Hello Shirley and thank you for posting.

I am sorry you are going through this with your husband and feel there isn't enough information for carers of cancer patients. There are very few situations where the physical health of the carer is at risk from treatments, except for contact maybe after radioactive treatment, which this drug isn't. I will post some links that hopefully you will find helpful, but I would also encourage you to speak to your husband's team and/or specialist nurse (CNS) if you are still worried. 

GIST cancers are often treated with targeted drugs like Imatinib, which work slightly differently than chemotherapy. They target the cancer cell and block its growth. This is not a treatment that can cause those close to the patient any problems with their health. Sleeping next to, hugging, or other physical contact with your husband would not put your health at risk, just the same as you would not be at risk if he was having chemotherapy. 

I'm not sure where you may have read that all bed linens and clothes have to be washed separately, but this is not something I am aware of and I cannot find that in our information. 

The emotional strain of coping with cancer can be difficult as it can affect so much and it is important to keep your mental health protected. We have information for caregivers on looking after themselves as well as others, and this from Macmillan Cancer Support is around supporting someone with cancer.

Take care Shirley and I hope you feel more reassured by this, if you find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Sarah.