Strange recurrent fevers

Lad3bea
Lad3bea Member Posts: 7
in Anal Cancer #1

Hello everyone! I am almost two years post treatment, with many of the common issues everyone here is suffering due to radiation and chemo. The challenges never end. I do have something new and wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this, or has any advice or input.

Two months ago, I had a fever that seemed to spike quickly. I think it went to about 100.5, no higher. I had bad chills, fatigue, and no other symptoms! It was like having a flu withou respiratory issues. The weirdest thing was that it was gone within about 24 hours. I had the same thing happen a week ago, and now it has happened again just a couple days ago. Quick fever, felt like hell, and then it was gone. I got an order for labs and I'm very worried.

My red cell count has been normal, but my white cell count has been low since treatments, holding steady at 3.8 last checked, about two months ago. My CT last month was fine as well. But of course I worry. I wonder if this is just my new normal due to a lowish white cell count, or something worse. Getting my bloodwork tomorrow, but hoped to hear about someone else's experience. Thank you all!!

 

Comments

  • Cure4Kat
    Cure4Kat Member Posts: 2 Member
    edited January 2020 #2
    I am having the same fevers

    This is my first post, although I read this discussion board several times a week. 

    I am 2 years post chemo/radiation, and within 6 mos starting having unexplained fevers to 102 deg F, along with extreme fatigue, chills and loss of appetite. And gone within 24 hours. The fevers are once a week for 6 weeks, then I am fine for 3-6 months. I have been hospitalized twice for possible sepsis but have had NO abnormal CTs, XRays, lab results or blood cultures. My various specialists (including infectious disease and rheumatology) are at a loss for a cause. The most plausible explanation from my oncologist is that when my radiation proctitis is inflamed, it allows translocation of the GI bacteria into the bloodstream. No one can confirm this. Although annoying and inconvenient, there are much worse long term effects from treatment.  No harm, no foul and I never leave home without my thermometer and Tylenol! 

  • AS12
    AS12 Member Posts: 5
    #3
    fevers

    I, too, have had fevers, but counts have been good and no other symptoms.  Usually 99-100, very low-grade, with aches and chills.  Sometimes lasts a few days and then gone. 

  • Jane s
    Jane s Member Posts: 77 Member
    #4
    Me too!

    I finished treatment in Jan 2017 and in July 2018 I had my first of many "episodes" of chills, body aches and fever, similar to what you describe, as well as even more bouts of just headache and nausea.  My oncologist said it wasn't from the chemo/radiation and I'm now working with a rheumotologist.  At first she thought RA but after she saw me she didn't see any signs of that.  They've done a bunch of blood tests, the only thing they have seen so far is a high "imflammatory marker". 

    I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a few months before they found my anal cancer, and I have breast implants that I'm probably going to have removed, just in case they are causing or exacerbating this. 

    This is very interesting that others are having the same thing.  Thank you for posting!  I'll keep you all updated as to what my doctor says and please do the same, let's figure this out!

    Jane

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