Question 1

what does it mean by your body shutting down in cancer?

Accepted Answer

No idea.: This phrase is often bandied about, but there is no specific medical correlate.  Doctor's do not use this and I certainly could not put it on a death certificate.  The phrase is just way too general.  Could describe progressive failure of kidneys, liver or mental decline with "failure to thrive" or really just about anything else....

Question 2

pancreatic cancer, stage 4. i'm on a machine to aid digestion and relieve pain from the cancer. is my body shutting down? honest answer.

Accepted Answer

I'm sorry : About your diagnosis.  You don't really provide a great deal of information about your overall condition.  However, the fact that you are well enough to participate lucidly in this online community, it doesn't seem to me that you are " shutting down" just yet.  Hopefully you are receiving good palliative care.  It seems as if you are.  I wish more good days for you.

Question 3

pancreatic cancer. whipple. chemo 7 months. tumors in pancreas and liver. recent blood clot. pain. new intestinal blockage. is my body shutting down?

Accepted Answer

Complicated: That is a complicated answer. The blood clot is likely secondary to cytokines or body's chemical signaling mechanism, people who undergo chemo / have a history of cancer have a higher possibility of getting blood clots due to this. It's called a hypercoagulable state. The blockage could be secondary to chemotherapy, hang in there, keep close follow up with your doctor.

Question 4

what are some symptoms of eating too little or symptoms of your body shutting down because of eating too little? this is 4 a 15 yo girl, 110lbs, 5'4"

Accepted Answer

Energetic? : Good question!  food is fuel for the body.  When there's a good balance of fat, protein, and carbs, it gives us energy to go just like gas in the car.  It also keeps us warm.  Drink adequate water throughout the day too.  Regular, soft stools are just one way to know if your food and fluid intake are good.  Talk with your doctor and see if you're in a good height and weight range for your age.

Question 5

for about 4days now, ive had probs sleeping. i doze off for a bit, but its definitely not much.worried about my body shutting down.quickest solution?

Accepted Answer

Poor sleep: Consider your sleep hygiene. Are you consuming caffeinated drinks in the 2-3 hours before bed? Are you exercising late in the evening? Are you sleeping with the TV or other sources of light on? Are you reading in bed? These things may make it hard for you to fall and stay asleep. Try to make these changes and see how it goes. You may also try OTC sleep aids, but these are only for short term use.

Question 6

why do i get anxiety when i'm getting tired? it's as if when ever i get tired, i mistake it for my body shutting down and i'm about to die or somethin

Accepted Answer

Keeping thoughts: Keeping thoughts and feelings in check is difficult when we are tired.  Our psyche can't filter things out as easily.  I see that you deal w/adhd also.  This adds to the situation.  Many people are sleep deprived today.  Please stick w/your doc and do what you can to get lots of sleep, .  Peace and good health.

Question 7

my dad 91 in pain nauseated at times has the urge  to urinate can't  wont eat or drink agitated confused  dimentia.  body shutting down?

Accepted Answer

Challenge & Reward!: By any reckoning 91 years is a long life. You don't mention if he lives alone, with you or in a facility. I imagine someone is providing some level of care. Hopefully he has a doctor who can evaluate and prescribe for his conditions. It might be time to have dad seen and perhaps consider enhancing the level of care. Seek whatever support you can for both him and those providing care. Thank you!

Question 8

how to know when a cancer patient's body is shutting down?

Accepted Answer

Many ways: Very commonly organ failure will be a big clue - marrow failure, liver failure, respiratory failure, etcetera.  Prior to any of these things setting in, it is very important to have end of life discussions and understand a person's wishes with regard to resuscitation, living will, healthcare surrogate, spiritual wishes, etc.

Question 9

how to determine when a cancer patient's body is shutting down?

Accepted Answer

Global decline: Unfortunately nothing specific but notable decline in activity.  Sometimes increase sleeping, unable to care for self.  Increasing pain like symptoms.  Extreme fatigue and weakness.  Less communicative.
Of course laboratory assessment can be very telling with abnormalities noted in liver function and kidney function.

Question 10

can ovarian cancer cause your intestines to shut down?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Many cancers that arise from organs within the abdominal cavity can lead to spread of cancer throughout the lining of the abdominal cavity, called carcinomatosis.  This can lead to intestinal obstruction, effectively causing the intestines to "shut down".  These cancers may occasionally be responsive to chemotherapy but are more typically a pre-terminal finding.

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Doctor answers about:

Symptoms of body shutting down from cancer

A member asked:

What does it mean by your body shutting down in cancer?

A member asked:

Pancreatic cancer, stage 4. i'm on a machine to aid digestion and relieve pain from the cancer. is my body shutting down? honest answer.

A member asked:

Pancreatic cancer. whipple. chemo 7 months. tumors in pancreas and liver. recent blood clot. pain. new intestinal blockage. is my body shutting down?

A member asked:

What are some symptoms of eating too little or symptoms of your body shutting down because of eating too little? this is 4 a 15 yo girl, 110lbs, 5'4"

A member asked:

For about 4days now, ive had probs sleeping. i doze off for a bit, but its definitely not much.worried about my body shutting down.quickest solution?

A member asked:

Why do i get anxiety when i'm getting tired? it's as if when ever i get tired, i mistake it for my body shutting down and i'm about to die or somethin

A member asked:

My dad 91 in pain nauseated at times has the urge to urinate can't wont eat or drink agitated confused dimentia. body shutting down?

A member asked:

How to know when a cancer patient's body is shutting down?

A member asked:

How to determine when a cancer patient's body is shutting down?

A member asked:

Can ovarian cancer cause your intestines to shut down?

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