I’m due to have my first session of EC chemo next week, I have been advised that I should shield during the 18weeks if my chemo has anyone been advised to do this?
I am coming up for my 4th cycle and like you was told to shield throughout my treatment, obviously when going through chemo, you are more at risk from infections etc due to low immunity.
your chemotherapy nurses can give you all the advice and information you need if you haven’t already spoken to them.
I have found them to be really lovely and full of tips on how to get through your treatment.
shielding is really difficult I know, but worth it.
Wishing you all the very best with your chemotherapy next week
sorry also forgot to mention the hospital where I am having my treatment ensure that chemotherapy patients do not enter the hospital through the main entrance but through a separate department so I assume it will be similar for you.
Hello Ash, yes I have also been advised to shield whilst having Chemo as you will have no immune system to fight infection. I ended up in hospital twice after two of my chemo cycles having intravenous anti biotics because I had infections, even though I stayed home and only live with 2 people. It wasnt a pleasant experience, first time I ended up on a general hospital ward in a side room which was really noisy, second time was on the Macmillan ward. Whilst the care i got was excellent, i hated being away from home for 5 days each time, being woken up through the night to have antibiotics started, machines bleeping, obs taken etc, personally I am doing everything I can to avoid another hospital stay for the rest of my chemo cycles. I do go out to walk the dogs though and avoid anyone whilst out, apart from that my only trips out are hospital trips. The 18 weeks will soon pass, got to look after yourself and put yourself first for a while now.
Yes absolutely! Your immune system will take a hit with each round of chemo, that leaves you vulnerable to infections of any kind. It's why they do your blood tests 2 days before your next dose, to give your blood counts a chance to have bounced back up again. Even if you are lucky enough to have little to low side effects, the chemo is still doing a number on your cells in the background and you are at more risk of infection.
Don't risk catching something nasty when your body is already coping with chemo, you don't need it
Yes I have been shielding since starting EC chemo on 14th Jan. In fact my partner has been too as he works from home and we haven't risked putting our 2 year old in nursery sincr before christmas and using our parents for childcare help instead as they've also been isolating. I go out for walks and take my little boy to the park when it isn't very busy but that's about it.
We're going to send him back to nursery next week as the rates have dropped and we don't feel fair for his development and missing out on the social side for his age but I will also be worrying about risk of germs and infections.
