Thursday, May 28, 2009

Can the Alli weight loss pills cause colon cancer

Can the Alli weight loss pills cause colon cancer?
I'm thinking about buying the Alli pills but, I don't know if can cause colon cancer.
Diet & Fitness - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I would not recommend the "Alli" pills. They have not undergone long enough testing to determine if there are any long lasting or dangerous effects. If you read the information about the "Alli" weight loss plan you STILL have to follow a healthy, low fat diet and exercise on a regular basis to achieve "best results". The pill alone only rids extra fats from your diet in the form of oily, nasty, sometimes uncontrollable diarrhea and the total loss effect is, in my opinion, not worth the side effects when a simple low fat, low carb healthy eating plan can produce comparable results.
2 :
I thought about trying it when they first started advertising it. So, I went on their website, and read a lot of the messages on their forum, from people who were using it. That in itself, made me decide against it. I understand that pills don't affect everyone the same way, but from what those people were describing.. there were some horrible eide effects. I don't want to sound gross or anything, but apparantly, for many people.. the pills cause severe, and uncontrollable diarhea. People were on there talking about how they have to take extra clothes with them where ever they go (no joke.. ) because they never knew when it would happen. It was just so disgusitng to read, I can't imagine why on earth anyone would want to do that to themselves. So, as you can imagine.. I decided against that completely. But, I have to say.. I can't help but think it must cause some colon problems, down the line. I mean, you cannot have those kinds of issues as often as people are saying, without it doing some sort of damage to your insides. Sure, I could be wrong.. but I just don't see how it could be harmless. Like I said, I understand that it won't effect everyone the same way.. but for me, I don't think it's worth even the smallest possibility of what *could* happen. When I decided to so something about my own weight problem.. I made sure to see my doctor first, and see what she recommended. She put me on Phentermine at the beginning of this month.. and it's really been helping me a lot. I'm not going to stay on it forever, just long enough to get a good start with my weight loss, and get my eating under control. And I haven't had any bad side effects with the pills either, so that's good! Whatever route you decide to go, whether it be with Alli.. other pills, or even weight watchers.. I think it's important to do your research, and know what to expect, as well as what will work for you. Good luck with your weight loss goals!

Read more discussions :

Sunday, May 24, 2009

How long could you live with colon cancer at stage 4? how can you cure spreaded colon cancer on a 31 year old

