November 23, 2016
The holidays are a wonderful time of year when family and friends can gather together, share thanks and enjoy an abundant feast filled with our favorite foods. Certain habits can cause some unwanted holiday heartburn. Learn how to enjoy the holidays and all of the delicious foods while managing your acid reflux symptoms.
Here are a few tips for you to take with you to the Thanksgiving dinner table:
1. Limit beverage consumption while eating. Sometimes fluids, especially carbonated beverages, can cause more gas in the stomach when combined with food intake. Try to drink slowly after you are done eating.
2. Monitor what you are eating and avoid foods that trigger acid reflux. Foods that have the worse effects on acid reflux are spicy, fatty, fried and citrus foods. Food and drinks that trigger GERD symptoms vary from person to person, so it is important to know your body and determine which are best for you.
3. Limit or avoid alcohol. There are some people, however, who should avoid all alcohol consumption, as even the smallest amounts can cause acid reflux. Alcohol increases the production of stomach acids. Alcohol also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that is in charge of keeping stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus.
4. Don’t over-eat. Ask for a smaller plate, take a small sample from each dish and choose “safe” foods that you’ve predetermined do not flare up your acid reflux symptoms. When you’re feeling tempted to overindulge, ask yourself “Is having that second helping of pumpkin pie worth the hours of pain and misery due to the acid reflux afterwards?”
5. Chew slowly. Help your digestive system by chewing every bite slowly and thoroughly. Put your fork down in between bites to help remind yourself to go slow while eating.
6. Wear loose clothing. Clothing which is tight especially around the mid-section can put extra pressure on the abdomen and increase acid reflux symptoms.
7. Sit upright for several hours after you’ve eaten. Or better yet, take a leisurely family stroll around the neighborhood to help settle your stomach and aid digestion. Avoid any rigorous exercise, as it can upset the digestion process and cause reflux symptoms.
8. Pass on the after-dinner coffee. For some, coffee can increase acid reflux and cause symptoms to flare up. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have shown to aggravate GERD symptoms.
9. Ditch all tobacco products. Tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco not only worsens GERD symptoms, but it can cause people to develop GERD. Like alcohol, tobacco weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increases stomach acids.
While occasional heartburn is not typically a cause for concern, as billions of Americans experience heartburn at some point in their lives, heartburn that occurs more than twice weekly should not be taken lightly, as it could be an indicator of GERD. GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease which is a disease of the digestive system.
Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD is a progressive disease, which means that it worsens overtime, especially if it is not properly treated. The reflux of acids from the stomach damages the lining of the esophagus and can cause major health problems, including an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing frequent or chronic heartburn or if your acid reflux symptoms are worsening.
If you, or someone you know, has GERD, RefluxMD has put together an eBook that is surely a must-read! To download a FREE copy of “I Have GERD, Now What?”, click here.
From all of your friends at The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, we wish you a happy, healthy and heartburn-free Thanksgiving!
Sources:
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Dr. Peter Denk, Struggling with Heartburn? Find Your Trigger Foods, RefluxMD, www.refluxmd.com/learn/resources/2014-07-28/9996/struggling-heartburn-find-your-trigger-foods
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8 Top Lifestyle Changes to Manage GERD Diana Rodriguez Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH, Everyday Health, Inc. www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/managing-gerd/lifestyle-changes-to-manage-gerd.aspx
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Wendl, B., Pfeiffer, A., Pehl, C., Schmidt, T. and Kaess, H. 1994. Effect of decaffeination of coffee or tea on gastro-oesophageal reflux. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 8(3):283-7.
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Factors that Contribute to GERD — Use of Tobacco Products, E-MedTV.com
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
November 17, 2016
“Chronic heartburn may be more than just a pain in the esophagus.”
That disease is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD is a condition of the digestive system, which has increased significantly in recent decades. GERD is also a primary risk factor for esophageal cancer, one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States.
