How should I write thank-you letters for charitable donations? [more inside]
posted on Jul 3, 2008 - 6 answers

How much UV damage am I getting sitting in a classroom for 5 hours with a big window. [more inside]
posted on Jun 26, 2008 - 5 answers

I live with a roommate who smokes, but does so outside, in our balcony. While he never lights up indoors, I can often smell traces of his smoke when he comes indoors -- mainly on his body/clothes. Is this considered second-hand smoke and can it affect me? [more inside]
posted on Jun 13, 2008 - 23 answers

Paging all medicos - question about a lung nodule. [more inside]
posted on May 28, 2008 - 6 answers

If we always hear, "They could've beaten his cancer if they'd only found it sooner," then why aren't we all getting screened for cancer long before the doctor orders the tests? What tests can I get now (MRI? CT?) to check for such things? I assume that money is the issue (isn't it always?), but if I'm willing to spend the cash, what do I need to do for me and for my family members?
posted on May 13, 2008 - 16 answers

My wife was just diagnosed with thyroid cancer, if anyone can share experiences, recommended reading material, or general advice we'd appreciate it. [more inside]
posted on May 5, 2008 - 13 answers

A dear friend's mother is dying of lung cancer. It's Stage IV metastatic lung cancer that has spread to her brain, bones and lymph nodes. She very much wants her remains to be donated specifically for cancer research and we're having trouble finding out how to do that. [more inside]
posted on Apr 29, 2008 - 13 answers

My dad is dying, but how do I know how quickly, and how do I know which "scares" I should travel across the country for? [more inside]
posted on Mar 26, 2008 - 31 answers

Please help a friend's family with sudden health care issues [more inside]
posted on Mar 11, 2008 - 11 answers

DonateYourCarFilter: While there seem to be plenty of places that are willing to take your dead car as a donation, what if it's still got some life left to it? [more inside]
posted on Mar 6, 2008 - 7 answers

My ex-nanny of 5 years is a legal immigrant (not a citizen) who recently got cancer. She lives in Northern Virginia, in the DC suburbs. She is no longer able to work. In fact, she struggles to drink a glass of water without throwing it up due to agressive chemotherapy and radiation therapy she is undergoing. So for at least the next few months, and probably the next year at least, working is not an option for her. Since the cancer is in her face pressing against her optic nerve, she will almost certainly lose vision in one eye, and maybe both. [more inside]
posted on Feb 4, 2008 - 5 answers

My kitty has a lump on the back of his leg. About the size of my thumbnail and under the skin. By 'back of leg' I mean that ruffle of fur on the edge of his flank/rump/upper thigh... bit. Should I post a pic? -Ask :) Anyway it's about in the middle of that section and slightly to the inside. It was quite firm but not hard and felt evenly textured (like a gummi bear? but more solid). He didn't even register when I stunbled upon it. It's not hot (infection) or 'ouchy' at all. I don't think it's hurting him. And I'm just about to investigate meticulously for more, but so far it's just that one. OMG!! My furry little man has cancer! Quick wise people... do you think it is? Maybe it's not, and before I wave him about in some poor vets face (and get billed accordingly!!) it's probably a good idea to ask. It could be nothing, right?
posted on Feb 2, 2008 - 13 answers

I have a question about the cancer drug Sutent, and it's side effects, if anyone has any experience with it. [more inside]
posted on Jan 21, 2008 - 5 answers

A co-worker has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Treatments have stopped and Hospice is now involved. He is 61 years old and has been working at the company for 40 years. We are an engineering firm and most of the employees are kind of... well... not the type to try (self-start) and do something for our co-worker of his family. I was wondering if there was anything I could do and/or have the office do to help, comfort, etc Obviously sending 'get well' cards is out of the question. ... I just don't know what it is appropriate. Any ideas? Thanks.
posted on Jan 21, 2008 - 20 answers

Theory: Cancerous skin cells from your lips, when aspirated, can give you lung cancer. [more inside]
posted on Jan 12, 2008 - 14 answers

