To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
Just got back from family spring break vacation and sincerely appreciative of the great feedback I was getting after changing the format of the blog to personal stories from the clinic and every day life as a medical oncologist. I’ll still include updates with FDA approvals or interesting topics from the current news every so …
The Patient’s Story Yesterday, I met a patient whose story was both heartbreaking and inspiring. A young woman, recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), sat alone in the exam room. Typically, younger patients come with a support system—spouses, parents, friends—but she was alone. It was my first clue that her journey …
This week, I encountered a situation that weighs heavily on me as a nurse but raises an important question in the oncology world. As a clinical trial nurse, we typically only see our patients at research-specific visits. It’s likely that several weeks can go by without any contact, making each visit a critical touchpoint. Imagine …
As healthcare providers, we often encounter patients who have strong beliefs about their health and treatment options. Today’s case was a perfect example of how a balanced conversation and patience can lead to an unexpected, but positive, outcome. The Patient’s Story An elderly but otherwise independent and healthy lady presented with a basal cell carcinoma …
Note to patients and caregivers: This post is intended for fellow medical oncologists who may be considering alternative career paths, particularly locum tenens work. While my usual audience consists of patients and caregivers, this article is specifically written for healthcare professionals who may be feeling burnt out or contemplating a change. For 14 years, I …
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, yet many people have only a basic understanding of what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and the different treatment options available. Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, or you’re looking for a clear, comprehensive overview, this guide will walk you …
I was out all last week on a long trip with my family and took a hiatus from posting. I am glad to be back in the clinic and in my usual routine. The evolution of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) has drastically changed the landscape of medical documentation. What was once an internal tool for …
For years, the treatment of esophageal carcinoma has been a subject of debate, with varying multimodal approaches tailored based on tumor location and staging. Traditionally, gastric cancer patients often underwent perioperative FLOT chemotherapy (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel) followed by surgical resection. Meanwhile, esophageal carcinoma patients were typically treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CROSS regimen: carboplatin/paclitaxel with radiation) followed by surgery or upfront chemotherapy …
If you’ve ever picked up a brightly colored candy or a strawberry-flavored treat, chances are you’ve encountered Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food dye known for its vibrant hue. Despite its eye-catching appeal, Red Dye No. 3 has long been surrounded by controversy due to potential health risks. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug …
On December 27, 2024, the FDA announced a significant milestone in cancer treatment: the approval of nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy (Opdivo Qvantig) for subcutaneous injection. This new formulation is available for all adult solid tumor indications previously approved for intravenous (IV) nivolumab, including a wide range of cancers such as melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, …