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| FREE INFORMATION: |
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| 2nd Cancer Opinion
provides opinions regarding Breast, lung, colon,
prostate and ovarian cancers, lymphomas, melanomas, and other solid
tumors. |
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| *1st 1/2 hour
session is at no additional charge. |
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| Symptom Management: |
Symptom Management
Side Effects of
Treatment
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Pain
Fatigue
Appetite Loss
Bladder Disturbances
Incontinence - Urinary
Bleeding
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dryness of the Mouth
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Hypercalcemia
Flu-like Syndrome
Hair Loss
Infection
Anemia
Itching
Lymphedema
Menopausal Symptoms
Nausea & Vomiting
Neurological Disturbances
Spinal Cord Compression
Peritoneal Effusions
Shortness of Breath
Skin Conditions
Sleep Problems (Insomnia/Oversleeping)
Sore Mouth
Swallowing
Bone Metastases
Coping
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Sexuality Issues
Sexual Dysfunction
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| Hypercalcemia (High Calcium Level in the
Blood)
Symptom and Description
Hypercalcemia is an abnormal amount of calcium in the blood.
Calcium is needed by the body to function properly. Calcium can
affect your nerves, muscles, digestive tract, kidneys, and the
way your heart functions. When the calcium level becomes too
high, you may develop unusual symptoms. This may occur because
your cancer has spread to the bones, causing calcium to be
released, or your cancer may release certain hormones that
affect the normal systems that control the calcium level in your
blood. Usually, you do not cause the calcium level to go up too
high by drinking too much milk or by eating too many dairy
products; the imbalance occurs because of your cancer. The
symptoms may come on gradually or may happen in a short period
of time.
Learning Needs You and your family should learn which
signs and symptoms to look for that mean your calcium level is
getting too high. Some of these symptoms may also be caused by
loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, constipation, or
confusion if you are taking strong pain medications. However, it
is important for you or your family members to let your doctor
or nurse know if you develop any of the following, especially if
they are different from the way you usually feel:
- Fatigue (tired feeling)
- Excessive sleepiness
- Confusion
- Coma
- Extreme muscle weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Changes in your heartbeat (too slow or too fast)
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mucous membranes (the lining of your mouth and throat)
Prevention Because changes in the calcium level in your
blood are influenced by your cancer, the best way to control the
calcium is to treat the cancer itself. Your doctor will discuss
this with you.
Management Some people have symptoms when the calcium
level is only slightly elevated, whereas others may not develop
these symptoms until the level is extremely high. Many
medications are available to help control the calcium level—even
if the cancer is not being treated. If your calcium level is too
high and you are having many problems, you may need to go in the
hospital for a short period of time. If it is only mildly high,
you might be able to control it at home. The decision of when to
treat this condition is usually based on your symptoms, not on
the exact level of your blood calcium. Your doctor or nurse will
discuss this with you.
For mildly high calcium levels (10.5–12 mg/dL)
- Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid a day
- If you are able to walk, do it at least 2 to 3 times a day
For higher calcium levels (greater than 12 mg/dL) you may be
hospitalized, and you can expect:
- Extra fluids will be given by a needle in your vein
- Medications will be given to make you urinate (this
flushes extra calcium out through your kidneys)
- Frequent blood draws will be taken to check the level of
calcium and other chemicals
- Calcium-controlling medications may be given by mouth, by
shots, or in the vein
Follow-up
- Blood draws may be necessary
- Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid a day (unless directed not to
by your doctor or nurse)
- Take medications as ordered
- Report any signs or symptoms of high calcium level to your
doctor or nurse
- Walk as frequently as possible if you are able to
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