Dr. Stephen Salvatore Salmieri

Very common reaction to chemotherapy. Make sure she does some kind of exercise even if it's just walking for 30-45 mins per day. If that's not possible then any kind of stretching of the body will help, even if sitting in a chair. Stay away from processed food, sugar, white bread and too many sweets as well as alcohol. Kombucha which is a fermented tea drink is great for energy as is watermelon and beets. Good luck.

Make sure his white blood cell count is in the normal range, especially his ANC which is his Absolute Neutrophil Count which helps fight infections. If it's too low he is susceptible to getting infections. Make sure he is eating right, no processed food, no white bread, sugar or alcohol and make sure he does some kind of exercise during the day.

Skin cancer affects men and women at an alarmingly high rate. Some families are subject to a higher risk due to a abnormal gene that may be hereditary, so if cancer is in your family, then you should see a genetic counselor whom can direct you and may even recommend a blood test. This is not the most common reason for cancer as sun exposure is the number one cause as is the amount of sunburns you've had in your life. Other risk factors are light skin, light colored eyes, i.e., blue, green, hazel, light-colored hair, although anyone can get skin cancer regardless of these factors. The three most common skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell and Melanoma, with Melanoma being the least common, but the most deadly. You should see a dermatologist every year to get "body mapping," which is when the doctor looks at your entire body and "maps" where all your birth marks are as well as any new or irregular moles that may be present. The doctor may biopsy a skin lesion at that time if it looks suspicious. The doctors as well as you should follow the ABCDE rule when it comes to skin cancer. These letters stand for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter, and Evolving size, shape, and color. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or dermatologist to discuss all of this and use sunscreen! Sun exposure is necessary for vitamin D activation, but in limited quantities.
Good luck

This can occur secondary to chemo, cancer or even age. As long as your doctor has ruled out early dementia then these are normal or expected reactions in a patient with cancer undergoing chemo. Everyone experiences different side effects and to different degrees so talk to your doctor about what your dad is going through. Keep his mind and body active as much as possible. Our brain needs exercise as much as our bodies, especially when we are facing a disease and treatment. Eat right, do crossword puzzles, Soduku, memory games and keep active. Some supplements may help as well but nothing replaces good old fashion human interaction and conversation. He should get better after treatment as long as dementia is ruled out. Good luck

This is very common and should not be ignored. A diagnosis of cancer is a life changing event and we all deal with it in different ways. It's normal to feel down a little bit at first but with the help of your doctor and family and hopefully a good prognosis her mood should improve. If she is religious then her pastor or faith leader may help her as well. I also refer my patients to a psychologist whom specializes in counseling cancer patients and helps them deal with their diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. There is nothing wrong with going to counseling or getting on low dose meds for depression if absolutely necessary . Of course a great family and support system goes a long way. Good luck!

Recent data has suggested that almost half of all of us in this world will get a cancer diagnosis of some kind in our lifetime! About 10% of cancer is hereditary, but 100% is genetic, meaning we are susceptible to damage to our genetic profile through what we are exposed to in our environment, what we eat and drink and the stress we endure through everyday life! My mantra to all my patients is "do most things in moderation." Live life to the fullest, pursue your dreams, do what you love and love what you do! Try to eat well, sleep enough and exercise both your brain and body! Do the recommended screening tests based on your age, gender and family history. Find a great primary care doc whom can direct you in the correct medical direction. Even doing all of this doesn't guarantee you'll live to 100, but it does improve your chances. Socialize and be as happy as you can and let the small stuff roll off your back.

If this is new, then I would see your doctor and see if you are due for any scans such as a PET scan.  Natural therapies can help. Are you post or premenopausal?  Good luck!