Hi all, just a quick question,
I started chemo 6 x TAC last week and was given antibiotics to take from day 5, I hate taking antibiotics, I was feeling a bit better but after taking them this morning am now feeling sick again. Has anyone not taken them or not been given them in he first place. I know what hey are for but I would rather be a well feeling recluse than know I was safe to go out!
Herbi x
Hi Herbi,
I am having x3 Fec then x3 Tac and I was told I would be given antibiotics for the middle week, but then I wasn’t.
However I got an infected arm above the site where the chemo was given, so ended up with them anyway !
Perhaps you could ask them to change the antibiotics to other ones that don’t make you feel sick.
Fiona x
Hey herbi
Happy new year Hun xxx
I was given ciprofloxacin to take from day 8 post chemo for 7 days. About 24 hours after my first dose, my lips were tingling, and I had the most horrendous heartburn and indigestion so bad I couldn’t even drink. I took the decision to not take them, I knew they were making me feel unwell. I told the ONC at my next chemo and he wasn’t worried, he said they are just preventative and indeed not all units prescribe antibiotics for chemotherapy patients so I wasn’t to worry. He didn’t change the antibiotics just said monitor my temp and report anything which indicated I may have any infection. So I now don’t take any antibiotics during the 2nd week.
They also prescribed anti fungals to take but he stopped those also.
Mention it to the unit and they will advise…
Hi Herbi
I am on TAC like you and I take ab from day 5. They give me the runs a bit but other than that I’ve not had a problem with them. I should have a word with your onc if the are causing problems. I got extra meds to help with heartburn after 1st dose so maybe these help as well. I think they are just to help keep your blood count in order and make sure your well enough for the next dose!
I hope things settle a bit for you.
Weme
Like Weme I was given ABs from day 5. they told me it was only in case you pick up an infection when your bloods are low. I had a bit of an allergic reaction so stopped the first lot after day 6, and the second lot I only took 2 days. The third I didn’t take them, but I had told the onc what I was doing. Then I got a burst eardrum so had to take some different ones anyway! You should maybe ring the helpline, and they can advise. I hate taking ab’s too, so good luck…
Tx
I wasn’t given abx - just told to stay away from crowds/ill people. I did get a touch of phlebitis and so had a week of them then.
Dx
I didn’t know people were given preventative AB’s, u learn something new on here everyday,lol. I had an infection during my first chemo & was given them & when i took them in the morning they made me sick. So i started the 3 a day at dinnertime after food & had no problems. I think it was taking them on an empty stomach that did it.
Hi guys. After my first cycle of taxotere I was neutropaenic and ended up in hospital with an infection. I was on iv antibiotics non-stop for 4 days and barrier nursed, which was lonely! As a result since then I’ve been prescribed G-CSF (bone marrow stimulating) injections which I have to inject every day for 10 days, two days after chemo. I’m convinced that they keep me infection free and give me an overall sense of well being once the side effects of chemo subside.
I won’t bore you with the list of other medications, probably same as yours! I realise all centres are different but perhaps you should enquire about these?
Wishing you all a happy and healthier new year!
Luv Sharon x
We don’t routinely get ABs at my unit… I’m on tax and carbo…
But if neuts are between 1 and 1.5 they will give them for day 7-14. If neuts over 1.5 on Chemo day you don’t get them and if they are under 1 on Chemo day then Chemo is delayed.
I get pegfilgrastim to inject the day after Chemo to boost my White cells and check my temp regularly… Only get this cos I’m on tax when I was on EpiCMF I didn’t get injections.
I Also get steroids the day before day of and day after Chemo but was only day of Chemo for three day with EpiCMF.
So not only does it vary from unit to unit but varies from Chemo to Chemo too.
Lxx
Hi Herbi
I started my 1st TAC today & was not given any antibiotics or even had them mentioned to me,i was just given plenty of anti sickness drugs & told the district nurse will visit tomorrow to give me an injection to boost my white blood cells.
Tracey.x
Hi all,
Thanks for all ur comments, it,s really interesting to see how everyone’s treatment is different. I decided not to take any more ab’s as they were making me feel worse than I was anyway, which is bad enough! I’ve never been a great pill taker, preferring to rely on home remedies fot sniffles and snuffles and , apart from this ( throws back head in ironic laugh) am rarely I’ll. Will just be reclusive for a few days and maybe hang a keep away sign on my door!
Thanks again
Herbi x
Know what you mean, herbi! I have always used complementary medicines as far as possible, and usually the only drug I would take is paracetamol - suddenly we’re taking and having all these chemicals! Our poor bodies… Hope you’re doing well after your first TAC.
x