I had a large non-cancerous tumor removed a few years ago. The tumor and the two surgeries required to remove it left me unable to work for a year and $50,000 in debt. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 19, 2009 - 5 answers

I lied about having cancer to my boss. Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 11, 2009 - 56 answers

My mother is dying. How can I forgive myself for the guilt of leaving her bedside? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 9, 2009 - 35 answers

Cervical cancer filter: seeking blogs and online resources. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 13, 2009 - 2 answers

My mother does not have cancer, but the doctor thought she did and took out pretty much everything that made her a woman and is pleased with his work. She is devastated. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 6, 2009 - 54 answers

Does someone with a dying relative better understand what someone who has lost a relative is going through? Explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 4, 2009 - 12 answers

My mother has stage IV, metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Any advice on my challenging the terribly poor standard of care? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 23, 2009 - 17 answers

I may have breast cancer. I do not have health insurance. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 16, 2009 - 13 answers

How worried should I be? (You are not my doctor.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 11, 2008 - 14 answers

My wife has breast cancer. What do we need to know? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 11, 2008 - 13 answers

Breast biopsy. What should we tell the kids? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 1, 2007 - 21 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 by anonymous on Mar 22, 2007 - 12 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 by anonymous on Jan 22, 2007 - 28 answers

Seeking perspectives on a difficult situation regarding dating/relationships and serious illness. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 6, 2006 - 16 answers

Ugh. This is not a fun question. So (if you're a guy, at least), you know how you're supposed to do a testicular self-exam once every couple months? Well... [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 8, 2005 - 16 answers

HPV has been discussed a couple times here before, but I have a new question. A few months ago my pap smear came back abnormal, and soon I'm going in for a colposcopy. I tried doing some research on this, but internet resources weren't very detailed, and I don't know if I have a good doctor (I'm a student on an HMO). I'm wondering: how painful is the biopsy/LEEP they sometimes do after a colposcopy? How likely is it they'll even do a biopsy or LEEP if the test came back with a mild dysplasia? And how common is it for a woman to have to go back for colposcopies later in her life, if her first abnormal pap was at 22? Does the virus just usually go away, or does it get worse? Any OB-GYNs out there?
posted by anonymous on Dec 6, 2004 - 9 answers