As mothers, all we want is for our kids to be happy and healthy, right? And I think it’s safe to say that we’d do pretty much anything in the world to ensure their well being and safety, even if it means putting ourselves in harm’s way.

A woman in the U.K. named Sarah Brook was put to the ultimate test when she had to choose between possibly saving her own life or saving the life of her unborn baby. When she was six months pregnant with her daughter, she got the devastating news that she was battling bowel cancer. She’d been suffering from back aches and morning sickness, which are two symptoms that can typically be attributed to pregnancy — and she was no doubt shocked when she learned that she actually had a life threatening disease.

Sarah was faced with a gut wrenching dilemma when she had to choose whether to start chemotherapy and risk the life of her baby, or to delay treatment altogether in the hopes that her child might live.

Ultimately, she decided that the life of her baby was more important than her own, so she put off chemo and wound up delivering her baby girl, Polly Jean, premature at 27 weeks. 

The baby is now 4 weeks old, and her condition is improving — and odds are good that she will go on to lead a full and happy life. but sadly, 32-year-old Sarah is nearing the end of her fight. the cancer has spread to her lungs, pancreas, neck, and intestines. And this is a battle she knows she isn’t going to win. Doesn’t that make you want to break down and cry? This is seriously one of the most heartbreaking and unfair things I’ve ever heard of a mother having to go through.

Holding her tiny baby in her arms and knowing that she won’t live to see her grow up is beyond devastating. but at the same time, I can’t help but feel inspired by her selflessness and her incredible love and devotion for her child. I mean, the thought must have crossed her mind more than once that delaying her treatment may cost her the ultimate price, but she still chose to put the health of her child above her own survival. if that doesn’t speak volumes about the level of unconditional love in her heart, then I don’t know what does.

Knowing her time with her baby girl is running out, I’m sure she’s savoring every single second she has to cuddle her, smell her tiny, perfect little head, and tell her how much she loves her. This little girl may not remember her mother growing up, but hearing the story of the incredible sacrifice she made will remind her of just how much she loved and cherished her — even before she was born.

I only hope that Sarah can find some peace in the fact that she saved her baby’s life, and that her legacy will live on in her daughter forever.

What would you do if you were faced with a decision like Sarah’s?

Image via Family O’Abé/Flickr

Published on: Mar 07 2012 09:10:53 PM EST  Updated on: Mar 08 2012 10:05:38 AM EST

South Florida doctor seeing cases of malaria

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –

Dr. Ian Russinoff, an ER doctor with Broward General Medical Center has recently seen a few cases of malaria.

“I wouldn’t say we have a increased incidence of malaria but it needs to be something that’s kept on our radar because sometimes it’s a hard diagnosis to pinpoint and it’s potentially fatal,” Russinoff said.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed from one person to another through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Malaria can also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby and through blood transfusions.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, headache, joint pain, nausea, sweating vomiting and fever.

The fever’s tend to come in cycles.  It’s going to come about every six hours,” said Russinoff.

A diagnosis is confirmed through blood work

“Once these parasites migrate to the liver you will get some break down of red blood cells which relates to the anemia we see in some of the lab findings,” Russinoff said.

Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical areas and though not typical in the U.S., it has been introduced here from infected mosquitos that are transported into the country via airplanes.

Malaria will not resolve on it’s own and needs to be treated with antibiotics.

“It’s like any other infection if it runs its course and affects other parts of the body so it could be very serious,” said Russinoff.

Before traveling to warm climates outside the U.S., including the Caribbean, check with your doctor about taking an anti-malaria medication to prevent infection. d

• Copyright 2012 by Post Newsweek. All rights reserved. this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Published on 16/09/2011

Some women live with deadly conditions for years without knowing it. DR BRIGID MONDA shows you signs that should make you rush to a doctor

Many women live in pain not knowing that what they are experiencing is abnormal and they need to see a doctor immediately.

Here are some of the most common ‘gyne’ problems women should know about:

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Women can harbour Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea without even knowing it. Chlamydia in particular can lie dormant for years after you get infected.

Both infections frequently produce no symptoms in women. They quietly fester in the body causing havoc in the pelvis, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems.

The first sign of danger is when you have trouble conceiving and your damaged tubes are spotted when you’re being investigated for infertility.

You may succeed in getting pregnant but end up with an ectopic pregnancy.

You also risk passing on the infection to your unborn baby during delivery. the gonorrhoea causing bacteria can also cause gonoccocal arthritis.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

This is an infection of the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the adjacent organs. in many cases, the infection is due to either chlamydia and or gonorrhoea.

PID can also follow a miscarriage, a criminal abortion or childbirth. the classical symptoms of PID are fever and severe pelvic pain.

These symptoms can be missed if you keep going to the doctor about problems that appear unrelated to the PID, such as irregular periods, cystitis, frequent bouts of thrush or backache.

A quarter of the women not treated for PID will suffer from scarring of the affected organs causing infertility, chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancies.

The combined oral contraceptive pill like Femiplan protects against PID.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle of the uterus. They are especially common among black women who are three to nine times more likely to develop them. though genetic, the good news is that only 20 per cent of these women will develop symptoms and they shrink after menopause.

On the richter scale of women’s ‘gyne’ problems, fibroids are the equivalent of a minor quake.

