UP Ibalon Bicol: malignancy

Showing posts with label malignancy. Show all posts

Actor Patrick Swayze dies of pancreatic cancer

9/15/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Barely two years after he was diagnosed to have pancreatic malignancy, Patrick Swayze, 57 died peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2009 in the presence of his immediate family. The actor known for his role as Johnny Castle in “Dirty Dancing” bravely battled the disease with grace and optimism, opting to work while being treated for a lethal form of cancer. His films include ‘The Outsiders,” “Red Dawn,”"Ghost," “Young Blood,”“Road House,”"To Wong Foo, and Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" among others.

“He had kept working despite the diagnosis, putting together a memoir with his wife and shooting "The Beast," an A&E drama series for which he had already made the pilot. It drew a respectable 1.3 million viewers when the 13 episodes ran in 2009, but A&E said it had reluctantly decided not to renew it for a second season.” --- AP (09/14/09, Lemire, Christy)

A nature lover and conservationist, Swayze who was born in Houston, Texas was survived by his wife Lisa Niemi, a fellow dancer whom he married in 1975. He used to be accompanied by Niemi during his treatments from Los Angeles, Northern California to Stanford University Medical Center. His fans were distraught when they learned of Swayze's illness in March 2008. (Photo: AP; Garth Stead) =0=

=============================================================

Labels: actor, death, malignancy, pancreatic cancer, Patrick Swayze, Totie Mesia

Lockerbie bomber goes home to Libya with a rousing welcome

8/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

“There's plenty of shame to go around. This is not justice. It's an abrogation of justice," said Stephanie Bernstein, wife of a lawyer who died on the flight blown up by terrorists.

The only person indicted and imprisoned for the 1988 dastardly bombing of the jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland was released from prison on “humanitarian’ grounds by Scottish officials. Suffering from terminal prostate cancer, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, a former Libyan operative returned home in Tripoli, Libya on Thursday, August 20, 2009 afte being allowed freedom. He served only 8 years of his lifetime jail sentence and was set free amidst cheers from about a thousand jubilant supporters who met him in the airport as a "hero."

But relatives of those innocent passengers of Pan Am Flight 103 fumed over the decision, some openly expressing their devastation, saying that there is no justice for those 259 passengers who died. Carrying mostly Americans on their way home to New York, the targeted plane was blown up by the terrorist. (Photo Credit: ctv.ca/ AP)

Although it was claimed that compassion was the reason behind giving freedom to the bomber, politics could have played in setting him free from the Scottish prison. The US government expressed its intense disappointment over the decision. The Islamic jihadists and Libyans cheered the unremorseful terrorist. =0=

=============================================================

Labels: cancer, Freedom, humanitarian, Justice, Libya, Lockerbie, malignancy, prison, prostate cancer, Scotland, terrorism, Totie Mesia, Tripoli

Prayers pour in for ailing Pres. Cory Aquino

7/24/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

From simple Filipino folks to no less that Pope Benedict XVI, many are praying for the healing and comfort of Pres. Cory Aquino who is stricken ill by terminal colonic cancer. The former President, who is a pillar of fortitude, honesty, and grace, has been diagnosed with the deadly malignant abdominal disease last year.

Apostolic Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope’s secretary of state, sent a message as follows:

“The Holy Father has asked that you be informed that he is remembering you in his prayers. At the same time, he invokes upon you the blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in pledge of healing and comfort.” ----Philstar (07/24/09, Macairan, E.)

Having refused further treatment, Aquino, the 76-year old devout Catholic who led the country during the dark days when Pres. Ferdinand Marcos was kicked out from office, is confined at the Makati Medical Center. She was reported to have lost appetite and weight.

Her daughter Kris Aquino said, she had been suffering pain as a result of the cancer. On her hospital bed at one point, she summoned her 5 children to be with her. Yellow ribbons hang outside the hospital and elsewhere in Manila to pay homage to Ninoy Aquino's widow--- reminiscent of her days when she led the country from the tyranny of Marcos rule. The ailing president was erroneously reported as dead, obviously by irresponsible person(s) not authorize to speak for the Aquino family. (Photo Credit: ManilaRyce/ Time) =0=

=============================================================

Labels: cancer, Catholic, colon, colon cancer, Cory Aquino, illness, Kris Aquino, Makati, malignancy, Pope Benedict XVI, prayers, Totie Mesia, treatment, Vatican, yellow ribbons

Cory Aquino very ill

7/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Not long after former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino refused further medical treatment for advanced colonic malignancy, she is fast deteriorating. Her daughter actress Kris Aquino announced that she would temporarily quit her job to give time to her ailing mother who is confined in Makati Medical Center.

