Back in the 1940’s and 50’s, cancer was poorly understood.  It was believed back then (literally the dark ages!), that one medication would cure all cancers.  That cancer could be more advanced in one case than another, was totally unknown.  As research got more specific, stages were identified.  A simplified system used four stages, written in Roman numerals: Stage I and Stage II indicated the earliest stages, stage III was more advanced, and Stage IV demonstrated distant metastasis from the primary tumor.  As knowledge compiled through the decades, this system was modified with A, B and C, signifying the level of development in each stage.
As time and research progressed, a staging system was devised that provides more information at a glance. TNM stands for Tumor, Nodal involvement (lymph nodes) and Metastasis.  A T1 tumor is very small, and obviously a T4 tumor is much larger or has grown into nearby tissue.  The T1 tumor may be stage I and the T4 tumor may be Stage II.  N could be 1, 2 or 3, depending on the number of cancerous nodes.  M is 0 vs 1, depicting no metastasis versus metastasis (stage IV).  An x signifies unknown involvement (T1N1Mx).  Just to spice things up, a “c, p, or y” before the letters will tell you even more information.  It reads like this: cT1 would mean that a small tumor was identified per scans and physical exam (clinical); pT1 means the information came through a biopsy (pathology), and the yT1 means the staging information was AFTER treatment.

If you have not heard or read or listened to information regarding the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), you must be living in a cave.  There is a daily onslaught from all forms of media, as to the dangers of this virus, the latest quarantines, and the number of worldwide cases (living 91,342 https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/).  There have been 3,120 reported deaths (six in the states, all in WA).  Of the active cases, 82% are mild disease.  COVID-19 stats pale in comparison the flu, which caused 18,000 deaths this season, and 32 million illnesses, according to the CDC (https://www.livescience.com/new-coronavirus-compare-with-flu.html).
The coronaviruses are a large family of virus, seven of which are known to have caused human illness, from cold like symptoms to the more serious respiratory syndrome (SARS).  COVID-19 is a new variant of this viral family.  The virus is spread mainly through respiratory transmission; symptoms include fever, cough and some shortness of breath.  But the virus is affecting more than just humans; global economy including China’s growth rate and exports; air transport, and oil and gas markets are also symptomatic of the virus. In this country, face masks and hand sanitizers are being snapped up along with nonperishable foods and oddly, toilet paper.
It is important to remember a few things about our health.  The human body is designed to continually search for balance, or what is known as homeostasis.  That is, the body strives to stay healthy.  The first line of defense to maintain health is to improve the immune system.  Good nutrition (less sugar and processed foods) is imperative to keep your immune system functioning at peak performance.  Drinking water throughout the day (instead of sugary drinks) can be a big help in balancing your system.  Good handwashing is essential during a situation like this.  Hands should be washed with soap, throughout the day and the minute you or any of your family enters the home.  Avoid touching your face until you are certain your hands are clean.  If you are immune compromised (prior transplant, on steroids or chemo, etc), avoid large crowds and be cautious on public transportation.   An attitude of optimism and gratitude (versus negativity) has been shown to improve our overall health.  We do not have to wait in fear but can take active participation in our own health. 
​Contrary to what my husband believes (and apparently others if we follow the stock), Corona beer does NOT cause Coronavirus.