Folfox and going out.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus

Hi Bluebell51

Have you seen this updated corona virus advise ?

Its a tricky one for sure ? Do you have places identified that you are comfortable visiting ? Our helpline staff could talk this through with you to try and strike a balance to help you through , 0808 808 0000.

Hopefully others will share their approach to give you some insight ,

Take care ,

Court 

Dear Court,

Stricking a balance is wise. Due to the overwhelming advise and precautions before starting chemo, I have become neurotic.  Coronavirus doesn't concern me but the common cold does. Friends who have wanted to visit reassure me they have done a lateral flow test. We've become so Covid aware that I feel once the usual bugs start up, these are my risks. I also have a 9 year old son in the home.

I will call the helpline you mention to get some perspective 

Did your lovely mum get sepsis at all?

Thank you Court. 

Hi Bluebell51

It is a legitimate concern you have . One that troubled me too ! Prior to covid which can only compound the issue !

My mum was absolutely neurotic about it too and I think if she could have found a way to sanitise me she would have . It troubled me greatly . My mum came to live with me  during chemo as my dad had a stroke two weeks before and need care . My boys were 9 and 7 and her chemo stretched over winter ! I was in pain to work out how to keep her safe from all the childhood viruses so developed a common sense approach. No one with an ongoing cold was allowed  near her . I had sanitisers in both boys school bags which I know for sure was never used but we ramped up the hand washing as soon as they came home from school . Keep all surfaces washed , especially door handles and she never went out the first year . People came to see her but made sure they had no viruses.

The second year she just could not bear it ! So a new approach came into play ! We did have coffees out . We were very selective though . Went first thing in the morning as it opened, before the waiting staff had handled other people’s cups , sometimes took her own cup ! Sat well away from everyone. Never went near crowded shops but the odd independent retailer that she could exit easily was ok . Again first thing in the morning . Nice wee drives to beauty spots helped too! No big shopping malls . I honestly think covid was easy to adjust to for us as we had really lived like that for two years . My boys hardly had a cold for two years . I had warned them to head away from anyone coughing and had a word with the teacher to move them away too! 

I think wearing a mask would have been great but did not think of that but mum did wear scarfs up round her nose . I remember being near a lady who had a terrible cold and shrinking down into he neck of my jumper ! We all applied some caution !

My mum had a bit of a cold once so delayed chemo but it did not actually affect her bloods . We were aware it could but might not !

We had the two meter rule before it was a thing and definitely did not let anyone hug or kiss her out with the family !
She never once had any issue with that aspect of her blood . Her platelets were terrible but that was a different issue !

It really is an extension to covid regulations ! Similar approach really !

Some things shaped my children’s upbringing though ! Both are sensitive to others going through hard times and have a lot of kindness in them , as are my nieces . I attribute that to them being invoed and playing their part. All of them are germ phobic and aware of dirty cutlery , surfaces etc . I think I am fully responsible for that . Not that they correct it themselves !.

You sound very sensible and wise  to me . You are going to find a way through this part ! It was only after each cycle of chemo that I could breath a little easier and realised it was quite a strain !

The avoiding colds has stuck with me . I will be that lady in the future still heading around shopping centres with a mask on as I like the fact I have not had a cold for 18 months . It works !!!

The other germ avoidance tip was a pair of gloves to and from hospital trips ! My mum holds handrails a lot and escalator railings . Germ city in my books but did not want her to fall so that was our top tip !

Anyway a novel on the subject !!! You brought it all back ! 
That was how we navigated it but the helpline may be more practical! Ha .

Have a good day !

Court 

Hi Bluebell51, I am also on Folfox and Avastin 2 weekly and have been on it for some time now,  like you I feel exhausted the first week particularly after the Pelgraz injection.  I tend to treat the 2nd week when I am feeling better as normal as possible, I go for a coffee, go for lunches and some retail therapy.  I still wear masks and keep my distance as much as possible but thoroughly enjoy some normality in my life.

That is helpful Court. Thank you for your detailed reply on how you managed treatment for your mum. She is truly blessed to have you as a daughter.  

Yes, living is important.  You also look young in your profile picture.