Hello everyone, I am starting 6 months of chemo in a week and I really don't know what to expect. I am concerned about getting sick with a cold or virus. I am a single mum of 2 kids and if they are unwell or bring something home from school. I wanted to see how others dealt with this or am I over reacting. Thank you kindly xo

Hi and welcome to the network. I've just finished 6 rounds of chemo, and I'm happy to share some of my experience. You'll have to keep tabs on your temperature. You'll get some hot flushes and that can be confusing. I mistook my hot and cold after my first chemo and ended up in hospital for a week on IV antibiotics. I suggest that you get the flu shot for a bit of protection as well. Provably a good idea to have a contingency plan for your kids in the event that you do get sick, so you know that they are cared for if need be. I took multivitamins and made sure that I ate all good food. You'll get some anti nausea medication to take during your recovery. Just take what the oncologist advises and you'll be able to cope with the side effects better. Also have a support person available to take you to appointments and chemo, so you have some support along the way. Don't hesitate to ring the hospital if you have any concerns. Hope that this helps. Take care, Trace xxxx????

Thank you for your advice Trace xo

My daughter and partner both got sick whilst i was having chemo. It seemed that i attracted sick people everywhere i went especially at work. Surprising i got through my treatment without getting crook. I did go crazy with washing my hands and sanitiser. I also used antibacterial wipes to wipe surfaces. I used sore throat gargle whenever i felt a throat tickle. I got a flu shot before i started chemo. Hope your treatment goes well and take care of you. Maryrose

Hi Rnsw- ditto to all Trace said. I would just add to perhaps get a dental checkup beforehand if you are long overdue.When my white cells dropped,it was a gum infection that sent me to hospital and in isolation for 4 days. Hope for best but prepare for the worst is my motto.So have childcare backup incase you get sick.If the kids get sick can you send them to grandma's? Vigilant hand washing and maybe a mask? I found day 3 to 6 (after chemo) were the worst days- I couldn't get out of bed. Ofcourse we all react differently and hopefully you'll be one who breezes through. Good luck and big hug,Tonya xx

I got through 6 months of chemo (Jan-Jun) without infection. The oncologist prescribed Neulasta because my neutrofil count dropped very low with the AC treatment. Apparently Taxol is not so hard on the white blood cells so it wasn't needed for the second three months of chemo. I did lots of handwashing and avoided sick kids, public transport and shopping malls during the most sensitive weeks. I had a dental checkup before I started chemo. I couldn't have a flu shot before because it was January and the new season vaccine wasn't available. I think you're right to be concerned and it would be worth taking drastic action (face mask if one of the kids comes home with a cold, lots of handwashing) to avoid a hospital stay. Download one of those posters that show how to do effective handwashing and teach your kids how to follow the procedure. Wishing you well - I hope you manage to avoid all the serious pitfalls, as I did. And I hope your support network comes through big time! Gillian

In need of some advise please | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

RNSW
Member
11 years ago
Thank you for your advice Trace xo
Anonymous
Not applicable
11 years ago
Hi and welcome to the network. I've just finished 6 rounds of chemo, and I'm happy to share some of my experience. You'll have to keep tabs on your temperature. You'll get some hot flushes and that can be confusing. I mistook my hot and cold after my first chemo and ended up in hospital for a week on IV antibiotics. I suggest that you get the flu shot for a bit of protection as well. Provably a good idea to have a contingency plan for your kids in the event that you do get sick, so you know that they are cared for if need be. I took multivitamins and made sure that I ate all good food. You'll get some anti nausea medication to take during your recovery. Just take what the oncologist advises and you'll be able to cope with the side effects better. Also have a support person available to take you to appointments and chemo, so you have some support along the way. Don't hesitate to ring the hospital if you have any concerns. Hope that this helps. Take care, Trace xxxx????

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In need of some advise please

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