Thought I had Larry's fever under control. Gave him tylenol at 1am for his 100.3 temp. Went to sleep then checked on him at 4:30. Fever up to 102.7! Contacted the Dr on call because I could not find his Dr's number for some reason. (Note to self, put it on the fridge and in my wallet.)
He is now getting an IV fluid for his dehydration and resting comfortably. Dehydration occured quickly with that fever spike. Glenbrook Hospital will be keeping him for the day to monitor him. They took blood cultures and running blood tests.
Larry is mad that he had this reaction after the first treatment. We do not know what this means until we talk directly with his Dr. Since he gave him the highest dose of chemo's will he have to adjust the dose of the drugs? Will this be a normal response for Larry? Which chemo caused the fever or was it the neulasta shot? Maybe it wasn't the chemo, did he get a bacterial or viral infection? Yikes!
How should I respond? Call the Dr each time during the mid of the night. Not call the Dr and just get him to ER? Which ER should I take him to-his Dr. is primarily out of Highland Park Hospital but Glenbrook is much closer to us. At what temperature point? When it spikes or after the tylenol brings it down?
I am the type of person that is most comfortable with as much info ahead of things happening. Yet how do I even know what the questions should be when it is impossible to know what reactions his body will have?
Luckily, I am able to stay calm during the storms. After, is another matter.
You do what your instincts tell you to. You will probably err on the side of caution until you know what's "normal". SUCKS that this happened after first treatment. I know what you mean about "handling" it, and then falling apart afterwards. Sending love.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Roberta. You have nothing to compare these symptoms and side effects to - so you wont know what is acceptable or tolerable until you have been through it. Follow your gut feeling. I often tell my patients that I would rather them get checked out either at the office or the ER and be told "all is okay" rather than staying at home and wondering "what if". Keeping him hydrated is very important, so do what you need to do. Yes, I agree that this stinks, as this is only the first treatment. Stay strong when you can, and then feel free to have your well deserved melt down. :) Big hugs and love sent from Kentucky.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roberta and Laurie, Hugs to both of you!
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