Support Programs Are Vital To Families Of Children With Brain Tumors And Brain Cancer

When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumor or brain cancer, the initial impact that news has on the family is simply overwhelming. This is a crucial time for the patient, parents and families, as well as friends. Time is often of the essence; quick decisions and fast actions are typically required, and, in a split second, lives are changed forever.

Thus begins a journey down a very long and difficult road. Where do parents go for information? Who do they turn to for support? How will they know what's best for their child? It's imperative that these families have resources available to them to assist them in making the critical decisions that they now face.

Thankfully, there are a number of exceptional family support and outreach programs sponsored by nonprofit organizations focusing on children's brain tumors and brain cancer. These programs provide valuable resources for education, assistance and support. While there are many reasons for parents of children with brain tumors to connect with a support group, three of the primary reasons are discussed below.

Education

One of the first questions asked by parents of children newly diagnosed with brain tumors and brain cancer is "What does this mean for my child?"

Family support and outreach programs can answer this and countless other questions by providing resources for general awareness of the disease, treatment options, and even facilities equipped to provide the best treatments available. Support programs can also help families stay abreast of the latest research that's being done with regard to treatments, survivorship, and long-term effects for the survivors of this deadly disease.

Assistance

Assistance for families taking this difficult journey can come in a variety of forms. It may involve locating the right doctors and facilities to care for their child, or perhaps, working through the maze of insurance forms and red tape. Researching options for financial aid, or finding local resources for supplies or services that might be needed for the child's care and recovery are also ways in which these support groups can offer help to these families.

In addition to the assistance provided to individual families, these nonprofit organizations work tirelessly on promoting and servicing the overall mission - finding better treatments for kids suffering from brain tumors and brain cancer, and improving the quality of life for survivors.

Support

Above all else, the parents and loved ones of these kids need emotional support. They need to belong to a community of people who are traveling the same, long road that they find themselves on. They need to know that they are not alone in their journey.

The emotional support that is given so freely in these family outreach programs cannot be found anywhere outside these unique groups of fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. Who can better understand the grief a mother feels when she learns that her instincts about her child's health were right? Or the sorrow that consumes a father when he finally allows himself to cry, alone in the shower? And who better to share the joy when a family transitions to survivorship?

These family support groups offer not only support for parents and extended families, but for the patients, as well. Understanding the toll that this dreadful journey takes on all, most support groups sponsor a variety of conferences, camps, and other events throughout the year as a respite to the families. These events provide opportunities to connect with others in this unique community, while also gaining insight into educational and vocational opportunities.

Being very much aware of the needs of bereaved families, and families of survivors, as well, there are also support groups that are geared specifically to their needs. Some of these groups have mentors; parents who have stood in the same shoes, who work with families in a number of ways as they move through the difficult transitions.

Education. Assistance. Support. Connecting with the right support group is essential for parents and families facing this difficult journey. Parents, you are not alone. Help is out there, waiting for your call.

This article was written by Joe Fay, Executive Director of the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit http://www.cbtf.org. Contact Joe Fay at jfay@cbtf.org or 800-228-4673. This article is free to be reprinted as long as the bio remains intact.

Strength in Numbers: The Value of Collaboration in Pediatric Brain Cancer Research

Scientific research is the key component in the battle to cure pediatric brain tumors and brain cancer. Its success points directly to the value of collaborations among researchers, medical facilities, nonprofit organizations and even private philanthropies. These groups often come together with a common purpose, and join forces to work towards a single goal - finding a cure for this terrible childhood disease.

There are many such collaborative efforts taking place in the area of pediatric brain cancer, which is considered to be the deadliest of all childhood cancers. For instance, there is the newly established, Brain Tumor Tissue Consortium, involving the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation and researchers at several leading pediatric oncology hospitals nationwide. This consortium enables researchers to obtain samples of brain tumor tissue that can be used to evaluate treatments. The results can then be documented in a database that can be shared with pediatric cancer facilities across the country.

The result of another such partnership recently came by way of a landmark study of medulloblastoma*, a type of brain tumor typically found in children. (*"The Genetic Landscape of the Childhood Cancer Medulloblastoma," Science, published online, December 16, 2010). The large, multi-center study defines the genetic landscape of this cancer, and holds intriguing clues to gene changes on signaling pathways that may become fruitful targets for future therapies. This is a very significant and hopeful finding, and one that researchers, doctors and parents alike are celebrating.

