Safe to be around dogs while doing Chemo?

MypupShooter · #1 09-23-2009, 12:41 PM

Hey Everyone,

I tried to google this and search here, but couldn't find anything.

After being in remission for 2 1/2 years, surviving her first bout of breast cancer, my mom devlopped it again on her other breast. They did a full masectomy again, but found cancer cells in her lymphnodes, so needed to do chemotherapy this time around.

She started last Thursday, and has been handling it pretty well since. She only had 1 sick day on Sunday, and right now she feels the best she has since starting. This Thursday to next Thursday will be her ‘down’ time, where her white blood cells get very low and she needs to be extremely careful.

My mom is handling this all very well and is in great spirits and has a great attitude. She’s so strong and isn’t letting this affect her.

What I want to know is, if it is safe for her to be around Stella during this time? Whenever I go to visit, Stella is always with me. My parents love having her around. But I don’t want to bring her around, if it can cause a health concern for my mom.

Anyone have any experiences with this?

Thanks.

Sugarcain · #2 09-23-2009, 02:14 PM

my mom had breast cancer and had a masectomy also. She went through a chemo trial that was very agressive. Although for the most part she did ok on the chemo, there was a while near the end of her treatment where she was really sick and had to be hospitalized so she could be quarantined because her white cell count was so low. We had to wear masks to go and visit her so we wouldn't give her any germs. She had two dogs at the time and she was fine with them. Of course, though she wasn't around them until she came out of the hospital and she was there only a week.

She is almost 5 years cancer free now. My prayers and thoughts are with your mom and you and your family at this time. I know firsthand how this disease affects everyone, patient and families.

My Boxer · #3 09-25-2009, 01:19 AM

She should be since she has been around them. But, she and everyone else should use good handwashing. And, she shouldn't kiss them or let them lick her. No easy feat!

Mader · #4 09-25-2009, 05:35 AM

I'm sure they wouldn't have the Therapy Dog International if this was the case, dogs help people feel better. I would say as long as your mother wants the dog around then that is a good thing...

MypupShooter · #5 09-25-2009, 03:08 PM

Thanks everyone.

I think I will still bring her over than, but will ensure she can't get to close to my mom to lick my mom or accidentally scratch her.

wesoalis · #6 09-26-2009, 04:29 PM

I think that's very smart to exercise caution but also take solace in this. My friend has been battling breast cancer for a little over a year and in this past year she had a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and recently reconstructive surgery. She has five dogs and has lived with them throughout the course of her treatment and has had no dog or germ related health issues. However, everyone is different so it really is good to be careful. Wishing best of luck to you and your mom and a speedy recovery!