CancerCompass message board discussion started by 98clemson on 1/4/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3931,0.htm Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I'm a caregiver to my 2-1/2 yr old granddaughter who has just started chemo (1 of 8 treatments). Can someone recommend good web sites for what I should and should not do to migate the risk of infection? I've cleaned my home top to bottom, but don't know if I can do more (i.e. remove feather comforter from bed she will nap on, how often to shampoo carpets, etc.) The information I've gleaned from the hosptial staff is primarily focused on personal hygiene, which we already practice. Any help is appreciated. 98clemson Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT I have been compulsively cleaning my apartment since my significant other's lymphoma diagnosis. Here is what I know about cleaning for cancer and cleaning in general. Germs are everywhere. It is a common misconception that disinfecting our hands and countertops and floors is going to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and fungi. What harsh chemicals like hand sanitizers can do is disrupt the balance of those things. Our hands are covered with non-disease-causing bacteria, and each time we use those chemicals, we kill those and take the risk of inviting disease causing bacteria to live on our hands while breeding super bacteria by exposing them to antibacterial chemicals. Ain't evolution great? It is slightly better to use soap and water than strong anti-bacterials. Avoid other people! There is really no such thing as an airborne germ - it's more of a spit/cough/sneeze propelled germ. It is also very important while taking the chemotherapy drugs that mess with DNA replication (alkylating agents like dacarbazine) not to be exposed to carcinogens. This is more important than avoiding germs, especially for children because of the risk of secondary cancer. Cleaning products like scrubbing bubbles and carpet cleaners are the worst (as a side note, you should always wear gloves to use scrubbing bubbles as it goes right through your skin). During treatment, I would recommend soap, water, baking soda, vinegar if it doesn't make you puke, and alchol is a good one (rubbing, grain, etc). Bleach is better than other products, but there has never been extensive study as to whether or not chlorine is a carcenogen. Just because a product says it is natural does not mean it is good. My Matt is a chemist, and when someone was hawking a natural product to him he said, "all natural, great, just like hemlock." That's what I know. Maybe it helps. Christina Dbear Sat, 07 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT I have been compulsively cleaning my apartment since my significant other's lymphoma diagnosis. Here is what I know about cleaning for cancer and cleaning in general. Germs are everywhere. It is a common misconception that disinfecting our hands and countertops and floors is going to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and fungi. What harsh chemicals like hand sanitizers can do is disrupt the balance of those things. Our hands are covered with non-disease-causing bacteria, and each time we use those chemicals, we kill those and take the risk of inviting disease causing bacteria to live on our hands while breeding super bacteria by exposing them to antibacterial chemicals. Ain't evolution great? It is slightly better to use soap and water than strong anti-bacterials. Avoid other people! There is really no such thing as an airborne germ - it's more of a spit/cough/sneeze propelled germ. It is also very important while taking the chemotherapy drugs that mess with DNA replication (alkylating agents like dacarbazine) not to be exposed to carcinogens. This is more important than avoiding germs, especially for children because of the risk of secondary cancer. Cleaning products like scrubbing bubbles and carpet cleaners are the worst (as a side note, you should always wear gloves to use scrubbing bubbles as it goes right through your skin). During treatment, I would recommend soap, water, baking soda, vinegar if it doesn't make you puke, and alchol is a good one (rubbing, grain, etc). Bleach is better than other products, but there has never been extensive study as to whether or not chlorine is a carcenogen. Just because a product says it is natural does not mean it is good. My Matt is a chemist, and when someone was hawking a natural product to him he said, "all natural, great, just like hemlock." That's what I know. Maybe it helps. Christina Dbear Sat, 07 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi - thanks for the tips on cleaning. Some good info there. Just wondering how your granddaughter is doing? Barbara2m Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT