Neutropenia {(noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) is an abnormally low level of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell important to fighting off infections — particularly those caused by bacteria.} Those underlined in what I had within 5 days after treatment- it says in the good book of chemo treatment- it usually shows up 10 to 14 days after treatment. I got hit with the infection bomb quickly.
What are the signs and symptoms of an infection? For patients with neutropenia, even a minor infection can quickly become serious. Call your doctor right away if you have: • Fever that is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for more than one hour, or a one-time temperature of 101° F or higher. • Chills and sweats. • Change in cough or new cough. • Sore throat or new mouth sore. • Shortness of breath. • Nasal congestion. • Stiff neck. • Burning or pain with urination. • Unusual vaginal discharge or irritation. • Increased urination. • Redness, soreness, or swelling in any area, including surgical wounds and ports. • Diarrhea. • Vomiting. • Pain in the abdomen or rectum. • New onset of pain. • Changes in skin, urination, or mental status.
My mood was not the best - I was very impatient and even told at social worker at a medical day program that I was in a bad mood- she hung up on me. She basically did not want to hear what I was telling her because it was contrary to her goal and I made it clear as to what she needed to do instead, which I later learned that 3 people from my office had told her the same thing the previous day. It was her 4 th try to manipulate our offices. ( so maybe my mental status changed too. ) I am usually not that rude to people. But I still did great work for my patients and with my team.
So we will see how the next 4 or 5 days go. This week is an exciting week in many ways. My friend Linda Goldberg gave my name to her daughter's Zoe, basketball coach. Every year, Cherry Hill East does a PINK OUT game and makes a donation for Breast Cancer Awareness etc . They have wanted someone to come talk to the girls which I am doing after practice on Wednesday February 10 at 5:15 pm. Linda will met me there of course and I will talk about 20 minutes about my experience so far. AND yes- breast cancer is still better than my clinical depression. BUT that does not make it good by any stretch of the imagination. AND then, the next day, Thursday, I will go there about 4:45 pm and receive a donation made out to CancerCare which is an organization dedicated to service people with cancer and their loved ones, that need support, guidance and financial assistance during their cancer treatment.
I don't believe in donating to medical research I believe in education and clinical support of patients. There is enough pharmaceutical companies and grant funded research and people shooting for the nobel prize that I rather put my money elsewhere. I will let you know what I plan on saying to the team soon.
Founded in 1944, CancerCare® is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.
CancerCare programs and services help 180,000 people each year. We distribute 350,000 publications and welcome 2.2 million website visits annually. In the past year, CancerCare provided nearly $13 million in financial assistance. The size and scope of CancerCare has grown tremendously since 1944, but it has never wavered from its mission of providing help and hope to people affected by cancer.
To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).
CancerCare’s New Jersey office was opened in 1982 to ensure that New Jersey residents have full access to all CancerCare services.