There are a number of other, ongoing research programs that also center on establishing better treatment methods, reducing the adverse side effects of these treatments, and increasing the number of survivors. While progress is being made, it continues to be challenging for a number of reasons:

• There are many different kinds of children's brain and spinal cord tumors, which has stymied research as investigators face the challenges of collecting and analyzing tissue;
• Because the disease is rare and tissue samples of tumors are small, it takes time to test and validate new treatment options; and
• Funds for research and treatment options are limited, due to the relatively low rate of incidence, compared to other childhood cancers and diseases.

While the incidence rate of pediatric brain tumors and brain cancers may be relatively low, with approximately 3,400 children diagnosed each year, nearly one in three of these children will not survive more than five years. And, those who do survive will likely suffer damaging, long-term effects from the very treatments that saved them. However, due to the dedicated research that has taken place over the last twenty years, there have been noticeable decreases in the overall cancer death rates. The research taking place today will hopefully, someday help to minimize the side effects and allow these survivors to live longer, healthier lives.

We read about breakthroughs in medical research every day, and when we do, we applaud the researchers, and rejoice for those who might benefit from the results. We celebrate the success of the research programs, as we should; but it's important to understand the efforts behind the breakthroughs. It requires unwavering dedication from the researchers, doctors and other medical professionals, tremendous commitment from the nonprofit organizations that help promote the cause, and an extraordinary sense of charity from the financial supporters. Talk about a collaborative effort! There likely would be no breakthroughs; no success stories to celebrate were it not for the alliances formed by these remarkable groups of people.

To learn more about current research efforts in the area of pediatric brain cancer, make a donation, or find out how you might become a partner in one of these collaborative programs, contact one of the many nonprofit organizations or medical research facilities focused on bringing an end to this dreadful disease. Many together can accomplish more than one, alone.

This article was written by Joe Fay, Executive Director of the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit http://www.cbtf.org. Contact Joe Fay at jfay@cbtf.org or 800-228-4673. This article is free to be reprinted as long as the bio remains intact.

Knowledge Is Power For Parents Of Children With Brain Cancer Or Spinal Cord Tumors

As parents, the ultimate dream we have for our children is that their childhoods will be happy ones, and they will grow up to lead long and healthy lives. Yet, every day, across America, there will be nine families whose dreams will be shattered when they learn that their child has a spinal cord tumor or some form of brain cancer. And, by the end of the year, over 3,000 families will have faced that same moment; when time stood still, the world blurred, and their lives changed forever.

From the moment their child is diagnosed, parents embark on a journey that will challenge every aspect of their being - from intellectual and physical, to mental, emotional and spiritual. It is essential that these parents have a strong support network, with family and friends taking on a vital role in that network. Along with that key component, parents also need a structured system that can provide resources to help them navigate the many challenges they will face, and assist them in making the best possible decisions for their child's health and well-being.

Once past the initial shock of the diagnosis, parents begin searching for answers to the flood of questions rushing through their minds. Knowledge is power, and early education about this disease can provide a lifeline in these dark waters.

There are several good sources for information on pediatric brain tumors and brain cancer, all of which can provide resources for education, assistance and support--

• Family doctors and pediatricians;
• Children's hospitals and cancer treatment facilities; and
• Nonprofit organizations focused on pediatric brain cancer.

Here are just a few examples of what a parent might find within the FAQ sections of these organizations:

Q: What are the causes of pediatric brain cancer and spinal cord tumors?
A: There are many different kinds of pediatric brain cancer, and their precise causes are still unknown, although research programs are making advancements towards understanding the causes, as well as improving treatments.

Q: What is the prognosis for most young patients with this disease?
A: Current statistics show that one in three patients will survive no more than five years. However, thanks to the progress that has been made in research over the past twenty years, there has been a significant decline in the overall cancer death rates, and it is estimated that there are 25,000 brain tumor survivors in the U.S. today.

Q: What are the treatment options for a child with a brain tumor or brain cancer?
A: Treatment of brain or spinal cord tumors includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, depending on the type, rate of growth and location of tumors. It usually begins with surgical resection to remove all or part of the tumor. Although complete removal of the tumor (gross total resection) is often the treatment of choice, partial removal of the tumor will occasionally relieve a child's symptoms.

For parents who find themselves facing this life-altering journey, help is available in many forms, and from several well-respected organizations. Whether the need involves education about this dreadful disease, finding sources for medical or financial assistance, or simply connecting with others in similar situations, the resources are available. Reaching out to one of these organizations can often make the difference in how this journey is traveled-by the parents, and by the patient.

