If you are looking for reliable cancer information you need to look no further that the internet. There are a number of sites that offer information on breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, as well as other types of cancer, including signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis. The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org has an abundance of cancer information and links of interest that can guide you to other cancer information resources. There are detailed guides about different types of cancer, treatment options, various cancer drugs, and how to get involved in groups promoting cancer awareness and education. You can make donations by purchasing books and other materials containing cancer information from the website as well.

Another good source for news about ongoing research and current cancer information is the National Institute of Health’s cancer research group, located online at www.cancer.gov. This is a great site where you can locate cancer statistics, such as the prevalence of various forms of cancer, as well as information regarding ongoing clinical trials, results of previous research, how clinical trials are conducted, and how to locate a clinical trial to participate in. This site also has an extensive online dictionary with definitions for various cancer terms and treatments, in addition to an in depth section on medications used in cancer treatments as well as links to more cancer drug information. Other reputable sites worth a visit are www.oncolink.com sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, www.cancersociety.com, and the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service at www.cis.nci.nih.gov.

If you are looking for cancer information from more personal sources, say from real people who have cancer, then you may want to join an online chat forum or local cancer support group. A few people have even posted their experiences and thoughts on their own personal websites, and you can visit with these folks via email as well. You may just have something in common, and this could be a great way to learn more about your situation and what to expect. Other good sources of cancer information include your primary care physician or gynecologist for various types of female concerns, including breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers. If you are looking for cancer information on a specific type, you can do a search just on that alone, which will narrow down your results considerably. Hopefully, you or your loved ones will never hear the diagnosis of cancer, but if you do, you know that cancer information is easily accessible. Knowledge is power, get it, and use it. 

Cancer Treatment Centers

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, there are a number of cancer treatment centers located throughout the country. Many of these cancer treatment centers offer a variety of treatments, both traditional and holistic, to treat not only the cancer, but the body, mind, and spirit too. Various cancer treatment centers conduct research on an ongoing basis, and patients can participate if they qualify in a number of clinical trials. New cancer treatments are being developed all the time, and once research has progressed to where trying it on humans is warranted, clinical trials are conducted. Great results are being seen with new cancer treatments; some types of cancer that were an automatic death sentence in the past are now being treated successfully, and patients are living cancer free due to this continued research. 

There are cancer treatment centers that are accessible to everyone located in most metropolitan areas. Most are affiliated with large university based hospitals, and offer the latest technology available to treat various types of cancers. These types of facilities are also research based and provide a number of new treatment options to participants in various ongoing studies. If one of these larger cancer treatment centers is not within a reasonable distance, or not accessible due to other limitations, treatment can be sought through local oncologists and cancer treatment centers. These are also good facilities, and can provide the cancer patient with professional care and support. Cancer treatment centers differ in the types of services they offer, whether they are traditional or alternative treatment based, and the corresponding fees differ as well. It is possible to find an affordable cancer treatment center, and if you want extra amenities and a more non-traditional approach, that is available too. Some of the more upscale private facilities provide the gourmet organic meals, natural herbal spa treatments, and other pampering services to the cancer patient, in addition to deluxe room accommodations. These non-traditional cancer therapies help the patient recover and enjoy living again.

Cancer treatment centers do not have to be sterile hospital environments, with stale food, and stiff sheets. Comfort is important for all cancer patients, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Cancer patients searching for a cancer treatment center can look online at a number of options, where various cancer treatments are discussed, as well as other considerations such as diet and nutrition, and spiritual health. Cancer treatment centers all have the same goal, to provide the best care possible, to offer endless support to cancer patients and their families, and turn what can be a devastating situation into a positive experience.  

I’m watching prime-time reruns of the HBO blockbuster, Sex in the City, and am reminded of the show’s brilliant finale–when Big flies to Paris to take his girl home as Mrs. Big, yes, but am reminded more immediately of my best friend’s cancer treatments…as this episode is one wherein Samantha has cancer and is experimenting with wigs.  The writers, directors, and performers make Sam’s having cancer manageable by integrating a strain of humor into the dialogue and actions.  They also make it heart-renderingly lovely by having that FOX, Smith Jarrod (played by ), shave his gorgeous hair to show empathy for and solidarity with his lover.  But that’s television. 

Back to my best bud, who was diagnosed with invasive endometrial adinocarcinoma: while I do not wish to profit from her cancer treatments by writing about them too explicitly, and though I have been keeping a meticulously detailed diary of her cancer treatments and side-effects, I have been given leave to discuss with you cancer treatments in general—by telling you which cancer treatments she has undergone thus far.

Almost immediately after she was diagnosed, she had a full radical hysterectomy…on Valentine’s Day.  This was done because the cancer was spread through her uterus, and so surgeons could investigate where the cancer was traveling: it was spreading toward the lymph nodes under the lungs. 

Next were a series of consultations with top oncologists.  The options are as terrifying or as dreadful as having to meet a mandate to vote for a country leader and finding the only choices are Adolph Hitler or Pol Pot.  Actually, worse: she would have to “elect” two/both of the two options.  She would have ten weeks of radiation, five days a week for six weeks; and she would take two types of chemotherapy (Sysplatin and 5FU–first for four days, then weekly. 

Before beginning the first of the post-surgery cancer treatments, my friend was advised to get glutamine (vitamins) and Compazine (an anti-nausea potion)…to combat the Amaphostine shot.  Besides having the run-around by pharmacies, she had no trouble before or after the first round (over four days, during the Academy Awards week).

Next in the series of cancer treatments was another consultation: the specialist informed her she would have internal radiation: a tampon as lethal to her as to the cancer that would be inserted and would require she lie on her back with her feet up for three hours afterward.

For the first days, my best friend was feeling fine.  When we spoke by phone (as I am a long drive away and cannot be there every day), she was still clear, attentive, and laughing.  After two weeks, she was sick.  She had terrible bathroom problems and couldn’t even stay on the phone to talk or listen—though this woman is a phone freak, using the phone 99% of the time…over using email.

Thus far, then, through her pre-, post-, and interim cancer treatments, all I can do is find hysterical sayings to send her or save to read to her over the phone when she feels better.  And she will, for she is a stalwort survivor with one of the finest senses of humor around.  And THAT, is purportedly the BEST of cancer treatments: laughing.