Concern about Pam5 and Question
I'm here tonight, because Pam's not in any shape to go online. She's felt terrible for the past three days, and she's running a fever tonight of 101--even after taking ibuprofen.
She saw her GP today, because she can't seem to stop coughing. He said he couldn't really detect infection in her lungs, but because of the fever (101 then, too), it probably wasn't a direct result of the chemo. The other thing her gp said is that her mouth shows signs of a nasty yeast infection. He put her on still another antibiotic and got her liquid nystatin for the yeast.
She does plan to call her oncologist tomorrow, but I also wanted to know if any of you had thoughts. In so many ways, you're the experts here!
Thanks to everyone who has any ideas. Hope you all survived Irene. We had a basement with water up to my ankles, but I kept vigil all night, and between us both, by dawn, there was on water left--just dampness.
Andie
Comments
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sorry to hear this
and glad that she is on antibiotics. How is her white blood count? If that is low she may want to go for IV antibiotics as being quicker than oral. Unfortunately we are vulnerable to all kinds of infections when our immune system has been compromised by treatment. I had a fever in the middle of chemo and went to the ER (it started Sunday night) and they gave me IV fluids as well as IV antibiotics. It was a nuisance since I was there the whole night but I'm still glad I went as it knocked out the infection.
I;m glad she's seen the doctor and hope that she recovers soon. If not call again and don;t be afraid to be persistant if you are not getting results. If you feel you're not getting enough from the doctor then go to the ER. They will test her blood, take X rays, urine, etc, and generally test for everything.
Laura0 -
Where in the chemo cycle is she?dbhadra said:sorry to hear this
and glad that she is on antibiotics. How is her white blood count? If that is low she may want to go for IV antibiotics as being quicker than oral. Unfortunately we are vulnerable to all kinds of infections when our immune system has been compromised by treatment. I had a fever in the middle of chemo and went to the ER (it started Sunday night) and they gave me IV fluids as well as IV antibiotics. It was a nuisance since I was there the whole night but I'm still glad I went as it knocked out the infection.
I;m glad she's seen the doctor and hope that she recovers soon. If not call again and don;t be afraid to be persistant if you are not getting results. If you feel you're not getting enough from the doctor then go to the ER. They will test her blood, take X rays, urine, etc, and generally test for everything.
Laura
Andie - I ran a fever every single cycle, and although blood work would show elevated white cells with a left shift, no site of infection was ever identified. My primary care physician took good care of me BUT the last cycle my oncologist said she might have hospitalized me (I was also tachycardic, low BP and anemic). Although I was/am fine, it sure wouldn't hurt and would probably be a good idea to call the oncologist in the morning - at least to let her know what's going on. And, if the fever gets to 101.5 (or is it 100.5?) off to the emergency room you go.
Take good care of Pam and give her our love.
Suzanne0 -
I don't want to scare you,
I don't want to scare you, but I was told to go to the ER if the fever got to 101. I'm sure each doc has a slightly different protocol when it comes to this. But don't feel like you have to wait until morning to do something. If your gut, or Pam's gut feels like something isn't right don't wait.
I'm glad to hear Irene wasn't too horrible for you. And I hope you're able to get rid of the damp soon.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
fevers and immune countGabe N Abby Mom said:I don't want to scare you,
I don't want to scare you, but I was told to go to the ER if the fever got to 101. I'm sure each doc has a slightly different protocol when it comes to this. But don't feel like you have to wait until morning to do something. If your gut, or Pam's gut feels like something isn't right don't wait.
I'm glad to hear Irene wasn't too horrible for you. And I hope you're able to get rid of the damp soon.
Hugs,
Linda
Thanks so much to all of you for your knowledge and for how generously you share it.
Pam had her immune count checked by the onco two weeks ago tomorrow--and it was really high...much higher than any of us expected (that's the fighter part of her!)
I just told her all of your thoughts about possible hospitalization. I also want to double-check her temp before I go to sleep. I thought the IV antibiotics might be a really good idea, and I suggested she mention that to her oncologist when they talk tomorrow.
Linda, wasn't there something going on with you? Tests? Sorry I can't remember more clearly. Anyway, I hope that all went well.
Thanks for weighing in, everyone and sharing your experiences. I've never seen her quite so weak before, in 21 years; I just got concerned.
Andie0 -
101 Was My Magic Number, TooGabe N Abby Mom said:I don't want to scare you,
I don't want to scare you, but I was told to go to the ER if the fever got to 101. I'm sure each doc has a slightly different protocol when it comes to this. But don't feel like you have to wait until morning to do something. If your gut, or Pam's gut feels like something isn't right don't wait.
I'm glad to hear Irene wasn't too horrible for you. And I hope you're able to get rid of the damp soon.
Hugs,
Linda
Ask the oncologist if there is a temperature that is a cutoff. I was told to call if my temperature was over 101. If it happened during onco clinic hours, they would see me there. Otherwise the resident on call would send me to the ER. That was one of the few very firm rules during chemo, along with taking my temp every morning because you can have a fever without noticing. I was fortunate that it happened only once, but everyone, including in the ER, knew just what to do. Hope Pam is feeling better soon.0 -
I too was told 101mollieb said:101 Was My Magic Number, Too
Ask the oncologist if there is a temperature that is a cutoff. I was told to call if my temperature was over 101. If it happened during onco clinic hours, they would see me there. Otherwise the resident on call would send me to the ER. That was one of the few very firm rules during chemo, along with taking my temp every morning because you can have a fever without noticing. I was fortunate that it happened only once, but everyone, including in the ER, knew just what to do. Hope Pam is feeling better soon.
but my normal temp was about a degree lower than the "average" 98.6 so I called when I was up 3 degrees with nasal congestion etc. and got put on meds PDQ. Let us know what the onc does. Hope things improve soon!0 -
Awww.. please pass along mymollieb said:101 Was My Magic Number, Too
Ask the oncologist if there is a temperature that is a cutoff. I was told to call if my temperature was over 101. If it happened during onco clinic hours, they would see me there. Otherwise the resident on call would send me to the ER. That was one of the few very firm rules during chemo, along with taking my temp every morning because you can have a fever without noticing. I was fortunate that it happened only once, but everyone, including in the ER, knew just what to do. Hope Pam is feeling better soon.
Awww.. please pass along my love and support too. Sorry I can't help with the infection matters but the 101 temp has me concerned. By this posting she should have seen a doctor already and I pray that things turn around real soon for our dear sister Pam.
Hugs to you both Andie,
Lorrie0 -
Hugs to you both ... so many possible healthbutterflylvr said:Awww.. please pass along my
Awww.. please pass along my love and support too. Sorry I can't help with the infection matters but the 101 temp has me concerned. By this posting she should have seen a doctor already and I pray that things turn around real soon for our dear sister Pam.
Hugs to you both Andie,
Lorrie
issues going on right now -- Please contact Oncologist or go to ER. Any temp over 100 is concern, in my book.
I always referred to my Oncologist first -- before initiating any appointments with GP, or GYNO. Just my rule of thumb - due to all my weird side efforts from chemo.
Gentle hugs to the two of you, and please know that I am praying for the two of you.
Vicki Sam0 -
Oh noooo Andie...VickiSam said:Hugs to you both ... so many possible health
issues going on right now -- Please contact Oncologist or go to ER. Any temp over 100 is concern, in my book.
I always referred to my Oncologist first -- before initiating any appointments with GP, or GYNO. Just my rule of thumb - due to all my weird side efforts from chemo.
Gentle hugs to the two of you, and please know that I am praying for the two of you.
Vicki Sam
Andie, when I saw your post I had to log on. First off, I pray that Pam is feeling better. My goodness, she has been thru so very much every step of the way. I just replied to her before Irene, and had no idea she took a turn for the worst.
Yes, my onc. wants me to call with any temp. over 101, or go to the ER immediately. So I am assuming that has been addressed. It is strange to me that her GP thinks the fever is not related to the chemo treatments. You know, I often feel like I am feverish, but my temp is always below, sometimes only slightly, the 101 number. Hot flashes, I guess.
I absolutely understand about the mouth infections. Be sure Pam is drinking plenty. Especially to get those nasty chemo toxins out. I hope the fluids help to get the fever down, along with any meds. she needs to take. I find it really hard to drink nearly anything, with mouth sores...for me, that is a constant struggle. I've found, when I start feeling off, I probably wasn't drinking enough. I really wish I could offer some advise to help make it easier for Pam to get thru this. We are all in this together! Be sure to send her well wishes and hugs from me.
