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The Problem
Chemotherapy and radiation can and often do cause a temporary drop
in your white blood cell count. These are the cells made by your
bone marrow that help you fight infection. We refer to this as
neutropenia. For patients on chemotherapy, this is often about 10-14
days after receiving your chemotherapy. Therefore, it is important
for you to watch for signs of infection, including a fever.
Help Us Help You
When is a temperature something to be concerned about? Normal
average temperature is 98.6o F, although everyone may be
slightly different. If you've recently had chemotherapy and are
running a temperature of 100.5o F or more, you should
contact us.
Other signs to contact us about include:
Shaking chills
Any redness or swelling, especially around catheters or previous
catheter sites
New cough, especially if productive
Painful burning on urination
If you need to contact us, there is some information that is very
helpful for us to help you:
What chemotherapy you received and when did you receive it?
Did you have any recent procedures such as a biopsy?
Are you able to drink fluids?
Do you have any of the above symptoms?
Did you have fevers when your cancer was diagnosed?
Have you had any antibiotics recently?
Have you started any new medications?
Help Yourself
Once you've contacted us and we've determined a course of action,
there are several things to do that can help you feel better. These
measures do not replace contacting us if you're having fevers.
Take antipyretics-medicines that break a fever, such as
acetaminophen.
Cool washcloths to your forehead often brings comfort
Drink cool liquids both to keep hydrated and bring comfort
Prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.......... If you or
your love-one is at risk to get an infection from chemotherapy or
radiation, there are several things that you can do to minimize that
risk of transmitting an infection:
WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY!!!!! Most important single
risk-reducing tip.
Avoid people with infections-when you are likely to have low
blood counts, as discussed or determined with your doctor. Ask
people with infections to visit later. Avoid crowds.
Properly cook foods and avoid raw or undercooked foods.
Treat simple cuts and scrapes with respect-wash them and use an
antiseptic ointment if needed.
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