Beware of Colds

As we all know, while on chemo you have to be aware of the little things..such as a cold. I started feeling like I was coming down w/ a cold last weekend. I talked to my chemo nurse about it on Tues but I really didn't have any symptoms other than a small cough and a runny nose. No temp. Blood counts were all fine so I had my chemo. She told me the standard alerts...call if I had a temp, chills, etc. As this week has progressed, the cough got worse but no temp. I took Ibuprofin 800 and it took away any little aches that I had. Well, I noticed yesterday that I was having more problems breathing and my cough was worse but we have had a change in the weather here in Mo...RAIN FOR 24 HRS...FIRST IN 3 MOS! So I attributed my breathing difficulties to the damp humidity. Tonite I finally decided that I needed to go to the ER. I requested a chest xray and I have pneumonia. So, please be aware that a small cold can turn quickly into something bigger. If you get a cough, get it checked out or call your onco and get on an antibotic. Dumb thing is that I had the antibotic in my med cabinet and didn't take it. The ER dr said that he had seen several patients that were presently on chemo that had pneumonia.

Deb

 

Oh, deb...I'm so sorry you got sick! We got alot of that rain here in kansas too and I am not feeling quite right but no fever either. I think I will go ahead and take my antibiotics just to be safe.

It's funny cause before doctors always tried to pooh, pooh me when I had aches and pains or felt "funny"....now my doctor says go ahead and use the antibiotic if I don't feel good. lol

Beth

Deb

Thanks so much for the warning, I will be going back to work and have been worried about exposure to people. I will have to make sure I listen to my body and not wait. Make sure you get lots of fluids and REST. I know that is not always possible but is the best thing for you.

I hope you get better soon
Bernadette

Bern and Chantry, please check with your oncologist about this....I have a desk job and work with about 250-300 people in the office, but day to day contact was more limited. THey did tell me to stay out of movies and malls during the one week when counts are low, so they may advise you something more strict for that short time span. The rest of the time should be ok. I kept a bottle of Purell hand sanitizer at my desk and in my purse to help keep the germs away, but please ask your onc how to handle any crowds.

And Deb, so sorry you are sick! What a bummer! Hopefully those antibiotics are kicking in and you are feeling better already.....

L&H,
Lori

I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I keep seeing posts about stying away from malls and stuff at certain times. I have a question with this staying away from sick people and stuff and chemo. Do you do this like a couple of days after chemo? Or about when would your blood count be low, 2,3,4 days after chemo. I work in an office but there is only 4 of us that sit in there, but my office is also in the warehouse where it is quite dirty. I hate to think that I may have to take a few days off. I can't afford it and don't have any sick time until January.