Is it safe to visit Radiotherapy patient whilst pregnant?

[Trojan1970]

Hi - just found out I'm pregnant 5 minutes ago! Woo hoo. Only 5 weeks so fingers crossed etc, I know from experience it can all go wrong. However, would appreciate any advice on visiting a friend this week who is having Radiotherapy for secondary breast cancer. This will be her first treatment with radio, she'll be on her own away from her family and I've promised to visit and take her out if she's feeling up to it. Is it safe for me to be near her? Thanks.

Yes its safe, she won't be emitting anything 'radioactive' if thats what you are worried about. It is essentially the same as being near someone who has had an x-ray.

Congratulations BTW and good luck to your friend. xx

Thanks on both counts Mrs S. Seems to be lots of conflicting advice depending on what type of treatment it is. From the sound of it she is being zapped externally (sadly it's spread to her brain) rather than having something to swallow. Perhaps I'll ask her if she's had any information leaflets without giving the game away! x

My friend had to keep away (she was pregnant) from her husband (and keep their toddler away) for 24 hrs after some of his cancer treatment as he was radioactive but not after all of it.

How awful for your friend. Could you call up the hospital unit & ask for their advice as they'll know the treatment issues.

If someone has had a nuclear medicine scan (which a lot of cancer patients have)then you will need to keep away for a short while - they are advised about this. The same goes for some treatments, but the vast majority of radiotherapy is indeed being 'zapped' so no risk of being radioactive. Breast cancer will be this type.

Hi - just spoken to Radiotherapy Dept at relevant hospital and they confirmed all will be ok. Thanks for your help ladies, xx