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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Rashes All Over Body, Shivering And Drowsiness Normal While On Radiotherapy?

Hi, my brother is 55, has extensive small cell lung cancer with brain mets, his lung tumor was 8.6 cm about 2 months ago, last week he has 5 days of brain radiotherapy, he is on steroids which he is reducing gradually, but he has developed a rash all over & keeps getting shivery & sleeps most of the time, is this normal & how long is he going to live
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 26 Apr 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 27 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

If your brother is having rashes all over the body with shivering and drowsiness then it is likely that he has developed an adverse reaction to the radiation therapy. Please discuss this with his doctors and whether his radiation therapy must be stopped for some time.

Cancer in lung that has spread to the brain can have a survival duration of 2 years with the best of treatment and supportive care. However, his general condition must be taken care of to etend his survival. It is possible that he might have some infection due to his low immune state and that is causing the rashes and shivering. This can be confirmed only after complete clinical examination. If an infecion is confirmed then that requires to be treated.

Please make attempts to provide him with adequate nutrition and fluids rich in proteins and vitamins. Please do not worry.
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Are Rashes All Over Body, Shivering And Drowsiness Normal While On Radiotherapy?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. If your brother is having rashes all over the body with shivering and drowsiness then it is likely that he has developed an adverse reaction to the radiation therapy. Please discuss this with his doctors and whether his radiation therapy must be stopped for some time. Cancer in lung that has spread to the brain can have a survival duration of 2 years with the best of treatment and supportive care. However, his general condition must be taken care of to etend his survival. It is possible that he might have some infection due to his low immune state and that is causing the rashes and shivering. This can be confirmed only after complete clinical examination. If an infecion is confirmed then that requires to be treated. Please make attempts to provide him with adequate nutrition and fluids rich in proteins and vitamins. Please do not worry.