Posted By Rachael Palmer
I have a colleague who is undergoing chemotherapy. Colleagues are keeping regular contact with her, personal visits etc. One of those visiting has advised that she's in the very early stages of pregnancy. What are the risks, if any, of her visiting the person under going treatment? Is she putting the unborn babe at risk, particularly if she visits just after the person has received a dose of chemo?
This is not an issue I've had to deal with before fortunately. Obviously we want to offer as much suppport as possible to the person receiving treatment but likewise we don't want to put the mother-to-be & babe at risk hence my questions.

Any help / guidance would be appreciated.

Posted By LMR
cancer and chemo are not catching! the affects of chemo are not nice but not infectious! correctly it has been stated that the person being treated has a compromised immune system and is potentially more susceptible to passing infections.
The effects can be unpleasant and the visible effects can be distressing to visitors!!
obvious personal hygiene - hand washing etc (hand scrub maybe) are sufficient to protect all and avoid visiting if you obviously have an infection.
support etc more than welcome and try to avoid the patronising 'you are lucky' smile and awkward silences.
But pregnancy is also not catching!and talking about something positive in the future is very good and encouraging . . . only if the person wants to visit the 'patient' (although patience is one thing that can be lacking!!!).