All posts by Chris

Cancer Caregivers

Help Survivors and Patients by Giving the Gift of Your Time – Ways to Volunteer Locally

Enrich Your Life By Helping Others.
Enrich Your Life By Helping Others.

If you’re like most people, cancer is a cause that’s near and dear to your heart. Almost everyone knows someone who has battled this dreadful disease, or is currently receiving cancer treatment. Maybe in your life, that someone is yourself.

Here at Issels®, we know the importance of volunteers in this field. This is why we want to offer you some incredible volunteer opportunities as a way to give back.

Volunteer Your Time for a Great Cause

There are many ways you can give your time to support cancer research and improved cancer treatments. Some of these include:

  • Road to Recovery – There is always a need for people to drive patients to and from their cancer treatments.
  • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – This is a community event that raises money for breast cancer research.
  • The Relay for Life – This is another community event that you can participate in to raise funds for cancer research.
  • Look Good, Feel Better – This is a wonderful opportunity that allows you to personally touch the lives of cancer patients. You’ll help them learn various beauty tricks and improve the way they feel.

Ways You Can Make a Difference for Those Receiving Cancer Treatment

Maybe you’re not quite sure where you fit in. There is a need for all kinds of help. What are your strengths? Maybe you enjoy:

  • Administrative or clerical work
  • Promoting events online or through social media
  • Organizing recreational activities
  • Helping to raise money

Whatever you enjoy, there is a place for you.

If you would like to learn more about immunotherapy and its place in cancer treatment, please contact us.

Cancer Care Tips, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Nutrition – What You Need to Know When You Have Cancer

Close up classic seafood paella with mussels, shrimps and vegeta
The Connection to Nutrition

Getting the right vitamins and minerals from the food you eat is so important as a cancer patient. However, many people don’t realize that nutrition is seriously affected by both cancer and the treatments used for it. Here at Issels®, we care about more than just treating cancer. Our focus is on improving your quality of life during your treatments. It is our hope that these nutrition tips for cancer patients will be helpful for you.

Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients

Prior to cancer, you may have been fairly healthy. Most people are familiar with what they need to do to eat a healthy diet. You probably focused on eating:

  • Plenty of whole grain foods
  • Less red meat
  • Lots of vegetables
  • Lots of fruits

As you know, when you have cancer your desire for food changes. You may need to make some changes in your diet too. Don’t be afraid to:

  • Eat foods that are higher in fat to keep your weight up
  • Eat high calorie foods
  • Drink plenty of milk if it tastes good to you
  • Eat ice cream because it may be soothing to a dry or sore throat

Why is Getting Adequate Nutrition So Hard for Cancer Patients?

If you have cancer, your body is going through a lot of changes internally. You have probably noticed that your throat is often dry. You may not have much of an appetite, or you could have sore teeth or gums. A number of problems can affect your appetite.

At Issels®, we can help you cope with these and other issues you may be facing. Contact us to learn more.

After Cancer, Cancer Care Tips, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Your Appearance is More than “Looking Good”

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Look Good, Feel Good
Look Good, Feel Good

Do you think that maintaining good grooming while you’re going through cancer treatment is a luxury? Caring for your appearance is a great way to lift your spirits from the outside in.

Personal Care Tips for Cancer Patients

  • Are you too tired or weak to get out of bed? Keep a portable mirror and grooming supplies in your nightstand.
  • Shave with an electric razor to avoid nicks and cuts that may become infected.
  • Brush your teeth and floss as usual, but consult your healthcare team before scheduling cleanings or other dental procedures.
  • Hair loss is a frequent side effect of cancer treatment. Opt for whatever solution makes you feel best, whether it’s wearing wigs and scarves or shaving your head.
  • Wear rubber or latex gloves during household chores to prevent contact with harsh soaps and chemical cleaning products.
  • Make sure manicuring tools are clean before using. Instead of cutting cuticles, simply push them back gently. Keep nails short to prevent them from catching on things.
  • Treat yourself to a relaxing spa session. Talk to your doctor beforehand if you’re planning a manicure, pedicure or waxing. Artificial or glue-on nails are usually restricted during cancer treatment.
  • Exercise daily at whatever level feels comfortable. Not only does exercise benefit you physically, it relieves depression and anxiety. Yoga is a good choice that promotes harmony between mind and body.

Personalized Immunotherapy Treatment at Issels®

No matter what form of cancer you have, your case is unique. Contact us to learn how we tailor your specific treatment program to address your individual needs.

 

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Stress-Reduction Techniques Help with Cancer Pain Management

Reduce Stress

Patients undergoing cancer treatment come to understand the close connection between their mental and physical well-being. Some people are turning to a 95-year-old Japanese stress-reduction technique to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

An Old Answer to a Current Problem

Reiki is a relaxation method that has been compared to “acupuncture without the needles.” While the patient lies flat, a Reiki practitioner places her hands on crucial areas of the body to improve the flow of energy and promote healing.

Many cancer patients who have undergone Reiki find that it helps them cope with anxiety, nausea and other common side effects of treatment. Some have talked about experiencing an overall feeling of calmness.

A Cancer Patient Speaks About Her Experience with Reiki

When Lewisburg, PA resident Erin Yust Brown was diagnosed with breast cancer, she recalled the comments of fellow yoga students regarding the benefits of Reiki. As Brown explains, the process treats the whole body as one, as opposed to the more limited approach of cancer treatment.

Brown’s practitioner, Nancy Giutini, refers to Reiki as “energy medicine” and uses the same methods that date back to its origin. Giutini emphasizes that Reiki is not a cure, but it’s been found to help patients by providing pain management and stress relief.

Personalized and Integrative Cancer Treatment at Issels®

Just as Reiki addresses the needs of the body as a whole, our immunotherapy cancer treatments focus on enhancing the body’s natural defenses. Contact us today to learn more about how we have helped a remarkable number of cancer patients achieve long-term remission.

 

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research, Cancer Survivors, Cancer Treatment, Immunotherapy for Cancer, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Important Safety Reminders About Your Cancer-Compromised Immune System

Keep in Mind Your Immune System

When you’re undergoing cancer treatment, it demands the full attention of your immune system, leaving the door open for bacteria and other germs to sneak in. Use these food-handling tips to reduce the risk of disease and infection.

Food Preparation

  • Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after food prep and before eating.
  • Keep foods at the proper temperature. Hot foods should be above 140° F, while cold foods should be below 40° F.
  • Don’t thaw proteins at room temperature. Use a microwave or place them in the refrigerator with a pan to catch drips.
  • Defrosted foods should be used right away and never refrozen.
  • Don’t take chances. If any foods look, feel or smell strange, dispose of them immediately.
  • Wash produce under running water using a vegetable scrubber. Don’t use soaps, bleaches or other chemical cleaning products.

Cooking

  • Always use a clean spoon when tasting foods while cooking.
  • Don’t guess when cooking meat. Use a food thermometer for accuracy. Beef should be cooked to 160° F while poultry should be cooked to 180° F.
  • If your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, rotate the dish a quarter-turn a couple of times during cooking to ensure that food is evenly heated.
  • When reheating leftovers, cover food with a lid or plastic wrap and stir frequently.

Immunotherapy at Issels®: Personalized Non-Toxic Cancer Treatment

Our immunotherapy treatment programs are designed to boost your immune system, allowing it to fight cancer naturally. Visit our website to learn more about how our state-of-the-art cancer treatment has helped many patients achieve long-term remission.

Cancer Research

Be in the Know: American Cancer Society’s Cancer Screening Guidelines

Specialized Cancer Screenings to Help Improve Catching Cancer Earlier
Specialized Cancer Screenings to Help Improve Catching Cancer Earlier

Everyone should know some basic facts when it comes to cancer screening. No matter your age or whether you display zero symptoms of illness, you may be in need of a screening test. If you are wondering whether you should get tested or curious about whether your loved ones need to go in for screening soon, it’s always a good time to review the cancer screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society.

The ACS provides a variety of info about cancer screenings:

• Suggested cancer tests by age group and sex.

• Information about early detection for certain kinds of cancer.

• Cancer screenings funded by Medicare and Medicaid.

• Tips for reducing cancer risks.

• Cancer treatment and support resources.

What Cancer Screenings Should Younger People Get?

According to the American Cancer Society, men and women aged 20 to 39 should seek a colon cancer test if they have any genetic, family, or diet-related risk factors.

Women in their twenties should be cautious about breast cancer and talk to their health providers about possible testing. Younger women should also get a Pap exam every three years to screen for cervical cancer.

Increase Cancer Testing After 40

As we age, our risk for most forms of cancer increases steadily. While frequent testing can lead to false positives and scary moments, it’s definitely best to be informed about cancer testing recommendations. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the more likely that cancer treatment will be effective.

At Issels® Immuno-Oncology, we help our patients with personalized cancer treatment and support. Contact us if you would like more information about our non-toxic immunotherapy cancer treatment.