine. The side effects of this treatment can include impotence, loss of appetite, skin problems, and bladder problems.

Other slightly less used treatments include prostate brachytherapy, hormone therapy, and proton therapy. Brachytherapy includes placing little radioactive seeds into the prostate to kill cancer cells. Hormone therapy uses drugs to treat the symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Proton therapy is another radiation treatment but it normally causes less damage to the surrounding area. In the end, the best prostate cancer treatment is early detection and close monitoring of the area.

The Prostate Clinic, treatment and complete care for all the diseases and conditions which affect the prostate, urinary and reproductive system. Please visit our website at http://www.theprostateclinic.com/


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DYSMENORRHEA( PAINFUL PERIODS ) | Cause, Symptoms, Home care AND HOMEOPATHY

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Dysmenorrhea is the leading cause of recurrent short-term school absence in adolescent girls and a common problem in women of reproductive age. Risk factors for dysmenorrhea include nulliparity, heavy menstrual flow, smoking, and depression. Empiric therapy can be initiated based on a typical history of painful menses and a negative physical examination.

What is it?

Dysmenorrhea is the pain or discomfort ("cramps") during or just before a menstrual period. Dysmenorrhoea can be either primary,with the onset of menarche, or secondary, developing later. There may be cramping lower abdominal pains, which often radiate to the back, or down the inner aspect of the thigh. These may be accompanied by faintness
or gastrointestinal symptoms, including loose stools or nausea.

Primary dysmenorrhea


            Menstrual symptoms vary widely amongst individuals, but some suffer more severely than others. Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs almost exclusively in ovulatory cycles.It is severe, disabling cramps without underlying illness. Symptoms may include backache, leg pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. This kind of dysmenorrhea usually affects young woman within two years of the onset of menstruation and lasts one or two days each month. Primary dysmenorrhea may affect up to 75 percent of women at some time, and 5-6 percent may have incapacitating pain. The frequency of cases increases up to age 20 and then decreases with age.
Causes:-
• Prostaglandin production
• Increased myometrial contractility
• Decreased endometrial blood flow
• Leukotrienes
« Vasopressin

Secondary dysmenorrhea

            This develops after menarche and there may be identifiable underlying patholog. It is cramps caused by another medical problem(s) such as endometriosis (abnormalities in the lining of the uterus), adenomyosis (nonmalignant growth of the endometrium into the muscular layer of the uterus), pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, cervical narrowing, uterine malposition, pelvic tumors or an IUD (intra-uterine device). This condition usually occurs in older women.
 Treatment is dependent on the cause. Investigation may include thorough examination, ultrasound scan and laparoscopy. Although psychological factors are quoted as being involved in both primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea, the evidence for physical factors is strong. Recurring, debilitating pain may well cause depression and anxiety, rather than depression initiating the pain.
Causes:-
Idiopathic
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pelvic venous congestion
Cervical stenosis
Intrauterine device
OU

Why does it pain on menustration?

         When the menstrual cycle begins, prostaglandins (chemical substances that are made by cells in the lining of the uterus) are released by the endometrial cells as they are shed from the uterine lining, causing the uterine muscles to contract. If excessive prostaglandin is present, the normal contraction response can become a strong and painful spasm. As it spasms, the blood flow is cut off temporarily, depriving the uterine muscle of oxygen and thus causing a "cramp." The cramps themselves help push out the menstrual discharge.
Excessive prostaglandin release is also responsible for contraction of the smooth muscle in the intestinal tract; hence the diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Headache and dizziness may also be the result of high prostaglandin levels.

Investigations of Dysmenorrhea

        A medical history and pelvic exam alone may provide enough information for the doctor to determine whether the cramps are caused by primary dysmenorrhea. In primary dysmenorrhea, the pelvic exam is normal between menses. Examination during menses may produce discomfort but no abnormal findings.
In secondary dysmenorrhea, there may be findings on physical exam. Additional tests may include radiologic studies (including ultrasound) and laparoscopy (involves inserting a tiny, flexible lighted tube through a small incision just below the navel to view the internal abdominal and pelvic organs).

Self Care

For relief of painful menstrual cramps and their associated discomforts, start with a hot bath. The water helps relax the uterus and other tensions that may be contributing to the problem.
Place a heating pad on your abdomen. The flow of heat can provide soothing, temporary pain relief.
Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, running, bicycling, and aerobic dance may diminish cramping symptoms. For some women, exercise may inhibit prostaglandins or help release endorphins, the brain's natural painkillers.


