I read throgth the form regularly, it’s very helpful.
I will have my first FEC-T chemo, later of today, I feel a bit of nervous about the magical pinky liquid…
The Oncologist reminded me about infection over the chemo, I was wondering how often it occurs and any tips to prevent? He didn’t suggest me to swim as well,which is a part of my life, I really want to carry on as normal, however, with the chemo-treatment, it seems unlikely, anyone is trying to swim during the treatment?
I had my chemo over the winter and picked up a horrible whooping cough type bug from my son that landed me in hospital, and left me with a nasty cough for 4 months - it was miserable. I know many of the ladies here have had infections during chemo, and I would have thought swimming is unwise - although I am sure there will have been some people that do it without any problems. Maybe you could substitute some other form of exercise - although you may not feel like taking much anyway.
Because of the time of year I was being treated, I went to some lengths to try and avoid getting too close to people in confined spaces - I didn’t go to crowded shops etc. It shouldn’t be so much of an issue in summer, although your chemo will stretch into the winter months if you are starting now. Avoid children as much as possible, and ask your friends and family to stay away if they have any kind of infection.
You don’t need to be paranoid about it, but it is a very real risk.
Hi
I’m about to have my 4th chemo today and upto now hve avoided any infections…even tho my kids have picked up sickness and diaorea bug in the last two weeks.
I also like you went swimming 2-3 times a week but was told to avoid as you are more at risk of infection from a swimming pool than anywhere else. I went to have a hickman line fitted yest and was telling nurses I really missed swimming and she described swimming pool as a human sewage pool( I would never have described it as that but mkes you think).
It’s not forever and to be honest I don’t have a lot of energy for the first 10 days after chemo. When I am upto it I go for walks and get exercise this way. The fresh air does you good and makes you feel a little less tired.
I also avoid crowded area’a especially between days 7-14 as this is when you are more at risk. I also avoid areas with air conditioning such a cinema as it’s recycled air and is not good for you.
There are lots of people on here who have gone through chemo without having an infection, it’s just a case of being careful and thinking about what you do before you do it( this is what I find hard as I’m an impulsive person).
Hope this is of help.
Take care Chris x
xioping Hi i avoided swimming and took vit c supplements and ernichea to boost immune system and apart from that just enjoyed normal life and not get too het up over it, just avoid people with coughs and sneezes from visiting you and be sensible but just enjoy your good days . ive even been camping and im now on Fec -5 if you feel flushed and shivery check your temp take care Julie xxxx
Ditto to what has been said, very wise to get a digital thermometer.
I also take Zinc tabs to help build up your immune system. I also take, )mixed in Bio yoghurt as I don’t like the taste) Manuka Honey +10, which I beleive has proven properties combating/preventing bacterial infectionns.
I have a hickman(Groshong)line so swimming out.
Good luck
jenny xx
Hi Xiaoping
I have finished my chemo now and luckily had no infections. I made no adjustments to my life or diet at all, and went to work in a customer service office throughout. So I would say be sensible, but don’t worry too much about the risk of infections. It is like every other SE of cancer treatment, some of us are lucky and sail through and others are unfortunate and suffer terrilbly, despite every effort to do the ‘right’ thing.
Good luck, best wishes
Jacqui x
I am due to have my last chemo tomorrow (TAX). After the first chemo I felt so rubbish I knew I had to do something so I went swimming. My BCN said it was fine and to be honest it is the best thing I could have done. I have been twice a week. I don’t go for the first few days after chemo. Touch wood haven’t had an infection but all the usual side effects, but psychologically it has helped me immensely.
Just came back from the swimming pool now. Luckily I go to a heated outdoor lido, which in this weather is bliss!
I think you have to do what is best for you.
Hi - i used echinacea throat spray every day throughout chemo as a preventative and i did spend money on the hugely priced Lifemel honey - everyone will have their own view on the benefits or otherwise of certain things - people can really only speak from their own experience. i didn’t pick up any infections throughout and believe these things helped. Good luck.
Lynn
ps - the lifemel didn’t help with keeping the white count up (as its claimed to do ) but i’m sure it contributed to the immune system stuff.
Xiaoping,
Please don’t get paranoid about this. I had FEC chemo over the last winter and didn’t pick up one bug.
Didn’t go to work as I work in a school but I went to the pub, cinema. cafes, restaurants, weddings, supermrkets etc. Friends coughed over me but I’d rather had seen them to keep cheery than put myself in quarantene.
I walked my dogs twice a day to get fresh air, didn’t swim though.
If you feel poorly take your temperature but don’t get paranoid about that either.
It’s a long haul through chemo and keeping a normal life and not thinking that you’re ill or special really helped me cope. It stops friends fussing as well.
Best of luck and hope you don’t have too many SEs.
I did as Wriggly but I did swim until half way through my chemo. Every Onc seems to have a different view. I was worried about swine flu, was vaccinated and didn’t pick up anything. Treat your body nicely, rest, eat what you feel like and fresh air is always good. My Oncky is of the opinion that you can live in solitary confinement and still pick up something, so don’t change what you do! I used to carry the no water handwash with me if I was out shopping etc, but I think that may be me being a bit OCD!
Take care
x
I just started my chemotherapy yesterday too, so we’re synchronised for now. Which regimen are you on? I’m concerned about infections too, having a two year old who picks up every germ going at nursery and being pregnant.
I’m planning to use jala neti to help fend off germs - basically snorting salt water twice a day to help keep germs out of your nose and throat. It’s a yoga practice.
So far, I feel ok. Not great, but not like death. How are you feeling after yesterday’s cycle?
Just finished chemo and despite being neutropenic at the start 0.6, did not pick up any infections and carried on as normal, school run, assemblies etc, If your neuts are low you may be given injections to boost your counts. If your temp goes over 38 celsius you should contact you chemo unit. Otherwise I did everything I would have ordinarily have done applying common sense, ie not visiting a friend who said she had the flu etc, staying off live yoghurt, cheeses, pates and so on. My kids had various bugs but I never caught anything. Hope all goes well for you.
I have 6XFEC-T, after my 1st chemo, I got serious nausea and vomiting unfourtunately, and stayed one night in the Hospital…, now it’s back to normal, except unpleasant mouth-taste.
By the way, I was told beetroot is heplful over chemo.
Did you take any anti-sick tablet prior to chemo-injection?
And did you give a suggestion for an implantable port?
Hi there
I was told to avoid live, bio youghurts and pate, basically the things you should avoid in pregnancy ane be careful with herbal things too, avoid swimming pools and crowded areas.
dee49
i have a booster injection to bring my white cells up its work for me its done day after chemo ive had one 2day feel ok started to get sore mouth and constant ulcers then ear infection been ok since injections started touch wood take care its all trial and error seeing which one is best for good luck
Sorry to know you suffered a lot, hope the booster injection is helpful.
Yes, doctor always provides a general guideline, like dee49 mentioned, but people responds to the drugs differently, so it is good to know some tips or expriences from pateints like us.
There are a few of ways to booster body immuno-system, some have been mentioned in the previous emails, that may be useful to you.