Chemo Question

Tell her about it and then ask her doctor and his doctor about her risks. Go with their advice. Find out if Skyping is possible.

Most hospitals will supply anyone with a lowered immune system with a HEPA mask for things like this. Also, if he's stabilized, chances are he's not contagious anymore, and it's okay for her to be there.

I think it's important for your mom to go, but if for whatever reasons her doctors or his advise against it, make sure you support her and make sure she doesn't feel guilty about this. It's a tough situation!!

Best wishes to your mom and grandpa!!

She should be wearing a mask when she is out or around people. I would ask her Dr. for sure but maybe she could talk to him on the phone if they don't want her to visit him if he is able to do that. Sorry to hear about your Mom and your grandpa both.

Ask her oncologist. Good luck.

Check with the oncologist to see how neutropenic she is. If she is not too bad they will have her wear a mask and possibly gloves when inside of a facility like a hospital just because of all the the consolidation of bugs that can be there. If she goes out in public during this time of year she should also wear a mask and if she is touching say a shopping cart she too would need to glove up. If she is in her own home she can request anyone coming in to mask and possibly glove up or to wash hands completely so her house stays clean. Her house is her safe haven and respit she should not have to wear any protection gear at all. Medical supply stores sell masks and boxes of gloves that should cover all visitors to her home and her needs so she can walk out the front door.

The problem with masks (surgical, etc.) is that as SOON as they become damp (from breathing through them) the microbes pass as easily through them as no mask at all.

Check with her oncologist, but my knee jerk reaction is No! Time for Skype!!!

When my friend gets sick they put her child (going through chemo) in an oxygen mask and tank so that he doesn't catch what she has (only caregiver outside 8 hours of nursing care per day). Which may be another option to consider.

Absolutely not! Her immune system is compromised and she absolutely should not be around anyone who is sick, especially as sick as he is. It's sad, but very important. I went through chemo myself for breast cancer so I know what I'm talking about - I'm sure that's what her oncologist would say too. I hope everyone recovers well...

I agree that she needs to speak with her Oncologist. She/He will be able to advise what is best and safest for her current condition.

My business partner is going through Chemo right now and a few weeks ago her father was caring for her at her home and suffered a stroke! Right there in front of her.

She wore a mask in the emergency room but her Oncologist suggest she not stay there. She is in stage 3 cancer in her lungs along with other parts.

It was very hard for her, she did not want her dad alone in the hospital but he was from out of town and no one he knew lives here. Once he was stabilized he told her he would be fine alone but for her not to visit in person.. Instead they spoke on the phone through out the days he was there.

See if she will wear a mask...That would hopefully keep the possibility of infection down. My prayers are with your family!

I would have her wear a mask and gloves. My husband had chemo this summer and my son and I got sick and he really got sick from us. One of the chemo drugs he was on compromised his lungs and the dr. was really concerned. Hugs for your family.

She needs to discuss this with her doctor. You should not be taking advice on your mother's health from a mom's board.