8 Simple Tips for Regrowing Healthy, Beautiful Hair After Chemo

BY THE BREAST CANCER SITE

Regrowing your beautiful hair after chemo can be an exercise in frustration because it seems to take forever. While hair can only grow so fast, there are ways to encourage longer, healthier locks.

DON’T OVER-WASH IT

Daily washing can strip hair of natural oils, which makes it more prone to breakage. Skip to every other day, or consider washing even less frequently if your hair type can tolerate it.

STAY AWAY FROM HEAT

Blow driers, curling irons and similar heat-based tools can make your hair dry and brittle. Change up your daily routine to minimize the amount you use them.

DON’T STRESS ABOUT IT

Your emotional state can actually affect your hair quality. Try to minimize the stress in your life by spending at least a few minutes a day meditating or doing other self-care.

RE-THINK YOUR PRODUCTS

In addition to shampooing less often, consider switching products. Shampoos that contain silicones often leave residue, and those with sulfates may be too harsh and damaging.

SKIP THE AFTER-SHOWER BRUSHING

Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so wait to brush it until your hair dries out. If you need to do some detangling while it is still wet, try using your fingers to gently break up knots.

DEEP CONDITION WITH COCONUT OIL

Apply coconut oil to the ends of dry hair for a deep, all-natural conditioning treatment. Don’t overdo it, though, as too much can make your hair greasy. Even if your hair isn’t super dry, consider a weekly deep conditioning treatment.

TAKE A COLD SHOWER

Okay, the whole shower doesn’t have to be cold, but rinse your hair out in cold water at the end of it. This smooths and seals the outer layer of hair, which helps lock in moisture and protect against damage.

BREAK OUT THE SCISSORS

This one may seem counter-intuitive, but regular trims really do help your hair grow faster. A hair with a split end stops growing, so frequent small trims prevent disruptions.

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Now, discover even more ways to keep your hair healthy and beautiful from the inside out by clicking here!

https://blog.thebreastcancersite.greatergood.com/cs-tips-regrowing-hair/

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The answer is No – Not all wigs are made the same. Lightweight wigs provide less density, less weight and are breathable. That means that once your wig is custom tailored to your head it will feel comfortable, not itchy, be cool and look natural. Lightweight options are available in human hair, human hair synthetic blends and synthetic. So whether you are experiencing hair loss due to Chemotherapy, Alopecia or other we can offer the best choice for you.

You will first meet with Susan, Oncology Nurse and Breast Cancer Survivor, who will discuss your needs including price range style, timing, wig care instructions including tips on how to keep your wig healthy and long lasting. Then you will consult with our cosmetologist to find that perfect wig. We are here to help you during the loss of your hair. Depending upon your chemotherapy drug and cycle will determine how long you will be experiencing hair loss. That will help you decide what is right for you - Synthetic, Human Hair/Synthetic Blend, Human Hair.

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Blowing bubbles in the blood could kill cancer with both barrels

MEDICAL

Michael Irving

June 6th, 2018

2 PICTURES

Researchers have found that gas embolotherapy (blowing bubbles in the blood) could fight cancer in two ways(Credit: delfoto/Depositphotos)

VIEW GALLERY - 2 IMAGES

Cancer can be a tricky foe, so the best way to fight it might not be with a direct attack, but to cut off its supply lines. One such method, known as gas embolotherapy, involves creating tiny bubbles in the tumor blood vessels, which block the blood supply and starve the cancer out. Now, researchers from China and France have found that the technique could also deal a second blow as a drug delivery system.

The first step of gas embolotherapy involves researchers injecting droplets of a liquid into the blood vessels that feed a tumor. When an ultrasonic pulse is applied to the area, those droplets form tiny gas bubbles that clog up the vessels, blocking blood flow and suffocating the tumor. This part of the process is called acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV).

In past research, this process turned out to be more effective than was expected. Not only did the bubbles successfully cut off the blood supply, but other bubbles made their way into smaller vessels like capillaries, causing them to burst and leak, which dealt even more damage to the tumor.

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In the new study, the team wanted to look closer at what was happening in the capillaries. For their tests, the researchers used samples of rat tissue in the lab, and injected droplets of dodecafluoropentane mixed with a bovine serum. Bubbles were then formed using ADV.

The team observed the bubbles lodging in the capillaries, where they built up and in some cases merged. A localized cavity was also spotted in the vessel wall, which the team says was likely caused by the bubbles rupturing the capillary.

The researchers say that this could open up a second avenue of attack against cancer. Gas embolotherapy could kill tumors by not only blocking their blood supply, but delivering drugs through the capillaries. That means the drugs could be administered directly to the tumor site, and since blood isn't circulating back out, it keeps them localized, preventing the drug from circulating through the body and harming healthy cells.

"In cancer therapy research, scientists are always interested in answering two questions: how to kill the cancer effectively and how to reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs," says Mingxi Wan, corresponding author of the paper. "We have found that gas embolotherapy has the potential to successfully address both of these areas."

The next steps for the researchers is to test the method in live rats.

The research was published in the journal Applied Physics Letters.

Source: American Institute of Physics via Science Daily

DREAM IT – WE CAN  CUSTOM  COLOR & TAILOR YOUR WIG

We can take you to a new and exciting world of color and magic -- Now the power of two - Susan’s @ Antonino and Antonino Salon & Spa. Explore new dimensions in fashion color and style for your human hair wig. Whether you are going to that special evening event or just out around town your wig can be an extension of your inner self. We can create the look you have only dreamed about – from casual to formal. Your consultation is free so we can explore the look you desire so not only will you look great but you will be comfortable and secure.

You will first meet with Susan, Oncology Nurse and Breast Cancer Survivor, who will gently discuss your specific needs including price range style of wig, timing, wig care instructions including tips on how to keep your wig healthy. Then you will consult with our wonderful cosmetologist to find your perfect wig. We are here to help you during the loss of your hair whether from chemotherapy, alopecia or other. Depending upon your chemotherapy drug and cycle will determine how long you will be experiencing hair loss. That will help you decide what is right for you - Synthetic, Human Hair/Synthetic Blend, Human Hair.

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Common cold virus targets, and kills, bladder cancer in exciting early human trial

MEDICAL

Rich Haridy

13 hours ago

A particular strain of the common cold, when delivered into the bladder by a catheter, was seen to selectively attack and kill bladder cancer cells(Credit: katerynakon/Depositphotos)

An early-stage study has found a strain of the common cold virus can effectively target and destroy bladder cancer cells. This phase 1 human trial suggests the virus directly induces tumor cell death, and if verified by larger trials could be used in conjunction with other novel immunotherapy treatments.

An oncolytic virus is a class of virus known to target and kill cancer cells in one of two ways, either by directly hunting and eliminating tumor cells, or by helping the immune system better home in on a cancer by lighting up a cancer cell. Ongoing oncolytic research has revealed the zika virus attacking brain cancers, and the herpes virus attacking skin cancers.

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is the most common type of bladder cancer and it is challenging to treat. Current treatments can involve a variety of either surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and still result in high rates of recurrence.

"Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is a highly prevalent illness that requires an intrusive and often lengthy treatment plan," explains Hardev Pandha, principle investigator on the new study. "Current treatment is ineffective and toxic in a proportion of patients and there is an urgent need for new therapies."

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This new research describes the results of a phase 1 trial using a strain of the common cold virus called coxsackievirus (CVA21), as an oncolytic agent targeting bladder cancer. The trial recruited 15 patients with NMIBC and administered CVA21 directly into the bladder via a catheter. One week after the treatment the patients underwent surgery to remove their bladder tumors, allowing the researchers to evaluate how well the virus had infiltrated the cancer cells.

The results were promising, with all patients displaying evidence the virus has effectively infiltrated the bladder cancer cells. Tumor cell death was seen to be triggered by the virus, and increases in inflammatory cytokines were noted, suggesting the virus also seemed to stimulate the body's immune system to better target and attack the cancer cells.

"Reduction of tumor burden and increased cancer cell death was observed in all patients and removed all trace of the disease in one patient following just one week of treatment, showing its potential effectiveness," says Pandha. "Notably, no significant side effects were observed in any patient."

Being a phase 1 human trial the primary goal was to evaluate safety and dosage, and the results were positive on this front, with no toxicities or adverse effects reported. The next step will be to expand these trials and explore whether this new treatment can be used in combination with new immunotherapy treatments.

This isn't the first research into using the common cold virus as an oncolytic agent. CVA21 in particular is looking promising as a treatment for melanoma and prostrate cancer, with several human trials currently underway evaluating its efficacy when used in conjunction with other immunotherapy treatments.

The new research was published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.

Source: University of Surrey

CUSTOM TAILORED WIGS - CREATING THE ESSENCE OF YOU 

I had just finished chemotherapy and we took our family to Disney World to get away. I had purchased a wig off the shelf – that was in 1993 and was I ready for some fun. So we were having a blast on It’s A Small World and other easy rides. The girls wanted to go on Splash Mountain. All was going great until the last big drop down the water slide and WHOA…My daughter’s lightning fast reaction grabbed my wig as it was flying off my head. And, Custom tailored wigs were born.

