To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
What every patient and caregiver should know when dealing with cancer in regards to the diagnosis, staging, prognosis, treatment options, and surveillance. My hope is that you will feel more empowered in your own care and discussion with your treating physician team. I will eventually add more information over time with a brief summary of each tumor type as well. If you do not see your tumor type listed below, please give me time to add. The site is young, just started January 2023. Please send me questions, comments and feedback on how I can make the site better at the contact page.
In the meantime, use the NCCN guidelines, American Cancer Society, and clinical trials.gov.
Stage III melanoma means the cancer has spread beyond the original tumor to nearby areas but hasn’t reached distant parts of the body. The prognosis for Stage III melanoma varies depending on several factors, including the extent of lymph node involvement, the presence of in-transit or satellite lesions, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment for …
Maintaining good health is vital for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for patients diagnosed with cancer. This becomes even more important to those participating in clinical trials, where the physical and mental demands can be significant. Ensuring balanced diet and regular exercise can play a key role in supporting your overall well-being throughout this challenging …
The recent news of King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, post his treatment for an enlarged prostate, has brought to the forefront the intricate process of cancer diagnosis and treatment. This case underscores the critical importance of understanding cancer’s specific type and stage, which are pivotal in determining the most appropriate treatment strategy and prognosis. This guide …
As a medical oncologist, my primary goal is to offer the best possible care to each of my patients. In my practice, I’ve observed how crucial second opinions are in the cancer treatment journey. They provide not just additional insights into treatment options but also peace of mind for patients and their families. This understanding …
In medicine, biases, whether implicit or explicit, can significantly impact patient care. These biases might manifest as preconceived notions or preferences that subtly influence treatment recommendations. In the case of a patient of mines with metastatic GIST who developed acute renal failure secondary to an obstructing pelvis mass, a consulting urologist on call suggested to …
I recently took a trip with my family for about two weeks. It is always a bit nerve wracking to take off for some personal time given that there are so many moving parts in any given day. I wrote this post to remind patients and their families that no matter where your oncologist may …
This message comes from Ashlee Jones, our dedicated nurse navigator specializing in melanoma and sarcoma. She is held in high regard by our entire team, including nurses, pharmacists, staff, research professionals, and physicians! I’ve consistently believed that patients newly diagnosed with cancer may face a challenging beginning to their journey, given the unfamiliar diagnosis, the …
Cancer screening has witnessed a transformative evolution, with technological advancements paving the way for more effective and less invasive methods. In this article, we will explore the integration of liquid biopsies as a groundbreaking approach to early cancer detection. This non-invasive method holds immense potential in detecting genetic alterations and circulating tumor DNA, ushering in …
In the realm of oncology, antibiotics assume a nuanced, yet critical role. They stand as guardians against bacterial threats, but wield a double-edged sword when it comes to their interaction with cancer treatments and the patient’s microbiome. This piece aims to untangle the complexities of antibiotic use in cancer care, highlighting how they operate, when …
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive form of cancer that often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. To improve treatment outcomes, individuals must be aware of the early warning signs and seek medical attention promptly. This article aims to educate readers about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the importance of …