Low wbc and fever

Amelia01

I'm two weeks tomorrow after first chemo and I woke up to a raging headache and temperature of 101.5. I took an aspirin and later an ibuprofen for the throbbing pain and the clinic told me to start an antibiotic and get a blood test done. My temperature has lowered to almost normal even 6 hours post ibuprofen, but a slight head neck/ ache is still bothering me. Obviously, I am concerned.

My wbc is 0.8! The oncologist literally just shrugged it off saying its normal on day 15 (I'm on 13) and just to stay home and take the antibiotic.

Other than a bit tired, I don't have any flu like symptoms (clear chest and head) but obviously something isn't right.

I'm overseas and was told that I would not receive Neulasta because it can cause leukemia.

I'm wondering if elsewhere in the world (as in US, Canada, Australia etc) patients are having mid treatment routine blood tests. I was told just to show up for next round in a week. Had I had any inkling that my wbc counts could be that low I really would have paid more attention and not left the house much during this cold and flu season.

Shellsatthebeach

Yes, as you already know, going out in public with low white blood counts can be dangerous. I struggled with a fever a few times during chemo. It even hit the magic number 101.7 where I should have gone to the ER but didn't. It eventually went down when I woke up but I was playing with fire. I'm sure the doctor at the very least will want to follow up on your headache.