Post-Breast Cancer Surgery: Vaccine Injection Concerns
Post-operative injection issues in breast cancer? Hello, doctor. In 2008, I underwent a total mastectomy of the left breast (early stage – tumor near the nipple) and partial lymph node removal. I do not need to take medication. The doctor advised that there is a risk of lymphedem...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wen, 57 years old, female. Hello. 1. February 13. 2. Injection in the left hand. 3. Possible side effects are not significant and should be manageable; any hand-related side effects are expected to heal. Wishing you peace. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Post-Breast Cancer Surgery: Vaccine Injection Concerns
Can I Get Vaccinated in My Left Arm After Breast Surgery?
Issues related to vaccine injection at the site of administration? Hello, doctor. In 2008, I underwent a total mastectomy of the left breast (early stage), and some lymph nodes were partially removed. I was advised not to take medication and to avoid measuring blood pressure in m...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Typically, six months after breast cancer surgery, if there are no symptoms such as lymphedema or any discomfort, normal use can be resumed.[Read More] Can I Get Vaccinated in My Left Arm After Breast Surgery?
Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Cancer treatment Dear Dr. Chen, My husband, Cheng-Chung, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer (metastatic colorectal cancer) in May 2021. A CT scan on May 11 at National Taiwan University Hospital revealed liver metastases, with multiple small tumors, approximately 7-8 ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For stage IV colorectal cancer, according to current standard treatment, the first-line therapy consists of chemotherapy combined with the targeted drug Avastin. Based on previous research findings, the expected probability of tumor shrinkage is over 50%. The average durat...[Read More] Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: What You Need to Know
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, about a month ago I noticed 2 to 3 lymph nodes near my neck and jaw area, each approximately 1 cm in size (I haven't had a cold recently). I hadn't paid attention to them before and I'm not sure when they appeared. Last week, I went to...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kiki / 30 years old / Female 1. Your doctor should have already explained to you what is normal. 2. You can only perform a self-examination on the parts you can feel each month to check for any changes in size. 3. You can still have regular follow-up ultrasounds, such as ev...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: What You Need to Know
Managing Relapsed Rectal Cancer: Concerns About Chemotherapy and Liver Function
Recurrence of colorectal cancer? Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, I recovered well and lived normally for about two years. During a recent routine check-up, a recurrence was found in the pelvic area. My original surgical...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
LHF / 58 years old / Male 1. Can I start taking this chemotherapy drug with my liver enzymes still being so high? A: Regardless of liver function, it is essential to continuously monitor liver function while taking this medication. If liver function continues to deteriorate, we...[Read More] Managing Relapsed Rectal Cancer: Concerns About Chemotherapy and Liver Function
Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Submandibular lymph nodes Hello doctor, about three weeks ago, I accidentally felt two round lymph nodes about the size of soybeans at the junction of my chin and neck. They are not visibly protruding, so I hadn't noticed them before. Recently, I've noticed that sometim...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kiki / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. Since I have already seen a doctor, it is likely benign for now. If there are any changes such as enlargement, discoloration, or hardness, then I should urgently see a doctor. If there are no changes, I can wait to see a doctor after the ...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Submandibular lymph nodes Hello doctor, about three weeks ago, I accidentally felt two round lymph nodes, about the size of soybeans, at the junction of my chin and neck. They are not visibly protruding, so I hadn't noticed them before. Recently, I have noticed that sometime...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kiki, 30 years old, female, has already seen a doctor once. The initial assessment indicates that it is not cancer. If there are no changes, she can return for a follow-up in three months. If there is any increase in size, hardness, or color change, she should see a doctor immedi...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Can Thyroid Cancer Survivors Safely Receive COVID-19 Vaccines?
Papillary thyroid carcinoma, status post total thyroidectomy, currently on thyroid hormone replacement therapy? I would like to inquire whether it is safe for someone with papillary thyroid carcinoma who has undergone total thyroidectomy and received radioactive iodine treatment,...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Pei-Hsuan Yeh / 24 years old / Female Hello, cancer itself does not affect the administration of vaccines, especially since your disease has already been treated. However, different vaccines have varying side effects, and these side effects can be influenced by age and gender. B...[Read More] Can Thyroid Cancer Survivors Safely Receive COVID-19 Vaccines?
Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia: Key Questions for Your Follow-Up
Follow-up Issues for Iron Deficiency Anemia Dear Doctor, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia in April and have been taking a long-term prescription (Ferrous Sulfate 150mg, twice a day) for three months. I was originally scheduled for a blood test next week and a follow-up...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. No. 2. Yes. Generally, as long as the hemoglobin levels return to normal, the medication will be discontinued; it is not taken for a lifetime.[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia: Key Questions for Your Follow-Up
Can Patients with Implanted Vascular Devices Use Body Fat Scales During Chemotherapy?
Is it safe to use a body fat scale during chemotherapy if there is an artificial blood vessel implanted in the body? My mother is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and has an artificial blood vessel implanted in her body. I have noticed that commercial body fat ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Concerned individual / 20 years old / Woman. Cannot use body fat scale before the artificial blood vessel is removed. Wishing for a smooth treatment at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Can Patients with Implanted Vascular Devices Use Body Fat Scales During Chemotherapy?
