At 2 months post radiation and chemo, my husband's biggest complaint seems to be one related to temperature control. I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem...or what it could mean. He feels alternately too cold and then too hot, both day and, especially at night. I mentioned it to the radiation oncologist at our last follow-up check and he seemed to rather discount it...but it is really bothersome for him.

Thanks,
Anita

Anita, My husband is 6 months post-radiation treatment, and even now we still have a problem with temperature control. It was especially rough the first 3 months after radiation. One minute my husband would literally be shivering with the chills...then a few minutes later - off came all the blankets, socks and what-have-you. It was bothersome for me, but in all honesty - and I hope I don't sound selfish in this statement - it was a pain-in-the-butt for me! I was constantly adjusting the temperature in our apartment and constantly covering him up - only to have him kick off the covers and turn on the fan! It's nerve-wracking, and I remember having the temperature gauge set up to practically 80 degrees at times. Although the weather is much warmer now, and things aren't as bad - he still gets into a weird hot/cold comfort zone thing every now and then, but for the most part - this has gotten much better. I would say give it time. Especially since you have already discussed this with your doctor, and he didn't seem to make much of it. I honestly don't know what causes this to happen - but I'm sure the radiation definitely throws everything out of whack, and at the same time- the body is trying to heal itself and repair the damage. Be patient, and I hope things get better for both of you soon!

Anita,

I don't have any suggestions on how to combat this problem, but Heather has experienced the same thing, both after RAD and now again after having chemo. We were told the RAD and chemo both can cause havoc with your body's temperature controls. It certainly is a pain in the neck, but I don't think there is much you can do except keep adjusting the thermostat or adding/removing blankets, turning AC/fans on/off, etc.

Rainbows & hugs,
Rosie

Dear Anita,
Ditto here. My husband finished rad and chemo in November. He was freezing at night so I bought a down comforter. I was loving it, for about a week, because I'm cold natured. Then his temperature control went haywire. He would sweat under the comforter, turn the fan on, and then shiver. Soooooo....we now have a light weight cotton blanket on the bed with the down comforter on the floor next to it. If either of us gets too cold, we just reach down and grab it!

Mandi

Anita,
When I was 2 months out I was still having hot and cold problems. I understand that the thyroid plays a role in this, also anemia and low white cell count, so any or all of the above are potential contributors. There is no way to fight this other than it has to run the course. You eventually may need thyroid medication. I am 75 days out today and still have some problems but not as severe - things are definitely improving. I always keep a blanket or 2 handy that I can kick off easily if I need to. There were a few times that my wife had to sleep in the guest room so I could have the heat on and she could have the windows open. I also always have layers of clothing (which we are used to living in the SF Bay Area). And, yes, I have had the heat up to 80 degrees, something I would have NEVER done before this. We have a ceiling fan which was very handy. I have lost a lot of weight so I am sure that it is a factor also.

Gary Allsebrook
SCC, Stage III, Right Tonsil (T3N0M0)
Cisplatin Chemo x2, IMRT x33
Treatment Began 1/28/03
Treatment Ended 3/19/03

Thanks, everybody, for the replies. Always makes me feel better just to know that these weird things are normal. My mind tends to jump to conclusions...and not good ones at that!

Anita

I hear ya, Anita. Guess this is life for us caregivers - calm one minute, and a jangle of nerves the next! Take care - both of you!