CancerExplained.org · Free health handout
When to Call Your Care Team
Simple signs that mean call now, call today, or mention at your next visit
Call right away (or use your after-hours number)
- A fever — a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or shaking chills.
- Bleeding that will not stop, or new blood in urine, stool, or when coughing.
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, or sudden confusion.
- Vomiting or diarrhea that will not stop, or signs of dehydration.
Call the same day
- Pain that is new, getting worse, or not helped by your usual medicine.
- A rash, swelling, or redness near an IV site or port.
- Not able to keep food, drink, or medicine down.
Mention at your next visit
- Tiredness, mild aches, or trouble sleeping that you can still manage.
- Questions about diet, activity, or feelings of worry or low mood.
Keep these numbers handy
- Care team (daytime): ____________________________
- After-hours / on-call number: ____________________________
- Nearest emergency room: ____________________________
When in doubt, call. Care teams would far rather hear from you early than late. During treatment, a fever can be an emergency — do not wait.
This resource is provided by:
Fill in the patient's own care-team and after-hours numbers before handing this out — the blank lines are meant to be completed.
This handout is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about what is right for you.
Sources: NCI: Side effects · NCI: Infection and neutropenia during treatment. Updated 2026-07-14.
Learn more in plain language: https://cancerexplained.org/side-effects/fever-during-chemotherapy/ — free to copy and share for non-commercial education.