Selma Schimmel is a multiple-time cancer survivor and a passionate advocate for all those affected by the disease. Selma is the founder and CEO of Vital Options International, and host of The Group Room® cancer shows.

IMPORTANT NOTE: No information in the "Ask Selma" column is intended to diagnose or treat any condition and should not be construed as medical advice. The opinions expressed here are Selma's and do not necessarily reflect those of Vital Options International. You should never delay seeking or disregard professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health care provider because of something you read on any website.

The "Ask Selma" column is not accepting questions at this time, but here are some recent questions and answers from the column:

• My dad is on his second round of colon cancer. Can he possibly have another resection or will he have to have his colon removed?
  
  
• My husband with lung cancer has a terrible rash and itching from Tarceva. The doctor hasn't been able to help. Do you know what he can use?
  
  
• My husband has non-Hodgkin's B cell cancer and has chemo and will now undergo radiation. Can someone be diagnosed with more than one type of cancer?
  
  
• How long can the cervical cancer virus remain dormant?
  
  
• I have stage 2 colon cancer. They did surgery, all lymph nodes were negative and I got into a study. It suggested the tumor was high risk and I'm getting chemo now. Why should I get chemo when I am cancer free?
  
  
• I had a lumpectomy last Oct and the incision is great. The indentation is sore and pulls. How long will it take to heal and for the hole to fill in?
  
  
• I had a cancerous polyp (colon cancer) and hepatitis C, which I've had for 30 years. My immune system is weakened. I don't think surgery is the best solution for me. Are there less invasive procedures?
  
  
• My sister had her stomach removed for stomach cancer. How can I get a nutritionist through the internet?
  
  
• My brother-in-law had surgery for pancreatic cancer. Is this usually a terminal cancer?
  
  
• I had surgery for kidney cancer and am receiving regular follow up care. Nothing has grown. What do you think I should do?
  
  
• I had surgery for stage 3 ovarian cancer. What is the difference between remission and being cancer free and can the cancer recur elsewhere?
  
  
• My husband has early stage squamous cell carcinoma on his voice box on the vocal cord and is receiving radiation. He coughs and his voice is raspy. What is his prognosis?
  
  
• My dad has early stage prostate cancer and still has a reading after prostate removal. They are suggesting "watch and wait," which makes me nervous.
  
  
• My friend has stomach cancer and is given less than a year to live. Are there new treatments?
  
  
• I have a rare form of cancer. How rare is carcinosarcoma and what is the survival rate? Are there clinical trials?
  
  
• At 59, I notice a sweet sick smell in the mornings. My father had this before he got a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Have you heard of this from others?
  
  
• My sister-in-law has stomach cancer. What are her chances for survival? And my mother has a spot on her lung. Could it be anything besides cancer?
  
  
• My dad has an exophytic noncystic nodule on his kidney and is seeing a surgical urologist. Why would the doctor recommend waiting 90 days?
  
  
• I had bladder cancer at 35, had surgery but no chemo as it was not invasive. What is the probability that it will return?
  
  
• I've had several bouts with cancer and many other medical problems. What does a cancer survivor and role model do when he is tired and no longer feels like fighting?
  
  
• I've had intestinal carcinoid tumors that were removed. What is the chance that they have spread?
  
  
• My mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. What are the top hospitals and surgeons in the LA area?
  
  
• My sister has plasmacytoma multiple myeloma and will be getting chemo and some radiation. What is the difference between chemo and radiation?
  
  
• Both of my sisters have had breast cancer. I've been tested and have the BRCA2 gene. I had both ovaries removed and a double mastectomy is being recommended. Plus, my husband of 26 years just left me and my children. Should I have this done?
  
  
• I was diagnosed with stage 1C ovarian cancer in 2006 and had a radical hysterectomy. I did not get chemo but should be getting blood tests and x-rays, but don't have insurance. Any suggestions?
  
  
• I am 39 with Her2Nu breast cancer. Couldn't this happen in the other breast? And how do I decide on lumpectomy vs. double mastectomy?
  
  
• I am about to finish 5 years of Arimidex for breast cancer and am nervous about ending treatment. Can you advise me?
  
  
• I was diagnosed in 2003 with breast cancer. Now I find it has metastasized and I'm just turning 40. I am scared and need help.
  
  
• At 61, I have cervical cancer. Can you help to explain the biopsy results and what it means regarding the stage?
  
  
• I have bile duct cancer and now have a new spot on the liver and lymph node. Do you know of a way to shrink cancer in the lymph node?
  
  
• My husband has malignant spindle cell sarcoma of the sinus cavity and orbit. The surgeon wants him on a very toxic dose of chemo. Are there other options?
  