Esophageal cancer, similar to GERD, has also increased significantly in past decades. In fact, incidence of esophageal cancer has risen over 600% and with an overall five-year survival rate of less than 18.5%.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit which awarded its first grant to esophageal cancer research last year, is once again bringing awareness of the dangerous link between GERD and esophageal cancer.
What can I do to help?
Spread the word on Social Media
–Share this message with your friends, family and social media pages:
Did you know that chronic heartburn can lead to esophageal cancer? Learn more about the dangerous link: salgi.org/GERD
–”Like” us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram so that you can easily share life-saving information with your friends and family members who may be at risk.
Educating others allows them to make informed decisions about their health and decide if they should get screened. Remember, awareness of risk factors and symptoms along with early detection is the key to improving the chances of survival!
Post this graphic and tag us in your post @SalgiFoundation!
Donate:
When you make a donation to The Salgi Foundation, you are not only helping to spread the word about esophageal cancer and dangerous risk factors such as GERD; you are helping to raise money for research projects which are aimed at discovering methods of prevention, early detection and treatment. These research projects have one main goal: to save lives! Click here to make a one-time or recurring donation!
For more information and other ways to help make a difference, visit: SALGI.org/gerd
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
November 16, 2016
via medstargeorgetown.org
(Washington, D.C.) “Edward Eckenhoff recalls putting up with heartburn for many years. He says he would often take a few over-the-counter medications before a meal to ease his symptoms.
All of this caught up to him in February 2016 when, on vacation in Florida he suddenly had trouble swallowing.
“I said, ‘oh boy, I have a problem,’” recalls Eckenhoff. “So I went to a gastroenterologist in Florida who diagnosed me with esophageal cancer. Fifteen to 20 years of acid reflux resulted in a tumor at the base of my esophagus near my stomach.”
The National Cancer Institute reports that 16,910 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in 2016; 15,690 people will die from the disease.
Figures from the American Society of Clinical Oncology say the five year survival rate, overall is around eighteen percent; forty percent if the disease is caught early and four percent if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
When Eckenhoff got back to Washington, D.C. he consulted with physicians at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He received chemotherapy and radiation. Next, the surgery to remove the cancerous portion of his esophagus.
At most centers, surgeons crack open a patient’s chest to gain access to the esophagus.
But MedStar Georgetown’s chief of Thoracic Surgery Blair Marshall, MD has pioneered a minimally invasive procedure to remove esophageal cancer that is easier on patients in several ways.
“Instead of a large incision that breaks the patient’s chest bone, I use tiny incisions and cameras that allow us to remove the esophagus with the cancer and then make a new one,” said Dr. Marshall. “Patients do not go to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). They have less pain, blood loss and return to eating normally much sooner than with the standard approach. This is a procedure that is rarely performed by surgeons at other institutions. ”
Eckenhoff is a patient with a unique situation. He is paralyzed from the waist down due to an accident and uses crutches to get around. He is the founder of the MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital which has helped patients to be empowered to overcome disabilities caused by disease or injury for more than 30 years.
“I’m 6’ 2” and a couple of hundred pounds,” says Eckenhoff. “The old way of removing my cancerous esophageal tumor would have destroyed the musculature I need to get around. In my case, the minimally invasive surgery meant I was back on my crutches weeks after hospital discharge and it allowed me to be back on the golf course in 22 days. Now I am back to independence and I’m on the golf course three to four times a week!”
James Pease Blair, a retired National Geographic photographer who has traveled the world covering stories got a similar diagnosis of esophageal cancer in September 2012 when he was in his early 80’s.
“I was having scallops for dinner one night at a restaurant and suddenly, they came right back up. I couldn’t swallow,” recalls Blair. “I don’t remember having recurrent heartburn but I ate a lot of funny food from all around the world because of my work and I know I ate a lot of antacids over the years.”
An upper endoscopy revealed an esophageal tumor measuring approximately four inches in size.
