NEEDING ANTIBIOTICS FOR UTI's AND OTHER INFECTION WHEN ON CHEMO

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Elderberry
Elderberry Member Posts: 993
edited May 2019 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

If you have a bacterial infection is it okay to take anti-biotics between chemo sessions? Do most MO's approve or disapprove? Do you need to begin chemo AFTER the antibiotics regime is done? What has been your experience?

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  • Beesy_The_Other_One
    Beesy_The_Other_One Member Posts: 274
    edited May 2019

    Elderberry,

    It's not uncommon to get infections because of your low white blood cells--I had one after the second infusion and called my MO. They had me go give urine but called in an Rx right away. It did not stall my treatment in any way.

    Beesy

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    Beesy: Thanks. I am not sure what I have is a UTI. Just donated my pee sample this afternoon. I have my 2nd chemo coming up May 17th - so hopefully, if I need anti-biotics I might even be done before the next round. It takes a few days for the lab to get results to GP so I won't know for a bit. I just started chemo and I can already feel the results . I don't want to have to delay. Cheers

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited May 2019

    Elderberry, I'm on Halaven and last year was on Xeloda. I've been on antibiotics many times. Often it's because they think there's an incipient infection that they want to nip in the bud.

    UTI last fall. Fever of unknown origin last spring. Possible eye infection right now for which I have antibiotic drops.

    Chemo or treatment went on as usual. So don't worry. If you need them, take them. Won't affect a thing.

    You do know that if you report a fever of more than 100.5 and you have low white count they'll put you on antibiotics immediately? That was my 'FUO" last spring. Turned out not to be an infection but the docs are very aggressive about it.

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  • HappyAnyway
    HappyAnyway Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2019

    Elderberry, I have interstitial cystitis and take 50mg of macrobid every day and have done so for over 10 years. My MO is aware. I was also told that I may take my pyridium if I have a flare up. I just had my first chemo treatment last Friday. I'll admit, I'm a little concerned how my bladder will fare.

    Of course, please don't take my word alone.

    I hope you feel well.

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  • JFL
    JFL Member Posts: 1,947
    edited May 2019

    I have had to take various antibiotics due to various opportunistic illnesses likely permitted by low immune system on chemo. I developed recurrent sinus infections and bronchial infections. Most antibiotics do not pose an issue. There may be one or two here and there that are contraindicated for the specific chemo (e.g., if they are metabolized by the same enzyme) but those should quickly pull up in the cross-check all doctors do when they know you take other drugs. Most of the contraindicated antibiotics are not commonly used ones, it seems.

    The bigger risk is not treating the bacterial infection, which could get much worse on chemo due to low immune system. Not likely your treatment would be delayed.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    Thanks, everyone. I would truly hate to delay treatment since I have just started. We'll see what the result of the lab have.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    Thanks, all. Yup - I have a bladder infection. Got my anti-biotics, 2/day for five days. Onward!

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited May 2019

    I saw the skin and melanoma oncs for rashes and nail infections during chemo, they prescribed antibiotics, no issues, other than needing to take more than usual since the infection was particularly fierce. Good luck 🙂

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    illmamae; I am already feeling better just on the first dose. Relieved. I really HATED the idea there might be a delay in TX, I can already feel the difference in the breast tumour. I swear it it smaller and softer. I want to kick the evil little bast**d's ass! Best to all!

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  • HappyAnyway
    HappyAnyway Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2019

    An angry bladder is no fun. I'm glad that you're already feeling better.

    Stay strong! I feel your strength through your words.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    HappyAnyway: You got that right. No fun at all. Gotta be in shape for the next round of THP. How are you doing on Taxol? It is not the kindest..........

    Keep on keeping on!


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  • HappyAnyway
    HappyAnyway Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2019

    So far I have only had one dose of AC. My next treatment is on Friday. I'll have a total of 4 of those, then 12 Taxol.

    Thank goodness, my yearly visit with my urologist is on Tuesday. Hopefully she'll help me develop a plan to protect my bladder through all of my treatments.

    Thank you for asking!

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    HappyAnyway: mine is, I suppose, your "garden variety" infection so all should be well - soon. Good luck with your Taxol. Are you doing the 3 wks in a row, one week off or every three weeks? Cycle schedule?

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  • HappyAnyway
    HappyAnyway Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2019

    My AC is every 2 weeks, then Taxol weekly.

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