Hugs to you both,
Debbie0 -
Hormone therapy???pinkpalette said:Oh noooo Andie...
Andie, when I saw your post I had to log on. First off, I pray that Pam is feeling better. My goodness, she has been thru so very much every step of the way. I just replied to her before Irene, and had no idea she took a turn for the worst.
Yes, my onc. wants me to call with any temp. over 101, or go to the ER immediately. So I am assuming that has been addressed. It is strange to me that her GP thinks the fever is not related to the chemo treatments. You know, I often feel like I am feverish, but my temp is always below, sometimes only slightly, the 101 number. Hot flashes, I guess.
I absolutely understand about the mouth infections. Be sure Pam is drinking plenty. Especially to get those nasty chemo toxins out. I hope the fluids help to get the fever down, along with any meds. she needs to take. I find it really hard to drink nearly anything, with mouth sores...for me, that is a constant struggle. I've found, when I start feeling off, I probably wasn't drinking enough. I really wish I could offer some advise to help make it easier for Pam to get thru this. We are all in this together! Be sure to send her well wishes and hugs from me.
Hugs to you both,
Debbie
Again, everyone, thanks for all your feedback, your support and for sharing your strength and concern. I've got to get ready for work, but I did want to give you a "progress" report on Pam:
She finally got through to her oncologist, who called and talked with her GP (so many doctors!). Anyway, they decided Pam should continue with the antibiotics, because they thought there was probably an infection of some sort, and they upped her prednisone.
Her onco also said that it appears she may NOT be able to handle the chemo, so he's suggesting hormone therapy. I know nothing about this and am concerned that it may not be effective in actually preventing this awful cancer from progressing.
Do any of you have experience with this or know about successes with it?
If the hormone treatment doesn't work, he said that he might then go to her cancer surgeon and suggest a more radical surgery than they were hoping for.
Pam's encouraged that there may be an alternative. She's still coughing a lot, but in general, she seems to be feeling a little better. One of our neighbors saw Pam on Monday and told me she'd never seen anyone look worse. I had certainly never seen her look that bad. It definitely concerned me.
I'm grateful that I have this forum, where I can come and talk with those of you who know about all this first-hand. Again, thanks for your time and for your help. ps: we're going to get a picture up of Pam over the coming weekend, I hope. I always think it's good to have pictures in addition to just a name.
Off to work. Hope you all have a really good day and all feel good!
Andie0 -
Hoping..Andie3 said:Hormone therapy???
Again, everyone, thanks for all your feedback, your support and for sharing your strength and concern. I've got to get ready for work, but I did want to give you a "progress" report on Pam:
She finally got through to her oncologist, who called and talked with her GP (so many doctors!). Anyway, they decided Pam should continue with the antibiotics, because they thought there was probably an infection of some sort, and they upped her prednisone.
Her onco also said that it appears she may NOT be able to handle the chemo, so he's suggesting hormone therapy. I know nothing about this and am concerned that it may not be effective in actually preventing this awful cancer from progressing.
Do any of you have experience with this or know about successes with it?
If the hormone treatment doesn't work, he said that he might then go to her cancer surgeon and suggest a more radical surgery than they were hoping for.
Pam's encouraged that there may be an alternative. She's still coughing a lot, but in general, she seems to be feeling a little better. One of our neighbors saw Pam on Monday and told me she'd never seen anyone look worse. I had certainly never seen her look that bad. It definitely concerned me.
I'm grateful that I have this forum, where I can come and talk with those of you who know about all this first-hand. Again, thanks for your time and for your help. ps: we're going to get a picture up of Pam over the coming weekend, I hope. I always think it's good to have pictures in addition to just a name.
Off to work. Hope you all have a really good day and all feel good!
Andie
She can continue the chemo...chemo is what fights the cancer and tries to rid the body of it....hormone therapy is taken AFTER treatment to try and ward off a recurrence...her bc must be hormone receptive..what type does she have.
Hoping she's feeling better....0 -
Hormone vs ChemoMAJW said:Hoping..
She can continue the chemo...chemo is what fights the cancer and tries to rid the body of it....hormone therapy is taken AFTER treatment to try and ward off a recurrence...her bc must be hormone receptive..what type does she have.
Hoping she's feeling better....
Thanks for your response!
I'm a little bit confused...mostly because I thought her onco was considering the hormone therapy in lieu of the chemo. My concern when she told me that was having the cancer spread during that therapy.