HOMEOPATHY IN DYSMENORRHEA


            As homeopathy treats man in disease (not disease in man) the remedy differs for every case. After a complete case taking a constitutional medicine is prescribed. Still there are many common medicines which are frequently prescribed for dysmenorrhea. I have pictured some common medicines below which should be taken as per your doctor advice.
It’s been found fantastic results in homeopathic treatment for dysmenorrhea.

Most commonly indicated medicines

Belladonna: Symptoms that are very intense and come and go suddenly, accompanied by a feeling of heat, often indicate a need for this remedy. The menstrual flow is typically bright red, profuse, and may have begun too early. Pain and cramping are worse from jarring and from touch, yet applying steady pressure often brings relief. Walking or bending over can make things worse, and sitting may be the most tolerable position. A woman who needs this remedy may feel restless and flushed, with pulsing or pounding sensations, and eyes that are sensitive to light.
Bovista: Women needing this remedy tend to have problems with puffiness and edema during times of menstrual stress, and can feel very awkward and clumsy. Pain may be felt in the pelvic region, often with soreness near the pubic bone. Menstrual flow increases at night (and may even be absent during the day). Diarrhea occurring at the time of the menstrual period is a strong indication for this remedy.
Caulophyllum: Women with a history of weak uterine tone and irregular periods may find some relief in this remedy. Intense discomfort during periods, with drawing pains in the thighs and legs as well as the pelvic area, are strong indications. The woman may experience a heavy flow of blood or other discharge. Stiffness or arthritis, especially in the finger-joints, may be seen in a person who needs this remedy.
Chamomilla: This remedy is indicated when the person’s mood and nerves are so sensitive that pains seem almost unbearable. Anger and irritability may be extreme (or pain and cramping may come on after the woman has been angry). The menstrual flow can be heavy, and the  blood may look dark or clotted. Pain often extends from the pelvic area into the thighs, and may be worse at night. Heating pads or exposure to wind can aggravate the symptoms. Vigorous walking or moving around in other ways may help relieve the pain.
Cimicifuga (also called Actaea Racemosa): Cramping and pain that get worse as the flow increases, back and neck pain with muscle tension, and sharp pains like shocks that shoot upward, down the thighs, or across the pelvis, are all indications for this remedy. The woman is likely to be nervous, enthusiastic, and talkative by nature, yet feel pessimistic and fearful when unwell.
Cocculus: This remedy is indicated when a woman has cramping or pressing pain in the pelvic or abdominal region, along with weakness or dizziness. She may be inclined toward headaches or nausea, and parts of her body can feel numb or hollow. Feeling worse from standing up or from any kind of exertion and feeling better from lying down and sleeping are typical. (Cocculus is often indicated when a person has not been sleeping well and then feels weak or ill.)
Colocynthis: Sharp, cutting, tearing pains that make the person double over bring this remedy to mind. Cramping may be felt throughout the pelvic area or be focused near the ovaries. The woman feels restless from the pain, but lying down and keeping hard pressure and warmth on the area improve things. This remedy is often indicated if problems are worsened by emotional upsets, especially after feeling anger or suppressing it.
Lachesis: Women who have intense discomfort and tension before the menstrual period begins and feel much better when the flow is established may benefit from this remedy. Symptoms include a bearing-down sensation in the pelvis, flushes of heat, headache, and an inability to tolerate the touch of clothing around the waist or neck. A person who needs this remedy may feel “like a pressure cooker”: intense and passionate, needing an outlet both physically and emotionally.
Lilium tigrinum: Indications for this remedy include great premenstrual irritability (making other people “walk on eggs”) and cramping pain with a bearing-down feeling during periods. The woman may feel as if her uterus is pushing out, and may need to sit a lot or cross her legs. She is likely to feel worse from strong emotions or excitement and be better from fresh air.
Magnesia phosphorica: Painful cramps and pain in the pelvic region that are relieved by pressure and warmth often respond to this remedy. Periods may start too early, often with a dark or stringy discharge, and pain is usually worse on the right side of the body. The woman is sensitive and inclined toward “nerve pain”—feeling worse from being cold and also worse at night.
Nux vomica: This remedy may be indicated when a woman has irregular menstrual periods with constricting pains that can extend to the rectum or the area above the tailbone. The woman tends to be impatient, irritable, and easily offended. Chilliness and constipation are also common. Mental strain, anger, physical exertion, stimulants, strong foods, and alcohol are likely to make things worse. Warmth and rest often help.
Pulsatilla: Delayed or suppressed menstrual flow accompanied by nausea or faintness suggests the use of this remedy. Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room make things worse. Cramping pain with a bearing-down feeling, either with scanty flow or thick, dark, clotted discharge, can also occur—symptoms that are changeable often point to Pulsatilla. The woman’s moods are changeable as well, and a desire for attention and sympathy, along with a sensitive (even tearful) emotional state are typical. This remedy is indicated during many conditions involving hormonal changes and is often helpful to girls who have recently started having periods.
Sepia: Indications for this remedy include painful, late, or suppressed menstruation, sometimes with a feeling that the pelvic floor is weak or as if the uterus is sagging. The woman may feel irritable, dragged out, and sad—losing interest temporarily in marital and family interactions, wanting to be left alone. Dampness, perspiring, and doing housework may aggravate the symptoms. Warmth and exercise, especially dancing, often brighten the woman’s outlook and restore some energy.
Veratrum album: Menstrual periods with a very heavy flow and cramping, along with feeling of exhaustion, chilliness, and even vomiting and diarrhea, are indications for this remedy. The periods may start too early and go on too long. Discomfort is often worse at night and also in wet, cold weather. Warm drinks, exercise, or moving the bowels may make things worse. Small meals, cold drinks, and wrapping up in warm clothes or covers will tend to bring relief.
            For more information mail us on olivehomeopathy@gmail.com
        
                                                                                    O L I V E   H O M E O P A T H Y
                                                                                    Healing your body and mind…..



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Radiation Failure on Treating Prostate Cancer

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 · Posted in , , , ,

HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) uses high-energy sound waves to destroy prostate cancer cells without radiation. Intersecting, precision-focused ultrasound waves raise the temperature within the targeted cancerous tissue greater than 80-90 degrees Celsius in seconds, effectively destroying the tissue.

Unlike radiation therapies, ultrasound energy is non-ionizing "clean energy" that doesn't damage tissue surrounding the target zone. The objective zone is approximately 1/8 inch in diameter, which permits greater precision than radiation therapies. Unlike radiation therapy, HIFU treatments can even be repeated in the event that the disease recurs locally. HIFU may also be used like a salvage therapy following failed radiation therapy.

The HIFU procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning a hospital stay is often not necessary. The procedure is performed under spinal or general anesthesia and typically takes approximately 2-3 hours. During the procedure, a tiny probe is inserted into the rectum which generates and emits the ultrasound energy that is precisely targeted to the prostate. Physician will monitor the prostate all the way through the procedure using real-time ultrasound images to maximize prostate cancer destruction and minimize injury to other vital tissues.

HIFU treatment for prostate cancer has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, up to now, over 6,000 men have undergone HIFU at over 100 International HIFU Centers throughout the globe. Every year, over 40,000 men with prostate cancer who are treated with radiation have their cancers return. The majority will decide on hormonal therapy in an attempt to control their cancer. Hormonal therapy prohibits the production of testosterone in order to decelerate the cancer's growth. However, lowering of testosterone might cause unwanted effects just like osteoporosis, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, loss of libido, depression, loss of mental acuity and impotence. HIFU is radiation free and destroys residual cancer within the prostate using clean ultrasound energy. In a small U.S. safety trial, 91% of the participants had a negative biopsy 6 months after the HIFU treatment.

The typical short-term unintended effects associated with radiation therapy include fatigue, urinary and rectal symptoms. Urinary symptoms might include frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, nocturia and diminished urinary stream. Rectal symptoms may include diarrhea, fecal incontinence, rectal bleeding and rectal urgency. Generally, the urinary and rectal symptoms are transient. In addition, erectile dysfunction often develops months or years after radiation therapy. Long-term complications are rare and include rectal or urinary fistulas, urinary strictures, hemorrhagic cystitis and proctitis (chronic bleeding from the rectum and bladder) and dysfunctional bladder or rectum as a result of scarring. There is increasing evidence that men undergoing pelvic radiation are at significantly greater risk of developing bladder and colon cancer.

Salvage radical prostatectomy is also a great challenging technical procedure because of the prostate is embedded in a fibrous scar produced by radiation. Therefore, minimally invasive ablative therapies are gaining increasing acceptance for the treatment of recurrent prostate cancer after failed radiation therapy that is indeed HIFU. Many patients who have had radiation therapy, brachytherapy or external beam radiation experience an increase in PSA have discovered that the cancer is back. These patients may be candidates for HIFU also, so long as the cancer has not spread to the bone or other organs. Moreover, patients that have a local recurrence after receiving an intensive prostatectomy may also qualify for HIFU.

