What do they have in common? All are forms of creative expression that cancer patients have used to “add life to their days,” wrote oncologist Evan Lipson, MD, of Johns Hopkins University in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (online edition Feb. 7, 2011).

One of his patients, Mike, was building a stone patio in his backyard because it was “therapeutic, physical, and something I could control and have a sense of accomplishment.”

Among the “unique and remarkable ways that people living with cancer make the most of their time,” Lipson has observed several themes: exercising, leaving a legacy, activism, building relationships, giving. And the most powerful, he thinks, is “creating something.”

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Briefly

Swedish researchers have found a drug that inhibits a dangerous cell pathway while leaving a protective one intact pointing the way to preventing colon polyps from becoming cancerous.  In a large study, 8 out of 10 chemotherapy patients experienced symptoms of insomnia or outright insomnia after their first cycle of chemo.

A work team from the United Kingdom will help restore an elementary school in South Africa while simultaneously raising money for colon cancer research.

Connect to a poem by Elspeth Murray asking doctors to communicate clearly but with empathy and to an article about coping with cancer during the holidays. Read the rest of this entry »

Briefly: Health care providers are less likely to recommend colorectal cancer screening to their patients with a high school education or less.  IV ibuprofen enhances morphine to control post-operative pain, reducing pain and letting patients use less morphine.

Superspreaders with dirty hands infect large numbers of patients with hospital-borne infections.

The United Ostomy Associations of America has a new video for new and potential ostomates that provides encouragement and support, and CR Magazine’s monthly podcast provides help coping with medical testing stress. Read the rest of this entry »