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I start chemotherapy next week, the nurse said I need to be careful of people around me, flushing toilet twice, no unprotected sex ( as if you’d feel like it after chemo) What about kissing and seeing my grandkids. Also I have a sauna should I not go in with my husband after chemo
Hi Blondy,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I see you have joined the bladder cancer forum. I hope you find it supportive. My name is Barbara and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.
It can be daunting starting cancer treatment and can often leave you with lots of questions, I’m glad you have gotten in touch with us.
Chemotherapy can affect your everyday life, on the whole people having treatment are encouraged to try and go about day to day life as much as they are able to, depending on the side effects they have.
Precautions do need to be taken to protect yourself from infection and others in relation to body fluids. This is because there is a small amount of chemotherapy present for a while after treatment, depending on the drugs given. With this in mind, it would be advisable to avoid using the sauna for up to 7 days after receiving the chemotherapy to avoid your husband coming in contact with the chemotherapy via sweat.
It is also important to bear in mind that saunas being warm places also create the ideal environment for germs and bacteria to grow therefore increasing your risk of infection.
It is important when receiving chemotherapy to be careful of people around you. This is because chemotherapy can increase your risk of infection. While it is important to protect yourself from infection as much as possible, it is also important to see your loved ones and have support from them. Where possible keeping your distance, opening windows to allow for air flow through the room and regular hand washing can help reduce your risk of infection but also allow you to see your family. Avoiding contact with anyone who does have an infection or illness is also advisable.
Chemotherapy safety at home is important, this Australian website offers simple and effective ways to reduce exposure to chemotherapy drugs at home, you might find this useful.
We recommend contacting your team with any concerns during treatment. If you develop any signs of infection, you should call your 24-hour chemotherapy helpline for assessment and support.
You may find it helpful to give our support line a call. Our Macmillan Information Nurse Specialists are here to offer support and help with your questions on 0800 808 00 00 Monday to Friday. You can also e mail us back and we aim to reply within two working days.
Best wishes
Barbara G, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref: BG/HB
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