A world within a tumor - new story shows just how complex cancer can be

alice124
alice124 Member Posts: 896 Member
in Kidney Cancer #1
The below article describes in layman's tongue about the complexities in tumor diagnosis/ treatment. I thought it was pretty easy reading (which I need). I believe this is along the same line as an article TW shared with us recently.

(Sorry--if I ever knew--I've forgotten how to post a link on this site. So I guess you'll need to copy and paste.)


http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/03/07/a-world-within-a-tumour-–-new-study-shows-just-how-complex-cancer-can-be/

Comments

  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #2
    Complexity
    A good find Alice and, yes, it is along the same lines.

    The Royal Marsden is one of the many great hospitals in my home town. Another notable cancer hospital nearby is the Cromwell Hospital where my Wife's cousin is alas showing no signs of recovery and we don't know whether he can recognise anyone or whether his fine brain is still operative. However, until he shows more signs of recovery we do know it's not operable. Days and weeks are passing with no change, which is cruelly stressful for his Wife, children, grandchildren and other relatives and friends visiting from several continents. It demonstrates graphically how comparatively lucky some of us are. Only a few weeks ago he was at home, fully active physically and mentally, and 'phoning me, with touching camaraderie to enquire how I am faring.

    Discover Magazine is not one I've come across and it looks interesting.

    Professor Swanton is engaged in fascinating work in conjunction with teams in Denmark, Brussels and MD Anderson which he alludes to on the Cancer Research UK website.
  • alice124
    alice124 Member Posts: 896 Member
    #3
    Texas_wedge said:

    Complexity
    A good find Alice and, yes, it is along the same lines.

    The Royal Marsden is one of the many great hospitals in my home town. Another notable cancer hospital nearby is the Cromwell Hospital where my Wife's cousin is alas showing no signs of recovery and we don't know whether he can recognise anyone or whether his fine brain is still operative. However, until he shows more signs of recovery we do know it's not operable. Days and weeks are passing with no change, which is cruelly stressful for his Wife, children, grandchildren and other relatives and friends visiting from several continents. It demonstrates graphically how comparatively lucky some of us are. Only a few weeks ago he was at home, fully active physically and mentally, and 'phoning me, with touching camaraderie to enquire how I am faring.

    Discover Magazine is not one I've come across and it looks interesting.

    Professor Swanton is engaged in fascinating work in conjunction with teams in Denmark, Brussels and MD Anderson which he alludes to on the Cancer Research UK website.

    loved ones
    I can tell by your references to him (Coilin), he must be an extraordinary man. That he continues to fight is amazing. I am sorry that you, your wife, and his family must endure such a difficult time; it's so hard.
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #4
    alice124 said:

    loved ones
    I can tell by your references to him (Coilin), he must be an extraordinary man. That he continues to fight is amazing. I am sorry that you, your wife, and his family must endure such a difficult time; it's so hard.

    loved ones
    Too true, Alice. There's added poignancy in the news here today of an important test case of a man with "locked-in syndrome" following a severe stroke. He and his devoted family want the law to permit a doctor to release him from a living hell without the doctor being subject to criminal consequences. The man would encompass his own demise if he were physically capable of doing so but cannot. I must admit to having a certain dread of winding up in a similar situation.

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