With a bit of planning and a few precautions, your social life can still go ahead. You might not always be able to do the things you take for granted. But you don't need to stop your social life completely.
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.
Visit only when you are healthy.
Many people in cancer treatment have a compromised immune system, so they may not be able to fight off common colds or flus as well. If you are feeling sick, stay home. Video chatting is another way to show support from afar.
Crowds and Public Places
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.
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other games are a good distraction during chemo and can keep your mind sharp, which may help ward off chemo brain. You may want to bring a crochet kit to create a scarf or hat. If a family member or friend is with you, a card game or conversation starter game can help pass the time.
It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss. But you do need to protect others from coming into contact with your medicine.
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.
People taking chemotherapy medication may have a higher risk of catching infections. It is, therefore, important that family or household members take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading infections.
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.
Around the third day following a chemotherapy treatment, some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pains. If you experience these aches, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil. If necessary, contact your doctor for stronger medication.
If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home. Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet. Caregivers must wear gloves when handling the patients' blood, urine, stool, or emesis. Dispose of the gloves after each use and wash your hands.
Chemotherapy can be found in saliva and vaginal secretions for 48-72 hours after treatment. During this time, do not do open-mouth kissing and use a condom or dental dam for oral sex or intercourse (vaginal or anal) so that your partner is not exposed.
A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid eating undercooked or raw food, interacting with actively infectious people, overexerting themselves, and consuming too much alcohol. There are also things that a person can do to minimize risks during chemotherapy.
The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.
FRIDAY, Sept. 9, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Your dog may like to lick your hand or face, but if you're using a chemotherapy cream that treats certain skin conditions, you should not allow it, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises.
People receiving chemotherapy may be at risk for getting infections. You are likely to be at higher risk between 7-12 days after you have received each chemotherapy does–and possibly lasting for 5-7 days, when your white blood cells are at their lowest numbers.
Sickness caused by chemotherapy can start within a couple of hours of starting your treatment and only last a day or so. Or it can come on more than 24 hours after the start of treatment. This is called delayed onset nausea and vomiting and usually lasts about a week.
Avoid caffeine as it acts as a diuretic and draws water out of your cells, causing you to urinate more fluid than you are consuming. Stay away from strong smelling foods to avoid aggravating any disorders of taste. Avoid fatty fried, spicy and overly sweet foods, as they may induce nausea.
Most people have ups and downs during treatment, but support is available. Some people find they can lead an almost normal life during chemotherapy. But others find everyday life more difficult. You may feel unwell during and shortly after each treatment but recover quickly between treatments.
Disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot.
That's a cleaner that can kill the viruses and bacteria left behind. You may want to keep bleach or sanitizing wipes around your house. Use gloves when you clean. You may be more sensitive to smells if you're in chemotherapy.
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.
Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing. Use a soft towel to gently wash skin.
Try this: As soon as you start treatment, moisturize regularly with a thick, rich, unscented product that contains protective ceramides, such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Bathe with a moisturizing and fragrance-free soap, like Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. Keep up the good skincare habits after treatment.
Hugging and kissing your child is safe for family members or visitors (best to avoid if family member or visitor has a cold or other illness which could be passed onto your child). There is no risk to pregnant women being around your child (if possible they should not clean up any body fluids after treatment.