A good friend just received a brain cancer diagnosis with an estimated one year survival time. She wants to talk about death and time. She thinks I have something to teach or tell her worth hearing. I'd like to be helpful, but have no confidence in my ability to say or do anything meaningful. What I've said so far she appreciates. What can I read that might help me frame discussions. I don't need pop psychology stuff, or advice dealing with the health care system or funeral arrangements. I like the idea of Zen notions of letting go but am too ignorant to know what to say. Advice, experience, suggestions for gathering information please.
posted on Jan 7, 2008 - 65 answers

My father is several years on from surgery to remove a lymphoma in his neck (between his trachea and his esophagus I think). He has recovered wonderfully except for some scarring that has affected his voice (minor) and ability to eat much solid food. I want to help him find new ways to enjoy eating again. [more inside]
posted on Jan 5, 2008 - 10 answers

My very good friend was diagnosed with "Gastric Adenocarcinoma, Signet Ring Cell formation" yesterday - a really rare form of aggressive stomach cancer. What is going to happen? [more inside]
posted on Jan 4, 2008 - 8 answers

My mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, which sucks in many, many ways, not the least of which is that it seems that it could have been caught by her mammogram two years ago, but wasn't, possibly because the technician ignored information in her chart. She is now being encouraged by others to sue for malpractice, considering that her cancer has now had two extra years to progress. I'm wondering if she actually has a case, and if so, how should she proceed. This is kind of a long story, so there's more inside... [more inside]
posted on Jan 3, 2008 - 23 answers

How credible is The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II? We would like opinions from individuals who have read the book, although opinions based on other factors are welcome so long as you mention it. [more inside]
posted on Jan 2, 2008 - 8 answers

Breast biopsy. What should we tell the kids? [more inside]
posted on Dec 1, 2007 - 21 answers

I was diagnosed with cancer, treated and pwned it and am now job-hunting. With one-half inch of solid gray hair on my head. Should I suck it up and plop on a wig? [more inside]
posted on Nov 28, 2007 - 33 answers

Good gifts for a chemo patient? [more inside]
posted on Nov 21, 2007 - 20 answers

I'm spending my Thanksgiving in Malaysia, visiting my one of my aunts, along with others in my extended family. I'm almost certain that this will be the last time I'll ever see her. [more inside]
posted on Nov 16, 2007 - 7 answers

wit whim and whimsy filter: over the last 9-ish years or so... i have established a tradition of bringing a bag of maltesers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltesers to my darling friend every time we go to the movies. no idea how it started... but it's a tradition. now she has cancer. it's terminal. it's pancreatic. and she can't have maltesers any more. [more inside]
posted on Nov 10, 2007 - 22 answers

My friend's wife is recovering from breast cancer. They removed the tumor a couple weeks ago, and they found no sign that the cancer had spread to the lymph system. She's expected to make a full recovery. But in order to kill any remaining cancer cells, for the next 2 months she'll be undergoing chemotherapy, and then 1 month of radiation therapy afterwards. What can I do to make life easier and/or lift the spirits of her and her husband? [more inside]
posted on Oct 25, 2007 - 28 answers

I thought I was doing an environmentally smart thing by switching our dryer vent to an indoor water filtered vent in the winter, but a friend claims the fumes may be harmful. Crap or not crap? [more inside]
posted on Oct 13, 2007 - 24 answers

My 82 y.o. mother has stage 4 cancer. It's not known if it originated from lung or breast, both of which she was previously treated for. She's currently alert, but very weak, and on continuous oxygen. The decision to be made involves an apparent growth that's pressing her esophagus closed. [more inside]
posted on Oct 2, 2007 - 6 answers

Please help me distract, amuse, and pamper my sick friend. [more inside]
posted on Aug 30, 2007 - 19 answers

A relatively new client sent out a mass email this morning detailing the results of his recent biopsy, which came back positive for cancer. How do I respond? [more inside]
posted on Aug 17, 2007 - 26 answers

My mom says she has cancer. I don't buy it. [more inside]
posted on Aug 7, 2007 - 45 answers