This article was written by Joe Fay, Executive Director of the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit http://www.cbtf.org. Contact Joe Fay at jfay@cbtf.org or 800-228-4673. This article is free to be reprinted as long as the bio remains intact.

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What Are The Symptoms And Stages Of a Brain Tumor?

From the latest research in the field of medicine it is evident that there are lots of patients who are suffering from the painful condition of brain tumor. It is a disease which has taken many lives and still many are struggling hard to survive from this detrimental syndrome. For the cure, many neurologists have been successful in fighting back this disease but still there is a lot more to do to face this challenge. And for this reason, the experts from cancer treatment and radiation therapy are coming forward to participate in the fight against cancer.

Brain tumor is a very harmful and dangerous disease. It only results in the patient's death if it is not controlled in its earlier stage. By reading this article you will know more about Brain tumor, its symptoms and its treatment process. This information will be helpful if you are suffering from the same condition.

Symptoms:

There are many symptoms of brain tumor which neurologist describe. Among them, the most common symptoms are Headaches, Nausea, Hearing troubles, Sight misperception, Vision problem and sometimes problems in the behavioral functioning.

Headaches:

Regular headaches are common in a brain tumor patient. These are regular and frequent and can take place at any instant. When the headaches are in the primary stage, they are preventable, but when the disease enters a severe stage, they are unstoppable and can even take the patient's life. Well it can be and cannot be a complete sign of a brain tumor. If the patient is receiving constant headaches then it can be a sign but consulting the experienced practitioner to find out if it is really a symptom of this condition or not.

Vomiting and Nausea:

These symptoms are sometimes rare and sometimes frequent in the patient. Vomiting and nausea can be a middle stage symptom of the brain tumor, but for confirmation the patient should consult the neurologist. With the latest research, the experts have declared that there are 22 patients out of hundred who had called Nausea as brain tumor's symptom.

Loss of hearing and vision:

According to the latest report, there are 25% patients who had loss of hearing and vision. But it is also not a true symptom for brain tumor. Sometimes, it depends upon the tendency of the patient as to what sort of symptoms he or she is carrying with the disease.

Stages:

Stage 1:

This is a very primary stage of brain tumor in which the cells are not fully shaped and they do not even start to multiply. The cure is easy in this stage as the cells can easily be separated from the brain through a surgery.

Stage 2:

This is a stage where the cell activates in a slow growth form. This stage requires instant surgery; otherwise there is chance for the disease to go into its third stage which is more dangerous and risky,

Stage 3:

This stage is proficient for the cells to split up. They starts growing more rapidly and it requires a serious attention if the patient is to be recovered.

Stage 4:

This stage is the extreme of all stages where the cure becomes very difficult because the tumor cells have populated the entire brain section. This stage is very difficult to cure but can be cured if an urgent surgery is carried out. Most of the brain tumor's patient die in this last stage as many times the surgery does not remove the disease. That is why many neurologists advice the patients to treat it the very first stage so that the disease stops spreading.

Stewart Wrighter has been searching the term cancer treatment New York in order to find the latest options because he is authoring an article on the subject for a major news magazine. He searched the term radiation therapy New York in order to find a treatment center.

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Lymphoma Cancer Survival Rate - Is There a New Cure?

The lymphoma cancer survival rate depends greatly on many factors. Typically, the survival rate is given in percentages during time frames. That is not an accurate prognosis, and you shouldn't be looking at it. Research is constantly conducted in the field of lymphoma and currently there is a very effective new way to put the cancer in remission.

The survival rate depends on the type of lymphoma. On average, 50% of lymphoma patients get cure, either by chemotherapy, or by spontaneous remission. Since now we have the new natural treatment option, the future survival rate of lymphoma patients will depend largely on how many people learn about the new treatment option. Chemotherapy has many side effects, and is generally speaking ineffective for treating lymphoma cancer. The lymphoma is one of the slowest spreading cancers, but it is also the one with the most profound symptoms, which makes it extremely difficult to live with.

Statistics show that most patients get cured of lymphoma cancer during their 4th-7th year of being sick. Now we know that the reason for that is spontaneous remission. We also know that 'spontaneous' is synonymic for 'idiopathic'. That means that the person usually did something very specific to rid themselves of the cancer, they are just not aware of it. Lymphoma gets cured by the body, and it is the only mechanism in existence, that can cure cancer. External intrusive procedures do not work. In rare cases, surgery can be done to remove cancerous tumors, but that is not effective when it comes to lymphoma. Generally speaking, the information on cancer is very controversial, because medical companies are trying to promote their products, which rarely work and often require daily administration. That is an effective business model, but the end result is nonexistent and people keep living with the cancer.

