Strange Symptoms

tommyodavey
tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

This is a difficult one to describe and will most likely not end with knowledge.  Trying to keep it short is hard too but I'll try.

The year before I was diagnosed with tongue cancer (BOT MEC), several times a month I'd get a low grade fever. (99-100) At the time I assumed it was due to having a sinus infection and why my right lypmph node was swollen.  Sometimes I'd call in sick and other times I went in depending whether I was in the office or out in the hot sun doing drivers training.

Got diagnosed, had surgery and radiation at a lower dose than normal.  Also got rid of the sinus infection and retired.  About once or twice a year if I overdid some work or walked too much I'd end up with the fever.  Down one day and feel fine the next.  Always the same.

What is happening now is the kicker. 3 times in the last 2 weeks I've gotten food stuck in my throat and coughed so much it felt like my lungs and head were going to explode.  This is a common occurance for BOT patients. Today, it happened again but the difference is I now have a fever. (101)  Googled "low grade fever after exertion and what I found kind of surprised me.  Due to the radiation it is not so uncommon to have difficulty swallowing.  The muscles get weak and by coughing so much I over did it.  If I tell my doctor he'll tell me to come in.  He knows about the fever thing as does my GP and neither have and opinion on its cause. Yes, I'll be going in.

If you Google the symptoms it says the fever is either due to an ifection or possibly cancer.  Had my last PET scan in 2013 and I'm probably due.  Just saw my specialist and all looked fine with the scope.  My lungs is what I'm concerned with. Had a chest x-ray and all looks fine.

So my question is: Has anyone else had an unexplained fever after they over exercised? Searching online I've now found at least 2-3 other people with the same symptoms with no answers .  Hope they don't have the bad C.

Sorry for the curve ball question.  I just wanted to get it out there online where others might find it doing a search.

Enjoy everyday like it's your last.  My attitude has always been positive.  Thanks Everyone and don't feel like you need to answer.

Comments

  • annie4145
    annie4145 Member Posts: 218 Member
    #2
    You should go in for a scan

    You should go in for a scan just to make sure that it is nothing.  You've got to track it down.  It could just be an infection, but you should still take care of it.  Good luck...

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    #3
    PET

    Yep, that's about all there is to do.  When it comes back negative then I'm back to square one not knowing why I'm such a medical oddball.  Been healthy all my life and feel great over 90% of the time.  All I want is a diagnosis.  Called my specialist today to make another appointment.  It will take months but I'll post the findings after I get them.

    The thing is Annie, I've had 4 PET scans and this symptom was there in the beginning and the test only showed my tongue cancer.  So I'm not real confident of them finding anything.  It may just be something I have to live with.

  • SuzJ
    SuzJ Member Posts: 446 Member
    #4
    Choking

    When you have difficulty swallowing, and what you describe, you always have to be aware of Aspiration Pneumonia. Its where the food gets into your lungs

    Not saying everyone has/or gets it, just be aware of it

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    #5
    Thanks SuzJ

    If my doctor doesn't bring it up I'll ask.  Thanks for info.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #6
    Hi Tommy!! Long time.....

    First of all, you won’t get a PET without getting a CT first....they seem to only order a PET these days if they find something suspicious in the CT. 

    I choke often anymore.....All the pills I used to take with water I now take with yogurt....there’s a dead spot on my soft palette that things get caught in....like a dead zone where nothing can move. I’m wondering if you aren’t beginning to suffer from the gift that keeps on giving?  Radiation. What might explain the on again, off again fevers is actually getting a little something in your lungs. 

    Just throwing that out there because so many of us start having troubles years down the road. 

    p

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    #7
    Phrannie!

    Glad to see you back and posting again.  With me, they've never done a CT scan before.  Always went straight for the PET.  My doctor told me years ago that we'd have to wait at least 4 years since the last one (it's been 5) before they'll approve it.  And then he'll have to say I have cancer or some sign that it's back again before it will be approved.

    You got me thinking though.  Maybe I should call my rad onc instead and see what he says.  I know the coughing is all rad connected but the fever has been going on since before I had treatment so that needs to be addressed.  Not one doctor can figure it out.

    Thanks for coming back.

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