Forum Discussion

Tink's avatar
Tink
Member
12 years ago

Hospital visit

Well I found myself admitted to hospital on Saturday night due to a virus which I would have shaken off had I not been having chemo! I felt awful during the day and then the dreaded happened - my temp went over 38. Sigh. Presented at emergency and after 4 hours which included 2 lots of antibiotics and heaps of fluids via the iv, they decided to admit me. I didn't want to stay at first and then my sister and common sense prevailed - hospital was the best place for me! Apparently I picked up the virus (nausea and quite spectacular diarrhoea!) at the Melbourne Cup lunch I went to. I was so excited to get out of the house and do something on the day and I had a blast. However this was the price I paid!! Although I am not up to doing all that much at the moment, I am wondering what to do about things like my monthly Ladies Lunches where I catch up with the girls, plus I've got a 50th to go to soon and a 60th. Should I not go? I really don't want to risk another infection. My white blood cell count is down as it is, and I get the booster shot after each chemo round. I would really like to know what you think is the best thing in your experiences, and if you have had the same thing happen to you. Many thanks Tink xx

5 Replies

  • Tink's avatar
    Tink
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks Deanne. I will certainly check with my oncologist about that when I have my next round on Thursday. Great advice!!
  • Tink's avatar
    Tink
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks Deanne. I will certainly check with my oncologist about that when I have my next round on Thursday. Great advice!!
  • Tink's avatar
    Tink
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks Deanne. I will certainly check with my oncologist about that when I have my next round on Thursday. Great advice!!
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I think you have to weigh up the risks and benefits for each situation. Did your oncologist give you info about when your white blood count will be at its lowest? For me it was from about day 7 to 14. I used to avoid crowds and close contact with others during this time. I also was almost religious about hand washing! Despite this I too ended up with an infection and had a 3 day hospital stay after my 4th chemo. My oncologist said that often we are more at risk from bacteria on our own bodies rather than germs from others (urinary tract infections, infected wounds etc) but I still felt more comfortable avoiding public places during that time when my immune system was struggling. Even though it seems like forever in reality chemo is only a fairly short time. There will be plenty of opportunity to catch up with people when you are finished treatment and not at risk of life-threatening infections. People understand. Hope that you have a better run with the rest of your chemo. Hospital stays are not fun! Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I think you have to weigh up the risks and benefits for each situation. Did your oncologist give you info about when your white blood count will be at its lowest? For me it was from about day 7 to 14. I used to avoid crowds and close contact with others during this time. I also was almost religious about hand washing! Despite this I too ended up with an infection and had a 3 day hospital stay after my 4th chemo. My oncologist said that often we are more at risk from bacteria on our own bodies rather than germs from others (urinary tract infections, infected wounds etc) but I still felt more comfortable avoiding public places during that time when my immune system was struggling. Even though it seems like forever in reality chemo is only a fairly short time. There will be plenty of opportunity to catch up with people when you are finished treatment and not at risk of life-threatening infections. People understand. Hope that you have a better run with the rest of your chemo. Hospital stays are not fun! Take care. Deanne xxx