Yes, this is pretty common. I was admitted once when I lost my immunity. It happens because the chemo is working as it should be. As the chemo kills cancer cells, it also kills white blood cells - but these come back again, whereas hopefully the cancer cells dont, as they are more fragile.

You can take heart that the cancer is getting a good battering. This could happen after each chemo, but there are things they can do for your mum.

Lots of love to you.and Good Luck. Xx

Thanks Candid.  Feel much better knowing that the cancer is getting a good beating!  Moms count has gone up from 0 to 3 overnight and her doctor has said all being well she should be out on Monday so fingers crossed for that.  To be honest though, being in hospital has probably done her the world of good because she WONT slow down shes still trying to do everything, cleaning, exercise, shopping etc... which is fine when she feels ok, but she needs to slow down after chemo.  I've been going round her house and tidying/cleaning for her so she isn't tempted to start doing stuff when she comes home.

Thanks again for your help and I hope all goes well with your treatment

Snowpea x

I had same problem after first dose. I had injections to boost my blood count and then managed to have the other chemo but was very careful and did not mix with many people . I am now on radio therapy. Hope your mum soon feels. Better .

Thanks Moanne.  I've just sent my Dad a text and asked him if Mom will be having the injections.  My Mom is depressed as she is finding it hard being out of her routine and not seeing people as often.  We are telling people to keep away if they are poorly as well as don't want to pass any germs onto her.

Hope your radiotherapy treatment goes well for you.

My Mom is feeling better today but her hair has started to fall out now shes got her wig ready though and lots of nice scarves.  Still don't make it any easier though

Thanks again for your reply and best of luck for your treatment.

Snowpea x

I took up knitting and art while on chemo. They were my 'companions' when I could not see people. Anything to take my mind off things. Your mum is  very lucky to have such a loving caring daughter . Take care .

Hi Snowpea,   Such a worrying time for you, it's so difficult being close to somebody you care about  and seeing them going through treatment.

My daughter had 2 years of Chemo for blood cancer when she was 10 to 12 years old, she is now 25 and cancer free.    Many times we were in hospital on strong antibiotics  as her Chemo was designed to kill  white cells.  I clearly remember the smell of yellow gargle for sore mouths.   Your Mum is in the best place if she has an infection, they can test for which infection and treat with the correct ani-biotic so try not to worry too much  -   easier said than done I know.

We were told that lots of the bugs are in our own bodies which have difficulty fighting them off with a low white count. Not necessary from other people.  But we were also advised to say clear of eggs soft boiled or poached, soft cheese etc.  Once home you probably have more resistance to bugs that are around you all the time.   However if your Mum gets a  temperature of 37.5 twice or 38. once,  probably  means she has an infection that needs checking out.  I found that knowing what to expect helped to reduce  the scary factor a bit.

I'm sure the hospital will keep a close eye on things now they are aware of your Mum's reaction to the first chemo.  My daughter had to miss some of her chemo protocol,  but the dose she was able to have, did its work on the cancer, just that we all have different metabolisms and some people absorb more than others.

If you can try and get Mum to slow down,  the chemo is busy killing all those cancer cells and her body is working overtime getting rid of them, she will be tired.  Give herself a break.  Don't know about you but when I burn the candle at both ends that when the bugs come homing in  -   and we have not had to contend with chemo.

Hopefully your Mum is feeling a little better and can get home soon, sounds as if she has a very caring family and loving daughter.

Hope this has helped a little, take care, gardenlady.

Hi Snowpea,

I had to spend a couple of days in hospital just over a week ago because my temperature was 37.5 and my white blood cell count was 0.2 (after first cycle of chemo) and was put on a course of antibiotics. I still managed to go on holiday to Italy a few days later and I've been feeling great. It's difficult not to carry on as normal when you're feeling okay because you can't see what's going on inside your body I guess. I don't think I've been overdoing it and only do light housework and gardening, nothing strenuous at all. I stay away from anybody with a cough or a sneeze, but as has been said bugs are already inside the body which you would normally fight off, probably on a daily basis. I'm seeing the oncologist on Monday before my next cycle so I will have a long list of questions to ask, as I too would like to know if I am likely to have problems after each chemo. I was told in hospital that the immune system is at it's lowest after the very first cycle, so perhaps the risk is not as bad the next time around? If I get any further clarification I will let you know. The injections you get after chemo are to help your body to produce more white blood cells that help fight off infection. Some people get just one injection and some others (like me), get 7 injections, one per day for the first week after chemo.

I hope your Mum is continuing to feel okay despite her spell in hospital.

Take care,

Jax xx

Thanks everyone for your replies, really appreciate it.  Sad that this has affected so many people, but comforting to know my mom isn't alone.

No one has said to my mom about not having certain food e.g. soft boiled eggs, soft cheeses etc... but when I am up the hospital later I will ask.  turns out she has been having the boosting injections (dunno what the are called?) shes had 5 of them in her tummy.

Jax sorry to hear about your hospital stay, but I am glad you had your holiday and have been feeling so good

Garden Lady I am glad to hear your daughter beat it

Hope so much my mom can come home tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Snowpea x

Hi everyone

Just to let you know they let my Mom come home today, was really nice to have her back.  She is tired and sleeping lots but I am happy she is getting lots of rest and doesnt feel like she has to be sorting things out round the house etc...  I think she has accepted now that she really does have to take things easy.  I guess I am worried this will happen again at some point, but then its part of the treatment, her white blood cells will be low cause of the chemotherapy so she needs to take care.  I just don't like her being in hospital especially as it means my Dad is on his own (he has health problems too and I worry about him also).

Anyway thanks everyone who replied to the post.  Was telling Mom and Dad I come here to talk about everything and said how much better if makes things, just to talk to other people about it.  It won't make the sadness or the stress go away, but it sort of makes it easier to cope with knowing there are others going through it too.

Thanks again

Snowpea xx

hi Jax 

im reading your post hoping you can give me some advice. My friend had her first round of chemo 25days ago and was admitted to hospital 2 days ago with tonsillitis. We are due to go on holiday in 2 dats time. What advice did the doctor give you about bugs on the plane? 

Thanks 

leanne