Supportive Care

Pain is not suffering

Questions of theodicy (why bad things happen to good people) are often predicated on an inadequate understanding of the distinction between pain and suffering. The two are different and distinct. The concept of suffering has been extensively analyzed in the medical and bio-ethical literature. Much of this work was done by Cassel. in brief, the relevant point is that there is a distinction between pain and suffering. Life often brings with it pain,

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New drugs for breast cancer: Halaven and Xgeva

Both Halaven and Exjeva are new drugs that were recently approved.   Two new drugs were recently approved for breast cancer, representing an important therapeutic step forward. HALAVEN is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant

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Androgen and Estrogen or Progesterone Topical Creams for Vaginal Dryness After Breast Cancer Treatment

Sequellae of treatment for breast cancer can affect the quality of life for many years after treatment. Breast cancer patients often suffer menopausal symptoms, which include vaginal dryness. This distressing symptom is often treated with topical estrogen or progesterone creams; however, there remains a concern about absorption of estrogen into the body and its effect on breast cancer. Many patients are already on tamoxifen. In a group that is treated

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