Chemo and Infections

Sweetb

Hello everyone. I am almost done with my chemo, only 2 more rounds left. I am having 6 rounds and will have round 5 in a few days. My question is that round 2 and 4 both landed me in the hospital with infections. Unfortunately my prior oncologist (I switched after my last hospital visit) was not very helpful. My new oncologist has actually put off my chemo 2 weeks due to my last infection I have had a hard time shaking. My question is has anyone else had problems with fevers and infections after chemo? I really do not understand because I am very healthy at least I was until chemo and I use to never get sick, but now it's like the smallest thing seems to cause infections for me. I know my White blood cell counts plummet pretty low after my chemo even with the Nuelestra shot, plus I am anemic from the chemo and my Red blood counts are also below normal. Has anyone else had this problem and if so do you have any advice? Like I said I am starting round 5 the day after tomorrow with my new oncologist and I am nervous becsaue I really do not want to go back to the hospital.

TeriMP

Hi Sweetb,

I am sorry to hear you are having these infections especially at a time when you need all your energy! It is not uncommon to get infections during chemo especially when your neutraphil levels get dangerously low and are unable to fight anything off.

I was literally a hermit during my chemo treatment, the day after treatment till my next MO meeting (I would find out my blood counts on those days), I absolutely refused to go out in public. I was petrified of getting sick or and infection, I think I had probably 4 bottles of hand sanitizer with me at all time, I wouldn't pet my dogs for fear of catching something. In hind sight probably too overly cautious.

Your MO can always prescribe an antibiotic to be taken during your low WBC days as a precautionary measure to prevent any infection. My MO did that after I got an infection after the first round and ended up in the ER with a very sore throat and fever.

I hope you have your last 2 rounds go better for you!

Teri

Kicks

There are several who come here that have had issues with infections (and hospital visits) and will certainly stop in with their experiences. I don't have anything that would be of help for you as I did not even get any 'sniffles' while on Chemo (4 DD A/C neoadjuvant and 12 weekly Taxol adjuvant). I have always been very healthy (only in a hospital 3 times - 2 C-sections and the UMX) with the exceptions of a lot of sinus infections since I was a child and it seemed I would 'catch' every cold going around but never 'bad' - just aggravating. However, while on Chemo and in the 5+ yrs since I have only had 1 minor sinus infection instead of several bad ones yearly; no colds at all. So I guess that in some weird way Chemo was nice to me by somehow getting rid of my sinus infections and preventing colds. But then, I am 'different'.

Isn't it amazing how differently we and our bodies react uniquely. Good luck on your last 2 Chemo with your new Dr.

Anonymous

Sweetb, So sorry you're going through so much.

Due to past diseases, I was very high risk for infection during chemo. Between seven and twelve days after my infusion, I was very diligent about washing my hands, wearing a mask and gloves away from home, didn't pick up animal droppings, stayed away from fresh vegetables (only ate canned), and was especially careful around kids.I didn't handle any raw meat, I used paper towels to dry my hands instead of a regular towel, I brushed my teeth after every meal and kept my mouth moist with water. I also made sure my skin was well moisturized because breaks in skin can also cause infection. I did have an area in my innards that filled with fluid which my MO kept a very close eye on. I was fortunate that it didn't turn into an infection. My MO also prescribed an antibiotic after each infusion. I think if you're diligent about the things I mentioned, that should hopefully help to reduce your risk.

Best wishes to you on your last two rounds!! You're almost at the finish line!!