You will first meet with Susan, Oncology Nurse and Breast Cancer Survivor, who will gently discuss your specific needs including price range style of wig, timing, wig care instructions including tips on how to keep your wig healthy and long lasting. Then you will consult with our cosmetologist to find that perfect wig. We are here to help you during the loss of your hair. Depending upon your chemotherapy drug and cycle will determine how long you will be experiencing hair loss. That will help you decide what is right for you - Synthetic, Human Hair/Synthetic Blend, Human Hair.

Our passion is all about personal service including Custom Tailoring your wig to fit your head for your comfort and security. We also offer Custom Color for Human Hair clients.

Please call 248-544-4287 for your FREE consultation to explore solutions that are right for you. We look forward to your visit. Susan's @ Antonino is by appointment only on Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Scientists Develop New Laser That Can Find and Destroy Cancer Cells in the Blood

By Yasemin Saplakoglu, Staff Writer | June 15, 2019 07:31am ET

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Credit: Shutterstock

Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood. And now, researchers have developed a new kind of laser that can find and zap those tumor cells from the outside of the skin.

Though it may still be a ways away from becoming a commercial diagnostic tool, the laser is up to 1,000 times more sensitive than current methods used to detect tumor cells in blood, the researchers reported June 12 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

To test for cancer spread, doctors typically take blood samples, but often the tests fail to find tumor cells even if they are present in a single sample, especially if the patient has an early form of cancer, said senior author Vladimir Zharov, director of the nanomedicine center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

If the tests do come back positive, that typically means there's a high concentration of circulating tumor cells in the blood; at that point, the cancer has likely spread widely to other organs and it's often "too late to effectively treat patients," Zharov added. [Top 10 Cancer-Fighting Foods]

Years ago, Zharov and his team came up with the idea of an alternate, noninvasive method to test larger quantities of blood with a greater sensitivity. Taking the familiar route, they tested it in the lab, then on animals and recently brought it to clinical trials in humans.

The new technology, dubbed the Cytophone, uses pulses of laser light on the outside of the skin to heat up cells in the blood. But the laser only heats up melanoma cells — not healthy cells — because these cells carry a dark pigment called melanin, which absorbs the light. The Cytophone then uses an ultrasound technique to detect the teensy, tiny waves emitted by this heating effect.

They tested the technology on 28 light-skinned patients who had melanomaand on 19 healthy volunteers who didn't have melanoma. They shone the laser onto the patients' hands and found that within 10 seconds to 60 minutes, the technology could identify circulating tumor cells in 27 out of 28 of those volunteers.

Finding and killing tumor cells

The device didn't return any false positives on the healthy volunteers, and it didn't cause safety concerns or side effects, they said. Melanin is a pigment that is normally present in the skin, but skin cells aren't harmed, Zharov said. Even though the skin produces melanin naturally, this laser technique doesn’t harm those cells. That’s because the laser light exposes a relatively a large area on the skin (so it's not focused enough on individual skin cells to damage them), while the laser energy is more concentrated on the blood vessels and circulating tumor cells, he added.

Unexpectedly, the team also found that after the treatment, the cancer patients had fewer circulating tumor cells. "We used a relatively low energy" with the primary purpose of diagnosing rather than treating the cancer, Zharov said. Yet, even at that low energy, the laser beam seemed able to destroy the cancer cells.

Here’s how it works: As the melanin absorbs the heat, the water around the melanin inside the cells begins to evaporate, producing a bubble that expands and collapses, mechanically destroying the cell, Zharov said.

"Our goal is by killing these cells, we can help prevent the spreading of metastatic cancer," he said. But he hopes to conduct more research to optimize the device further to kill more tumor cells, while still being harmless to other cells.

They also haven't yet tested the device on people with darker skin, who have higher levels of melanin. Even so, only a very small percentage of African Americans get melanoma.

The team hopes to expand the technology to find circulating tumor cells released by cancers other than melanoma. These cancer cells don't carry melanin, so to detect them, the researchers would first need to inject the patients with specific markers or molecules that would bind to these cells so that they can be targeted by the laser. They have so far demonstrated that this technique could work on human breast cancer cells in the lab.

https://www.livescience.com/65723-laser-find-destroy-cancer-cells.html?utm_source=ls-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190617-ls