  
• My sister had a biopsy on Jan 17 and I haven't heard from her. How long does it take for test results to come back?
  
  
• My dad's bone cancer has affected his spine. He can't feel anything and is very sick. How can we help him?
  
  
• I have stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and am treated with Rituxan. How long will this work and is it safe?
  
  
• My aunt's lung cancer has spread to the bone. Can you give us information?
  
  
• My father has stomach cancer that spread to his liver, and is suffering. How can I help him get his health back?
  
  
• I have throat cancer and had 6 weeks of radiation. Will my lack of taste buds and dormant saliva gland issues go away?
  
  
• I'm cancer free for 6 years but my energy level has never returned. Any advice?
  
  
• I got a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ, had a LEEP and cancerous cells were removed. Might this return?
  
  
• My friend's daughter has stage 4 stomach cancer. What are her chances of survival?
  
  
• My father-in-law's colon cancer has metastatic colon cancer and doesn't want to take chemo anymore. How long will he live?
  
  
• I had serious cervical cancer at 19 and now my daughter has pre-cancer. I feel guilty like it's my fault. Do you have any advice?
  
  
• I have bladder cancer and my doctor said they may have to remove my bladder. Are there other options?
  
  
• At 44, my symptoms are pointing to ovarian cancer and if there is news, I won't want to hear it. Why go to the doctor?
  
  
• My partner has bladder cancer. What can we do now to get self-help started?
  
  
• My friend in China has tongue cancer. Do you know about this cancer and can you provide information?
  
  
• My brother is cancer free after having his stomach removed because of stomach cancer. Now he cannot gain wait. Can you provide information?
  
  
• I had a noninvasive tumor removed from my bladder a month ago but still pass blood in my urine every 5 to 7 days. Is this a concern?
  
  
• I had ovarian cancer in 2000 and am noticing blood in my bowel movements as well as some other symptoms. Might I be having a recurrence?
  
  
• My husband has stage IV lung cancer. Is there a good cancer center he can go to close to our home in Milwaukee?
  
  
• My aggressive cancer causes very painful leg pain and I've been given 3 to 5 years to live. I am afraid. Please write back.
  
  
• What kind of side affects can chemo have on the legs to cause them to swell?
  
  
• Can you help with a school report on how cancer-fighting drugs kill cells and how cell division is related to cancer?
  
  
• My husband has rectal bleeding and several other symptoms including pain. What can I do for him until he sees a surgeon?
  
  
• What is the normal chemo medicine given to a patient with squamous cell carcinoma?
  
  
• My wife had surgery for pancreatic cancer and now has terrible pain. How can she manage this?
  
  
• I had ovarian cancer in 2007. My last blood test results were good but the CT showed that the cancer had returned. Why the conflict?
  
  
• I am very faithful about getting mammograms and doing breast self exam. I just had an ultrasound and biopsy. What might the results show?
  
  
• What tests are done before chemo to make sure the patient can handle the treatment?
  
  
• Should I avoid antioxidants and vitamin C when undergoing chemo?
  
  
• Why aren't more people aware of the link between pesticides and cancer?
  
  
• Where is the best treatment center for gastric cancer?
  
  
• What is "central node breast cancer?"
  
  
• What does stage 4 bone cancer mean?
  
  
• What can you tell me about radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatments for cancer patients?
  
  
• My mom was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and we are concerned about the staging. Can you advise?
  
  
• My father died at 67 of a glioblastoma multiforme tumor, as did an uncle and nephew. Is this hereditary?
  
  
• My 81-year-old husband has kidney cancer and they won't operate. What can I expect for his future?
  
  
• I'm in middle school and would like to know if colchicine is used in cancer chemotherapy?
  
  
• My daughter has lung cancer that metastasized to her brain and now her adrenal glands. What does this mean in terms of her survival?
  
  
• Can you tell me what subcarinal lymph node is?
  
  
• My husband has Stage III colon cancer. Can he take Omega 3?
  
  
• The PET scan is "alarming" to me. Is it something that is REALLY necessary?
  
  
• My kidney cancer was found accidentally. Now I have a hernia. Was the hernia a hospital mistake?
  
  
• My husband has stage IV tongue cancer. Is there any hope for him? We live near Phoenix, Arizona.
  
  
• Could a small red spot on my left breast be inflammatory breast cancer?
  
  
• I had surgery in September for endometrial cancer and have many questions. Can you help?
  
  
• My husband has a malignant tumor on his pancreas. How do I find out the questions I need to ask the surgeon?
  
