Worried about colds, flu, etc

JanInMN said:

My white blood cell count
My white blood cell count went way down after my first chemo, and they made me stay out of work for a week (I work in a hospital). After my next round, they gave me Neulasta, which kept my white blood cell (and immunity) up nicely. I never got a cold or flu while I was getting Neulasta. I also did all the things you'd expect, like washing hands, disinfecting things, etc. Oh, and my acupuncturist felt that acupuncture once a week was helping with immunity as well. :-)

Just use an abundance of caution.
My oncologist really stressed the need to try to stay away from those who were sick, wash my hands frequently, and avoid crowds. I know this is sometimes not feasible, but when undergoing chemo, the risk of infection is so much greater. The Neulesta shot will bring those white blood cells back up, but you also need to be aware of your surroundings, and don't place yourself at risk unnecessarily. You are right, in that those undergoing treatment who are teachers, you are subjected to more germs than others. Lots of Anti-bacterial gel is one way, and generally try to stay away from the sneezy, coughy little ones. After my third chemo, and after taking the Neulesta shot, I had some work done in my house which created dust in the air (replaced flooring in our bottom floor). A week later I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia. Lesson learner here was to postpone those large home projects, and keep your home as environmentally safe as possible. That major work will wait until our immune system has had a chance to replenish itself. Good luck with your quest, and always remember that you come first right now. Get out when you feel like it, and be aware of your surroundings. Hugs, Judy

Annette 11 said:

Colds and flu
NJ Mom,
I am concerned about catching a cold or flu especially with the cold weather coming in now. I take extra care and wear a mask when I go grocery shopping and I get up ealy to go when it's not crowded. Some may say I'm over reacting but I don't think so. I just don't want to get sick and interrupt my chemo treatments. So Now my husband doesn't have to hank me away when someone sneezes...he was going to give me whiplash! LOL
I haven't been to the mall...I just stay away as much as possible.
FYI...the mask I bought is from walmart, it's not the lightweight ones it's the heavyduty. It's the mask that keeps all germs out.
Annette

Bumping up .. Annette .. WBC
I did wear masks last year when my WBC went all over the place during my chemo therapy.. and sorry to say ;.. I was also under 'house arrest' for weeks at a time!

My husband and I went to the USC/Oregon Ducks game on Saturday night and I just got out of bed .. too much for me, but well WORTH IT!!!

Best careful, cleaning and shopping can wait -- but you will have to live your life around your chemo and WBC results .. Sorry.


Strength and Courage:

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Vicki Sam ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•