South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida

Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Good Bacteria are Essential!

A Special Symbiotic Relationship: Microbes and You
by Cindy Collins, PhD, Rd

Our bodies carry around “good bacteria” or microbes which serve to protect us, and give us a healthy balance. In turn, we provide them with nourishment, and facilitate colonization inside us, as well as on our body surface. When you think of microbes, you should remember that they are on your side. The main purpose of the microbe is to make it easier to digest food, synthesize vitamins and defend us against potential harmful or “bad” bacteria. Our ecological structure is full of these symbiotic relationships which allow us to thrive.
A perfect example in nature of this kind of bond is the clown fish and the anemone. They coexist in harmony constantly protecting the welfare of the other. Think of someone in your life who adds to its quality. How does that person enhance your daily activities? Most people can think of that particular person as indispensable; almost like they restore the calm in your life, especially in moments of despair. Well, ultimately this is how you should feel about your microbes. It is a natural synchronicity, and it should bring tremendous comfort in knowing it is a favorable partnership.
In general, there should be a natural balance of microbes within each of us which primarily came from your mother. As you experience life, more microbes are introduced to your body system. Sometimes, there is a lack of good bacteria in your gut which can cause adverse effects. The good news is that by taking a probiotic you can restore your microbial ecosystem. It is beneficial to have a good assortment of microbes for health, vitality and overall energy.
Consuming yogurt is a good way to increase the microbial life in your gut. It contains millions of live culture which is what you need to get that balance back. Another way to get them is by taking a supplement containing several varieties of good bacteria. It is up to you how you prefer your microbes; both ways reestablish the symbiotic relationship.
Here is a list of good food source options:
Remember to always look for the low-fat, low-sugar version of the products
• Fage Greek (good source of protein)
• Oikos Organic Greek (good source of protein)
• Dannon Light & Fit
• Dannon Activia Light
• Stonyfield Farms Organic
• Lifeway Non-fat Keifer
• Lifeway Lassi
• Horizon Orga

Here is a list of supplement source options:

• Align
• Culturelle
• Nutralle
• Philip’s
• Florastor
• Ultimate Flora
• Jarrodophilus

For more information, contact South Florida Radiation Oncology at (888) 823-9162.

Click through These Websites to Find out More about What South Florida Radiation Oncology Has to Offer

In our recent blog posts, we discussed the benefits and advantages of advanced radiotherapy treatments.  If you would like to find out more about these technologies and how they can be applied to the treatment of cancer, trigeminal neuralgia, and many other illnesses, visit these websites or contact South Florida Radiation Oncology at (888) 823-9162.

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common form of lymphoma in the United States.  The American Cancer Society provides more information about this condition on their website.
• The Varian TrueBeam STx offers patients a new, advanced solution for cancer treatment.  Learn more about this leading edge therapy on VarianTrueBeam.com.
• Visit RadiologyInfo.org to read about stereotactic radiosurgery and how it can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.
• Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women.  Check out PubMed Health for more information on the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of this disease.
• Find out more about gynecologic cancers and their symptoms on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

The Two Types of Lymphoma and Their Treatment Options

The lymph nodes, located in various places throughout the body, are responsible for producing the immune cells that the body uses to fight infection.  In combination with a network of organs, ducts, and vessels, these nodes compose what is known as the lymphatic system.  Lymphoma is the name for the cancers that develop in this system.  There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  Read on to learn more about these two forms of lymphoma and some of the treatment options offered by South Florida Radiation Oncology.

Hodgkin lymphoma

Named for Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, the first physician who noted cancer in the lymph nodes, this form of lymphoma originates in the white blood cells.  When caught in time, Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable forms of cancer.  Although the condition was traditionally treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, therapies such as TrueBeam STx and Rapid Arc are being used more often due to their ability to target cancerous lymph nodes without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.  Since the affected lymph nodes can be located near critical organs, such as the lungs and heart, the precision of these new technologies is vital for optimal results.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is far more common than the Hodgkin type and contains many different subtypes.  Like Hodgkin lymphoma, these cancers begin in the white blood cells (lymphocytes).  Their behavior, appearance under a microscope, and response to treatment are very distinctive, however.  A physician can determine that a lymphatic cancer is of the non-Hodgkin type if it lacks a certain type of cell known as a Reed-Sternberg cell.  Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is treated similarly to the Hodgkin type.

At South Florida Radiation Oncology, we understand that receiving a cancer diagnosis can be stressful and overwhelming.  For this reason, our multidisciplinary team of medical professionals strives to provide the best possible outcome for each patient using the most advanced treatment options available.  To learn more about staying healthy throughout cancer treatment, subscribe to the South Florida Radiation Oncology blog or speak with one of our staff members by calling (888) 823-9162.

What are the Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is an intensely painful condition that occurs when the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve) becomes irritated or impinged.  In most cases, the cause of this irritation is abnormal contact between the trigeminal nerve and a nearby artery or vein.  The continuous rubbing that results from this contact progressively wears away the nerve’s protective myelin sheath.  Men and women burdened with multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor can also experience the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.  Fortunately, South Florida Radiation Oncology offers advanced treatments that can relieve the symptoms and help patients restore their quality of life.

The symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia can occur multiple times per day and are often debilitating.  The most common symptoms of the condition include:

• Intense, electric shock-like pain that can affect the lower face, jaw, and areas around the nose and eyes on one side of the face.
• Pain triggered by simple activities, such as washing the face, shaving, and tooth brushing.
• Pain spasms in the face that can last for a few seconds, minutes, or can even be continuous.

For many patients suffering from the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, the CyberKnife radiosurgical system available here at SFRO can provide relief from pain without the need for scalpels or sutures.  The CyberKnife system can target the irritated trigeminal nerve with amazing accuracy, effectively dulling the pain without damaging the surrounding tissue.  Due to its precision, this treatment can also deliver great results while minimizing possible side effects.  

At South Florida Radiation Oncology, our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals offers leading-edge medical technology for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, cancer, and much more.  If you would like to learn more about the CyberKnife treatment or any other technologies offered at SFRO, subscribe to our informational blog or visit our website.  You can also speak with our staff by calling (888) 823-9162 to have your health-related questions answered.

Click through These Websites to Find out More about What South Florida Radiation Oncology Has to Offer

In our recent blog posts, we discussed the benefits and advantages of advanced radiotherapy treatments.  If you would like to find out more about these technologies and how they can be applied to the treatment of cancer, trigeminal neuralgia, and many other illnesses, visit these websites or contact South Florida Radiation Oncology at (888) 823-9162.

• Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve.  Read more about this condition from this comprehensive overview found on the U.S. National Library of Medicine website.
• You can also visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to find out more about trigeminal neuralgia and its causes.
• The symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia can be alleviated using advanced radiosurgical treatment.  Read through this article found on the American Association of Neurological Surgeons website.
• Lymphomas are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system.  This MedlinePlus entry discusses the role of the lymphatic system. 
• Lymphomas are divided into two main categories.  Learn more about these two forms of cancer on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website.