Finding love after cancer

Dating and intimacy are not always easy.  It involves our self-esteem, body image, confidence levels, 
social interaction skills, and communication. Add in a cancer diagnosis, hair loss, mastectomy scars and 
those challenges may become obstacles for some.   

Written by on 02/14/2023

Gallbladder Cancer Awareness Month

Gallbladder cancer is the 20th most common cancer worldwide. It accounts for only about 1 percent of incidence of all cancers, yet survival rates are low because it is often not diagnosed until the advanced stages.

The gallbladder is a small sac-like organ that forms part of the biliary tract. Bile, produced in the liver, flows into the gallbladder where it is stored and concentrated until released into the small intestine.

Written by on 01/24/2023

A Basic Guide to Cancer Genetics

Normally, we are born with two working copies of these cancer protection genes in each cell (as pictured below). It is normal for cells to divide and multiply, and sometimes certain genes acquire mutations along the way. Acquired mutations can happen due to a variety of reasons (both in and out of our control) that may include environmental exposures, certain infections, normal aging, and lifestyle factors (diet, activity level, tobacco use, alcohol use, sun exposure, etc.).

Written by on 01/24/2023

Talking to Family About a Positive Genetic Test Result

Finding out you tested positive for a gene mutation associated with an inherited risk for cancer can lead to experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, or in some cases, even peace as it may provide clarity. Amidst the whirlwind of feelings running through your head, you think “who needs to know about this result?” and “what do I say?”. Because your result is indicative of a hereditary cancer risk, sharing your positive test result with family members is one of the most impactful things you can do. However, sometimes this is easier said than done.

Written by on 12/28/2022

Citrus Quinoa Avocado Salad

This colorful quinoa avocado salad is full of vibrant flavors with the addition of zesty lemons and fresh cilantro. It is also rich in cancer-fighting foods including omega-3-rich avocados combined with fiber-rich quinoa, chickpeas and fresh vegetables. The dish is plant-based, but hearty and filling enough to be a satisfying meal for everyone.

Written by on 12/28/2022

Finding calm – reducing symptoms of anxiety

Do you have trouble staying asleep at night? Do you find it hard to relax? Have you felt like electricity is running through your body? Does your heart pound when you are experiencing stress? Do you have trouble with racing and repeating thoughts?  If your answer is yes to any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing anxiety.

Written by on 12/28/2022

Dietitians – What are we, how do you spell it, and how can we support you?

Over the past 100 years, the understanding of how nutrition affects our bodies has developed exponentially. What used to be general recommendations and blanket statements, has evolved to individualized approaches that consider an a person’s environment, biology, lifestyle, and disease state. Since the knowledge of nutrition has expanded, the understanding of what we should and should not eat can be difficult to navigate. This growth in knowledge paved the way for specialized training and the creation of nutrition professionals. Especially in the realm of oncology, nutrition plays a vital role in the risk and development of cancer, quality of life during treatment, success of treatment, and decreased risk of reoccurrence while in remission.

Written by on 12/21/2022

Chemo Brain

Many patients going through chemotherapy treatment report having chemo brain, other cancer treatments like radiation, as well as the cancer itself, can cause similar symptoms that produce problems with memory and thinking.  The term chemo brain or brain fog generally describes a variety of troublesome symptoms that include feeling spacey, having difficulty processing information as well as trouble with word recall and short-term memory.  These symptoms can interfere with your ability to function at work or home. They generally will subside within months of completing treatment, but some may be affected for many years after treatment is complete.  

Written by on 10/27/2022

Can I get the Caretaker Special?

Let’s set the scene. Your loved one comes home and is nauseous, fatigued, and hasn’t eaten anything all day. You want to help, so you whip up their favorite dish and serve it to them. They take two bites and say “I’m not hungry” or “this tastes awful”. It is hard enough dealing with the schedules, the side effects, and the worry that comes with taking care of a loved one with cancer; but, when you can’t show your love and support through food, it can be disheartening.

Written by on 10/18/2022

Cool Cap for hair loss

One of the challenging side effects of some chemotherapies used to treat cancer is hair loss. Not all chemotherapy treatments cause an individual to lose their hair or have hair thinning.  This can be very emotional and distressful for a patient.

During conversations with your Oncologist prior to beginning treatment, they may mention cooling caps as an alternative to hair loss.  There are no guarantees that the products will work and cooling caps are not covered by your insurance.  Patients can seek out the caps and pay for them on their own for use at Ironwood.  We would like to take a moment to share some facts and research on the use and success of these products.

Written by on 09/13/2022

Your Guide to Protein

Every diet, whether having cancer, going through active treatment, living an active lifestyle, or living day-to-day requires protein…

Written by on 08/29/2022