Repeated colds

Dicey 28 days ago

2 replies
35 subscribers
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My 27 year old son was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma 3 years ago. He had 13 rounds of chemo, 28 sessions of radiotherapy and limb salvage surgery. His last chemotherapy was July 2022. His scans have been clear since then. Before his treatment he was never sick, now he is getting a cold every 4 or 5 weeks. He commutes to work on the train and works in an office. How can he improve his immune system and when should I worry that this is more than just a side effect of his treatment. As a parent every time he is sick my brain goes into overdrive. Thanks

Jo - Macmillan 28 days ago

Hi Dicey,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

It is good to hear that your son’s scans have been clear following completion of his treatment for Ewing sarcoma. However, it is understandable that you are concerned about his repeated cold symptoms and what this might mean. This sounds like a difficult time for you.

After completing cancer treatment the immune system can be weakened for some while, meaning infections are more likely. Here is some information on positive lifestyle changes your son might find useful to help him recover from treatment, including eating well and keeping active.

If your son hasn’t had a blood test done recently it would be worth speaking to his GP or hospital team about this. A full blood count will check to ensure that his white blood cells, which fight and prevent infections, are at the normal level.

It can be emotionally challenging supporting someone following a cancer diagnosis and treatment, so it’s important that you don’t feel alone in dealing with this. There are a number of ways that we here at Macmillan can offer help and support, so please do get back in touch.

I see that you have joined a few forums on our online community and hope that you are finding these supportive. There is also support for the family of a young adult who has had cancer through Shine Cancer Support. Sarcoma UK also provide support for friends and family.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best wishes,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: JD/SB

Dicey 27 days ago in reply to Jo - Macmillan

Thank you for the reply. I have spoken to our son this evening and he’s feeling a bit better. Planning to go back to work tomorrow. He has said that next time he goes for scans he will get them to check his bloods. I’ve said that if he still struggles to recover this week then he needs to speak to his GP or call 111. He hasn’t used his GP yet since he moved house.

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Repeated colds