HiFu for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is something that most likely we have all heard of. But do we really know what prostate cancer really is? The prostate is a gland that is only found in men. It is walnut shaped and its’ “job” is to produce seminal fluid that transports and nourishes sperm.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in men. Men with family members that have had prostate cancer are at greater risk. The incidence of prostate cancer also increases with age. Most prostate cancer grows slowly and is confined to the prostate. Since there are typically no, or very minor symptoms, men need to be examined for the presence of prostate cancer regularly, as early detection is the key to survival.  

The treatment that you will be given, if you have prostate cancer will be determined by the stage of the cancer, as well as your life expectancy, since this type of cancer can be very slow growing, and is usually contained within the prostate. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, also known as HiFU, is often a treatment option. HiFU is an ultrasound treatment that is performed by placing a transrectal probe near the prostate, and then using ultrasound wave energy to destroy the cancerous tissue in the prostate.

This procedure is typically done either under anesthesia, or with a spinal tap, and may last anywhere from one to four hours. A catheter will need to be placed into the bladder for one to two weeks, due to the swelling that may occur; you may notice temporary burning and difficulty in urination, once the catheter is removed. These issues should resolve themselves quickly, leaving no further complications.

The use of HiFu is not the only option when treating prostate cancer, and not every patient will be a candidate for HiFU, but if it is an option for you, you will be pleased to know that the risks of incontinence, impotence, urethral stricture and rectal fistula are relatively uncommon, making this a welcome choice for prostate cancer victims.

HIFU Animation from Keith Schilling on Vimeo.

CUSTOM NIKES

This is a guest post!

Authored by Rickey Combs

I have recently been in the market for some new athletic shoes. I feel like athletic shoes are a place where you can buy something with a lot of flair. Whether tacky or not, nobody really cares what kind of shoes that you wear to the gym. I have used my clear 4g to search eBay for some old school kicks and other sites for the newest and coolest. I think that I have finally decided that I am going to make some custom kicks on Nike.Com. I didn’t even realize that you could custom mix your shoes until my brother in law made some. You can pick the shoe style (they have a lot of different types) and all of the colors. You can pick the lining color, the mesh color, the leather colors, and the shoe lace colors. The coolest thing is that you can write things on the shoes. You can get your name on the back if you want. I think that I am going to customize some airmax ’95. They are going to be pretty expensive, but at least I know that the shoes will be mine and that no one will be able to swipe them! They will be my colors and will have my name. I can’t wait; these are going to be awesome.

Cipro Side Effects Return

I continue to take a type of “chemo” pill every day, and my leukemia is beginning to stabilize, and my blood work is returning to much more normal state. What has me distressed at this point is the return of some of my Cipro side effects; the outer ball of my right foot is once again very painful. The balls of my feet were the hardest hit areas, after taking Cipro. The pain is odd; it feels as though the area is severely bruised, and that someone is constantly pressing on it. Fortunately, it does not extend all of the way across my foot, to the big toe area, so I am still able to walk fairly “normally”.

The other area that is so painful is the back of my right thigh; that area feels as though it is on fire! It is not a muscle pain, but more like a skin pain; like the skin is completely raw. I really had no idea that these symptoms/side effects would return, but hopefully they will not last very long.

The first time around, the pain was so bad that I was quite immobile for many weeks; as a person that is typically and constantly on the go, it was not easy to just sit around and heal. Now I am slowed down by the leukemia, and the drugs that I must take, so I find myself sitting around again. My poor brain is so tired of the inactivity, that I started knitting, sewing and building model planes. Funny hobbies, huh? I like building old planes and bi-plane models; it is like a three dimensional puzzle; it keeps my mind and hands busy, and helps to avert my attention away from the pain.

I suppose that I shouldn’t be surprised to have the Cipro pain return, but I will tell you, it sure is depressing! If you are offered Cipro, Avelox or Levaquinn; do yourself a favor, don’t take the risk…..ask for a different antibiotic; you have many other choices, and take it from me, an upset stomach or diarrhea is way better than being crippled!

Exercise Improves Quality of Life

Guest post written by,

David Haas

Physical activity helps control weight and helps you to maintain healthy bones, joints and muscles and it reduces your risk of becoming diabetic and having problems with high blood pressure. In addition, physical activity allows you to live a longer, healthier life. The biggest benefit of exercise for someone going through a comprehensive treatment like mesothelioma treatment might actually be the fact that exercise promotes psychological well being and provides patients with a reason to feel good rather than bad. The National Cancer Institute cites research that proves physical activity after a cancer diagnosis improves quality of life and reduces fatigue, which balances energy and makes the patient more capable of handling the stress of cancer treatment

No matter what stage of cancer you are experiencing – from diagnosis to treatment to remission – physical activity plays a crucial role in your ability to handle stress and improve the quality of your life. Once you are cancer free and living in remission, your doctor will tell you that you need to include exercise in your daily life to keep yourself as healthy as possible to help prevent the onset of other diseases. However, your doctor will also tell you that you need to exercise no matter what and no matter when. The benefits of exercise are too numerous to ignore.

Research indicates that adults need at least two and a half hours a week of physical activity; broken down that equals 20 minutes every day, which is not too much to ask. Additionally, the type of exercise you do should include something you enjoy. If you do not enjoy running, running is not the best exercise to take up because you will dread doing it and eventually quit because of your dislike for the exercise. Instead, take up something you enjoy, such as dancing, walking or swimming. Biking is another great form of exercise that is beneficial to your overall health.

Health matters aside, getting a little exercise will help you feel better not only about yourself but about everything. The hormone produced when you exercise rids your body of the hormones caused by stress, which not only improves your immune system but your mood as well. With an improved immune system your body is able to more adequately attack your cancer during treatment and your prognosis will improve. A positive attitude can change more than just your outlook on life; it can change your life. Exercising is not going to rid your body of tumors or cancer but it will rid your body of other toxic hormones that do not promote quality of life, which is something that matters most when you are undergoing treatment for cancer. Get up and exercise when you have the energy.

Your Car as Collateral?

So, evidently your car now qualifies as collateral, for a short term loan. Title loans New Jersey will give you a short term loan, it your car is less than ten years old, and has a wholesale value of at least $2,500. You must also be at least 18 years of age. Yes, there are a few other details that must be given, and you must borrow at least $1,000. I suppose if you have desperate needs, this may be of help to you.