← Back
Psychology, family and everyday life

Plants and soil: greenery, with care

Soil, rotting leaves, compost and stagnant water in flower vases can harbour fungi and bacteria. During neutropenia, contact with them raises the risk of infection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Dried flowers in a vase
Figure 1.Dry decoration without soil

01Short answer

When neutrophils are low, avoid gardening, digging, compost, hay and rotting leaves. Move potted plants out of your bedroom and let someone else water them. Ask your team about fresh flowers and vases; if you have them, someone else should change the water daily. Stay away from building and renovation dust. When you return to gardening after your counts recover, wear gloves and sometimes a mask, wash your hands afterwards and protect yourself from cuts. After a transplant, the rules last longer and are stricter.

02Simple explanation

Low neutrophils: no soil.

Bedroom: no plants.

Vases: ask.

Later: gloves.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, avoid gardening and contact with soil and plant waste.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Aspergillus

A mould living in soil and decay that can affect the lungs.

Stagnant water

A place where bacteria multiply.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
AspergillusA mould living in soil and decay that can affect the lungs.
Stagnant waterA place where bacteria multiply.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Aspergillosis
An infection caused by the Aspergillus mould.
Compost
Decaying plant matter.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Keep away.
  • Hand it over.
  • Protect yourself.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I look at the garden from the window?

Of course; seeing greenery lifts the mood.

When can I garden again?

Your team will say, based on your counts.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I look at the garden from the window?

  2. When can I garden again?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. Cancer and Careers. Resources for working people with cancer
  6. Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population (Azerbaijan). Disability assessment: general information (in Azerbaijani)
  7. JAMA, 2009. Cancer survivors and unemployment: a meta-analysis and meta-regression
  8. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2018. The financial burden and distress of patients with cancer: Understanding and stepping-up action on the financial toxicity of cancer treatment
  9. American Cancer Society. How to Keep Your Home Clean When Living With Cancer
  10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →