Please tell me this is not true
Comments
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I don't know, but she hasKristin N said:HUH? I have never heard of
HUH? I have never heard of that. Chemo and Rads have no effect on other people. Where did she come up with that? That doesn't even make sense..
I don't know, but she has scared the hell out of me.0 -
KatKat11 said:I don't know, but she has
I don't know, but she has scared the hell out of me.
You need to contact your radiation oncologist and/or your oncologist and talk to them. Don't let HER scare you. I am not aware of any type of chemo that would make it unsafe to be around people. And, I think with systemic radiation therapy, precautions have to be taken sometimes, but, that is something for your radiation oncologist to tell you, not the OTHER grandma.0 -
Unless you were planning toKat11 said:I don't know, but she has
I don't know, but she has scared the hell out of me.
Unless you were planning to take the grandkids into the radiation room with you, the rads will do nothing to the kids. If that were true, imagine all the people that have had rads and are walking around exposing everyone else. And I don't know of any chemo that would present a problem.
I did have a friend whose grandfather had bladder cancer and had some kind of treatment (BCG or BGC) where they put the chemo (some kind of TB culture I think) into the bladder. For the next several days when he peed he had to put bleach into the toilet. I believe that was to sterilize whatever he passed. But he wasn't restricted from being around people or his grandkids.
People are often ignorant about these treatments and side effects.
Stef0 -
My oncologist said I should
My oncologist said I should stay away from children during chemo treatments because kids carry a lot germs around with them. Now there are lots of mothers out there with young kids who are going thru chemo and they can't stay away. I think they just want you staying away from large groups (like daycare groups). They did ask if I worked around kids. When you are going thru chemo your immune system is low. It's for your safety. I don't know what she meant by radiation. Have a talk with your doctor.0 -
chemo/radsMarcia527 said:My oncologist said I should
My oncologist said I should stay away from children during chemo treatments because kids carry a lot germs around with them. Now there are lots of mothers out there with young kids who are going thru chemo and they can't stay away. I think they just want you staying away from large groups (like daycare groups). They did ask if I worked around kids. When you are going thru chemo your immune system is low. It's for your safety. I don't know what she meant by radiation. Have a talk with your doctor.
I am on chemo therapy right now and I have a son who is almost 6 and was never I had to stay away from him.. I do have to take precautions when he starts a cold or things like that.
I believe the radiation where you have to stay away from people is when they implant you radiation seeds and in this case you are not having seed implanted into your breast tissue.
Double check with your radiation oncologist and medical oncologist but I am sure you will be ok to be around people.
Margo0 -
children
It is only a guideline because children carry a lot of germ (colds and such). I live with my two grandchildren and we just took the precaution that they wash their hands more often and always before coming in contact with me. Also my chemo required that I flush the toilet twice before allowing others to use it due to its toxicness so it was suggested that since kids (mine were 1 & 3 at the time) can also get sick quicker that they steer clear of me the first 2 or 3 days after chemo while it worked its way out of my system. It all worked out just fine and none of us were any worse for being near to each other during chemo, we simply too precautions.
My best to you!
RE0 -
There is only ONE treatment that this is true....
For thyroid cancer. The treatment is 3 days in an isolation room...radiated iodine...NO ONE can be with you, including your treatment team...lol...everything you bring into that room gets destroyed after you leave...On the bright side, it works EXTREMELY well at fighting cancer!!!
There are so many myths and stories about cancer, sort of like pregnancy. I agree, to make yourself feel better, talk to the radiologist, but, no, there is no harmful effect to them during your treatment that I know of, just, as others have mentioned, during CHEMO your immune system will be delicate, and a cold to them could mean pneumonia for you.
Hugs, Kathi0 -
To Kat11
I'm just chiming in with everything else already posted here... The "other grandmother" is talking "old wives tales" or something, whatever... She's simply not correctly informed. No offense to her is meant here, whatsoever.
The patient does not pose a risk to others. While undergoing chemotherapy, the patient must take extreme precautions to avoid getting sick from others, and in general. Therefore, if you're having chemo and your grandkids have a cold - you should avoid them for a few days, until they're better. Exposure is a risk to YOU, not them.
