How Can Occupational Therapy Assist with Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy?

Posted April 27th, 2021

By Dawn Heiderscheidt Undergoing chemotherapy can have a two-fold effect on the body. While it can slow or stop the cancer, it can also cause unintended consequences such as  neuropathy of limbs. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a sensory peripheral neuropathy that can affect one or both hands or feet and is often referred to […]

Supporting Your Loved One Through Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Ya Don’t Know ‘til Ya Know

Posted February 1st, 2018

Something a patient said to me this past week really struck a chord, prompting me to shift the basis of this blog post just a bit. It was one of those moments that makes you draw in a deep breath before even attempting to reply. As we casually discussed her treatment for that day and […]

Bob Riter

Cancer and Hair Loss

Posted February 11th, 2016

Becoming temporarily bald is a common side effect of cancer treatment. For many, it is a difficult and all-too-visible symbol of illness and loss. Do you know why people often lose their hair while on chemotherapy? It is because chemo attacks rapidly dividing cells. Cancer cells rapidly divide – that’s the nature of cancer. But […]

Rodney Warner

You May Not Be Getting the Chemo You Need and Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About It

Posted February 1st, 2016

Many chemo drugs are being rationed and some of those who need them aren’t getting them. Some of the doctors aren’t telling their patients about the problem, according to a recent article in the New York Times. Welcome to the “ignorance is bliss” world of modern medicine. The article discusses the shortages of many types of […]

Bob Riter

Retired Nurses and Their Memories of Cancer

Posted July 16th, 2015

I routinely speak with retired nurses and other health professionals who are concerned about a loved one with cancer. The word “cancer” often terrifies them because they went through training decades ago when cancer treatment was such a different experience. I’ve heard more than one nurse say, “Back then, cancer treatment was so awful that […]

The Seasonal Flu Vaccine for People with Cancer

Posted October 4th, 2012

Flu vaccine information is everywhere you turn these days, from the supermarket to the news. Many people with cancer may be wondering how they can best prevent getting sick and if they should be vaccinated against the flu, both seasonal and H1N1 (often called Swine flu). Here’s the facts…Flu vaccine information is everywhere you turn these days, from the supermarket to the news. Many people with cancer may be wondering how they can best prevent getting sick and if they should be vaccinated against the flu, both seasonal and H1N1 (often called Swine flu). Here’s the facts…

The After Treatment Blahs

Posted June 11th, 2012

Transitioning to being a survivor is often a difficult time. Bob presents some tips for making this a smooth transition.

Jay

Posted June 15th, 2011

Jay made me laugh. He had a dry, sarcastic humor, like my own. We had other things in common. We were regulars at the blood cancer support group at Gilda’s Club Delaware Valley. We also volunteered our time there. We also had been treated for lymphoma. I, for Hodgkin’s, he, for non-Hodgkin’s. Jay had a […]