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Oncology (General Cancer)/Questions Answered by Expert Christopher M

SubjectDate Asked
support10/24/2011
  Q: Christopher I want to first and foremost tell you how sorry I am to hear about your wife. I am ...
  A: Tiffany, Different people react to the news of any major illness in different ways. In my wife's ...
Spinal cancer4/21/2011
  Q: Just yesterday my cousin was diagnosed with cancer of the spine and lung. He will be starting his ...
  A: I am sorry to hear about your cousin and will keep you in my prayers as I always do when I hear of ...
small lump on left side of neck4/15/2011
  Q: I have a small lump not big and it moves when you touch it it hurts a little when you press down on ...
  A: Yes you should be concerned!!! Not because it is anything in particular, but because it COULD be ...
high WBC count3/23/2011
  Q: i am a 27yr old female. i recently went for a cystoscopy due to on going bladder infections. the dr ...
  A: Causes of a high white blood cell count include: Infection - Severe physical or emotional stress - ...
"enlarged" spleen2/8/2011
  Q: A few months ago, I started experiencing almost constant pain in my left upper quadrant of my ...
  A: Brittney I am glad to see you did not believe the ER people and went to an internist instead. I ...
Low Platelets7/14/2010
  Q: Due to Chemotheropy for colon cancer (5FU, FolFox6, Oxcelaplaton and Panatumamab)my platelets have ...
  A: Although this is not something I have a lot of experience with, I did a search and found out that ...
ENLARGED LYMPH NODE!6/26/2010
  Q: my two year old has had 2 enlarged lymph nodes on left side head, one on right side, one behind ...
  A: As I said, ask a LOT of questions. You have the right to know everything you want to know. I would ...
ENLARGED LYMPH NODE!6/26/2010
  Q: my two year old has had 2 enlarged lymph nodes on left side head, one on right side, one behind ...
  A: Please understand I am not a doctor, but I do have some knowledge due to my personal experience. My ...
high white cell and neutrophyils6/24/2010
  Q: my father died young at age 42 from a brain tuomour and lung cancer. i am a smoker and for the last ...
  A: I am not a doctor so the tests results do not mean a lot to me but you can google the results to ...
A couple of hard lymph nodes4/28/2010
  Q: Hey I'm a 19 male and I have these two lumps in my neck and groin that I have had over a year now ...
  A: In a word, yes!! If a lump appears and stays for that long I would not hesitate to take a ...
Lots of nodes all over.... lymphoma?4/8/2010
  Q: I am a 21 y/o female. About 4 months ago I noticed a hard lump on one side of my groin, my boyfriend ...
  A: I would get another doctor if I were you. It may BE just a reaction to surgery or other ...
Lymph nodes4/5/2010
  Q: About two years ago I went to the doctors to get an MRI on my shoulder and they incidentally found ...
  A: James, It is always possible for noncancerous nodes to become cancerous. My concern is the fact ...
lymphoma cancer4/3/2010
  Q: my sister has enlarged lymphnoids she has been refered to oncology Dr. they are going to do a PEP ...
  A: I believe you are referring to a PET scan, which is used to detect and measure the bodies cell ...
lymphoma question3/30/2010
  Q: a family member of 49 years old has a compromised immune system due to medication for eczema and ...
  A: Carol, Your family members being tired could indeed be just the stresses of everyday life. Although ...
lymphoma?3/15/2010
  Q: i am a 24 year old female, my husband noticed a small (pea sized) lump on my neck 2 months ago. i ...
  A: The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the ...
Lung Cancer with eight brain mets2/27/2010
  Q: My father has been told he has terminal lung cancer. He just found out there are eight brain mets ...
  A: I am sorry about your father's condition. To answer your question, I think the 3 month prognosis is ...
thyroid nodules/hypodensities1/19/2010
  Q: I was in a car accident on 8-1-09 and went to OHSU Trauma Ctr. I just received and am reading the ...
  A: From what I could find, the hypodensities means that there are areas of whatever body part was ...
survival rate for spinal cancer1/12/2010
