Chemotherapy drugs available

January 10, 2018

Chemotherapy drugs available: The magic of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs available.The market is flooded with different types of chemotherapy drugs that can prescribe to patients by oncologists

The market is flooded with different types of chemotherapy drugs that can prescribe to patients by oncologists. These drugs are life savers and are categorized into groups depending on their contents and how they work. The good news is that each category of drugs kills or shrinks cancer cells in a different way. Doctor Dalal Akoury President of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center shares with us some of the functions of these drugs.

The group known as alkylating agents, can damage the DNA of cancer cells to keep them from multiplying. They’re responsible for treating different types of cancer including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, and sarcoma, as well as breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. Some of alkylating agents include: cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and temozolomide. One of the side effects they have is that they can destroy the bone marrow which can cause leukemia. This risk can be lowered by taking the drugs in smaller doses.

Antimetabolites: this chemo drug affects the normal metabolism of cells by lowering their rate of multiplication. Oncologist often prescribes them to treat leukemia and cancer in the breasts, ovaries, and intestines. Drugs in this group include 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, cytarabine, gemcitabine, and methotrexate, among many others.

Anthracycline chemotherapy attacks the enzymes inside cancer cells’ DNA that help them divide and grow. They work for many types of cancer. Some of these drugs are actinomycin-D, bleomycin, daunorubicin, and doxorubicin, among others. Remember that high doses of anti-tumor antibiotics can damage your heart or lungs.

Mitotic inhibitors hinders the growth of cancer cells by stopping the production of proteins necessary for cancer cells grow. They’re often prescribed for treating breast and lung cancers and types of myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. Examples include docetaxel, estramustine, paclitaxel, and vinblastine.

Topoisomerase inhibitors attacks enzymes that help cancer cells divide and grow. They treat some types of leukemia and cancer of the lung, ovaries, and intestines, among other types. Examples includes etoposide, irinotecan, teniposide, and topotecan.

Steroids are drugs that act like body hormones and are useful in treating many types of cancer. They can prevent nausea and vomiting after a series of chemo. They can also prevent allergic reactions to some of the drugs. Some of the steroids your doctor might prescribe are prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone.

Chemotherapy drugs available: Other cancer drugs

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment, but today, doctors often prescribe other kinds of cancer medicines, such as targeted therapies, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Unlike chemo, these medicine are destroys only cancer cells leaving only healthy cells. They have none or very negligible side effects.

Chemotherapy drugs available: How can you tell if it’s working?

Finally, all these medications will only be relevant if they work effectively. Doctor Akoury reiterates that your oncologist will make observation on how your body is responding to these medication during and after treatment. During this period, your specialist will establish whether your tumor is shrinking or growing by carrying out tests like blood tests, X-rays or physical exams. In the event that these doesn’t work, a different approach like changing the dose or administering a mixture of treatment can be necessary. These are not across the counter drugs. If you have any concerns, you can call AWAREmed health center now for a further professional advice.

Chemotherapy drugs available: The magic of chemotherapy

Changing cancer treatment

January 10, 2018

Changing cancer treatment: When your chemotherapy changes

Changing cancer treatment is a professional decision that needs consultation with the brain cancer patient

When treating any disease, the ultimate goal is total healing. When this is not forth coming, there may be need to change the treatment procedure. Therefore when changing cancer treatment becomes necessary. The doctor can advise professionally. Therefore, for cancer treatment, it’s important to have a clear plan before your chemo begins. In all this, it’s important you understand why such changes are being made. The following are some reasons for consideration on how such changes can affect your health.

When your first treatment isn’t working

When opting for chemotherapy, the goal to treat and cure your cancer or stop it from spreading. However when this is not being realized, and tests establishes that, your doctor might recommend a different treatment.

Negative reactions to treatment

Some of the side effects of chemo can be to the extreme like vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. When such becomes unbearable, but this treatment appears to be the best despite the side effects, your doctor may strongly recommend you stick with it, even if it’s hard on you because the ultimate goal is to cure the disease. However, when chemo causes low levels of blood cells, this is dangerous as it can lead to infections. Under such condition, you could have your sessions reschedule with longer spacing or change the treatment altogether.

When cancer spreads or worsen

At times you could be receiving treatment (chemotherapy), but the condition is worsening and cancer is spreading to advance stages, this is dangerous and your doctor may switch to another treatment to stop further spreading.

