tumor fever?

Rich66 · 10-08-2008, 08:38 AM

Mom has had some mild fevers occurring mostly in teh evening. Onc here in this hospital said it could be "tumor fever", meaning it could be a sign the body is fighting the cancer. Poking around on te hweb, it seems some say it can also be a sign of progression. Anyone encounter a highly informed opinion on this?

Believe51 · 10-08-2008, 12:40 PM

Paraneoplastic Fever (Tumor Fever)- Pertaining to changes produced in tissue remote from a tumor or its metastases.

Rich, there are only a few reason one gets a fever: Infection, Tumor Associated, Drug Associated, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) from psychotic drugs, Blood Product Associated.

I know this probally does not help much. Main purpose was to bump this up so we can get a better reply for you.

Believe51

PS: Just said a special single prayer for Mom. Let her know Marie is thinking of her and sending lots of love!

Believe51 · 10-08-2008, 12:43 PM

How are Mom's liver enzymes?? Do you have those numbers?? And do they use tumor markers in her case??>>Believe51

Rich66 · 10-08-2008, 01:07 PM

A noted bc onc told me by e-mail that tumor fever is real but very rare in bc. Not sure if onc here specializes in bc.
bilirubin at last count a couple days ago was 1.7. Tumor marker upon admission last Thursday was 46. Trying to get them to update the LFT.
Thanks for thinking of mom.

Believe51 · 10-08-2008, 01:40 PM

Sorry to start another post but are we talking just about the bilirubin OR did they test AST & ALT (transaminases) also?? Any inflammation of the liver??

Going over in my head and notes about a few friends whom had to battle the liver issues (MichelleH, Nicola, Lily and two close friends of the family). These questions are pieces to a puzzle, kinda like the entire journey we are all on. Maybe it will also help with replies on this post. Ughh!! I will be following Mom as she tries to shake this problem!>>Believe51

PS: Special prayer for you tonight, I know how you must be feeling dealing with this all. To some extent anyway, this is your Mommy we are talking about. Hang tough Friend and let us know what we can do to help!

Rich66 · 10-08-2008, 02:07 PM

Quite a bit of inflammation of liver..kind of a pot belly. In fact, that's what she thought it was at first. Seeing this while in her gown is disturbing now. She claims it has decreased some since the Taxol. No pain now either. But..it makes her feel full and uncomfortable.

ALT/SGPT 65
AST/SGOT 114
Alkaline phosphotase 456
Ammonia 46

StephN · 10-08-2008, 03:53 PM

Hi Rich -
FYI - This description of your Mom reminded me of Believe's report from Lily. How she describes Lily feeling sounds so similar.

Lily had issues with the two big spots on her liver, there are 5 total. They were drained and filled right back up within 24 hours. She was so bloated and uncomfortable but was 'bearing with it all' the best way she knew how.

I posted a question about livor tumors needing to be drained but got no answer so far. That is something I did not run into with my extensive liver mets. Maybe you can get back to Dr. Cobleigh or someone who is a BC specialist about this.

My best wishes for a good resolution for your Mom and you. I know it is an energy sapping time for you both, but you are dogged in your path.

Rich66 · 10-08-2008, 05:21 PM

Draining might not be possible since the tumors are numerous and "diffuse".