“I looked at it as just another assignment, but one that would take a lot longer than usual. I just had to get out there and get it done,” says the award winning photo journalist who is now retired and living in New England.
Blair had chemotherapy before his surgery, which was a minimally invasive esophagectomy performed by Dr. Marshall.
“At this point in time, we have operated on several patients in their early to mid 80’s with excellent results,” says Dr. Marshall.
“Dr. Marshall showed me beforehand what the surgery using cameras was going to be like, says Blair. As a photographer I could see precisely what she was talking about. It was a major operation and I was 82 years old! I don’t think I would have survived the old method of having the surgeon crack open my chest to get to the tumor.”
Blair recalls that he never stayed in the ICU after his surgery and while he wasn’t eating when he left the hospital, his recovery was not painful.
“I’m doing perfectly now. And this is really serious stuff because this surgery allowed me to continue exhibiting photography and to give public talks about my work. I’m having a fulfilling life and that’s really important to me. I appreciate that she not only did a good job as a surgeon but also felt concern for me as a patient.”
“Both of these gentlemen are examples of patients who can benefit from a surgical technique that might take longer in the operating room, but results in a quicker and easier recovery from a very serious cancer,” Dr. Marshall said.”
Story Source:
Materials above provided by Medstar Georgetown. Editor Note: Content may be edited.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
November 15, 2016
via cancerresearchuk.org
“Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have discovered that a ‘sponge on a string’ pill test can identify which people with a condition called Barrett’s esophagus have a low risk of developing esophageal cancer – sparing them uncomfortable endoscopies.
Researchers from the
University of Cambridge(link is external) gave 468 people who had Barrett’s esophagus a ‘sponge on a string’ (cytosponge) test. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer in a small number of people.
They found that the cytosponge test together with additional laboratory tests identified that 35 per cent (162) of people with Barrett’s in the study were at a low risk of developing esophageal cancer.
The results show that patients with Barrett’s could be given a cytosponge test by their local GP and monitored, to detect which patients were at low risk of developing cancer, rather than having regular endoscopies at hospital.
This could help save patients’ time, as well as reducing the anxiety and discomfort of having endoscopy tests. Endoscopies are expensive and involve putting a camera down the throat to collect a sample of the cells lining the oesophagus for analysis under a microscope.
The cytosponge is a small pill with a string attached that the patient swallows, which expands into a small sponge when it reaches the stomach. This is slowly pulled back up the throat using the string, collecting cells from the esophagus for analysis.
The researchers tested these cells for two specific genetic markers and changes in the cells that can be used to estimate an individual’s risk of developing esophageal cancer. These results, alongside other information including age and obesity, were used in a mathematical model to classify patients’ risk levels.
Barrett’s esophagus is caused by acid reflux. This can occur when acid travels back up the food pipe from the stomach causing symptoms such as heartburn. Cells in the esophagus can then become damaged over time, leading to Barrett’s esophagus. People with the condition are also monitored for early signs of cancer, which can sometimes be triggered by cell damage.
Lead researcher Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, based at the MRC Cancer Unit at the University of Cambridge, said: “Most people who have Barrett’s esophagus will not go on to develop esophageal cancer, but at the moment there is no way of identifying who will and who won’t. Our study is the first step in using the cytosponge to answer this question.
“We’re assessing the cytosponge test in larger trials next year to understand more about how it can help diagnose esophageal cancer sooner. Compared with endoscopies performed in hospital, the cytosponge causes minimal discomfort and is a quick, simple test that can be done by your GP.”
Jessica Kirby, Cancer Research UK’s senior health information manager, said: “It would be good news for patients if the cytosponge test could be used to replace uncomfortable endoscopies for some people.
“Twelve per cent of people with esophageal cancer survive for at least 10 years, and part of the reason for the lower survival could be that the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage. Research like this helps us to understand more about the disease and could help doctors better predict who is at risk of esophageal cancer.”
