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JessicaV's avatar
JessicaV
Member
12 years ago

Is Ending Antibiotics just before ultrasevere Neutropenia reading OK?

I just woke up with a realisation about my treatment that worries me.

I got a staph infection of my mastectomy drain came out and because the nurse failed to check this with the surgeon, I did not start on antibiotics until two days later so ended up with a severe infection that delayed chemo for which I took one antibiotic and then Cheomycin.

I had my first TCH chemo on Friday 21st Feb, and was still taking Cleomycin antibiotics until day 12 Tuesday 4th March. Day 12 my FBC was done, and I was neutropenic with neutrophil reading of 0.11. It had been 0.5 on day 8. I was a bit concerned about how to handle this very low reading, and have just realised that I assumed they knew about the antibiotic finishing then, but that I had not checked whether that was fine or if it should actually be continued given how low my neutrophils were.

I have also read that antibiotics can drop neutrophil measures, and wondered if anyone has any idea if this is ok. I do not know what the levels are doing and I won't know until Wednesday, which is meant to be the day before my next  TCH Chemo session. During the weekend the wonderful Oncology nurses of the Chemo lounge are unavailable, and I am likely to be asking any questions I have of the nurse who failed to check with the surgeon and thus caused the severe infection in the first place.

Any advice or suggestions? I was thinking of texting my oncologist tomorrow morning at about 8am on her mobile.

An

3 Replies

  • Merlins_mum's avatar
    Merlins_mum
    Member
    12 years ago
    Good to hear you have it sorted Jessica. I am sure you are monitoring your temp closely. Good luck with that neutrophil count coming back up. I am in Oman for the next month so can't pop in and see how mine is doing ( not so bad at last check prior to final chemo). Still check temp religiously tho. Cheers Julie
  • JessicaV's avatar
    JessicaV
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi during the week I can ring the oncology chemo lounge and there is a brilliant nurse Jane who rings the oncologist over such problems, and others that will check yr symptoms if you wonder whether to come in with Febrile Neutropenia. But in the weekend you ring the medical ward, and ask to speak to the oncology nurse and ask  them to ask the oncologist, but half the time the ward staff don't answer. Eventually I did text the oncologist and she answered my question fully and also advised that if I was at all unwell to ring her and not the ward straight away. So I feel that I am in good hands

     

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I was just wondering if there is an on call oncologist at the hospital where you had your chemo.? There was where I had my chemo,and you could call 24/7 with questions.I realise however that all hospitals are different.If not,texting sounds like the best idea.Take care and I hope you sort it out.xoxo Robyn