On the mend

[Seavccg]

My sister is still in hospital, out of critical care on an oncology ward. Unfortunately she has developed very severe odema and both of her legs are very very very swollen and weak from 2 weeks in bed so much so that she cannot walk. The plan is to admit her to a rehabilitation hospital to help her get back on her feet to allow her to go home. Currently she wouldn't be able to get around her house or even into her house with her legs so swollen. She is tired and had blood transfusion and magnesium over the weekend to pick her up. Neutropenic Sepsis is a nasty horrible side effect of chemotherapy and I urge you all to be extra vigilant and call the 24 hour helpline if you suspect you are even slightly unwell following chemo. Better safe than sorry. A phone call could have saved my sister from all these problems and obviously whilst they treat the sepsis the cancer treatment is in hold.

[Cropcrop]

Oh my goodness, your message is an important warning to all of us who are currently on chemo, thank you for letting us know. I hope your sister starts to feel better soon and the rehab helps with her oedema and mobility and she can soon get back to her home and chemo. Big hugs and love to you both ❤️Xx Jane

[Hidden]

We all ( I think) get given a card with instructions about going to A&E if our temperature rises and what they are supposed to do with us. It is very very easy to forget these cards when you're unwell. I did do this when I was a chemo new girl. Having used mine twice now, I really recommend it. You get triaged fast and dealt with much quicker than if an ordinary A&E patient.

[Neona57]

I had sepsis, swollen legs and very low magnesium. Am mch better after treatment and wish your sister a speedy improvement and hope that she can get on with her chemo as soon as possible.

[Seavccg in reply to Neona57]

How long did it all take to resolve? We had s setback over night. Woke up to the news that she has had emergency surgery over night due to a bowel perforation and is back in critical care sedated and ventilated. Doctors also told her she still has sepsis. My poor sister one thing after another she won't be going to rehabilitation anytime this week as she has to get over this operation.

[Neona57]

I found it very difficult to get information so mostly had to work things out myself. After I was moved from intensive care to the ward my hourly checks showed a fast heart rate. The doctor came round and asked if I was getting blood thinning inje tions. I said no. Next thing I was rushed down for a chest xray and later that day a ct scan. Then was told I had a pulmonary embolism and sepsis. I was put on iv antibiotics which I didn't really notice as I had so many other drips and tubes etc after my op and the horrid blood thinning injections started. After a few days the antibiotics were changed to giant pills. I was allowed to go home 12 days after my op -can't remember if was still on the antibiotics but, if so, it wasn't fir more than a week. So am guessing the sepsis cleared up within 2 weeks or less. I had to wear the stockings for 6 weeks which was hot and uncomfortable-my feet were painful with swelling and my legs pretty swollen as well. By the time I had my follow-up appointment about 6 weeks after the op this was a lot better.

Ever since the op I have had restless leg syndrome up the kazoo and my gp suggested magnesium deficiency. Apparently this is caused by chemo but zi suspect I had this earlier. I had a 2 1/2 hour iv infusion of magnesium followed by 10 days oral supplements and am so much better. Had to really push for this blood test though.

I'm really sorry to hear about the bowel perforation-I don't know much about this. I woke up from my op with a most unexpected iliostomy. Wishing your sister the very best-I'm sure that things will i prove but it is very traumatic at the time-I had counselling because was a nervous wreck. I am much better now but not taking anything for granted. Best wishes, Wendy