Mesothelioma or Ovarian Cancer?????????

Dear readers, I have something very unique to share with you today.


My mother's father died of mesothelioma, lung cancer, many years ago. Emory was an honest, hard working man from Kansas. He served our country as a medic in WWII for the troops building the Burma Road. He also helped to engineer buildings and pretty much anything this great country asked of him. After the war ended, it took 30 days on a carrier to return home from overseas. He never ate rice again.

Upon returning to Kansas grandma and grandpa decided that it was time to start a family. They started with my mom. Eventually he opened a small construction company in Denver. He built a number of small, quality homes, that made us proud. His integrity and word were important to him. He was precise and paid honest wages for honest work. People were proud of my grandpa. You may have heard my mom on the KLG and Hoda show talk about how her father was her inspiration.

When he was in his 70s he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and the stage was too late for chemo. He had surgery, returned to Kansas with grandma, and eventually passed away after suffering unimaginable pain.  Our family was at his side when he died after receiving upstanding hospice care. It was so sad, we were all heartbroken.

He wanted chemo, he wanted to live.

I remember once visiting grandma and grandpa in Kansas after they purchased an old post office in a small town of literally 20 people. He did a little remodeling, built a tiny barn, he stocked it with 5 or 6 cows, a hand-full of chickens and planted some corn, not sure. The mini barn was picture perfect, pristine, a little cow palace I thought.

I remember there was not a street light to be seen along the dirt road that wound it's way to the highway. At night you could see billions of stars, hear the crickets sing, and breathe in the freshest air on the planet. The air was still, but alive.

They lived a good life.

Recently I received an email from Andrew Devine, Community Outreach for the

Here is what he had to say:

"Hi Denise,

I came across the Nobody Has Ovarian Cancer site while searching for organizations to reach out to about mesothelioma cancer. It's really great how you used your story to reach out to other women. Although it's rare, mesothelioma in the stomach can metastasize to the ovaries. This type of mesothelioma is often mistaken for ovarian cancer in CT scans, which is unfortunate for early diagnoses and treatment.

I contacted you because I’m part of the Community Outreach team at Mesothelioma Guide, and we are a new site reaching out to the community to provide up-to-date support to mesothelioma patients and family members. Essentially, we’re doing the same thing you are, helping people understand health issues, giving them someone to talk to and how they can be proactive about it, just in a different way."

I was surprised to learn of this possibility, that mesothelioma could be mistaken for ovarian cancer. I did not even know that there are different types of mesothelioma.

I am very thankful to Andrew for revealing this important, but rare cancer danger, so that it can be shared with you.

Please follow this link to learn more:
http://www.mesotheliomaguide.com/guide/guide-b/#


    I love you Grandpa, hope that I see you in heaven some day.



Below I have pasted a link and partial abstract from the The National Center for Biotechnology Information about this type of cancer.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3396062/

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presented as peritoneal adenocarcinoma or primary ovarian cancer: Case series and review of the clinical and immunohistochemical features

Performing your original search, mesothelioma ovarian, in PMC will retrieve 2124 records.
Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2012; 5(5): 472–478.
Published online 2012 May 23.
PMCID: PMC3396062


Salih Taşkın,1 Yeliz Gümüş,1 Saba Kiremitçi,2 Korhan Kahraman,1 Ayşe Sertçelik,2 and Fırat Ortaç1
1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
2Departments of Pathology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
Address correspondence to: Dr. Salih Taşkın, Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum Anabilim Dalı, 06100 Cebeci, Ankara, Turkey Tel: +90 532 3925195; Fax: +90 312 3203553; E-mail: salihtaskin@yahoo.com

Diffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma is a rare, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease and it can present as primary peritoneal carcinoma or ovarian cancer. Differential diagnosis is important to establish appropriate management. In this article the clinical presentation, immunuhistochemical and histopathological features of 8 diffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma cases presented as peritoneal carcinoma or ovarian cancer are evaluated. According to findings of all reported cases, we concluded that clinical distinction of malignant mesothelioma from ovarian cancer or peritoneal adenocarcinoma is very difficult. Differential diagnosis is reliably achieved by immune profile of the tumors with a systematic approach of both positive and negative mesothelioma markers.

Jolie Being Proactive To Avoid Ovarian Cancer

By clicking on this paragraph, you will be taken directly to the article from Healthday. I am so sorry that I am unable to add the direct link.




Dear readers, this article about Angelina Jolie's decision to also have her ovaries removed is well written and informative. It provides educational information that helps to further explain all the options for managing preventative measures related to breast and ovarian cancer.


Taking this measure can be a life saving measure, and I am so proud of her for being proactive and sharing this journey with us. Ovarian cancer is not well understood, underfunded in terms of reaearch, and is the deadliest of all the gynecological cancers.

Bless you Angelina and may you always be healthy and smiling!

............



Angelina Jolie Will Have Ovaries Removed to Lower Chances of Cancer: Report
Actress has already had double mastectomy due to gene linked to high risk for breast, ovarian cancer

May 15, 2013

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, May 15 (HealthDay News) -- Film star Angelina Jolie will have her ovaries removed to help lower her odds for ovarian cancer, People magazine reported Wednesday.

The news comes just a day after Jolie, 37, revealed in an article published on the editorial page of The New York Times that she had undergone a double mastectomy. Jolie wrote that she made the decision after learning she carried a gene, called BRCA1, that is linked to a significantly higher risk for both breast and ovarian cancers.

[See Diet Changes That Might Cut Breast Cancer Risk.]

Now, Jolie "is also planning to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries," an operation known as oophorectomy, according to People.

Jolie's mother, actress Marcheline Bertrand, died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56.

According to the Mayo Clinic, preventive removal of the ovaries can cut the risk of ovarian cancer in a woman with a BRCA mutation by 80 percent to 90 percent.

In the Times article, Jolie said she began the process to have both of her breasts removed in early February.

[See 4 Steps to Take Now to Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk.]

Writing about her mother's nearly 10-year-long battle with cancer, Jolie said: "She held out long enough to meet the first of her grandchildren and to hold them in her arms. But my other children will never have the chance to know her and experience how loving and gracious she was."

Jolie, who has six children with her companion and fellow film star Brad Pitt, said she often finds herself trying to explain to her children about the disease that killed her mother. "They have asked if the same could happen to me. I have always told them not to worry, but the truth is I carry a 'faulty' gene, BRCA1, which sharply increases my risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer," she wrote.

[See Gaining a Pound a Year After Age 20 Nearly Doubles Women's Breast Cancer Risk.]

The BRCA1 and related BRCA2 genes belong to a class of human genes known as tumor suppressors. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, in normal cells, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help to maintain the stability of a cell's genetic material -- called DNA -- and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. Mutation of these genes has been linked to the development of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

The cancer institute estimates that 14 out of every 1,000 women in the general population will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. However, that risk rises steeply among women with mutations in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes to anywhere between 155 to 400 women per 1,000.

These genetic mutations are most commonly found in Jewish women of eastern European descent. Also, Norwegian, Dutch, and Icelandic peoples have higher rates of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, according to the cancer institute.

Dr. Michael Cowher, a breast surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, said the BRCA mutation doesn't just affect women's breasts or ovaries -- males who carry the genetic mutation face an increased risk of breast and prostate cancers. Also, there's an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in BRCA2 and some BRCA1 carriers, he said.

[See Weight Gain Ups Breast Cancer Risk: 7 Ways to Avoid the Bulge.]

Oophorectomy does come with its own risks for premenopausal women, according to the Mayo Clinic, and the decision should be carefully considered. Risks include bone-thinning (osteoporosis), menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and an increased risk of heart disease.

The procedure itself "is a generally safe procedure that carries a small risk of complications, including infection, intestinal blockage and injury to internal organs," the Mayo Clinic said.

In regards to Jolie's double mastectomy, experts stressed that breast removal isn't the only choice facing a woman with BRCA mutations. "There are other options they can discuss with their doctor," Cowher said. "These include chemoprevention with medications like tamoxifen, and increased frequency of clinical and image-based screening regimens," he explained.

A double mastectomy involves removing as much "at-risk" tissue as possible to reduce the risk of cancer. The procedure does not, however, guarantee complete protection against cancer, according to the cancer institute.

[See Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: Making Bald Beautiful.]

Dr. Stephanie Bernik, chief of surgical oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, called a double mastectomy "the best option for someone who is BRCA-positive."

"The risk of cancer is extremely high and we know that you can watch them, but there is no guarantee that you will catch the cancer at an early stage," she said. "If you have the ability to prevent a cancer, that's probably the best route," Bernik explained.

"Not everyone wants a prophylactic mastectomy and they don't all do that," Bernik said. "But women should certainly be informed."

