How to avoid infections during chemo EC?

Hi Caroldogs, 

I also ended up in hospital after my first EC infusion for 4 days. Suspected neutropenic sepsis and MRSA. 

My second EC infusion, I got a throat infection managed with antibiotics at home for 5 days. 

I’ve just had my third EC infusion on Wednesday and I am also thinking the same as you! 

I wish I had some advice because I’d be using it myself but I just wanted to let you know, that you’re not alone with the hospitalisation. 

The only thing I can think of is - I was told by the nurse that from about day 4-6 this is when things tend to hit you for about a week so I’m going to try and stay in as much as possible now. Like when your immune system gets low. 

I asked whether something could be prescribed like antibiotics but have been told no because it has been 2 different infections. 

The nurse didn’t really give any advice of how to ‘avoid’.

Anyone can be a carrier. I guess if we’re going to get something we can’t stop it - just got to ring the number and manage it that way. 

Like they said to me, I’m well aware of the symptoms now and if anything occurs - just call. 

I am certainly on edge with each infusion.

Good luck with everything and I hope someone can shed some light for us both!xx

Hi

I've had 2 EC now. The 1st treatment was unremarkable, just the usual side effects but then I had the flu jab as advised and had a heavy cold and cough for 2 weeks now. 

I called the number as my temp spiked to 37.4 but they just said to take cold remedy and paracetamol. I took a COVID test that was negative so put it down to side effects. As I say, it's been 2 weeks today and feel like death..

Ido regret getting the flu jab

Oh gosh - I’ve been advised not to have it yet. Basically to wait until I have my last infusion on 20/11 and have it in December when my body has recovered slightly. 

They said if I do decide to have it, I need to plan it, that it’s just before my next infusion but I’ve decided against this. 

I hope you feel better soon xx

Hello CarolDogs, Im sorry you have been so unwell. Chemo is stressful enough without having infections to cope with too.

I have just had my last chemo session yesterday and have, for the past 18 weeks lived completely isolated from the rest of the family (I live in London and my family use the tube and go out to pubs/clubs to socialise) I have lived like we are in lockdown again.

I wear a mask in communal area, have chats outside in the fresh air, wear rubber gloves for washing up and preparing vegetables, wipe everything down with antibacterial, keep separate towels, everyone antibac the toilet and shower when they have used it.. If I go out shopping I wear a mask and use hand sanitiser. I prefer home delivery

I have used a soft baby's toothbrush and the mouth wash prescribed from the chemo unit, and polybalm 3 times a day for my nails

I have adult children at home so that is a big help. More difficult with youngsters who are bringing bugs home from school.

It has been hard to keep this up and I have missed hugs and chats but my attitude from the start was the quickest way to get through this rubbish is to stay as well as I can so I don't miss any treatment,

Sending you love and hugs xx

Thank you so much and for your kind words - so far day 5 ok eating and drinking feel like I have been hit by a truck but OK.  Taking max precautions and hoping.

Wish you all the best ahd good luck 

Soda water was the godsend for me in preventing retching and letting me drink and eat.

Big hugs and lots of love

Carol

So sad to hear - I was advised no jabs till finished.

Feel like I have been hit by a truck weak no energy but able to eat and drink with Soda Water and more anti nausea drugs

Best wishes and fingers crossed for you

Big hugs 

Carol

Thank you so much for your reply.  Its bloody hard but serving a purpose and if I can prevent the retching with Soda Water and the additional drugs heres hoping

You take care and wish you all the best

Big hugs

Thankyou for your reply. I don't know if they aired on the side of caution as both my pre treatment bloods showed elevated white blood cells but I've now got an infection, it was definitely a bad idea for flu jab. I'm on a 5 day antibiotics. Just feel like it's a heavy sinus cold and throat infection but with the side effects of treatment a week later. My body can't seem to get the energy to even move.

My mum n dad are staying just to help hubby as it's taken a toll on him.

Will be fine x

At my pre chemo assessment the nurse told me to treat it like the covid pandemic. I am retired and don’t have any children at home…just me, my husband and the dog. I get the shopping delivered. Hubby goes out to get bits and pieces. We take the dog out and my son sometimes comes with us but it is always outside. We sit and have a cup of tea in the garden. The only public place I visit is the hospital. Despite that I still ended up at A&E with a high temperature. They didn’t find any infection, think it was just a spike due to filgrastim injections. So it doesn’t matter how careful we are, but I prefer to live this way as it won’t be forever.

Sorry to hear you’ve got an infection. 

I know how you feel. I am currently led in bed with no energy in me to move my legs!  

Day 4-5 is where it usually begins - neutrophils are at the lowest supposingly. 
Just keep on top of the tablets and hopefully you feel better soon. After 2-3 days of antibiotics I felt better. 

You will be okay. Eat and drink cold things xx