My father was just diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor has told us is that he is going to receive radiation therapy for 4 months, and then they will assess if the cancer has responded. If it hasn't, then they are going to consider surgery. Does that sound reasonable, and what are the side effects of radiation therapy? Do you lose your hair?
We would obviously have to know your fathers case to know what the optimal treatment is, but certainly there are cases of cancer in which patients are treated with radiation therapy, followed by surgery. Some people may also
Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
by Dean Heller MD July 26th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
I have atrial fibrillation, and I have known for many years that I am at risk for stroke because of this.  I have been on blood thinners for over ten years. I am sick and tired of these blood thinners. I have been having nose bleeds very frequently over the past 6 months. Is there an alternative for me?
This is a problem that we see frequently. While many people eliminated the need for frequent blood tests to check their "thinning level" with Coumadin, by changing to the newer blood thinners, such as Pradaxa and Xarelto, they all still can
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This is a problem that we see frequently. While many people eliminated the need for frequent blood tests to check their "thinning level" with Coumadin, by changing to the newer blood thinners, such as Pradaxa and Xarelto, they all still can
Kids and Sunglasses
by Dean Heller MD July 19th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
I am always bugging my kids to protect themselves from the sun. They both have red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. I have them wear sunscreen all summer that I put on in the morning. I recently heard that the sun also can affect the eyes. Is that true, and what is the best way to protect their eyes?
It is true. Chronic damage from the sun can effect the eyes, just as it does the skin. The most common problem associated with this is cataracts, but some other problems, such as macular degeneration may also be more common
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It is true. Chronic damage from the sun can effect the eyes, just as it does the skin. The most common problem associated with this is cataracts, but some other problems, such as macular degeneration may also be more common
Children and Type I Diabetes
by Tom Seman MD FAAP July 18th, 2013 | Children's Health, Health Observance, Pediatrician on Call
My 6 year old child was a recently diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. We are having problems with the heat and all of the desserts at the cookouts. How do we handle all of this?
First of all, make sure you have reviewed all of the dietary restrictions and know about the medications and there effects. Summer can be a hard time since there are so many changes. Type I Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder where the pancreas no longer makes enough insulin for the child. The muscles, the brain, the heart, and all other parts of the body use
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First of all, make sure you have reviewed all of the dietary restrictions and know about the medications and there effects. Summer can be a hard time since there are so many changes. Type I Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder where the pancreas no longer makes enough insulin for the child. The muscles, the brain, the heart, and all other parts of the body use
Youth Throwing Injuries
by Dean Heller MD July 12th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
My son is 14 and has been playing baseball for almost 10 years already. He plays multiple positions, but loves pitching. Unfortunately, he has been having shoulder and elbow pain this year intermittently as he has been pitching more. He is a young boy, and I don't want him to be injured. I ask the coaches, but they just ask him if he feels well enough to pitch; he always says yes. Is this dangerous, what should I do?
You didn't say if you are the mother or father, but we are going out on a limb and going to
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You didn't say if you are the mother or father, but we are going out on a limb and going to