One of the most useful things is looking at stories of people who suffered from lymphoma, but got cured without apparent reason. When you look at countless such cases, certain patterns emerge and that can be used as the base of a new cure. That is exactly what researchers recently did, and its the reason why the melanoma cancer survival rate depends mostly on how informed people are of the new cures that can be used.

The Power of Red Reishi and Cancer

Get to Know the Immortality Herb

The red reishi mushroom botanical herb is a trustworthy herbal tonic. This mushroom has history that can be traced back to 2000 years ago. Chinese physicians have used this red reishi mushroom botanical herb to condition a person's health. According to the history of the early Chinese dynasties, this mushroom can be found at the Mount Penglai. This mushroom has been a symbol of peace and prosperity in the nation. It is also attributed for the longevity of emperor. Ancient Chinese people consider it a source of immortality. But the herb is difficult to find and acquire.

Reishi is a Japanese term that aptly means immortality plant. In China it has been known as Lingzhi. Ling is Chinese word for spirit or effective and zhi refers to plant that has source of strength. When put together, the red reishi mushroom botanical herb is considered a source of spiritual potency and strength. This mushroom has been given the botanical name, Ganoderma Lucidum. It generally tastes bitter and is red in color.

But there are other types of reishi mushrooms that have their own benefits:

• Blue reishi, which is known to improve eyesight and liver performance
• Yellow reishi for curing spleen problems
• White reishi for protecting the kidney from any irregularities
• Black reishi, which gets rid of lung disorders
• Purple reishi mushroom to boost eyesight, refine complexion, and release the tension in the joints

The red reishi mushroom botanical herb is the most recognizable and most widely used. This herb has been known to aid and protect the internal organs and also improve one's memory. This red reishi mushroom has been tapped to cure cancer and AIDS. Studies show that the mushroom is composed of substances that could make it the ultimate solution to modern health problems that have caused the death of many. Soon, there could be a cure to these deadly diseases and there is new hope for longer, more fulfilling life. This fungus is toxic-free and has no side effects. It should be safe to use, but that does not mean that you should not regulate your intakes. The ancient Chinese people may have placed their faith on the mushroom, but modern medicine is still yet to give the green signal on its effects.

So, how much red reishi mushroom botanical herbs do you need? Experts would prescribe a hundred milligrams to eliminate infection, increase your resistance, and relieve your joint pains. Others may suggest a thousand milligrams or the equivalent of three capsules a day. This is actually not wrong but bear in mind that it still depends on someone's body system. It will be best to consult with your doctor if you are planning on taking it as your supplement. Do not self-medicate if you do not want to gamble your health away. The reishi could be the hidden elixir of life, but the only way to keep you healthy is to be careful about what you take in to address your health problems.

Hotchkins Lymphoma - Is There Hope? Yes!

The hotchkins lymphoma disease is a dangerous type of cancer, which spreads very slowly. The symptoms of the hotchkins lymphoma are very uncomfortable and make it very difficult to live with this type of cancer. Fortunately, this type of lymphoma can be reversed with a very high success rate, provided that you follow the right principles and educate yourself.

When it comes to this type of cancer, doctors often follow routine protocol and make more harm than good to patients. There is a lot of new research in this field, which makes it easier and easier to cure the cancer. As we all know, there is currently no 'official' cure for cancer. That means that there is no 'magic pill', which works every time, not that cancer can't be cured. That may sound controversial, and it is. By far, the most effective way to deal with hotchkins lymphoma is to enable your own body to get rid of the disease on its own. That is accomplished by supplying it with the proper tools for the job, so that your body can identify which cells are cancerous and which are not.

Cancer cells are constantly produced in the body, and it has no problem dealing with them. In a certain percentage of people, however, the cancer cells become 'different', and the body can no longer identify them as harmful. That process can be reversed, and that's the most promising new cure for cancer. If you have lymphoma you probably know that you have a long time left. That does a lot of harm to many people, because as a result they just become comfortable and keep waiting for a 'magic pill' to be developed. That is not going to happen, and there are many effective cancer cures already. It is very important that hotchkins lymphoma patients educate themselves when it comes to the disease. There are many people who claim to have found a cure, but they have actually accomplished nothing. But there are also effective ways to enable your body to fight the cancer, and you should be focusing on them.