HER2

Hi Airlie, sorry to hear that you are going through this too. But this network is great for finding people who have gone through what you are going through and who I have found have such great advice. 

I am HER2 positive but Stage 1 borderline Stage 2. Am doing 4 rounds Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide, Herceptin for 12 months and 30 sessions of radiation.

I have been unfortunate in that I had one hospitalisation for 6 days due to fever during round 1 of chemo and another 2 hospital visits/treatments for fevers during my second round. This has meant lots and lots of antibiotic medication through IV and tablets. I have my third round of chemo tomorrow. They have never found a definite source of infection. I have always had poor immunity even before chemo - my doctors think it's a complication from being born premature (although I am now 47 so go figure!)

To help me try and avoid infections/fevers I am using biotene tooth paste and bicarb mouthwash from the chemist 4 times a day. a lot of anti bacterial wipes (I buy in bulk from Costco). A lot of hand washing to the nursing standard (singing 2 happy birthdays and washing down to the wrist, then moisturise as your hands will really dry out - I use Moo Goo Skin udder cream for this) and use hand sanitiser (it's all over the house). I have betadine antiseptic wash (that brown liquid iodine stuff that they use in hospital) after noticing a scratch from a rose bush and have stopped all gardening. I aeroguard and am careful not to get bitten by mosquitos in case I scratch and get an infection. Nail brush also gets a workout. I only drink bottled water (as suggested by the hospital because of my high risk). I wash all fruit and veg and try to eat as healthy as I can. From now on if I have to go to the doctor at anytime during chemo I will wear a mask. As all my fevers start with a sore throat I am now sucking antibacterial mouth lozenges and have another antibacterial mouth wash on standby as well which was suggested to me from other wonderful ladies on this network.

My oncologist prescribed Neulasta injections to boost my white blood cells and neutrophils that has helped to minimise the time I am actually IN the hospital.  

When I ask my oncologist why I keep getting fevers she tells me it's probably viral which I can get through the air. Now I have decided to stop working to see if I can get through a cycle without these problems.

So I guess I am doing everything we can think of to stay as healthy as I can. But we'll see what happens with cycle 3. I hope your anxiety over germs can be kept under control. Be reassured there are treatments if you get sick. The oncology staff are exceptional at taking of chemo patients so don't hesitate to call them about your concerns once you start chemo.

Take care and keep in touch ----    Nadine