Newborn around chemo patient

My mil was diagnosed with cervical/uterine cancer in May. She completed her 6 weeks of radiation and started chemo last week. My ds is 4 weeks old. I called the pediatrician and they said that its OK for him to be around her. An issue would occur if he just had the MMR or varicella vaccine because it is a live vaccine and she is has a weakened immune system.

I just feel so nervous him being held by her. I read that chemo mostly gets excreted through urine but I'm sure some amount goes through pore, saliva, etc. I know she is going to kiss his forehead when she holds him. Idk. Maybe I am being overly protective and crazy. I just don't want him exposed to chemotherapy so young. Anyone else have experience with this? Did their Dr say it was OK?

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

Have your mil ask her doctor. My fil recently had radiation and he asked his dr if it was ok to hold our DD, and it was.

Hope your mil is feeling better soon!

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

My brother had a certain type of radiation called ice, and he was not allowed to hold my kids during this part of his treatment. During his regular radiation and chemo he was able to. Id have her ask her doc, my brother swears my DD and DS is what got him back to remission, just their energy alone gave him something. Prayers to your MIL!

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

My father had radiation and was told he couldn't be around someone pregnant, but a baby was ok????

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

My Mom just finished up her chemo treatments and had her first radiation treatments this week. Her Oncologist and our Pediatrician said that it would be 100% of for her to be around and hold my newborn twins. Chemo isn't an issue, but radiation sometimes is... It depends what type she got. My Mom has/had Breast Cancer and she is just getting an external zap of radiation. For some cancers, people get some type of internal radiation that causes them to be radioactive... That's the dangerous type and the patient should not be around babies or small children.

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

Thank you. Like I said I asked the pediatrician but I just wanted to see if everyone else got the same answer. I have been driving my dh crazy about it so he will be happy that my mind is at ease a little.

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

when I pregnant and my Grandfather had radiation, he could not be around me or the baby for I believe it was about 3 weeks. That was as per his doctor.

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

Chemo is excreted out of the body within 24 hours.
I never had a problem with coming in contact with saliva or thru the pores. It is the urine and vaginal/semen secretions where it is most concentrated.
My mom had cancer and did chemo. I was her caretaker and was taught about exposure to chemo drugs thru bodily fluids.

Re: Newborn around chemo patient

I would check with your MIL's oncologist, not your ped.

If you do a search for articles about chemotherapy excretion there is info that suggests that it can be an issue. I think a lot depends on what chemo drugs are being used.

I am due in about a week and MIL will start chemo in about 10 days and this is something that DH is sending his mom's oncologist an email about. I'd rather be safe than take any chances, especially with a newborn.

chemotherapy precautions for caregivers

Message edited 8/14/2013 5:54:10 PM.

Newborn around chemo patient

I would be more concerned for MIl then my newborn honestly. She has NO immune system right now and anything could make her sick. We all try to be good about handwashing and so on but babies invite cuddles, and kisses and people get sick. I would wait as to keep HER safe :)