visiting with a sore throat

[BridgeySWMummy]

Hi

My mum’s treatment has been tricky so she is in hospital and had one round of chemo (carboplatin on 2ndJan). I had planned to visit her this week, tomorrow (9th) but today I’ve woken with a very sore throat. Do you think it’s best to stay away given where she is in the 21 day cycle.I’ve heard she’s pretty vulnerable about this point. We had infections pre Christmas that delayed the start of treatment and her cancer is aggressive. It’s so hard as I know we both benefit from seeing each other but she does have other people who can visit. She’s not far from me, maybe I wait a few more days.

thanks for any thought and experience

[Lyndy2]

I would suggest that you wait. Or maybe you could meet outside for a short while? Chemo reduces your ability to fight off pathogens in general, you don’t want to risk giving her a bug. xx

[BridgeySWMummy in reply to Lyndy2]

thanks, yep I’ll just stay clear of her.

[Lovedogs41]

Hi

Although disappointing for you both,I definitely think you should wait until your symptoms have gone before visiting just to be cautious.Perhaps give others a call and arrange for them to visit just so your mum has some family or friends to see and chat to x

[BridgeySWMummy in reply to Lovedogs41]

thanks, yep I’ll have others see her.

[Realistic]

Id wait, your Mum will see very soon lm sure but its not worth her picking up any germs you may just have at the moment. You'll see her soon cant you see each other on face time for the moment. My love hugs too you both. Hope your dear Mum is soon out of hospital and feeling better very soon. SheilaFx xx

[Trickysite]

if possible, arrange a zoom

Facility for your mum so you see each other. Best wishes, Emma

[Ruebacelle]

Well unfortunately I would recommend you not go

[GramJ]

my advice would be to stay away from your Mom until you are better. I was also on Carboplatin and Taxol for my first round of treatment. After 2nd infusion I ended up in the hospital with A-fib. I know how tough those meds are and didn’t take any chances of being around anyone who was sick. Your Moms doctors will work with her to regulate treatments. Hang in there! 🙏✝️

[Deanboy]

yes I would wait, immune system will be low

[SopSinger]

I wouldn't risk it. Could you phone or FaceTime so at least she gets to hear your voice?

[Leniko]

just wear a mask and stay 10 feet away and make sure she is masked. No touching. Good luck.

[Shinebright2020]

Hello, Sorry to know that you are facing this dilemma. I would recommend waiting as chemo makes your body immunocompromised. Perhaps you can do a video call if you both want to have an interaction. Carboplatin knocks you down sometimes ( I had carboplatin ) but it is effective towards an aggressive cancer. I wish you both the very best and hoping the treatment is the best for her.

[Greenme]

Hi,You are absolutely right that your mum is very vulnerable right now! Chemo has the side effect of lowering a person's white blood cell count, which means that her immune system isn't working as well as normal. She can catch illnesses much easier right now, and won't be as able to get over them.

I agree that you should make do with a phone call or FaceTime instead of visiting. As a nurse who is also a cancer survivor, I suggest that you take good care of yourself now so that you can be there for her. That sore throat might be COVID or step throat that needs to be treated. It wouldn't be a bad idea for you to see a doctor if you still have that sore throat today.

BTW, since your mum is on chemo, it is a good idea for you to wear a mask in public places to help to keep yourself from catching any of the illnesses that are going around.

I hope that you are feeling better soon, and are able to see your mum in person! I also hope that she does well with her chemo! Take care!

[Madmolly]

i think you answered your own question. Her immune system will be low best to be cautious especially if others can visit Take care and be safe

[darksky23]

It is hard I know but the best thing is for you to wait to see her. She needs to stay strong for her treatment. The white blood cells go down and she is very vulnerable. Can you talk on the phone for a week or so? Facetime on a computer?