Infections – The Ugly Side Effect of Chemotherapy » Triage Cancer®

09 Feb Infections – The Ugly Side Effect of Chemotherapy

Posted at 11:33h in Practical Tips by Triage Cancer

We are all familiar with the common cold, flu and ear aches. These are all infections – either caused by bacteria or viruses. Sometimes these infections need to be treated with prescription medicines, but often times our body just gets over an infection. This is because our miraculous bodies have a built in protection called white blood cells. When we develop an infection, our immune system produces more white blood cells to fight the infection. This is the process in a typical, healthy person.

Unfortunately if you have cancer, you are not a typical, healthy person. On top of the cancer itself, the treatment of cancer can make you sick. Chemotherapy, while it may be saving your life, can also be putting you at risk of contracting an infection. Chemo is a powerful drug that goes into your body and kills the fastest growing cells in your body – the good and the bad cells. So the chemo kills your cancer cells, but it also kills your white blood cells. Remember, white blood cells are the things you need to fight infections.

Generally, you will experience the lowest white blood cell count 7-12 days after your last chemo dose, and it could last for up to a week. This period of time is called your “nadir,” meaning lowest point. At this point you are at the greatest risk of getting an infection. During this time you need to be extra diligent in protecting yourself against, and watching for signs of, an infection. Infections during chemo can be life threatening and may delay your ability to receive your next life-saving chemo treatment.

What are the signs of an infection?

Fever is the number one and most serious sign of an infection. Take your temperature anytime you feel warm, flush, chilled or generally unwell. At your nadir you may not be able to fight this infection on your own, so you need to call your doctor if you temperature is 100.4ºF or higher for more than 1 hour, or a one-time temperature of 101ºF or higher. Seriously, night or day, call your doctor. Make sure you:

Keep a working thermometer near you, and know how to use it.
Keep your doctor’s phone number with you at all times. Make sure you know if there is a different number to call when the office is closed. Do not hold out through the night, waiting for your doctor’s office to open.
If you end up going to the emergency room, tell them right away that you are undergoing chemotherapy. You cannot wait around in a germ infested waiting room while your infection is left untreated.

Other signs of infection include:

Chills and sweats, with no fever
Change in a cough, or a new cough
Sore throat, or mouth sore
Shortness of breath
Nasal congestion
Stiff neck
Pain when you urinate
Unusual vaginal discharge or irritation
Increased urination
Diarrhea and/or vomiting
Redness, soreness or swelling near surgical wounds or ports
Pain in the abdomen or rectum

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms you should call your doctor immediately.

Can you reduce your risk of infection?

Every school age child knows that you can avoid a cold or flu by washing your hands. As a cancer patient receiving chemo, you need to be absolutely obsessive about this. Good old soap and water are the best choice, but hand sanitizers are a good second choice. You should wash your hands:

Before, during, and after cooking food
Before you eat
After you go to the bathroom
After you change a diaper
After you touch your pet, or clean up after your pet
After touching the trash
Before treating any wound

Beyond washing your hands, you should also maintain good oral and body hygiene, use disinfectants to keep your household clean, avoid coming into contact with sick people, and try to avoid getting scraped or cut. You should also avoid undercooked or raw meat and eggs, avoid unpasteurized or raw products, and wash your fruits and vegetables really well.

Undergoing chemotherapy is uncomfortable enough without getting an infection. Be overly observant and very, very clean and you can minimize your chances of getting infections.