Within a year after it was publicly disclosed that the ex-president had cancer, she went through laparoscopic colectomy and chemotherapy for stage 4 cancer which caused her to lose weight and appetite. From the medical standpoint, her prospect of recovery had been poor.

The whole country who recognizes Cory as an upright, devout, and honest woman pray for her comfort and healing. Many Filipinos are saddened that in the past few weeks, she has suffered weakness and pain related to to her illness. (Photo Credit: Joe Galvez) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Pres. Cory Aquino to undergo cancer surgery Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009; Cory Aquino returns to hospital; Cory Aquino returns to hospital Posted by mesiamd at 6/25/2009

============================================================

Labels: cancer, chemotherapy, colon, colon cancer, illness, Makati, malignancy, prayers, Pres. Corazon Aquino, Totie Mesia, treatment

Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett succumbs to cancer

6/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Popular American movie and TV star Farrah Fawcett died at the age of 62 after a lingering battle with malignancy. The long-time companion of actor Ryan O’Neal had been diagnosed and treated for anal carcinoma for about 3 years until the disease recurred and spread to multiple organs of her body.

“After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away. Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."---Ryan O’Neal. AP (06/25/09, Thomas, B.)

Prior to her demise, the famous Hollywood celebrity known for her signature fluffy blonde hair appeared in a TV documentary entitled “Farrah’s Story” which chronicled her personal brave fight against a vicious disease. She sought cures in Germany and United States until cancer advanced to overcome her frail body. The story was viewed by about 9 million fans in television.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Farrah, who was most known for her appearances in the TV hit “Charlies Angels” was a fantasy girl in Hollywood and for many people worldwide. Her marriage to Lee Majors in 1973 ended in a divorce. She was survived by 24 year-old son Redmond and long time friend, Ryan O’Neal. Farrah and Ryan to marry was overtaken by her untimely death. (Photo Credit: AP/ O' Meara, Chris) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer" Posted by mesiamd at 4/07/2009

==============================================================

Labels: actress, anal cancer, celebrity, death, entertainment, Farrah Fawcett, Hollywood, Lee Majors, malignancy, movie star, movies, Obituary, Ryan O' Neal, Totie Mesia

Cory Aquino returns to hospital

6/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, the son of former Pres. Cory Aquino said his mother was confined in the hospital because of lack of appetite. The 76 year-old widow of Ninoy Aquino had been battling colonic cancer since May last year.

Cory who subsists on fruits, crackers, soup and Ensure milk but has lately shown poor appetite which doctors hope to correct with intravenous nutrition.

The ailing former president had colonic surgery and chemotherapy since her cancer diagnosis Treated with radiation two weeks ago, her hospital stay may last for a week. (Photo Credit: Joe Galvez) =0=

===============================================================

Labels: cancer, chemotherapy, colon, Cory Aquino, Hospital, illness, malignancy, nutrition, Totie Mesia, treatment

Favoring alternative medicine, mom and child from Minnesota reject cancer treatment

5/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

To protect the best interest of a child suffering from cancer, the court in Minnesota ordered the mother to bring her son to the doctor for additional tests and treatment. But 13 year-old David Hauser is nowhere to be found after her mother Colleen told the court that she wanted alternative cancer treatment for her son instead of the state-of-the-art medical treatment offered in the hospital.

The teenager suffers from a life-threatening lymph node malignancy called Hodgkin’s lymphoma which when medically treated has a high chance of being cured. He and his family were ordered by the court to come on May 19, 2009 for a hearing to determine if its in the boy’s advantage that he goes for chemotherapy and/or radiation instead of taking the nebulous alternative treatment of herbals and vitamin supplements that the mother learned from the internet.

After having a course of chemotherapy, the boy and his mother who are believed to be hiding in California, decided against further treatment, invoking on religious beliefs as the reason for their change of heart.

“Daniel's father, Anthony Hauser, said in an interview Wednesday at the family's farm near Sleepy Eye, a town of 3,500 people about 80 miles from Minneapolis, that his wife and son left without telling him their plans, and that he hadn't heard from them... In Minnesota, district judge John Rodenberg ruled last week that the Hausers were neglecting their son, and ordered them to consult doctors. He cited a state law requiring parents to provide necessary medical care for a child." ----AP (05/20/09, Forliti, A; Condon,P, Kamowski, S)

The boy who obviously doesn’t fully understand the prognostic ramifications of his disease is in bigger danger of dying if he is not promptly treated medically. Daniel’s case brings to focus the clash between standard medical treatment and alternative medicine when patients are faced with difficult illnesses.

