Flu shot

Options
finallyoverit
finallyoverit Member Posts: 382
edited October 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Anyone received advice yay or nay from their MO regarding flu shots? Mine says it’s up to me whether I get it or not.I was just curious if anyone received advice either for or against it from their MO.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Sadiesservant
    Sadiesservant Member Posts: 1,995
    edited October 2018

    Mine recommends it. It's a good idea not only for myself but also as it helps to protect my mother who is 87.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tina2
    Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
    edited October 2018

    I've gotten flu shots every year since I was diagnosed.

    Tina

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rottweilor
    rottweilor Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2018

    Please get a flu shot and if you're in your 60s, you need a pneumonia shot as well. Influenza and pneumonia are vaccine - preventable (or at least less harmful) illnesses

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2018

    Dana Farber is very pro-flu-vaccine. Not only is it protection for you, but protection for those in the waiting room who are not well enough to get a vaccine. This year, instead of going to another floor, waiting in line, and then getting the insurance approval, they are sending the vaccines directly to the infusion nurse who injects it before you leave for the day.

    *susan*

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2018

    My oncologist recommended I have a flu shot, which I did last month.


    My PCP said it was okay to have the Shingles shot. I had the second and final one (shingrix) on Friday. I've been in bed the better part of two days from the shot...same as the first time. Taking Tylenol as recommend do deal with the flu-like symptoms and slight arm pain. I had shingles about six years ago and I never want to experience that again!!!

    I honestly don't recall having the pneumonia shot; I'll check with my doctor.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited October 2018

    I think most of us stage IV folks get the flu shot. My mo recommended it and I'm a first grade teacher. I really need the flu shot!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited October 2018

    I will get one. Dh’s employer has a health incentive program with monetary rewards and getting the flu shot is part of it. His employer used to allow spouses to go to their health fair for blood work and the flu shot but this year it’s for employees only. (Frustrating) Makes it a bit more inconvenient but worth going elsewhere. It’s peace of mind.

    I also wash my hands every time I come home from somewhere, no matter what season.
    Walk in the door, walk back to the bathroom and wash my hands first thing. I am rarely ill. Oh, except for that stage iv thing. (A bit of mbc humor there 😏).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gonegirl
    gonegirl Member Posts: 1,871
    edited October 2018

    I get every vaccination I can (flu, pneumonia, etc). I know that my health is challenging enough and I don't want to be taken out by an opportunistic virus.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • klmpk
    klmpk Member Posts: 56
    edited October 2018

    My Mayo Dr. said yes to the flu shot. The shot not the nasal one. I'm on Xeloda if that makes a difference.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JFL
    JFL Member Posts: 1,947
    edited October 2018

    My MO recommends it. My immune system has been low ever since I have been on IV chemo over the last year plus and I was sick for so much of last winter. I also developed shingles last year at 41 years old. Flu shots are available at most drug stores - Walgreens, CVS, etc. on a walk in basis. Insurance *usually* covers 100% because it is preventative. I just received a flu shot on Saturday at CVS and plan to get a pneumonia shot and shingles shot once I get a prescription. I hadn't had a flu shot in years. I am on Doxil right now which is administered every 4 weeks. My MO recommended getting the flu shot within a day or two of when I have the Doxil infusion (when my white blood cell count is the highest). The timing depends on what medications you are taking and how it impacts your WBC and immune system in general. Unfortunately, the flu vaccine may not work as well for someone receiving it while on treatment but it is better than not having one. Are you on hormone/targeted therapy right now or chemo?

    I always am good about washing my hands but read an article the other day that hand sanitizer seems to prevent flu and other bugs better than handwashing, at least in preschool children (I have one). I am now using hand sanitizer all day long as well. It makes sense as I never got sick while on Ibrance, despite extremely low WBC/ANC, for over a year and during that time I used hand sanitizer all day long. I stopped using them due to hand foot syndrome on other medications but have now resumed.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited October 2018

    I've had one every year I've had mbc, including the year I was on Ibrance (immunosuppressed) and Xeloda (actual chemo). The first time I asked my onc if OK and he looked so surprised [that this was even a question] that I never asked again. [They give them at my workplace]

    So if someday I'm not supposed to have a flu shot they're going to have to tell me not to do it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • finallyoverit
    finallyoverit Member Posts: 382
    edited October 2018

    Thanks for all of the replies. I guess I’ll be in the minority here but I will not be getting one. It’s not a financial thing (many options for a free one), I simply just don’t want one. Never had one and I don’t plan to change. That said, I’ve had the flu once in my life. Hope I’m not starting a war here; I honestly just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories