Infections during Chemo

[BrentW]

After my LRP (2010) I had UTI's continually for ~2 years. I have no idea what finally shook them off -- a change from a tropical to a temperate climate, maybe?

I am not coming to the end of the oral treatments available to me. At some time in the not too distant future I will be moving to docetaxel. I am worried about the way this affects the immune system -- and especially about exposure to UTIs. Has anybody else here had issues with infections during chemo? If so, can you provide advice on how to cope?

Please do not recommend alternative treatments. They are not an option.

[NickJoy]

I read that mannose is good for UTIs - it is also supposed to enhance chemo in some circumstances but it seems to be completely untrialled so I would check with your oncologist to see if it is ok to take. Hope all goes well.

[Bret5]

My #3 infusion of Docetaxel is happening this week Friday. Initially they cautioned me about possible weakened immune system and to observe protocols like most of us did during worst part of Covid pandemic but when viewing blood work just prior to #2 infusion they told me my immune system is holding up well so far. I suspect this will be different for each person.

[Sailing-Todd]

Hi there, not related to cancer but I had an almost continual UTI for a year.

My urologist gave me a full course of Nitrofurantoin and then left me on a single capsule (50mg) each evening for three months. Haven’t had any trouble with UTIs since, and that was years ago.

I gather resistance to Nitrofurantoin is rare and this why they are also able to use it as a long term prophylactic.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[MechD]

I have been on chemo since Jan 2022, cabazitaxel and carboplatin. I have had a Neulasta injection a day or 2 after each treatment to boost white blood cell count. For me, there were no issues with infections either before or during chemo treatments. Check with your MO regarding adding Neulasta.

[Helllfire]

Pegfilgrastim injection 2 days after chemo kept my father's WBC in normal range , so he didn't get any infection. Don't know particularly about UTI. U should try pegfilgrastim injection.

Best wishes. Hope u sail through this and come out better.

[Atdabeach]

Not specific to chemo, but many years ago, I experienced recurrent UTIs, prompting my urologist to run various tests, including a cystoscopy, but he never identified a cause. I asked him about cranberry juice, which I had heard helped, and he said the point of that was to acidify the urine, so just cut out the middleman, and take vitamin C. I started taking 1000 mg/day, and have never experienced a UTI since. Can't prove that's the reason, but for what it's worth ...

[BrentW in reply to Atdabeach]

Thank you for this valuable advice. I shall follow it if the need arises.