Because of the mother and child’s decision to dodge conventional medical remedies, the government is in an awkward position to pursue protection for the boy against the mother’s conviction of what is best for her child. The decision is probably easier if the sick person is an adult and mature enough to decide for himself. (Photo Credit: CBS) =0=

============================================================

Labels: Alternative Medicine, cancer, chemotherapy, children, David Hauser, diseases, Health, Hodgkin's Disease, illness, lymph node cancer, lymphoma, malignancy, Medicine, Pediatrics, Totie

Ryan O’ Neal speaks of Farrah Fawcett’s grim battle with cancer

5/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Movie star Ryan O’ Neal who himself suffers from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is distraught over his long-time partner actress Farrah Fawcett's medical condition.. The 68-year old actor says Farrah, 62, who is battling advanced anal cancer is resting in bed at home. With metastatic malignancy entrenched in her body, Farrah’s treatment is almost done.

“Farrah has never, ever talked about how unfair it is," concludes O'Neal. "But I've thought about it. She may have thought to herself that she had been chosen to do this, that some higher power had put her in this situation. Because then there would be something positive to come out of it. And maybe that's true. But I'm just not so sure it's something positive for Farrah."—said -Ryan O’ Neal. People (05/07/09, Clark, C)

The severely ill actress who lost the trademark hair which she was known for was visited by her son Redmond on April 25, 2009. Redmond had been serving jail sentence for violations of a drug-related offense. He was allowed a three-hour visit by prison officials to see his mom on the end stage of a horrible disease. (Photo Credit: Blezk.cz)=0=

RELATED BLOG: "Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer" Posted by mesiamd at 4/07/2009

============================================================

Labels: actress, anal cancer, celebrity, diseases, Farrah Fawcett, illness, malignancy, movie star, Ryan O' Neal, Totie Mesia

Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer

4/07/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Three years after her cancer became quiescent after treatment, Farrah Fawcett, the celebrity well-known for being one among the “Charles Angels,” is back in the hospital to address medical concerns related to her illness. The 62-year old TV star who sought experimental treatment for anal cancer in Germany is in a Los Angeles Hospital recuperating.

Having had a remission in 2007 after being managed with chemotherapy and radiation at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Farrah is said to be suffering from liver metastasis.

The popular actress who has a documentary “A Wing and a Prayer,” being readied for showing , is supported by her ex-partner Ryan O’ Neal, her father, and friends Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith of the “Charles Angels” fame. (Photo Credit: http://images.search.yahoo.com.images/)

Anal Carcinoma

Anal cancers are epithelial tumors, mostly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas which account for about 2 percent of gastrointestinal cancers reported yearly in the United States. An estimated 5,000 new cases are diagnosed in 2008 according to the American Cancer Society.

Most cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the common etiologic agent of the common wart. Aside from HPV, risk factors that may predispose to anal carcinoma include multiple partners, immunosuppression, smoking, and chronic lesions in the anal canal.

Depending on the histology and stage of the disease, the cancer is treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, or in combination. About 10% of those treated develop metastasis, the spread of the tumor to distant organs which brings a bad prognosis. =0=

========================================================

Labels: anal cancer, cancer, Charles Angels, Farrah Fawcett, malignancy, metastasis, movie star, movies, Ryan O' Neal, Totie Mesia

Patrick Swayze’s lung infection clears

1/17/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

I feel so happy for American actor Patrick Swayze who has weathered a bout of pneumonia which required him to stay in the hospital. He says he is on his way to recovery and is determined to keep his health. A victim of metastatic pancreatic cancer, the brave actor hangs in a balance as he battles the effects of disease and treatment, the subject of a prime-time incisive emotionally-charged interview with Barbara Walters.

At 56 years old, Patrick has more to accomplish in the face of his illness. As the possibility of death hovers, his will to live remains high---something all of us should admire and derive inspiration from. From all over the world, Patrick has a lot of support and outpouring of love from those who care. His prognosis for a long survival isn't good. As cancer wastes away his body, he stars in “The Beast,” an A&E television drama which starts in January 15, 2009.

Patrick's situation isn't unfamiliar. Having been treated with chemotherapy and having survived at least five (5) bouts of pneumonia, I can sympathize with what he has gone through. It is a tough position to be--- especially if the pneumonia impairs breathing or if it augurs the advance of the tumor. I'm humbled to see him frankly share his lethal illness for the world to see.

Everyday is precious. Those fighting malignancies know. Being alive on borrowed time unencumbered by lung infection and unpestered by fear is a gift beyond what words can describe. (Photo Credit: Michael Muller/ AP )=0=

UPDATE: May 8, 2009---On the eve of a book he is about to release, Patrick Swayze speaks of his regrets, as if he has a way to avoid getting pancreatic carcinoma, a rather uncommon disease that has a mortality of about 10 to 15%. Though there are identified risk factors for the malignancy, avoiding them may not necessarily prevent its occurence.

============================================================

Labels: cancer, entertainment, malignancy, Medicine illness, Parrick Swayze, pneumonia, tumor

Cancer races to be #1 disease killer in 2010

12/11/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that cancer will lord as the leading cause of death by 2010. The disclosure predicts that if trends continue, by 2030 new cancer diagnosis can reach 27 million, jacking up the number of sufferers to 75 million worldwide. A staggering 17 million of them are expected to die in that year surpassing the top killer: cardiac diseases.

It has been noted that cancer worldwide is on the rise, eclipsing the upward climb of infections and heart diseases. Countries like China, Russia, Indonesia, and India are known to have a huge smoking population. It is believed that tobacco-smoking in developing countries is the main reason for the increase in cancer cases, mostly in developing countries where at least 40% of smokers reside. Population growth and better disease recognition also add to fresh cancer diagnoses which are expected to reach 12 million this year.

PHILIPPINES IS SECOND IN THE MOST NUMBER OF SMOKERS AMONG ASEAN NATIONS
Country/%/# of Smokers in Millions
Indonesia----------46.16%-----------58.07
Philippines---------16.62%-----------20.91
Vietnam------------14.11%-----------17.75
Burma--------------8.73%------------10.98
Thailand------------7.74%-------------9.74
Malaysia------------2.90%-------- ----3.65
Cambodia----------2.07%--------------2.60
Singapore----------0.04%--------------0.05
Others-------------1.63%--------------2.05
ASEAN Countries--Total------------- 125.8
Source: Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) Philstar (09/04/07, Crisostomo, S)

"Cancer is one of the greatest untold health crises of the developing world…Few are aware that cancer already kills more people in poor countries than HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. And if current smoking trends continue, the problem will get significantly worse," said Dr. Douglas Blayney, president-elect of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

"This is going to present an amazing problem at every level in every society worldwide," added Peter Boyle, director of the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer. ---Reuters (12/10/08)

The concern for the cancer problem is real. Though it is potentially preventable and treatable among the major life-threatening chronic diseases, malignancies are blamed for 1 in 8 deaths worldwide. With the rising cost of medical services and the sharp increase of those who need care, treatment for cancer will over-burden the healthcare services.

Many countries worldwide aren’t prepared. The medical infrastructures needed to manage cancer patients are lacking or virtually non-existent. Governments are therefore urged to embark on aggressive cancer prevention programs, grassroots anti-smoking and anti-cervical cancer campaigns among others, to combat the emerging top killer. (Photo Credits: Andreia; Laura la Fataliste)=0=

RELATED BLOG: "The Death Clock and the Dangers of Smoking" Posted by mesiamd at 10/22/2008; "Cancer races to be #1 disease killer in 2010" Posted by mesiamd at 12/11/08.

=======================================================

Labels: cancer, CDC, cigarette smoking, Health, illness, malignancy, mortality, Smoking, Statistics, Totie Mesia, tumor, WHO

UP Ibalon Bicol

Actor Patrick Swayze dies of pancreatic cancer

Lockerbie bomber goes home to Libya with a rousing welcome

Prayers pour in for ailing Pres. Cory Aquino

Cory Aquino very ill

Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett succumbs to cancer

Cory Aquino returns to hospital

Favoring alternative medicine, mom and child from Minnesota reject cancer treatment

Ryan O’ Neal speaks of Farrah Fawcett’s grim battle with cancer

Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer

Patrick Swayze’s lung infection clears

Cancer races to be #1 disease killer in 2010

Blog Archive

About Me

UP Ibalon Newsmakers

Topics/Categories

Feedjit Live Blog Stats

Topics/Categories

Featured

Ateneo de Naga HS Batch 74

ABS-CBN News

Recent Posts

GMA News.tv

Philippine Commentary

Inquirer Breaking News