OrganizedWisdom Health - Leukemia and Lymphoma

Survivor Winner Ethan Zohn and Cancer

KevinB — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:49:06 GMT

Ethan Zohn, winner of the third season of the reality television show Survivor, was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's disease on April 30, 2009. Before the diagnosis, Zohn suffered through months of itching and night sweats, which doctors originally believed to be caused by a skin condition. His physicians then discovered a swollen lymph node, and used a CT scan to reveal a cancerous mass on the left side of his chest.

Fast Facts:

In May 2009, Zohn began a three month chemotherapy treatment plan.
In a video interview, Zohn revealed his medication regimen used to treat the ill effects of chemotherapy.
Ethan is dating Jenna Morasca, winner of another season of Survivor.
When Ethan was 14 years old, his father died from colon cancer.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Survivor_Winner_Ethan_Zohn_and_Cancer

Purinethol Side Effects

CatherIN — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:45:09 GMT

As with any medication, there is a chance of side effects when taking Purinethol. Mild upset stomach, nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss, skin rash, or changes in skin color are possible side effects of Purinethol. If you experience any of these side effects, you should discuss it with your doctor. If you experience potentially serious side effects such as bruising, unusual bleeding, fever, chills, sore throat, weakness, muscle pain, flu symptoms, fast heart rate, stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, white patches inside your mouth, severe pain in the upper stomach that spreads to the back, or severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea you should contact your doctor right away.

Fast Facts:

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Side effects of Purinethol typically go away when treatment has been completed.
Not everyone experiences side effects from Purinethol.
Purinethol is a brand name for the drug Mercaptopurine.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Purinethol_Side_Effects

Cytoxan and Hair Loss

Jcnelle — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:07:05 GMT

Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) causes hair loss (alopecia) in most patients. Cytoxan is a chemotherapy drug prescribed to treat various forms of cancer such as breast cancer and leukemia. Cytoxan works by attacking fast-growing cells in the body. These fast-growing cells can be cancerous or normal cells such as hair follicles. Using Cytoxan in combination with other chemotherapy medicines may increase hair loss.

Fast Facts:

Hair loss usually begins three to four weeks after the first dose.
Cytoxan mostly affects scalp hair follicles, but after long-term therapy, arm and leg, underarm, and pubic hair can also be lost.
Hair usually begins regrowth about three to four weeks after Cytoxan is discontinued.
Hair may grow back a different color or texture.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Cytoxan_and_Hair_Loss

Cytoxan Uses

LeanneD — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:12:15 GMT

Cytoxan is a prescription medication, primarily used for the treatment cancer. In adults, it can be used to treat breast cancer, leukemia, ovarian cancer, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and mycosis fungoides, amongst others. In children, it is used to treat nephrotic syndrome, when alternate treatments are not effective. Although they may not be FDA approved, there are several other conditions Cytoxan is prescribed to treat, including rheumatoid arthritis, Behcet's syndrome, and lupus.

Fast Facts:

Cytoxan is administered in tablet form to be taken orally, or can be injected.
Brand name for the generic equivalent cyclophosphamide.
Cytoxan belongs to a group of medications known as alkylating agents.
Can also be used to treat certain kidney diseases.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Cytoxan_Uses

Cytoxan Overdose

LeanneD — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:09:15 GMT

As with any medication, the symptoms of a Cytoxan overdose will vary from person to person. Some symptoms can include infection, heart problems, and bone marrow depression. Treatment will also vary, and can include pumping of the stomach, administering counteractive medications, and providing supportive care as symptoms arise.

Fast Facts:

It is extremely important that you seek prompt medical attention if you fell you have taken too much Cytoxan.
Brand name for the generic cyclophosphamide.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose occurs when too much of a medication is taken. This can happen accidentally, or be purposeful.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Cytoxan_Overdose

Cytoxan Dosage

LeanneD — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:08:12 GMT

The dosage of Cytoxan for the treatment of cancer will vary greatly from person to person, based on many factors. Because of this, there is no standard starting dosage. These factors can include, weight, age, and the type of cancer Cytoxan is being utilized to treat. When being used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the typical oral dose is 1.5 mg to 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken daily.

Fast Facts:

Brand name for the generic cyclophosphamide.
If administered orally, Cytoxan should be taken on an empty stomach, if possible.
Be certain to drink lots of fluids while being treated with Cytoxan, which will help protect your bladder from being damaged.
Some patients will be treated via injection or IV. This form of the medication will be administered by a medical professional.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Cytoxan_Dosage

Cytoxan Drug Interactions

JRafferty — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:00:44 GMT

Because Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) has the potential to interact with a number of medicines, you should speak to your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are currently taking. Some medications that may interact with Cytoxan include anthracyclines, anticonvulsants, live vaccines, and certain antibiotics. These interactions can have an impact on the effectiveness of this medication, or cause dangerous outcomes.

Fast Facts:

Cytoxan should not be used if you are pregnant or breast feeding as it can cause birth defects in your unborn child and it can also be passed on to your child through your breast milk.
Cytoxan is used to treat certain types of cancer and is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Some possible side effects you may experience while using Cytoxan include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and temporary hair loss.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Cytoxan_Drug_Interactions

Warrant Issued for Mother in Chemo Dispute

KenyottaE — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:50:54 GMT

A warrant was issued for a Minnesota mother after she failed to appear in court in a dispute over whether her son should receive chemotherapy. Thirteen-year-old Danny Hauser was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Due to religious beliefs, his mother, Colleen Hauser, refused chemotherapy treatment for Danny. Law enforcement officials launched a nationwide search for both mother and son as a result of her failure to appear.

Fast Facts:

Hauser's husband, Anthony, made a plea to his wife to return with their son.
Doctors testified that with chemotherapy treatment, Danny had a 90% chance of survival.
At one point, law enforcement officials were concerned that Hauser and her son were headed to Mexico for treatment.
Hauser and her son returned back to Minnesota on May 25th, nearly a week after disappearing.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Warrant_Issued_for_Mother_in_Chemo_Dispute

Rituxan Dosage

KenyottaE — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:21:45 GMT

The recommended dosage for Rituxan, when it is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is two 1000 milligrams IV infusions separated by two weeks. Prior to receiving Rituxan, you will be administered a dose of glucocorticoids to help reduce side effects from the infusions. It also recommended that you are premedicated with acetaminophen prior to receiving Rituxan.

Fast Facts:

Rituxan is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
If you have liver disease, a history of heart disease, or an active infection, you may not be able to use Rituxan.
Possible side effects of using Rituxan include joint pain, headache, and abdominal pain.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Rituxan_Dosage

Study Predicts Large Increase in Cancer Cases

SScroggins — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:24:24 GMT

Researchers recently announced that the number of new cancer cases in the United States will rise by 45% in the next 20 years. A study at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas estimates approximately 2.3 million cancer cases in 2030, while 1.6 million cases are expected in 2010. Researchers believe that seniors and minorities will be most likely to be diagnosed.

Fast Facts:

Researchers believe that there will be a large increase in the number of stomach, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
It is important to note that some cancers can be prevented in many cases by living a healthy lifestyle.
Up to 38% of breast cancers and 45% of bowel cancers can be prevented by lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Study_Predicts_Large_Increase_in_Cancer_Cases