$Unique_ID{BRK00801}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Cancer Recurrence After Treatment}
$Subject{cancer recurrent treatment}
$Volume{Q}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Cancer Recurrence After Treatment


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QUESTION:  After all I have been through, I was convinced I had my cancer
licked, only to find it has returned.  Why?  What treatments can be used now
to fight back?

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ANSWER:  Cancer--the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in your body that
eventually take over and replace normal cells--is a hard-to-fight disease and
it may after it was thought to be cured or in remission.  In recurrences,
some abnormal cells from the original cancer took root within the body and
started a new tumor.  These cells escaped the original treatment and were not
detected because they were too small.  Later, after the cells developed and
grew, a new tumor is detected.
     A recurrent cancer can appear almost anywhere in the body, but it is
considered to be the same type as the original cancer, no matter where it is.
A recurrence of lung cancer may be in a bone, but it is still lung cancer.
Because it is the same type of cancer, usually the treatment will be similar
to that used for the original cancer, but may be more intensive.
     Treatment for most recurrent cancer can include surgery, radiation, and
anticancer drugs.  Some tumor growths in the reproductive organs may be
treated with hormone therapy in addition.
     Of course, one of the worst parts about recurrent cancer is the emotional
roller-coaster you have been on.  Facing cancer again is an even greater
challenge than the first time because, after getting through one or more
courses of therapy and feeling that the disease is beaten, there is a great
sense of fear and shock when it recurs.  All cancer patients can help
themselves and their treatment by following their physician's instructions and
knowing that though it may take longer than you thought it would, you can
still lick this disease.  You did it before, you CAN do it again.  You can
find the strength in the people who care for you, the family that loves you,
and most important, within yourself.  Good Luck!
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