  
• Can you provide advice on an implant vs. flap surgery following mastectomy?
  
  
• My uncle recently told us that he has stage 3 bone cancer. How many stages are there with this type of cancer?
  
  
• After my last chemo treatment, I woke up and my chest was swollen and bleeding. What does this mean, and will I ever get the coloring back in my breast?
  
  
• I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but I think it might be a non-malignant pancreatic cyst. What tests or information should I seek?
  
  
• I have kidney cancer which has spread to my lungs, and am currently on Nexavar. Are there any other treatments I should consider?
  
  
• I found a lump between my breasts, but it hasn't changed in size or shape... should I be concerned?
  
  
• Do you have any information about bone cancer developing from renal cancer?
  
  
• My mother had breast cancer, which she fought and overcame. It has recurred, and she has several tumors on her spine. Can you tell me where to start getting information?
  
  
• A friend of mine has skin cancer and has no job. Where can she get help?
  
  
• I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatments for breast cancer, and am still experiencing minor pain. Is this normal?
  
  
• My husband had surgery for colon cancer and still has part of the surgical wound open. Is it okay for him to commence radiation and chemotherapy?
  
  
• My mother-in-law's bladder cancer has metastasized to her skull. Can you give us advice or encouragement?
  
  
• I've been cancer-free for 5 years. I would rather be told that I'm in remission, so I could handle it better if it were to come back. Any comment would be appreciated.
  
  
• I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and my physician has arranged for me to have intraperitoneal isotopes injected. Can you help me find any anecdotal information online about this procedure?
  
  
• My niece's stomach chance has spread to her abdominal wall. We have her in a hospice center. Is there a chance she can beat this?
  
  
• Is there any relationship between melanoma and multiple myeloma?
  
  
• My friend is undergoing radiation therapy and is suffering from burns on his skin. Have you heard of such a thing?
  
  
• My sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Do you think she would be better off receiving treatment at a hospital close to home?
  
  
• I am trying hard to quit smoking. Does Chantix work? What are the side effects?
  
  
• I just found a lump in the same breast in which I had a simple mastectomy 15 years ago. How can this happen?
  
  
• I am a Vietnam vet with Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Could this have been developed because of exposure to Agent Orange?
  
  
• My elderly mother was diagnosed with adenocarcinomas. The doctor has not told us what to expect for her future. How can I plan and make decisions?
  
  
• I have stage IV colon cancer with mets to the omentum and am on a chemo regimen for the rest of my life. Might I ever have a chemo-free interval?
  
  
• I have cancer of unknown primary and was told there is no cure -- just treatment and maintenance. Is this normal?
  
  
• My daughter has lost a lot of weight, has nosebleeds and bad headaches. What might be causing this?
  
  
• My husband's bladder cancer has metathesized to the rectum. Doctors don't want to operate. Where can we turn?
  
  
• I just finished chemo for endometrial cancer and all follow-ups looked good. I'm spotting again. What might that mean?
  
  
• Tests for a breast lump were all negative. Now the doctor wants to do an MRI. Why?
  
  
• My uncle in India is suffering from a bone marrow situation. Can you help?
  
  
• I have bladder cancer due to drugs I had to take for Wegener's Granulomatosis. I've been through a kidney transplant, numerous infections, chemo and radiation. What are my chances now?
  
  
• If I am throwing up dark brown fluids, could I have pancreatic or liver cancer?
  
  
• I am an advocate for veterans and have a long term vet who had to have inhaled a lot of asbestos fumes who now has throat cancer. Where can I research this?
  
  
• I am a female, 45, with renal cell carcinoma. What questions should I ask my surgeon before my surgery on September 10?
  
  
• I have stage IV colon cancer with metathesis to the liver and am in remission. How long does this cancer stay in remission?
  
  
• Can you please tell me what (I'm going to guess here at the spelling) know-var-dis is and or what it means?
  
  
• Please let me know - what causes this deadly disease - cancer?
  
  
• I am 72 years old and have had several non-cancerous health issues. I recently began to notice a strange, sweet body odor upon awakening. Can humans "smell cancer?
  
  
• I have a pain under my left breast. It radiates to my back, high up. It makes my breast feel heavy. Advil seems to dull it. Should I be worried?
  
  
• In 2005, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2, grade 3, with no receptors. Why isn't there more information about this breast cancer?
  
  
• My father had chemo 2 years ago and he says he's cold all the time. Could this have anything to do with the chemo?
  
  
• My husband was diagnosed with Glioblastoma level 4. We lived in 2 houses with toxic mold. Could the mold have caused his cancer?
  
