Delay starting tx over minor infection???

Was cutting down some pine trees a couple of weeks ago and had a little mishap.  Ended up with a cut and some bruising. All that remains is some scabing, redness and soreness. I wouldn't nomally even pay much attention to a wound such as this, just let it heal but a RN friend of mine said that there was some minor infection involved. I am supposed to start tx on Sat. but am concerned. Should I wait until this is totally healed? I am a hands on house builder and little dings like this are common. No way I make it 48 weeks without additional bumps and cuts. Just how infection prone are we. My WBC are already low (3.4), how fast will they drop? thanks, jerry

[eureka254]

You said: "All that remains is some scabing, redness and soreness."

The scabbing's ok, but the "redness and soreness" concern me... if this happened a couple of weeks ago, it shouldn't still be red and sore, so I tend to think your RN nurse is right.  I know my husband's hep doc wouldn't even consider treatment when he had a wound infection.  Insisted it had to heal completely -- my understanding is that tx meds can greatly increase risk for infection, as well as aggravate existing infections.  

If occupationally you're prone to cuts and scrapes, make sure you take steps to prevent infection -- keep an antibiotic cream (like neosporin), some peroxide, and bandages on the job for such 'accidents' (or a first aid kit handy... if that's not cool, you can always disguise it as a lunch box ;) ?) You don't want already low WBC to have to fight anything extra.

You should definitely call your treatment doc if you're concerned and maybe pop into their office Friday (of if they have Sat AM hours?) for someone to take a look.  I've heard an active infection can be very dangerous on this treatment, so better safe than sorry, hmm?
~eureka

[Trinity4]

Doesn't sound like you have any puss or oozing which is a very good sign that the infection is not spreading.  Sounds like you're going through the normal healing process. I've noticed it takes longer for me to heal with any type of cut or scrape.  Platelets and ANC tanked at 8th week and cut myself pretty bad on a branch from a shrub -  took forever to heal and I had to apply antibotic (antibiotic) cream daily but it healed up.  I wouln't have stopped tx because of it - but I would have gone to the doctors if I could not have manage the wound care by myself.   Your blood will more than likely stay low throughout tx and you have a greater risk with job hazzards so you may have a cut or two all the time.
I wouldn't postpone tx unless you have a raging infection - if you need antibiotics to help help the site than go to the doctor and see what he says -  otherwise I would plan on starting tx Sat.
Good Luck
Trin

[FlGuy]

Pull the trigger. Even if there is a little oowie with a minor infection, the Peg will likely help it.  Keep on with your schedule, keep on with your life.  Treatment should not run your life, you should run your life with tx as an observer.  Good luck.

[nygirl7]

If I had waited until I didn't have one ding or dent - the clutz that I am - I would not be SVR today. ;)

Plus as FLGuy said the peg seems to have been awesome in killing off every virus and bug that came my way for all the 72 weeks of treatment.  It was the first time I'd watch people around me dropping like flies from the flu or whatever and I'd be walking around doing better than them, even on treatment.

Go for it.  There will ALWAYS be something to hold you up if you let it.

Good luck.

[orleans]

thanks guys, Sat. it is, jerry