DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 69 years old and have multiple sclerosis, for which I have been taking Aubagio (teriflunomide) for five months. My monthly liver tests have been negative so far. I am concerned about the long-term effects of this drug on my liver. Can the drug damage the liver permanently over time? Also, what are the symptoms of a damaged liver? What is the liver’s function? Thank you for your help. -- C.D.S.
INSIGHT KANSAS Conservative politicians across America are promoting state-level legislation aimed at preventing new wind farms from being built in their states. In Kansas, a conservative legislator from urban Johnson County has proposed three bills that would make it difficult to impossible to expand the Kansas wind industry.
Dear Amy: I am in love with my best friend, “Tina,” but she is in a relationship. Tina has been with her current boyfriend for almost five years, four of which have been long distance, and she’s made many comments that make it seem like she is settling for him.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 24-year-old woman. My mother had ductal carcinoma in situ in her mid- 40s, successfully treated with surgery and radiation. One of my paternal aunts survived a malignant breast cancer. Am I considered high risk for breast cancer? I know my mom’s cancer increases my risk, but does DCIS increase the risk level as much as a malignant cancer? When should I start undergoing mammograms or other screening? -- C.P.
This month is National Stalking Awareness Month. In June 2017, I started a statewide communications role, providing a voice for victim advocacy and educating the public in Kansas on domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking for nearly four years.
The state legislature has passed a new congressional district map reflecting population changes, as they must every 10 years. While a veto by Governor Kelly, further tweaking in the legislature, and lawsuits over racial representation are all likely, the general outlines of this proposed map are likely to stick, which makes some things frustratingly clear, especially for Democrats.
Our society today has become one of wanting to choose to do things the easy way rather than the hard way. Many today would select push-button gadgets and automatic appliances. For everything, and in every situation, there would be no struggle and no sweat and no toil. Every decision that we make would have the outcome of ease where there would be no obstacles.
One of our Bible readings at church recently was from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians: “Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.” This verse, to a lot of folks, may lead them to think about service in the form of action--giving to the poor, helping one’s neighbor. For some reason, this verse has always made me think of God’s unconditional love, a very special gift.
Dear Amy: One of my friends, “Charles,” has just gotten out of a three-year relationship with his emotionally abusive partner, “Anthony.” Before I understood how abusive Anthony had been, I considered us friends, but I’m no longer comfortable associating with Anthony at all. Normally in this kind of situation where someone’s primary friendship is with one person, the friendship just sort of naturally dissolves when they break up, but Anthony thinks of me as his best friend and is likely to continue, unless I say otherwise.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a healthy 63-yearold woman. My 29-yearold niece was just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She discovered that she carries a mutation of her CHEK2 gene. Her father, who is my brother, also has the gene. Should I get tested for the gene and should my children be tested? What can you tell me about the CHEK2 gene? -- D.E.