Well I’ve just enjoyed my third week of my 1st cycle of chemo in hospital for a few days as I developed a temperature as a reaction to my white blood cell count being low (went to .99 yesterday). Apparently this can be a common reaction and they have to err on the side of caution as there could be an infection present.
It was one of the potential side effects (neutropenic sepsis) that the chemo nurse emphasised to me during my chemo funnily enough.They gave me oral antibiotics and monitored me for a few days, temp stayed ok; I actually began to feel better as soon as I got to the hospital late on Monday evening - typical !
Just wondered if anyone else has had this and I’m a bit worried that it might happen again. Hospital couldn’t say whether it would or not; depends on the individual etc but it may not. maybe it’s my body getting used to the chemo as it’s the first one of many lovely ones !! I am due to have chemo 2 (FEC-T) next week so will see how my bloods are doing then.
I think most of us who have undergone chemo have had at least one bout of neutropenia. But I think they usually give IV antibiotics. I know I did when I went in on my 4th cycle. Temperature of 38.7, zero white blood cells. Are they giving you the filgastrim or neulasta injections? Some hospitals give them straight away while others wait until after the first dose to see how you go. When you go to see your oncologist before your next cyle, ask about them. It _ should _ reduce the risk of you becoming neutropenic again. Are you a member of one of the monthly chemo threads? If not, pop along to the ‘Having treatment for breast cancer’ section. There is one for September, I’m sure they’ll be only too happy to have you join them.
The 6th day of my first cycle saw a temp of 38.1 which meant a midnight visit to hospital. They said I showed signs of neutropenia but my temp came down over the next couple of hours and they sent me home with oral antibiotics. Reading through the forum, the occasional visit to the hospital for temps isn’t uncommon.
I have the neulast injectons each treatment (I had it on the first one as well).
I have had a dodgy temp each cycle around about day 6 but it has never got as high as 38 since so I haven’t had to go back to hospital.
Speak to your onc at your next clinic appointment and they may sort you out with the injection
Hi, I was the same as you, on my first chemo for FEC-T and on my third week ended up in hospital for a couple of nights . Pleased to say I had my second chemo last week and fingers crossed have been fine so far and temperature seems alot more stable this time, so hopefully things will settle down for you and you will be fine next time.
I also developed neutropenia after first FEC, I’m having my dose reduced by 20% for my next one, due this Friday, would be great to hear if others have got on all right with their next one. Thanks
I had m y 1st FEC_T on the 23rd Sept a week later I was rushed in as an emergency with Neutropenic Sepsis. I was fine during the day a little tired and nauseous but had been nauseous since the chemo and tired. it just suddenly came over me I began projectile vomiting which was relentless for over an hour before my son called an ambulance as I was slumped on the floor in the bathroom and I was going into shock. I have never in my life and I am 5 4 felt so wretched . I felt I would die & was wandering if my grade 3 stage iii B/C would be a more preferable way to die my white blood cells were so low 0.02. I was hospitalised for 3 days and my blood count is back up to 4 now, so my ONC is going to modify my chemo next time around as my body obviously cant take the strength of the chemo
Hi T-12 and welcome to the BCC forums
It,sounds as though you have had a very worrying time, in addition to the support,you will share here our helpliners are on hand weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2 with practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000 so please feel free to call
