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When my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, we were shocked, never even having suspected this illness. He had always been relatively healthy, and then one day he couldn’t eat anymore.

It all began a few months before the diagnosis. He felt an uneasy heaviness in his chest, but he couldn’t quite explain what it was to the doctor. Since my husband was in his late fifties, the doctor sent him for a stress test to check his heart. The tests came back well within the normal range, so the doctor wasn’t concerned.

Fast forward three months later, my husband vomited a few times in a week and he lost some weight. Then, suddenly, he couldn’t keep food or liquid down. From the first time he vomited until we had our doctor appointment, ten days passed and he lost twelve pounds.

We discovered with esophagus cancer there can be few or hardly any symptoms, and the ones that show up, typically heartburn, are sometimes ignored. He had had some incidences of heartburn throughout the years, but nothing that seemed significant enough to go see a doctor about.

By the time the symptoms created the weight loss, the doctor immediately ordered tests and we found out within two days there was a good possibility it may be cancer. This diagnosis was confirmed upon further testing and we were told they suspected the cancer had spread to the lymph system. There were two tumors on his esophagus and a larger tumor at the junction of the stomach and esophagus.

We were both incredibly shocked and stressed by the diagnosis, especially in lieu of the fact that we had three children, the youngest being eleven. We carefully weighed the options the doctors presented, and there were not many. There were traditional treatments, which both doctors recommended, and then there were alternative modalities which a friend of ours suggested. After meeting with the traditional doctors, we then met with a holistic doctor who outlined non-invasive treatments. My husband felt alternative medicine gave him a chance of having a better quality of life as opposed to doing the chemo and radiation treatments.

When friends and acquaintances found out we were not following the traditional medical route, some of their reactions took me by surprise. Even though medical treatment of any kind is a personal issue, we were openly questioned about our decision to pursue holistic methods. After being repeatedly questioned, I began to get defensive about my husband’s treatment any time it was brought up. We had decided what was best for him and I supported his choice 100 percent.

When people voiced their concern over our decision, I felt as if they were saying how dare we not do the best we could for him. I know in hindsight I was being overly sensitive, but I got into a few arguments—feeling as if I had to be on the defense. Due to my high stress level with the illness and being a full time caretaker, I was running on adrenalin all the time.

On one occasion, I even got in a yelling match with a friend of my husband’s in our house. The man had had too much to drink and questioned why we had decided not to do the chemo. He tried to convince us to reconsider. I told him it was our choice and we felt we were doing the best we would, but he would not drop the conversation. I told him that it wasn’t his business, and then he broke down and began to cry.

Sensing his real concern, all the fight left me as I put my arm around him while he cried. I had not wanted to fight with anyone, my whole concern was for my husband, but then I realized there were others who cared about us also, and who only wanted the best for him. They cared, but it didn’t make it any easier dealing with emotions pushed to the limits.

Perhaps it may have been better to simply tell people we were doing the best we could, using traditional and holistic means. Sometimes people just don’t understand the strain a family is placed under, while in the throes of a terminal illness.

About the author: Elaine is a writer across various genres, published in women’s fiction, but also enjoys writing children’s books, self-help and screenplays. She is a mother of three boys and when life saw her a widow at 47, she eventually picked herself up and wrote about her experience. The resulting book, A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss will be available June 2008, http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Lentigenes also known as sun spots, liver spots. Lentigo (plural lentigines) is a small, pigmented flat or slightly raised spot. These lesions are flat, tan, brown, or dark brown spots on sun-exposed skin. These spots more than anything else, give away a person’s age. Lentigenes are associated with cumulative sun exposure. The pigment producing cells in the skin (called melanocytes) are activated to produce more pigment (melanin) by ultraviolet rays. While these spots are not themselves cancerous, you may be at risk for skin cancer if you have them. Lentigines may evolve slowly over years. They may occur anywhere on the body and vary in colour from tan-brown to black. Melanocytes appear to replace keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Lentigenes are extremely common after the age of 40. They occur most often on the backs of the hands, on the forearms, shoulder, face, and forehead, areas of highest sun exposure. A biopsy should be considered if a lesion develops a highly irregular border, changes in pigmentation, or changes in the thickness to rule out cancer. The main symptom is a skin lesion that is a painless, flat patch or macule (area of skin color change). Lentigenes typically take years to form, though they have been found in young children, and eliminating the spots will also take time. Lentigines are usually benign therefore treatment is not necessary. For cosmetic purposes, some successful treatments include: cryotherapy, hydroquinone preparations (bleaching preparations), retinoids, chemical peels or lasers.

Laser therapy destroys the extra melanocytes that create the dark pigment without damaging the skin’s surface. A broad-spectrum sunscreen may help to prevent further appearance and darkening of solar lentigines. Several creams may lighten lentigines if applied for a number of months. Always wear good large hats, long sleeved shirts, long skirts or pants, umbrellas, gloves, and any sort of clothing that will help protect your skin. Use high quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before exposure, and reapply frequently. Sunscreen should be applied at least one-half hour before sun exposure and it should be reapplied frequently. Sun protection is strongly advised lentigenes treatment.

Lentigenes Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Use liberal amounts of sunscreen before the age of forty.

2. Avoid the sun, and wear protective clothing.

3. Use sunglasses to protect the eyes.

4. Topical vitamin C treatment is effective for treating sun spots.

5. Retin-A cream is applied to the spots once a day for six months.

6. Liquid nitrogen therapy is the quickest way to get rid of lentigines.

7. Lentigines can also be treated with an alpha hydroxyacid peel.

8. Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.

About the author: Juliet Cohen writes articles for skin care and hair care. She also writes articles for celebrities hairstyles.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

When it comes to getting treatment for an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia there are many different options available. The type and intensity of treatment that is necessary varies for each individual. The most important aspect of treatment is a person’s desire to recover- physical health can be forced, more or less, but mental and emotional healing require a certain amount of openness to that experience. Initial treatment depends on the level of physical care that a person needs. The damage done to the body can be extreme, even life-threatening. In some cases, medical stabilization is required before any other kind of treatment can begin. Other times, a person’s physical and psychiatric care can co-exist from the very beginning of treatment.

There are different levels of care, starting with inpatient. This environment provides the patient with 24/7 structure and access to medical and psychiatric/psychological care. Whether in a hospital or a private care facility, inpatient programs are often connected to outpatient programs, enabling the patient to gradually step down the level of care as their health improves. Partial hospital programs or intensive outpatient programs along with day hospital care provide daily structure and care for ED patients who are living at home. Long term care facilities, known as residential care, provide a place to live for eating disorder patients. For some, nutritional counseling alongside therapy with a mental health care professional who the patient trusts can be the winning combination. Other people have success with medication as prescribed and supervised by a psychiatrist.

No matter where care is received, it’s important that it addresses all aspects of the eating disorder. Medical care is important to address the damage done by the eating disorder and to make sure that weight is gained or lost in a healthy manner. Psychotherapy is absolutely necessary, serving to uncover the root issues of the eating disorder and address them so that the person can create a healthier balance in their life. Other issues, such as drug use, may also require counseling as well. The journey to health is long and takes a lot of work. For some, there may be lingering health issues. Others may continue to struggle from time to time with old unhealthy habits such as binge eating or unhealthy or irrational thought patterns regarding eating and food. No matter what, it is always worthwhile to devote one’s life to healthier and happier agendas.

About the author: Written by Melissa Bryson. Since 1999, edreferral.com has been the most comprehensive source for information on eating disorders. Search their database for treatment professionals specializing in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com