Ongoing infection post-chemo

cornbread

Hello, 74 year old female in remission from Diffuse Large Cell NH Lymphoma having completed 5 RCHOP cycles in 11/23. Since then, I'm experiencing repeated infections—cold, influenza, sinus, UTI. Is this common? I'd be interested in hearing if others experience this and how they cope I feel like a sitting duck!.

wbcgaruss

OK, this is Russ from the H&N section, I see you found the discussion board you need.

Take Care, God Bless

Russ

po18guy

So sorry to hear this. The treatment has suppressed your bone marrow, that is, the source of your immune system. It does take some time to recover, however the litany of infections is cause for concern. How have your blood counts been? Does your hematologist have any comment? Infection can be a major threat, so some investigation into this is warranted, I would think.

What you may have to do is to adopt the Covid regimen of social distancing, masks and gloves for a time. Hand washing and sanitizing groceries and even possibly packages and mail. However, not all of your infections are airborne or contact-related. I would think that a conversation with your doctor or even an infectious disease specialist might be in order.

ShadyGuy

Sorry to hear this. I know next to nothing about it as I never had those issues after the two times I had chemo. However one thing I vividly remember being told was to avoid pets for a few months after chemo. If you have dogs, cats, birds etc. you may want to keep them at bay for a while. They can have germs and diseases, toxoplasmosis for example, which your body cannot defend against in its weakened state. Good luck and hoping things improve for you.