As you all know tis the season for influenza (flu) and it seems like the number of people affected is increasing. Every new day I am hearing about someone new who has 101-103 fever and is uncontrollably throwing up. People all around me are affected by this years flu monster, yet I have remained un-touched...so far...knock on wood...cross my fingers...and praaaaay to god.
My theory is that cancer survivors diagnosed and cured at a young age (5-15) may be immune to certain strains of the influenza virus and other bacterial infections. Now I'd like to first start by saying that I am in no way a doctor of any kind. I do hold two science degrees in biology and chemistry but would not use this as a reputable source of info.
After minor thoughts... (And I mean MINOR), I have come to the chemotherapy conclusion. Chemotherapy, in its most general sense, refers to treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells, specifically those of microorganisms or cancer. Certain chemotherapy drugs are unable to recognize bad cells (cancer) from the good ones (non-cancer) a therefore killed every cell until the cancer was gone. After the death of all these cells and eventually the cancer itself, your body went through a rebuilding stage, and so did your immune system.
It is in my opinion that the newly rebuilt immune system adapts to protect against certain viruses that may affect the immune system of a normal human. Now before all of you flood my email box with hate mail on how ridiculous this theory may sound (which I would love you to do), hear me out. My theory is based around the "Adaptive Immunity" theory, which states, "The adaptive immune system evolved in early vertebrates and allows for a stronger immune response as well as immunological memory, where each pathogen is "remembered" by a signature antigen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system
If our current system is able to adapt and remember a certain bacteria or virus then should not a newly rebuilt immune system be able to further its memory through rapid adaptive response? RAR (Rapid Adaptive Response) = My theory that the immune system post cancer is rapidly exposed to many germs and viruses in a short period of time. Because of this rapid, short, exposure our immune system was able to evolve at a faster rate then a normal human.
As I said, this is just an opinion that I have thought about for some time. It would be interesting is someone would conduct a study to confirm or debunk this possibility. However, until then I would like for each of you to tell me whether or not you have been affected by the influenza (flu) virus and when.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 09:37 AM EST
[General]
Hey Gang,
That special day is quickly approaching and with it comes fun, food, dance, laughter, and of course a little love. CURE Childhood Cancer is throwing their annual Valentine Dinner & Dance. I expect this to be a very cool event and you know the food will be good to!!
The dinner and dance is open to everyone but I need three or four people who are willing to introduce yourself to an audience and tell them how long you have been off treatment. If you think this is something you would be interested in or if your just looking to have a great time on V-Day then drop me a line at Preston@LifeLinkage.com and RSVP.
We have added some new options for you to choose from for further customization of your profile information. Very cool options such as diagnosis, protocol/treatment, hospital location, etc. have been added so you can find your friends on our network. If you have, any questions at all feel free to ask!
By the way, I have a something big to tell yawl, so be checking back periodically in the next couple of days to find out what it is. I will give you a hint in saying that we are about to have a ton of fun! Expect to see what my secret is in the up coming week.
I apologize for not posting in awhile, but I have been very busy trying to look for fresh new ideas to help you guys get the most out of this network. I am now back and armed with enough new material to blow your creative-cancer-socks off!
Good To Be Back,
Preston Presnell Founder, The Life Linkage Network www.lifelinkage.org Personal Page: Preston.LifeLinkage.Com Email: Preston@LifeLinkage.Com
Everyone has a kick butt holiday season this year filled with good times, laughter, and a whole lotta giving and receiving :). May your New Year be filled with happy days! From our cancer family to yalls...Merry Christmas and Happy Happy Happy New Years!
I want to welcome all of the recent new members to our wild, crazy, fun, awesome, hip, and of corse, wonderful network! I hope each of you find your comfort, laughter, and friends while here.
Kick Cancer's Ass,
Preston Presnell Founder, The Life LInkage Network www.lifelinkage.org
Hello Hello to all my cancer ass kicking friends!!
I just finished building a new site for those that are new to our network. The address is www.lifelinkage.org thats (org) not (com) :P I hope all of you had a wonderful Turkey Day and are doing great! December is rolling around so pop in some X-Mas Music, slide around in your Undies and decorate that darn tree. Speaking of Christmas, feel free to drop some donations into our internet bucket (http://www.lifelinkage.org/gpage1.html) if your in the giving mood. If not atleast give us a shout out to say how things are going.
Kick Cancer's Ass,
Preston Presnell Founder, The Life Linkage Network www.lifelinkage.org or .com
