Rainbows and Banana Peels

My life has been a series of high peaks and extremely dark valleys. I have lived in heaven and have wallowed in hell.

Yet I am still here.

More to the point, my life has been a life of beautiful rainbows and extremely slippery banana peels.

I've often found myself in a field of banana peels. Now there's a rough place to get out of. The minute you get back on your feet-WHAM! You slip on another peel and back down you go. The trick is to not let the circumstances that landed you in that darn field get into the core of your being.

The bad news is that the entrance to the field disappears the minute you walk in. You can't go back. The good news is that the exit is on the other side of the field.

The key is to rise above it and keep your eye on the edge of the field because that's the way out. On hands and knees... one step at a time... I've crawled my way out of the insanity of the banana peel fields.

NO ONE is the same person when they get out. You are different. Your life is different.

So you escape the field and are high on a rainbow for a while. How spectacular! Your life is going smoothly, you're in a great relationship, you have money, life is good and then...

Wait for it...

WHAM.

Back down you go.

What happened?

Rainbows are slippery! It takes work to stay on top of them. Be careful because when you slide off the rainbow, banana peels instantly appear all around you, and you often don't see them until you are flat on your back. Again.

I've been there and done that a bunch of times. So many times you would think that I am pretty good at staying out of them.

Wrong.

Life has a way of hitting you from behind when you are not looking, and quite often it will knock you flat. The trick is to not stay there. You have to get up again. Don't allow your circumstances to slip into your soul because, if you do, it's really hard to get out of the banana peel field.

If you want to stay on the rainbow, then you have to believe that you CAN and think positively. Consistent negative thoughts such as "I'll always be fat" or "I'll never have enough money" will keep you in the banana peel fields.

At the end of the day, we come into this world alone and we leave alone, and along the way, we make decisions on how we want our life to play out. Some work, others don't. Some raise us up on the rainbow, and others plunge us into the banana peel fields. The trick to life is to learn from your stay in the fields and try and stay on the rainbows for as long as possible.

That's life, though, isn't it? Life is filled with breathtaking rainbow moments and interminable journeys through the banana peel fields.

My biggest banana peel? Stage 3 breast cancer in 2012 at the age of fifty-one.

So how did I get through all these negative events in my life and still remain positive? Wasn't always easy. Often it was a minute-by-minute choice.

Being positive is a lifestyle choice.

It's a way of life that you choose.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Katharine_Giovanni/57530

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How I Cured My Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer

suffered a minor skin injury on my back during my younger days in the Marine Corps. The size of the injury was about 1/4 inch, and then grew to golf ball size - 32 years later.

Over the years, I tried every skin medication from various doctors. Some worked temporary, while others did not treat the problem area at all. Nothing seemed to work, until now.

It was on a rainy day back in December 2014. I was going through some old photo albums. I spotted something out of the ordinary with my grandparent's 8 x 10 picture. It had a bulge in the middle.

I peeled the picture back and discovered a folded piece of paper taped to it. My grandmother gave me the picture in 1976. I placed it in the photo album without looking on the back. At first, I thought it was one of her famous recipes; instead, it was a cure for my skin cancer!

My skin cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The area had grown to approximately 1-1/4" in diameter. In fact, the sore spot became blistered and oozing with blood at times because of the open wound. It was very difficult to keep clean sheets or wear shirts without staining everything.

On February 1, 2015, I decided to try my grandparent's skin cancer treatment.

This is how I did it...

Ingredients:
Organic Coconut Oil (you can find this at your local health store).
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (you can find this at your local supermarket).

For each application, measure 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and put into a small cup. Mix it around very thoroughly until it looks like a white paste. For larger areas, mix full teaspoon.

Before applying it to the skin, wash the area clean with a warm washcloth, or take a warm shower.

Use the spoon to pour the paste over the entire infected area. Make sure all of it is
covered. Place a 3" x 4" waterproof adhesive pad (latex bandage) over the area. Leave it on for a 24 hour period, or less.

The next treatment will be the exact mixture of ingredients and application. Take bandage off, wipe the area clean, apply the paste with a new bandage. Do this for the next 12-14 days, or until you start to see the skin heal.

Unfortunately, I do not know how coconut oil and baking soda combined works as well as it does. However, I can say my skin cancer is gone. The problem area is completely healed and back to normal. Of course, this is not going to help everyone with his or her skin cancer. But, it might help somebody out there with skin cancer like mine.


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Cancer - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells usually occurring when normal cells undergo genetic mutation in a sustained manner and for prolonged periods. There is a failure on the part of the cells to stop dividing and growing and from undergoing a programmed death. There are nearly 200 different types of known cancers. Cancer causes include heredity; tobacco smoke; radiation; ultraviolet radiation from the sun; food toxins; and environmental chemicals. Cancer results when these causes bring about an increase in oncogenes and reduction in tumour suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, and self-destruction genes.

There are five main types of cancer which include: 1) Carcinoma, which results from skin and linings of organs and body systems [adenocarcinoma; basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and transitional cell carcinoma] 2) Sarcoma, which develops in connective tissue [bone, cartilage, fat, muscle and blood vessels] 3) Leukemia, which develops in the bone marrow 4) Lymphoma and myeloma, which develop in the immune system and 5) Tumours of the brain and spinal cord [glioma, astrocytoma].

Cancer staging is done as per the TNM format (Tumour [T1-4 which indicates increasing severity]; Node 0-3, which indicates progressive migration; and Metastasis [0 or 1]). It is also done as Stages 1 to 4, which again indicate progressively increasing severity. Staging brings about a universal uniformity regarding assessment and treatment of cancer and understanding its prognosis. Treatment of cancer includes different modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hyperthermia, stem cell transplant, photodynamic therapy and laser.

In spite of multiple available, advanced treatment options, cancer treatment still has many limitations, and recurrence is a major issue. Surgery may not physically remove all the cancer cells; chemotherapy only affects cancer cells which are actively dividing; radiation therapy too does not succeed in destroying all cancer cell DNA; repeated mutations in cancer cells can make these resistant to even highly potent multiple drug therapy. After undergoing full remission with cancer treatment, recurrence is most common within the first two years; the chances of recurrence decrease significantly after five years of remission. Recurrence is very rare after ten years of remission; however - and this a rather unsettling thought - there are still a few cancers which may recur even after ten years of remission.

In this scenario, Ayurvedic treatment has a special role to play in comprehensive cancer management. Currently, it would be safer and more ethical to use Ayurvedic treatment as a complementary (add-on) treatment rather than an alternative (stand-alone) treatment. The current lacunae in cancer treatment can be completely filled up with Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic treatment can significantly boost the immune system and help the body in its fight against the cancer cells. Herbal medicines and herbo-mineral combinations can reduce cancer cell mutations and destroy abnormal cells. Concurrently given Ayurvedic treatment can reduce the known side effects of modern treatments, improve treatment response, help prolong remission, and also help prevent recurrence.

Ayurvedic medicines act on specific organs and body systems; hence Ayurvedic treatment can provide highly targeted cancer therapy as well as protect organs from irreversible damage. This treatment can also be used to turn the tide in cases of drug resistance or failure of modern treatment, or where the side effects of modern medicines necessitate withdrawal of these medicines. Ayurvedic treatment is also very useful in advanced cancer with multiple metastases, or patients with end-stage cancer, to help control the disease, improve quality of life, and improve survival.