What is mid-grade cancer? [more inside]
posted on Jul 23, 2007 - 4 answers

My friend's mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer yesterday. I'm feeling helpless and frustrated--what can I do besides send flowers? Anything? [more inside]
posted on Jul 12, 2007 - 23 answers

My mom 50, and two sisters 23 and 17, started smoking cigarettes all together a few years ago. If none of them ever quit, what are the statistical chances of one of them dying from the habit? I'm assuming it gets closer and closer to 100% the longer it continues, any idea on how to calculate this?
posted on Jul 5, 2007 - 24 answers

Dad has rectal cancer. How can we negotiate contradictory advice from his physicians? [more inside]
posted on Jul 2, 2007 - 10 answers

I recently noticed what appears to be a slightly swollen (pea-sized) lymph node on the left side of my neck, about halfway up the neck. I first noticed it about 5 days ago. I can feel another node next to it, but on the right side of my neck, I can feel only one node in the same place. I don't have any other symptoms that might suggest lymphoma (itching, fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss). The swollen node does not feel hard or fixed, and it hasn't changed size. Is there cause for concern? I do have a blemish that I've sort of been picking at on the left side of my neck, so could that be the cause of the swollen node? I guess it's possible that this node has always been there but I haven't noticed it before. I do have hypochondriac tendencies. I'm 26 and had mono about four years ago.
posted on Jun 28, 2007 - 23 answers

How can I avoid both thyroid cancer and the medical-industrial complex? [more inside]
posted on May 31, 2007 - 17 answers

Anyone out there been through premature menopause? [more inside]
posted on May 7, 2007 - 7 answers

My grandfather has been diagnosed with a liver/pancreatic cancer that can't be operated on. How is this likely to play out? How do we deal with my grandmother afterwards? [more inside]
posted on Apr 10, 2007 - 17 answers

A 70 year old friend has just started chemo for third time in two years. The side effect which really gets him is that for the first week / 10 days everything has a really horrible metallic taste. [more inside]
posted on Apr 1, 2007 - 13 answers

i'm 31. i recently got medical insurance for the first time in 13 years. i am exhibiting some symptoms of stomach cancer and would like to get it checked out. how do i find a good doctor? [more inside]
posted on Mar 22, 2007 - 12 answers

My husband's stepdad just got a tumor removed from his brain yesterday. It was malignant. [more inside]
posted on Mar 22, 2007 - 17 answers

my mother was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. do any of you have ideas for little things i can do for her to remind her how awesome she is? girls especially. what are some of the best, most thoughtful things loved ones have done for you? [more inside]
posted on Mar 19, 2007 - 27 answers

Can anyone personally recommend a support site and/or community specifically for people grieving from cancer, brain cancer if possible? [more inside]
posted on Feb 13, 2007 - 9 answers

My friend is dying of cancer. It's just a matter of time before she goes since she has stopped receiving treament. She is bedridden, can't see and is too weak to talk but she can still hear. What can I do for her on our visits to help her get through the day? Are there massage services out there (NYC)? Should I read her a book - what's a good title? Should I ask her family if they will allow me to play some CDs for her - any suggestions? Your input is greatly appreciated.
posted on Jan 22, 2007 - 28 answers

Mix CD time - Songs for a dear friend that has to go get biopsied tomorrow.... [more inside]
posted on Dec 4, 2006 - 21 answers

What can I do to help cheer up my mum who's stuck in a funk? [more inside]
posted on Nov 29, 2006 - 17 answers

FullPanicModeFilter: Have you every had a biopsy, or a surgically removed tumor that was benign and the doctor wanted to see you sooner than your previously scheduled appointment? [more inside]
posted on Nov 28, 2006 - 16 answers

I haven't been to a doctor in ages. Would going under my current insurance plan be a gamble? [more inside]
posted on Nov 15, 2006 - 8 answers

(Writing/Hypothetical Filter) Are there any poisons that (could) mimic the symptoms/effects of cancer if administered to a person over time? [more inside]
posted on Oct 25, 2006 - 15 answers