URGENT: My mom has a fever

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hongmeihangzhou
hongmeihangzhou Member Posts: 5
edited September 2017 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hello all,

My mom was diagnosed with stage 2A. She finished radiation, and had her first shot of TC August 18th.

On August 22 Tuesday she started to have a fever. We went to the ER, and she was diagnosed with neutropenic (low white blood cell count) fever, and she had antibiotics. Every day she goes to the hospital/phones the doc.

She has now had fever for 7 days, and every time we call the doc, they say it's normal and nothing to be alarmed about. They say due to lack of other symptoms such as diarrhea, coughing, mucus, etc. there is no sign of some serious infection. Plus her white blood count has returned to normal, AND she's given antibiotics. Right now she just has headache and fever. If she takes Tylenol, it peaks around 100.1°(37.8°C). Without Tylenol, it goes up to 101.3° (38.5°C).

It's been a week since the start of her fever. Is this normal? Anyone had similar experiences?

P.S. MD Anderson in Houston is flooded. God help us.

Thanks,

Tommy

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  • Micmel
    Micmel Member Posts: 9,450
    edited August 2017

    Tommy~ honey I am sorry your mom isn't feeling well. When someone has low blood counts they can very well catch a bug from anyone and her immune system would be low from that. Make sure she is drinking fluids and if she can eat as well that is also very good. If her fever is going higher and higher then I would be more concerned, a low grade fever is ok. Make sure she does not dehydrate and if you can possibly alternate Tylenol and motrin or Aleve, that can sometimes be helpful. The Aleve is stronger and can only be taken 2 pills every twelve hours. Tylenol and Motrin can be given every 4 to 6 hours. Just read the labels. The most important thing is rest and fluids. I haven't had radiation but it can make you feel sick especially when you manage to catch something. Just keep an eye on her temperature, if it goes back up really high, and the Tylenol won't control it. Then you may need to contact another hospital that wasn't flooded. But don't freak out now, some of those flu bugs can last a week. You're a wonderful son and I will keep you and your mom in my Prayers. Hugs ~M~

    P.s if the flu is viral the antibiotics won't help it go away, it just has to run its course!

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  • hongmeihangzhou
    hongmeihangzhou Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2017

    Thanks Micmel. You only say I'm a good son because you haven't seen me and my mom's fights. :D

    In all seriousness, thanks for the reply. I hope this is nothing serious. I've heard of someone getting similar symptoms that lasted for over a month! Wonder what on earth can cause that.

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  • MzPriss
    MzPriss Member Posts: 38
    edited August 2017

    I was told the moment I had a fever above 100.5 to call the doc.

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  • Micmel
    Micmel Member Posts: 9,450
    edited August 2017

    I have had several times when I had slight fevers. You could call the oncologist on call and ask their opinions. As long as you don't go very high with your temperature, you should be ok. If you want to be safe just call your on oncologist and let them know at the office what's going on, and they can advise what they want you to do as far as care going forward. Most times they just want to watch and make sure it does not get out of hand or too high. Has your otc taken down the fever?. (OTC=over the counter) Tylenol Advil Motrin ?? keep close watch but if you're keeping it at bay, they might just tell you to monitor it. Just call to be safe. Prayer your way! ~M~

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited August 2017

    I have followed your thread just want to ask how's your mom doing?

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  • hongmeihangzhou
    hongmeihangzhou Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2017

    Hello PauletteK, my mom is doing fine: other than headaches when she's off Tylenol, she's pretty energetic, quick to respond, and just doesn't really give off a sick vibe. That makes me less concerned. This is her eighth day of fever though, and I hope she gets better soon.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited August 2017

    You seemed to say in the first Post that your Mom has "finished radiation and had her first shot of TC on Aug 18.". That's an unusual TX (treatment) plan from all I've read (at least in the USA) but am not an expert so would like to know what the reason for that protocol. You didn't mention her type (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC) or ER/PR or HER2 status.

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  • hongmeihangzhou
    hongmeihangzhou Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2017

    Kicks, You are correct on your observation. She was first diagnosed in Hong Kong, that's why she had surgery first. Her coming to MD Anderson was primarily just to make sure everything is okay. However I think the margins revealed she needed radiation. Her oncotype score was 4, that's one of the reasons she didn't get chemo right away.

    I forgot if it is IDC or ILC, think it's one of these two. She's sleeping right now so I'll ask her later.

    ER 100%

    PR 100%

    HER2 Negative

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  • hongmeihangzhou
    hongmeihangzhou Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2017

    Hi guys!

    Sorry for the long absence of reply.

    Her fever slowwwwwwllyyyyyy subsided, as in each day her peak temperature was just a bit lower than yesterday's, day after day. Now she's feeling pretty much good. Her second shot is on Friday. Hope all goes well.

    Thank you all for the help and prayers! Will keep y'all posted.

    T

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