Understanding the Impact of Herbal Medicine on Cancer Treatment and Side Effects
Medicinal cuisine Dear Dr. Wu, Do not say sorry! You are like my spiritual mentor, and receiving your answers brings me a lot of comfort. I am grateful to you, but I am very afraid of wasting your precious time. I am also worried about running out of medication. After my last ch...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len, 1. The side effects of Avastin: The more common adverse reactions include headache, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, stomatitis, constipation, upper respiratory infections, epistaxis, dyspnea, and proteinuria. Severe adverse reactions may include hypertensive crisis, v...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Herbal Medicine on Cancer Treatment and Side Effects
Understanding I-131 Treatment and Scanning for Thyroid Cancer Recovery
Iodine-131 therapy and scanning? I had surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma a month ago, and my throat is still a bit swollen, with a hoarse voice. I'm not sure how long it will take to recover. I have been on a low-iodine diet in preparation for iodine-131 treatment. Aft...
Dr. Zhao Ming Reply:
I believe your attending physician will provide you with detailed instructions. If you have any questions, please ask your treating physician.[Read More] Understanding I-131 Treatment and Scanning for Thyroid Cancer Recovery
Understanding Breast Pain in Young Girls: When to Seek Medical Advice
A 6-year-old girl reports breast pain? Hello, doctor: My daughter told me that she has been experiencing pain in her right breast for several days, but she forgot to mention it to me. I checked her, and the pain is located just slightly to the right of the nipple. It usually does...
Dr. Zhao Ming Reply:
Generally, this is a normal developmental phenomenon and there is no need to be overly concerned; however, it is still important to have a physician evaluate the situation to reach a definitive conclusion. - Dr. Zhao Ming[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain in Young Girls: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Panic Disorder: Insights for Cancer Patients Facing Anxiety
Panic disorder Dear Dr. Wu, I apologize for bothering you. Recently, I have been feeling weakness in my limbs and restlessness. I once went to the emergency room, and the doctor suggested I see a psychiatrist. They only prescribed me a sleeping pill, which helped me sleep and re...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len: 1. Besides medication, what other methods can help avoid panic attacks? ---> You should relax and not be too tense. Learn to coexist peacefully with cancer, treating it as a "chronic illness," which may help improve your situation! 2. Does panic diso...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Insights for Cancer Patients Facing Anxiety
Understanding Thyroid Issues: A Mother's Concern for Her Daughter's Health
Thyroid gland Dr. Zhao: Hello, I have hyperthyroidism and have been treated by a specialist, who informed me that I have been off medication for many years. I have had blood tests every six months for years without any recurrence. I noticed that my young daughter has a thick neck...
Dr. Zhao Ming Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of your daughter's condition requiring surgical treatment is low. Medical management should be appropriate. If you need my advice, you can visit my clinic, and I will explain further.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: A Mother's Concern for Her Daughter's Health
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects with Avastin: A Patient's Journey
Avastin Dear Dr. Wu, I didn't have time to see your reply. During my last outpatient visit, I decided to proceed with Avastin (thinking that since I'm going to receive it, I might as well start it early with chemotherapy). The side effects of the chemotherapy are becom...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len, Using four medications together can indeed lead to more significant side effects. I recommend that you pay close attention to how these side effects affect you. Do not hesitate to report any discomfort to your attending physician promptly. If necessary, it may be ...[Read More] Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects with Avastin: A Patient's Journey
Managing Bone Metastasis: Insights on Treatment and White Blood Cell Support
Bone metastasis Dear Dr. Wu, I apologize for continually bothering you. My white blood cell count has not improved; I have had to change from receiving white blood cell stimulants every second week to every week. This second week's treatment was also delayed, but I am no lo...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len: 1. Besides relying on white blood cell growth factors and beef, what other methods can enhance white blood cell counts? --> You might consider consulting a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician at a major hospital, as TCM can provide effective relief for...[Read More] Managing Bone Metastasis: Insights on Treatment and White Blood Cell Support
Understanding Gynecomastia and Thyroid Issues: Key Questions Answered
excuse me? 1. In males with gynecomastia, if there is a sensation of pressure, improvement typically occurs around the age of 18 to 25 as hormonal levels stabilize. If surgery is considered, there are risks involved, including infection, scarring, and changes in nipple sensation....
