Chemo and a cold

Anyone get a cold while on chemo? I have not ran a fever --- just stuffy nose, slight earache and headache. When should I call the oncologist and be concerned? I'm taking Neolasta shots so I don't think my white cell count is that low. I just want it gone before my next treatment time ( next week).

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Originally Posted by m1021 Anyone get a cold while on chemo? I have not ran a fever --- just stuffy nose, slight earache and headache. When should I call the oncologist and be concerned? I'm taking Neolasta shots so I don't think my white cell count is that low. I just want it gone before my next treatment time ( next week).

I was determined not have an illness set back my schedule so I plugged an echanacea cocktail and drank plenty of fluids, vixed my neck every night and was totally symptom free four days later when my treatment began. Oh an Vit C. I think I caught it early enough to get ahead of it. A fever would be your oncologist's concern, otherwise treat the symptoms and take care of yourself with plenty of rest. Another childhood illness hit me on top of a chemo treatment earlier and wiped me out for two days. So illness on top of chemo is not fun.My daughter and I seem to be transferring illnesses this fall. She was problematically ill everytime last year as well and my friend says this is how her stress is breaking out. Poor kid. I really want to quarantine myself some times.

I would advise talking with your doctor about this. I did have a cold when I began chemo and after asking me how long I had it and what I was doing and such they went ahead with that first chemo.

Many oncologists don't want us taking many supplements while on chemo. I was told by my doctor and chemo nurses to call anytime I had questions or concerns.

Hope you get over that cold fast.

s
Jane

I too would call your onco, just to make sure or find out what you can take to help kick the colds butt. As long as you aren't running a fever I think it would be ok to go ahead with treatments.

If it's just a cold it will be gone by next week. I had a cold during chemo and they went right ahead with treatment.

Best,
Janie

I agree. Please call your oncologist. He or she may want to put you onto an anitbiodic before your next treatment.
Feel better.
Rosalie

I would definitely call your oncologist. When you are on chemo, your body cannot fight infection the way other people can. Even though you are on neulasta, he will probably want to check it out. Best to be safe.