How to care for cancer patient when I have a cold

[Notknowmuch]

Hello, I'm new here. I am caring for my husband who has just started his cancer (Barrett's Esophagus) treatment this Monday (3 radiotherapy sessions and 1 chemotherapy so far).

I am devastated, I had a sore throat on Sunday night, then had a cold! I can hear that he had a slight cough once or twice today!

I have moved to a spare room last night and will be using the guest bathroom from now. Before the treatment started, I have been practicing good hygiene ie: washing my hands frequently, wiping down countertops, door knobs, electronic devices. Yet I still caught a cold

Now I worry that my husband will catch my cold as his immune system would be compromised with the cancer treatments so I am not sure what else I need to do.

Your experience and suggestions would be helpful.

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

So sorry you are experience a dilemma in very uncomfortable and doable circumstances. You would be better served to go to the link below. And, I want to say you seem to be doing what you can, and we can only do what we know. Be sure to contact your husband's Dr's office and ask what else you might need to do or to have help from them.

We are Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients and have limited to no experience dealing with esophageal cancer.

healthunlocked.com/search/c...

[Notknowmuch in reply to cllady01]

Sorry, I didn't realise I’ve got into the wrong forum.

Yes, doctor said we are taking all the right precautions and since husband hasn’t caught my cold....that is good!

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to Notknowmuch]

So glad the situation was a cold and all is being seen to by Dr. Take care and stay strong.

[Richterswife]

I'm sorry to hear that you have this extra worry. I think cllady is right - be guided by your hubby's doctor. The treatments for CLL are quite different to those for esophageal cancer. Wishing you all the best and hope hubby goes well in his treatment.

[Notknowmuch in reply to Richterswife]

Thanks for your comments. I’ve isolated myself for 8 days now. Sore throat's gone and still a little sniffle.

Running out of fresh food, bread so I’ll wear my mask to go to the supermarket shortly.

Today is husband’s chemo and radiation therapy day. Will send him to treatment then off to the chemist to top up some vitamins and hopefully can find hand sanitiser .