Cost implications

Cost is a serious factor for consideration. Not all insurance will have a flat rate payment, yet some oral drugs are very expensive. When you can’t settle such medical bills, this could be a reason for you to switch to a less expensive treatment.

Your doctor planned the switch ahead of time

Sometimes your plan includes two different chemo drugs, one after the other. Your doctor will tell you about this early on so you’ll know when to expect it.

Changing cancer treatment: Effects of changing treatment

Finally, brain cancer or any other cancer treatment will have side effects. These side effects may differ with individual patients. When one is to the extreme to you, you may want to change to the next after consulting with your doctor on its suitability to you in relation to the current treatment. Like for instance, nausea and vomiting are more common with some drugs than others. If you’re switching to a drug that’s known for this, you might get more medications to keep you from feeling sick. The change effects should make you feel more comfortable in terms of a boost in energy levels, pain reduction, appetite and general health. This article is not a finality of what will happen. You will still need to share your experience with your doctor and if you’re around, you can schedule an appointment with AWAREmed health and wellness resource center for a more detailed and conclusive professional advice.

Changing cancer treatment: When your chemotherapy changes

Cancer treatment preparation

January 10, 2018

Cancer treatment preparation: Before you begin cancer treatment

Cancer treatment preparation is should involves the whole family

Cancer treatment preparation is essential especially after the diagnosis. But before the diagnosis, this may not be easy because no one would want to associate with the disease. Nonetheless, when this is established, getting ready a head of time is important. From the expert’s desk at AWAREmed Health and wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, planning is good however small it may be. The steps you take will help you be in control and improve your healing process. To help you plan well, the following are some of the steps you may consider before chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

A clear plan

From the onset, together with your oncologist must ensure you are addressing the same problem. You must be aware of what exactly you’re treating. What will be happening during the treatment and duration it will take including any side effects? You may want to document you discussion with the doctor too and where necessary, you can seek for a second opinion if need be.

Cancer treatment prepararation: Only plan for what is within your reach

With the entry of cancer, your life will change and no matter your treatment mode, you will have some frustrations along the way. Doctor Akoury explains that most frustrations are never about the disease but what will happen to your daily cores like, who will attend to my business, children or who will take you to and from the hospital? That is why your plan should be within reach. At this time family and friends can be helpful. You may engage them in assignments like picking up your children from school, doing the house work and stuff like that a head of time.

Live responsibly

Healthy living before, during and after treatment is very important. This will help in improving your healing process in many ways. Remember that healthy feeding and exercise will go a long way in help you maintain quality of your life and this must be top on the list of your treatment objectives. For perfection, you may want to consult with nutritionist, physical therapist or any other specialist in such disciplines.

Changes in appearance

Treatment procedures like chemo and radiation may cause hair loss, weight loss, or skin rashes as side effects. In your plan, this needs to be appreciated and just get ready should they come and deal with them. You may want to find more from your doctor of what to expect as possible side effects.

Seek advice from people who’s been through the same

You’re not alone in this journey. People have been before you and they can help you ease uncertainty, anxiety, or fears. Doctor Akoury advices new patients to open up and talk with people who’ve had the same disease and had successful treatment. This will give more hope and encouragement to face any challenges that may come along the way. Finally, cancer is treatable and you can talk to us at AWAREmed health center for more professional input.

Cancer treatment preparation: Before you begin cancer treatment

Brain Cancer Signs

January 9, 2018

Brain Cancer Signs: Causes of Brain Cancer

Brain cancer signs are many but, scientifically, the exact cause of most brain cancer have not been established.

As it is on the norm, we cannot talk about causes of brain cancer without touching on the brain cancer signs. Just as it is with tumors in different parts of the body, scientifically, the exact cause of most brain cancer have not been established. Nevertheless, various factors like the genes, head radiation, cigarette smoking, HIV infections and various environmental toxins has been associated with cancers of the brain hypothetically. However, in most cases, no clear cause can be shown reiterates doctor Dalal Akoury MD and President of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

That is to say, not all brain tumors cause symptoms. In fact, some brain cancers like tumors of the pituitary gland are evident until a CT scan or MRI is done professionally. It is however important to note that brain cancer signs (symptoms) can be numerous but not necessarily explicit to brain tumors denoting that they can be caused by other diseases. This therefore leaves us undergoing professional diagnostic tests as a remedy of ascertaining what is causing the symptoms. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health Center, it is important to note that in many cases, symptoms can be caused by:

A tumor pressing on or intruding on other parts of the brain thereby hindering normal functions.
Bulging in the brain triggered by the tumor or surrounding inflammation.