By the way, for all breast cancer chemo (I can't speak to other types of cancer), the refuse from the chemo drugs is passed from the body via urine, and within about 48 hours or so. So, yes, immediately flushing the toilet (and who doesn't do that, anyway?!?) during those first few days after is important, especially around little kids AND pets who may play in (YUCK!) or drink (YUCK!) from the toilet. Hey, it happens. Also, of course, important for the patient to immediately wash their own hands after using the toilet (again, who doesn't already do that?!?).
Standard radiation also poses no risk to others. The newer technique, which is not yet widely available, wherein radioactive "seeds" are implanted may be different, I'm just not sure...
I sincerely hope we've all eliminated the nightmare, Kat11. Again, ask your own med onc & rad onc, specifically, for confirmation.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
I agree....
I agree with everything said here. I have two grandkids, ages 6 and 4, and I spent MUCH time with them while going through chemo & rads. You won't hurt them, but it's true that you need to be careful for yourself...just don't be loving on them if they are sick.
I have only ever had one doctor tell me anything about kids and radiation and that was when I had my PET scan. I asked if I should stay away from the kids for a couple of days and she said no...just don't wrap your arms around them and stay that way for a length of time today when you get home. Other than that, there is nothing to worry about.
So, don't worry. The other grandma is wrong!
CR0 -
chemo
Maby its according to what cancer and what chemo. I know that when I was pregnant my dads oncologist told me that when my baby was born and had her immunization shots that I would have to keep her away from him for 3 or 4 days. He had lymphomia and was doing chemo. We all know what chemo does to the immune system. Diseases can be picked up very easily. Sad to say that my dad passed away when my daughter was 6 days old. He never got to see her.
I think the only thing about rads again would be a weakened immune system. We just need to be cautious.0 -
I don't always listen well!
Just to let you know it should be fine, here is a photo of me the day after chemo in 07. My oldest grandson is putting stickers on my face (he thought they were bandaids) to help me feel better! Don't you just love his doctor glasses compliments of Mr. Potatohead.
Take Care,
RE0 -
LOL RE.....RE said:I don't always listen well!
Just to let you know it should be fine, here is a photo of me the day after chemo in 07. My oldest grandson is putting stickers on my face (he thought they were bandaids) to help me feel better! Don't you just love his doctor glasses compliments of Mr. Potatohead.
Take Care,
RE
LOL RE, that is precious!! I bet those bandaids made you feel so much better too!!!
CR0 -
Talk to your doctor KatCR1954 said:LOL RE.....
LOL RE, that is precious!! I bet those bandaids made you feel so much better too!!!
CR
Kat, you need to ask your radiation oncologist and your oncologist, depending on what treatment you are in now or going to start. The main reason to stay away from anyone during chemo and radiation is just to try and avoid being around sick people, as, your immune system is really weak, so, it is a protection for you. But, most people avoid sick people anyway, whether they are in cancer treatment or healthy as a horse. The only radiation treatment that I know of that kids and pregnant women aren't suppose to be around is the Internal Radiation Therapy which uses radioactive implants. But, that is usually not for breast cancer. So, just ask your oncologist. Don't get yourself upset over what someone who doesn't know what they are talking about says please...Ask your doctor!0 -
Ok, Once again I thank allJeanne D said:Talk to your doctor Kat
Kat, you need to ask your radiation oncologist and your oncologist, depending on what treatment you are in now or going to start. The main reason to stay away from anyone during chemo and radiation is just to try and avoid being around sick people, as, your immune system is really weak, so, it is a protection for you. But, most people avoid sick people anyway, whether they are in cancer treatment or healthy as a horse. The only radiation treatment that I know of that kids and pregnant women aren't suppose to be around is the Internal Radiation Therapy which uses radioactive implants. But, that is usually not for breast cancer. So, just ask your oncologist. Don't get yourself upset over what someone who doesn't know what they are talking about says please...Ask your doctor!
