Flu

Wiegp22

has anyone in stage 4 had illness like the flu, cold...etc, and how did you deal with it? Did you get a lot sicker while on chemo since blood counts down? Curious to know

sharethehope

wiegp22

I take a lot of supplements that are immune boosters. Also, if I feel the slightest symptoms I use saline solution. I know with some chemos vaccines are not recommended with others the vaccine wouldn't help because your immune system is compromised. Hate to say it because may break my luck but I haven't had a cold or flu in the 3yrs 10 mo since diagnosed stage 4. I also don't eat a buffets or salad bars & am careful eating anywhere. Best to you. April

blainejennifer

You know, I haven't had a cold, or other minor illness, since I was diagnosed too! I've been hyper-vigilant about hand washing, and so has every body else in the house, maybe that has been helpful?

During my first bout of chemo, for early stage treatment, I did get a cold. I noticed it mainly because of the muscle aches and joint pain, not so much because of the congestion.

sharethehope

Jennifer

I was told about frequent hand washing also keeping the hand sanitizer near at all times even in my own home. Don't know how that figures when my puppy licks my face though. I guess we have exchanged germs so much were immune to each other.

pajim

I take Ibrance, which lowers my white count, and I get a cold every two months like clockwork. (In my defense I've been on a lot of airplanes this year). Mostly I take cold medicines and tough it out. And yes, they last longer than usual. I'm not usually sicker than usual.

If you get a fever of more than 100.5 (some doctors say 101) you need to call your doctor's office. Particularly if you're on a chemo which lowers your white cell levels.

Wiegp22

sharethehope, my onco doesn't know if supplements are safe with chemo, how can I find out what I can take?

Thanks, Paul

Wiegp22

Thank you blainejennifer, Paul

Wiegp22

pajim,I will be flying soon to my daughters wedding, am scared about catching something on the plane , can you share how you have flown many times and what you did to protect yourself? I am very nervous since my stage 4 diagnosis

Thanks, Paul

sharethehope

Wiegp22

Find an integrative onc even if you have to find one on line. The one I know is Bailey-Dorton. She is at Levine Cancer institute. You could contact her there. You would have to send her your records but its her job to match your chemo & health records up with any additional vit etc. I don' t have her ph but Levine could put you in touch w/ her. I know she just moved to new offices but is still Levine, Charlotte NC. She has had breast cancer also, very understanding & compassionate. I'll see If I can get her ph #. She might be able to recommend someone near you also. 

pajim

Wiegp22, buy yourself some WetOnes. When you get on the plane, wipe down the seat belt(!), tray table and armrests. Planes are the usual place to catch something -- using an anti-bacterial wipe will help a lot.

I probably flew on 40 airplanes last year (seriously). I bring WetOnes and some purell.

And enjoy the wedding! Don't let worry keep you from having a good time.

Wiegp22

sharethehope that would be great if you could get a phone number for me

Thank you, Pau

Wiegp22

pajim, Thank you, I will definitely buy wet ones and will have a good time.

Thanks again, Paula

sharethehope

Saline solution comes in sm bottles also. All you have to do is spray in the nostrils. Not like a netty pot. I swear by the stuff because so many germs enter through the nose & its so easy.

Wiegp22

Thank you April, I will get some

Paula