Fever

Chris,
Hang in there. This all can be a bit overwhelming but ask questions and keep on researching. My dear sweet husband was diagnosed March 24, 2012. It has been a roller coaster ride from the beginning. He has gone thru Cisplatin/Gemzar treatment and unable to take the last dose due to the kidney problems. It has taken a toll on him 22 units of PRBC, 2 units of Platelets, 3 paracentesis, and on 4 meds for nausea and vomiting. He has lost 65 pounds and all his lab values are out of wack especially Potassium and Magnesium. At this point and time he is not able to take more chemo. Repeat cat scan next week and then we will discuss the next phase of treatment which I strongly feel will be palliative care under hospice. He is only 60 years old and in great health until this. What I have learned from this is how much the disease is similar yet so very different for each person. All I can tell you is stay strong and do what is best for you guys. I find comfort from this site and have learned alot. Yet I know no matter how many 2nd, 3rd opinions you get, you have to do what is best for you. For us, all the tests and hospitalizations, opinions are very exhausting and have taken a toll on my husband. We are at the point that quality of life far exceeds any risk from continued testing, etc. Stay strong, pray often, and continue to reach out. Every situation is different and you have to choose what works best for you. I have found prayer is the best comfort for me at this time. It gives me strength to be here for my husband. God bless you and you are in my prayers.

Cris, here is a link –

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Radiotherapy/SIRT.aspx#.UHHUfk3LR9g

Hi Lorraine,

I just wanted to echo what Marion said to you about the rigors or the shakes as my dad called them. He got them quite frequently and he never had Y-90 or chemo so we couldn’t put them down to either of these treatments. The first time he got the shakes it freaked him out quite a bit as we didn’t know what was happening or what was causing them. They would just come out of nowhere and last a few minutes and then pass just as quickly as they had started. He got used to them eventually as he knew that each time he got them they would pass in a few minutes. And every time he got them he had no rise in temperature so we knew that he wasn’t getting an infection.

Best wishes,

Gavin

Lorraine… we also have numerous postings on rigors (sudden onset of chills.) It appears to come on suddenly and is not accompanied by a spike in temperature. The search function will lead you to previous postings re: rigors (chills.) Several explanations have been given as to why this is happening one being that the nerve endings are reacting to the cancer. When my husband experienced these chills I would cover him with blankets and let things take its course. Generally, these episodes would last a few minutes only. I have been told that it is important to distinguish between chills caused by an infection, which always is signaled by a spike in temperature and the periodically appearing rigors. When in doubt, always call the physician. I hope this helped.
Hugs,
Marion