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.
Always wear disposable gloves when cleaning surfaces that may have come into contact with body fluids, such as the toilet, a bed pan, or sheets. Always wash your hands after cleaning, even if you had gloves on. Throw away used gloves in the trash. If you use a bed pan, wear gloves to empty the contents into the toilet.
Keeping up with your household chores is always a challenge. It can be even harder when you are not feeling well. 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.
Any clothes or sheets that have body fluids on them should be washed in your washing machine – not by hand. Wash them in warm water with regular laundry detergent. Do not wash them with other clothes. If they can't be washed right away, seal them in a plastic bag.
Because of the harm that chemo excretion and contamination can do to those not taking chemo, experts recommend using a different bathroom than loved ones who are (especially children and pregnant women).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have a friend or family member drive you to your first treatment. Most people can drive themselves to and from chemotherapy sessions. But the first time you may find that the medications make you sleepy or cause other side effects that make driving difficult.
After using any devices for bodily waste, patients should thoroughly wash their hands and the devices with soap and water. Dry the devices with paper towels, and discard the towels. Any sheets or clothes soiled with bodily fluids should be machine-washed twice in hot water with regular laundry detergent.
In most cases two to three gentle hair washes a week is sufficient. Gently brushing hair every day is helpful to avoid matting.
Keep a beverage by your side and take sips throughout the day. Fluids help the body flush out waste and toxins, and help decrease fatigue, constipation, nausea, and physical weakness. Focus on staying well-hydrated during cancer treatment to prevent the risk of dehydration and help your body heal and recover.
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.
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.
A return to normalcy is typical, but it takes a while – usually six months or so. “All who have done chemo do finally get back to normal,” Patricia said. “Treatment for breast cancer can take a whole year, but six months after it ends, life comes back – incisions heal, hair grows back, chemo brain fog lifts.”
The length of time for chemotherapy regimens can range from 5 minutes to 8 or more hours. It all depends on the chemotherapy. Throughout the chemotherapy, your nurse will come in and check your vitals and make sure you aren't reacting to the medications.
During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment.
It can get chilly in infusion centers so a soft, cozy blanket or scarf can be comforting on chemo days. In addition to wearing comfortable clothes (consider layers), bring warm socks or slippers. Chemo can make your lips and skin dry, so bring lip balm and/or fragrance-free, hypoallergenic hand lotion.
Comfortable Clothes
Think about your favorite comfy clothes, sweat pants, yoga pants, your favorite soft t‑shirt or zip-up sweatshirt. Many of the infusion medications can make you feel chilly, while others can make you feel hot. It is best to dress in layers so that you can easily adjust based on how you feel.