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
Understanding Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support
Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colorectal cancer and has undergone resection of the malignant tumor at Shuanghe Hospital. He had his third chemotherapy session on July 21, with a total of five sessions planned. A CT scan is scheduled for mid-August to assess the treat...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with the attending physician; if necessary, you can request a consultation with an oncology psychologist, social worker, or other holistic support services![Read More] Understanding Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support
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 Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis
Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colon cancer to the liver. The colon cancer has been surgically removed, and he underwent his second chemotherapy on July 7, which included 5-FU, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin. Before chemotherapy, his CEA level was 300, but after the firs...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
During the treatment of colorectal cancer, follow-up CT imaging and CEA levels are monitored every 2-3 months. Chemotherapy typically lasts for 3-4 months (approximately 6-9 cycles) before treatment effects can be assessed. Therefore, since only two cycles have been completed, an...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis
Can One Lymph Node Shrink While Another Grows? Understanding Lymphoma Dynamics
Is it possible for one lymph node to shrink while another continues to enlarge in lymphoma? Hello, I found a lymph node in my neck in May. Last Thursday, an ultrasound showed one lymph node measuring 1.5 x 0.6 cm and another measuring 0.5 x 0.5 cm. The one I felt, which is 0.5 x ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin S, 33 years old, female. 1. If one of the lymph nodes has decreased in size, can we be somewhat reassured that lymphoma can be ruled out? Answer: Each case must be discussed individually. However, if it has decreased in size without treatment, it is likely not cancer. 2. I...[Read More] Can One Lymph Node Shrink While Another Grows? Understanding Lymphoma Dynamics
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
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 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
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Inguinal small mass? Hello, Doctor. Current situation: Yesterday while showering, I suddenly discovered an unknown hard lump on the inner side of my right thigh, close to the underwear area. It appears dark, is not painful, measures about 0.5 cm, and feels firm and immovable, as ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chen / 30 years old / Female 1. There is a suspected eczema in the nearby area, which is neither painful nor itchy and has not spread. It has been present for 6 months, and the dermatologist is uncertain about the diagnosis, temporarily identifying it as eczema. Treatment wi...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
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?
Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks
Malignant tumors of the salivary glands? Doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family member recently underwent surgery to remove a salivary gland tumor, which was later found to have malignant components. The doctor mentioned that they will need to undergo six weeks of radi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! 1. Is radiation therapy absolutely necessary? A: Yes, it is necessary because when performing surgery, a safe margin must be maintained. The parotid gland is small, and if the tumor is too large, it may affect the appearance. Therefore, it can be predicted that the safe ma...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks
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 Lymphadenopathy in Thyroid Cancer Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
Lymphadenopathy Last November, I was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer (2.5 cm) and underwent a total lobectomy. However, I discovered a round mass in the upper left neck that is not painful and feels immobile. I have no other discomfort in my body. In mid-November, I also re...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there is a metastasis to the lymph nodes, it is recommended to first perform a lymphadenectomy, and then consider treatment with iodine-131 or radiation therapy. As for other concerns (such as bleeding risks, surgical risks, etc.), it is advisable to discuss them with the prim...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy in Thyroid Cancer Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
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
Choosing Between Injectable and Oral Chemotherapy for Post-Gastric Cancer Surgery
Selection of Chemotherapy Agents and Oral Medications After Gastric Cancer Surgery Hello Dr. Chen! My mother underwent surgery to remove most of her stomach due to gastric cancer on March 3rd. She is now facing the decision of whether to receive chemotherapy through injections or...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, only TS-1 has been used for one year in "postoperative stage III gastric cancer," which shows clearer benefits (the pharmaceutical company is willing to invest in research costs because it is a patented drug). The older drug Ufur, which has a simila...[Read More] Choosing Between Injectable and Oral Chemotherapy for Post-Gastric Cancer Surgery
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I discovered a lump in my right armpit while taking a shower, and I also felt pain in my chest. I went to a breast surgeon for an ultrasound, and the results were normal. Earlier this year, I noticed that the pain i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiaohua / 46 years old / Female Hello: 1. I am still troubled by intermittent pain. Could you please tell me what symptoms this might indicate? A: 1.1 As a human being, it is important to undergo regular cancer screenings according to age guidelines to detect any issues early...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Duodenal Perforation After 5FU Chemotherapy: What to Expect Next
The chemotherapy process using 5-FU resulted in a duodenal perforation? Hello Doctor, my father recently started treatment for esophageal cancer with 5-FU chemotherapy. However, on the fourth day of treatment, he experienced a duodenal perforation and underwent emergency surgery....
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the question of whether to continue using 5-FU, you should consult the physician who prescribed this chemotherapy medication. Thank you.[Read More] Duodenal Perforation After 5FU Chemotherapy: What to Expect Next
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
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