Maybe I need to do more research.
I'm not sure what type of cancer she has, but she did say something to me about it being hormone receptive.
She was feeling better yesterday but today she's not good again.
Frustrating. Must be for everyone!0 -
Very glad to know that PamAndie3 said:Hormone vs Chemo
Thanks for your response!
I'm a little bit confused...mostly because I thought her onco was considering the hormone therapy in lieu of the chemo. My concern when she told me that was having the cancer spread during that therapy.
Maybe I need to do more research.
I'm not sure what type of cancer she has, but she did say something to me about it being hormone receptive.
She was feeling better yesterday but today she's not good again.
Frustrating. Must be for everyone!
Very glad to know that Pam is doing better today Andie.0 -
Days Start Running TogetherNoel said:Very glad to know that Pam
Very glad to know that Pam is doing better today Andie.
Noel, thanks for your response. Unfortunately, today was actually a pretty awful day for her, with several symptoms flaring.
Yesterday was a lot better.
But those good days make me feel hopeful. As do all of you. It's an absolutely extraordinary group of fighters you have here. Thanks again for including me so warmly. I read a lot of the posts but am shy about responding, because I have no experience with this nasty disease...but know I'm reading, caring, praying.
Andie0 -
So sorry Andie to read thatAndie3 said:Days Start Running Together
Noel, thanks for your response. Unfortunately, today was actually a pretty awful day for her, with several symptoms flaring.
Yesterday was a lot better.
But those good days make me feel hopeful. As do all of you. It's an absolutely extraordinary group of fighters you have here. Thanks again for including me so warmly. I read a lot of the posts but am shy about responding, because I have no experience with this nasty disease...but know I'm reading, caring, praying.
Andie
So sorry Andie to read that Pam had such an awful day. Yes, focus on the good days!
Pam is in my prayers.
Hugs, Lex0 -
Praying for Pam!Hugs, LeezaGabe N Abby Mom said:I don't want to scare you,
I don't want to scare you, but I was told to go to the ER if the fever got to 101. I'm sure each doc has a slightly different protocol when it comes to this. But don't feel like you have to wait until morning to do something. If your gut, or Pam's gut feels like something isn't right don't wait.
I'm glad to hear Irene wasn't too horrible for you. And I hope you're able to get rid of the damp soon.
Hugs,
Linda
Praying for Pam!
Hugs, Leeza0 -
I was told either oncologist
I was told either oncologist office if open or ER immediately if temp hits 100.50 -
It All Helpsjnl said:Praying for Pam!Hugs, Leeza
Praying for Pam!
Hugs, Leeza
All the support, the prayers, the good wishes!
Pam seems to be going backwards, and I feel so awful and powerless about it. Now, it's become difficult to walk even a little, because she has such little lung capacity. And for some reason, driving has become too difficult.
She's not supposed to see the oncologist again until a week from this coming Tues. I think she definitely needs to get in touch before then.
Or maybe this is all jsut part of the terrible journey of chemo.
Andie0 -
Feversatiredparent said:I was told either oncologist
I was told either oncologist office if open or ER immediately if temp hits 100.5
She's still running a low-grade fever, but thankfully, not as high as it was the other day.
I'm trying to encourage her to do some reading aobut the treatment she's on. So far, she's read that lung problems and breathing problems can be a side effect of neulasta. I have no idea where she read that or how reliable the site/source is.
My background is journalism, so I'm always an advocate of learning as much as you can and trying to use reliable sources to stay informed.0 -
Is she better?Andie3 said:Fevers
She's still running a low-grade fever, but thankfully, not as high as it was the other day.
I'm trying to encourage her to do some reading aobut the treatment she's on. So far, she's read that lung problems and breathing problems can be a side effect of neulasta. I have no idea where she read that or how reliable the site/source is.
My background is journalism, so I'm always an advocate of learning as much as you can and trying to use reliable sources to stay informed.
I don't like that this is hanging on so long and we're approaching a 3-day weekend. Promise me that if she is not improving that you get in touch with the oncologist on call and/or go to the ER. Might be time for some IV antibiotics or stronger intervention. On the other hand, your oncologist knows a lot more than me about what to worry about and what to allow time to heal.
I'm sorry Pam is having such a hard time with chemo. I really hate it.
Suzanne0
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