Post-chemo self-isolation

Hi 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus/cancer-and-coronavirus

I have included a link for you . It also contains links within the booklet regarding guidelines . Or our helpline staff could answer that for you on 0808 808 0000. 
Hope that helps .

Court 

Thanks Court. I had already accessed this area. There's no reference I can see about how long to avoid contact after chemo ends so I will contact the phone number. Not urgent as I have no immediate plans to stop shielding. Best wishes. 

Always good to know but I think the helpline staff will have the latest guidance . Always one vital piece missing on booklets . 
Take care and enjoy it when it comes along !

Court 

Thanks again Court.  I should add what a significant milestone the end of chemo represents. Had significant but manageable side effects and particularly hoping the nasty metallic taste will begin to fade/end.

I am now switching my focus on the scan I am due on the 21st and what that might reveal. Hope for the best and plan/prepare for news that is maybe less than ideal 

I asked my oncologist as I am awaiting my final round of chemotherapy and they suggested 6 weeks after my final dose, but I'm not sure whether they meant the infusion or the tablets. So I need to clarify as I take the tablets for two weeks after the infusion.

Sorry I can't be clearer. I am speaking to them again on Tuesday so will ask again then. 

Thanks Sal.  This 6 weeks rings a bell - must have read this somewhere. When I last spoke about it to the consultant (back in February) she said that a couple of weeks after the tablets ended (like you 2 weeks after the hospital infusion) would be ok to have a hair cut and return to visiting shops, but I just want to be careful. 

Good luck when you embark on the final round of chemo. If you get the chance to post again after Tuesday that would be great.

Hi dcyorkroad,

Firstly, massive congratulations on finishing your chemo!! & I cannot WAIT until I, too am at your milestone!

I asked my oncologist about returning to work (before my first round started) & she said the guidelines were 3months after finishing.... (I am in Northern Ireland)

With the news last week in England - (the news that shielding has now ended, cancer, chemo patients included) I think this has probably now changed? (Even though it hasn’t become official for Northern Ireland we’re usually not too far behind England)

I am actually terrified of going back to work & haven’t even been into a shop!
apart from medical appointments my last day worked was before Christmas so think I’m becoming a hermit!

Suzy 

Thanks Suzy,

Yes it's been the milestone that's been paramount throughout my chemo - it slipped once by a week after an adverse blood test in February. Now that it has passed I have to admit that it feels a bit anti-climactic. I think it's because I am not yet free of side effects, including fatigue and a horrible taste that I have had throughout.  I am also now focusing on (and worrying about) the up-coming scan.   I hope that does not sound too negative - just trying to be honest and it is a huge relief to have ended what has at times been a thoroughly unpleasant though beneficial (I hope) experience.

I felt able to return to work on a phased (p/t) basis on 15 March having been off work since surgery in November. I did take a whole week off for the first week of tablets in my final round after that first week. I am fortunate that my whole team is currently working at home. When it is time to return yourself be modest in your ambitions and I hope that you have a supportive organisation and line manager. My last supermarket visit was in December, pre-chemo and have only been to hospital and once to a vaccination centre since then. The thought of being close to people again indoors is a bit daunting, I agree.

I hope to get a bit more clarity on the post-chemo shielding.

Good luck to you as you continue your chemo and for when it ends.

Best wishes.

David

Thank you so much David!

Yes, I hear ya with the side effects! There’s no way I could work during mine, wouldn’t be fit at all... That fatigue is really something else isn’t it...

Onwards to health for us

I am currently on a tablet break & today is a good day

Best of luck for your upcoming scan & try not to worry too much (way easier said than done I know!!)

oh & Happy Easter too of course  

Suzy

Morning all. I posted a question regarding ongoing shielding in the ask an expert nurse section. Had a reply which suggests that each person would need to get advice from their support team if additnal shielding is in order. Official shielding for us who are extremely vulnerable has ended. Check that section for the full reply. Best wishes