Notice
Road and parking lot construction in Madison, Wis. may result in travel delays and route changes to UW Health clinic and hospital locations. Please plan accordingly.Read more
Please call if you have questions or concerns about how your child is feeling. There is a doctor available to talk with you 24 hours 7 days a week.
Call the doctor right away if your child has any of the following:
Fever of 38.0O C (100.4O F) or higher
Shaking chills
Bruising, bleeding, or small red or purple spots on the skin called petechiae
Head injury
More tired than usual
Uncontrolled pain or severe headache
Weakness of the face, arm or leg
Problems with urination
Vomiting (3 times in one day)
Diarrhea (3 times in one day)
Constipation (No bowel movement in 3 days)
Shortness of breath or frequent cough
Skin breakdown, rash or any signs of infection
Has a break in central line catheter
Change in your child’s behavior
Why is it important to call your doctor right away with symptoms?
During cancer treatment your child is at risk for neutropenia and other side effects.
Neutrophils are a specific type of white blood cell which help our bodies fight infection.
Neutropenia is when the neutrophils are less than 500 cells/mm3 and there is a greater risk for infection.
What causes Neutropenia?
Chemotherapy, radiation, or your child’s cancer can cause neutropenia. You need to know the signs and symptoms of infection when your child is neutropenic or has a low neutrophil count.
What you can do when your child is neutropenic:
Wash your hands. Wash before making meals, eating, after using the bathroom and playing outside. This is the best way to prevent infection.
Avoid people who are ill.
Do not share food, drinks, cups, utensils or personal items.
Brush teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
If your child has had a stem cell transplant, you may need to wear a mask. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to wear a mask.
Information to have ready to tell your doctor
Your child’s name and diagnosis
Name and date of recent chemotherapy
Your child’s most recent blood counts
The reason you are calling
Important Phone Numbers
Urgent Medical Concern
8:00am-4:30pm – (608) 262-0486
Ask to speak with your nurse practitioner
Evening, Weekend, or Holidays –
(608) 262-0486
Ask to speak with the pediatric hematologist-oncologist on-call
Non-Urgent Medical Concern
Any time – (608) 263-6420
Your call will be directed to a clinic scheduler or nurse. They can answer questions about your lab or test results, appointments, or medicines.
