Cycle 2 is a big bust

So during my infusion, I had an allergic reaction to the infusion. This is not unusual, and in fact, there are protocols to reduce the likelihood and severity of reactions. But my oncologist viewed them as optional, so we didn’t use them. Well, after this week, I think they will be implemented. I will insist on it.

Ok, so first thing was I started itching terribly during the infusion. I tried to get my nurses attention, but failed. Eventually, someone noticed I was not doing so well, and then there were about 5 nurses around me. I had hives on my arms and legs, and then chills started. They pumped me full of benedryl, and I took a nice nap for an hour or so before we resumed treatment.

And then, around midnight, I started with the chills again. I wasn’t feeling up to finding my thermometer, so I didn’t take my temp. But the next morning, it was 102.4. When you are doing chemo, they get really worried when your temp exceeds 100.4. So, off to the ER.

Two days later, I’m posting this from a friggen hospital room. They did the full admission to give me iv antibiotics while they wait for the blood cultures, which take 48 hours. It’s been about 44 hours, and the signs are pointing to it just being an infusion related fever, not an infection. And I should be released today. Hopefully.

But, since this all happened on Friday, I didn’t have my day 2 infusion, and I didn’t get my GCSF shot, which keeps my white blood cells high and reduces the risk of infection. So now, my white counts are dropping.