Misty Myers, a 42-year-old mom of eight, is in the middle of a tough battle with stage three triple-negative breast cancer.
It’s one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, and she’s been sharing her journey on TikTok to help others understand what going through chemotherapy is really like... Continue reading here ▶
In one of her videos, Misty shared something many people don’t realize: if you’re going through chemo, you need to take extra care when using the bathroom to keep your friends and family safe. Sounds surprising, right? Here’s why it matters and what you need to know.
@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 Hidden Danger of Chemotherapy
Chemo is powerful—it’s designed to kill cancer cells, but those chemicals don’t just disappear after treatment. Misty explains that traces of chemotherapy can stay in your urine, feces, and even vomit for up to 48 hours after a session.
If other people come into contact with these traces, even healthy ones, they could experience side effects like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Rashes or skin conditions
In some cases, long-term exposure to chemo drugs can even increase the risk of fertility issues or cancer later in life.
Misty’s Bathroom Rules: How to Keep Everyone Safe
Misty’s advice is clear: if you live with others while undergoing chemotherapy, you need to take extra precautions, especially in the bathroom. If you can’t use a separate toilet, here’s what she recommends:
- Always flush with the lid down. This prevents water (and any chemo traces) from spraying into the air.
- Flush the toilet three times to make sure everything is completely cleared out.
- Clean the toilet immediately after using it. Use disinfectant like Clorox wipes or spray to wipe down all surfaces.
- Sit on the toilet when using it to avoid splashing water.
- Wash your hands well with warm water and soap, and dry them with disposable paper towels.
These steps may seem simple, but they’re critical to keeping your loved ones safe.
Why This Matters
Misty explains that exposure to chemotherapy drugs isn’t something to take lightly. “People who are exposed to chemo have a higher risk of developing cancer themselves down the road,” she said. “It’s especially serious for healthcare workers who deal with chemo all the time.”
And while not everyone will face severe side effects, Misty stresses that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“Please make sure you’re using proper precautions in your house. You’re cleaning things the way you’re supposed to, using Clorox wipes, flushing with the lid down, and just being careful for the people around you.”
What Experts Say
Misty’s advice lines up with recommendations from the American Cancer Society. They suggest:
- Using a separate toilet if possible, especially for young children.
- Flushing the toilet twice with the lid down after use.
- Wearing gloves when cleaning the toilet and wiping down all surfaces with disinfectant.
- Keeping pets away from toilet water to avoid accidental exposure.
If vomiting happens, they recommend carefully cleaning up and flushing the toilet twice after disposing of the contents.
Misty’s Journey: Fighting Through the Tough Days
While chemo is helping Misty fight cancer, she’s also been open about how tough the process can be. In addition to feeling dizzy, nauseous, and exhausted, she’s dealing with the rapid decay of her teeth—one of the many brutal side effects of treatment.
Despite everything she’s going through, Misty continues to share her story to help others. She’s even started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her $200,000 medical costs, which include chemo, radiation, surgery, and medications.