How long could you live with colon cancer at stage 4? how can you cure spreaded colon cancer on a 31 year old?
how long could you live with colon cancer at stage 4? how can you cure spreaded colon cancer on a 31 year old?
Cancer - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
only a medical professional can answer this. every case is different.
2 :
no one can tell you how long you will live with any disease process, all that I can say is that if it is not treated, you will not live as long as you would if it were treated. Cancer that spreads from the primary site is said to have metastasized, and metastatic cancer is very difficult to treat, let alone cure, but they have had some luck prolonging life with chemotherapy and also with alternative therapies like turkey tail mushroom.
3 :
Not really familiar with this disease, I will say, though, that if there's such a stage it means it is already pretty advanced. I should suppose that if upon talking to doctor (oncologist), he or she says it is okay to injest any of the following, since it won't interfere with medications, then by all means do so. Those foods, whether vegetable or other, are known to help in the prevention of cancer as well as in helping in the cure: Broccoli, brussel sprouts, turnip, cauliflower, kale (which is a form of cabbage). GARLIC, ONIONS, LEEKS, SHALLOTS, and SHALLOTS, but especially garlic, since it works as an antibiotic among others. One way I use garlic_which I've been using daily for nearly two years now and put in almost all foods, must be helping since in the city I live it seems EVERY SINGLE person is coughing, sneezing or have a full-blown cold or flu, and even when I ride the BUS a few times each day (something I dreaded before during this season because of the flu), well no one in my family THANKFULLY has gotten it. I put it into every SOUP, chicken and rice, pork, turkey_we all stopped eating red meat (beef) about eight years ago_I also cook as much vegetables as I can and I put smashed garlic on it as it cooks. Tempted sometimes to just put in the cloves without smashing them because it's a bit time consuming removing the shells, husks or whatever it is called, I always end up smashing them with mortar and pestle. This may be an exaggeration but ever since a family member of mine was mis-diagnosed two and a half years ago, and her COPD, CHF, attrial fibrillation, etc., had worsened by then, since doctors were seeing CANCER in her lungs, and it wasn't so even when the X-RAYS came back over and over with "something" on it....It's a LONG story!!!! But I took it upon myself that if it was cancer and because of her age not much could be done (she's in her 80's), I began using as much vegetables, less greasy, salty, sugary, foods, etc. as I could, and putting GARLIC in every meal. I'm not talking about a few cloves like all cooking recipes recommend; I use ONE or TWO whole garlic bulb (head). If it's soup as well as chicken/rice dinner I'm making, or any large meal which has a lot of FISH or pork, I use THREE garlic bulbs! That way the substance of it all is cooked together almost since the beginning, and then I divide this broth into two meals; soup and the other. One way or the other we've been eating garlic most of our lives_not in the extreme we're doing now_but something we did like a lot and don't do much now precisely because of the extra use I'm making of it, was to put a couple of garlic cloves whole or a bit smashed and some OLIVE OIL on top of bread and thus eat the garlic raw!!!! Back then my mom would do this to contain her blood pressure, and we absolutely loved it!!! Down side of it is the "breath", but since we're talking about health here, best thing is to eat it RAW this or any other way, and just don't talk UP CLOSE to anyone. That way no one will be OFFENDED!!!!
4 :
IT CAN DEPEND ON HOW YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF... MY DAD PASSED AWAY FROM COLON CANCER AT 61 AND HE HAD IT FOR 2 YRS.... IT MAY BEDIFFERENT FOR OTHERS... HE GOT INFECTION AND IT SPREAD TO HIS LIVER SO BECAREFUL... YOU CANT CURE CANCER PERIOD, YOU CAN REMOVE SOME OF IT, IT NEVER REALLY GOES AWAY OR BE IN REMIISION FOR AWHILE BUT ITS STILL THERE AND CAN COME BACK... IF THERE WAS A CURE MY DAD WOULD STILL BE HERE....
5 :
There are some statistics here: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4022&order=363 I'm not posting them directly - if you are the patient, you need to decide if you really want to know the numbers. They are just that...numbers. Some people will live much longer, but sadly some will be gone long before the average.. Only the medical personnel treating the patient and with the full information can give a realistic picture. And even they can not predict how an individual will react to the treatments available. You can't "cure" cancer...only make it stop growing and surgically remove it. Treatments will most likely include surgery and chemotherapy, and also radiation depending on where the tumours have spread. Good luck to this 31 year old.
6 :
Know a former 30 something stage 4 breast cancer survivor---she is in her 50's now
7 :
we are at the same problem only the difference is my cancer is endemetroid carcinoma stage3c.it has spread also and am having cycles of chemotheraphy....my prayers are with you,,,,,,i know its hard always pray and thank GOD everyday that we are still alive.we dont know how long we shall live it is only GOD who knows it.pray unceasingly...and receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal savior....GOD BLESS NIKKA

Read more discussions :

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Why don't women get colonoscopies considering they get colon cancer too

Why don't women get colonoscopies considering they get colon cancer too?
For example Sharon Osbourne had colon cancer. Why do men get better healthcare? I had asked my doctor a few years ago (when I still had healthcare) for one and she said no.
Women's Health - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If you are over 50 and you want one then get one. Your doctor can't tell you no and if they do find yourself another doctor.
2 :
We do. I had one in 2003 when I was 40. It depends on their insurance and their doctors. If they have a good insurance plan, they get better care. My doctor is very strict on that stuff; especially because my dad had colon cancer. That's why I had one earlier than usual.
3 :
Colonosopies are usually to people over 50 years old and they do give them to women as well as men, in fact my wife just had one.
4 :
It just depends on how old you might be. For example my wife has had one and so has my mother. But they're both fairly old. You probably don't need one if you're under 50 and you definitely don't need one if you're under 40. As for Sharon Osborne, my guess is if she wanted one she could have afforded one without insurance. I doubt she wanted one but some doc said she couldn't.
5 :
since your doctor told you no, then that means she thinks you are healthy. if she had concerns about it, she would give you one. before the age of 50, some symptom will appear for them to give you one. a spot of blood, unusual pain, etc. otherwise she will wait until you are 50 and then she will insist, even without symptoms for you to have one.

Read more discussions :

Saturday, May 16, 2009

On May 2nd 2008 my mother was told she had colon cancer . It has spread to her liver. Is chemo gonna help