Ok, Once again I thank all of you for your help. I guess some people talk out of turn and say stupid things. I had a MRI last week and the gal that was working with me says to me "Oh breast cancer huh" I said ya, so she says to me, Ya well my mother died of breast cancer and so did my niece. At first I did not think anything of this, but after spending an hour in this horrible machine with nothing to do but think. I thought to myself, I needed to know this why. I am sure she did not mean any harm. I was telling my husband and we really got a good laugh about it.
Kathy0 -
Hope we reduced your fears, Kathy... :-)Kat11 said:Ok, Once again I thank all
Ok, Once again I thank all of you for your help. I guess some people talk out of turn and say stupid things. I had a MRI last week and the gal that was working with me says to me "Oh breast cancer huh" I said ya, so she says to me, Ya well my mother died of breast cancer and so did my niece. At first I did not think anything of this, but after spending an hour in this horrible machine with nothing to do but think. I thought to myself, I needed to know this why. I am sure she did not mean any harm. I was telling my husband and we really got a good laugh about it.
Kathy
Most importantly, it's wonderful that both you and your husband got a good laugh out of the MRI situation. A shining example of making lemonade out of lemons. Good for you, for both of you!
However, almost nothing makes me bristle more than to hear stories - like yours, like this one - about utterly, ignorantly insensitive, highly trained medical PROFESSIONALS! What the heck is up with THAT???
Instead, how about: "Breast cancer runs in my own family. I'll hope you'll be fine." Actually, saying nothing at all would've been OK, too. Definitely better than what she DID say. Geez.
Good thing I wasn't there with you. I MIGHT have said something I won't even type out here, because "auto censor" would change it to **********!!!!!
Why aren't ALL of these HIGHLY TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS required to take a course in "Patient Empathy & Compassion"???
Sorry... My first vent on the board.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
OMGChristmas Girl said:Hope we reduced your fears, Kathy... :-)
Most importantly, it's wonderful that both you and your husband got a good laugh out of the MRI situation. A shining example of making lemonade out of lemons. Good for you, for both of you!
However, almost nothing makes me bristle more than to hear stories - like yours, like this one - about utterly, ignorantly insensitive, highly trained medical PROFESSIONALS! What the heck is up with THAT???
Instead, how about: "Breast cancer runs in my own family. I'll hope you'll be fine." Actually, saying nothing at all would've been OK, too. Definitely better than what she DID say. Geez.
Good thing I wasn't there with you. I MIGHT have said something I won't even type out here, because "auto censor" would change it to **********!!!!!
Why aren't ALL of these HIGHLY TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS required to take a course in "Patient Empathy & Compassion"???
Sorry... My first vent on the board.
Kind regards, Susan
I can't believe some people..they are so ignorant and insensitive. I never will understand that. Anyway Kat, just ignore "those people". You have more important things on your plate now than dealing with stupidity. Sorry to be so blunt, but, that kind of stuff really upsets me! Talk to your oncologist Kat..he or she will give you all of the answers you need! Good luck!0 -
KATNoel said:OMG
I can't believe some people..they are so ignorant and insensitive. I never will understand that. Anyway Kat, just ignore "those people". You have more important things on your plate now than dealing with stupidity. Sorry to be so blunt, but, that kind of stuff really upsets me! Talk to your oncologist Kat..he or she will give you all of the answers you need! Good luck!
Tell her to Bugger Off!... Has she any experience of this? Maybe she's just trying to get the upper hand here. Either way, she's being insensitive......
Talk to the professionals, and then stick it to her!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs Jxxxxxxxxx0 -
just to sweetRE said:I don't always listen well!
Just to let you know it should be fine, here is a photo of me the day after chemo in 07. My oldest grandson is putting stickers on my face (he thought they were bandaids) to help me feel better! Don't you just love his doctor glasses compliments of Mr. Potatohead.
Take Care,
RE0 -
Kattasha_111 said:KAT
Tell her to Bugger Off!... Has she any experience of this? Maybe she's just trying to get the upper hand here. Either way, she's being insensitive......
Talk to the professionals, and then stick it to her!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs Jxxxxxxxxx
Yeah tell her to "bugger Off"! Those our your grandkids too!! and you deserve every precious minute you get to spend with them!! Happy mothers day...and don't worry you will get to spend time with the kids as you go through this and many many days after!
Love jackie0
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