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When to Call the Doctor

When Should I Call My Doctor?

If you experience any new or worsening symptoms – especially fever, infection signs, uncontrolled vomiting, bleeding, chest pain, or severe weakness – contact your doctor right away. Here is your patient‑friendly, easy‑to‑use checklist for When to Call Your Doctor. This list is based on chemotherapy safety guidance from Illinois CancerCare.

Check any box that applies – if you check even one, call your doctor right away.

Signs of Infection or Fever

  • A fever higher than 101°F
  • Shaking chills

Digestive or Eating Problems

  • Vomiting that continues for more than 48 hours after treatment
  • Severe constipation
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Mouth sores
  • Blood in your urine or stool
  • Inability to eat or ongoing weight loss

Breathing or Heart Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing)

Bleeding or Pain Concerns

  • New or unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Pain in a new place
  • Pain that doesn’t improve with your usual medication
  • Headache that does not get better with Tylenol®

Urinary Symptoms

  • Painful urination
  • Frequent urination

VAD (Port) Site Problems

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Pus or drainage

Cold or Flu‑Like Symptoms

  • Nasal congestion
  • Drainage
  • Cough

Possible Dehydration

If you’ve had repeated vomiting or diarrhea and also notice any of these, call your doctor:

  • Dry, cracked lips
  • Dry or sticky tongue
  • Increased thirst
  • Decreased urination
  • Feeling weaker than normal
  • Faster heartbeat
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness