jcawork Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 Hello everybody, I know I have not posted much. Well, I got a fever last thursday (12 days post chemo)and started to feel pretty terrible. Went in Fri took blood cultures which are so far reading negative (they read each day for 5 days-2 days are neg). Levequin started. Formal CBC at a lab not at the office revealed "toxic Grans as slight" Has anyone ever seen this on a CBC? I was told it means bacteria was in my White blood cells and it means bacterial infection. Also I have no symptoms of anything except fever and fluey feeling. Is this norm? Have usual pneumonitis cough and wheeze, but thats it. Have no idea how I got an infection. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie221 Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 Jen, Sorry you have something new to hassle with! You could use a break, couldn't you? Anyway, I have no personal experience or knowledge here. I did find info on the net as follows that explains grans is short for granulocytes (or granulation) and that they are always the first-line of defense the body sends out to fight infection. So the presence of a slight number would just confirm you had/have an infection, but doesn't tell anything about the origin of the infection. Hope it's helpful, Leslie Toxic granulation is a stress response to acute infections, burns, and drug poisoning. White Blood Cells: WBC, Leukocytes White blood cells (WBC) are produced in the bone marrow and stored in various lymphoid tissues such as the thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, etc. White blood cells play a major role in defending the body against infections and foreign invaders such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. There are five types of white blood cells: grans (also known as neutrophils), lymphs, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. Polymorphonuclear Granulocytes: Polys, Segs, Neutrophils, Grans Polys are mature white blood cells with Bands being the less mature polys. Neutrophils (polys and bands) are considered scavenger cells and are the first to arrive at a site of infection or injury. The main function of neutrophils is phagocytosis, meaning that they ingest, and then kill bacteria and foreign matter. Normal Value: 40-78% of WBC or 1200-7800/cu mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 I think it is normal for you to pick up a bug or an infection after chemo. Your immune system is down, your blood counts are down and the littlest germs can't be fought off. Seems it has happened to many on here. Hang in there Jen, have they started any antibiotics? You don't want it to get any worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 Take the Levequin and lots of fluids. Stay away from crowds and get lots of rest. I had one infection that I ended up in the hospital in reverse isolation because of such low/no immune system. NO FUN!!!! Good luck Jen, Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 Jen I ditto what Cindy said. My mom also had an infection and ended up in the hospital, she was very sick. Hope your feeling better soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 ((((JEN)))) Thinking of you Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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