Richard R. Lotenfoe, MD, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Board Certified Urological Surgeon in Orlando, Florida. He specializes in the treatment of prostate cancer using the HIFU procedure.The HIFU Treatment uses ultrasound to destroy prostate cancer cells. Dr. Richard R. Lotenfoe is the Founder of Orlando-based Urology Health Solutions Inc., and CEO of Innovative Technologies, LLC.Since establishing his Orlando practice in 1999, he has been firmly committed to embracing minimally invasive technology and perfecting the latest urological surgical techniques. Since 1994 he has been one of a select group of Urological Surgeons in the United States skilled enough to offer the latest surgical procedures to his patients, which improve surgical outcomes, while minimizing pain and discomfort associated with traditional surgeries.

http://hifu.md/
Central FL Prostate Care Center
410 Celebration Place
Celebration, FL 34747
Toll Free: (877) 458-8443
Local: (407) 584-7771


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Provenge Therapy - An Advanced Treatment for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients

Provenge (sipuleucel-T) manufactured by Dendreon corporation is the new therapeutic immunotherapy for prostate cancer patients with an advance metastatic tumor. The therapy was approved last April 29, 2010 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowing 12 manufacturing facilities in New Jersey to operate. During the annual meeting of the Genitourinary American Society of the Clinical Oncology on 2010, Doctor Philip Kantoff said that the study is considered to be the first large controlled clinical trial that showed an immune system based therapy that extended the lives of cancer patients. Recently, Dendreon's 36 manufacturing facilities in New Jersey were approved by the U.S. FDA allowing the company to increase Provenge production supply supporting the 12 manufacturing facilities that was already been approved last April of 2010.

Provenge is an autologous type of cellular immunotherapy that halts and delays prostatic tumor growth by targeting prostatic tumor antigens. This type of immunotherapy is designed to improve the prognosis and quality life of patients with advance and recurrent prostate cancer who are resistant to hormone therapy as well as to other treatment modalities. This therapy is believed to prolong the survival rates of metastatic prostate cancer patients. According to Dr. Daniel George, director of the Genitourinary Oncology, Provenge has the largest reported survival benefits in patients with asymptomatic (no symptoms) or the minimally symptomatic metastatic prostate cancer.

Provenge therapy works by collecting the patient's white blood cells and expose them with a prostate specific antigen known as prostatic acid phosphatase. These cells are incubated with the antigen that is designed to attack the prostate cancer when injected back to the patient. As it is inside the body of the patient, the antigen instructs the immune system to attack and destroy the cancer cells. This therapy is designed to induce an immune response against prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP); an antigen expressed in most prostate cancers. Provenge therapy is the first among the new class of therapeutic therapies that belong to an autologous cellular immunotherapy; it is a personalized type of immunotherapy treatment that makes use of the white blood cells of each patient. According to the Dana Farber cancer institute investigators, Provenge therapy marks the beginning of the new era in which patient's own immune systems become part of the therapeutic arsenal against cancer.

Men who are not responding to hormonal therapies and who have metastatic prostate cancer as well as the patients who experience little or no cancer-related pain having efficient organ functioning are candidates for the therapy. Provenge is administered thru infusion via the intravenous veins of a person. It is given at three doses having two weeks range of interval. 512 patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer as well as the patients who were resistant to hormone therapy were enrolled to the clinical study of phase 3 trial conducted at the cancer treatment centers. Randomly, patients were given with Provenge and an inactive placebo. Compared to the patients who received the placebo pills, Provenge extended the patient's median survival by 4.1 months and has reduced the overall death rate by 22.5 percent. According to Dr. Mitchell Gold the president of Dendreon Corporation, the significant 4.1 month median survival benefit Provenge demonstrated a representation of a major milestone in the treatment of the metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer.

The common adverse reactions reported during the safety evaluation of 601 patients who underwent the Provenge treatment or the leukapheresis (extraction and incubation of white blood cells) procedure were fatigue, chills, fever, back pain, nausea, headache and joint ache. Critical adverse reactions that were reported in patients receiving Provenge include acute infusion reactions and cerebrovascular events e.g. stroke. Indications of infusion reactions include chills, difficulty of breathing, dizziness, hypertension and vomiting. The majority of the adverse reactions were mild to moderate in severity.

According to Dr. David Penson, a professor of the Urologic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the approval of Provenge represents significant advancement in the care of men with advanced prostate cancer. Provenge now offers new treatment of choice among the few treatment options available. "The approval of Provenge, as the first autologous cellular immunotherapy, represents a new significant scientific and clinical advancement for the treatment of prostate cancer," said Philip Kantoff, Medical Doctor and Chief of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Chief of Clinical Research Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Urieash Ul is a prostate cancer health expert who has been providing people relevant information about prostate cancer. You can visit his site to learn more about prostate cancer.


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