  Q: i have a 11year old female cousin who has spinal cancer and she gets 6bags of chemo almost every two ...
  A: Her chance of survival is dependent on many factors including the type and stage of cancer, her ...
Metastatic malignant melanoma12/29/2009
  Q: I have just received the results of a biopsy done on my father. He is 93 years old and has ...
  A: This is a very tough decision I am sure. If it were me, I would take him to the hospice. There are ...
Cervical cancer11/30/2009
  Q: My wife just had major hysterectomy surgery, Dr took out everything , Ovaries, nodes , cervix, even ...
  A: I would imagine the doctor was referring to life expectancy when he said 15 months. If your doctor ...
lung cancer11/25/2009
  Q: what is the average amount of time it takes for non-small cell lung cancer to go from stage one to ...
  A: This first site is one of many that talks about the staging of Lymphoma specifically: ...
enlarge lympnode in groin10/24/2009
  Q: "Im a 36 yr old healthy female an im so worried bout this ..For the past three weeks to a mth i have ...
  A: I don't like your doctors answer. If this has been present for a month, it needs to get checked. I ...
enlarge lympnode in groin10/23/2009
  Q: "Im a 36 yr old healthy female an im so worried bout this ..For the past three weeks to a mth i have ...
  A: My first question would be what the doctor told you it was and what tests he did. Second, did YOU ...
Cancer screening10/6/2009
  Q: My husband has lost 4 siblings to cancer. We have 3 adult children, and I am worried that there may ...
  A: I do not have a lot of knowledge in the genetic area of cancer but I found a site that should be ...
Paraprotein in blood9/30/2009
  Q: I have been having really crazy symptoms for the past 6 months. I have been to every doctor that ...
  A: As I state in my profile, I am not a doctor and do not answer questions that a doctor can answer ...
What could it be?9/8/2009
  Q: em i just thought I'd ask another few questions because this is really getting to me honestly. I ...
  A: You are wise to have it checked out. As to what it could be, it COULD be any one of dozens of things ...
Could i have Lymphoma?9/4/2009
  Q: I am 15 years old, i have had a swollen gland on the right side of my neck for about 8 months now. ...
  A: My personal opinion is that it is most likely not cancer. It could be just a hidden illness or ...
Could i have Lymphoma?9/4/2009
  Q: I am 15 years old, i have had a swollen gland on the right side of my neck for about 8 months now. ...
  A: A biopsy is simply a sample taken to see exactly what the lump is and what is causing it. It is ...
Could i have Lymphoma?9/4/2009
  Q: I am 15 years old, i have had a swollen gland on the right side of my neck for about 8 months now. ...
  A: You COULD, but probably don't have Lymphoma. I would have a doctor check you out for sure, but one ...
thyroid6/12/2009
  Q: im 27 yrs. old. i recently underwent a small dosage of radiation for a rare type of cancer in my ...
  A: I did not know the answer myself as my profile states I am not a doctor and don't usually answer ...
Small Bump in Neck3/12/2009
  Q: About a year ago I was just feeling my neck and noticed a small lump on the right side of my neck ...
  A: I am sure you have nothing to worry about. Lymph nodes have indeed been known to remain for several ...
lump in armpit3/2/2009
  Q: I have noticed that I've had a small hard lump under my arm for some time (with a black spot on it - ...
  A: A lump can be many things from a blocked sweat gland to a tumor. Any lump needs to be checked out by ...
lymphoma2/21/2009
  Q: Three years ago two tumors were found in my husband chest while staging his prostate cancer, that ...
  A: Sorry for being so long in answering. Just recovered from a computer crash. I hope you are able to ...
Melanoma1/29/2009
  Q: I have Melanoma in the lungs. No one seems in a hurry to treat it. I have been reading for hours on ...
  A: I couldn't narrow it down to one page and I wasn't sure if you just wanted questions on melanoma or ...
LYMPHOMA1/23/2009
  Q: CHRIS, HELLO, I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS. FOR SOME REASON AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I BECAME VERY ...
  A: If you don't get this anxiety/hypochondria or whatever it is taken care of first, you will not have ...
