Hello, I am currently undergoing a 2nd round of 4 cycles of Flot after a recent Oesophagectomy. I cannot remember how long the drugs are in my system for and am I wondering if I am safe handling food to cook for others ? Also I have a grandchild .... should I avoid holding her for a few days after the chemo ? Thanks in advance. Mark
Hi Mark,
My name is Penelope and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. Unless your chemotherapy team tells you differently, you can usually be around family and friends during the time you are having FLOT chemotherapy. The greatest risk might be if you have a chemotherapy pump attached and there were to be any leakage. During this time, you may wish to avoid preparing food for others if you are able to do so.
After each chemotherapy session, the drugs can remain in your body for up to a week. During this time, very small amounts of the drugs may be released from the body, either in vomit, urine, faeces (poo), blood, saliva, sweat or semen.
You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. However, there is little risk to others, including children, babies, and pregnant women, because they aren’t likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
These safety measures from the American Cancer Society outlines some precautions that can be taken to further prevent the risk of exposure to friends and family. Your chemotherapy team will be able to tell you about any specific recommendations that they may have.
I hope this information is helpful Mark and I wish you well with your ongoing treatment.
Best wishes,
Penelope, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ JL
