Tag Archives: noreen-fraser

A simple test for a significant health issue

I just read the most amazing article about detecting cervical cancer. Pap smears have significantly lowered the number of deaths in the United States. But what about the third world countries where women can't afford this test, let alone get the test to the poor living in slums or far-reaching small towns?  A simple vinegar test, which can be taught to one or two women in the villages, has shown to save 150,000 lives in India.  Cervical cancer is the leading women's cancer in India. This is how the test works: The cervix is swabbed with diluted vinegar solution, which makes abnormal cells briefly change color. It's remarkable. So many women in rural areas who never seek medical care can be saved. I will have my third CT scan for the phase one study this week.  The last two showed that my liver metastases had not grown, which is a win. I am hoping that this CT scan will show signs of the tumors getting smaller. That would be so great, and it will give me more resolve to accept these horrible side effects. I will be 60 in December and my life-long dream has been to go on a safari.  I was so scared to ask my oncologist if he saw a problem with this. He gave me the thumbs up and said that this trip would be great for me. I am in the planning stages now. I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!Noreen Fraser is living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She is the Founder and CEO of the Noreen Fraser Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding groundbreaking women's cancer research.& To stay in touch with Noreen, please 'LIKE' The Noreen Fraser Foundation on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. & Noreen can be contacted via email at noreen@noreenfraserfoundation.org.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/13/simple-test-for-immense-health-issue/

Dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment

Are the side effects of cancer treatment worse than the cancer itself? My immediate response to that question is ‘Yes.’  But for me, the reality is that I have stage 4 cancer, so I have no choice but to suck it up.  As awful as this chemo is, I have to try, try, try to focus on the fact that it is working.  I just hate the way it makes me feel. When I was admitted into this phase one clinical trial , I was elated – even more so when I was told this drug had no side effects. “This is fantastic!” I thought.  It seemed almost too good to be true.  And of course, it was. I am exhausted.  My white count, red count and platelet levels are dangerously low.  The neuropathy in my feet is getting worse, and I now have jaw necrosis – which basically involves having your gums disappear, leaving jaw bone exposed. Talk about pain! Alright, enough complaining. No one wants to read bad news, so I apologize. I am just so tired of all of it.  But, I need to focus on the fact that this drug seems to be working, and the cancer in my liver has decreased a smidgeon, which is positively awesome. I want to share with you an example of how one small group of students put thought and effort in motion to make a difference.  I received a letter this week from the principal of St. Simon the Apostle School in Indianapolis, with a check enclosed for $1,177.  Last October, the students added pink accessories – pink socks, pink nail polish, etc. – to their uniforms in an effort to raise money for breast cancer awareness and to honor relatives who have fought this disease.  They made this donation to my foundation in honor of their math teacher who is retiring after 17 years.  Wow!  I am so honored that they would think of The Noreen Fraser Foundation and trust us to spend their money wisely.  And we will! Thank you to all the young kids and teenagers who move beyond self-indulgence to think of others and show compassion to those who are struggling.Noreen Fraser is living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She is the Founder and CEO of the Noreen Fraser Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding groundbreaking women's cancer research.& To stay in touch with Noreen, please 'LIKE' The Noreen Fraser Foundation on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. & Noreen can be contacted via email at noreen@noreenfraserfoundation.org.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/30/dealing-with-side-effects-cancer-treatment/