Fever

My dad is taking 5-fu along with radiation. It is his third week in. He is beginning to get Fever's ranging from 100.5 to 103.5. What should be done? Is it better to tough it out and continue treatment or would that be dangerous. Does anyone have a similar story?

I am on Xeloda (oral 5-fu) along with my IV Gemzar right now.  After 2 cycles of this, I will maintain the Xeloda and start radiation for 4-6 weeks and then finish 2-4 more cycles with Gemzar.  I don't know if your dad's fever is in response to the 5-fu alone, but I do know my doc specifically wanted me to call if my temp runs above 100.5.  This is only my second week, and of course as we all know everyone is different.  Is he on the oral Xeloda or injectable 5-fu?  I am popping 2500 mgs daily, so dosage could be a difference as well.  I don't have experience with radiation yet.  What do his docs say about those fevers, especially the 103 stuff?  It is always so hard to know exactly what to do and we're all scared.  But when you get on course, just do the best you can and don't look back.  Second guessing yourselves will make you crazy.  As you go forward, if you have to adjust, then you make the best decision you can at that point in the game.  Best of luck.  Onward and upward!

 

On 10/5/2009 julielt wrote:

I am on Xeloda (oral 5-fu) along with my IV Gemzar right now.  After 2 cycles of this, I will maintain the Xeloda and start radiation for 4-6 weeks and then finish 2-4 more cycles with Gemzar.  I don't know if your dad's fever is in response to the 5-fu alone, but I do know my doc specifically wanted me to call if my temp runs above 100.5.  This is only my second week, and of course as we all know everyone is different.  Is he on the oral Xeloda or injectable 5-fu?  I am popping 2500 mgs daily, so dosage could be a difference as well.  I don't have experience with radiation yet.  What do his docs say about those fevers, especially the 103 stuff?  It is always so hard to know exactly what to do and we're all scared.  But when you get on course, just do the best you can and don't look back.  Second guessing yourselves will make you crazy.  As you go forward, if you have to adjust, then you make the best decision you can at that point in the game.  Best of luck.  Onward and upward!

Go to the hospital, most likely scenario it is a simple infection, like a urinary tract infection, but if it persists, it may be a consequence of tumor burden... let the hospital run all cultures, etc. if all comes up negative, might be time for a new CT.  Sorry to hear.