I started my chemotherapy this week. I had my first out of 7 sessions, than 1 every 2 weeks. I’m feeling ok after the first one and I feel I might manage to go to work at least every other week. However, I have visitors facing role, with lots of talking, walking, pretending to be happy, telling stories etc. I was told by my chemotherapy team and oncology that maybe I should consider staying at home because of infection risk as I don’t choose who my customers are. I really don’t want to take any unnecessary risks, but staying at home for 3 months is also hard. I don’t know what should I do.
Hi Mirr and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
I have had a significant amount of chemotherapy (800+hrs) over my 25 years years of treatment for my 2 rare types of Lymphomas….. and you must not underestimate how open you will be to infections.
Generally it takes about 48 to 72 hours for the body to break down and/or get rid of most chemo drugs.
But the effects of the chemo on growth areas and your general immune system will last for weeks and is important to remember that you may well be more open to infections at about days 7-14 as this tends to be the window when your immune system is at its lowest……. then the body recovers in time for the next cycle….. but the more chemo you have the longer the recovery can take so by the end of treatment it could take a few months this to recover completely.
I have had Chest Infections, Lung Fungal Infections, the RSV Virus, Pneumonia and Neutropenic Sepsis when my blood counts were low.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… but you don’t say what type of cancer you have If you care to have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.
Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your cancer type....... click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
It’s a difficult journey to navigate but talking with people who have walked the same journey can help a lot so do join and put up a post in the dedicated Breast cancer support group.
