Hey
I’ve wanted a hot tub for so long so took the plunge and ordered one just after surgery.
My plan to have just radiotherapy was gazumped and I’m now on the chemo journey.
I’m on day 16 of cycle 1 and other than a rough time days 3-8 im doing good.
My question is around chlorine.
The hot tub will only be used by me and my hubby but a lot of websites give conflicting guidance re chlorine.
As it stands im resigned not to go in the tub until after chemo (October!) but a lot of the internet says chlorine with caution rather than avoid…has anyone had any experience ?
I wondered if I would be safe to have a brief dip on days 18-21 if my bloods were ok!
(I’m a nurse by background (22 years) so fully understand the chemo, white cells etc and infection risk of shared hot tubs etc )
?
Hi Claire, I’m no nurse but I think a lot depends on how your body reacts to the chemo, and what type of chemo. Personally I think this is a question for your Onco. During my chemo I avoided all chemicals, including those in shampoo and other beauty products. This was on the advice of my BC nurse who thought better safe than sorry. I was on FEC, which is very harsh . You don’t say wether you are having rads, but if you are then I would be very wary. My skin became so sensitive that I treated it very delicately indeed. Chlorine does dry the skin. Why not post on the nurses section? They are brilliant with info and help. Ann x
Hi there
Just seen this. I too have a tub. I love to swim too and post diagnosis I was swimming 3/4 times a week. Had to stop after surgery and then scar hadn’t healed enough prior to starting chemo so haven’t been able to start again yet.
I emailed my oncologist re using my tub during chemo and it was a resounding ‘No!’ Even though it would just be me in it. Just too risky around picking up any germs and infections. Even though the test strips tell us the chemicals are at the right level there will still possibly be some stuff floating around in there that may cause us to become ill. Under normal circumstances our bodies can fight off the little things but not necessarily the case whilst going through chemo. You know all this though from being a nurse I was gutted but figure it’s such a short amount of time in the big scheme of things that I’d stay out the water. I wasn’t even aware that chlorine itself may pose a problem?
Hope your treatment is going well. Love Sarah xx