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How Does Metastatic Colon Cancer Cause Dehydration?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015
Question: How does metastic colon cancer cause dehydration ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Reduced intake of fluids and increased water loss causes dehydration

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Dehydration is due to the combined effect of not taking adequate fluids and juices in your father.

2. The regular intake of fluid in adults should be 1500 to 2000 ml per day. It is possible that your father is unable to drink that much fluids and therefore there is a state of persistent dehydration.

3. Cancer with metastasis, chemotherapy and fever with infections further increase the demand of fluids in the body. Fever and infection might enhance fluid loss and if it is not compensated by taking enough fluids then dehydrations results.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (4 hours later)
Please can U see all
Reports attached .

As bilirubin dropped by 9 points is it possible it could keep dropping now and may be was a effect of all the medicine he was having like coedine and antibiotics ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. The results attach are only of blood count. Bilirubin level report is not available.

2. Codeine and some antibiotics are known to mildly raise bilirubin levels.

3. Once stopped then the levels return to previous levels. Since the level of bilirubinin has increased over last few occasions and gone down only today by 9 units therefore its too early to acknowledge it as a trend. It should be closely watched over next 3 to 5 days before drawing a conclusion.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (27 minutes later)
Please see all
Further reports ?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Report of white blood cell count is attached

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. The reports attached are white blood cell differential count showing the following results.
Neutrophil count is acceptable
Total lymphocyte count is low
Monocyte count low
Eosinophil count acceptable
Basophil count acceptable
Nucleated red blood cell count acceptable

2. Bilirubin report is not attached to the query.

3. Please attach the required reports and send a follow up

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (3 hours later)
Please see further report
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Condition not serious but he should start eating well

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. The serum albumin and calcium are mildly decreased.

2. Inorganic phosphate is normal.

3. Alkaline phosphate is slightly high but not a cause of concern

4. ALT is at upper limit of normal.

5. Total bilirubin 86 is four times normal and still moderately elevated.

6. Magnesium is slightly high and not a problem.

7. C reactive protein is high due to inflammation because of cancer and infection in last few days.

8. White blood cell count is normal.

9. Red blood cell count and hematocrit are slightly decreased.

10. Mean RBC volume and mean hemoglobin are normal.

11. Platelet count is decreased.

12. Neutrophil count is normal.

In conclusion the test results show that his nutrition has been inadequate in recent times and if he is motivated to start eating then he might have an extended survival. The condition is still not serious but he has to start eating.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (15 minutes later)
Thx a lot please see last more page of report . Kidney high .

I agree main nutrition here but can it be that a cancer pt just cannot eat ? They have also given him
Dexamethasone .

What u think from all these readings ?

Is it surprising this all happened
When the chemo
Kind of stabalised the cancer . Could the increase by 9 mm of the liver met be causing all this ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. The last page of report shows mild derangement in kidney functions, probably due to reduced fluid intake. Potassium level is mildly elevated. The creatinine and blood urea are also increased. This might still be in reversible stages.

2. The metastasis progressing by 9 mm is inevitable at this stage. Without chemotherapy the increase in size and number of liver lesions might have been there. The chemotherapy has stabilised the cancer and the 9 mm increase is not likely to be responsible for his reduced appetite.

3. Any cancer patient will experience significant weakness and general deterioration of health after few cycles of chemotherapy. Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine. The solution is to regularly counsel them and provide mental support and build a situation where they continue to have a positive state of mind and eat healthy.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (3 minutes later)
Ok so Acc to the bloods , do
You think this now serious ?

What can help dehydration ? Dr says if he's not on iv fluids hel just get dehydrated. What can we do here now .do cancer pt last stages have dehydration issues ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Right now the situation with dehydration is at its beginning and might be corrected if he maintains a regular adequate fluid intake.

2. Dehydration is a created situation in most patients. Your father does not have any obstruction to the intake of fluids. Its just that he is refusing to take. This is a delicate situation and dehydration might have serious consequences if not corrected on time.

