Patkid Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Thank goodness we have a scheduled appointment w/ Brian's oncologist at 11:30 today! I was afraid to go to sleep so I just stayed in the living room on the couch and kept tip toeing into the bedroom to check on him. He is scheduled to start Tarceva today so he wanted to go out to dinner last night. I recognized that he was pushing himself to do this, so I enthusiastically joined in. He has had a couple days that have been pretty miserable. Little strength, no stamina and the kind of tired that makes you shakey and pale. He is happier if I don't comment on that, so I don't. I have kept my concern to myself and watched him closely. As we pulled into the garage after a dinner that he really did not eat, he started having chills. He ran a low grade fever on and off all night. He spent his time in bed curled up in the fetal position and huddled under a winter blanket........I had the a/c turned off and believe me, it was NOT cold in the bedroom..........I am usually the cold one and he is warmer and we have the usual married 'thermostat' battles. He got into bed at 8:30 and it is now 7:20 AM and he is still there.........if he gets up to use the bathroom he starts w/ the chills again. One time he did wake with sweating, but went right back to chills. His temp is normal now. I am so worried. He has had a lot of noticeable fogginess in his thinking/communicating. (but just had a clear brain MRI last month) I don't know if he has disease progression, anticipatory anxiety, or if what we are up against is really registering w/ him. He is less communicative and (completely out of character) a bit 'down' emotionally. I am very very worried. He would not let me call the doc in the night, so very glad we are scheduled to go in today............Last scan was on 5/10. so maybe doc will order one so we can get a baseline for beginning Tarceva.......... Any input on the "chills"? He is 3 full weeks out from last chemo infusion, had his Aranesp shot Tuesday (which usually really perks him up) and should be at the best part of his cycle.........Just not happening this time. Thanks for being here. I am so scared.......but I have done a really good job of not letting Bri see that I am. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kel M Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Hi there, I have no special advice to offer. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you both. Hope you get some answers at the ONC appointment. Kel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finster Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I'm afraid I don't have any advice, but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Glad to hear you're headed to the doctor today. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melaniem Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Pat, I second Katie about being dehydrated, although when you feel miserable the last thing you can do is drink. It's a vicious cycle. My cancer center let me come in and get fluids through IV when I was dehydrated from chemo, really helped. I'm sorry for you and Brian. Hang in there, I know there will be better days ahead!!! Good luck at the doctor today and post back when you know something. Because He lives, Melaniem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I had the chills like that from an allergic reaction to meds. A dr. needs to see what is wrong. Good luck today with the onc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I also agree with Katie. My mom was the same way when she was dehydrated. Hope you get answers at the doctors today. Your both in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terriep Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I am afraid I don't have any info either, but know that I am keeping you both in prayer especially today that they get to the bottom of this - ((((HUGS)))) - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lensiedel Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Pat, Bruce also had those kind of symptoms when he was dehydrated. I hope the doctor sorts this out for you today. Know that not a day goes by when you are not in my thoughts and prayers. Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Pat, I sure don't know any more than the others who have posted, but I am glad that Brian has a Dr. appointment today. Just want you to know I am thinking of you both. love and fortitude elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 pat, I just wanted you to know that this fellow traveler on MANY roads is with you, and praying for you and brian. I hope he feels better, and you feel loved and supported in caring for him. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Praying for you guys... I'm so sorry you had to go through such a scary night.... Many, many ((((hugs)))) to you both. i also wanted to add that my Mom is ALWAYS going through chills. The doc hasn't indicated why... and it's not always when she takes vicodin (which is when she gets awful sweats). Good luck wiht your appointment today and let us know what they say. Sending love, and prayers, and hope to you guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Hi Pat, I'm glad Brian is going to the dr. today. Sorry he had such a rough night. I think fever and chills is pretty common at this stage of the game; I remember going thru that. Chemo has many effects on the body, also he could be dehydrated. The doctor today, hopefully, can give you more insight. Just wanted to reassure you that this does happen. Currently I have "fevers of unknown origin" every two months or so. The dr. told me I'm susceptable to fever and bacterial infection due to having a "beat up lung", smoking, radiation and chemo. He gives me Zithromax to have on hand to squash the fever once it begins. So far, this has worked. Sometimes I forget what my lungs have been thru, but his comment brought it all back to me. But in the long run, that's a small price to pay. Please let us know your outcome when you get back. Joanie ((())) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Well by now you have been to the doctor and gone. Let us know how things went. Hope all is well with him and he feels better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Another thought -- with low resistance, he could have picked up a "bug". Hope things went well at the doc's. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyCW Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I'm so sorry to hear about your scary night, and hope the doctors will find what's doing this to Brian and make him better quickly. BeckyCW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted June 23, 2005 Author Share Posted June 23, 2005 Wow, What would we do w/ out you guys?? Thank you for caring about us........it makes this whole horrible thing tolerable. Doc confirmed what you guys said: Brian is dehydrated (getting IV fluids right now), he has some kind of germ (Biaxin for 6 days) and his blood counts are not coming up like they should (bloodwork weekly). He had a chest XRay before they started the drip..........he is having labored breathing but that could be the temp he is running. He is to start Tarceva tomorrow before breakfast. He sees doc PRN and if not needed before------in 6 weeks on August 4 for reassessment and scan scheduling. We are to call if the Tarceva rash or 'system upset' become disconcerting and he will prescribe something, but he said side effects from Tarceva are a 'good thing', so we should hope to see some. Anyway, I am sure that if we can get a good night's sleep tonight we will be able to renew the fight again tomorrow and moving forward. We thank each of you. We need each of you. We thank God every single day that you are here and that Katie and Rick (et al) make this 'safe place' possible. Onward............ Brat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Hi Pat. Sorry about the chills fright. Hope the doctor was able to pinpoint what was going on with him and just a passing thing. Will definitely look for an update. love, cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terriep Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Thanks, Pat, for updating us - yes, onward with the fight!! We are thankful every day, also, for this wonderful safe spot to share. Many ((((HUGS)))) and prayers for the two of you. Get some rest and feel renewed soon - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Brat, There are a lot of knowledgeable people here-family members. Even though I don't post a lot, I am reading and getting strength and information from the posts. Between us all, we have seen and dealt with it all! I consider myself a blood clot, colon neuropathy, and chemo. expert. LOL. Take care. Praying for a Tarceva miracle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I'm glad the dr. helped and that you're back on the treatment road tomorrow. Rest, recoop and begin again! Spunky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Pat, Glad to see everything has at least been explained and is being worked on. That's half the battle, not knowing what is wrong is scary. Thinking of you both, and how amazing that one little word can mean so much! Onward sums it all up so well!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 Hi Pat, Thinking about you and Brian. Thanks for the update on his condition. I hope he feels better real soon. Prayers sent Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 Pat and Brian, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying the fever, chills and weakness will soon be under control and the Tarceva will work magic . God be with you. Love and Prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 Hi Pat and Brian, Wow! I missed it all today. You guys have had it rough, that's for sure. I'm glad Brian got the fluids for the dehydration and antibiotics. Hope you feeling much better tonight, Brian, and that you get a good night's sleep. You ought to see what they think about throwing in a little Decadron to give him a little umph. It sure is working for my hubby. Another hot meal tonight waiting for me after work. I understand that Decadron helps with SOB, too. Love and hugs, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 Dear Pat, Spent the night last night at my son's to celebrate my son's and my birthday so I never saw this until you're update. I am glad it was dehydration and that is being addressed as is other things. You and Brian are in my prayers. God bless you both, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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