Welcome to the Seniors With Cancer Blog
AUDIO: My name is Dr. Richard J. Rosenbluth, and today I am launching my new blog devoted to senior adults who have been diagnosed, or been dealing with cancer, and their families who support and in many cases take care of them. Unfortunately, for many seniors with cancer, the road through our current healthcare system will more often than not be more difficult than it ought to be. That is because, from research, to pharmaceuticals, to cancer care, senior adults are largely overlooked or ignored. They are seen as too frail to receive chemo drugs, or to be able to benefit from aggressive treatments. And quite often this is simply not the case. It is my belief, and the belief of others who work in my field of Geriatric Oncology, that cancer patients should be seen as individuals, and not as a member of a class, and bound in with stereotypes attatched to such a class that prevent them from receiving the very best care available. I and my colleagues are working hard to change both perceptions–in blogs such as this one–and in our professions, to better the quality of cancer care that senior adults receive. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on these matters, and hearing yours as well. Medical colleagues, patients and their families are all welcome to participate in the Seniors With Cancer blog.
And now, an obligatory disclaimer:
This blog does not provide medical or any other health care or fitness advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The blog and its services, including the information above, are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment, or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this site. Medical information changes rapidly and while Seniors With Cancer and Dr. Richard J. Rosenbluth make efforts to update the content on the site, some information may be out of date. No health information on this blog, is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor
Doctor Rosenbluth;
My mom who is 75 years of age has been diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma and is undergoing her third cycle of treatment most recently receiving positive news afetr a CT scan. My parent’s recently moved from South Jersey to Maine and were fortunate to find a wonderful oncologist ready to aggressivley and respectfully treat an elderly person. As fortune would have it a cancer treatment center just opened 20 minutes from their new home just before she was to begin her chemo. I look forward to hearing what you have to say in the future as the daughter of an elderly cancer patient and also as an elder law attorney and elder advocate.
Julia
I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case, great info…I will add a backlink and bookmark your site. Keep up the good work!
I’m Out!
My grandmother is 83 years old and has just found out she has breast cancer. She had the test done in November and both the specialist who did the test and her family doctor failed to tell her that the test came back positive. The only reason she found out otherwise is that a family member who is a social worker went with her to see the doctor. The family doctor said he couldn’t find the test results so the family member looked through her file and found the test. My grandmother then went for a second opinion and was advised they will need to remove one of her breasts and some lymph nodes as well. However they advised her she will not need further treatment as since she is quite elderly the cancer will not be as aggressive as it would be with a young person. Just wondered what your thoughts may be on this. Thank-you.