asked
A 60-year-old female with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and accompanying B symptoms is preparing to start treatment with Imbruvica after a routine colonoscopy revealed a hard bony prominence during a rectal exam. An 8mm polyp was removed from the mid-sigmoid, and the remaining mucosa appears normal. There is extrinsic compression seen in the rectum with a hard contour on palpation. The patient has a history of cerebral aneurysms (internal carotid; clipped 25 years ago), a recent CTA of the head as a precaution due to the risk of cerebral hemorrhage from Imbruvica, a history of L4-L5 laminectomy, Graves Disease (resolved without treatment), a subcutaneous catheter (SSC) removed from the right arm, CLL diagnosed in 2014, intermittent abnormal liver function tests (LFTs), a liver ultrasound showing a polyp on the gallbladder and splenomegaly, and a strong family history of ovarian cancer. The patient has gained 10lbs in the last two months, which is unusual for her. What could the hard bony prominence be, and should the patient be concerned about ovarian cancer?
March 11th, 2023
If someone is taking steroids (testosterone, anavar, equipoise, etc.) and Keflex for an infection caused by a cut on their leg, is it okay to take both medications at the same time?
October 30th, 2024
I had an HIV 1 and 2 Ab/Ag test 10 days after exposure and am waiting to repeat it at 4 weeks. I'm experiencing stress, panic attacks, increased heart rate, diarrhea, muscle pain in my lower legs, hot feeling in my toes, and a red pimple on my shoulder. Can these symptoms be related to HIV or are they more likely due to stress?
October 9th, 2024
For Labcorp (or in general), would a urinalysis that tested for protein and albumin also include calcium on that test automatically? Would it be part of the panel? Additionally, if I have a creatinine clearance of 1.05, am I likely to face additional tests like calcium, NTX, and CTX from my oncologist? And, are you sure that many people have creatinine levels in the high .90's and sometimes go above 1.0 for 2-3 years without it getting worse?
August 17th, 2024
I have two dark spots on my bottom lip that look like bruises, with dry skin around them. The dry skin is like sunburn, and the spots have been darkening over the past month. I have a history of basal cell carcinoma on my neck and started taking 25mg of Synthroid five weeks ago. What could these spots be, and should I be concerned about skin cancer?
September 13th, 2023
I am 72 years old and entered menopause fully at 56. Recently, I noticed vaginal fluid elimination that wasn't there before, and today, the fluids are stained with blood. I have had some side pain for months, addressed through chiropractic services. I have been on prednisone for polymyalgia rheumatica for the last two years and am weaning off with natural health supplements. I took DES during my second pregnancy and am concerned about potential long-term effects. What could be causing these symptoms and what tests should I undergo?
July 21st, 2024