Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: My mother was diagonosed with stage 0-1 anal cancer back in April. She underwent Chemotherapy (Flouricil?), plus 5 weeks of radiation. She had a hysterectomy many years ago and takes estrogen. Her radiation finished 3 weeks ago, and she is now experiencing heavy night sweats. What could be causing these? She also has not reagined her appetite even though the chemo was almost two months ago. Is this normal?
Thank you in advance,
Laura

ANSWER: I can not explain her night sweats based on this only. She SHOULD discuss them with her dr.! Some people do not lose appetite when treated this way and her condition may make her body need more nourishment. Anyway she should discuss these matters with her dr. who can do the proper examinations.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I apologize for part of my first question, I misspelled "regained". Aside from the night sweats, my mother has not regained her appetite. She has to force herself to eat, even though the chemo was nearly 2 months ago. Does the Radiation cause loss of appetite as well? She has no fevers with the night sweats. She has also had terrible insomnia for a week. She has 3 different doctors who have treated her. A Chemo doctor, a Radiation doctor and her General practicioner. She was never given an "all-purpose" Oncologist. Who should we ask about the night sweats? Also, please, what questions should we ask and what sort of tests should we expect her doctor to run based on her lack of appetite, insomnia and night sweats?
We have found it difficult to get questions answered by HER doctors throughout this process, and it has been very frustrating for my sister and I because she was too ill to ask the questions herself. Our healthcare system here leaves a bit to be desired, and some of the doctors have been dissapointing. (Nothing against Doctors!! I have some great close friends who are magnificent doctors!!)

P.S. I was in Stockholm for a visit last July 08'. My first time. Beautiful city, and great people. Loved it!
Thank you,
Laura B.

Answer
Yes both chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause that, even more so in combination. THANKS! Well all of them should be informed. And they should examine her based on her symptoms and THEN decide what tests to do. That is the way such things should be done. I can not without any examinations sit here and decide what tests to do with these symptoms which may have any of a very large number of causes. For example her night sweats and insomnia could - at least in theory - be caused by a thyreotoxicosis completely unrelated to her other condition. Please keep me posted!