Unclear on what I should be doing whilst on chemo

  • 6 replies
  • 277 subscribers
  • 407 views

Hi all, 

Had my first EC yesterday, feeling ok so far so took myself off to Tesco - should I be wearing a mask?

I want to take my 2 year old to playgroup tomorrow - is this wise?

I honestly don't know whether I should be avoiding these places or just living my life Disappointed

What are your experiences?

Thanks! 

  • Hi Darceysnowball welcome to the forum and I am glad that at least 1 session of the chemo is past for you. Its a difficult one isn't it as the chemo will  compromise your immune system so you maybe  do need to take some precautions to protect yourself whilst undergoing this treatment. If it was me I would be wearing a mask as there are all sorts of bugs around especially in supermarkets and nurseries so anything that minimises the risk for you  has to be good.

    Can someone else take the 2 year old to playgroup. I think maybe a call to the chemo unit where you are having treatment  may be in order as they can advise you better about the dos and dont's.

    Best wishes  

  • Thanks for your advice Gail, and yes I agree that anything to reduce the risk is a good thing. 

    I think because I'm feeling ok I'm just trying to be normal but that's probably naive of me. 

    I'm already feeling the guilt about my little boy not getting the chance to play with other kids so it's important to me that he can do this, at the minute I haven't had anyone who has offered to take him for me. 

    I'll maybe give it a miss tomorrow and see if I can arrange something for next week. 

    Thanks again, 

    Vic

  • The information I have been given about chemo really emphasises the risk of infection while in treatment and I agree it is very hard to find a sensible line to tread where you are living life but not exposing yourself to really serious complications.

    I would def wear a mask in public areas and was told by a chemo nurse to do your normal activities but take extra precautions to protect yourself. 

  • Thank you for your reply, I'll invest in some decent masks. This is going to be harder than I thought with trying to keep my boy entertained Pensive

  • Hi, I felt fine after my first EC. Went to the rugby and out to Sunday lunch. Soon after came down with a bad cold and my 2nd EC was delayed a week. So please be cautious. Great you feel ok, I did. But immunity will be reduced. Good luck Fingers crossed 

  • Thanks for sharing your experience, I'll stay away from public places - definitely don't want to be picking anything up!