When did you get your Covid vaccine?

AlwaysMeC

I couldn't find a thread, so started one here. If there is one, please help me get to it.

I just finished up TCHP chemo last thursday, and unfortunately I was diagnosed around the time when I wasn't eligible for the shot yet as a regular person, but didn't realize that diagnosis made me eligible. Then throughought chemo I had a few complications which set me back on scheduling my immunization. I am now done and ready to get it, however I have read some feedback from other cancer patients who were on chemo that didn't get a good immune response - tested.

My counts were low before the last session, platelets 108, RBC 2.98, WBC 4.4. I'm not sure how much lower it has gotten since Thursday.

Did any of you get your immunization during chemotherapy? And were your counts similar or did you get a reaction?

I think our family may have caught Covid in Febriary 2020, but that was too early for any type of testing, so I am hoping my immune system has some sort of memory, but I definitely want to be sure I have protection. I don't want to waste the shot because of bad timing.

MountainMia

You really need to ask your doctor for their professional advice on this. Please don't count on us to tell you what is best for you.

exbrnxgrl

Yes, please ask your mo about the timing of your COVID vaccine!

AlwaysMeC

I've already asked and he said any time is okay. I guess I am just looking to get a good idea for when it would be okay for me to go in and time it well, not that I would hesistate. The problem is there's no real guide for us patients. I get the feeling that the doctors are in the same boat as us. They don't look at counts or how your memory B and T cells might respond. I am just worried that I am low and won't respond. We also delayed our kids' start of school by three weeks so I can at least start with the first shot.

The MO seems to be just very blah about when to get it.... as if, well you could try and see what happens. Maybe I'll ask my primary for a post vaccine antibody test. I can't seem to rely on my MO to be invested in anything other than the cancer dx.

Maybe it's three in a row for me. Treatment is so discpuraging sometimes when you feel you know just as much as the docs.

exbrnxgrl

Always,

I know it is frustrating to not be given a clear answer. Please remember that since this strain of COVID is new there simply has not been enough time to see how vaccines and their timing effect people with a myriad of diseases, treatments, medical conditions. Do we know as much as our doctors? I certainly don’t but I am glad that they’re honest about things that are truly unknown at this point with respect to Covid19, vaccines, and how it effects everything else in the medical realm. Take care and I share your frustrations, but it’s not our doctors fault

AlwaysMeC

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I suppose we are all doing our best to figure this all out.