lymphoma cancer12/17/2008
  Q: my mom was dx w/ this about this time last year and was caught in stage4 already and now she is ...
  A: If your mother is in stage 4, the prognosis is usually not that good, although some patients will ...
enlarged lymph nodes11/20/2008
  Q: just found out from reading my sons medical records that he has several enlarged lymph nodes in his ...
  A: I think you should insist on a biopsy if that is something that would make YOU feel more at ease. ...
enlarged lymph nodes11/19/2008
  Q: just found out from reading my sons medical records that he has several enlarged lymph nodes in his ...
  A: Excellent question!!! My first question would be to the first doctor that didn't tell you about ...
lymphoma11/13/2008
  Q: My mother in law was just diagnosed with Type B Lymphoma. It has spread throughout her lymph ...
  A: From my research on the subject I would have to say the prognosis is not a good one. At her advanced ...
Swollen lymph node11/7/2008
  Q: I noticed a large axillary lump a few months ago. I ignored but watched it for a month, then went ...
  A: If you are concerned and the GP doesn't seem to be, then I would do two things: 1) get another GP 2) ...
Possible Lymphoma11/4/2008
  Q: 1.5 yrs ago, my sister noticed the nodes in her neck and on her skull were swollen. She went to her ...
  A: Well, you seem to be correct about the spreading of Lymphoma through surgery according to the ...
Testicular cancer +bilateral orchiectomy and suspicious spot on lung9/29/2008
  Q: My father was diagnosed with testicular cancer two weeks ago ~ he lives in a very small town in the ...
  A: I would have to agree with you to hold off on any surgery until they discover if, and what kind of ...
lymphoma9/25/2008
  Q: i was given the dignosis of NHL the end of june. now the dr. has found tumors in my liver , lungs & ...
  A: If the cancer is in various places, the sooner you start treatment, the better for you. Small town ...
could I have Lymphoma?9/9/2008
  Q: yesterday I discovered two huge lumps behind my ear. They're both at least 75mm x 75mm. I have a ...
  A: I personally don't believe you have Lymphoma, but it is good that you have decided to get it ...
86 year old mother with stage 4 colon cancer5/24/2008
  Q: i know you are not a doctor but would appreciate your qpinion. my (86) mother was operated for colon ...
  A: I would have to agree with you on this. Your mothers quality of life with the chemo would not be ...
Lump on neck.. possible lymphoma??4/8/2008
  Q: I have a grape-sized lump on the right side of my neck. 2 inches below my ear and 1 inch towards the ...
  A: Thought I answered this already. Was a bit surprized to see it in my email. Anyway, I will answer it ...
Stage 4 B NHL final stages?2/22/2008
  Q: My mother in law was diagnosed with Non-hodgkins lymphoma in July 2007. She has undergone chemo ...
  A: Basically, the final stages of this disease is that the patient simply get sicker. I know that ...
chemotherapy symptoms for prostate cancer2/19/2008
  Q: My brother and parents live with my grandparents and we are homeschooled at their house, because my ...
  A: This would indeed be symptoms of the chemo. You can expect this as long as he is going through the ...
symptoms11/28/2007
  Q: i am 45 yr old male. i have noticed i have a groin swollen lymph node. it is bean sized and hard. ...
  A: From what you have said, I would think that the swollen node is something other than cancer. That is ...
lymph nodes11/21/2007
  Q: This past March I noticed I had an enlarged lymph node in my neck. From that time till now, I ...
  A: I don't know if you might have something else, but I do know you need another primary doctor if this ...
lymphoma11/2/2007
  Q: i was wondering what the symptoms of lymphoma were and if they were specific to one lymphnode or if ...
  A: While swollen nodes in the neck, armpit and/or groin are common signs of lymphoma, they are only one ...
My Dad10/26/2007
  Q: I wonder if you could advise me of the symptoms of lymphoma. my dad has just been diagnosed with ...
  A: My first advice is to get another doctor. Your dad is the patient and has every RIGHT to know ...
metastatic malignant melanoma9/22/2007
  Q: My husband is 44 he was diagnosed in April 2007 with metastatic malignant melanoma with a 15cm x ...