Bernik said more women are opting for the procedure. "The reconstructive options have improved dramatically over the past 15 years, so women can at least feel confident knowing that if they remove their breasts they will be left with a very good to excellent cosmetic result," she said.

Writing in the Times article, Jolie said, "My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in the case of each woman.

"Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much as I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy."

[See Sex After Breast Cancer.]

Jolie said the process of having her breasts removed was finished by late April, and included the reconstruction of both breasts with implants. "There have been many advances in this [reconstruction] procedure in the last few years, and the results can be beautiful," she wrote.

According to the cancer institute, genetic testing can reveal whether a woman carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. There are benefits to such testing, whether a woman receives a positive or a negative result. "The potential benefits of a negative result include a sense of relief and the possibility that special preventive checkups, tests, or surgeries may not be needed. A positive test result can bring relief from uncertainty and allow people to make informed decisions about their future, including taking steps to reduce their cancer risk," the agency said.

For her part, Jolie said: "I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy. But it is one I am very happy that I made. My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 percent to under 5 percent. I can tell my children that they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer."

"For any woman reading this, I hope it helps you to know you have options. I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices."

[See Free Services for Women With Breast Cancer.]

More information

To learn more about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.



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Tags: ovarian cancer, cancer, genetics, women's health, breast cancer

Angelina Jolie, An Angel On Earth

Living With Tumors

I had my Doxil last Tuesday. Somehow the extra dose of anti-nausea meds on Saturday and fluids did not stop yesterday's crash. It was really warm in Seattle, but I was just a mess, really sweating, huge headache, terrible nausea. I was bed bound all day.Thank the Lord my sister woke me up to see how I was doing. I have been trying to re-hydrate and settle out a bit.

So I feel weird right now, but really wanted to share some updates and thoughts....and apologies for the typos....sorry. I am unable to add links right now, will edit and add when I get to a computer.

My latest CT scan shows that tumors are not growing and not shrinking. Since the last CT scan, there are no new tumors. I did up a little chart and compared notes and I think I have 9 tumors with a couple of teeny tiny mm size nodules on the lungs. The tumors are mainly 1-2 cm in diameter. The radiology reports do not follow exact same format, so this information may be off a little, sorry. The report says that I have peritoneal mets, but no new tumors and so far it is stable.

That is great news, but also kind of disheartening. My gynonc is just really going to bat for me, and we are doing several more rounds of Doxil and then maybe switch to Avastin. Avastin would slow or stop the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors. My fatigue is through the roof, still have never ending upper abdominal pain, and the new strategies to help with panic disorder have just begun.

All I want is quality time with those whom I love, a break, a chance for us to play, a leisurely warm ride on a boat, anything. Between myself, mom's heroic efforts to live each day and all the regular stuff families do, plus I do need to work, will we ever have that? Not to be selfish.......cannot talk about that.

if you have cancer and start out on the lower rungs of the money ladder, it is not easier. That is a different discussion..........

I am remaining hopeful about my treatment. My choice is to have hope or not have hope. I choose hope.
My gynonc said that there are people who live with tumors. I can do that.

The trick is if we stop Doxil, what will happen? Will my tumors start growing again and if so how fast? I have been on chemo since Jan/Feb 2012 for my recurrence and the side effects are beginning to take a toll. I am way too immunocompromised to get a stronger chemo or higher dose and my complicated medical condition precludes me from participating in any clinical trials.

My gynonc's nurse said that I have lived longer than expected.....I take that as a positive, the family "tough gene" that says never give up, no matter what. I did not ask her more, maybe next time.


I was finally confirmed two weeks ago, and my sponsor was Sr. Marie Giovanni Paulo. She dedicates her life to God every day. She is a sister of S.O.L.T. The convent is affiliated with St. Alphonsus Parish in Seattle. I feel very blessed. Tonight I requested a lay minister because I sleep too long and just cannot wake up for mass.


With prayer and her guidance, my confirmation name is Denise Raphael.

I mention this because faith knows no bounds and I was led to Sr. Marie for a reason.


World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day is marked this 8th day of May, 2013.

I am praying that after reading this post that you and your loved ones take a moment to learn more about ovarian cancer.

Since 2009, when I started down this road, the grasses are greener. More people want to solve this deadly problem. The best cure for cancer is prevention, but in our case, we need more than that.....there is no prevention.

Raise awareness but also please donate good money towards research and help your sisters in need.

