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Could Shingles Vaccine Have Caused A Spike in CA-125?

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a history of cancer with an elevated CA-125 level. Recently I had a shingles shot and soon thereafter, my CA-125 level was high. An extensive workup showed up nothing significant, and a repeat CA-125 level was back down to normal. Could the shingles shot have elevated my CA-125 level? — K.R. ANSWER: CA-125 is a tumor marker most commonly used for ovarian cancer. Although not all ovarian cancers have a high CA-125 level, the measure of this marker can be useful in following women with ovarian cancer and in evaluating women with a possible ovarian mass. CA-125 ...

Warring Kids Are Barriers In Couple’s Relationship

DEAR ABBY: I got married to a wonderful guy 14 years ago, but after a year of marriage, our children (his 10-year-old and my 12- and 13-year-olds) couldn’t stand one another and caused a lot of problems. I was brokenhearted when he gave me divorce papers. I moved out but continued to date him without our kids around. Seven years ago, after his son moved out, I moved back in, but he won’t ask me to remarry him. My kids get along fine with him, but his son hates me and refuses to come to any holiday or birthday celebration that I host. Should I move out and move on? I feel like I ...

Bread Ends

Dear Heloise: I take the ends of a loaf of bread and put them in a freezer bag then pop them into the freezer. When I have enough, I make bread pudding that is simply delicious. Some people throw the ends out, some feed them to the birds, but bread pudding is a great way to use all the bread in a loaf. — Colleen in Minnesota Dear Heloise: In a couple of months my son will be here to visit us, and I want to make your Italian Chicken recipe for him. The last time I made it, both he and my husband raved about the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. It was easy and quick to make and a ...

Transgender Playmate Poses A Challenge to Girl’s Grandma

DEAR ABBY: My 7-year-old granddaughter, “Leyla,” has a playmate who is a transgender girl. My fear is that she may find out the truth and feel betrayed by her playmate as well as me. Should I explain it to her? It doesn’t matter to me that her friend is transgender because I have always believed that a person’s most important trait is having good morals. I’m an upfront and honest person. However, with respect to this subject, I feel that if I remain silent, it’s as though I’m somehow betraying my granddaughter. Leyla is very accepting of all people, and I don’t believe it ...

Out of the Box

Dear Readers: In a column last week we discussed what should go in your safe deposit box. Today, the subject is what should stay out of the safe deposit box. Let’s check it: * Your original Will and Letters of Instruction — When you die, the bank will secure your safe deposit box, and the executor will have to affirm their right to access your information. * Cash — If you need it in a hurry, you may not be able to get at it. Put cash in an interest-bearing checking or savings account. * Passport — In case of an emergency trip, you might not be able to get it quickly. * ...

A Pillar of the Community Is Less Admired at Home

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 14 years to a man a lot of people in our town think has no flaws. He helps a lot of people, and he is also a pastor, but he ignores me and takes me for granted, personally, emotionally and sexually. He’d rather watch TV until he falls asleep on the couch. He looks at pornography online, and I catch him often. Even if he’s busy at work, he finds time for everybody but me. He always has excuses. Since I married him, I have supported him and have gone the extra mile in all aspects — his work, church activities. I have waited on him and made ...