Chemo on hold due to infection

stheresa987

Has anybody had to stop Chemo due to an infection.  I had reconstruction surgery with a simple mastocmy, two chemo treatments and several weekly treatments of Herceptin.  I had an infection in the breast which resulted in another surgery (3 total) and the tissue expander removed.  I spent 5 days in the hospital and have been on oral antibiotics twice.  The Chemo has been on hold (my last Chemo was June 23rd.)  I'm concerned that the cancer if any was left has had a chance to spread.  I was just wondering if anybody else has been through this?

lifelover

Hi there.

I've had 3 infections that delayed my chemo.  Twice before I was to begin and once half-way through.  I've had several courses of oral antibiotics and several of IV which required hospital stays and visits.  No one ever discussed whether the cancer could grow or not.  I would say that if it is still there and not responding to surgery and/or treatment it could. 

Have you discusssed this with your oncologist?  Have you had a recent CT scan?

I haven't asked because I know I'm being taken care of by my health team.  They won't let me have a treatment until my blood work is good enough and I have no infection because an infection could jeopardize my health and possibly keep me in hospital (with no treatment) so I trust them.  Perhaps I'm being a bit naive.  You have me thinking now and I'm going to check with the chemo nurses Friday.