Many women still have fibroids and have no problem conceiving.

In others, they cause heavy periods and may affect fertility, where due to their position in the uterus, they block the fallopian tubes or act like a contraceptive coil and thus prevent pregnancy.

The fibroids grow and can reach the size of a large melon causing backache, constipation, frequent urination and urinary tract infections, varicose veins and pain during sex.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

In this condition, the ovaries develop a mass of tiny cysts.the disease can also have nasty knock-on effects on your health. It increases your chances of becoming diabetic by seven times and of developing high blood pressure and heart disease three times more. It’s caused by an imbalance of testosterone, a male hormone.

The most obvious signs of the problem are acne, excessive hairiness and a deepening of the voice. sometimes the signs are not so obvious which makes it so hard to spot.

Many women suffer from no adverse effects at all. others only suffer mood swings and irritability which they put down to pre menstrual syndrome.

This condition causes painful, heavy periods but may be completely missed all together.

Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the womb, the endometrium grows in other parts of the pelvis including the bowel, ovaries, fallopian tubes and bladder.

Because it is the same tissue as the normal endometrium in the uterus, it responds to the hormonal changes and also bleeds causing pelvic irritation, inflammation and scarring of the tissues.

The women who are slowest to be diagnosed are those who don’t suffer from any unusual pain or bleeding and only discover it when they can’t conceive because it has involved the tubes.

Some women ignore warning signs like heavy periods, painful sex and or painful bowel movements because they think the pain they are experiencing is normal.

Keeping up to date with your pap smears will highlight precancerous cells and you can be treated even before you develop cervical cancer, the leading cause of death due to cancer in women in Kenya.

Ovarian cancer on the other hand is difficult to diagnose because it has no symptoms until it’s in an advanced stage. the space in the pelvis gives the cancer room to grow unnoticed until it’s causing extreme pain and swelling. There a genetic predisposition to it especially for women in whom a close family member has suffered from cancer of the bowel, breast or ovary.

Vaginal and vulval cancer are thought to be ‘old women’ cancers. They are rare below the age of 60.

However it is not unknown for these cancers to occur in younger women as well so it’s always important to take notice of any unusual symptoms.

A sore and itchy lump may indicate cancer of the vulva. an unusual, growth, bleeding or unusual discharge can be a warning of vaginal cancer

yet many women are to embarrassed to see a doctor.

Endometrial cancer — (cancer of the womb) the easiest gyne cancer to identify — which produces early warning bleeding in women who’ve had their menopause, can be missed. This cancer is completely treatable if caught early.

The combined oral contraceptive pill is also protective against cancer of the ovary and womb.

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What is Propylthiouracil?

Propylthiouracil prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.

Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or Graves’ disease.

Propylthiouracil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Propylthiouracil?

Do not use propylthiouracil if you are pregnant. it could harm the unborn baby.

Propylthiouracil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. do not use propylthiouracil while you are breast-feeding a baby.

Propylthiouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Propylthiouracil may cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms: low fever, itching, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Propylthiouracil?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propylthiouracil, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• liver problems; or
• a blood disorder

FDA pregnancy category D. do not use propylthiouracil if you are pregnant. it could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Propylthiouracil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. do not use propylthiouracil while you are breast-feeding a baby.

What are the possible side effects of Propylthiouracil?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking propylthiouracil and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, flu symptoms
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), unusual weakness
• dry cough, trouble breathing; or
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash

Propylthiouracil may also cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:

• low fever, itching
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, vomiting
• dizziness, spinning sensation
• mild skin rash or itching
• mild joint or muscle pain
• decreased sense of taste; or
• hair loss

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect Propylthiouracil?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, digitalis)
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl)
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with propylthiouracil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Propylthiouracil?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

How should I take Propylthiouracil?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Propylthiouracil can be taken with or without food.

Use propylthiouracil regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Propylthiouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Propylthiouracil?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, joint pain, fever, sore throat, itching, rash, swelling, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling, and feeling restless or drowsy.

What happens if I miss a dose of Propylthiouracil?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Tags: Propylthiouracil.

A pregnant woman fighting for her life after catching swine flu remains in a critical condition in hospital. Skip related content

Mother-of-four Fallon Devaney, 25, was struggling for breath and was admitted to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Her mother, Linda Fearney, said she had flu symptoms for more than a week and that the hospital told her she had swine flu.

Ms Fearney told the Derby Telegraph newspaper she was taken aside by a doctor and told that either miss Devaney, the unborn baby, or both could die.

Miss Devaney, from Kirk Hallam, Derbyshire, is five months pregnant with her fifth child and is in intensive care, a hospital spokesman said. "We have a no-change situation, meaning she is still critical but stable," he added.

Ms Fearney told the Derby Telegraph a GP visited her daughter, who has not been vaccinated against swine flu, at her home and diagnosed her with influenza and gave her antibiotics.

But her condition deteriorated and she was admitted to hospital last Tuesday.

Hundreds of messages have been sent to miss Devaney through a Facebook group called Get Well soon Fallon.

Figures out earlier this week showed that 17 people have died from flu so far this winter. the Health Protection Agency said 14 deaths were from swine flu and another three from flu type B.

All victims were under 65, including six under-18s. at least eight of the 17 were in an "at-risk" group, although none was pregnant and none had been vaccinated.