Neutropenic? Chest Infection. Can't travel?

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lifelover
lifelover Member Posts: 553
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

UGGGHHH!

I've had a sore throat for a few weeks and sores in my mouth.  I started feeling breathless so decided I better see my GP.  My GP says I have a chest infection and gave me antiobiotics.  He also thinks I'm possibly neutropenic and I'm waiting for the results of my blood test.

This wouldn't be so horrible if it weren't for the fact that I'm finally scheduled to go on a 2 week holiday to visit my family and friends in the States in 3 days time.  It will be the first time I've been able to get away since my BC diagnosis over a year ago.  And now it looks like I might not be able to go.

I don't know what to do.  I told my GP that there was "no way" I was cancelling my trip.  He didn't say anything to that.  Gave me amoxicillan and told me to get my blood taken for a CBC to test for neutropenia.

I assume that I will not be able to travel if I am neutropenic but I wonder whether I should be travelling with a chest infection.

I don't want to invalidate my travel insurance.  I don't know what to do.  I am frightened now of travelling.

Can any of you relate to how I'm feeling?  Any advice or stories to share?  I would be ever so grateful. 

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Comments

  • bayareamom
    bayareamom Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2012

    I have been neutropenic for at least a decade and has not been a problem until chemo which really wipes me out. See if you onc will give you a neulasta injection. That will help the WBC go up. I hope you take your trip!

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  • lifelover
    lifelover Member Posts: 553
    edited March 2012

    Thanks Ladies!  

    Yes, the fact that you both have been neutropenic for so long and have travelled reassures me.  I see now that the chest infection is the worry.  Tonight it seems it is starting to break up a bit so I should be ok to travel by Saturday.  

    I really wound myself up for the past 24 hours but now I'm thinking a little more clearly.

    I'll call my GP to discuss Neulasta and intravenous antibiotic as I have time to do either or both if necessary. 

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  • Kathleen26
    Kathleen26 Member Posts: 210
    edited March 2012

    If you are coughing and look very sick, or have a fever, you may have a problem at Passport/Border Control when you try to enter the US.   You should look and act well, and don't cough, or you'll be pulled for a TB test, and have to deal with possible quarantine, etc.   Good luck and I hope you can make the trip.

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited March 2012

    If you do decide to travel, bring a copy of your medical records.  If you need to be seen while you're here, that will be really helpful.  Hopefully you won't need them at all.

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  • lifelover
    lifelover Member Posts: 553
    edited March 2012

    OK, off I go to the airport.  Chest is still gurgling but I'm not coughing a lot.

    Great advice ladies.  I'll bring some of my records too.  Decided to stop tamoxifen for travel day only (on plane). 

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited March 2012

    Hi there lifelover, I wanted to share I am neutropenic too. Have been so for several years.  I don't have any restrictions and only find that I tend to get chest colds  and congestions more often. I get treated quickly with antibiotics.  I hope you dont mind my budding in as I'm not stage 3, but I wanted you to know this should not be a something that restricts you from holding true to your screen name :)

    Bevin

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  • lifelover
    lifelover Member Posts: 553
    edited April 2012

    Thanks Bevin!

    My trip was fabulous and I felt well other than some chest wheeziness.

    I stopped tamoxifen the day of travel only.

    I had no problems other than tiredness so I ensured that I slept well at night. 

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