My ear infection has been dealt with and now they will proceed with first session of BR that was postponed a week to deal with the bad ear. I’ve been referred to an ENT to see why I have the recurring ear problem.
My new question is, do you completely avoid the outside world (shopping, church etc) when immunity is at its lowest during treatment; at least for the first month after BR?
It was summer time when I had my FCR chemo. I did stay home, since I am retired for a few weeks and had no one visit. It was a too new for me. Then my doc said go out and live. I felt fine little tired at times so I started going out. Off hours at stores, I would skip aisles with a lot of people. I went to restaurants with outdoor seating. Eventually moving inside if it wasn't a tightly seating place. Washed my hands often. Hated the mask so never used it again. Got hot within 2 min.
But it's cold and flu season now. Not sure what I would have done. I guess same precautions. I live in Florida so I can eat outside year round. I sat in last row at movies so that no one could sneeze behind me. 6 months after chemo, I still sit in last row.
You will find a happy medium. If you work...that could be difficult depending on your job. 💕
Thanks GMa27. I am also retired and I appreciate your comments. I understand that the first month is when you are at the lowest point of immunity. I will take your advice and do errands in off hours as much as possible. Hand washing and avoiding sick people. The back row seating at events is a great idea also. Thanks
I also look for seats on the aisle - theaters, planes, wherever. And I’m not shy about asking to have my seat changed, when there are other options. The one time I play the “cancer card”. For one flight the plane was changed after I had chosen my seat on line. I ended up with a window seat. I called the airline, and got the nothing we can do business from the first level of customer service people. I went up the ladder to a high ranking supervisor, who told me that they always have seats for employees flying back to their home base. Seat changed.
Estate1— I’ve completed 3 rounds and haven’t been sick once. I have 2 germy little boys, 19 months & 6 year old kindergartener. Beyond CLL I’m usually pretty healthy.
I wish you the best. BR has been fairly easy. Although my doctor did hold off on rituxan until my 2nd round so that there was less chance of a bad reaction. The granix to stimulate my white blood cell growth has been the challenge.
Thanks for your message. How did the Granix affect you? I’ve been told about half the CLLrs in treatment require this shot.
Also I had the Rituxin split over 2 days. Or if they won't...have them administer over 5-7 hrs.
Hi Estate1. Good luck with your treatment on Wednesday. My third round of BR is on Thursday and Friday. I have more or less carried on normally. Have 2 days of feeling horrible so don't usually want to go out, but then out with the crowds. Have been to the cinema a few times and do my voluntary work.
I am aware of people coughing and try to keep a wide berth. Also, have my wet wipes and first defence with me.
My neutrophils have been ok but I only know that on the day of treatment.
I think for me it is very important for my wellbeing to carry on as normally as possible and not hide away. I do feel very well physically so that helps.
Let us know how you get on. Joy
Hello Estate1
I am in my third month of B+R and as a precaution I stay home most of the time. I don't attend church now which I greatly miss as I am very active in my church. I do get cabin fever, but it is winter time and not so bad. I walk 3 miles everyday outdoors which greatly limits contact with people. It does however feel good to get out of the house. You can do this. Best wishes on your journey.
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