Babies & exposure to cancer drugs.

[MrsScatterbrain]

Hi all,

The Mother of a friend of mine is going to be staying with her while she undergoes Radiotherapy to treat cancer. (She's also having Chemotherapy).

My friend has a (nearly) 11 month old girl, and she is concerned there may be a risk for her being in close contact with someone receiving cancer treatment.

Has anyone else been in the same boat?

Thanks,

[Manxie]

Hi

My mum is having chemotherapy at the moment and is to have radiotherapy next. She is overseas and we went back to be with her for her first treatment. To be honest I didnt even really think about the affect on us:rolleyes: and I'm a nurse, oops!

I would suggest calling the cancer council helpline on 13 11 20, and ask to speak to one of the nurses. They are absolutely fantastic and really happy to help.

I suspect that there is no problem with the chemo thats just going to affect the person having it. Re the radiotherapy, not sure as I know that if patients go for certain scans in hospy they can be radioactive afterwards and pregnant people should avoid them. Just my opinion though, call the helpline and they should be able to help. Its staffed Mon-Frid 8.30am to 5.30pm.

I hope all the treatment goes well:hugs:

[MrsScatterbrain]

Thanks for your advice - sounds like a good start! Best wishes to your Mum. :hugs:

[Ana Gram]

Correct me if I am wrong Manxie but I was told during my brother's treatment that the only risk with babies is when they are having their immunsiations. But the risk is to the cancer patient whose immune system may be significantly supressed?

[Miaow]

A lady and her daughter 11mths at the time that used to live next door to me moved in with her mother while she was/is undergoing treatment (inc chemo) for cancer.

I know they had to move back out for a week or so when the daughter had a cold cause it could have made the lady'smother sick.

[mum2peanut]

I went with my mum to chemo and radio when I was pregnant. I checked with my obst and he said there was no risk. Chellegoth is right, sickness affects the person undergoing treatment as they have a lower immune system at this point. Tell your friend what my dr said to me "go and be with your mum". Also having someone with you during chemo makes the time go quicker and takes their mind of what's going on.

[Tam-I-Am]

My FIL was undergoing both chemo and radio therapy when I was pregnant and just after DD was born.

As far as I'm aware - this is what his oncologist said - it depends on the TYPE of treatment, but FIL was told simply to refrain from kissing DD on the days of, and for a couple of days after, his treatments - I'm not sure if that was for his safety or hers, but she was fine and so was he.

I agree with the others - get some professional advice. Call the cancer council, get your friend's mum to ask her oncologist...And hugs to your friend :hugs: What an incredibly difficult time for all involved

[Manxie]

Correct me if I am wrong Manxie but I was told during my brother's treatment that the only risk with babies is when they are having their immunsiations. But the risk is to the cancer patient whose immune system may be significantly supressed?

I hadnt heard about the immunisations but I guess that makes sense. Also, yes the person having treatment does have lowered immunity and should avoid anyone who is sick.

I would be interested to hear what the official line is:D

[MrsScatterbrain]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll let you know what they find out. :)