Emergency Care for Acute Leukemia Patients (The James)

Emergency Care for Acute Leukemia Patients (The James)  

 

Emergency Care During and After Treatment

Here are guidelines about when and how to report problems that you may have while being treated for your cancer. Your doctor may give you more detailed instructions on how to manage certain problems and when you should call to report a problem.

 

Symptoms and When to Call to Your Doctor

Symptom Common ProblemAction

Fever

This symptom can be a serious problem when you have leukemia

Temperature

Tell your nurse if you do not have a thermometer at home. The nurse will make sure that you have one before you go home.

Call your doctor right away if you have a fever of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher. You may be told to go to the Emergency Room.

Do not take Tylenol, aspirin, Ibuprofen or Aleve before you call the doctor about your fever.

BleedingBlood in vomit or stoolCall your doctor right away.
NoseApply first aid (pinch the nose, put head forward, apply ice pack to nose and back of neck. Call your doctor.
EyeCall your doctor right away.
New petechiae (pin point red dots under the surface of the skin) or new bruisesCall your doctor within 24 hours
UrineCall your doctor right away unless you have been given different instructions.
VaginaCall your doctor within 24 hours. When you call, be ready to tell your doctor how many feminine pads you have used.

Cold symptoms

These symptoms can be a serious problem when you have leukemia.

Persistent cough (a cough that does not go away)Call your doctor right away.
Shortness of breathCall your doctor right away.
Sore throat, runny noseCall your doctor within 24 hours
Change in level of alertnessUnable to wake up or speakFamily/Caregiver should call 911.
Severe headacheCall your doctor right away
ConfusionFamily/Caregiver should call your doctor right away.
Dizziness or lightheadednessCall your doctor right away.
Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Implantable PortA tear or crack in your catheterCall your doctor right away
Unable to flush catheterCall your doctor right away
Tenderness, redness or drainage where the catheter comes out of the skinCall your doctor right away
Vomiting or nausea

Blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Unable to keep medicines, food or fluids down

Feel lightheaded and dizzy

Call your doctor right away.
Mouth soresUnable to swallow fluids or unable to keep food or medicines downCall your doctor right away
Diarrhea (liquid stool, watery, without form)Stool that has blood in it or looks like black tarCall your doctor right away unless you have been given different instructions.
Increase in the amount and number of times you have diarrheaCall your doctor within 24 hours.
Skin rashes, sores or lesionsAny new symptomCall your doctor within 24 hours. 
EyesVisual changesCall your doctor right away.
Redness or drainageCall your doctor within 24 hours. 
Dry, itchyCall your doctor within 24 hours. 
Joint or bone pain, or joint swellingAny new symptoms or if pain medicine is neededCall your doctor within 24 hours.
Abdominal pain or crampingSevere pain or pain that continues for over 24 hoursCall your doctor right away.
Chest painPressure or crushing pain in the middle of your chest that may go across your chest to your shoulders, arms (one or both), neck or backCall 911.
IndigestionStomach pain or gasCall your doctor within 24 hours.
New feeling of weakness/ numbness in legs and armsProblems with walking, going up and down stairs, getting out of a chair or car due to leg weakness.

Call your doctor right away.

Your doctor may tell you to go to the emergency room for care.

New problems with bladder and/or bowel control

Problem with being able to completely empty your bladder.

Problems with controlling your bowel movements or urine (wetting oneself).

Call your doctor right away.

Your doctor may tell you to go to the emergency room for care.

Numbness in anal areaFeeling of numbness when you wipe after going to the bathroom

Call your doctor right away.

Your doctor may tell you to go to the emergency room for care.

Neck or back painNew pain in your neck or back

Call your doctor right away.

Your doctor may tell you to go to the emergency room for care.

 

Other Important Information

  • When the Doctor’s Office is Closed

If you have symptoms that need to be managed, please call 614-293-3316. Your call will be answered by a James nurse who can provide advice.

  • Schedule Appointments

 Appointments can only be scheduled during normal business hours, when the office is opened.

  • Medicine Refills

Keep track of your medicines to know when you need a refill. Remember to check your supply of medicines before the weekend or before going on a vacation. Call your doctor’s office during regular business hours to get a refill. When you need a refill, call your doctor 1 week before you will run out of medicine. This will give your doctor enough time to order the medicine for you.

  • Important Medical Phone Numbers

You may find it helpful to write down your important medical phone numbers. Keep a copy of this information on your refrigerator and in your purse or wallet.

Emergency Squad (Ambulance)911Call this number in a medical emergency.
Hematology and Transplant Clinic(614) 293-3316Call this number for non-emergencies and prescription refills during regular business hours.
Family/Primary Doctor

__________________________________

(write in phone number)

Call this number for routine problems that are not a side effect of your cancer treatments

List other important numbers here:

____________________________

(write in phone number)

__________________________________

(write in phone number)

 

 

 

© March 8, 2021. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.