How long after chemo can you be around babies?

Some health care providers recommend that women not get pregnant in the first 6 months after finishing chemotherapy. They say that any damaged eggs will leave the body within those first 6 months. Other health care providers suggest waiting 2 to 5 years before trying to have a baby.

Can chemo patients be around babies?

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.

Are chemo patients toxic to others?

Chemotherapy drugs are considered to be hazardous to people who handle them or come into contact with them. For patients, this means the drugs are strong enough to damage or kill cancer cells.

Can you use the same toilet as a chemo patient?

If you or a family member is currently receiving chemotherapy, whether in the clinic or at home, it is strongly recommended that precautions be followed in order to keep household members safe: Patients may use the toilet as usual, but close the lid and flush twice. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water.

Can chemo patients kiss?

Kissing is a wonderful way to maintain closeness with those you love and is usually okay. However, during chemotherapy and for a short time afterward, avoid open-mouth kissing where saliva is exchanged because your saliva may contain chemotherapy drugs.

What should you not do after chemo?

Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment.

1. DO NOT eat or drink anything that may be undercooked or spoiled.
2. Make sure your water is safe.
3. Know how to cook and store foods safely.
4. Be careful when you eat out. DO NOT eat raw vegetables, meat, fish, or anything else you are not sure is safe.

How long are you immunosuppressed after chemotherapy?

It varies depending on the person and the type of chemotherapy, but for a typical patient who receives immunosuppressive chemotherapy, we see the immune system become more and more impaired over the next four to seven days.

Can you be around pets during chemo?

As long as you talk to your healthcare team and take the appropriate measures to reduce your risk of infection, your furry friends can stay by your side during cancer treatment!

How much water should a chemo patient drink?

Drink plenty of clear fluids (8-10 glasses per day) to fight off the effects of chemotherapy dehydration.

What is clean up chemo?

Neoadjuvant chemo is given (sometimes with radiation) before surgery to try to shrink the cancer and make it easier to remove. This is often done for rectal cancer.

Does chemotherapy affect family members?

Family members can offer help and support as you manage the side effects of chemotherapy. But chemotherapy can put a strain on loved ones too, especially caregivers, spouses, and children.

How long after chemo does hair fall out?

Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment. It could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually. You’ll likely notice accumulations of loose hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain. Your scalp may feel tender.

Do you lose weight when on chemo?

Chemotherapy may directly or indirectly cause weight gain or weight loss. Slight fluctuations (a few pounds) in your weight, after chemotherapy, either up or down, are not dangerous. However, significant chemotherapy weight loss or weight gain may affect your health and/or your ability to tolerate your treatments.

Do all chemo patients get sick?

Chemotherapy can make you feel sick (nauseated) or cause you to vomit. Not everyone feels sick during or after chemotherapy, but if nausea affects you, it will usually start a few hours after treatment. Nausea may last for many hours and be accompanied by vomiting or retching.