Chemotherapy and family visits

Hi and welcome to the community although sorry to hear about your mother in law. We know that cancer does not only affect the person involved, but has far reaching effects on family and friends. I am not from this group, but have had my fair share of chemo. The nurses will advise your MIL on the precautions she can take to prevent any infection. I think you have hit the nail on the head by mentioning a sensible balance. You can take certain precautions such as having an antiseptic handwash for people to use when visiting. I have grandchildren, and I found that visits did me more good than harm. As long as they have no coughs or colds, then a quick cuddle was fine for me. In my experience, I found that common sense was the order of the day, but obviously you have to respect your mum in law's wishes. Another thing to remember is that chemo can make people very fatigued and they may just like to rest without being bothered. This is not people being paranoid about infection or being anti social, it is just the way chemo can make you feel. I hope all goes well, and great to hear about your father. Best wishes.

During chemotherapy we are immune comprised often with a low white cell count. I was advised to behave like a pregnant woman; to avoid eating anything that may cause an upset stomach etc. I didn’t have any young grandchildren during my chemo, they can be a constant source of coughs and colds. But as far as socialising, I continued as normal even going on a dancing weekend on the south coast. Lots of hugging, meeting up with old friends. Obviously hygiene becomes an issue, and remains so post surgery, I always carry hand gel with me. I have never heard of avoiding personal contact during chemo, but ideas may have changed over the years.

 Anyway, I hope your mother in law copes with the chemotherapy well and is starting on the long road to a cure. In my opinion I think she will need the help and support of all her family and friends.

Hi I agree with the above advice especially relating to pregnancy eg no soft cheeses and be careful with salads. Make sure everything is well cooked esp eggs and meat.

My attitude to being on chemo was to take my oncologist's advice who said live your life. Like Brent I was out and about. I went to a couple of rock concerts with my friends and saw a few people. I took hand sanitiser, let others open doors for me so I didn't touch anything and wore gloves alot and bought some disposable ones for home use. I also wore a scarf over my face (it was winter) and put vaseline on my nose to trap any germs. I was told you can't predict a drop in neutrophils, it will happen if it's going to. You are at most risk around 10 days after chemo. 

I didn't get anything from outside but I did pick up flu from my husband and daughter by being at home with them over the easter hols. 

Hi Lizzie K,

I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law. I think everyone is different and responds in a unique way. If your mother in law does not want visitors then I think her wishes should be respected? 

However I found my chemo treatment could be lonely at times. I got very neutropenic and had to self inject during my chemo cycles. Strangely I felt most well for the first 2-3 hours of chemo (13 days after my previous chemo session). I would often have friends and family with me in hospital during the first part of my chemo infusion for the first few hours. I found this a great comfort. I always travelled to my chemo sessions by public transport and was lucky enough not to pick up any infection during my treatment (except to some of my wounds after surgery). 

As BrentS and Niffler pointed out I also took some barrier infection precautions including frequent washing of hands, making sure all food was fresh, washed, or cooked well and used hand sanitiser. I also did go out a little but was mostly too ill to go out. I really appreciated chatting with people on Skype, WhatsApp, phone, etc.