CNN.com - Health - Conditions Expert

It is possible to get radiation treatment more than once?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:54:49 GMT

Is it possible -- in some cases -- to get a second round of radiation? When I had it 25 years ago I was told that this is once-in-a-lifetime treatment, yet a friend of mine is scheduled for a second round.

Is a raspy voice a common chemo side effect?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:20:28 GMT

My husband just completed six cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy for his non-Hodgkin's diffuse large B cell lymphoma in his upper stomach. Compared with what we've heard others have endured, his side effects were relatively mild. However, he continues to have a strained, raspy voice. His oncologist didn't seem too concerned or aware of what might be causing this. Is this a "typical" chemo side effect?

Could my new 'freckle' be another basal cell carcinoma?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:11:55 GMT

I have basal cell carcinoma. I have had two surgeries on my face. I have had a few frozen off as well. Was to go back to the doctor to get a checkup on the ones he has frozen off. I have canceled every appointment since then. I am just tired of always getting cut on and things frozen off. I always seem to get bad news every time I go. Now, I have noticed a new light brown spot on my face. It looks like a freckle. Yes, I do have them and also am a redhead. I'm 35. So I don't think I'm still getting freckles. I used to tan seven days a week 365 days a year. I always went 25-30 minutes a day. I was just wondering what that spot might be. It's the size of a pencil eraser. Can this cancer spead to my organs'? I told my husband that I would listen to you! He's very TICKED at me for not listening. Thanks for your time.

Could a diuretic cause breast pain, swelling?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:35:32 GMT

I am a male, 66 years old. In March 2008, my cardiologist prescribed spironolactone (2 mg daily). About two months ago, I started having soreness in my left breast, and both breasts seem to have enlarged. Is there a possible connection with the medication?

Is there a hyperthyroid treatment for people with iodine allergy?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:54:38 GMT

Are there any treatments for hyperthyroidism when the patient is severely allergic to iodine?

What can help the rosacea I've developed?

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:56:11 GMT

I am a 65-year-old nurse who has developed rosacea. I do not have the redness, only the itchy bumps on my face, which is so embarrassing. I have seen a dermatologist and I am now taking Oracea, which is 40 mg. of doxycycline, and using hydrocortisone cream. Very little is discussed about this, and I desperately need your expert advice. Is there anything more I can do? This is ruining my life. Thank you.

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:00:15 GMT

Is multiple sclerosis genetic or hereditary? If so, what are the statistics (for example 1 in 1,000)?

Can bed sores be prevented?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:56:38 GMT

My grandfather, age 85, has final-stage Alzheimer's disease and is completely bedridden. As it sounds, it is very difficult to see him on the bed unable to move for the past five months. As a result of this inability, he has developed bed sores. We have him laid on a water bed, and my sister is a doctor who dresses the wounds twice a day. Is there anything else we could do to help heal the sores?

Where did my H. pylori infection come from?

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:31:07 GMT

I am a 31-year-old male. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with H. pylori. I live a healthy life and maintain a relatively clean house. How would a person spontaneously contract the bacterium? Others in my household have tested negative for H. pylori. Could it be something that I picked up in a public place? I do not travel, let alone to developing countries or third-world nations. I went to urgent care in April and was admitted to the ER because I could not keep down liquids, solids or medications. They diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. I have two sick pets: They have both been diagnosed with IBD, though one has been controlled with a diet change. Could H. pylori be transmitted from animal to human? Any information would be helpful.

What could be causing my pancreatitis?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:25:26 GMT

I recently landed in the hospital for five days because of pancreatitis. I am the atypical patient for this condition. I have type 1 diabetes. I do not drink, and my gallbladder was removed in 2003. CT scans showed a seriously inflamed pancreas, but doctors could not find a reason why. Any ideas? I have never hurt so bad in all my life, and they say since they can't find a reason for it, it can happen again with no warning just like this last one. Please help.