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Key Questions and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy Hello Dr. Chen, about two weeks ago, I discovered a lump measuring 1.7 x 1.5 cm under my right clavicle. The characteristics of the lump are that it is hard, immovable, and painless. A week later, I went to a major hospital for an ultrasound and biopsy. The ultras...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot respond as I am unsure about the content of the report. 2. I have not seen the report, so I cannot answer that either. 3. No, this is not a characteristic related to lymphoma. 4. Without a report, I cannot answer that either. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Anemia: Insights from Four Blood Tests and Gastrointestinal Issues
Anemia status from four blood test reports? Hello, Doctor. I have had a total of four blood tests from last year to this year. In March of last year: Red blood cell count: 4.6 (4.5-5.9), Hemoglobin: 13.6 (13.5-17.5), Hematocrit: 41 (41-53), Mean corpuscular volume: 87 (80-100), G...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: To me, your report is considered normal, and I will directly dismiss it in the outpatient clinic. The numbers are not fixed values; this is quite common. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Insights from Four Blood Tests and Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Causes of low white blood cell count..? The new employee's health check report shows a white blood cell count of 2.90 (with the report indicating a normal range of 3.80-10.4), which is low, while other values are normal: red blood cells at 4.18 and platelets at 168. Since th...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This time it doesn't represent anything significant. When you have time, please visit the hematology clinic again for a re-evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Prolonged APTT in Children: What Parents Should Know
Blood Disorders / Prolonged APTT Time in Children Hello, doctor. My son is seven years old this year! In October 2019, he had a fever due to influenza, and there were some red spots on his hands. The clinic doctor suspected they were petechiae and recommended checking his coagula...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is advisable to consult a pediatric hematologist. Laboratory values can fluctuate due to different testing times or varying physiological conditions. A difference of more than 10 seconds is clinically significant—this means that if the difference exceeds 10 seconds, it is more...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged APTT in Children: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Elevated CEA levels in recurrent colorectal cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, I am from Taoyuan and currently in Canada. In May 2019, I was diagnosed with cancer located between the ascending colon and the transverse colon, which was classified as stage III. After an emergency surgery for ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tony Chen / 57 years old / Male Hello, medical condition: 1. Diagnosed with recurrent metastatic colorectal cancer in the lymph nodes near the aorta, measuring 17mm in diameter. 2. CEA levels have been consistently rising. The Canadian physician recommends continuing chemotherap...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Consultation on Lymph Node Concerns: Understanding Blood Test Results
I would like to consult about lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, I previously underwent a health check-up at the hospital. My red blood cell count was 5.02 (reference range 4.20-6.20 x 10^6/uL), white blood cell count was 5.67 (reference range 4.00-11.00 x 10^3/uL), lymphocyte perc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Agreed. 2. Once these tests are completed, can we not worry? This cannot address subjective feelings. 3. This is the responsibility of your attending physician, and I cannot answer on their behalf. 4. It can be considered normal, but the possibility of lymphoma cannot b...[Read More] Consultation on Lymph Node Concerns: Understanding Blood Test Results
Will Removing Enlarged Lymph Nodes Affect My Health?
Will the removal of enlarged lymph nodes have an impact on the body? Hello, doctor. I have two enlarged lymph nodes under my armpit, approximately 1.5 cm and 1 cm in size, which I noticed about a month ago (I’m not sure when they appeared). My blood test results are normal. The d...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The human body has many lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, numbering in the hundreds or thousands. Removing just 1 or 2 nodes is not a significant issue. It will not cause any lasting side effects, nor will it affect your immune resistance, so there's no need to worry...[Read More] Will Removing Enlarged Lymph Nodes Affect My Health?
Understanding Increasing Red Blood Cell Counts: Implications and Management
The number of red blood cells is increasing? Hello Doctor: I am a 40-year-old female. My blood tests show an increasing trend in red blood cell count. In July 2015, my RBC was 6.36, MCV was 62.5, and MCH was 20. In August 2016, my RBC was 6.37, MCV was 61.7, and MCH was 19.2. In ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Although you did not provide complete blood test data, I would guess that you have thalassemia (a hereditary condition!). Please bring all your paper documents to the hematology outpatient clinic for consultation. Thank you. P.S. The iron supplements you are taking are not...[Read More] Understanding Increasing Red Blood Cell Counts: Implications and Management
Understanding Monoclonal Gammopathy: Risks and Management Strategies
Unexplained monoclonal protein abnormalities My mother was informed during a blood test at Taipei Veterans General Hospital that her IgG levels were elevated (first test 1685, second test 1698) and her Kappa/Lambda ratio (approximately 20 in the first test, about 22 in the second...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
This condition cannot be prevented; subsequent follow-up is more important. If concerned, it is advisable to return for a check-up every six months. If any of the following situations occur, it is recommended to schedule an earlier appointment: worsening kidney function (decrease...[Read More] Understanding Monoclonal Gammopathy: Risks and Management Strategies
Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
The side effects of Ufur Rejuvenation Capsules? Hello, doctor. My mother is approximately 68 years old and was diagnosed with colon cancer during a health check last year. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor in August, and the pathology report classified it as stage 2A. She...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot comment on traditional Chinese medicine as I am not familiar with it. 2. This is something you should discuss with the primary physician; I cannot answer on their behalf. 3. The answer is the same as above. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment