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Original poster

Is ot ok to be around chemo patients when pg?

10 replies

Chchchchanging · 16/04/2015 21:04

Would love to see my friend who has been receiving chemo, but another friend said it's dangerous for pregnant women to be around chemo- is that true?
I'm 15 wks

OP posts:
QuaverQueen · 16/04/2015 21:09

Why would your friend be at any more risk from pregnant women? Confused

AGnu · 16/04/2015 21:11

I think pregnant women shouldn't have chemo but as far as I know it's not contagious!

nikki1978 · 16/04/2015 21:12

Dangerous for who? No of course it isn't. Unless you are ill of course then it might be dangerous for her as her immunity will be low. Not dangerous for you at any point.

IfYouWereARiverIdLearnToFloat · 16/04/2015 21:25

After chemo the chemicals are excreted through urine, faeces & vomit in the first 48hrs. So you'll be absolutely fine as long as you don't come into contact with her bodily fluids - wait 48hrs if it makes you feel better.

SomeSortOfDeliciousBiscuit · 16/04/2015 21:32

I've had chemo. You're fine to visit your friend whenever, again, as long as you don't come into contact with bodily fluids. Even then, very very very little risk. No need to wait 48 hours. Don't forget, women can have chemo when they're pregnant with very little risk to the baby.

While we're at it, radiotherapy doesn't make the patient radioactive either (there is another treatment that does, but the patient would be very firmly told that). I had radiotherapy and I'm still waiting for my superpowers.

Original poster
Chchchchanging · 16/04/2015 23:21

Thanks all that's what I thought and daren't google
I'm not ill so no danger to her
Can't wait to see herGrin

OP posts:
Fleecyleesy · 16/04/2015 23:28

The thing that can make you radioactive is a scan thing where you drink something radioactive. My mum is a cancer patient and had this and was told to keep away from babies for a day or two. Like delicious biscuit says, radiotherapy does not make you radioactive, you are essentially being shot with the radiation, rather than ingesting something radioactive.

But yes anyway I'd be far more concerned about passing a "minor" illness to her as it might not be minor for her.

2015isgoingtobeBIG · 16/04/2015 23:33

Photodynamic therapy makes you radioactive and you have to avoid pregnant people (plus avoid a whole lot of other things like daylight) but any patient having this will know that. Other than that, if just be careful if you actually attend the chemo session with her or touching any chemo pills.

newbian · 17/04/2015 03:58

As previously mentioned anyone who has radioactive therapy for cancer will be told to avoid pregnant women, children, and pets for a short period (a few days) after treatment. They are clearly told this and given a list of who to avoid and for how long when they leave the hospital. If your friend has not been informed of anything like this, you should be fine.

Bumpingalong84 · 17/04/2015 07:49

You are totally fine. I am a nurse on an oncology ward and look after patients having chemo nearly everyday and I am 9weeks pregnant and work with people who have had healthy babies who didn't have to avoid work for 9 months. Pp's are correct about radioactive patients tho, I can't look after them or anyone with particular viruses too! Enjoy your time with your friend Smile

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