Got back pain? Despite spending surge, the problem is growing among Americans

We’re spending more money then ever on our backs, but problems are increasing. Back Pain Spending Surge Shows No Benefit – Well – Tara Parker-Pope – Health – New York Times Blog Americans are spending more money than ever to treat spine problems, but their backs aren’t getting any better. Those are the findings of … Read more

If you have a prostate, or know someone who does, this feature on prostate cancer is important

A good article on a major research study on the effectiveness of various treatments. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S. – but what’s the best treatment? No Answers for Men With Prostate Cancer – Well – Tara Parker-Pope – Health – New York Times Blog Last year, 218,000 men were diagnosed … Read more

How long (until what age) can a person maintain a high level of fitness?

Here’s a good article from yesterday’s health section of the NY Times. One of the things I already knew, which the article affirms: you can maintain muscular strength longer (to an older age) then you can keep your maximum cardiovascular capacity at it’s top level. Staying a Step Ahead of Aging – New York Times … Read more

Two years ago today, I was discharged after my 20 day Sloan Kettering stay

Quite hard to believe. Coincidentally, I have a physical today with my internist Al Sheehy, in Tarrytown. Here’s what I posted two years ago – Tom Faranda’s Folly: Day 20 – noontime – YIPPEE – we are outta here! and here’ the next day’s posting – Tom Faranda’s Folly: Sunday – first full day out … Read more

Hard to believe, but my stem cell transplant was two years ago today

Wow. Still don’t undersand why they call it an autologous stem cell transplant, when I’m only getting back my own stem cells, but they do. Here’s the posting I put up that night,Tom Faranda’s Folly: Transplant went well And here’s a picture. With hindsight, I don’t exactly look my best. The guy on the left … Read more

Time flies when you’re having fun: Today is second anniversary of start of my twenty day stay at Sloan Kettering

This was for the high dose portion of my treatment, after the prior four months af gradually increasing chemotherapy. And after the seven days of high dose chemotherpay, I had my autologous stem cell transplant to rebuild my immune system. Hence the total hospitalization of twenty days – they couldn’t let me out until my … Read more