It is important to note that maximum benefit can be derived from Ayurvedic treatment if it is started at the earliest, with the first detection and diagnosis of cancer. Most individuals tend to look for Ayurvedic treatment after exhausting all modern treatment options, when the patient is already in the terminal stage, and there is no time for Ayurvedic medicines to work. It is also equally important to avoid self medication or to fall prey to quacks. The same medical regime will not work for all types of cancer; different patients with the same type and similar severity of cancer may respond differently to the same medicine. In fact, even an individual cancer patient on treatment cannot be given the same medicines indefinitely; regular supervision and periodical assessment is required to modify the treatment based upon the progression of the cancer, the response to treatment, and the presence or appearance of co-morbid factors and treatment adverse effects. Treatment decisions for cancer are obviously not simple.

Clinical experience since the last three decades has consistently proved that Ayurvedic treatment for cancer can be safely given concurrently with modern treatment modalities, provided both are done by qualified practitioners from their respective fields. Ayurvedic treatment can make a significant difference in the final outcome while treating cancer. Ayurvedic treatment thus has a definite role to play in cancer management.

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Cancer Treatment Risks and After Effects

Fighting cancer and getting well is in itself a battle won! As you start a new phase of your life, understand the risks and side effects of the treatment that you had taken for the treatment. This will help you cope with any expected or unexpected side effects that you may observe at a later date. These side effects could be either physical side effects or social and emotional side effects.

Let us look at the most common side effects of cancer treatment so that you are well aware and can cope with them when they strike.

Fatigue

Cancer survivors most commonly complain about fatigue. This is generally due to the treatment medication and procedures used. They make you feel tired and no matter how much you sleep, you feel the fatigue. If you experience excessive fatigue make sure that you contact your doctor. You will be recommended some exercise and relaxation skills.

Secondary cancers

For all the cancer patients, there is always a possibility of the cancer re-occurring. There is also a possibility of patients developing secondary cancers. These can arise from the treatment of the original cancer.

Dental problems

Chemotherapy has a negative impact on teeth enamel. This introduces long term dental problems. High dose of radiation can change tooth development and develop gum diseases. Tooth decay and tooth loss are other common risks. Some serious side effects also include soreness or ulcers in the mouth.

Diabetes

Some of the high intensity drugs used in cancer treatments are known to cause the blood sugar levels to drop. It is however unclear whether this actually leads to diabetes. They are however at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Hypothyroidism

Another important risk factor is the development of thyroid related ailments. The symptoms to look for include weight gain for hypothyroidism and constipation, dry skin and sensitivity to cold.

Learning and Memory

Learning and memory problems could be one of the after effects of cancer. The original cancer itself affects learning and memory skills.

Certain types of cancer treatments could damage the organs surrounding it. While surgically removing the cancer or by other therapies, there is a possibility of organ damage. This type of organ damage could have long term effects on the lives of patients post cancer treatments. For example, some cancer treatments are harmful for the heart. They cause heart failures. Symptoms to look out for are breathlessness, coughing and chest discomfort. Some drugs are also known to damage the lungs. Some chemotherapy drugs are known to damage the liver. Yet some others are known to damage the kidneys. If you observe any of these symptoms, make sure that you contact your doctor so that they can suggest remedies before the situation worsens.

After cancer treatment, pain is inevitable. So make sure that you understand all the side effects and how to handle them from your doctor. You will have a long list of do's and don'ts after the treatment. Follow them religiously for a better quality of life later.

Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital which provides outstanding cancer treatments for all kinds of cancer diseases. Hear share basic information about common side effects of cancer treatment so that you are well aware and can cope with them when they strike.

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Cancers Prevalent in Men and How to Fight Them

It is actually sad, but there are not many men who are actually aware of diseases that are making a serious dent in the male population of the world. While the media and social workers are paying attention to the female population (let's be honest, we outnumber men in many ways), men are somewhat ignored in this regard. Perhaps it has more to with the "macho man" and "real men are tough" mentality, but this mindset has increased the male mortality rate.

So, let's go ahead and shed light on some of the most prevalent men's health issues and diseases.

