Inmune system after chemotherapy and radiation therapy

mamichula

Does anybody knows when our inmune system could be considered "normal" after chemo and radiation therapy. Im worried about COVID19 because I finished radiation therapy on january. Thank you.

santabarbarian

This is a good question.

One litmus would be when your energy returns and when your blood values are back in the range they need to be in.

I think my immune system was pretty good during treatment - I was treated over winter and got not one virus that winter.

There are some supplements being talked about as anti virals, and one is an anti-oxidant called Quercetin. OTC. I have been on that for general health purposes through chemo so maybe that explains my good luck re viruses...?

Moxie32

I did not have chemo, but my RO told me yesterday that radiation does not compromise the immune system.

RatherBeSailing

My RO also told me radiation does not affect my immune system. But my immunologist told me both chemo AND radiation are likely causes of my low t cells and IGg antibodies. But I had extensive radiation coverage.

It's a great question. I would reach out to your medical oncologist and ask them.

mamichula

Thank you!

mamichula

I've heard the same, that radiation does not affect the immune system. But you shouldn't be vaccinated with live viruses until 3 months after radiation. So, I'm a little confused. Maybe it depends the dosis, affected area, etc. Thank you for your opinion.

Tmh0921

Have your MO check your bloodwork, they can tell you where your immune system stands. I had the same question, called my MO and she reviewed my latest bloodwork and said my immune system had recovered and I’m at “average risk” for complications from COVID-19, which was reassuring