The study is published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
Materials above provided by Cancer Research UK.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: acid, acid reflux, acid reflux disease, acid reflux drugs, acid reflux medication, awareness, barrett's, barrett's esophagus, cancer, cancer of the esophagus, cancer of the oesophagus, cancer run, cancer walk, charity, diet, disease, esophageal, esophageal cancer, esophageal cancer advocacy, esophageal cancer advocate, esophageal cancer awareness, esophageal cancer charity, esophageal cancer nonprofit, esophageal cancer nutrition, esophageal cancer research, esophageal cancer research charity, esophageal cancer research foundation, esophageal cancer research news, esophageal cancer run, esophageal cancer walk, esophagus, exercise, fitness, food, gastroenterology, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gatroesophageal Reflux Disease, gerd, health, health news, healthy., heartburn, heartburn medication, heartburn sufferer, heartburn symptoms, lifestyle, medication, news, nutrition, obesity, oesophageal, oesophageal cancer, oesophageal cancer awareness, oesophageal cancer charity, oesophageal cancer nonprofit, oesophageal cancer research, ppi, reflux disease, silent reflux | Permalink
Posted by salgiblogs
July 21, 2016
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded its first grant for esophageal cancer research in July 2015. The charity awarded program director, Dr. Carlos Minacapelli and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnston Medical School grant funding.
In 2011, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation was established to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer. Since 2011, the foundation has both raised awareness and encouraged the importance of earliest possible detection throughout New England, across the United States and internationally.
“The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is excited to be a part of Dr. Minacapelli’s and Rutger’s research efforts in honor of all the brave men and women who were affected by esophageal cancer and to hopefully reduce incidence and improve outcomes for individuals in the future” President of the foundation stated.
Update: As of July 2016, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has received 20 requests from researchers seeking funding for esophageal cancer research.
To make a tax-deductible donation to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, please visit: SALGI.org/donate.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux disease, of which the most common symptom is chronic heartburn, is one of the primary risk factors associated with esophageal cancer. Other risk factors include obesity, poor nutrition and smoking. With over a 600% increase in the past decades, esophageal cancer is among the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world.
Currently, there are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in earlier stages. Symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, typically appear once the cancer has become advanced and the overall five-year survival rate is only 17.5%. Despite its rapid increase and poor prognosis, esophageal cancer receives very little awareness and research funding.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation would like to thank all of our supporters and donors who believe in this mission and who make these accomplishments possible. However, this is just the beginning. The charity received many other research requests that we were unable to fund in 2015. We need to continue our efforts to fundraise so that we may continue to fund research.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: acid, acid reflux, acid reflux disease, acid reflux drugs, acid reflux medication, awareness, barrett's, barrett's esophagus, cancer, cancer of the esophagus, cancer run, cancer walk, charity, diet, disease, esophageal, esophageal cancer, esophageal cancer awareness, esophageal cancer research, esophagus, gastroenterology, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, gerd, health, health news, healthy., heartburn, heartburn medication, heartburn sufferer, heartburn symptoms, lifestyle, medication, news, nutrition, obesity, ppi, reflux disease, rhode island, ri, silent reflux | Permalink
Posted by salgiblogs
March 29, 2016
via: journalsblog.gastro.org
“Statin use after a diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma, but not esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, reduces esophageal cancer–specific and all-cause mortality, researchers report in the April issue of Gastroenterology.
Esophageal cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in men and eighth most common cause in women, worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) are the most common histologic subtype worldwide, but the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased rapidly since the 1970s and the most common form in the West. Fewer than 20% of patients with esophageal cancer survive for 5 years.
Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have also been reported to have anti-cancer effects. Statin use after diagnosis has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer-specific mortality in from prostate, breast, and colorectal carcinomas. Statins were also found to reduce risk of liver cancer.
Statin use has been inversely associated with the development of the histologic subtypes of esophageal cancers. However, it is not clear whether statin use after a diagnosis of esophageal cancer prolongs survival, or has different effects on EAC vs ESCC.
Leo Alexandre et al sought to determine whether statin use after a diagnosis of esophageal cancer reduced cancer-specific and all-cause mortality in a large cohort (4445 men and women) in the United Kingdom. They collected their data from the United Kingdom General Practice Research database, the UK National Cancer Registry, and the Office of National Statistics database.”
To read more about the findings, visit: journalsblog.gastro.org
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
November 19, 2015
“Chronic heartburn may be more than just a pain in the esophagus.”
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather together, share thanks and enjoy a delicious feast. The week of Thanksgiving is also dedicated to bringing awareness to a growing disease which affects one out of five Americans.
That disease is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD is a condition of the digestive system, which has increased significantly in recent decades.
GERD is also a primary risk factor for esophageal cancer, one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States. Esophageal cancer, similar to GERD, has also increased significantly in past decades. In fact, incidence of esophageal cancer has risen over 600% and with an overall five-year survival rate of only 17.5%.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit which awarded its very first grant to esophageal cancer research earlier this year, is working to once again bring awareness of the dangerous link between GERD and esophageal cancer.
Heartburn, a common symptom of GERD, does not typically cause major concern, as billions of Americans experience it at some point in their lives. However, persistent heartburn, which occurs two or more times a week, should not be taken lightly as it could be a symptom of the disease.
President of The Salgi Foundation knows all too well the dangers of heartburn and acid reflux. “My father suffered from chronic heartburn for years and was never warned by doctors of the possible risks. We found out too late, once he started having difficulty swallowing, that his chronic reflux had led to esophageal cancer.” She continued, “My father passed away a little over a year after he was diagnosed and it was, and still is, devastating.”
Many chronic heartburn sufferers turn to antacids or other medications for relief. Some medications, known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), work to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. These medications treat the symptoms of GERD but not the disease.
A poll conducted by RefluxMD, a San Diego, CA, based Internet healthcare company, focused on helping people suffering from reflux, showed that the majority of patients who were prescribed PPIs by their doctors were never told the medications “only treated symptoms, but that reflux would continue and the disease could progress” and were also never told “there were potential negative side effects (e.g. osteoporosis, bacterial infections, etc.”).
According to RefluxMD, PPIs are overprescribed and although long-term use of PPIs daily may reduce or eliminate symptoms, they do not stop the flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Consequently, GERD can progress and potentially lead to Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.”
Unfortunately, esophageal cancer has few, if any, early symptoms. Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chronic cough or hoarseness, food getting stuck or choking while eating often occur once the cancer has spread and reaches an advanced stage.
To make matters even worse, there are currently no routine or standard screenings to detect esophageal cancer in its earliest stages. The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation encourages those who suffer from reflux to be proactive about their health, stating “never ignore frequent heartburn and never rely on medications alone. Talk to your doctor about all of your options, especially how you can get screened for any possible damage.”
Please join us in raising awareness of the dangerous link between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and esophageal cancer!
Share this post and please feel free to share the images below on social media! The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube.
The more awareness we raise about risk factors and symptoms of esophageal cancer and the importance of early detection, the more lives that can potentially be saved!
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright 2015 Salgi.org
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Posted by salgiblogs
November 5, 2015
In November, 2014, Richard Huston and his family started a “Beards for Bruce” campaign in support of his father-in-law, Bruce and his battle with esophageal cancer. Unfortunately, in September of this year, Bruce lost his gallant fight with esophageal cancer. Richard said that last year Bruce was “overwhelmed by the love and support demonstrated by family, friends and those who didn’t even know him.”
This year, the family continues the campaign and Richard plans to continue “Beards for Bruce” every November in memory of Bruce to promote early detection of esophageal cancer and to help raise awareness and donations in hopes that someday, they will find a cure.”
