night sweats
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Hi there, you have posted on an old post so I doubt anyone will re post here. They WILL see your Introduction though that you posted. Kathryn’s last post was Feb. 19, 2010. When you open a post, at the very top of it will be the date posted. I will answer your Introduction on that new post which was very informative! Takes a bit to learn our system but you will find it such a good one.
Hi Kathryn,
My husband was diagnosed in 2011 with CC. I can’t believe that it has been a year since the Dx. He has gone through many rounds of chemo since his tumors are inoperable. Unfortunately, he is stage IV. He recently had cyberknife at Georgetown Hospital to take care of a series of tumors near the head of the pancreas that were pushing on the nerves of the celiac plexus. the pain that was radiating from his lower rib cage around to his back and up his shoulders has diminished we believe from this treatment.
Lately, he has started to experience rigors and sweats. It comes on suddenly and without any significant fever. The highest that it has gone up to is 99.4. blood cultures have always come back negative. We have come to learn recently that these rigors and sweats are probably due to the tumors. The tumors secrete cytokines, which cause an inflammatory reaction, causing the rigors and sweats. It can also be from blood clots as well. Many advance cancer patients have blood clots from secretions from the tumors.
My husband is getting ready to go into a trial at NIH where they have harvested leukocytes from him and are genetically engineering them to target the tumors and cancer cells to block receptors on the tumors and cancer cells so that they cannot make a blood supply, thus making them starve to death. It is a very interesting approach in that it is systemic (perfect for stage IV) and uses the body’s own defenses to fight the cancer. There was another trial that we wanted to have him participate in where they would have harvested a piece of tumor and sensitized his Lymphocytes to attack the cancer cells. Unfortunatley, his tumors are not readily accessible in order for them to harvest a piece of tumor.
In both scenarios his immune system would be wiped out, the genetically altered cells are reintroduced and then he is given a drug to quickly grow up the army of fighting cells. All of this is done in-patient and is cutting edge. There is not much else out there that can help him at this point.
I pray that this approach will have positive results.
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for that I’m glad to hear that you dads test results came back fine. Is your dad still having the chills and the sweats?
Best wishes,
Gavin
thanks everyone. we’ve had blood work done and a chest x-ray. all results came back fine with no sign of infection and cancer markers all normal.
When I had these symptoms, I landed in the hospital for a week with sepsis. This happened about three different times with me. We have to be extra careful and vigilant about fevers and infections in the cholangiocarcinoma world.
You are so right, Rick. Teddy also had some infections like that and we were told it just goes with the territory. While it needs to be tended to….not earth shattering. Although, and rightly so, I think most of us have a tendency to “jump” when involved with CC.
I wouldn’t be too concerned about things yet. It could all be coincidence. And, it’s entirely possible that there is a minor infection. After any liver surgery that involves the bile duct there is scar tissue that can form and obstruct or get inflammation. It’s common to have infections in all surgery cases – ranging from very minor to full blown and they can occur even years after surgery. I have had the fortunate experience of talking to quite a few liver transplant receipients who have these types of infections from time to time and are cured with a simple dose of antibiotics.
So – go to your Dr.’s appointment, but take a deep breath and don’t jump to any conclusions. I’m betting if it is anything significant it is just an infection.
Rick
kathryn….you may also use the search function, top, by entering the words “nights sweats.” It will lead you to previous discussions regarding this occurence. Here are a few examples but, there are many more.
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?pid=14482
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=2578Best wishes,
MarionSometimes the shakes and chills and night sweats can indicate some kind of infection going on in the body. I agree with Lisa that a Doctor visit for some blood work to check the white blood count, that will indicate if there is some type infection going on. These were the thing that they told us to watch for in my husband Tom.
Hope all turns out well and your husband feels better soon! This CC Journey is throwing a lot of twists and turns and bumps our way.
Go with God and KEEP KICKIN’ THAT cancer
Margaret
Thanks Gavin & Lisa. I’ll schedule an appointment ASAP. BTW – Gavin -our middles son’s name is Gavin. Not a common name here in Canada.
Hi Kathryn,
Welcome to the site, although I am sorry that you have to be here. My dad used to get the chills and the shakes as well. They just used to come on every so often and would only last a short while then pass just as quickly as they started. If you use the search forum function at the top of the page here you will find many posts on those subjects.
From what you say, it does sound like your husbands recovery has been very good indeed and this is good to hear. Have you spoke with the doctor about these symptoms and your husbands weight loss? I am certain that others willl be along soon to offer their thoughts and experiences with this.
I hope that you will come back often here as you will get a ton of support and help from all of us here.
My best wishes to you and your husband,
Gavin
My husband (53 yrs/old) was diagnosed with cholangioncarcinoma at the end of May 2009. He had surgery on June 21 where they removed the tumour (along with 60% of his liver). The pathology report stated negative margins around the tumour however of the 6 lymph nodes removed 4 indicated cancerous cells. He has not had any radiation or chemotherapy, eats an amazing diet of primarily plant based foods, no sugar, no alcohol, no dairy. He exercises daily, takes many natural supplements and uses an infra red sauna 4-5 times a week.
His recovery has been very good and I would say that he seems healthier and more energetic than ever in our 30+ years of marriage.
Recently, he has had a couple of concerning symptons. After 40 min. in the sauna, he had a chill (while still in the sauna at 140 degrees). For him, this was reminiscent of the rigors he’d had pre-diagnosis. Last night he had a severe night sweat where he had to change his night clothes. He has also lost some weight in the last week. Pre cancer he was 180 pounds, went down to 130 with all the procedures pre surgery and then lost a few more pounds after the surgery. He went up to 142 pounds in Dec and is now back at 135.
We are both very concerned about the chills and sweats. Does anyone else have experience with this?
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