Some people having chemotherapy worry about the safety of family and friends. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. It will take some extra planning and working out who can support you but it's possible to continue living alone when you have cancer. Having cancer and going through treatment raises many challenges and emotions. These may be harder to deal with when you live alone.
During your first IV chemotherapy appointment, you should bring a friend or family member. They can support you and help you remember information. Sometimes you will be given medication before your chemotherapy treatment that can make you tired, so you may need someone who can drive you home.
Should I wear a mask? Cancer patients receiving active treatment should continue to wear masks indoors away from home even if vaccinated. Patients who have had an allogeneic bone marrow transplant are generally advised to wear masks.
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. If you can't wash them right away, put them in a plastic bag until you're able to take care of it.
Chemo drugs destroy cancer cells, but they can also harm healthy cells. After getting chemo, there may be small amounts of chemo in body fluids like saliva, urine, vomit, stool, semen and vaginal fluids. It's best if other people aren't exposed to these small amounts of chemo.
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. (This includes IV and oral 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.
You might feel the most tired when your blood cells are at their lowest (nadir). This is usually 7 to 14 days after treatment. When the chemotherapy ends, the blood cell levels gradually go back to normal over a few weeks.
The rule of thumb I usually tell my patients is that it takes about two months of recovery time for every one month of treatment before energy will return to a baseline. Everyone is different but at least this gives you a ballpark. This is a lot longer than most people assume.
Additionally, the patient must flush the toilet twice after each use and the bathroom to help dilute the chemo in the wastewater system.
While practical tasks may be useful, emotional support is an important way to care for someone going through chemotherapy. Emotional support may include: offering company, such as watching a film, chatting, or just sitting together. asking how the person is feeling and remember that listening is a powerful tool.
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.
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.