← Back
After treatment and remission

The first days and weeks

Going home after the last course is a long-awaited moment. But the first days can be both joyful and unsettling: your body is still weak, your blood counts have not fully recovered and your daily routine has changed. In this topic we have gathered practical advice to help the first weeks go safely and calmly.

Last updated: ~4 min read
On a dark navy background, a tidy bedroom in morning light with fresh white bedding and a glass of water by the window, no people.
Figure 1.The first morning at home — a clean, calm room helps recovery.

01Short answer

In the first 2–4 weeks after the last course, blood counts are often still low, so protecting yourself from infection, checking your temperature and watching for signs of bleeding all matter. Blood tests are frequent at first — sometimes once or twice a week — and transfusions of blood or platelets are given if needed. Keep taking preventive medicines (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals) as your team directs. Tiredness is normal: short walks, good sleep and small, frequent meals help. Food safety, hand hygiene and mouth care still matter. Feelings may change from day to day — that is normal too. If you have a temperature of 38 °C, chills, breathlessness or bleeding, call straight away.

02Simple explanation

After the last course, blood counts can stay low for several weeks — during this time your body is especially vulnerable to infection.

A thermometer is the most important thing at home: check your temperature if you feel unwell or shivery.

Your medicine schedule matters as much as in hospital: do not miss preventive medicines.

Tiredness is expected. Break tasks into small parts and accept help.

At home, the rules on cleanliness, handwashing and safe food still apply for a while.

03Scientific explanation

Neutropenia and fever: according to the NCI and ESMO, when neutrophils are low, a fever may be the only sign of a serious infection; febrile neutropenia needs urgent assessment and often antibiotics.

Blood count recovery: after intensive chemotherapy, blood counts usually recover over several weeks; regular full blood counts are needed during this time, sometimes with transfusions.

Fatigue: the NCI notes that cancer-related fatigue can last for weeks and months after treatment; light physical activity and a daily routine help reduce it.

Food safety: the CDC advises people with weakened immune systems to avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs and unpasteurised dairy products.

04What happens in the body?

Getting home ready

Before you leave hospital, clean your room, change the bedding, and have a thermometer, hand sanitiser and masks ready. A weekly pill organiser makes medicines easier. It helps if a relative can be with you for the first days. If you have pets, let someone else look after them for a while.

Temperature and warning signs

Check your temperature if you feel unwell, shivery or hot. A temperature of 38 °C or higher, chills, a cough, burning when you pass urine or redness around a wound can be signs of infection. Bruises, nose or gum bleeding and tiny red spots on the skin can point to low platelets. In these cases, do not wait.

Medicines and blood tests

You may have preventive antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals, and medicines to protect the stomach or prevent nausea. Write down when and how much to take of each. Tests are frequent at first: based on the results, your team decides on transfusions or changes to medicines. Note the results in your own notebook.

On a dark navy background, a digital thermometer, a weekly pill organiser and a glass of water in soft warm light.
Figure 2.A thermometer, a pill organiser and water — key helpers at home in the first weeks.

Food, drink and mouth care

Small, frequent meals, enough fluids and protein-rich foods help recovery. Cook food thoroughly, and avoid raw meat, raw eggs and unpasteurised dairy. Brush your teeth with a soft brush and rinse your mouth with the simple solution your doctor recommends.

Tiredness and movement

In the first days every task can feel hard. Take short breaks during the day, but do not spend the whole day in bed: a slow 5–10 minute walk around the house or yard helps keep your strength. Protect your night-time sleep and avoid long daytime naps. Your strength will build gradually, over weeks.

Breaking days into small steps helps strength return gradually
Figure 3.Breaking days into small steps helps strength return gradually.

Feelings and visitors

Joy, tiredness, irritability and worry can take turns. That is normal. Limit visitors in the first weeks: people who are unwell should stay away, and those who come should wash their hands. Share your feelings with those close to you and ask for psychological support if you need it.

05The first weeks in four steps

Safety first, then strength step by step.

Get home ready — Clean room, thermometer, pill organiser.1Get home readyClean room, thermometer, pill organiser.
Check yourself daily — Temperature, bleeding, how you feel.2Check yourself dailyTemperature, bleeding, how you feel.
Go to your blood tests — Blood counts are monitored.3Go to your blood testsBlood counts are monitored.
Rebuild strength — Food, sleep, short walks.4Rebuild strengthFood, sleep, short walks.
SafetyInfection and bleeding are spotted early.
RoutineA clear schedule for medicines and tests.
RecoveryStrength returns gradually.

06Daily checks in the first weeks (simplified)

WhatWhenWhen to call
Body temperatureWhen unwell or shivery; as your team advises38 °C or higher
Skin and mouthEvery dayBruises, red spots, sores, a painful mouth
MedicinesOn scheduleYou cannot take a medicine, vomiting
Food and drinkThrough the dayYou cannot eat or drink for more than a day
Urine and stoolsEvery dayBlood, severe diarrhoea, burning
General wellbeingEvery dayBreathlessness, chest pain, confusion — ambulance

* This is a general list. Your team will set your temperature threshold and the numbers to call.

07Key terms

Neutropenia
Low neutrophils, the cells that fight infection.
Febrile neutropenia
A fever when neutrophils are low — an emergency.
Thrombocytopenia
Low platelets, with a risk of bleeding.
Prophylaxis
A medicine given to prevent illness.
Transfusion
Giving blood or platelets into a vein.
Nadir
The period after a course when blood counts are lowest.
Mucositis
Inflammation of the lining of the mouth and gut.
Fatigue
Severe tiredness that does not go away with rest.

08Key points

  • In the first weeks, blood counts may still be low.
  • A temperature of 38 °C — call straight away.
  • Do not miss preventive medicines.
  • Go to blood tests on time.
  • Cook food well and wash hands often.
  • Keep up gentle mouth care.
  • Short walks and good sleep rebuild strength.
  • Limit visitors in the first weeks.

09Frequently asked questions

How often should I check my temperature at home?

Always if you feel unwell, shivery or hot. Some teams suggest checking once or twice a day — ask yours.

Can I take a medicine to bring a fever down?

Do not take fever-reducing medicine before calling your team — it can hide a sign of infection. Agree this with your doctor.

Can I shower?

Usually yes; a daily shower is recommended. If you still have a central line, ask a nurse how to keep it dry.

Can I eat at the same table as my family?

Yes. What matters is that food is fresh and well cooked, hands are washed and anyone who is unwell sits apart.

When can I go outside or to the shops?

Until your blood counts recover, avoid crowded places. Walks in the fresh air at quiet times are usually fine.

I am very tired. When will this pass?

Tiredness usually eases over weeks and months. If it suddenly gets worse or comes with breathlessness, tell your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How often should I check my temperature at home?

  2. Can I take a medicine to bring a fever down?

  3. Can I shower?

  4. Can I eat at the same table as my family?

  5. When can I go outside or to the shops?

  6. I am very tired. When will this pass?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Mouth and Throat Problems during Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Life After Cancer Treatment: Adjusting to a New Normal
  6. American Cancer Society. Living as an Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Survivor
  7. NHS. Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia
  8. NHS. Chemotherapy
  9. Macmillan Cancer Support. Infection
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Safer Food Choices for People With Weakened Immune Systems
  11. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  12. Annals of Oncology (ESMO), 2016. Management of febrile neutropaenia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →