Hi Girls
I wonder if it is ok to go on the tube while on kimo?? Really want to go to London for some shopping but feel the tube journey could be a danger… am i being silly?
I dont know about infections on the tube, but just to say I went on it yesterday for the first time for ages, and it was so busy, I was so worried about being pushed in the chest and its getting busier coming up to Christmas - so maybe bus would be better?
Shirley
If you feel well then the London tube is just fine…busy and smelly but no reason not to go on it while on chemo. I did it all the time during primary tretament and occasionally now that I’m living out of London.
Jane
I decided to carry on living my life while on chemo but got myself a bottle of the vicks first defence hand foam which for up to 3 hours basically kills any bacteria you touch so when I went to a crowded place I’d spray first.
Never did get any infections despite my neutrophil count (immune system) getting pretty low at times.
Most people actually get viruses from hand contact too so I expect it’ll work well on those too.
I was told to try and carry on doing all the things that I usually do and not to hide away as most infections would be from myself (what ever that means). But felt so bad after about day 3 to12 on each tax I couldn’t even walk to the door let alone go out lol.
best wishes mellx
Hi there. I went on the tube and bus, and the the cinema etc, during chemo and it seemed fine. I did get one nfection but not sure it was anything to do with that, and I was never advised not to do it, so I did!
Good luck and go shopping my dear!
Dilys
xxxx
Go shopping…and have a great time. 
I have foolishly (?) booked tickets for the New Years bash in Edinburgh which will coincide with my lowest point after my last CMF. So I hope can get through all that kissing (which I will try and avoid I admit)
Get shopping and keep hands clean and just try not to transfer stuff from your hands to your mouth etc (gloves?)
Best of luck
Gillian
Hello,
Many people contact us at Breast Cancer Care asking if it is safe whilst on chemotherapy treatment to go into crowded places, especially at this time of year when there are so many colds and viruses about.
Chemotherapy as you know is a systemic treatment meaning that is gets around the whole body via the blood system.
A common side effect of chemotherapy is a low white cell count. If your white cells are low this means that you are more prone to infections. Although it is not always going to be possible, it is worth trying to avoid being in close contact with anyone who has any symptoms of infection, such as coughs and colds, especially around 7-10 days after chemotherapy when the white blood cells may be at their
lowest.
It is generally recommended trying to avoid crowded places if you can during days 7-10 even if you are feeling well.
Also if visitors want to come to see you ask them not come if they are not well themselves, although you can’t help close family members having a cold or virus or stop yourself from being in contact with them.
These precautions are because when you are on chemotherapy it is more difficult for you to fight off these infections, than some one who is not on treatment.
For more information about chemotherapy please do download a copy of our booklet free from the weblink below or call our freephone helpline on 0808 800 6000 to request a copy be sent to you, or ask questions about your treatment.
www.breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/chemotherapy_07_web_0.pdf
BW’s
Tara
Clinical Nurse Specialist