Shortly after retiring, Joe discovered he had colorectal cancer. As soon as he met Dr. Paonessa, he knew he had found more than an amazing surgeon…he had found a great friend. When Joe learned he had colon cancer, he had one goal: to avoid a colostomy bag at all costs. Although Dr. Paonessa couldn’t make any promises, she did everything in her power to make Joe’s surgeries a success. She gave him her cell number so she could be reached at any time. Visited him at his home when he had complications. And, eventually, gave him a life that was “bag free.” “I could kiss her for that,” said Joe. meridiancancercarenj.com

MammoSite therapy is a direct radiation treatment option for some early-stage breast cancer patients. Drs. Andrew Wahl and Edibaldo Silva explain how MammoSite works and the benefits it can offer over other treatments such as whole breast radiation or mastectomy. For more information visit www.nebraskamed.com or call 1-800-922-0000.

My sister has ulcerations in her esophagus from radiation and she cannot eat or drink anything. She has been on a feeding tube for 3 weeks. Now she seems to have a really bad smell coming from within. Any ideas what this is about?
I just got back from the hospital. They did a CT scan and found a new 8mm mass on the right back side of the base of her skull. Tomorrow they are doing an MRI. I fear the cancer has spread to her brain.

Long term on pain management for back -felt new type pain around tailbone late June 2008 . Diagnosed in Late August -started radiation mid Sept. Shourl he do CXhemo? Pain is tremendous

A family member has stage 4 lung cancer. He went through radiation on the brain and chemotherapy. Recent scans show that the cancer has shrunk and remained stable. However, the patient has recently become very confused, thin, and weak. The doctors insist that all of his symptoms are caused by the cancer. However, we are not so convinced. He is on many medications, including several very strong pain meds. The doctors think this is the end, and that his body could shut down anytime now. Are we in denial?

Colon cancer can be caused by a family history of colon problems, a poor diet and obesity, but these are usually contributing factors. Understand the nature of colon cancer with helpful information from an oncology specialist and assistant professor of medicine in this free video on cancer. Expert: Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt Bio: Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardtis a leading expert on colonoscopy at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass. Filmmaker: Brian T. Sullivan