  
• I'm a 42-year-old black female with very bad pain in my knees, hips, back, ankles and shoulder. I'm wondering if this pain in coming from my bones or is it arthritis?
  
  
• I was just told that I have a spinal tumor and start testing next week. What are statistics and cure rates? How can I find the best doctor?
  
  
• My daughter has a massive frontal lobe brain tumor, with surgery on 8/01/07. Are these types of tumors often cancerous?
  
  
• My husband was treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil in 2003 and now wants to get a tattoo. His mother, a retired nurse, said he should not get one.
  
  
• My husband has been diagnosed with advanced liver cancer and I am unable to find what the course of the disease will be. Can anyone offer any insight?
  
  
• My sister has stomach cancer and is now facing treatment and a lot of anger and denial. Do you know of a support group for stomach cancer patients?
  
  
• My aunt is undergoing cancer treatments and still has a decent appetite but also loves sweets. I heard that sugar feeds the cancer growth. Is this true?
  
  
• My 84-year-old mother had throat cancer and the radiation "fried" her saliva glands and she cannot eat. We have tried everything. She's ready to give up. Can you recommend anything?
  
  
  
• If I already have a breast lump, is it absolutely necessary to do a mammogram -- or is there another test that can be done?
  
  
  
• I have liver cancer that has spread to the spine (3rd time around with cancer). I am also severely clinically depressed and don't wish to fight this cancer.
  
  
• My uncle in India has lung cancer and wants to switch to oral chemo, which is available in the USA only. Can he get this in India?
  
  
• In 06, I had an endometrial biopsy which showed complex hyperplasia with no atypia. I've been put on 2 different drugs and a D&C was recommended. I need more inforation
  
  
• I had my second child in 2001 and the next day I also had a tubal ligation. I have had problems ever since. My doctor doesn't seem to be doing enough. Can you help?
  
  
• I had early stage melanoma 16 years ago and have had 140 biopsies since. My doctor recently noticed a spot he did not biopsy. Should I be concerned?
  
  
• My ophthalmologist noted a 'freckle' in my left eye which he'll check every 6 months as it can develop into melanoma of the eye. Should I get a second opinion.
  
  
• I was wondering how synovial cysts are diagnosed and if a cyst can be misdiagnosed for a cancerous tumor? Would a biopsy be needed?
  
  
• My 20-year-old sister has a brain tumor and her grades plummeted. Her university wants her to repeat all of her courses, even the ones she received A's in. We are confused.
  
  
• I am a 48-year-old woman whose mother died from breast cancer at 44 and whose sister had breast cancer. I'd like your opinion on some issues related to this.
  
  
• I had aggressive radiation 7 months ago. Now the spot where this was done is becoming hard. Is there a Web site where I can find out about damages from radiation?
  
  
• My sister-in-law was told that after chemo and radiation she would have to take chemochipen (spelling?) for the rest of her life. What is this?
  
  
• I lost a kidney to kidney cancer 4 years ago. Which over-the-counter pain medication must I stay away from? And is it dangerous to take hormone pills? 
  
  
• I am seeking an alternative treatment for mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. Can you provide information? 
  
  
• At 30, I have a bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. I take chemotherapy and am extremely tired and sore all of the time. What can I do?
  
  
• I'm in remission after lung cancer treatment. I now have a sore blister on my tongue. Could this be my cancer spreading?
  
  
• My dad's radiation has been interrupted due to low platelet count. He has thrush and eating is painful. What can we do?
  
  
• Can alcohol consumption lead to cancer? My husband has had cancer twice and he's a heavy drinker.
  
  
• I had a mammogram and my doctor said it was normal but she wanted me to see a surgeon for a second opinion. I'm confused.
  
  
• My mom has colon cancer, now also in the liver and spine. Does spinal cancer equate to bone cancer? Is there anything left to do?
  
  
• Why is it when discussing cancer that few programs or people mention the importance of body pH and hydration? Is it because there's no money in it?
  
  
• How many times can a patient receive chemo? 
  
  
• I was told that I have an ovarian cyst. What should be done? Will it go away by itself? My doctors said it is common??? 
  
  
• My nephew is 31 and has stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment will be very aggressive. Can you tell me about this disease and its prognosis? 
  
  
• At 56, I have infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast. I had surgery and chemo. Now I have osteoporosis. Could the Taxol have caused this?
  
  
• I have prostate cancer which has metastasized to bone cancer. How much time do I have left? 
  
  
• I am 35 with renal cell carcinoma. Now they want to test me for VHL. And I am a cystic fibrosis carrier. Is this rare at my age and can this cancer return? 
  
