Assignment task:
Manilla lives in an assisted living home. A year ago, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She had several inches of her large intestine removed, a colostomy was placed, and she began chemotherapy. Over the last month or two, she seems to have has lost her appetite. Her family worries that she is "wasting away." She seems depressed and admits feeling lonely and bored even though she spends a lot of time socializing in the community center with the other elderly residents in her home. Manilla has been grateful that the cancer is well controlled and has not grown, but she seems to be sick a lot. In the last three months alone, she has been treated for thrush, gastroenteritis, and cellulitis from a cat scratch to her arm that just won't heal.
From what you have learned about Manilla's situation, what factors my be contributing to her most recent and frequent infections? Be detailed in your description.
Manilla's family has been concerned that her doctor won't prescribe antibiotics unless she develops a severe infection that could become life-threatening. Explain the doctor's probable reasoning for being hesitant to readily prescribe antibiotics?