My mum of 82yrs is on her 3rd chemotherapy of 6 doses in total (three weeks apart), mum is already weak and in and out of hospital. I was in a meeting for an hour today with a colleague and was later told his children presently have chickenpox (doctor has confirmed) at the stage of itching and getting the tell-tale spots.

Mum is due her next dose of chemotherapy in two days time.

Mum had chickenpox as a child.

My question is can I visit her in hospital or is it too risky (of re-infection leading to it or shingles) with her weakened condition and compromised immune system as a result of the ongoing chemotherapy?  If not how long should I wait and should I avoid contact with the colleague until his children are non-contagious, and at what point will that be?  What are the signs for them?

Mums cancer is non-Hodgkin lymphoma type B with a lymphatic (believed non-malignant) adrenal tumour.

I don’t want to put her at any more risk than she already is, even if it means having to stay away for a short while.

Advice appreciated.