About Cancer

What are the leading Cancers in the male population? They are:

• Prostate Cancer
• Lungs Cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver cancer

Among all of them, Prostate and Lung cancer are the most dangerous and most common. The sad thing is that most men are ignoring the first outbursts of cancer symptoms because they do not have the time or the money to see a doctor. The best way to kill the disease before it kills you is by catching it earliest as possible. But how do you know if your symptoms are cancer symptoms? Of course, you need to keep your eye on the usual cancer symptoms like drowsiness, fatigue, unusual weight loss and a cough that won't go away. However, there are other symptoms that must be reported to your doctor on the first sighting. These are strictly related to Male Cancers, so don't be shy or lazy.

Symptoms of Cancer That Must Be Reported!

Here are some symptoms that must be taken seriously and reported to your doctor immediately.

Pee Problems

This is first of many signs that links to prostate cancer. Many men have issues with their peeing habits when they grow older. However, even young men can develop that. If you get up to pee at night, if you pee more than usual (for a long time), have the constant, urgent need to pee, leaking and dripping issues or you have trouble in getting the waterworks started, you need to inform your doctor.

The Size Changes

Any changes in the size of your testicles must be reported. If you feel an unusual heaviness and lumps, you need to get a medical exam. Testicular cancer is much more progressive and more aggressive than prostate cancer. It can spread and become untreatable in a matter of months.

Sudden Blood Discharge

If you have a blood tinged discharge or bloody stool or bloody urine, you need to take action right away. Colon, kidney and bladder cancers can be diagnosed this way.

Breast Changes

Yes, men have breasts too. You have pectorals, don't you? Most of the time, men ignore this fact and believe that they are immune to breast cancer. However, if you have raised nodes in your armpit areas and around your nipple, do not ignore it. You need to be checked immediately because many men get beyond the treatment stage because their breast cancer is diagnosed too late.

Prevention

The whole point of Movember is to spread awareness. However, many countries are not even aware of Movember and major men's diseases. The only way to spread this awareness is by reaching out to the far off countries that do not have the right resources. This can be done in a very simple manner. If you are a medical personnel or you have access to a hospital, simply ask them to create men's health brochures and leaflets, have them translated into different languages and spread them around. Countries like USA and UK have a dense population of people who are immigrants and many of them do not speak or understand the English language. So having a translated version of these pamphlets will be helpful.

Also, this could also help the refugees pouring into Greece and major European countries. With so many people coming through the sea, they are bound to attract viruses and bacteria that turn into some major health issues. There are many translation services that have translators who specialize in medical translation. They will be able to convey your message clearly and accurately in their own language.

Take one step forward, help each other out and see the difference your little effort can make!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rabia_Tanveer/2199596

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Healthy Penis Revitalization: What to Do After Prostate Cancer

Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with more than 2,000,000 Americans in the ranks of prostate cancer survivors. Often, men who have gone through treatment for this common disease find that regaining a healthy penis can be a challenge. In such cases, maintaining optimal penis care is especially important. To help revitalize the penis after this health problem, men need to be prepared to take the necessary steps.

About the disease

The prostate is a gland that only men possess and which is found between the rectum and the bladder. It's an important component in the manufacture of the fluid in semen.

When cancer develops in the prostate, it can cause discomfort and lead to serious issues; however, in some cases it is very slow to grow and many men may have prostate cancer for years without being aware of it.

There are many symptoms that may be associated with this condition, including a weak urine stream, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in the urine, erectile issues and loss of bladder control.

Treatment depends upon the stage of the disease but in some instances may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or vaccine therapy.

Post-treatment

Depending upon the severity of the cancer and the treatment used, a man may experience significant issues post-treatment, especially when surgery is involved. Although advances in surgery have diminished the impact on sexual performance, many men will still experience some degree of erectile dysfunction after many forms of treatment.

Most doctors recommend that men undergo some form of therapy to help regain the use of a healthy penis after prostate cancer. In some cases, it is necessary to induce erections in situations in which there has been erectile loss, especially if that loss is projected to sustain for an extended period of time.

Induction may be needed

The reason for inducing is to keep the penis in shape so that it can "re-learn" how to become erect. "Use it or lose it" is especially true with the penis, and if the organ goes for too long a time without an erection, the vessels and tissues become deoxygenated relative to when in an erect state. This creates a vicious cycle in which the tissue becomes less and less capable on its own of trapping the blood that is needed to build and maintain an erection.

Typical therapy comes in one or more of three forms: oral, injection and vacuum.

Oral therapy involves taking a medication by mouth which helps to promote erectile activity. Many doctors recommend this therapy be started before treatment for the cancer and continue afterward for a month or more.

Injection therapy requires the injection of drugs which help the penile blood vessels to expand.

Vacuum therapy is performed via a penis pump, which creates a "vacuum" around the organ that encourages the flow and trapping of blood in the member.

For any form of treatment to regain function after treatment for prostate cancer, it helps if a man goes into the situation with a healthy penis to begin with. One way to achieve this is via daily use of a quality penis health creme(health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Especially important in this instance is that the crème contains among its ingredients L-arginine. This enzyme helps to create nitric oxide, a substance which in turn is essential for the healthy functioning of blood vessels and the continued oxygenation of tissues in the member. It also is wise to select a crème that includes vitamin C. One of the most popular nutrients, vitamin C is noted for the role it plays in collagen production and penile skin firmness. A well-balanced crème like Man1 Man Oil provides a wealth of nutrients vital to continued penis health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Dugan/190762

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How Surrogates Help Breast Cancer Survivors

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month nears the end of October, pink ribbons provided a reminder and moment of silence for those touched by cancer while offering a medical cue to schedule a mammogram. Decades ago, it was a disease plagued by stigma. But with celebrities having spoken out about their personal experiences with their own breast cancer surgeries, treatments and reconstruction procedures, the stigma has been demystified and women have become empowered.

Cancer does not discriminate. It affects women of all ages, including those who are still in their reproductive years. When a woman hears such a diagnosis, following the shock and fear, she glances ahead at what awaits her which may include surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy.

As the executive director of an international egg donation and surrogacy agency, some women who are unable to become pregnant and carry their own children may require a surrogate after having undergone cancer treatments. While some women are able to become pregnant after treatments, there are a group of women who face infertility.

Each patient is unique and so is the treatment her medical experts may recommend. Nevertheless, if a woman has not started or completed having her family, she comes at a crossroads after her diagnosis. Through the remarkable strides of third-party reproduction, before a woman begins her treatments she has the choice to harvest her eggs and have them frozen.

Rather than being reactive regarding any future infertility issues, women can now be proactive. In addition to teaming up with her medical specialists, she can also partner with a fertility doctor if she desires children in the future.

The mere act of harvesting a woman's eggs can be quite beneficial for her psychologically. While breast cancer has the ability to make a woman feel that she has lost all control, on the road of preservation fertility, she feels in control with a renewed sense of hope and something to look forward to: a baby.

Once a breast cancer patient becomes a breast cancer survivor, the timing is perfect to begin building a family. As mentioned earlier, while some women are able to become pregnant at a later date, others may be unable to become pregnant or carry a baby to full term.

And this is where a surrogate can step in and help a survivor. Women who want to become surrogate mothers do so for their own personal reasons. And one may very well be helping a woman who has fought the fight of breast cancer and is ready to rekindle that light of hope in having a baby.

To be able to help a woman who has endured multiple surgeries and treatments is immeasurable to a surrogate. And conversely, a survivor cannot begin to find the right word of thanks to say to their surrogate for the priceless gift of a baby.

The surrogate's picturesque moment is of an intended mother holding her newborn for the very first time. It creates the memory of a lifetime.

Surrogates help break down breast cancer barriers by helping survivors live the full life they were meant to have through motherhood.

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