On May 2nd 2008 my mother was told she had colon cancer . It has spread to her liver. Is chemo gonna help?
The doctor told us that she is in stage four.Will chemo just make it worse for her to enjoy her last days,or will it help her stay alive longer or even cure her? She had surgery to remove the cancer from her colon almost two weeks ago She has already lost 75 pounds and is weak . Is the end near? When do you know when to say enough already and let them go?
Cancer - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
if it has alredy spread, no. she is going to need whole body radiation treatment.
2 :
I hate to tell you this, but if it helps it will be very unusual.
3 :
I'm very sorry about your mothers cancer. May I suggest ordering the Incurables Program from Dr. Schultz at 1-800-HERB DOC. My friend had good luck with it, and I do hope you do too.
4 :
With standard chemotherapy for colon Cancerr - the median survival is around 2 years - so your mother may still have some good times ahead (when the disease is in periods of remission). If the chemotherapy succeeds to eliminate or reduce the liver metastasis to the point of having a liver surgery (to remove the rest of the cancer) - she may even have a cance to be cured. Furthermore, there are some experimental therapies with very mild side-effects, and alternative treatment which can reduce the side-effects from chemotherapy. Please do not despair yet - but keep a critical eye on the doctors. Go to as many specialists as you can for treatment ideas.
5 :
Read about resveratrol and turmeric . The doctor said I had stage 4 stomac cancer and lymphomia . Took resveratrol for 30 days and it was all gone . The chemo did nothing. Lots of scientific research on it. Go to MD Anderson in Houston,Tx.
6 :
The doctors will not offer chemo unless they believe it will have a chance of improving either her quality or duration of life. When to say "enough"? It's not your decision....you'll have to be guided by your mother if she is mentally able to understand the information and potential outcomes (I don't mean that nastily...some cancer patients simply switch off and decide not to "know" anything about their condition....in which case a medical guardian will have to make choices) If your mother understands her situation, and the choices, talk to her. Understand what she's thinking about the options, and support her in working through them. THen whatever SHE decides, support her in that too. It may be a tough ride, but try and bring the normal into her world...tell her about your work / day / friends, what you did in town today...take her mind away from drugs, therapy, IV's and doctors. If you are the one who has to say "enough", then listen carefully to the doctors and nurses. Especially the nurses....they are experienced in end stages, and if you find a good one, s/he can help you decide. S/he won't tell you what to do...but listen to what is NOT said...when the time comes, you'll know it's time to stop. Good luck.
7 :
sorry to hear your news about your mother. i was in a similar situation last year. My mum was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer last may. once discovered it had spread to her liver and lung. I know every case is different, but my mum was told it was incurable and terminal at that stage. They tried her on a form of trial chemo for two weeks and it was the worst thing we could have done. It made her sicker than the cancer itself. It made her bed ridden, loss control of her bowels and bladder and made her terribly sick. In my opinion with my mum we would have been better to enjoy wat time she had left as she could have gone on small outings etc. But its a hard thing not to do anything and watch your loved one fade away. Your mum might be lucky it may extend her life, but i would say chemo would only be used for palliative reasons. You need to speak to your oncologist and find out exactly what is happening. my mum pasted away 4 months after diagnosis aged 60, i miss her terribly. x

Read more discussions :

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Is swelling on stomach side normal for a colon cancer patient

Is swelling on stomach side normal for a colon cancer patient ?
My father has colon cancer but i noticed on a side of his stomach it very swollen and looks like blisters is that normal he has a doctors appt coming up but i wanted to see if someone knows more info about this situation
Cancer - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It is not unusual for colon cancer patients to have a distended abdomen, usually due to an obstruction, but blisters on the skin at not associated with colon cancer. However, since he has a doctorâ€™s appointment coming up, this leads me to believe he has already had surgery. If the swelling and blisters are near the surgical site this is a sign of infection and he should call the doctor to get in right away.

Read more discussions :

Friday, May 8, 2009

Is Kaiser Permenente a good hosptal for treating colon cancer

Is Kaiser Permenente a good hosptal for treating colon cancer?
I know that this is an opinionated question, but if there are any survivors from colon cancer that were treated by Kaiser, I would like to know, I am presently one....thanks. cancer survivors contact me, thanks
Cancer - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
got laugh at your question- you are asking if there are any survivors from colon cancer now if they were dead wouldn't they have a hard time replying? (PS I think Kaiser is a good hospital for a lot of stuff including cancers and others illnesses

Read more discussions :

Monday, May 4, 2009

If someone has colon cancer and the only options are chemo or removal of the colon, can they deny treatment

