Hi all. I found out yesterday that I am having chemo. 4 rounds EC, 12 paclitaxel and they want me to have a PICC line.
So I have a horse, I have been told riding is ok but not to muck out etc because of infection. I kind of understand but she kept going on about dust in hay.
Anyone out there also in my situation? Can you lend an insight into what I can and can’t do please.
You might want to contact Sarah at spirit and soul equine therapy Derbyshire she is a tnbc survivor and looked after her horses throughout chemo and I’m sure she would be happy to speak to you. Also follow guidelines from your team and ring the number on here and speak to a nurse 
hope this helps 
Shi xx
Ask our Nurses your questions
Maybe run it past the BCN nurses or give them a ring to talk it through
Hi, I’ve been through 6 rounds of chemo and had a PICC line. I haven’t been riding as my horse is retired and lives out part of the time. I was at the yard every day once I felt well enough to be out and to help with managing infections I wore gloves all the time I was there and made sure I thoroughly washed my hands when I got home. I couldn’t carry anything heavy in my picc line arm like feed, bedding and hay nets and I didnt muck out as it felt like this could be too strenous on my arm. I had my chemo over winter so I always had my arm covered and was extra careful around the horses and making sure they didn’t bump into me or rub on my arm. Hope that helps but happy to add more if you need anything else x
Thank you that’s really helpful. I’m lucky it’s summer so just poo picking. And hoping they can stay out until my treatment is finished. I’m hoping to ride just be careful.
@drummersmum no problem. One of the best things I did going through my treatment has been spending time at the yard. Yes, there are things you need to consider but its helped me cope with everything. Let me know how you get on and if there’s anything else I can help with let me know. It’s lovely to find a fellow horse owner on here x
Hello! I have 4 horses at home and I mucked them out and looked after them all through chemo, I had someone muck them out for me the day after chemo for the first few but once I knew I’d be able to do it - all be it slowly- I was ok. I didn’t ride much as just didn’t have the energy but did sit on a few times which was good for the soul. My onc knew about the horses and never said I should avoid doing them but she was very relaxed about me going to the kids school stuff and everything too. Would also say they are fab at knowing if you’re having a low day. My mare would snuggle up and lick my face!!! I had chemo first. Did have someone do them after surgery for 4 weeks. My surgeon made me promise as he said he had operated on horse women before and they don’t do what they’re told!! Couldn’t argue…. Good luck x
Thank you both so much… I think I totally get the infection worry but I feel.like the nurses think horses are poisonous 
Hi there are pp2 masks you could wear for the dust. as for mucking out its a strenuous task and the bending mnay affect any surgery you have had. if you are on a yard perhaps there are tasks you could do for others in exchange for them doing the strenuous task for you. howeverf if like our yard horses are due to go out on 1st may, so this task will be reduced. yes keep safe, wash your hands in soap and water regularly. but have a contingency plan for the day 1 or 2 after treatment. You will find how loving your horse becomes, and they soon recognise the body scent you present of chemo, and then understand your weak days. enjoy your time just sitting with them, and light grooming or what you feel able to do. and come back to me for more tips. I waited 6 years before i could get back in the saddle but i had a previous sepsis vector bite that healed just before BC. but throughout recovery the horses were there for me and will be for you too, good luck, love and light, moonsox
