Temperature

[SJB]

I have 2 digital thermometers so I can double check. Also I noticed they seemed to read low orally so I took one in to the hospital and had it calibrated (the nurse took my ear reading while I took an oral reading to compare) and my thermometers read a whole degree lower than the ear thermometer, which is accurate!

She then said that the most accurate way to read your thermometer at home is rectally, so I now keep one of them for that if my temp fluctuates orally. Be sure to invest in sterile wipes though!

Low temp is a sign of neutropenia, so check hourly if it happens and ring the emergency line if it stays below 36. Also never forget that you should not have paracetamol in your system when taking your temperature x

[Mariecay]

Hi Tracy
Thanks for your reply. They didn't mention low temp to me so I'm gonna ask them when I go back. It odd go up a couple of hours later so alls well 🙂 x

[Tracy1967]

Mariecay I was told to contact my chemo team if my temperature went below 35, if it's was 38 or above and if it was around 37.5 for more than an hour. With a low temperature you need to watch out for hypothermia. I've been neutropenic 3 times now (joys of chemo - NOT) and on all times my temperature rose above 38.

Good luck with your chemo

Tracy XXX

[Mariecay]

Hi penny, my usual temperature is in the same range as yours too x

[Penny47]

Hi Mariecay- before I started chemo my onc recommended I take my temp for a few days to find out my "normal" normal temp.  Having never used a digital thermometer before this was quite a revelation and how I discovered I have a low normal core temp.  (35.8-36.5). Maybe try taking yours in your week 3 if you experience no se's then?

[Mariecay]

Thank you for your reply, I've re checked and it's gone back up 🙂 x

[Lakeslover]

Low temperature can be a sign of neutropenia, so best to check it again and if it is still low give your chemo unit a call.

[Mariecay]

Hi guys, bit of advice please....day 8 of TAC and done my morning temperature check and it's 34.4....it's been around 36.7 every day...they never said anything about low temperature so wondering if this is normal? X