I finished treatment July 16 2008. After that I started to feel better little by little. Everything seemed to be right on track. But suddenly, I began to decline. I got weaker and felt dizzy at times. I also noticed a week ago that I'm running a low grade fever (99.7). And it just keeps getting worse. Today I had to hire a caregiver to come in and cook for me. This burns up all my income and now I'll have to pay doctor bills out of savings. And because I seem to just be getting worse, I'm pretty scared about where I'll end up.

The oncologist says it is impossible for this to be a result of treatment. He didn't even suggest I come in to see him. He said to eat more calories to get stronger. So I'm doing that, but I'm still not satisfied that this is it.

Any suggestions or ideas?

BTW, I live in Los Angeles. If anyone knows of something or someone here that can help me, please let me know.

Andrew:

Im sorry to hear you arent doing the best right now. A fever even a low grade one can make you feel pretty crappy. At this point you arent that far out of tx where fatigue is still to be expected. Sometimes you take one step forward and two or three back. Fatigue can linger for a long time. It could be anemia, have you had your bloodwork done recently? I ended up with anemia and it made me feel awful.

Be aware of your calorie and water intakes. Should be 48 oz water and 2000-3000 calories per day, with 3000 the best. Are you drinking ensure, carnation vhc or boost? If not that would be a great idea.

Its not a bad idea to see another doctor too. If you are like most of us, then Im sure you have several on board. I used to have some difficulty in deciding which doctor to see for different things that came up. Dont forget about your family doctor, sometimes they are better than the specialists who only look at the small picture for their field. Thats just my opinion, for what its worth. I go to my family doctor who is very good. He was the one who said he thought I had cancer before any tests were done.

Hope you feel better soon.

Andrew,

Having a low grade fever can also mean a infection. I would make an appointment if it does not improve in 2 or 3 days. Yes, keep up the fluids for sure.

Just coming out of treatment your system is not up to normal. You have to be careful and stay away from people that are sick. Your resistant needs time to get stronger.

Take care, Diane

Also has anyone checked your TSH levels as your thyroid may be crapping out. A lot of us are now on a daily thyroid pill as a result of the radiation. Mine didn't crap out until 4 months post Tx.

Hi Andrew,

You've received some good advice here. Everything that David and the others have said is right on.
We've had some issues with my Hubby's health too that has been better addressed by his PCP. This sounds like a good time to go to your PCP and get a good physical checkup with lab work. It is not unusual to have periods of weakness and draggy days. It is still early in your recovery from treatment and doing so well directly afterwards prabably makes this seem even more concerning. I completly relate to your concern it's hard to not think the worse when things like this happen.
My best wishes are with you. And I'm sorry to hear your feeling sick. Just remember! This too you WILL overcome. Please let us know how things go with your PCP. You'll be in my thoghts.

Hi Andrew,
It could very well be a virus. I live in Michigan and the viruses are running rampant since the kids have gone back to school. I had a low grade fever for 6 days and generally felt like crap. I had other flu-like symptoms ie aches, congestion, sore throat. Went to the dr. and he said it sounded like a viral fever. Since I'm not a fan of antibiotics, I thought I'd ride it out, and I think I'm turning the corner. I know you just finished treatment not too long ago. I'd be a little nervous too, but it could very well just be a virus since it's that time of year. Hope you feel better soon.

Kelley

Thanks all for your replies. I'm trying to follow up on all suggestions. I hope something begins to help soon. I'm worse than ever.

If any of you are so inclined, would you please pray for me.

Andrew

If you are feeling worse, go to your doctor right away. As always, not sure which one but think chemo doc would be best choice or your family doc. Dont delay any longer, you may have an infection and need to be seen. Remember, its your health and those doctors basically work for you. Dont be afraid to stand up to those appointment setters and tell them you are very ill and its imperative you see the doctor, dont take no for an answer. You dont want to end up in the hospital. Maybe try calling the place you were treated and ask for a visiting nurse if thats available. My hospital sent one for me. I really hope you get this taken care of so you can start to heal and feel better.

Really sounds like you have an infection and maybe low blood counts. If you arent getting attention from MO go else where. My husband has had these terrible bouts of sickness every couple of days and now it is every couple of weeks. He also uses Fentanyl patch which seems to give him the ability to do more than if he didnt have them. Sometimes I have to force my husband to push thru his bad times....and he comes back to say thanks for making me take that shower or get out of the house. So try to do something more each day. By the way my husband got PET scan results yesterday and all clear but he is still having these episodes. Dr says it could take a year before he feels anything close to normal.

You are in my prayers,
cray

I agree with everyone who state you should see your doctor. This is not a good time to rely on home remedies.