The symptoms of primary and metastatic brain cancers are similar and may include seizures, headache, feebleness, difficulty walking and clumsiness. Besides that, there’re other nonspecific signs and symptoms like:

Altered mental status like changes in concentration, memory, attention, or alertness
Nausea, vomiting
Vision impairment
Communication difficulties
Slow changes in intellectual capacity including emotional response

It is worth noting that for most patients, brain cancer signs are often gradual and may not be noticed easily by both the direct and indirect victims. But at times this can happen rapidly. When this happens, the patient will demonstrate some signs of ones who has suffered a stroke.

Brain Cancer Signs: When to Seek Medical Care

Professionally, doctor Akoury recommend that if you have the following symptoms, you will need to seek medical care immediately:

Mysterious and persistent vomiting
Double vision or unexplained blurring of vision more so when its affecting only one side
Tiredness or increased sleepiness
New seizures
New pattern or type of headaches

Although headaches are thought to be a common symptom of brain cancer, they may not occur until late in the progression of the disease. Finally, for those with known brain tumor history, any new symptoms must be taken seriously by visiting the nearest hospital emergency department. As a matter of precaution, the following new symptoms must be taken seriously:

Visual changes and other sensory problems
Unexplained onset of fever more so after chemotherapy.
Seizures
Nausea or vomiting (especially in middle-aged or older people)
Difficulty with speech or in expressing yourself
Clumsiness or difficulty walking
Changes in mental status, such as excessive sleepiness, memory problems, or inability to concentrate
Changes in behavior or personality

In all these, remember that brain cancer signs must be taken seriously by seeking professional help immediately. For more professional guide you can always schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for more professional assistance.

Brain Cancer Signs: Causes of Brain Cancer

Getting the basics about brain cancer

Brain cancer types

January 9, 2018

Brain cancer types: Getting the basics about brain cancer

Brain cancer types are many but with proper diagnosis, healing is possible

Ignorant is said to be the biggest disease. And when it comes to brain cancer types, you can’t afford to be ignorant. Therefore when you are diagnosed with brain cancer, you may panic at the receipt of the result but you must not let this bring you down. This should open a new page of learning more about the disease. This will help you make the right decision on the next treatment action. As AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, our doors are open for you at any time and we are only a phone call away. You can make a point of calling us today and we will handle your concerns professionally. In the meantime, this article is going to help you learn some basics concerning the best treatment for you.

Brain cancer types: From where does brain cancers begins to spread?

Previously, we had mentioned that brain tumor is a mass of an abnormal cells in the brain which come in two distinct categories i.e.:

Primary brain tumors that start in brain tissue and pitches tent there.

Secondary brain tumors these can originate from anywhere in the body and ultimately destined into the brain. Like for instance, lung, colon, breast, kidney and skin cancers are examples of cancers that can spread to the brain. Some brain tumors have cancer and others don’t:

Benign brain tumors don’t have cancer cells and often grow slowly. They can be removed, and rarely spread to the brain tissue around them. They can cause problems if they press on certain areas of the brain, though. Depending on where they are located in the brain, they can be life-threatening.

Malignant brain tumors have cancer cells. The rates of growth vary, but cells can invade healthy brain tissue nearby. Malignant tumors rarely spread beyond the brain or spinal cord.

Brain cancer types: Grades of Brain Tumors

Tumors are graded by how normal or abnormal the cells look. Your doctor will use this measurement to help plan your treatment. The grading also gives you an idea of how fast the tumor may grow and spread.

Grade 1. Here long term survival is the word because cell are normal and growth is sluggish.

Grade 2. The cells looks a bit abnormal with low pace growth. The tumor may spread to nearby tissue and can recur later, maybe at a more life-threatening grade.

Grade 3. The cells look abnormal but actively growing into nearby brain tissue.

Grade 4. The cells look most abnormal and grow and spread quickly.

Types of Brain Tumors

In adults, the most common types of brain cancer are:

Astrocytomas. These usually arise in the cerebrum (largest part of the brain) and can fit in any grade. They often cause seizures.

Meningioma’s. These are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. They are associated with old age. They arise in the meninges, the lining of the brain. They can be grade 1, 2, or 3. They are usually benign and grow slowly.

Oligodendrogliomas. These arise in the cells that make the covering that protects nerves. They are usually grade 1, 2, or 3. They develops slowly and hardly spread to nearby tissue.

Brain cancer types: Leaning the basics about brain cancer

Category Archives: Cancer risks