s/o vaccines - when someone close is going through chemo

[Deleted]

A close family member (FM) is going through chemo and is being advised to not take any vaccines. She already, of course, has a weakened immune system.

Has anyone dealt with this sort of scenario during newborn stage? I don't want to keep them away from baby, but at the same time, FM may be even more likely to get sick (and spends more time at dr offices/hospitals) than someone else. Prior to chemo, FM did not have regular vaccines, health care, etc.

DS due 11/14 and I am anticipating a whole host of holiday - related drama around us taking the baby out and passing baby around.

I have already had dtap, DH and my parents will as well. My parents also get flu shot, as will I.

[626]

So I have not undergone chemo, but I have an autoimmune disease and for years on was on many immunosuppressant drugs.

Since I was so prone to being sick myself, I took extra care in trying to keep myself as germ-free as possible - constantly washing hands after touching things, touching my face, etc, etc, etc.

Conversely, I became super-aware of not spreading any of my germs to others (because I knew how it felt to be on the opposite side).

If I was sick, I personally would make sure I didn't come in close contact with the baby (one time I couldn't avoid it and opted to wear a mask).

I'll be honest, if I felt healthy and someone didn't want me to hold the baby or come close to the baby because of my weakened immune system, I would be really, really crushed.

[Deleted]

Sept 17, 2014 10:54:18 GMT -5 626 said:

So I have not undergone chemo, but I have an autoimmune disease and for years on was on many immunosuppressant drugs.

Since I was so prone to being sick myself, I took extra care in trying to keep myself as germ-free as possible - constantly washing hands after touching things, touching my face, etc, etc, etc.

Conversely, I became super-aware of not spreading any of my germs to others (because I knew how it felt to be on the opposite side).

If I was sick, I personally would make sure I didn't come in close contact with the baby (one time I couldn't avoid it and opted to wear a mask).

I'll be honest, if I felt healthy and someone didn't want me to hold the baby or come close to the baby because of my weakened immune system, I would be really, really crushed.

This is important perspective, thank you. To be clear, I'm fine with FM holding the baby if FM is ok, my question is more around dealing with the baby/FM both having weakened immune systems and not having vaccines, etc. New Baby could also pose a risk to FM! 
 

[demandypants]

When my mom was going through chemo, I avoided her every time I felt under the weather. much like I would with a friend/family member with a new baby. I wouldn't see your FM as an extra risk to your baby so long as everyone takes other common sense precautions to keep them both healthy!

[Deleted]

I think as long as the person feels well and washes his/her hands, I would be fine.

[jennistarr1]

My mom is on chemo and I specifically asked about this...essentially, your baby is more of a harm to your family member then your family member is to the baby (is how it was explained to me)...some one going through chemo isn't likely to be "carrying" anything, if they're sick, then it will be obvious and then you'll limit newborn's exposure during that time

[jorja]

I wouldn't worry about it. Hopefully everyone else around her is getting flu shots, etc, because she's another extra vulnerable person who needs to rely on herd immunity.

[thebreakfastclub]

My nephew has weakened immunity due to cancer.

We didn't/don't do anything different with him and our baby when they are together, besides normal handwashing.

I was advised to delay visits for my nephew's sake after DS gets live virus vaccines.