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Mr. Lai: 1. In cases of gynecomastia with a sensation of pressure, at what age is improvement likely to occur? - It may be advisable to wait until after puberty to reassess. Generally, the sensation of pressure should not be significant. If it is bothersome, you can con...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia and Thyroid Issues: Key Questions Answered
Navigating Self-Paid Medications for Thyroid Issues in Breast Cancer Treatment
Out-of-pocket medication Dear Dr. Wu, Currently, my white blood cell count often drops to around 1000. Despite receiving white blood cell growth factors, I frequently experience fevers and have had to visit the emergency room. After the fever subsided, I continued to receive ant...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len, First of all, congratulations on finding the appropriate medication and currently having no residual tumors! Keep up the good work! 1. What are the effects of excessive antibiotic use on the body? --> If their use is necessary, the benefits outweigh the risks,...[Read More] Navigating Self-Paid Medications for Thyroid Issues in Breast Cancer Treatment
Post-Surgery Insights for Male Gynecomastia: Fitness and Recovery
Treatment for gynecomastia in males? Hello Dr. Wu: I also have concerns about gynecomastia! After surgery, I want to start losing weight and working out! Is it still possible to develop chest muscles in the operated area? If I don't have surgery, can I conceal gynecomastia j...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Mr. TEDDY: 1. After surgery for gynecomastia, is it possible to start losing weight and exercising? --> Of course, you can. The surgery only removes the glandular tissue, and the pectoral muscles are preserved. 2. If I don't have surgery and only rely on weight tra...[Read More] Post-Surgery Insights for Male Gynecomastia: Fitness and Recovery
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
There is a lump? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about something I noticed about two or three years ago. I found a small hard lump in my right breast (above the right nipple) that sometimes hurts, especially when pressed, while at other times it doesn't hurt at all. T...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Male breast tissue is less developed, so the likelihood of tumors is relatively rare. Based on your description, it may be a subcutaneous tumor. You can visit a surgical outpatient clinic for a diagnosis and possible excision by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Managing Recurrence: Treatment Options for Breast Cancer Patients
Relapsing? Dear Dr. Wu, I apologize for continually bothering you. I have completed my surgery, and 19 lymph nodes were removed, with 17 of them being infected. Currently, my doctor is no longer considering the use of Vinorelbine (he believes it is ineffective) and has suggested...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len: 1. Are you planning to pursue aggressive treatment? ---> You should be encouraged! You can rest assured that if chemotherapy becomes intolerable, your physician will pause and make adjustments! 2. After a period of chemotherapy, is it necessary to perform a PE...[Read More] Managing Recurrence: Treatment Options for Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding Thyroid Tumor Treatment: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy Options
Surgery?? Dear Dr. Wu, I apologize for continually bothering you, but I am very confused lately. My doctor did not perform surgery (nor a biopsy) and only increased my original medication dosage. I consulted another doctor who mentioned that since I have already tried almost all...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len, 1. Since the entire treatment course has not been completed, we cannot conclude that the medication is ineffective. Do you agree with this statement? What are your thoughts? -- This must be considered in light of the circumstances at the time. The rate and extent ...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumor Treatment: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy Options
Managing Persistent Breast Cancer: Treatment Challenges and Options
Recurrent during treatment? In late 1994, I discovered I had a tumor, and the doctor said it was stage III, so I started chemotherapy. The first four cycles included cranberry extract, 5-FU, and possibly platinum-based drugs. However, the tumor did not shrink, and my CA 15-3 leve...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Len, First of all, I would like to express my highest respect for your fighting spirit! Of course, I also want to give you my greatest encouragement! The recurrence of cancer during treatment indicates that the previous medications may have been insufficient, which is ...[Read More] Managing Persistent Breast Cancer: Treatment Challenges and Options
Understanding Breast Nipple Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
excuse me? Yesterday, after taking a shower, I noticed a small bump on my left nipple. At first, I thought it might be due to some friction that caused it to crack. It's about 0.1 to 0.2 centimeters in size, but today I noticed that it has changed from flesh-colored to brown...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Based on your description, I am unable to make a differential diagnosis regarding what is happening with the nipple, but I can confirm that it is likely just a skin issue. I recommend visiting a nearby public hospital's surgical clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Breast Nipple Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Areola Changes: What You Need to Know About Breast Health
Areola Hello, Doctor: There is a 3 cm hair growing on my right areola, and it seems to be getting longer. I had a similar hair grow in the same spot before, but I accidentally pulled it out at that time. I would like to ask if this is related to my health condition. Thank you for...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss Tingting: This situation is considered a normal phenomenon! Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Wu Ching-Tang, Attending Surgeon, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health. (SORRY! There was a slight issue with the internet, hence the delayed response!)[Read More] Understanding Areola Changes: What You Need to Know About Breast Health
Understanding Breast Expansion: Causes, Concerns, and Management
Breast expansion Hello Doctor: Last December, after my menstrual cycle, I examined my breasts and found a lump. I later went to the hospital for an examination, where the doctor performed a breast ultrasound and diagnosed me with breast fibrocystic changes. I was advised to have ...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Miss RU: Will breast expansion cause any effects? --> The effects are minimal. You may still experience a sensation of breast pain; is that really okay? --> If there are no suspicious lumps, you can be reassured for now. Regular monitoring is recommended, and pain reli...[Read More] Understanding Breast Expansion: Causes, Concerns, and Management
Understanding Gynecomastia: Causes, Treatment Options, and Insurance Coverage
Gynecomastia Hello Dr. Zhao, I have read a lot of online Q&A about gynecomastia. I used to be overweight, and even after losing weight, my chest remains the same size. I believe this is what is referred to as gynecomastia. It really looks unappealing. I would like to ask if t...
Dr. Zhao Ming Reply:
Hello: Based on your inquiry, it seems you should consult with a plastic surgeon regarding liposuction. Our plastic surgery department is led by Dr. Chou Hung-Chang, please schedule an appointment with him. Dr. Chao Ming.[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Causes, Treatment Options, and Insurance Coverage
Understanding Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Medical Advice
Secretions Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my right nipple has been secreting a clear fluid when pressed, although it is only a small drop. However, in the past two days, I have experienced some bleeding; sometimes it is blood, and other times it returns to being cle...
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Sister: The presence of bloody discharge from the nipple warrants further examination by a breast surgeon. However, since you have no family history and are still young, there is no need to be overly concerned. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Wu Ching-Tang, Breast Surgery,...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Medical Advice
Nipple discharge Hello, I have recently noticed that my right nipple secretes a clear fluid when pressed, although it's only a small drop and not much. Does this count as abnormal? Should I get it checked?
Dr. Wu Jingtang Reply:
Dear Sister: Based on your description, it seems that the discharge is not problematic. Please continue to observe it, and if it persists, you should consult a doctor. Wishing you peace and good health. Dr. Wu Ching-Tang, Department of Surgery, Taoyuan General Hospital, Health De...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Medical Advice