Pneumonia

[Elizabeth_pyle]

I am writing this post for my mother. She has cancer in the lining of her brain and was receiving radiation for it. Now she has been admitted to the hospital with low blood count, shivers, fever only showing on rectal reading, and delirium. They are treating her for pneumonia but the cultures have not come back. Her CA-15 3 went from 586 to 180.

Could all of this be because the radiation is working and the cancer cells are dying. Her radiation oncologist said that it would cause swelling and headaches.

[bikebabe]

I think only the oncologist can give you those answers - when are you next due to see them. Can you ring an oncology nurse or phone MacMillan helpline nurse for advice. Blood markers look encouraging and the pneumonia though awful for your mum may be a side effect of radiation.

[Elizabeth_pyle in reply to bikebabe]

Thank you! I spoke with oncology this morning. We are hoping this is from the radiation.