| Protecting Yourself During Chemotherapy | |
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Neutropenia is usually at it's worst in the second week after chemotherapy treatments. Although there are differences between chemotherapeutic agents and doses, the "nadir" (low point) of the white cell count is often around the 10th day following the treatment. Patients should be especially watchful for these signs and symptoms around this time.
Recognizing the Signs of Low White Count - Report any of these signs and symptoms to your doctor without delay!
- Fever - This is the main sign to watch for. If your temperature with an oral thermometer is over 100.4° F or 38° C, call your doctor immediately, even if it is the middle of the night. Sweating and/or Chills can be signs of fever. If you have either of these symptoms, take your temperature right away. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen until after you have seen your doctor, as this could mask the severity of the fever.
- Sore Throat or Cough
- Earache
- Sinus pain or pressure
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness around a skin opening, including pimples and catheter sites.
- Burning at urination, or urge to urinate frequently
- Diarrhea
Treatment
The primary treatment for neutropenia-related infections is antibiotics. Sometimes, if the infection or neutropenia is severe, this may require IV antibiotics and hospitalization. Usually a blood cell growth factor, Neupogen® (Filgrastim), will be given to boost the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. When neutropenia is known to be a problem for a particular patient, Neupogen® will be given with each subsequent chemotherapy cycle, as the problem tends to repeat itself. Donna had a repeat episode of severe neutropenia one year later when on a different chemotherapy regime where Neupogen® was not initially given.
Additional Precautions to Take if you have Neutropenia, or know you are prone to it (For basic precautions, see page one)
- Avoid Contact with Raw Vegetables, Fruits, and Plants. Especially, avoid such that are out of your control, such as salad bars.
- Do not use tampons. Use a water-soluble lubricant during sexual intercourse (no intercourse if neutropenia is severe).
- Deep breathing and coughing help keep the lungs clear of infection.
- No contact with animal wastes, such as cleaning cat boxes, fish tanks, and picking up dog wastes.
- Avoid contact with stagnant water, such as flower vases, birdbaths, and humidifiers.
- Visitors should remove their shoes when entering your home
- Clothing (particularly outerwear) and children's toys should be cleaned frequently.
Of course, any additional advice your doctor or other health care professional gives you should be followed to the letter. In addition, plenty of rest, stress management measures, good nutrition with adequately cooked food, and mild exercise within your tolerance can help your body run at its best during recovery.
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Copyright © 2001 by Laura Dolson. All rights reserved. Please submit reprint requests to gyncancer@baymoon.com
The material on this page and Web site is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not substitute for medical advice. Anyone having questions about the application of information appearing here to a specific person or situation should obtain advice from a qualified physician.