3. You have to make sure he s getting adequate fluids every day, by oral or IV means. Dehydration as I mentioned is a situation that is created by not having proper intake. Cancer patients in last stages do not specifically have dehydration problems but once severe dehydration happens then it is difficult to revive the patient and his holds good in any disease condition including cancer.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 minutes later)
Ok so he's coming home and he's quite fussy so drinking 3 or 4 litres a day will
Be hard for him . He's been on iv fluids 2 weeks in hosp
But still dehydrated what might this be?

Should
We continue iv fluids at home too then ? And for how long . Has lack of food contributed to dehydration too
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Daily water intake to be maintained

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. He might require 1.5 to 2 liters of water and I hope your home is temperature controlled to maintain temperature at a comfortable level.

2. Fluids and water is also present in foods like soups and juices, fruits and vegetable salads. This water also counts in maintaining hydration. Another fact is that after taking food, people have sips of water to help in digestion and to clear the food passages. This way eating helps in the intake of fluids.

3. The total fluid intake should be 1.5 to 2 liters for your father and this is the daily need of the adult human body. I suggest that you counsel him to take fluids orally, if the amount of fluid is less than 1.5 liters then you might discuss with his doctors on providing IV fluids at home.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (6 minutes later)
Ok
But how is he still
Dehydrated despite being on iv fluids 2 weeks ? Is it cuz no food too?

Can he still put weight on u think

How long will
He need iv fluids more ?

Plus if bilirubin keeps dropping is that a good sign?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Since he is recovering from the bowel infection therefore he might have become weak in the last few weeks. The dehydration was corrected to certain extent but should be continued when he is at home.

2. The functioning of the human body is dynamic and requires regular supply of resources like nutrition and water. If supplies are stopped for a day then dehydration occurs.

3. Should he start proper oral intake then his weight might increase slightly, but not much. He might not add much weight like before. He requires fluids to maintain his kidney functioning. Please discuss with his doctors if you should maintain a fluid input output chart so that fluids might be given to him when necessary.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (26 minutes later)
Thanks

So are his
Kidney a big concern at present ?

Is there any treatment can have apart from chemo ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Kidney shows mild distress presently

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Kidneys are in mild distress. The urea and serum creatinine levels are mildly elevated.

2. Giving attention to his fluid balance might restore the functions.

3. Chemotherapy is what is stabilising the disease and should be continued under recommendation of treating doctor.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Can anything increase appetite?

The dr after his
Bowel inflammation seem to think this all cancer related . What u think ?

All issues
Happened after bowel inf

Would u say this end stage cancer or not ? Looking at his bloods etc .

doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Supportive care extended to him might increase the appetite. A person who is comfortable will look forward to eating his meals. Please address his pain concern and probably giving him smaller meals might work for him.

2. Cancer is the reason he got chemotherapy which led to weakness and refusal to eat properly. This was the time when his immunity went down and cause infection in bowel. This way the primary event is the cancer and lowered immunity.

3. It is true that he is in stage 4 cancer which is not curable. The reports show that his survival can be extended if he starts eating and having oral intake. He might survive for 3 to 6 months this way though it is difficult to say because even a single bad day might cause dehydration and make him severely sick.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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How Does Metastatic Colon Cancer Cause Dehydration?

Brief Answer: Reduced intake of fluids and increased water loss causes dehydration Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. 1. Dehydration is due to the combined effect of not taking adequate fluids and juices in your father. 2. The regular intake of fluid in adults should be 1500 to 2000 ml per day. It is possible that your father is unable to drink that much fluids and therefore there is a state of persistent dehydration. 3. Cancer with metastasis, chemotherapy and fever with infections further increase the demand of fluids in the body. Fever and infection might enhance fluid loss and if it is not compensated by taking enough fluids then dehydrations results. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek