Caring for someone who is on chemo While it is important to support family or friends where possible, it is also important that a person does not neglect their own health. The ACS suggests that caregivers, friends, or family members in a supportive role take care to eat well, exercise, and seek support when necessary.
You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. There is little risk to visitors (including children, babies and pregnant women) because they aren't likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
There's usually no medical reason to stop having sex during chemo. The drugs won't have any long term physical effects on your performance or enjoyment of sex. Cancer can't be passed on to your partner during sex.
If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home. Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet. Caregivers must wear gloves when handling the patients' blood, urine, stool, or emesis. Dispose of the gloves after each use and wash your hands.
It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss. But you do need to protect others from coming into contact with your medicine.
Safety concerns for partners
Be assured that it is not possible for your partner to transmit cancer through intimate activities such as kissing or intercourse. Sexual activity will not make cancer spread, nor will it make the cancer come back. Chemotherapy drugs may stay in your partner's body fluids for some days.
Around the third day following a chemotherapy treatment, some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pains. If you experience these aches, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil. If necessary, contact your doctor for stronger medication.
Avoid saying: 'It'll be okay' | Replace with: 'I love you' or 'I'm with you every step of the way' Try not to trivialize your loved one's experiences by telling them everything will work out. These statements may appear hollow and more for the benefit of the friend, than the person facing cancer.
For some people with cancer, a spouse, child, sibling, or friend can step into a caregiver role to help with daily needs and activities. But other times, you may need to hire a caregiver. For example, you may not have family in town to help with caregiving, or you may need specific medical care from a skilled nurse.
Chemotherapy can be found in saliva and vaginal secretions for 48-72 hours after treatment. During this time, do not do open-mouth kissing and use a condom or dental dam for oral sex or intercourse (vaginal or anal) so that your partner is not exposed.
Some people may want to stay in bed for days after chemotherapy, while others can go about their normal routine within a few days.
Chemo may cause a loss of blood cells. Low red blood cells, called anemia, can make someone tired so they need more rest. Low white blood cells, called neutropenia, can raise the risk of infection. Protect the person you're caring for from germs by washing your hands often and limiting their contact with other people.
Disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot.
That's a cleaner that can kill the viruses and bacteria left behind. You may want to keep bleach or sanitizing wipes around your house. Use gloves when you clean. You may be more sensitive to smells if you're in chemotherapy.
Don't be afraid to give a hug, foot massage or a manicure, if that's natural and part of your friendship. Many people often say "congratulations" after the person finished chemotherapy, but it may not always be a good thing. Instead of saying "let's celebrate," ask, "how do you feel now that chemo is over?"
Short, planned delays in chemotherapy for good-risk GCT patients (less than or equal to 7 days per cycle) appear to be acceptable since they may prevent serious toxicity in this curable patient population. Delays of longer than 7 days are strongly discouraged except in extraordinary life-threatening circumstances.
For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.
Other recent statistics on cancer survivorship : About 67% of cancer survivors have survived 5 or more years after diagnosis. About 18% of cancer survivors have survived 20 or more years after diagnosis. 64% of survivors are age 65 or older.
Yes. It will take some extra planning and working out who can support you but it's possible to continue living alone when you have cancer. Having cancer and going through treatment raises many challenges and emotions. These may be harder to deal with when you live alone.
If your loved one is receiving chemotherapy or other similar medications, wash their laundry -- including sheets and towels -- separately from the rest of your household's laundry. If you can't wash them right away, put them in a plastic bag until you're able to take care of it.
Housekeeping and Disinfecting
If possible, don't do household chores if you don't feel well. It is better to rest if you are tired or not feeling well, as this will help your body recover from chemotherapy.
The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.