God Bless you

Look For The Helpers "Mr. Rogers"

A day to remember, when the good people rushed in.  

On April 15, 2013 two bombs exploded near the finish line of the 117th running of the Boston Marathon.  Four souls, one an 8 year old boy, are in heaven and almost 200 people were badly injured.  By the end of the week one of the bombers would be dead and the other in custody, hospitalized with wounds related to his battle with police. 

Forces from all over the country joined the Boston Police Department and the FBI to hunt down the sociopaths, make them accountable, and release us to start the healing process.  Many of the wounded received war-like injuries, losing arms and legs, sustaining massive head injuries, along with experiencing an unimaginable level of terror.

The bombings were timed so as to happen while many of the runners who represented sweet charities were about to cross the finish line.  The runners, their cheerleaders, family members, spectators, friends, business owners and the media had no idea of what would come of this day in April.  It was a beautiful day for this most beloved day in Boston.  

We know that the world's people ARE good, and that somehow out of all of this torture and wailing, grief and fear, we will be stronger, taller, hopeful and able.  God Bless the people of Boston, the runners, the families of those who have died, the first responders, the medical professionals, the media and the unrelenting officers and agents who captured the terrorists.  

When the hunt was over, people ran into the streets, cheering for the officers and chanting "USA"  over and over.  We will never back down, ever.

God Bless America

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/04/18/face-evil-boston-has-shown-americans-will-lift-what-good

From the whitehouse.gov webpages:

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at an interfaith prayer service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Mass., April 18, 2013. The service was dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed in the bombings in Boston. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

In the Face of Evil, Boston Has Shown that Americans Will Lift Up What Is Good
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at an interfaith prayer service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Mass., April 18, 2013. The service was dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed in the bombings in Boston. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama today were at Boston's Cathedral of the Holy Cross to attend Healing Our City, an interfaith service dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed in Monday’s bombing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

In his remarks, the President paid tribute to those whose lives were taken by the bomb blasts on Boylston Street -- to Krystle Campbell, 29, who was "always smiling." And to Lingzi Lu, a 23-year-old graduate student from China who had come to "experience all this city has to offer." And finally to Martin Richard, the 8-year-old boy from Dorchester whose mother and sister remain in the hospital, fighting to recover from their own injuries. Martin, said President Obama, leaves us with two enduring images, 'forever smiling for his beloved Bruins, and forever expressing a wish he made on a blue poster board: 'No more hurting people. Peace.'"

President Obama also praised the people of Boston, a city both he and the First Lady once called home. Like thousands every year, the two lived there as students -- just one of the many reasons, the President said, that Boston has a hold on so many hearts. "Every fall, you welcome students from all across America and all across the globe, and every spring you graduate them back into the world -- a Boston diaspora that excels in every field of human endeavor," he said. "Year after year, you welcome the greatest talents in the arts and science, research -- you welcome them to your concert halls and your hospitals and your laboratories to exchange ideas and insights that draw this world together."

In fact, the President said, whichever terrorists are behind the attack on Monday picked the wrong city as a target, because Boston will not be terrorized or intimidated:

You’ve shown us, Boston, that in the face of evil, Americans will lift up what’s good. In the face of cruelty, we will choose compassion. In the face of those who would visit death upon innocents, we will choose to save and to comfort and to heal. We’ll choose friendship. We’ll choose love.

Scripture teaches us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” And that’s the spirit you’ve displayed in recent days.

When doctors and nurses, police and firefighters and EMTs and Guardsmen run towards explosions to treat the wounded -- that’s discipline.

When exhausted runners, including our troops and veterans -- who never expected to see such carnage on the streets back home -- become first responders themselves, tending to the injured -- that’s real power.

When Bostonians carry victims in their arms, deliver water and blankets, line up to give blood, open their homes to total strangers, give them rides back to reunite with their families -- that’s love.

That’s the message we send to those who carried this out and anyone who would do harm to our people. Yes, we will find you. And, yes, you will face justice. We will find you. We will hold you accountable. But more than that; our fidelity to our way of life -- to our free and open society -- will only grow stronger. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but one of power and love and self-discipline.

After the service, President and Mrs. Obama stopped by Boston's Cathedral High School to thank some of Boston's first responders and volunteers for their tireless efforts over the past few days, and then the President visited patients, their families and hospital staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, while the First Lady stopped by Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

You can watch President Obama's remarks below or on YouTube: