EXPERT
Samuel Friedman
Hematologist-Oncologist | Hematology & Oncology
Dr. Samuel Friedman is a hematologist oncologist practicing in Tamuning, Guam. Dr. Friedman specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of blood diseases such as anemia, hemophilia, sickle-cell disease, leukemia and lymphoma. Hematologist Oncologists are also trained in the study of cancer and its attack on other organs.
58 years
Experience
Samuel Friedman
- Tamuning, Guam
- University of British Columbia
- Accepting new patients
People Behaving Badly, Or Why There Is a Medical Crisis in Guam
Originally published in The Guam Daily Post, Letter to the Editor (Part 1/Part 2)Oh, the poor folks hate the rich folksAnd the rich folks hate the poor folks. All of my folks hate...
For Shame, Guam!
Uruguay is a small, democratic country on the east coast of South America atop Argentina. Unlike many of its co-continental nations, it has distinguished itself as a viable, true,...
Truth in Medical Advertising or "Fake News"
Originally published in The Guam Daily Post, Letter to the EditorI read an interesting article in a medical journal recently from the Department of Medical Ethics at New York University...
A Swing Too Far
It has been difficult to avoid the news this past year or so—with the ongoing opioid epidemic in the USA and the hysterical swings authorities, of various stripes, have been taking...
What can be the cause of low platelet count?
There are many potential causes due usually to decreased production or increased destruction. Some may be serious and the situation should be evaluated by a competent hematologist. READ MORE
There are many potential causes due usually to decreased production or increased destruction. Some may be serious and the situation should be evaluated by a competent hematologist.
What happens if iron levels are too high?
Ferritin is the storage molecule of iron and this should be measured, not serum iron. Increased levels of ferritin are seen in various inflammatory and malignant diseases and hereditary READ MORE
Ferritin is the storage molecule of iron and this should be measured, not serum iron. Increased levels of ferritin are seen in various inflammatory and malignant diseases and hereditary conditions of increased iron absorption called hemochromatosis. If the ferritin level is below 350, it is of little concern.
Leukocytosis treatment?
Active psoriasis may raise your WBC, lymphocytes and eosinophils. I doubt lymphocytes are monoclonal, but important to make sure they are not as would mean a lymphoid malignancy. READ MORE
Active psoriasis may raise your WBC, lymphocytes and eosinophils. I doubt lymphocytes are monoclonal, but important to make sure they are not as would mean a lymphoid malignancy. Flow cytometry on the blood should show this.
Should I go to the ER for low hemoglobin?
An ER, like the word says, is for EMERGENCY. Your low hemoglobin is certainly NOT that unless you have active and severe bleeding. It is a symptom that needs to be investigated READ MORE
An ER, like the word says, is for EMERGENCY. Your low hemoglobin is certainly NOT that unless you have active and severe bleeding. It is a symptom that needs to be investigated to find the cause which may take days or even weeks. This is NOT the function of an ER, but of a competent doctor in a clinic.
Can you walk after donating bone marrow?
Yes, although it might be somewhat painful depending on how many bone marrow punctures were performed.
Fibrinogen levels?
Low fibrinogen level may be normal or associated with some clotting abnormalities, and some clotting abnormalities may be associated with spontaneous abortions. I would advise READ MORE
Low fibrinogen level may be normal or associated with some clotting abnormalities, and some clotting abnormalities may be associated with spontaneous abortions. I would advise a work-up with a skilled coagulation laboratory.
When should you go to the ER for anemia?
If your breathing problems are caused by anemia, it must be severe and you should go to the ER as soon as possible. Normally diagnostic problems should not be handled in the ER READ MORE
If your breathing problems are caused by anemia, it must be severe and you should go to the ER as soon as possible. Normally diagnostic problems should not be handled in the ER but by private clinics or doctors.
Rh negative?
It is not rare and happens with a Rh negative mother and Rh positive father. The injections are to destroy any Rh positive father red cells from the mother's circulation so she READ MORE
It is not rare and happens with a Rh negative mother and Rh positive father. The injections are to destroy any Rh positive father red cells from the mother's circulation so she doesn't produce antibodies to positive red cell that can cross over to the fetus and kill it if it has Rh positive blood.
Can you walk after a bone marrow biopsy?
A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy IF properly done should cause minimal discomfort and virtually no after-effects.
How long does it take hemoglobin to recover after surgery?
Obviously it depends on how low your hemoglobin is and if the anemia is due only to blood loss and not other problems such as iron deficiency or just inflammation. If just blood READ MORE
Obviously it depends on how low your hemoglobin is and if the anemia is due only to blood loss and not other problems such as iron deficiency or just inflammation. If just blood loss and not severe, it would usually replace in about a month.
Is low hemoglobin normal after COVID?
A slight anemia after a serious infection may be normal. I have no idea of the level to which you are referring and it would be a good idea to have this evaluated by a competent READ MORE
A slight anemia after a serious infection may be normal. I have no idea of the level to which you are referring and it would be a good idea to have this evaluated by a competent physician.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy for leukemia?
Radiation therapy is not routinely used for leukemia, sometimes for lymphoma. In general, it would depend on what part of the body is being radiated. Usually no important acute READ MORE
Radiation therapy is not routinely used for leukemia, sometimes for lymphoma. In general, it would depend on what part of the body is being radiated. Usually no important acute side effects. Sometimes nausea if abdomen being radiated.
How can I increase my hemoglobin without blood transfusion?
Find out the cause of anemia (low hemoglobin) before any therapy can be advised. here are any diverse causes.
What is my life expectancy after two units of red blood cell transfusion?
Absolutely no effect on your longevity.
Is this ok before a blood transfusion?
This is variable depending on age and condition. You should talk to your hematologist about red cell stimulants such as erythropoietin which may make transfusions unnecessary. READ MORE
This is variable depending on age and condition. You should talk to your hematologist about red cell stimulants such as erythropoietin which may make transfusions unnecessary.
Do I have leukemia?
I doubt it. But a blood test should rule this out. See a doctor.
Taking golo?
I have no idea what Golo is nor are there any studies to support it. Taking any OTC drugs, especially supplements, is potentially dangerous with chemotherapy as no studies have READ MORE
I have no idea what Golo is nor are there any studies to support it. Taking any OTC drugs, especially supplements, is potentially dangerous with chemotherapy as no studies have been done to assess its potential interaction with these drugs.
HIV in my tests?
I doubt you were tested from HIV unless there was some reason or you requested it. If positive, of course you would be told.
What causes white blood cells to be high in a child?
Depends on the type of white cell involved. May be reactive to some other situation (infection, allrgy, inflammation) or more serious.,
Is high leukocytes in blood dangerous?
What is the type of leucocyte that is high? There are several types. Depending on the type would alert one to what the underlying condition may be and whether or not it may be READ MORE
What is the type of leucocyte that is high? There are several types. Depending on the type would alert one to what the underlying condition may be and whether or not it may be serious.
