Is Increased Bone Marrow Cells Always a Sign of Disease?
Bone marrow issues? Is an increased number of bone marrow cells considered a disease?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It's difficult for me to answer your question as it stands. Does "more than normal" refer to a higher number of normal cells compared to an average person, or does it refer to a higher number of abnormal cells compared to a normal person? These two scenarios...[Read More] Is Increased Bone Marrow Cells Always a Sign of Disease?
Dietary Guidelines for Bladder Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Diet for Bladder Cancer Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my grandfather who has bladder cancer. He receives chemotherapy at the hospital every Friday and has already completed three sessions. The nurse mentioned that his appetite may increase. Are there any dietary conside...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Aside from raw foods (such as salads, sashimi, etc.), it is generally acceptable to consume cooked foods (a balanced diet of rice, vegetables, and meat is sufficient). Additionally, it is important to note that some individuals may take extra vitamins, particularly antioxi...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Bladder Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Should I Be Worried? Understanding Cancer Risks at 27
Should I be concerned? Dear Doctor: I am currently 27 years old, and I have been experiencing some troubling symptoms lately. After being ill recently, I frequently feel dizzy, have weakness in my limbs, nausea, shortness of breath, unexplained joint pain, and back pain. I am ver...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Chen Xiaoduan / 27 / 0 It seems more like a constitutional issue. I suggest you consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and use positive language regarding your condition. Thank you for your letter to Taoyuan Hospital. Chen Sirong[Read More] Should I Be Worried? Understanding Cancer Risks at 27
Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects: TS-1 and Tarceva for Seniors
What are the side effects of chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Chen: Thank you for your detailed response the other day. You mentioned that for older patients, chemotherapy is recommended to be done with oral medications, with TS-1 being the first choice (and if financially feasible, addin...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: 1. TS-1 is an oral chemotherapy drug that is taken daily for four weeks (28 days), followed by a two-week break. The daily dosage is determined based on the patient's height and weight. Tarceva, on the other hand, is also an oral targeted th...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects: TS-1 and Tarceva for Seniors
Is Chemotherapy Suitable for Elderly Patients After Pancreatic Cancer Surgery?
Is chemotherapy suitable for elderly patients after pancreatic cancer surgery? Dear Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you a few questions regarding my mother, who is 88 years old. She underwent surgery for a pancreatic tumor in mid-May, and nearly three months later, on July 20, her...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on the questions you raised, I can see that you have thought deeply and far about future matters. Pancreatic cancer surgery is considered one of the most complex procedures in surgery (it is difficult to perform, the operation time is extremely long, and the wound ta...[Read More] Is Chemotherapy Suitable for Elderly Patients After Pancreatic Cancer Surgery?
Understanding Shoulder Pain as a Symptom of Lung Cancer
Shoulder pain caused by lung cancer? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently saw news reports mentioning that one of the symptoms of lung cancer is shoulder pain. Therefore, I would like to ask you: 1. What specific area does this type of shoulder pain typically occur? What is the nature of t...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
John / 34 years old / Male, we need to clarify whether you are a lung cancer patient or a patient with shoulder pain. If you have shoulder pain and suspect lung cancer, please get a chest X-ray for confirmation. If you are a lung cancer patient: 1. Could you describe the location...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain as a Symptom of Lung Cancer
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Worry
Two areas of lymphadenopathy? Hello Dr. Chen: I have swollen lymph nodes in my neck and groin. I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for blood tests and X-rays, and the doctor said the results were normal, advising me to continue monitoring the situation. I would like to ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. If blood tests and X-rays are normal, what could be the possible causes of lymphadenopathy? Inflammation and the immune system's response to bacterial invasion can lead to lymph nodes that remain enlarged in some individuals while others may resolve. 2. Does a normal bl...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Worry
Understanding PET Scan Results for Tumor Evaluation: A Guide
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan Report Hello Dr. Chen, my mother had a PET scan, and we have the report now, but I don't quite understand it. Could you please analyze it? Findings: Previous total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (THBSO). No significa...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The results of the PET scan report seem to be quite concerning. The summary translates as follows: "Multiple hypermetabolic nodular masses (typically indicative of tumor cells) are observed in the abdomen and pelvic cavity, with the largest located on the left side of...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results for Tumor Evaluation: A Guide
Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: Anxiety, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, Before I explain my situation, I want to mention that I tend to become overly anxious and worried due to health issues. Two months ago, after reading about skin cancer online, I had two moles removed. During that time, I was very concerned and no...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, university student / 20 / biomedical engineering junior! 1. I understand that you are very worried. 2. As you mentioned, excessive anxiety, high stress, and tension can lead to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which can result in symptoms like night sweats and we...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: Anxiety, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Concerns About Ovarian and Uterine Tumor Recurrence: What to Know
Concern about the recurrence of ovarian tumors and uterine tumors? Hello. My mother has been experiencing bloating in her lower left abdomen for the past month, and she can feel a hard mass when pressed. The bloating is particularly noticeable after meals, even though she doesn&#...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If your mother has been regularly following up at the outpatient clinic, please go back and schedule an appointment for her. We need to determine if any tests are necessary (abdominal X-ray, blood tests for cancer markers, colonoscopy, or CT scan...). All your concerns are...[Read More] Concerns About Ovarian and Uterine Tumor Recurrence: What to Know
After Car Accident: Hard Lump in Mouth - Should I Be Concerned?
After an injury to the mouth from a car accident, there is a hard lump that has formed? I was injured in a car accident recently, and I have a bump in my mouth that gradually shrank and disappeared, but now there is a hard little ball in that area. I previously saw a dentist who ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
In theory, not removing it will not have adverse effects, but I have encountered a few patients who fell and got injured, and only after the wound healed did they notice that the originally injured area had a tumor, which turned out to be cancerous. Of course, this hard mass was ...[Read More] After Car Accident: Hard Lump in Mouth - Should I Be Concerned?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Leukopenia Hello, I would like to ask: My husband had a health check-up, and his white blood cell count was 3.57 x 10^3/µL (normal range 4.0-11.0). His MCV (mean corpuscular volume) was 68.5 (normal range 79-99), and his MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) was 21.1 (normal range 26...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms./Mr. AMBER, Currently, your white blood cell count is low. Please consult a hematology-oncology specialist. Sincerely, Director Lai, Department of Radiation Oncology, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Should You See a Doctor for Lumps Near Your Collarbone?
The collarbone feels unusual? Recently, due to staying up late more often during the summer vacation, I noticed something that feels like a lymph node in the hollow area next to my collarbone. It moves when touched and is not painful, with a layered texture. Additionally, I also ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of lymphadenopathy, with common benign enlargements due to viral infections, colds, etc. However, some enlargements are related to the metastasis of cancer cells to the lymph nodes, which can be difficult to differentiate clinically. Although experien...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Lumps Near Your Collarbone?
Understanding Venclexta Coverage and Costs for Cancer Patients in Taiwan
Wanke medication Dr. Chen! I have undergone chemotherapy abroad and completed two autologous stem cell transplants. I am currently receiving injections of Venclexta (2.4 mg every two weeks) and taking Revlimid (10 mg) as part of my follow-up treatment. I plan to return to Taiwan ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mrs. Chen / 66 / 11. You have not provided medical information, so I cannot determine the eligibility for National Health Insurance coverage. Below are the National Health Insurance coverage regulations: 9.28. Bortezomib (e.g., Velcade for Injection): (96/6/1, 98/2/1, 99/3/1, 99...[Read More] Understanding Venclexta Coverage and Costs for Cancer Patients in Taiwan
Understanding Groin Pain: When to Seek Help and What to Expect
Pubic symphysis pain Hello Dr. Chen: I have been experiencing pain near my pubic bone for almost a year. The location is approximately at the front right side near the edge of my bikini swimwear. I have already consulted a gynecologist, as the pain seems to be more pronounced dur...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chang / 42 / 1 Hello, which department should I register for? I still recommend obstetrics and gynecology or general surgery, so that the second physician can take a look at (2) the muscles. There isn't much ultrasound that can be done... Are there any other instruments ...[Read More] Understanding Groin Pain: When to Seek Help and What to Expect
Understanding Cancer Markers: Insights on Stage 3B Rectal Cancer
The cancer index for sigmoid colon cancer? Dear Doctor: For a patient with stage 3B sigmoid colon cancer, after surgery, the cancer marker level decreased from over 50 to around 4. Is this a significant reduction? I understand that cancer markers are not always accurate, but a de...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Huang Xiaomei: The current clinical application of tumor markers is primarily for monitoring treatment. The interpretation of elevated markers helps determine whether patients' levels return to normal after surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, and whether they rise aga...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Markers: Insights on Stage 3B Rectal Cancer
Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon and Liver Cancer
I'm here to help! Please provide the content you would like me to translate? My brother is 51 years old and has stage III colon cancer, along with three malignant tumors in his liver. Initially, the doctors planned to perform surgery on both, but due to concerns about his ab...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. You, Regarding your brother's Stage III colorectal cancer, it has metastasized from the primary site in the colon to the liver. As for surgery, the attending physician will assess the patient's overall health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for t...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon and Liver Cancer
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects and Fever in Advanced Lung Cancer
Fever in lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my husband is 35 years old and is currently in advanced stage lung cancer, close to stage IV. He has undergone surgery and has just started chemotherapy with "Taineng." However, he began experiencing side effects on the fourth day of ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Sweetheart Mom, Hello! Accepting chemotherapy may lead to various side effects; some individuals may experience partial side effects, while others may have none at all. This largely depends on the type and dosage of chemotherapy your husband is receiving, as well as his bo...[Read More] Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects and Fever in Advanced Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer Treatment: Myths and Realities Explored
Cancer treatment & non-treatment I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello everyone, each person can have their own opinion. After the publication of the book, there will also be fans of his work. I cannot judge which of his thoughts are right or wrong based on my personal views. He acknowledges that 1. There are cancers that can be treated with c...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Treatment: Myths and Realities Explored
Understanding Cancer Risk and Nutritional Care for Diabetic Patients
CEA = 5.48, DR 70 = 1.3, WBC = 2.98. Is there a cancer diagnosis? How to care for and supplement nutrition for someone with diabetes? CEA = 5.48, DR 70 = 1.3, WBC = 2.98. Is there a cancer diagnosis? How to care for and supplement nutrition for someone with diabetes?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Miss Chien. Your CEA level is 5.48, DR70 is 1.38, which are considered low to moderate risk. It cannot be concluded that you have cancer. For follow-up, you have two options: 1. Blood tests for monitoring. If the levels continue to rise, we can arrange further diagnostic t...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Risk and Nutritional Care for Diabetic Patients