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.