High fever during chemo

[xxyford]

Hi Folks,

I have been wandering in the forum for a long time and this is my first post. My dad was diagnosed with IIIA rectal cancer(T2N1MO) with multi cysts on his liver. He had the surgery in July and started chemo(CapOx)+radio therapy afterward. He was scheduled to start the 4th and last chemo on this Monday but got delayed because of low white cell count. He then had two injections to boost the white cell count.

He had some flu-like symptom on Thursday but the oncologist gave chemo a green light since my dad does not have a fever. Then his sour throat became worse one day later and started a mild fever(99.5). This morning, the temperature jumped to 101.5 and the oncologist called the chemo off. He was admitted to the hospital, had some blood work and it is a flu. The doctor gave him Tamiflu.

I was under the impression that high fever during chemo can be really serious and I am so worried. Have any of you have had a similar experience? How did you cope with it? How long does the flu last? Also, does stopping chemo has any side effect or bad outcome?

Thank you all for your help and support!

[NHMike]

I had some cold symptoms with my first Adjuvant chemo session but I had no fever and it could have just been due to dry air as we're in a cold part of the country. The nurse, in the chemoteach session, though, said that I should call the doctor at any time with a fever over 100 and likely go to the hospital as things can quickly escalate. I was also not that worried as it takes a while for the chemo to drop your WBC and I was on the first day or two.

I was also in my household with two others with the flu this past summer and I didn't catch it (very fortunate) but I did work to maintain my distance. This winter is predicted to be a big cold and flu season so wearing masks, staying away from crowded places and practicing good hygiene is a good idea.

[Lee]

Did your dad get the flu shot? My Onc gave me mine when I was on chemo. Anytime you have a high fever while on chemo, call the Onc or get to the ER ASAP! Chemo reduced your immune system to fight off infections. And if you do get sick, the sooner you get treatment, the better you will be.

I got the flu shot a few months back and did get the flu. For me, nausea the first day, butt I was so tired for the first few days. Was sleeping something like 12 hrs a day. Thought I was over it, butt the following week, over did it one day and again, slept 12hrs that night. After that I was okay. No problems since. I have heard of some people who were going at both ends and were super tired.

Hope he is doing better soon,

Lee