understanding chemotherapy

[Scarlet]

After your chemotherapy does it mean you have to be isolated for a month?

[Learner]

I Just finished by chemo at the end of Feb. and I have only seen one person that had to be isolated at that was a 83 yr. old woman due to her age. I would need to get a shot the day after chemo mine was only one shot I have seen some patients they had to get 3 days worth of shots to make their body produce for white cells. They told me as long as I wasn't directly swapping spit with someone that had a cold I would be Okay lol. I mean I still had to be careful and all. I believe it also depends on what type of cancer you have to. We had a young friend that was diagnosed with leukemia and he wasn't allowed out of his "bubble" for about a week after each treatment. Sorry hope this helps.

[Maryn Bittner]

It depends on what chemotherapy you receive. Most do not require isolation, although you may feel weak or unwell for days after a treatment. That's when you get to have a little ice cream and watch a trashy DVD.

Chemo that treats leukemia by killing the bone marrow does require semi-isolation, with visitors and hospital staff minimizing touching and wearing masks, plus no food which has not been cooked or baked, since the patient will have no white blood cells to fight infection.

[Motherofthree]

No of course not. It will depend on what chemo treatment medicine you are receiving. Every medicine treats people different. You may be extremely tired and weak and not want to go anywhere for about 7-10 days after your treatment. but you don't have to stay away from people. You will need your family and friends.. good luck.