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is honored to fulfill this mission in honor of Bruce and we thank all of Bruce’s family and friends who participate and support the “Beards for Bruce” campaign. Below is an excerpt from the “Beards for Bruce” fundraising website, created by Richard and his family. Please join us in thanking Bruce’s family and friends for supporting this cause and help them in their mission to raise much needed funding for esophageal cancer awareness and research by sharing their fundraising website. Thank you!
Bruce Reavill was a proud Husband, Father, and Grandfather that always made his family the number one priority in his life. He was also my (Richard Huston) Father in Law who was an amazing mentor, father figure, and the head of the family. An absolutely amazing man that seemed to never meet a stranger and left a positive impact every where he would go and with everyone he would meet. He raised two amazing and beautiful daughters; from countless family vacations when they were young to the two of them graduating college and continuing on in life with successful careers and eventually starting their own families. Needless to say he was a very proud father and Grandfather.
In 2013 Bruce and his lovely wife Sandy decided it was time to find that perfect retirement home in a desert oasis. After careful consideration and many options they elected to move to Buckeye, Arizona. This is where they would build the home they always wanted with a pool, room for the grandchildren to visit, and their own souped up golf cart that provided them their number one form of transportation. Surrounded by the beauty of the desert, the elimination of Minnesota winter, and the beautiful Cooper Canyon golf course was the life of retirement that Bruce and Sandy had worked so hard in life for.
Unfortunately after a few short months in Arizona Bruce noticed that he was having trouble swallowing. Initially Bruce put it off as a bad case of heartburn or indigestion; he realized it was not going away and would warrant a trip to the doctor’s office. This trip to the doctor changed Bruce’s life forever as he heard the words “you have esophageal cancer”. The impact on Bruce and our family was immediate and very real. Bruce is one of the strongest and most loving men I have ever known in my lifetime. He has set the bar of how a man should be in life never wavering from what is right, what is best for his family, and his strong believe in his faith in God.
After completing weeks of chemotherapy, radiation, and a very difficult surgery we had thought he was clear of this horrible decease. At his 90 day post exam his PET scan revealed that the cancer had now spread to other parts of his body to include his throat, liver, and bones. The reality of being so far away from family during this very difficult time had taken its toll. So this past winter Bruce and Sandy decided to move back to Minnesota where they could be closer to friends and family. Bruce vowed that he would be Warrior through this process and fight with all his heart.
Bruce would continue chemotherapy, more radiation, and almost daily trips to the doctor’s office. Bruce was a true warrior, a fighter, and a champion who gave it his all with the pride and style that only Bruce could. Unfortunately in September Bruce lost his gallant fight with esophageal cancer. He was a great man that was loved by so many and who will always be missed from this earth.
Last year I organized the Beards for Bruce campaign in support of Bruce’s battle with Cancer. Bruce was overwhelmed by the love and support demonstrated by family, friends and those who didn’t even know him. Many of you participated, donated, and provided support for Bruce last year. For some of you, this may be the first time reading Bruce’s story. I plan to continue Beards for Bruce every November in memory of Bruce to promote early detection of Esophageal Cancer and to help raise awareness and donations in hopes that some day they will find a cure.
I am reaching out and asking for your support in Bruce’s memory and to further esophageal cancer research. For all of you who can take part in growing some facial hair in the month of November, let’s grow out our beards, mustaches, goatees, or in honor of Bruce’s younger years a horseshoe mustache (handle bars) to raise cancer awareness.
We have elected to have all donations to go to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. All donations go directly to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer…in hopes of a cure.™
I hope you will support me and my family in effort to reach my goal by using the links provided for donations.
Thank you for your love and support!
To visit the “Beards for Bruce” fundraising page, please click here: https://www.crowdrise.com/beardsforbruce/fundraiser/rickhuston
https://www.crowdrise.com/beardsforbruce/fundraiser/rickhuston
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Posted by salgiblogs
October 13, 2015
When Dustin Hass ran his first marathon, the Portland Half Marathon, with his wife on October 4, 2009, his mother, Diane Hass and her husband, John “Jack” Arnold, came to watch and cheer them on.
