Germs

Hi Pangie-

I would bring all of your questions to your oncologist (i had a "chemo teaching" appt before beginning). I'm not Triple negative, but like you- was diagnosed and all of a sudden I was finding out straight to chemo. It's very overwhelming to say the least, but you should be able to find a board (or start one!) here that you can gain support from other women going through chemo at the same time! It's also helpful to read other chemo boards (for example I'm still on Aug 2016).

Some women actually even work through chemo! You just want to stay away from anyone that's sick. I did wipe things down more often (I have a 13 year old too) and did not work (as my job interacted tremendously with the public), and was very aware if I went into a store, etc. You still need to live your life as best as possible during this time! I have a big dog, so she doesn't sleep with me, but next to me and up on the couch and has been a constant comfort. Unless your Dr instructs otherwise, enjoy your pup and you'll just become more aware of your exposure- but try and keep as much "normalcy" as you can.

Good luck....wishing you as little side effects as possible- so many of us have done it and it's hard at times but YOU WILL GET THROUGH IT!

I didn't do anything different from normal. Spookie slept with me, as usual. When I felt like it, I'd do grocery. Never wiped the cart handle. I'm not a germaphobe, the nulasta did its job.

After chemo is when my grandkids gave me their bronchitis and my surgery was delayed a month.

Don't change your sleeping arrangements. You and your spouse need the closeness during this very difficult time. My husband and cats still slept with me through chemo. I fed and petted and cared for ours cats and dog. However, I had other family members clean the litter box on my oncos recommendation. I also had others care for our lizards. I worked and shopped like normal but was sure to wash my hands a lot. I did not get an illness during chemo. I did get Neulasta after each treatment and it kept my wbc elevated.

You can do whatever you want to/feel up to. Ignore the stuff about bleaching, gloves etc. I think that is only applicable IF you end up having problems, which is not the norm with the treatments you will be having. I had Neulasta shots and worked full time through chemo (teaching germy kids, I just washed my hands a lot). You can sleep with your husband (unless you feel restless and feel like you want more space....I spent a lot of time in the recliner) and your pet (I had 4 cats at the time who slept and wandered around where ever they wanted to. The only precaution I took is that left the litter box cleaning to my husband......if I had been living alone, I would have worn gloves for that job). Hang in there, it will get better once you get started. The most helpful book I read was by a doctor who advised to live your life as normally as possible. If you feel like you are able to do ______ (fill in the blank), do it. If you feel you need to slow down, do that. It is a time to, not be afraid to do things, but to listen to your body.