Chemotherapy Holiday

In the past, a diagnosis of cancer was considered a death sentence. With the progression of medical technology and cancer research, many cancers are curable and many others are incurable, but survivable. In many, their disease is considered to be stable and not an immediate threat to their lives (progression-free survival). Many may deemed this as having a "chronic" disease as those in this position will likely be on some form of therapy for the rest of their lives. With such long-term treatment possible, a "chemotherapy holiday" may become a necessity in an attempt to balance quality of life and the toxicities of chemotherapy.

A chemotherapy holiday may be defined as  a complete break or a chemotherapy free interval (intermittent therapy). A chemotherapy holiday will more than likely lead to an improvement in the quality of life, a possible reduction or cessation of side effects, and complications, but there is also a risk of relapse or recurrence.Studies have shown that there is no difference in the survival rates in those who take a chemotherapy holiday, but there is an improved quality of life versus those who do not take the chemotherapy holiday.

We must all understand that each situation is unique and the individual must consider their condition, the risks, and the benefits in making a decision regarding a chemotherapy holiday.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION - SMOKING CESSATION

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION - SMOKING CESSATION

This is the beginning of a new year.  Many will make resolutions to change at least one aspect of their behavior.  Of those who smoke, many will make a New Year's resolution to stop smoking.  No matter what the reason for wanting to quit, many will find and have found quitting tobacco use / smoking to be harder than expected.

 

Tobacco and nicotine use is a form of chemical dependency and according to the CDC nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the United States. Breaking a chemical dependence is difficult and may require several attempts, so don't get discouraged if you are not successful on your first attempt.  Breaking the chemical dependency should not be the only reason to attempt to quit the use of tobacco. The use of nicotine brings with it a myriad of toxins and chemicals, the expose of which can lead to multiple health problems for the users and those around the use (second hand smoke) and the cessation can improve or resolve these health consequences.

According to a report by the CDC, smoking cessation is associated with the following health benefits:

• lowers the risk for lung and other types of cancer.
• reduces the risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
• reduces respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• reduces the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
• smoking cessation by women during their reproductive years reduces the risk for infertility and women who stop smoking during pregnancy also reduce their risk of having a low birth weight baby.

 

 There are a number of methods available for cessation of tobacco use:

1. "Cold Turkey"
2. Over the Counter Medications
3. Prescription Medications
4. E-cigarettes
5. Counseling
6. Any combination of the above methods

The success rate for tobacco / smoking are continually changing as new cessations methods, cessation mandates (employers, public venues), and a push to become healthier become more common.