Did you know that for anyone with a central line (like a port), fevers require an automatic trip to the ER for iv antibiotics? This is due to the concern for a catheter related blood infection that can occur when these intravascular devices get infected with bacteria. The concern becomes exponentially greater when the patient is neutropenic. Neutropenic means that they have an abnormally low level of white blood cells that can help to fight off infections.
Now I know medical terms are not the most exciting, but because of the extreme risk for infection, there are various protocols in place that we as an oncology family are required to follow for our daughter's health and safety. This means that if she wakes up at 2am with a fever, we automatically have to drive to the ER for treatment at 2am. Additionally, it is required that blood cultures are drawn with every spike to ensure the antibiotic being administered is targeted to the specific bacteria that's present.
Now my kids have had fevers here and there prior to treatment, but these fevers seem to bring on extremes. I vividly remember one hospital stay where my daughter's fever was up to something like 104, and she was shivering so hard I thought she was having a seizure. I'm talking full body convulsions. While on the opposite end of the spectrum, we've started packing extra clothes during these stays because she sweats so profusely.
This painting was inspired by this complete contrast and what could be happening in the body. I've learned a lot about cancer during the course of my life and I hope that this collection will help to spread awareness and understanding to those who may never have known that a simple fever could be the only indication of a life threatening emergency.
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