Is it safe for toddlers to be around chemo patients?
Patients who are receiving cancer medications pose no risk to children, pregnant women, or anyone else. Cancer treatment medications typically leave the body in urine, stool, and vomit for 48-72 hours after each treatment.
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.
Is it OK to have contact with family members during chemotherapy treatment?
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.
What should chemo patients avoid?
Foods to avoid (especially for patients during and after chemo):
- Hot, spicy foods (i.e. hot pepper, curry, Cajun spice mix).
- Fatty, greasy or fried foods.
- Very sweet, sugary foods.
- Large meals.
- Foods with strong smells (foods that are warm tend to smell stronger).
- Eating or drinking quickly.
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.
Can a pregnant nurse take care of a chemo patient?
Answer: Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink’s Nurse Educator, responds: Patients who are receiving chemotherapy or biotherapy (another class of medications used to treat cancer) pose no risk to children, pregnant women, or anyone else.
Can sperm regenerate after chemo?
After chemo treatment, sperm production slows down or might stop altogether. Some sperm production might return, but can take many years, and sometimes does not return at all. Chemo drugs that are linked to the risk of infertility in males include: Busulfan.
Can you touch someone after chemo?
Chemotherapy is strong medicine used to fight cancer. While taking chemotherapy, it is safe to touch other people (including hugging or kissing). However, special care is needed to protect others from contact with the medication.
Can you live a normal life while on chemo?
Most people have ups and downs during treatment, but support is available. Some people find they can lead an almost normal life during chemotherapy. But others find everyday life more difficult. You may feel unwell during and shortly after each treatment but recover quickly between treatments.