Do I need to self isolate from my family if they're self isolating with me?

I started chemo 2 weeks ago and although I've not received a letter from the government, have taken the decision to self-isolate for 12 weeks. I've been keeping distance from my husband and kids for 10 days and am hoping that by the end of this week I might be able to be a bit physically closer to them, whilst obviously taking usual precautions around hands/ food prep and sharing/ bathrooms etc.
As they've stayed away from anyone else for 2 weeks, will I be able to have occasional physical contact with them - a big now and then, once the 2 weeks is up or do I need to avoid this for the full course of my chemo?
Looking ahead, when the kids return to school and my husband returns to work, am I then going to have to be even more strict over self isolation (literally not being in a room with them at all)?
Thanks
Comments
Hi @PaulaMK, welcome to the Community, so glad you've found us. :)
Our Oncology Nurse, @LizzyB73 might be able to give you some advice. I've tagged her in this discussion and she'll respond as soon as possible.
In the meantime, just wanted to let you know that we held a webinar with Liz and @KarinSieger, our Emotional Wellbeing Advisor on cancer and the coronavirus this Monday. We answered questions from our community and covered topics like self-isolation, being at risk, treatment plans and mental health. You might find useful to watch it, you can access the full talk in this thread:
Stay safe. I hope you and your family are well.
BW,
Blanka
@PaulaMK
Hi
Thanks for getting in touch. Hope your first chemotherapy treatment went well for you. It is vitally important that for the recommended 12 weeks duration you are shielded as much as possible.
You ideally should rigorously follow the shielding measures outlined here:
While the rest of your household are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves, we would expect them to do what they can to support you in shielding and to stringently follow guidance on social distancing.
If the rest of your household stringently follow advice on social distancing and minimise the risk of spreading the virus within the home by following the advice above, there is no need for them to also shield alongside you.
I can appreciate how difficult this is all is for you right now but do get in touch again if we can support you any further
Best wishes
Liz
Liz Bradley
Oncology Specialist Nurse | Oncology Service Manager @ Springfield Hospital
Thanks Liz - I had read this guidance on the government website but felt it wasn't answering my specific question. My family are self isolating alongside me - we are receiving food deliveries and help from friends and family n order that we don't need to go out and about. The only time they venture out is to walk the dog, and then wear gloves and wash hands as soon as they come in....so my question was, with those additional precautions, do I need to shield to the extent being suggested in the guidance or can I spend time in the same room as them to try and establish some normality while we're all isolating to this level. I totally appreciate that if they return to 'normal' school and work routines that I will need to isolate to the level outline above.
HI @PaulaMK
you can spend time in the same room but ideally socially distancing as much as possible.
Its a really tough time but you will get through it 💕
wishing you well and stay safe
Liz
Liz Bradley
Oncology Specialist Nurse | Oncology Service Manager @ Springfield Hospital