Monthly Archives: March 2015

6 ways to avoid nausea during cancer treatment

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Amber Smith

Good nutrition is an important component of cancer care, helping patients maintain strength and weight so they can better handle their treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause unpleasant side effects for some patients. Maria Erdman, a registered dietitian nutritionist … Continue reading →

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Cancer as a child means she keeps vigilant watch as an adult

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Amber Smith

She worries about freckles. She gets concerned if her sleep habits are off. When she felt a lump in her breast, it ruined her weekend. As a pediatric cancer survivor who is now 32, Heather Gangemi is on high alert. … Continue reading →

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Volunteers dispense comfort in cancer center

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Amber Smith

The gesture may seem small, but for the cancer patient who feels chilly during infusion, the offer of a warm blanket provides much more than creature comfort. “I do the simplest of things, but people are so appreciative,” says Linda … Continue reading →

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Cancer documentary to preview at Upstate

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Amber Smith

Get an early look at clips from the upcoming television event, “The Story of Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies” from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. The Upstate Cancer Center, in partnership with WCNY Public Media, presents the … Continue reading →

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How to get your mind off a cancer diagnosis long enough to get a good night’s sleep

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Amber Smith

Q & A with Kaushal Nanavati, MD “Most people who are depressed or anxious are troubled about a past that we cannot go back to change or a future that may not even come to fruition. In that process, we … Continue reading →

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Chemotherapy — or not? For older patients with advanced lung cancer, the answer is not simple

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Amber Smith

Treatment for lung cancer can include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy, and what works for one patient may not be so successful in another. That’s particularly true among older patients. “Care for older patients is much more complex,” says Ajeet Gajra, … Continue reading →

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14 questions to ask about clinical trials

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Amber Smith

The National Cancer Institute says the answers to these questions can help you decide whether to participate in a clinical trial. Ask your health care provider: Why is this trial being done? Why do the doctors who designed the trial … Continue reading →

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Two patients wrote books about their cancer experiences

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Amber Smith

Professor sought to be boring Publishing a book called “The Boring Patient” was Syracuse University professor R. David Lankes’ way of summing up his experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that starts in the white blood cells. He was diagnosed … Continue reading →

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Facts about four gynecologic cancers

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Amber Smith

Although all involve organs of the female genital tract, each of these four gynecologic cancers have unique symptoms and treatments, says Rinki Agarwal, MD, an Upstate gynecologic oncologist. An early assessment by a Gynecologic Oncologist is likely to improve outcomes. … Continue reading →

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Music adds to the healing environment

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Amber Smith

Daylight and sunshine pour into the Upstate Cancer Center lobby through walls made of windows. For musicians who perform there, “it’s definitely inspiring,” says music program coordinator, Victoria Krukowski. Visit the center weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — … Continue reading →

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