Stressing

[Estate1]

Tickle in throat and feeling a little nauseous. First time ill since starting treatments. 2 sessions of BR completed. 4 more to go. I’m probably worrying but getting a cold/flu while immunity is low is concerning me today.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Best get into your GP for an assessment... don't want a bacterial infection follow in the door after a viral infection... so antibiotics might be prudent, but be certain to fully tell your doctor about all meds and supplements etc., particularly bendamustine/rituxan [BR]... acyclovir etc...

Hope you can get some relief... it is the season in Canada unfortunately...

~chris 🇨🇦

[Estate1 in reply to Cllcanada]

Thanks Chris. I am on a prophylactic antibiotic for 6 months while in treatment. I gather I have some protection. I will keep a close eye on things for sure.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to Estate1]

What antibiotic? Some are used for fungal infections on treatment like PJP, rather than general bacterial stuff... Bactrim, Septra etc.

~chris 🇨🇦

[Estate1 in reply to Cllcanada]

Chris drugs are Valacyclovir 500mg and Apo-Sulfatrim 400/80mg both once a day.

[Estate1 in reply to Cllcanada]

One is anti bacterial the other is anti viral

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to Estate1]

Very specific... Valtex is for a shingles reactivation and Sulfatrim guards against a fungal opportunistic infection called PJP, formally known as PCP...

These are widely used in treatment prophylactically, but very specific in what they do.

~chris 🇨🇦

[Estate1 in reply to Cllcanada]

Thanks once again Chris appreciated.

[Shedman]

Aside from Chris' good advice, it is not a bad time to double-down on staying warm, hydrated, resting and so on..

I've had 2 infections since start of treatment; a minor cold (at least, it seemed minor, but symptoms can be less perceptible for us) and something viral..

The latter had warning signs that bypassed my 'radar': a little stiffness..

..a bit like your titckly throat.. Those early signs we should not ignore, but use as an indication to monitor temperature etc more closely.

Good luck, hope it passes soon, under doctor guidance as necessary.

[humaniquarian]

try and relax, the stress will eat you alive at every opportunity if you let it.

[Ballyhoo77]

Hope your getting a Neulasta shot after each treatment. That's how they did me. Wishing you the very best.

[Estate1 in reply to Ballyhoo77]

No Neulasta

[Estate1 in reply to Estate1]

I was told by Dr about 50% of patients require it. So far not required.

[livinglifewell]

I tend to turn to herbal teas to supplement my vigilance to not feeling well. There is one called "Calm Stomach" that has always staunched nausea, queasiness, and that anxious twisted stomach with a very agreeable mix of herbs. There's another that works for constipation (caused by both pain and antinausea medicines) called "Smooth Move," and the third one is "Cold & Flu" - all are non-caffeine, approved by my oncologist, and are effective.

[Estate1 in reply to livinglifewell]

Thank you. I just happen to have those particular teas. Time to plug in the kettle.

[livinglifewell in reply to Estate1]

One other thing that I do when a cold/flu does come on, is a homeopathic dose of zinc several times for a few days. It seems to hurry the critter out of my system faster.