I was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I am going to start Chemo Treatments within the month. I was told by my oncologist to stay clear of the barn for fear of infections. But if I must go then to take precautions. My barn is not a dirty dank barn. It’s a three year old facility that is kept meticulously clean. I know there is dirt and grim that comes with horses. But how do you stay away from something that is what I need more than ever to help me get through cancer? I need to ride, I want to work, I need the smell of horses! Obviously I agreed not to go when my white cell count is down. But seriously… the barn is my sanity, my safe haven, my escape. For anyone that has or is going through Chemotherapy, what did you do about barn time? What precautions did you take? I am willing to walk around like a member of Hazmat if that is what it takes. Thank you for your help and wisdom.
Although I have not gone through chemo, I am allergic to horses and there for very sensitive to all their dust and grim. I would suggest working outside as much as possible. Would it be possible to have someone groom your horse for you? I know that can be a great bonding time, but it is one of the dirtiest times. You could still have bonding time walking outside … well as long as it is warm.
Thank you for your suggestions. On warm days I will certainly ask to have someone help me with that. Right now its winter and ridiculously cold 
I also work in the barn on the weekends. I’m hoping to be able to continue to do that during my treatments as well.
My best friend had chemo treatment for lung cancer. She never quit coming to the barn and cleaning stalls, etc. She rode when she felt well enough. She cleaned stalls when she obviously should have been home resting. She never had any infections from it. But I’d never tell you what to do or tell you to ignore doctor’s orders. 
Sending JINGLES laced with strength and comfort ~
AO ~ you are able to stay connected to your barn and riding during your treatment ~
((hugs)) of understanding - having been ‘away’ from my horse life for THR and then for rotator cuff surgery … I know how important the connection is for us.
Sending you healing vibes and speedy remission.
DH went through chemo for nonhodgkins lymphoma for 5 years now in remission.
When he was feeling well he was throwing hay to horses,filling water tanks and mucking stalls.
We also had chickens. When your counts drop you will not be able to do some things but you will know.
Oncologist was more concerned with people germs. She was all about living life . That said try not to get banged up be aware of the stupid stuff horses can do.
Wishing you the best and I know your horses will be there for you !!!
@RedHorseRider - I went through breast cancer chemo in 2012 and 2013. I wasn’t involved with horses at the time, but did have pre school age kids… who were constantly bringing home bugs and germs. My experience was that my WONDERFUL oncology team gave me lots and lots of guidelines that simply weren’t possible to adhere to (no germs, lots of rest, no lifting post mastectomy…). Living regular life as best you can during treatment is important. Managing stress and continuing positive life affirming activities is an important aspect of getting through this.
To make a long story short - I got through it and have no evidence of disease. I was a late stage 3… invasive ductal. I did 5 rounds of TAC during summer of 2012 (Taxotere, Adriamycin, Cytoxan). They gave me the Nulasta shot after each round which kept my counts up until round 5… I then got Neutropenic and had to be hospitalized and cease chemo. I never got an infection during chemo though, despite changing my daughters diapers throughout it, taking my dog for walks and picking up her poop, and throwing a birthday party for my 4 year old son at Chuck E Cheese… which is a germ factory of epic proportions … lol. I took my kids to the pool routinely during that summer as well and waded in the kiddie pool with them too. No infections. I didn’t swim myself though.
I did go back and get MORE chemo in January of 2013 after surgery and radiation. A regimen of Carboplatin and Gemzar. This was because I had lots of lymphatic involvement… it’s not a standard treatment plan. Anyway… that was tougher than the first regimen. I did 6 rounds I think. My body was much more worn out. I did not do the Neulasta shot with that regimen, and did get both anemic and neutropenic (low red and white counts), and had to get transfusions. I eventually did get an infection. But it was from a surgical and radiation complication and a poorly healing wound… failed reconstruction. Not from anything environmental. Eventually once chemo was over the wound healed, and I did reconstruct successfully.
During the second chemo regimen I threw my then 2 year old a birthday party involving pony rides and a petting zoo. We cuddled rabbits and baby chicks. I’m sure all of that involved WAY more bacteria than the average barn 
Baby chicks in particular were probably downright reckless. None of it made me sick though… and it all was a good memory with my child, which was really important at the time.
One other thing. My Labrador retriever (who is an anxious sensitive sort) slept in my bed with me for much of chemo, surgery, radiation, and chemo again. It was not advisable… but good for my emotional health. It didn’t make me sick either.
