Lymphoma

test

Additional Cell Death Mechanism May Help Prevent Lymphoma

Cells under stress apparently possess two different safety systems that prevent them from turning into cancer cells. Apoptosis is one such system, which enables damaged cells to literally commit suicide in order to protect the organism as a whole. The second protection, senescence, stops the cell cycle, and - although the cells stay alive - they are prevented from further dividing leading to cancerous growth.

First Website Hack?

I got back from my travels to find the blog counter not working. Maybe my web provider had a lightning strike? No, more likely two files were wiped off thus blanking the counter out. I've been fortunate that the site has not been hacked over the years. I hope just saying this doesn't jinx us.

Excellent Article

There is an excellent article in today's Philadelphia Enquirer on Senator Arlen Specter. Up until now, his fight with Hodgkin's lymphoma has not been very public and my repeated e-mails asking for an interview have been turned away (too bad I don't live in PA). The article, at http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/12150243.htm, describes Specter as more outspoken & very hard working during his treatment. His advocacy towards cancer cure is now fervent.

Harry Potter Mania

Back on December 21st, I noted that the 6th Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was coming out - well the media hype is at a fever pitch with the release this Saturday. The length at which they are tying to keep things secret is amazing. Amazon.com continues to promise a Saturday delivery - we'll see if he or she can maneuver their way to our mailbox: Beware of Springers.

NCI Focus on Cancer Communication

I often post about articles in the weekly NCI Cancer Bulletin. This week's "special edition" hit home in a good way - it is about cancer communication. For all of us trying to wade through all the information on lymphoma and get the info we need, you can relate to this subject. NCI appears committed to exploring new ways of information presentation and communication (to include blogs!). If you have interest in the subject, I highly recommend you read the bulletin.

Summertime

Summer is here in the Northern Hemisphere (sorry to our Southern Hemisphere friends who are bundling up this time of year). Things slow down - stories in the press have dried up, the commute to work is easier, hurricanes & tornadoes.

If you are going out in the sun, please wear appropriate clothes and wear suncscreen. Cancer treatment often makes skin more vulnerable to sun damage. And we all do not want melanoma on top of a lymphoma experience.

A hammock with an ice cold lemonaide and a good book sounds just right :-)

Our Hearts Go Out To London

Our hopes and prayers go out to the people of London following the detonation of four bombs on public transportation during this mornings rush hour.

Happy 4th & Related Holidays

A long weekend, hot dogs, apple pie and the Beach Boys. Looking through pictures on my screen saver of friends & family from times past.

These are why we fight, why we survive our ordeal. To contuinue our lives, make new memories, do good (and better) things.

I hope you all have a good weekend. My best to Canada on Canada Day & Finland on Midsummer, & other countries having a holiday about now :-)

PS Cool find of the week: Google Earth:

New Booklets Available

The US NCI has updated two booklets in its award-winning What You Need To Know About Cancer series. Revised versions of What You Need To Know About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and What You Need To Know About Cancer were recently posted on NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/publications. Print copies can be ordered online or by calling 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-442-6237).

Sick Computer Redux

For those who read my previous post on the sick computer - the doctor thinks he has a diagnosis. I got fed up and reinstalled Windows from scratch which also means all the applications need to be reinstalled. Did the install last night and late this morning it still spontaneously rebooted when I clicked on the Start button.