Most at Risk

Chemotherapy treatment will usually involve a number of chemo doses (sometimes called cycles).

In the 7 to 12 days after you finish each chemotherapy dose is when you have the fewest white blood cells in your body. This point is called the nadir. Your risk of getting an infection is highest when levels of white blood cells are very low.

Ask your medical team when you’ll be most at risk, exactly when your white blood cell count will be at its lowest, and be extra careful during this time. When your white blood cell count is too low, you have a high risk of getting an infection. Infections can be very serious in people with cancer. If you get an in­fection or if your white blood cell count is very low, your chemotherapy may be delayed, and you may need to be treated in the hospital. Because of this, it will be extra hard for your body to fight off germs during this time.

For more information check out everydayhealth.com and copingmag.com

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