  
• My husband has stage III testicular cancer and has been through four rounds of chemotherapy. What are his chances? 
  
  
• Could blood in the stool, fatigue and slight anemia mean cancer? My bilirubin was also slightly high and I have a full feeling in my abdominal area. 
  
  
• I was told I have a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma with capsular invasion. What does capsular invasion mean?
  
  
• I had BRCA positive breast cancer. My daughter's OB/GYN suggested testing. If she gets cancer, can her health insurance company deny her claim as a pre-existing condition?
  
  
• My 46-year-old mother has stomach cancer which has spread. Her health deteriorated after the second cycle of chemo. How can I help her get her health back?
  
  
• My brother has pancreatic cancer that has spread. He was diagnosed only a month ago. How could it be so bad when it was just diagnosed? How can I help him?
  
  
• My cousin has lymphoma. I am wondering if it is okay to massage a lymphoma patient and can it be beneficial?
  
  
• My mother-in-law had cancer of the appendix and now learned it has spread to her stomach and intestines. Is there treatment that could help her?
  
  
• I had testicular cancer in 1993 with three rounds of chemo and recovered well. Are there long term side effects of chemo?
  
  
• My niece has ovarian cancer. She said she is taking radiation intravenously. Is that done?
  
  
• My older sister has cancer of the skin and tumors in her brain. And my little sister is going to have part of her colon removed because of Crohn's. What about me? 
  
  
• I have heard that there is a test other than CA-125 or a CEA test to test for ovarian cancer. Something called PSA. Is there such a test and if so, what is it? 
  
  
• I think I may have cancer, but can't get the doctors to listen. They know something is wrong, but they don't seem to want to help. What should I do? 
  
  
• Is drinking green tea a good idea if I have bladder cancer?
  
  
• My daughter had some blood work done yesterday and her lymphocytes are at 65%. My friend says it is leukemia. Does anyone know if this is true? 
  
  
• My mom and my aunt both had stomach cancer. What are the chances that I could also develop stomach cancer and are there any tests that can detect early? 
  
  
• I have had a needle biopsy on a node on the right side of my thyroid. Removal was recommended. What are my other options as I do not want surgery? 
  
  
• I have a flat, round, scaly, small, flesh-colored mark on my stomach and it itches. Is it anything to worry about? 
  
  
• I am about to have surgery for a lump in my thyroid. Should I be concerned about distant metastasis appearing later? 
  
  
• I am a 29-year-old woman with bone pain. Do you think I have any reason to worry? With the symptoms that I have, is there a chance this could be bone cancer? 
  
  
• My husband has been diagnosed with pmp, appendix cancer. What is the best course of action for him since he is only 52 years old, and he is worried about chemo? 
  
  
• I will soon be treated with radiation for lymph nodes in the jugular chain and in the mouth where a tonsil has been removed. Can I do anything to prepare for treatment? 
  
  
• I'm about to start chemotherapy again and am very nervous about the side effects (nausea and vomiting). Are treatments better today? 
  
  
• My mother just had a localized lumpectomy. No cancer was found in the lymph nodes and the mass was estrogen positive. How does she decide on treatment? 
  
  
• My mother-in-law has had breast cancer, then spots on her spine, her liver and lungs. Now there is cancer in her spinal fluid. Is there any hope? 
  
  
• At what age can a woman get cancer? And at what age should a woman start getting a mammogram? 
  
  
• I'm a man in my late 50's whose mom and aunt have had breast cancer. Can you advise me where I can go to get a mammogram? 
  
  
• Do doctors have to remove a testicle if you get testicular cancer? 
  
  
• Why do you have to go off Gleevec if you want to get pregnant? 
  
  
• If 2 of my great aunts got breast cancer in their late 60s, do I need to get tested for it earlier than others? 
  
  
• I have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I beat ovarian cancer with a combination of traditional and alternative therapies. Do you have any tips for alternative therapies? 
  
  
• I teach fifth grade, and one of my students was diagnosed with leukemia. How can I help the student and teach the others about this disease? 
  
  
• I'm a lymphoma patient receiving Rituxan. What can you tell me about the fatal viral infection associated with this drug? 
  
  
• I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and am told that it's no big deal. Just the word "cancer" is terrifying! 
  
  
• I have testicular cancer -- or I guess now I can say I had it. I'm considering an implant. Are they safe? 
  
  
• I'm coming to the end of my breast cancer treatment next month, and I don't feel safe. I keep thinking, "Oh, oh, what do I do now?" 
  
  
• I'm a 50-year-old male needing a screening colonoscopy. What can you tell me about a virtual test?