When to Call the Care Team

Call your care team promptly for a fever at the level your team has told you to watch for, chills, new or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, uncontrolled pain, new confusion, fainting, vomiting that will not stop, diarrhea that does not improve, signs of dehydration or bleeding that is hard to control. Immunotherapy can cause inflammation in organs such as the lungs, bowel, liver or skin, so report new cough, rash, stomach pain or yellowing skin. For severe trouble breathing, chest pain or collapse, call 911.

Ask your team for a clear list of numbers, including the main clinic line, the nurse triage line and the after-hours number. Find out whether you should call the oncology office before going to an emergency department, since they may direct you to a specific hospital or alert staff you are coming. Post the numbers on the refrigerator and save them in your phone and in the phones of family members. Include your oncologist's name and the name of your treatment so anyone calling on your behalf can give accurate information.

Have your medication list, recent treatment dates and symptom details nearby. Note when the symptom started, whether it is getting worse and anything that helps or makes it worse. Take your temperature before calling if you feel unwell. Keep a pen and paper handy to write down instructions. If you use a patient portal, remember that messages may not be read right away, so use the phone for urgent concerns. After the call, follow the advice given and call back if things change.

1. 1

   Ask your oncology team exactly which symptoms and temperature readings require a same-day call.

2. 2

   Post the clinic, nurse line and after-hours numbers on your refrigerator and save them in phones.

3. 3

   Keep a working thermometer at home and check it whenever you feel unwell.

4. 4

   Write down symptom details and medications before calling so you can answer questions quickly.