Now, four years later, Dustin ran the Portland Half Marathon again but this time, in honor of Jack Arnold, who passed away from complications related to esophageal cancer on July 31, 2015.
Dustin created an online fundraiser benefiting The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation and writes on the site that he “chose to do a charity entry in his honor and to help raise awareness about esophageal cancer.”
On October 4, 2015, which also happens to be Diane’s birthday, Dustin ran a personal best of 1:40:05 and placed 10th in his division. He also surpassed his initial fundraising goal of $650, raising over $1,100.00 for The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, which will bring awareness to esophageal cancer and fund research.
Dustin writes of Jack: “He will be missed dearly by our family and many others. He did so much to help our family and he was a loving companion to my mother.” Diane, who planned a trip back to Portland to watch Dustin run the half-marathon this year, was there to celebrate with her son after the race.
On behalf of The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, we would like to thank Dustin for bringing awareness to esophageal cancer and raising much needed funds for awareness and research!
Join us on our Facebook page to congratulate Dustin on running his personal best and far exceeding his fundraising goal in honor of Jack Arnold. Thank you, Dustin!
Dustin Hass and his mother, Diane Hass at the 2015 Portland Half Marathon. Raising awareness and research funding for esophageal cancer. Image courtesy of: Dustin Hass. All rights reserved.
For more information about esophageal cancer and how you can get involved and make a difference, visit the following:
–Facts & Information
–Ways To Help
–Make A Donation
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Posted by salgiblogs
September 14, 2015
Article via Oncologynurseadvisor.com | September 11, 2015
“A nurse-led walk-and-eat intervention is feasible and effective to preserve functional walking capacity and nutritional status in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, according to a recent study published in the journal The Oncologist.
For the study, researchers at National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan, sought to evaluate the impact of a walk-and-eat intervention in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer stage 2B or higher receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. A total of 59 participants were randomly assigned to receive the intervention, which involved nurse-supervised walking 3 times per week and weekly nutritional advice, or usual care during 4 to 5 weeks of chemoradiotherapy.
Results showed that those who received the intervention had a 100-meter less decline in walk distance than control patients, 3-kg less decrease in hand-grip strength, and 2.7-kg less reduction in body weight. Researchers found that the patients’ age did not impact these endpoints.
The study also demonstrated that patients that received the walk-and-eat intervention had significantly lower rates of need for intravenous nutritional support and wheelchair use.”
Read the full article: http://www.oncologynurseadvisor.com
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: acid, acid reflux, acid reflux disease, acid reflux drugs, acid reflux medication, awareness, barrett's, barrett's esophagus, cancer, cancer news, cancer nutrition, cancer of the esophagus, charity, diet, disease, drugs, esophageal, esophageal cancer, esophageal cancer advocacy, esophageal cancer advocate, esophageal cancer awareness, esophageal cancer charity, esophageal cancer nonprofit, esophageal cancer nutrition, esophageal cancer research, esophageal cancer research charity, esophageal cancer research foundation, esophageal cancer research news, esophagus, esophagus cancer, esophagus cancer prevention, esophagus cancer research, esophagus nutrition, exercise, fit, fitness, food, gastroenterology, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, gerd, health, health news, healthy., heartburn, heartburn medication, heartburn sufferer, heartburn symptoms, lifestyle, medication, news, nutrition, nutrition cancer, obesity, oesophageal cancer, oesophageal cancer awareness, oesophageal cancer charity, oesophageal cancer nonprofit, oesophageal cancer research, oesophagus cancer, oesophagus cancer research, ppi, reflux disease, rhode island, Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, silent reflux, the salgi esophageal cancer research foundation | Permalink
Posted by salgiblogs
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation 