Q: My 16 year old was just diagnosed with lymphoma. I am very scared. Obviously, I am devastated over this, but mostly I am worried about the treatments and how she is going to handle this. What are the basic treatments for lymphoma, and what are the side effects of the treatments.
A: That is terrible. It is so hard to see your children sick, and especially with a cancer diagnosis. The good news is that many forms of lymphoma in children are very treatable, with very high cure rates for many types of lymphoma. The most common treatment for
Treating Veins in Legs
by Dean Heller MD November 1st, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
Q: I am 38 years old and have 3 beautiful children. But 3 pregnancies left my body a mess, and I want to get back to the way I looked before. I am working out and starting to make some improvements. One problem I don't think I will be able to fix is my legs. I have many of these little veins in the skin, but I also have some very large veins that bulge out on both legs since the last pregnancy. Will these get better when I get in shape?
A:Â It sounds like you have what is
Read More
A:Â It sounds like you have what is
Smoking and Stage One Lung Cancer
by Dean Heller MD October 25th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
Q: I am 56, and I started smoking when I was 16 years old. I knew it was dumb for most of that time, although at the start, we just didn't know.
Anyway, I was recently diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. My doctor says it is very early and that I should do well, although he can not make me any promises. I just want to hear from someone else as I am worried he is sugar coating what could happen.
A;Â To comment on your first thought, yes we have known that smoking is bad for you for many
Read More
Anyway, I was recently diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. My doctor says it is very early and that I should do well, although he can not make me any promises. I just want to hear from someone else as I am worried he is sugar coating what could happen.
A;Â To comment on your first thought, yes we have known that smoking is bad for you for many
Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy
by Dean Heller MD October 18th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
Q: My mother is going to start chemotherapy for breast cancer. Her doctor is very good, and has her convinced that there is no way she will die from this cancer, so she feels good about that. However, she is worried about the side effects of the chemotherapy, and keeping up with her busy life. Between work, and my brothers and sisters, she is busy. We told her we would help, but she wants to continue to do everything she usually does, if possible. What should we tell her?
A: Your mother sounds like a very strong woman. You are
Read More
A: Your mother sounds like a very strong woman. You are
Could I Have Cataracts?
by Dean Heller MD October 11th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
Q: I am 41 and have been working in a cardiac catheterization lab for over 10 years. I know I get some radiation because of this, and although I take all of the necessary precautions, I am worried that I may have developed cataracts. I know these usually occur in older people, but I know radiation affects the eyes as many of the doctors wear lead glasses. I have frequent blurry vision, and I have been having trouble driving at night recently, and see rings around the lights at night. Does this sound like cataracts?Â
Read More