Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Cancer Found In Tonsil, Lymph Node. Radiation, Chemotherapy Completed. Losing Weight, Body Not Processing Protein. Remedy?
My ex husband has gotten and completed radiation and chemotherapy for cancer found on his tonsil and lymph node. He is now loosing weight and his body is not processing proteins. Is this fatal? Can it be corrected? What are the options and/or prognoses in cases like this. We have children together and I am wondering if their father is going to be here for them.
Wed, 13 Nov 2013
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Cancer usually requires long term treatment and followup. Treatment depends on stage of disease and tonsil cancer is one of the less common cancers. Treatment of cancers (chemotherapy and radiation) decreases the normal function in some patients and can make them weak. If he is unable to process proteins, then his liver and kidney functions need to be assessed. You may discuss the liver function and kidney function tests with his doctor. If he develops jaundice his liver might be affected.
Options in these cases lies in evaluating post treatment outcomes and subsequent aggressive treatment if necessary. If his liver and kidneys are not doing well, chemotherapy alternatives need to be given. At the moment he need willpower, good nutrition and response to treatment to work for him.
Hope this helps
Thanks for writing in.
Cancer usually requires long term treatment and followup. Treatment depends on stage of disease and tonsil cancer is one of the less common cancers. Treatment of cancers (chemotherapy and radiation) decreases the normal function in some patients and can make them weak. If he is unable to process proteins, then his liver and kidney functions need to be assessed. You may discuss the liver function and kidney function tests with his doctor. If he develops jaundice his liver might be affected.
Options in these cases lies in evaluating post treatment outcomes and subsequent aggressive treatment if necessary. If his liver and kidneys are not doing well, chemotherapy alternatives need to be given. At the moment he need willpower, good nutrition and response to treatment to work for him.
Hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Radiation
Loading Online Doctors....