Forum Discussion
RNSW
11 years agoMember
In need of some advise please
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
12 Replies
- RNSWMember
Hi Lindyloo, I have hand sanitiser everywhere and so far I am going ok. I just want to get through this the best I can. Thank you for your reply. Wishing you the very best xoxo
- RosemarycMember
Hi RNSW
i finished my chemo about 6 weeks ago and have been lucky that I got away from catching any flu or cold from people at work, train and my youngest daughter who were sick. Like mist, I use sanitiser all the time too. I was told to take hot lemon in the morning to help build my immune. Maybe because it contains lots of vitamin C. Another thing that I took every morning is about 2 tablespoon of aloe Vera drink. Again a friend introduced it to me as anti- inflammatory drink. Not sure if they help during my chemo times but that's what I took consistently during the period.
I had my dental check before starting chemo and was virgilant in following doctor's order to brush my teeth after I eat. It helps me getting any mouth problem too.
Another thing i did did was doing Pilates. I may have a break in the second or third day after chemo but pick it up again after that. It does help build up my strength.
All the best with yours.
- Kaaren71Member
I am also starting in next 2 weeks so glad you asked this question.Am also a bit scared and seems that there is such a range of how people respond-some people seem to be able to battle through and keep working while other people have a really hard time.
- LindylooMember
As I write this after my second chemo, my youngest daughter has come down with the worst cough and cold. We keep in separate rooms and hand sanitizer is a must! So hoping I don't come down with anything. I also keep a small bottle of sanitizer in my handbag so when out, regularly wash my hands and I've made a point not to use public toilets!!
Best of luck to you. Xxx
- RNSWMember
Hi Gillian,
Thank you for your reply. My nerves have gotten the best of me but I feel so much better as I hear other peoples experiences and advise xo
- RNSWMember
Hi Tonya,
thank you for replying. I brought some masks today. It is good for me to hear everyone's comments it is helping a lot so thank you so much xo
- RNSWMember
Hi Maryrose,
thank you for your reply. I have a few shot this week and brought sanitiser so I am hoping that's going to help.
Much appreciated xo
- Gillian2069Member
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
- TonyaMMember
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
- maryroset1Member
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