I'm due in December, and my mom is having a hysterectomy and removal of cancer nodules in a couple weeks, due to ovarian cancer. Depending on the outcome of the surgery and the biopsy results, she may need to have chemo. If so, this will most likely be going on at the time I give birth. I have heard that those undergoing chemo cannot hold young children. Will this be the case? And what is the reason for it?
2007-09-21 13:31:16 · 11 answers · asked by Amsiar 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Obviously, we will both ask our doctors. I was just curious about this because my mother-in-law couldn't hold one of her grandbabies when she was having chemo. I figured if it's true, it's either because the toxins from the chemo are more dangerous to a baby and maybe somehow can be transferred through the skin OR that the person having chemo has a decreased immune system and babies transfer germs easier. I'm hoping it isn't true because this is her first grandchild and she will be heartbroken if she can't hold her after she's born.
2007-09-21 13:41:56 · update #1
It is possible...Because when trying to kill the cancer cells with chemo, it also kills off a lot of the white blood cells, and severely effect her immune system. It depends on he kind of chemo and how she responds, but it is best to keep her away from as many germs as possible.
Babies often get colds and such and unlike adults can't wash their hands, or control their mucus or drooling or cover mouths when sneezing etc... Babies also can't tell you when they feel a cold, earache etc. coming on, so they can be dangerous for someone who is immunosuppressed
2007-09-21 13:37:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok, doesn't have to be so, my mam had breast cancer nearly four years ago and went through chemo and radiation and apart from if my mam was feeling sick or weak from the treatment the only reason she had to keep away from others no matter how old they were was if THEY had even a simple cold because her immune system was vulnerable. so as long as the baby or you for that matter don't have any colds or anything like that as long as you're both in perfect health there should be no reason why your mam can't hold your baby at any time! good luck to you all for your future i'm sure your mam will be fine medicine is coming along in leaps and bounds these days my mam is ok now she has regular check ups and everything!
2007-09-21 13:42:10 · answer #2 · answered by welshhobbit 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course she can hold your baby! The baby can't catch anything from her at all! Now your mom's immune system may be very weak so if your baby gets sick or seems sick it is best to keep grandma away from baby. Chemo patients should not go near a sick person if what they have is contagious.
2007-09-21 17:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by moondrop000 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of that. I have read quite a few articles about Mums who have had cancer, and been pregnant and had babies while undergoing chemo.
So I don't know where you are getting your information from, but it's definitely wrong, as far as I'm concerned. Try not to worry about you Mum to much, I'm sure she'll be fine.
2007-09-21 13:40:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason unless you mother isn't up to it. If you are concerned about the chemo don't it wouldn't effect anyone but her.
2007-09-21 19:23:47 · answer #5 · answered by wild4gypsy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my mother was always able to hold babies when she was sick and she had an awful case of cancer. she could even hold a baby 2 days before she died but i ges it depends on the person
2007-09-22 06:44:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know who told you that, but they don't know what they're talking about...Chemo will NOT keep your Mom from holding your baby, unless she's too sick to do so...the Chemo is not catching.
2007-09-21 13:37:08 · answer #7 · answered by Chrys 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
is this question supposed to be an old wives tale? cause it sure sounds like one
2007-09-24 23:03:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your obstetrician and her oncologist would be the ones to ask.
2007-09-21 13:36:03 · answer #9 · answered by joni38 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of this. Will have to ask your Dr. Sorry.
2007-09-21 13:36:12 · answer #10 · answered by peach 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