Insurance, MBC webinar, Dental Health, HER2+, Cannabis & Covid, Western medicine
6th issue
Western Medicine Health Insurance
HER2+ Breast Cancer
• FDA Clears Investigational NDA for BPX-603 (CAR-T therapy targeting Her2+ solid tumors)
“The FDA has cleared an investigational new drug application for BPX-603, a GoCAR-T product candidate targeting solid tumors that express human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.”
My two cents: Immunotherapy consists, basically, of drugs that help the immune system to fight cancer. Our immune system relies on T-cells to search and destroy whatever causes illness or infection. Cancer can thwart those defenses. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) are T cells that have been genetically engineered to produce an artificial T-cell receptor. Those receptors are receptor proteins that have been engineered to give T cells the new ability to target a specific protein. Those are usually identified by genetic examination of an individual’s cancer. This is an exciting area of research and holds a lot of promise.
Cannabis and Coronovirus
• Researchers See Promising Results Using Cannabis Terpenes To Treat COVID-19
“A recent study examining the use of cannabis terpene formulation on inflammatory conditions has had some promising results in treating cytokine storm syndrome caused by COVID-19.”
My two cents: As I covered in Coronavirus: What I’m doing to protect myself , cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory and suppress cytokines. And terpenes can modulate cytokine storms.
Western medicine
“DBT reduces false-positive exams while achieving similar or slightly improved health benefits.”
My two cents: Sometimes referred to as 3-D mammography, DBT is actually more expensive and subjects one to more radiation than regular mammography. I’m not sure the slight increase in effectiveness is worth the trade-off.
• Mammography Starting at 40 Cuts Risk of Breast Cancer Death
“yearly mammography between the ages of 40 and 49 years was associated with a “substantial and significant” 25% reduction in breast cancer mortality during the first 10 years of follow-up”
My two cents: I’m not a fan but 25% reduction is significant. Don’t be surprised if the recommended age to start is lowered to 40.
• Zantac’s Active Ingredient is Found to Increase the Risk of Cancer
“The FDA recently announced that it is investigating Zantac cancer risks after testing of Zantac revealed that the frequently used heartburn medication contained a carcinogenic chemical of 3,000 times greater than the FDA’s recommended daily intake limit.”
My two cents: If it’s not one thing, it’s another. I take as few drugs as I can because man-made chemicals are bound to disrupt our physiological systems that have evolved over millennia without them.
• Underlying Breast Cancer Risk and Menopausal Hormone Therapy
“In women taking estrogen plus a synthetic progestogen for 5 to 9 years, the attributable risks increased from 12, to 42, to 85 additional women per 1000 in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively.”
My two cents: This study concludes that breast cancer risk of Menopausal Hormone Therapy should be factord in when prescribing. Me? I don’t like mess with Mother Nature when I don’t have to and have never done MHT. I worry about my friends and family who do.
• Prevalence, Incidence and Risk Factors of Tamoxifen-related Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
“The use of tamoxifen was associated with increased risks in the incidence and prevalence of fatty liver, especially in patients with high BMI and hypercholesterolaemia.”
My two cents: If you are taking Tamoxifen, I suggest you follow an anti- fatty liver diet and lifestyle… eat lots of garlic, broccoli, Omega 3 fatty acids, walnuts and avoid alcohol, saturated fats and sugar. In other words, follow my protocol. Even if you aren’t taking Tamoxifen, you would be served well by these suggestions.
• Study Finds Impact of Surgical Delay on Women with Breast Cancer Due to COVID-19
“These study results suggested that a longer time to surgery does not lower overall survival for women with early-stage breast cancer who had to delay operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
My two cents: Its good news the pandemic isn’t increasing risk but we may actually learn something from this for even after the pandemic is gone… not rushing to remove small tumors through surgery might be a good thing. Although surgery is many times the way cancer is typed through pathology. You don’t h=want to treat the cancer until you know what it is.
• Operative Delays Do Not Worsen Survival in Early Breast Cancer
same study, different article
Health insurance
• Election 2020: What Exactly Is Joe Biden’s Healthcare Plan?
“we take a look at Biden’s proposals for changing the US healthcare system. Then, we include comments and analysis from physicians on both sides of the fence regarding the pros and cons of these proposed healthcare measures.” Health insurance
My two cents: Biden says, regarding health insurance: Restore the ACA, increase subsidies to make it more affordable and accessible, add a public option, lower the medicare age, provide relief during Co-vid, prescription drug reform, stop surprise billing, regulate health care mergers, overhaul long term care, restore planned parenthood funding, boost community health centers, and support mental health parity. Hey, it’s a plan, with some thought in it, to fix things that are broken. I’m not opposed to any of these fixes. They could go a long way to improving health care in this country. And the alternative is that the Republican Party platform wants to dismantle the ACA, an their plan for preexisting conditions coverage means we can get health insurance, but at a huge price, because insurers will be able to charge what they want to cover them.
Educating Yourself
• Free Patient Webinar: Metastatic Breast Cancer: Know What Your Doctors Know
“This webinar is designed to help participants understand metastatic breast cancer and compare, discuss, and select treatment options with their doctor.”
My two cents: Hey knowledge is power, baby.
Dental Health
• Association Between Periodontitis and All-cause and Cancer Mortality
“periodontal disease is associated with all-cause, all-cancer and specific-cancer mortality including lung and prostate cancer.”
My two cents: The health of teeth and gums is intertwined with overall health. My largest brain tumor disappeared without a trace within 3 weeks of removing a root canal tooth that was nearby. A chronic infection with no symptoms was revealed. Chronic infections suppress local immunity, allowing cancer to thrive. Our teeth and gums and, especially root canals, can harbor chronic infections.
Cancer in the News has a posting frequency of once every two weeks, usually on Wednesday.
I have three books that you may be interested in. Part of my Thrive Tribe Series, Book 1, Whatever Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Strong, a memoir on surviving life and denying death, is available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. Book 2, What I Did and Do and Why, a naturopathic protocol that helps me to survive and thrive, is available in print and ebook formats. Book 3, My Path as a Graceful Warrior, is a prompted journal for people going through heavy stuff (print only). Books start at $7 for you, my Thrive Tribe, at the bookstore on my website. Subscriptions are free.
Nothing contained on this website nor in my blogs or books should be construed as medical advice. I am not a doctor. I am a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver who is currently NEAD. I’m simply sharing my journey in the hopes it helps you to find your power and path. Please research anything I share to determine if it is a good choice for you. I believe in you! Bless you all on the path you choose.