Anyway - I hope that helps give you some information. I’m not saying don’t listen to your doctors… but don’t stop living life either. Try and strike the best balance you can, do things that lift your spirits, and try and have faith. Breast cancer STINKS. But oncology is an amazing field with great professionals and treatments are improving. And the Neulasta shots are really helpful. Best of luck to you -
I did breast and ovarian cancer. Both times I carried on my normal life with the exception of surgery recovery time. Lots of dogs, horses and friends making me feel better. My first ride after ovarian surgery was on my 17.2 holsteiner who carried me around like I was made of glass. They are your best support .I really did not feel bad through chemo and even learned to be bold and bald. They are so good at all that stuff that I was able to do chemo and then go eat Indian food at night, no problem.
GOOD LUCK!
No advice but wishing you the very best
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for explaining your treatment and what you did with yourselves when you were going through chemo. Barn time is extremely important for my sanity. Your stories have helped me understand it is still possible to continue with my normal life. I get my port in Wednesday. It’s getting very real!
Then you so very much!!
I think it is “state of mind” that is very important. Anything you can do to improve that is GOOD!
Good luck with the port. It’s uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it. I second Equibrit’s sentiments - state of mind is so important. Be kind to yourself, take lots of deep breaths and find a good method of calming yourself, and definitely do what you can to take your mind off cancer and focused on different issues. Horses are a wonderful distraction.
So sorry about what you’re going through… I hope you get connected with a support group you like as well. I found that EXTREMELY helpful, and I’m not really a people person. I made some life changing friendships during treatment. Breast cancer is the best club of women you never wanted to join…
This is probably not the thing to say but… you have to be careful not to buy in to other people’s over-sentimental reactions to your situation. You have to generate the strength to push on through it and take control. Anything that helps you do this is GOOD! Be involved in treatment decisions, do what is comfortable for YOU. EMPOWER YOURSELF!
GOOD book; https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Loves-Breast-Merloyd-Lawrence/dp/0738213594
A close friend went through this. We actually became closer and saw each other more. We are both very positive and outgoing people. She has a senior welsh pony she continued to ride. Everything was in moderation and what she felt she could do. Her husband insisted she stop her jumping lessons after she jambed her thumb and broke it. She needed surgery. She surrounded herself with positive people.
Hugs to you, RedHorseRider. You’ve already gotten much good advice but I’ll throw in my experience to reinforce what others have said. I first went through chemo (taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin) in 2013. My oncologist and an infectious disease specialist, advised to me to stay as germ free as possible. They cautioned against allowing the dogs in our bed and they also discouraged me from going to the barn during the lowest white cell count days. I can understand staying home during low white count days as it seems like common sense. Trying to sleep through nights of insomnia, hot flashes and steroid highs without the comfort of a sympathetic doggie, was tough. Somehow, I got through it and survived my first six months of chemo.
In 2015, I was diagnosed with a metastasis to my liver and Stage IV breast cancer. Once again, I was facing six months of chemo (Taxol, herceptin and perjeta). This time I thought, the hell with germs, I’m doing what I want. I went to the barn almost every day and the dogs slept in our bed. I never got sick and had a much easier time overall.
I continued riding and jumping and doing Pilates through both chemo experiences. Exercise helps even if you can only do a little bit.
Good luck and please feel free to send me a PM if you have questions or need to talk.
Sorry for your diagnosis.
My husband is on week 10 of chemo for metastatic colon cancer. He also rides and we live on a farm with our horses. Unfortunately the side effects if his particular chemo keep him in the house due to the cold and often on the couch.
It was never suggested that he stay out of the barn. Just stay out of the cold. He plans to start riding again in the spring.
Id say the horses and barn friends are 100% necessary for happiness! Don’t quit that!!
Wishing you luck in your recovery.
Hugs and jingles to you! My mom was on a few different chemo regimes for her ovarian cancer and she did her best to keep active throughout. She did go to the barn with me a ton, and was more worried about high traffic areas like hospitals, grocery stores, etc especially when her white cells were super low. My mom loved visiting the horses! Listen to your body and take things easy as needed, but enjoy the horses too!
Good friend of mine went thru Chemo for breast cancer. She never stopped coming to the barn or riding for that matter! Um and she also took a trip to Mexico during that time too! You do what you are comfortable with. One thing that can be overlooked in cancer patients (my DHs oncologist said this) is their mental well-being. You have to maintain a positive outlook and so you do what you need to do to be happy.
