Chemo Side Effects

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Hi,

I started my 1st round of chemo 3 weeks ago, struggled with the steroids (as already a hyper person) but on the 8th day when the steroids has dropped I was literally out for the count for day and then noticed  my temperature rising, eventually this went to 38.4 and ended up in A&E with a chest infection, my blood counts were very low at this point (I didn't even notice and didn't feel ill).   My doctor was going to suspend the next round of chemo but decided to reduce to 75% of the dosage - has anyone else had this problem and is there anything I can look out for?

Just started the 2nd round today with the above occurrence in the forefront of my mind, especially as I didn't notice and only went to A&E because the nurse had received the latest blood results and text me.

  • Hi, do you have a reliable thermometer?  That is a critical bit of equipment during chemo and its important that you take your temp regularly.  I have 2 as one has proved to be unreliable (an expensive digital ear one!).

    I wax just like you and ended up in A&E and admitted with neutropenic sepsis.  I did however feel rough but knew I needed to go to A&E as temp was over 38.  My chemo treatment carried on at same dosage however.  Had a chest infection issue which resulted in quite a few visits to A&E (due to hospital A&E incompetence) at end of chemo treatment.  Apart from a pathetic cough, like you didn't feel too bad but again knew that there was an issue needing resolution due to taking temp at home and seeing high temp at over 38.

    Good luck

    Sam

    My secret? Being daft & staying positive.
  • Yorkshire_defender

    Thanks Sam, I have the Braun Thermometer which the nurses use (they borrow it sometimes) and I check at least 3 times a day.

    It's easy to look out for things if you have some symptoms but I didn't feel remotely ill.  

    Ahh well, I will keep my chins up and see how this one goes.

    xx

  • Hello Anna48

    i ended up after1st round of EC in hospital over night 39 degree temp....classed it as infection with no known origin.. anti biotics 

    4 weeks later after2nd session  back in A and E with 38.5 temp again on known origin of infection but this time anti biotics...and anti virals as flu was possible...

    this Tuesday ten 8 days after round 3 of chemo not temp but back at A and E...hallelujahs this time an identified infection Middle ear and Sunus.....anti biotics provided  and straight home.....

    next Thursday I start The P part of my EC-P weekly for 9 weeks I blooming hope this passes without infections....

    good luck Anna48 I hope you get no further infections or high temps...I check mine 3 times a day as these infections or high temps seem to come from absolutely nowhere...

    regards

    Take care of YOU
    D
  • Thank you Villa82.

    Good to know it's not just me.  I seem to have drama after drama, the Oncologist referred me to a Liver Specialist because my bloods were askew and now they are saying that the Neulasta that they inject the day after chemo didn't appear to work.

    I'm preparing myself for a repeat performance - but fingers crossed the 75% they gave me will have a lighter effect.

    Good luck to you and I hope all goes well with the EC-P.

    Take care xx