Understanding Recurrence in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Please provide information regarding the medication used for the recurrence of breast cancer? Hello Doctor: In November 2000, I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (T1N0M0) and underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by four cycles of chemotherapy (Adriamycin) and 30 se...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
1. It is likely related to issues with the pathological examination at that time, or the degeneration of cancer cells. 2. As for the subsequent treatment and prognosis, it may depend on the patient's response to the medication. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Recurrence in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Does Patient-Controlled Analgesia Shorten Life in Terminal Cancer?
Self-controlled analgesia Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I would like to ask you if the use of patient-controlled analgesia in terminal cancer patients can shorten their life to just two months? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Typically, this refers to terminal cancer patients, where "terminal" is defined as having a life expectancy of less than three months.[Read More] Does Patient-Controlled Analgesia Shorten Life in Terminal Cancer?
Understanding Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
excuse me? What is "tumor lysis syndrome"?
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
You can visit cancerfree.medicalmpa.tw for inquiries.[Read More] Understanding Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Navigating Stage 3 Lung Cancer Treatment: Key Questions and Concerns
Issues regarding treatment for stage 3 lung cancer...! A decision on whether to proceed with targeted therapy needs to be made in the next two days? The father is 60 years old and has been experiencing swelling in the jaw and neck (so severe that the neck is almost not visible) a...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
In theory, treatment should proceed only after obtaining a definitive pathological report. However, due to the more tolerable side effects of targeted therapy, the attending physician may decide to initiate treatment in critical situations.[Read More] Navigating Stage 3 Lung Cancer Treatment: Key Questions and Concerns
Managing Urinary and Bowel Issues After Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Abnormal bowel and bladder function after electrotherapy? Hello, Dr. Chen. My mother (56 years old) underwent a total hysterectomy along with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy three years ago due to cervical cancer. She subsequently received chemotherapy ...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
The cause is likely related to complications from abdominal cancer treatment. Intestinal probiotics may be considered, and it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional physician in person.[Read More] Managing Urinary and Bowel Issues After Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Natural Remedies to Boost Platelets for Cancer Patients
Unable to undergo chemotherapy due to low platelet count? The patient's father developed a tumor due to hepatitis B infection 11 years ago, which was diagnosed at an early stage. After undergoing surgical resection, he recovered, although he was confirmed to have mild cirrho...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
It is likely that chemotherapy has caused the decrease in platelet count. Please discuss management strategies with the attending physician. As for dietary therapy, consider incorporating peanut skins or increasing vitamin intake.[Read More] Natural Remedies to Boost Platelets for Cancer Patients
Understanding Rectal Adenocarcinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care
Rectal adenocarcinoma Dear Doctor, Recently, an elder in my family visited the doctor due to blood in the stool, initially thinking it was caused by hemorrhoids (which they already have). However, during the endoscopy, a polyp approximately 2 cm in size was found 4 cm from the a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Currently, pathological slides for malignant tumors require confirmation from two physicians, so the chance of error is extremely low. After surgery, only the staging has changed; the physician predicts a clinical stage of T2N0M0, while the definitive pathological staging post...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Adenocarcinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care
Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Sigmoid colon cancer Hello, I would like to ask about colorectal cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. I am currently on my 8th round of chemotherapy, and each session has been increasingly painful. After treatment, I experience vomiting, body aches, weakness, and loss of ap...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Pomelo: 1. I recommend getting an out-of-pocket antiemetic injection such as Zofran or Kytril; sometimes one injection can last for several days, while others may need to receive it daily. 2. Regarding dietary supplements, there is less research from Western medicine, so it would...[Read More] Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Post-Operative Care for Colorectal Cancer: Dietary Guidance and Recovery Tips
Postoperative Care for Colorectal Cancer Dear Dr. Chen, My father recently underwent surgery for colon cancer, and it has been two weeks since the operation. After the surgery, he received IV fluids for supplementation, and his weight has not decreased. About 3-4 days post-surge...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Yu-Hsin, 1. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are three essential nutrients that cannot be overlooked. Fish soup provides a source of fat, so that should not be an issue. Postoperatively, if there are no signs of bowel obstruction, theoretically, both porridge and soft rice...[Read More] Post-Operative Care for Colorectal Cancer: Dietary Guidance and Recovery Tips
Understanding Cancer and Plant-Based Diets: Key Foods and Tips
Cancer and Vegetarianism Hello, Director: I have a few questions I would like to ask you. 1. Since someone in my family has breast cancer, the doctor mentioned that hormone-containing foods should be avoided. Could you please advise which foods contain hormones? Thank you! 2. Wha...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Le: What you might be concerned about is the impact of female hormones on the development of breast cancer, right? Regardless of whether food is plant-based or animal-based, it is biological, and all biological substances contain hormones. However, the hormone levels in food...[Read More] Understanding Cancer and Plant-Based Diets: Key Foods and Tips
Managing Appetite Loss and Pain After Chemotherapy for Cancer
Post-chemotherapy anorexia and tumor pain? Hello! My father has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for duodenal ampullary cancer in the hospital for over six months now. In the past two months, the tumor pain has caused a loss of appetite. Could you please advise ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Liu: Hello! If loss of appetite is caused by pain, it is important to adjust the type and dosage of pain medication to improve quality of life, and this should be addressed with your physician. However, strong opioid analgesics can cause nausea and even vomiting, which may al...[Read More] Managing Appetite Loss and Pain After Chemotherapy for Cancer
Challenges of Delayed Chemotherapy: A Patient's Struggle for Care
The efficacy of chemotherapy beyond the prescribed duration? My mother was first hospitalized for chemotherapy on July 10, 2009, and officially admitted on July 12, 2009. She is scheduled for her second round of chemotherapy on July 24, 2009. However, E-Da Hospital currently has ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Xiao Wu: Many issues stem from the administration of hospitals and the National Health Insurance Bureau, which may not be within my capacity to address. The effectiveness of treatment may be affected, but the helplessness of patients and their families is something I can only...[Read More] Challenges of Delayed Chemotherapy: A Patient's Struggle for Care
Effective Strategies for Cancer Prevention Beyond Diet and Computer Use
Cancer Prevention Hello, Doctor: I would like to know what other methods can help prevent cancer besides consuming fruits and vegetables in daily life. I spend about 12 hours a day using a computer; does this increase the risk of developing cancer? Does the computer emit electrom...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Prevention: Appropriate exercise, emotional management, and good lifestyle habits are important. Electromagnetic waves have a relatively significant impact on brain tumors, especially if there are cell phone towers nearby. However, clear research data is still lacking to confirm ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Cancer Prevention Beyond Diet and Computer Use
Chemotherapy and Needle Removal: Seeking Local Services in Hsinchu
Chemotherapy - Removal of the IV catheter from the infusion bottle? Hello, doctor! I live in Hsinchu, and my family member is undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer with liver metastasis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. However, we need to bring a milk bottle home for continued...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! You can visit the outpatient clinic of Dr. Wei Zhi-Hsin at Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology. I have already inquired about the needle removal for you with Dr. Chen Sih-Rong at Taoyuan Hospital. Wishing you good health![Read More] Chemotherapy and Needle Removal: Seeking Local Services in Hsinchu
How Many Chemotherapy Sessions Are Necessary for Stage 2 Breast Cancer?
How many cycles of chemotherapy are needed? Hello Dr. Chen: My wife has stage II breast cancer, and the doctor informed us that she needs to undergo 4 cycles of chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. I have some concerns and contradictions. On one hand, fewer treatments may ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Although the standard chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer typically consists of 6 cycles, there are also regimens that involve 4 cycles, which are considered standard treatment options as well. You may inquire with your attending physician whether there will be...[Read More] How Many Chemotherapy Sessions Are Necessary for Stage 2 Breast Cancer?
Managing Liver Cancer in a Patient with Stage III Colon Cancer and Stroke
Liver cancer Hello Doctor: My father has stage III colon cancer and liver cancer. Recently, he underwent surgery for the colon, which unfortunately resulted in a stroke, leaving one side of his body paralyzed. His colon condition is now stable, but he requires long-term rehabilit...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Miss Hsin: If the lesions in the liver are primary liver cancer, it is referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma. If the lesions are due to colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver, it is called liver metastasis from colorectal cancer. The management of hepatocellular c...[Read More] Managing Liver Cancer in a Patient with Stage III Colon Cancer and Stroke
Bladder Cancer Stage 2A: Choosing Between MVAC, GP, or TP Chemotherapy?
For stage 2A bladder cancer with lymph node involvement, the recommended chemotherapy regimen is typically MVAC (Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin). However, the choice between MVAC and Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin (GC) may depend on the patient's overall h...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mawan: For the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy of bladder cancer, current data still supports MVAC as the standard regimen. If there are concerns about toxicity, GP can be chosen as an alternative. TP has higher toxicity as well, so it is recommended to consider its use only ...[Read More] Bladder Cancer Stage 2A: Choosing Between MVAC, GP, or TP Chemotherapy?
Understanding Hospice Admission Criteria for Terminal Cancer Patients
Terminal cancer patients Hello, Dr. Chen. I would like to inquire about the criteria for admission to a palliative care unit. My father has been diagnosed with terminal cancer by a physician at Tzu Chi Hospital in Taipei, with an estimated lifespan of about 3 to 6 months. He is s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, the admission criteria for a palliative care unit are as follows: patients with terminal cancer who experience physical discomfort (such as pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, etc.) that cannot be managed in an outpatient or home care setting. Based on your correspondence...[Read More] Understanding Hospice Admission Criteria for Terminal Cancer Patients
Managing Bloating Issues from Morphine Pain Relief in Cancer Patients
Bloating issues caused by the use of morphine pain medication? Hello Dr. Chen, my mother has cancer and, after unsuccessful treatment, she is currently resting at home. She is only taking morphine for pain relief, but she is experiencing significant discomfort due to abdominal bl...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai: You may inform your treating physician about the symptoms, and the doctor can prescribe medications for reducing bloating or for bowel regulation. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Kao Chung-Shu, Attending Physician, Department of Oncology, Taoyuan Gener...[Read More] Managing Bloating Issues from Morphine Pain Relief in Cancer Patients
Understanding CEA and CA15-3 Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer, cancer index issues? Hello Doctor: My mother has stage III breast cancer and has completed four rounds of chemotherapy before surgery and six rounds after surgery. She has also just finished radiation therapy. I would like to ask about her lab results. Before the s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Xiao Guang, The normal range for CEA is 0-10.0, and for CA-153, it is approximately 0-31, though values may vary slightly between different hospitals. In this case, it cannot be concluded whether there are residual cancer cells based solely on these values. Generally, if th...[Read More] Understanding CEA and CA15-3 Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment