Sometimes parents are reluctant to call their child’s oncologist with questions or concerns, so here are some general guidelines about when you should call:
- A temperature above 101° F (38.5° C)
- Shaking or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or cuts that won’t heal
- Pain or swelling at a chemotherapy injection site
- Pain, swelling, or redness around the central line site
- Any severe pain that cannot be explained
- Exposure to chicken pox or measles
- Severe headache or blurred vision
- Constipation lasting more than two days
- Severe diarrhea
- Severe headaches
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Blood in urine
Parents should not hesitate to bring their child to the hospital if she is ill and her blood cell counts are low, as this can be a life-threatening emergency. Any time your child is sick and you are concerned, call the oncologist or nurse practitioner.
