Housekeeping and Disinfecting If possible, don't do household chores if you don't feel well. It is better to rest if you are tired or not feeling well, as this will help your body recover from chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells which stop or slow their growth. A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid eating undercooked or raw food, interacting with actively infectious people, overexerting themselves, and consuming too much alcohol.
A full night's sleep is vital for anyone who has had chemotherapy. Patients should get at least eight hours of sleep if possible.
For 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy, patients and caregivers should follow these precautions: Flush toilets twice each time they are used. If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home. Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
Having Sex During Your Cancer Treatment
We recommend using a barrier device (condom or dental dam) during treatment and for a week after each treatment during oral, vaginal, or anal sex to prevent your partner from being exposed to any medication that may be in your bodily fluids.
If possible, you may want to use a separate toilet during this time. If this is not possible, wear gloves to clean the toilet seat after each use. Sit on the toilet when you use it to cut down on splashing. Keep the toilet lid down when you're not using it to keep pets from drinking the water.
So you need to make sure caregivers and others close to you are not exposed to your body fluids during chemo and for a few days after treatment. It's OK to have normal contact with other people, including hugging and kissing.
If your loved one is receiving chemotherapy or other similar medications, wash their laundry -- including sheets and towels -- separately from the rest of your household's laundry.
Is it safe to kiss others after chemo? It is generally safe to kiss others after chemotherapy as long as no active infection is present. However, it is crucial to practice proper hygiene and avoid close contact with people who are ill, to reduce the risk of infection.
Safety concerns for partners
Be assured that it is not possible for your partner to transmit cancer through intimate activities such as kissing or intercourse. Sexual activity will not make cancer spread, nor will it make the cancer come back. Chemotherapy drugs may stay in your partner's body fluids for some days.
Cancer tiredness is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. It affects between 15 and 90 out of every 100 people (15 to 90%). Tiredness in advanced cancer affects around 75 out of every 100 people (75%). Some people taking cancer drugs say severe tiredness is the most disruptive side effect.
Short, planned delays in chemotherapy for good-risk GCT patients (less than or equal to 7 days per cycle) appear to be acceptable since they may prevent serious toxicity in this curable patient population. Delays of longer than 7 days are strongly discouraged except in extraordinary life-threatening circumstances.
Fatigue caused by chemotherapy may last for some weeks or months after a treatment cycle ends. Many people find that their energy levels return to normal within 6–12 months of treatment ending. While fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it can also be a symptom of depression.
For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.
Avoid refrigerated food. Drink clean and safe water. Drink boiled water that is cooled and stored safely for your consumption. Wash your hands every time you touch surfaces that may be unclean/ after being outdoors/after using the bathroom and, most importantly, before meals.
Chemo drugs can dry and irritate your skin. This can lead to small cuts and other openings, which makes it easier for infections to get in. To protect your skin and lower the risk of infection: Shower or bathe daily with mild soap and a soft washcloth.
There's usually no medical reason to stop having sex during chemo. The drugs won't have any long term physical effects on your performance or enjoyment of sex. Cancer can't be passed on to your partner during sex.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) , chemotherapy medications will usually leave the body within 48–72 hours of treatment. Although it is unlikely that family members will come into direct contact with chemotherapy medicine, drug waste may still be present in bodily fluids, such as urine, vomit, and sweat.
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause your hair to fall out, but not all chemotherapy drugs make your hair fall out. It will usually happen within 2 to 3 weeks of starting treatment. Some chemotherapy drugs can make other hair from your body fall out, such as facial hair and pubic hair.
Following the tips below will help protect your skin from damage and infection: Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing.
“Many chemotherapy agents increase susceptibility to sunburns,” explains Hassan. “So, limit the amount of time you spend outdoors during daylight hours.”
When undergoing chemotherapy, if you feel up to it, it is generally fine to visit public places. Just remember your immune system is weaker than usual and it may be harder for your body to fight off infections.
Is there any risk to family and friends? You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. There is little risk to visitors (including children, babies and pregnant women) because they aren't likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom or visiting public places. Use hand sanitizer when you don't have soap and water. Avoid crowds, and don't visit with people who have infections, coughs, or fevers. If you have to be around any of these groups of people, it's a good idea to wear a mask.
Hence, it is highly recommended to wear low-cut cotton camisole with built-in bras. Built-in bras will provide you more relaxed support than an actual bra, and will give you some cleavage control. Also, you can wear a button-down, V-neck or scoop neck shirt that will make port access easier.