Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing
A woman with stage three breast cancer has shared why using the same toilet as someone undergoing chemotherapy can be problematic.
Misty Myers is facing triple-negative breast cancer, which she describes as one of the ‘most aggressive’ and difficult types of breast cancer to treat.
At 42, she is undergoing a rigorous chemotherapy treatment that has led to severe side effects, including rapid deterioration of her teeth.
The mother of eight has been sharing her cancer journey and experiences with chemotherapy on TikTok, offering insights as she progresses.
Misty mentioned that the treatment ‘kicked her butt’ during the first week, making her feel sleepy, dizzy, and nauseous, making it ‘almost impossible’ to keep her eyes open.
She also reported difficulties in using the bathroom, stating, ‘I just constantly feel like I’m going to pass out’.
Misty further highlighted concerns regarding bathroom use, explaining that friends and family might experience side effects from the intense treatment, even if they are otherwise healthy, unless she adheres to a crucial precaution.
“If you have someone in your family that has cancer and they’re going through chemotherapy, it is recommended that the person that is receiving treatment use a separate toilet than everyone in the house,” Misty stated in a follow-up video.
In cases where separate bathrooms are not an option, Misty emphasized that those undergoing chemotherapy must adhere to a strict toilet protocol.
“We not only flush the toilet three times with the lid down, but we clean that toilet immediately after using it,” she explained.
The need for such precautions arises because urine and feces can contain traces of chemotherapy drugs, which can cause adverse side effects upon exposure.
Misty elaborated: “If we use the toilet and we don’t close the lid, when you go to flush it, and the water kind of sprays up and becomes airborne or gets on the surface of anything else, someone who does not have cancer and is not receiving treatment could end up with dizziness, rash, nausea, vomiting, skin conditions, all types of bad side effects.”
Misty, who has set up a GoFundMe to help with her nearly $200,000 in medical expenses for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and medication, also noted that long-term exposure to chemotherapy is ‘especially serious for healthcare workers’.
She cautioned that those at risk of exposure to these potent drugs might have a higher chance of developing cancer or facing fertility issues.
“Most people who are on chemo end up not being able to conceive down the road – not everybody, obviously some people still have babies after receiving treatment, but it is a higher risk,” she added.
“Please just make sure that you’re using proper precautions in your house”, Misty advised those undergoing chemotherapy, “You’re cleaning things the way that you’re supposed to be cleaning with Clorox, Clorox wipes, things like that.
“You’re flushing your toilet with the lid down multiple times and then you’re cleaning the toilet.
“You’re just being safe for everybody around you.”
@lifewithmisty8 If the person is receiving chemotherapy treatments, they should be very cautious for the friends and family that are around them by making sure you are following proper protocol. When using the bathroom are urine and feces still have a trace of chemotherapy so it is highly recommended that we flush the toilet multiple times with the lid down and clean the toilet to attempt to prevent exposure to the medication. People who are exposed to chemotherapy and up having tons of side effects #creatorsearchinsights #chemotok #chemo #breastcancer #mycancerjourney #chemodiaries #chemotherapysideeffectssuck #symptomsofcancer #exposedtochemicals
The American Cancer Society provides guidance for those undergoing chemotherapy:
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and wish to speak with someone confidentially, you can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.