HER2+news, Robotic mastectomy, Vitamin D, Cannabis & Covid
4th issue
Vitamin D and mortality HER2+ news
Cannabis & Coronavirus Cancer Treatment & Obesity
Vitamin D and mortality
• Vitamin D and Risk of All-cause and Cause-specific Mortality
“Compared with participants with 25(OH)D <60 nmol/L, those with ≥60 nmol/L had a lower risk of:
- all-cause mortality;
- CardioVascularDisease mortality; and
- other mortality.
Participants with 25(OH)D ≥45 nmol/L vs those with <45 nmol/L were at a lower risk of cancer.”
My two cents: I have previously covered the role of Vitamin D in cancer, especially breast cancer, as well as emerging research in the importance of Vitamin D levels in surviving and enduring Covid-19, so the results of this study don’t surprise me. There is no downside to having normal levels of Vitamin D, so please work with your doctor to monitor them. Also, because it is possible to have levels that are too high, and there are downsides to that. But all in all, your immune, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems will thank you if you ensure your levels are in the normal range. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer (first Stage 0, then again Stage 4), my levels were very low. I supplement to keep them normal. A sun worshipper who eschews sunscreen, I apparently don’t get enough from the sun.
• Medical Societies Advise on Vitamin D in Midst of COVID-19
“Six medical societies from across the globe are emphasizing the importance of individuals obtaining the daily recommended dose of vitamin D, especially given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outdoor time.”
My two cents: Again, 15-30 minutes/day should be enough for what you need but please work with your doctor to check and monitor your levels in case you need supplementation.
HER2+ news
• FDA Approves Fixed-Dose Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab Combo in HER2+ Breast Cancer
“The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination (Phesgo) of Perjeta and Herceptin with hyaluronidase-zzxf for administration via subcutaneous injection in combination with intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, for the treatment of early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.”
My two cents: given that I am on this combo ‘for life’, I would welcome a combined subcutaneous injection but it’s not clear to me from this article if the approval extends to maintenance dosing without accompanying IV chemo (been there, done that, would rather not again). This next article addresses that…
• FDA Approves In-home Breast Cancer Treatment
“Phesgo is initially used in combination with chemotherapy at an infusion center but could continue to be administered in a patient’s home by a qualified healthcare professional once chemotherapy is complete, according to the FDA.”
My two cents: Sign me up. I currently have to drive two hours each way to my infusion center every three weeks. This would help out.
Cannabis & Coronavirus
• Cannabis May Reduce Deadly COVID-19 Lung Inflammation: Researchers Explain Why
“In addition to reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, CBD has also been shown to increase the production of interferons, a type of signaling protein that activates immune cells and prevents viruses from replicating… CBD can specifically reduce lung inflammation.”
My two cents: The wonderful healing properties of this miraculous plant strike again. Even Forbes is waking up to it. Legalize NOW so that the over 400 healing compounds in this plant can be freely and exhaustively studied.
• Hyperglycemia Predicts COVID-19 Death Even Without Diabetes
“Nearly half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients without a prior diabetes diagnosis have hyperglycemia, and the latter is an independent predictor of mortality at 28 days.”
My two cents: That damn sugar… screws everything up in excess! I eat a very clean diet, with very little added or even natural sugars but quarantine has resulted in less exercise for me and my triglyceride levels have ballooned. So I am trying to increase my exercise, while decreasing my overall caloric intake, severely restricting all except fresh vegetable carbs. The better to protect myself from severe CoVid effects too, now.
Cancer Treatment & Obesity
• Does Obesity Reduce Drug Efficacy in Breast Cancer?
“Obesity has been shown to have an impact on the risk of developing breast cancer and on prognosis. A new study suggests that it may also have an effect on treatment… Taxotere… a ‘lipophilic drug’… fat present in the body could absorb part of the drug before it can reach the tumor.”
My two cents: Obesity makes everything harder, when it comes to healing.
Robotic Mastectomy (yes, it’s a thing)
• The Emergence of Robotic-Assisted Breast Surgery: Proceed With Caution
• Consensus Statement on Robotic Breast Cancer Surgery
“>1 million robotic mastectomy procedures performed globally in 2018… The da Vinci robotic system has not been approved by the FDA to perform robotic mastectomy in the United States, although at least 2 cases have been reported to have been successfully completed by surgeons in New York and New Jersey… Robotic-assisted procedures require specialized training, add to the cost of surgery…”
My two cents: I’m not sure of the advantage here… they say to decrease fatigue and to increase optics and visualization in the surgeon for the complicated ‘nipple-sparing mastectomy’ technique for preventive mastectomies. I won’t even get lasik surgery, I can’t really imagine me being comfortable with a robot carving up the sisters. My mastectomy and DEEP flap reconstruction took place in one massive 12-hour surgery (two different human surgeons). I also am not a fan of removing breasts, vital functioning parts of our lymphatic, thus immune, and endocrine systems, willy nilly. Just thought it was interesting to report.
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