Anyone picked up a cold while on Chemo?

I’ve been ok but my sister was incredibly ill with a cold when on chemo, infection and chemo just aren’t good bedfellows sadly. I’m sorry for you your treatment will be delayed, really frustrating! X

Oh goodness! Your poor sister. Did you have a cold yourself and were ok with it? 

Did your sister end up in hospital? I’m guessing so. Did she feel very poorly, or not realise how poorly she was?

Despite having all the cold symptoms, I feel ok right now and I can’t imagine needing to go to hospital as it currently stands. But, I hear that things can change quickly and also sometimes you don’t realise how ill you are! 

Sorry for all the questions and please don’t worry if you don’t have time to reply. 

thank you for taking the time to message me x

Hi, I picked up a cold a week after my 5th chemo, as soon as I got a fever I called the helpline and was sent to a&e, a course of antibiotics and a couple of nights in hospital and I was fine. Just keep an eye on your temperature, if you get a fever over 38 then definitely call your helpline as you will probably need help. Being that you’ve only had one chemo and your past the time of low immunity (7-10days after chemo) I actually think you will probably be ok, you should still be strong enough to fight it but by chemo 5 I certainly was not strong enough! I hope you feel better soon x

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I am hoping that I have some ‘reserves’ to be able to fight it, as you say I’m past the low period and I’ve only had one round. I will definitely be vigilant though. You can’t mess around with this can you! 

Glad that you came through your cold ok. Have you finished your chemo now? I see from your profile that you have a similar treatment plan to me. I also have two young children, although not quite as young as yours. I find it heartbreaking for my children and really hard at times, but at the same time they are a really good distraction and keep me focused on being  ‘in the moment’ - which everyone tells me is a helpful mindset! Also, I’m amazed by how the children can accept the situation and adjust. They are better than me at this!

I hope you are coping ok and your treatment is going well.

x

Yes to she ended up in hospital, 3 times, once from cold, twice from sepsis, infected gum and an infected spot on her forehead. Touch wood I’m 5 cycles in and nothing so far but I’ve been super careful, mashed everywhere and avoiding anyone even mildly ill with anything, I’ve even pulled my 12 year old put of school for now as covid is rife in there and a horrible cold bug too x

I hope you feel better soon, really take it easy and as pumpkin pie says, watch that temperature xx

Yes ive finally finished chemo! I was supposed to have 8 cycles but only had 6 in the end but they say that’s enough, just waiting for surgery now. What age are your kids? I feel lucky that I don’t have to explain anything to mine and they don’t really notice too much when I’m not around. How was your first chemo? x

Well done for finishing stage one! I have six rounds too. Actually I have managed ok with the first round, I haven’t felt too bad at all, but I’ve had some hurdles during the cycle, first a throat infection - which needed antibiotics. They were horrible pills and upset my tummy while I was taking them. Now, I have this pesky cold, so in a way the chemo has just been a ‘side show’! It’s the cold and the throat infection which have been the trouble makers! In reality it’s probably all related. 

My children are 6 and 9. The 6 year old is less aware, her main concern is when my hair is going to come out. My son is much more aware, in fact he is quite knowledgeable about medical stuff, when I told them the news about my diagnosis  his first questions were “is it life threatening?” and “ has it spread?”. I used to love how much general knowledge he had, but right now I really wish he didn’t know so much about the world. He understands the magnitude and it has dampened his spirits. 

We’ll be ok though, I hope I’ll be able to show him that you can get through life’s hurdles. I’ve just got to make sure that I DO get through!!!! 

Aw bless you that most be so tough when he’s asking questions like that. I found it really hard talking to people about it in the beginning (well for most of it really) and would just burst into tears everytime. It’s a lot to go through but it sounds like you’re coping pretty especially having to deal with infection and a cold too! I’m not going to lie it does get worse nearer the end as it’s cumulative but by then you are used to it and know what to expect so in a way it’s easier. 
just take things as they come and you WILL get through this! Feel free to message me or keep chatting here, I’m no expert but I’ve learnt a lot! So happy to answer any questions. What type do you have? I’m her2 + and it’s spread to my lymphs. It’s amazing how many different things they can offer, and I’m very very grateful for the nhs! x