chemotherapy/radiation exposure?

ccollins06 · February 2014

Of course, I am asking my OB at my appointment on Fri., but I was wondering if anyone else had any experience? Sadly, my father was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer in December. He has completed his first round of both chemo and radiation and several people (friends/family) have asked him if it was okay that he be around me. I have no medical background, but I guess the radiation is active and continues to do its job even though this round of treatment is over. It never occurred to me that there was any type of risk. What about after the baby is born? I couldn't find much via google for this type of indirect exposure, so any experience is appreciated.

avidkeo · February 2014

First of all hugs to you and your family.

I am a radiographer, and while I do not with in Radiation Therapy I know a little about it. With Radiation Therapy, he will not be radioactive. Its like an intense x-ray where its only effecting the person when they are under the machine and the machine is turned on, it does not make them radioactive, therefore no harm to you is possible. As far as I am aware, Chemo is a chemical and will not emit radiation. You are safe.

However if your Father has any Nuclear Medicine studies - E.G. a PET scan or Bone scan, then yes for about 6-12 hrs after he has the scan he will be emitting low levels of radiation and you will need to stay away from him. This is because he has actually been injected with a radioactive substance that has a half life of up to 6hrs - depending on the scan. He himself does not become radioactive, rather the substance will be still in him until it gets excreted from his body.

Thoughts with you and your family.

Edit: typos.

ccollins06 · February 2014

Thank you, @avidkeo.

kalette · February 2014

Yes, the Dr's told my dad after some sort of PET scan or something that he would need to stay away from pregnant women and small kids for a few hours. I would imagine they would have let your dad know if it was something to worry about.

JennyandB · February 2014

As a former chemo nurse, I always educated my patients that they should avoid hugging/close contact with anyone for 36 hours after that days chemo. It takes that long for the body to secrete through its pores. So sorry to hear about your dad. May I ask if they said it was small cell or non small cell?

avidkeo · February 2014

JennyandB said:

As a former chemo nurse, I always educated my patients that they should avoid hugging/close contact with anyone for 36 hours after that days chemo. It takes that long for the body to secrete through its pores. So sorry to hear about your dad. May I ask if they said it was small cell or non small cell?

Thanks for clarifying that @JennyandB, should have thought of that side of things. I would imagine she would fine in the same room? Its just that close contact that should be considered?

JennyandB · February 2014

Yes same room is fine. The close contact is because they secrete the chemo through their pores and if the other person had a cut the theory is that they could absorb the chemo though the cut. It is unlikely but you want to be cautious.

ccollins06 · February 2014

@JennyandB, it is non small cell. I have not done any research on that because I am certain that what Dr. Google will tell me about stage 3 lung cancer will not be pretty and encouraging. Just taking things one day at a time and taking comfort in the fact that he is being treated at a world class medical facility. The doctors believe it is curable, and pending results of this first round of treatment he is slated for surgery.

JennyandB · February 2014

Non-small cell is very treatable/curable, and most my patients did very well with the treatment plan regarding side effects. Small cell is more aggressive, and so patients have more difficulty staying on track with the treatment plan because of side effects, decreased blood counts, etc

alphalyrae · February 2014

My grandfather is currently undergoing Chemo and radiation for lung and prostate cancer. As avidkeo said, the only time I have to 'avoid' him is for a few hours after his pet scans/etc. I was specifically told not to worry about his treatments. I'm wishing you the very best for you father's recovery. Please feel free to contact me if you just need someone to vent to, and to listen. I know how rough it can be right now.

ccollins06 · February 2014

Thank you, @alphalyrae It's certainly a lot to take in with everything else going on. It's my parents first grandchild, so I was getting concerned that my dad wouldn't even be able to be around the baby, come April when he is in the thick of treatment. I just think it will lift his spirits so much, so i'm glad to hear, pending my OB and pedi's approval, he will be able to enjoy holding and loving his grandson! Also wishing the best for your family and grandfather. What blessings these new little lives will be to our families!

iqwedding3 · February 2014

eek, thanks for bringing this up! I'm actually attending someone's chemotherapy, I should check!

Soccer407 · February 2014

I would just have him ask his oncologist directly. And ask your OB also. My thoughts are with you and yours!!

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