  A: I really dont know that much about this particular kind of cancer. I am more versed with Lymphoma. ...
lymphoma8/12/2007
  Q: i have a small lump behind my right ear, when touched it enlarges and causes pain. I generally feel ...
  A: Based on the information given and my knowledge of lymphoma and lymph nodes in general, I would say ...
19 yr old nightsweats7/2/2007
  Q: Im 19 years old and have been having extreme night sweats, nauseua and heaaches. Sometimes im so hot ...
  A: Although this does not seem to be a cancer related question, I would say that yes, you should have ...
Enlarged Abdomen6/25/2007
  Q: My mother has been on chemotherapy now off and on for the last three years. The most recent four ...
  A: I just hate when doctors tell you something without running any tests. The E.R. did that and told my ...
which direction? work or hospital? forget it?6/23/2007
  Q: I am one confused, scared, and almost to the point of giving up, but i have 5 beautiful ...
  A: I am assuming that your question is that which is listed in the subject. My answer, short and sweet ...
Friend w/ cancer6/7/2007
  Q: A close family friend was diagnosed with cancer and is now undergoing chemotherapy. Many years ago ...
  A: I think that if you are assisting her in ANY way you can that you are helping her and showing her ...
Stage IV Cancer3/23/2007
  Q: A friend of mine was diagnosed with colon cancer January 2005. In May 2005 she had surgery and had ...
  A: First, let me say that I am sorry for you and your friend. Not necessarily because of the cancer, ...
Lymphoma2/22/2007
  Q: Last year I thought I felt a tender spot and swelling on the right side of my neck. Despite 4 ...
  A: I cant answer all of your concerns here, but I can tell you what I do know. First of all, if your ...
different size neck glands2/6/2007
  Q: i have a lymph gland on one side of my neck (slightly bigger than a pea) thats bigger than the one ...
  A: Well, generally the lymph nodes swell due to either a recent or upcoming infection of some sort, so ...
Liver Cancer12/19/2006
  Q: My Mother was diagnosed with Liver cancer about 6 months ago. They have tried about 3 different ...
  A: Im sorry to hear about your mother. My prayers are with you all. I know what a trying time this can ...
lump or not?11/14/2006
  Q: I'm told that a common sign of cancer is a lump. What does this "lump" look like, does it hurt when ...
  A: It depends on what type of lump and where. The lumps would be under the skin, not like a pimple or ...
normal lymph node?11/3/2006
  Q: i am a 22 year old female. i drink maybe once every week (4-5drinks). i do not smoke, take any ...
  A: This is not easy to answer as lymph nodes swell for different reasons, but they do mostly become ...
Appetite - Recommended Diet6/13/2006
  Q: I am sorry for your loss. I hope you had and have many shoulders! My Mom has throat cancer, and ...
  A: First of all, let me say I am sorry for being so long in answering. Things are a tad hectic lately ...

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Christopher M

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Expertise

My wife passed away August of 2002 after we were married for just over a year and a half. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer a week to the day after we wed. Please limit questions to this particular cancer, and I can pretty much find resources for you if you are having problems finding what you need. I can also offer advice on how to deal with the emotional strains and things along this line. In all, I can be an ear when you need someone to listen, or a shoulder to lean or cry on. I CAN NOT ANSWER DOCTOR QUESTIONS ABOUT CONDITIONS OR SUCH AS I AM NOT A DOCTOR. I am only knowledgeable in the basics of the cancer (especially lymphoma) and what to expect and other questions like this.

Experience

I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND DO NOT ANSWER DOCTOR QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately many don't seem to read this part and I continue to get questions I can not answer. I can ONLY answer general questions regarding cancer and specifically Lymphoma.

Education/Credentials
Not applicable

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