To shield or not to shield?

Hi Bexter,

ive just started my chemo and have been told to be careful but also that life goes on. My BCN has said to follow Covid restrictions but that I will be fine to do a supermarket shopping and meet friends outside etc

Im being very open with friends and will check that they are feeling well before and catch ups. My kids are also starting to go back to school so o can’t really control what they might bring back. If they do get colds or feel unwell then I’ve decided that I’m going to isolate myself in the spare room and just be really careful. Not much else I can do!

ive had my first Covid just before my first chemo and it looks like I’ll be getting my second before the next dose so that’s a bit of a relief. There seems to be some debate over how effective it is for cancer patients though so will still be careful. Face masks and good hand cleanliness seem to be the big things. I have been told I’ll have to isolate fir 2 weeks before my surgery though. 

Take care

Ruby xx

Hi  I started chemo in january and am halfway through now. We have chosen to keep our 2 year old off nursery since xmas and use out parents for childcare help instead as they have been isolating and not seeing any other family. 

We have all been shielding in the house since my chemo started, as my partner is working from home currently anyway. It's been a long 3 months though. I haven't been into a shop or busy place at all but do go for walks with my son and to the park when it's not really busy peak times. I have met a friend a few times for a walk or a trip to the park with their child, I just make sure I keep distance as much as possible and use hand gel.

We are taking our son back to nursery this week as he needs the social interaction and me and my partner have had our first covid jab (although like you said I'm also doubtful how much I'm protected as I didn't have it until the end of feb and am trying to move my 2nd one forward).

It's a totally personal decision but we all just need to make sure we think of ourselves...as I know I usually don't put myself top off the list! Take care x

Hi Red Ruby, Thanks - what you’re doing sounds exactly like what I intend to do and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one trying to keep things normal for family when I’m up to it.

if there is possibly a positive about covid it’s how good everyone is at mixing outside, keeping distance and hygiene!

Good luck with your journey xx

Hi Jen84, thanks for replying. It is difficult isn’t it, 

My kids have gone back to school, definitely the best thing for them, just have to hope they don’t bring anything home.  Hubby’s at work a well, but as a family we’re pretty good on the whole hygiene thing.

Best of luck xx

Hi Bexter,

Hope you’re doing OK. I wasn’t told to shield as such but ‘be more careful’. I’m still going to the shops, habit more than anything, but am being a lot more thorough with hand hygiene, wiping baskets and social distancing.

I’ve to give myself white cell boosting injections for a week after my chemo. I know everyone is different, and every round will be different, but I’m guessing that, as my immunity is (hopefully) going to build over the 3 weeks between chemos, I’ll be safer towards the end (can’t assume though!). Anyway I’m protecting myself more until my week of injections are complete.

I didn’t see my 3 year old grandson for 12 weeks during the first lockdown and will not be doing that again! I will keep away for the first week after chemo though. His mum’s a teacher (she has had her first Covid jag) and has returned to face to face work so he’s gone back to nursery, which he loves.

My daughter has registered as my unpaid carer (Scotland) and will hopefully get her jag very soon. Phone: 0800 03080130 or online: NHSinform/carerregister. Not sure what happens nationwide.

I’ve, luckily, had both my Covid jags but am aware that my immune system has to actually work for the response to be effective. Saying that, I’m pretty sure I’ll have some protection.

Here’s hoping we can all stay safe while still having a bit of a ‘normality’!

Bluebell xx

Hi 

I am starting my Chemo in two weeks and have been told to just follow the government guidelines, wash my hands more often, wear a mask and keep my distance but I don't need to isolate. I think being sensible and only seeing people you know are sensible too. Most of my family have been vaccinated and also test themselves twice a week. My one daughter works in a school and my other daughter in a supermarket so they are being extra careful with hygiene. I have also had my first vaccine and will be having my second one on Thursday, which is a relief.

Hope this helps, stay positive,

Emie X

Hi Emie, 

I hope you’re doing ok and not worrying too much about your chemo. That’s exactly what I was told about keeping safe - really just being sensible. I’m getting my second vaccine tomorrow, two days before my second chemo, starting to feel a bit anxious now but will be glad to get another one done.

Take good care,

Ruby xx

Thanks Red Ruby, I hope your second treatment goes well. Two more closer to the end girl, stay positive always,

Emie X