Ask a Nurse
posted by kransom
16 November 2022

Cold before chemo

Last reply: 16 November 2022 16:56

I’m due to start my first chemotherapy on Friday 18th. I have a cold the last few days (today is Wednesday), no temperature just sniffles and a mild cough. Should I notify the hospital? Will I still be able to get chemo on Friday?

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Comments

commented by Cancer Nurse
16 November 2022

16 November 2022 16:56

Dear Kransom

Thank you for posting on our Ask the Nurse section. I am sorry to hear you are starting chemotherapy on Friday. We wish you the very best with this. Yes we would suggest you phone the day oncology unit and let them know tomorrow. They will decide whether to go ahead on Fri or delay it.

Its good you don’t have a temperature and it is better not to take paracetamol or products like lemsip that have paracetamol that would mask a temperature. Lemons/orange juice, honey and hot water may help. Do ask their advice regarding what to take when you are on the phone to them.

We would suggest you do a Covid test also before you ring the unit.

Do phone us here or our cancer nurses in our Daffodil Centre see list of locations here if we can be of any further help. Our phone number is 1800 200 700 and we are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm.

Wishing you the very best

Cancer Nurse

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