Hi all,
this is my 1st post, so hopefully you will be gentle with me! I had my 1st chemo on the 21st dec (FEC-T x 6 once every 3 weeks) so I have now entered the days to watch out for infection, I have been surprising good to this point a little nausea and a bit of heartburn but that’s all. My dilemma is…do I go out New Years Eve?, friends have booked up to go to the casino, but I know it is going to be busy, any thoughts? X
Hi Tara and welcome to the BCC forums
In addition to the support and shared experiences you will soon have here our helpliners are on hand with a listening ear and further support on 0808 800 6000, lines are open New Years Eve 9-2 then again from 2nd January 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturday
I am posting a link to the ‘Treatments’ page of the BCC wbesite where you will find lots of information, publications and more support ideas :
Take care
Lucy
Hi Tara! Personally, no, I wouldn’t go. There are so many nasty bugs doing the rounds at the moment, and if you pick one up it could make you really ill, and delay your chemo. And spending a few days in hospital feeling rotten isn’t fun! Sorry if this sounds negative, and obviously the choice is yours - i could argue that it’s as important to carry on living your life and enjoying it as it is to avoid infection, it’s getting the balance right I guess…
I had FEC T with Avastin earlier this year and tried to avoid busy places during the risk period, I know it’s not easy! I’m also sure that a lot of the lovely peeps on here would say yes, go… Lol, I’m not helping much am I???
I have always lived by the motto “No pain , No gain” so while I dont want you catching anything I would determine that the risk was worth it. I was lucky and even forgot when I was in a low immune period as I went everywhere - even on the bus and spent an afternoon in A&E with my mum.
Life is about creating lovely memories with friends and family so if you want to celebrate the new year get out but take a wise appraoch.
Definition of wise approach
Do not snug good looking strangers at midnight
WITHOUT getting them to answer a short health questionaire to determine state of health beforehand 
You should go , but no kissing !! Remember to take your anti bacterial gel and take all the usual precautions. I was able to drink red wine during my FEC T Chemo so I am sure you will be okay. Celebrate in style and have fun. All the best for the New Year 2013. Love andhugs Tracy xxx
Everything Ali says is right, so if you won’t mind sitting home with a really good book/movie, than do that, but you know, I think I would go too. Life is too short.There should be a few women either on the Benchland thread or the Standing alond in the deep dark woods thread to keep you company if you decide to let your head rule so you won’t really be alone!
I would go and just try to be wise, as said make sure you use anti bac gel regulary and no kissing lol you have just started chemo and will be vulnerable so just use common sensne, Im afraid to say there MAY be times when you miss out on things during chemo so if you feel ok and up for it then do things when you feel well enough , its new years eve you deserve a good time, hope all goes ok
Best wishes xx
Thank you for all yr comments xx, it’s so hard when I feel so well! I know it will change dramatically when my hair decides to start falling out which won’t be long now
Hi TaraC personally I wouldn’t go. I know it’s hard missing out but it’s only in the short term, I had to miss a few things during my treatment and I wasn’t happy at the time but it was 4 months out of my life and wasn’t the end of the world . You don’t need to kiss anyone to catch infection, there are so many air born viruses about, especially with flu and the winter vomiting virus.
it’s a personal decision, I wasn’t ill at all during chemo, partly I suspect as I was careful not to mix with the great unwashed during my low period but the rest was pure luck x
I really wouldn’t go.It is just too risky.Chemo lowers your immunity to anything that’s going and if you do catch something at best it will delay your next chemo at worst you could end up very seriously ill in hospital.
Just be brave and get someone to stay in with you this year.celebrate when chemo is over.
I was where you are 6 years ago almost to the day.I have had 5 more Happy New Years since then and hope for many more.