what would you do?

[tryintolose]

:confused: My family is getting together for our Christmas party today--17 of us! We have been waiting because my brother-in-law has very aggressive lymphoma and had chemo about a week and a half ago. We have been waiting for his immunities to build back up. My problem is, I have a cold. It is about a week old, I am on antibiotics, and I am not sniffing, sneezing or coughing. Just stopped up. I really want to go to the party, but I do not want to put my brother-in-law at risk since a cold could easily turn into pneumonia with him. I sort of think I wouldn't be contagious now, but I don't know. Also, my sister-in-law (his wife) woke up with a sore throat this morning, and the Dr. just told her to wash her hands frequently and not to touch her face or nose. So, he has probably been exposed to some germs already. What to do??????????? :confused:

[Luvwater]

Ohhhh... This is such a tough one....I have a Sis n law that went through Chemo because of Breast cancer and she was told to stay away from crowds and especially sick family members...So if it were me I would go but use every precation...even one of those disposable masks and absolutely no hugging with anyone...that could spread it to him...you'll feel like you have the plague...but You love your family and want to be with them....we used to give my sis n law fake hugs...just kinda hug yourself and he'll know you love him...she understood we did that for her own good even when we weren't sick
Take care
Ann

[fay]

I know I dont have the same type of cancer but,
I wouldnt go myself. With chemo your immuties get
so low. I havent had chemo for over a month and
I'm told to still be carefull. Go to the store
when less people are around, watch out for small
children. Little things like that. Washing your
hands and things like that are okay I guess but
what about breathing? You would probally be okay
call a doctor or the emergency room to find out
for sure. Than do the right thing.

[health4life]

Hi. Just be cautious and dont be over him. Keep your distance and still keep your hands away from your face and really everyone need to keep their hands clean whether they have a cold or not.

When i'm working around patients with low immunities I have to where a mask and I have to keep my hands very clean. Just try your best not to be all over him and be cautious.

[ December 29, 2002, 12:52 PM: Message edited by: health4life ]

[tryintolose]

Good advice, thanks so much. :)