If someone has colon cancer and the only options are chemo or removal of the colon, can they deny treatment?
Would family and friends be shocked if they refused treatment? If it's so bad the colon needs to be removed, won't some people prefer just to die from the cancer? The whole stoma thing... I couldn't do it.
Cancer - 9 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Chemotherapy alone is not going to bring the cure. Nobody can/will force you to have an operation if you don't want it. But remember that having a segment of the colon doesn't necessarily mean that you will have a stoma. Often the two ends of the bisected colon are simply anastomosed together. Most people who actually have a stoma live a happy life with it. Given the choice between a stoma and death, most people will chose the stoma.Unfotunately some alternative practitioners exploit peoples predjudices/fears and offer them worthless treatments.
2 :
Patients are always able to refuse treatment in the US. THe exceptions can be minor children, pregnant women, and some folks with psych disorders. As to family and friends being shocked, who knows? I have an advanced directive that states unless I say differently, I do not want to be placed on a ventilator, receive CPR, dialysis or insulin. My MDs and my husband are aware of this, and have copies. Having said that, last year I was nearly intubated with my consent. When push comes to shove, you may think differently than what you expect.
3 :
In the end it's the patients choice. If you would rather die then to live who knows how much longer then it is your choice. no one can force you to do it unless they have medical power of attorney over you or you are a minor. If you can't bare to live with a stoma then you can choose to die. family and friends probably wouldn't understand as most people would do anything to live just a little bit longer. Most people would have the surgery especially if they didn't have to take too much of the colon out and a lot of times they can sow the intestines back together and the stoma will heal up.
4 :
Well, if your quality of life is so dependent on sitting on a toilet and wiping yourself afterward, then you certainly have the choice to refuse treatment and die a pretty horrific death. I think given the choice, I'd take the surgery. Living is pretty cool, even if it means having to deal with a bag of waste periodically. I've had chemo, and so going through it again, while not tops on my list of things I want to do, it's certainly do-able.
5 :
Nobody can force you to have medical treatment you don't want. Many cancer patients have to weigh up quality of life over quantity, and make decisions based on the percentages by which the recommended treatment would increase their chances of survival. You never know, until you're in the situation, what you would do. I once thought I could never have a mastectomy, and that I would rather die; and I certainly thought I would never have chemotherapy. When push came to shove and I was diagnosed with aggressive advanced breast cancer I had both - though with both I was undecided right up till almost the last minute. And I'm glad I did - I'm alive and well. But if I had a recurrence or secondary cancer, I would again take account of by how much treatment would improve my chances of survival against my likely quality of life during that prolonged survival. I can certainly forsee situations in which I would refuse further chemotherapy. The reaction of your family and friends to a proposed refusal of treatment will vary; they love you and want the best for you, they also don't want to lose you. But it's the patient's decision and it has to be respected
6 :
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer when I was 26. Recommended treatment: hysterectomy. Well, I'm still sitting here with my uterus and I am just fine. Was my family shocked? Nope. They know me well enough to know I only trust doctors about 50% of the time. I totally agree with you. I couldn't do the stoma thing either.
7 :
Yes, they can deny treatment. Family and friends would not be shocked but they may be heartbroken for the rest of their lives. As long as the patient is aware of the options and the fact that at some point in time better choices may become available . . there are always new options coming up . . so it is possible a patient would make a decision to not pursue treatment only to have a new treatment become available to save the colon . . but it would be too late for that patient. Cancer patients always live with the knowledge that medical research changes constantly and what isn't available today may be available next year. It takes more courage to live under those circumstances. But again, it is an individuals choice.
8 :
Well you would not want to die when all they had to do was hand a bag from your side for you to live. If there is not hope then refuse treatment, but if there is not hope...I would still try it a while to see if it would help me live longer. A loving family will stand by what you want to do, but chemo or removal of colon,,, I would say get to cutting Dr.
9 :
In America, any cancer patient has the right to refuse ANY help. What it comes down to, is how willing is the cancer person to die a horrible death in a LOT of pain? When the cancer got advanced, the patient wouldn't think about the stoma, because he'd be reduced to wearing a diaper, or peeing himself, unable to move like a real person anymore. What is important, is how much a person wants to live, and how much that life means to him. I hate getting chemo, but I do it in order to stay alive and happy with the husband I love

Read more discussions :

Friday, May 1, 2009

Is it true what I read about Ulcerative Colitis that we are more prone to colon cancer

Is it true what I read about Ulcerative Colitis that we are more prone to colon cancer?
Just wondering what the percentage of people who have Ulcerative Colities is in getting colon cancer?
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I don't know of any percentages but your risk of colon cancer is determined by how well or how poorly you manage your condition. If you only have a few episodes each year, your risks will be lower. If you have frequent flare-ups, then your risk is going to be higher. Any time you have chronic (all the time for a long time) inflammation of any mucus membranes (your bowel) - it places you at higher risk for the cells mutating into cancer cells. Work on your diet and medications to keep this under good control.
2 :
Yes it is true. The risk varies with the age of onset, the extent of involvement and the duration of active disease. Roughly the risk at 10 years is around 2% at 30 years it is about 18%.
3 :
Yes it is true. Any constant irritation can be a precursor to cancer. Your doctor will recommend the frequencies in which you should have periodic colonoscopies.
4 :
maybe it would be easier to check how many people with colon cancer had colitis. just guessing 80%. i don't think a bowel that is emptied and disease free would harbor cancer.

Read more discussions :