Canadians in British Columbia
Comments
-
Pots: thank you for your rational words. I've been doing better with the Googling of things. While I think I might be mentally prepared for bad news, in reality I'm really not. My brain tends to drift off to dark places. I'm very lucky to have an amazing daughter who is stronger than I feel these days. I know she is stressed out and probably more scared than I am, but doesn't show it. We are very close and I've always been very honest with her. I need to be strong for her.
-
I got my vaccine today. I was able to call Friday to book (born in '47) and got the appointment for today at UBC. It went very smoothly. The parking lot next to the Pharmaceutical Sciences building is very convenient (I use a walker and can't walk far) and it is free for vaccine patients. My appt was for 2:20 and I was finished by 2:15. I then waited for the 15 minutes to check for side effects.
There was plenty of space. They were very careful (I had on a KN95 mask with a cotton mask over it and a face shield and she made me remove the coloured cotton mask and put on one of those blue disposable medical masks over my KN95 so they were careful. I was wearing gloves and she put hand sanitizer on my gloves. They actually could have handled many more people since the people administering the vaccines were mostly waiting for patients. Mine was done by a student nurse and I received Pfizer. She said I will get the 2nd dose in July but I have a feeling (given supply) that we will get them sooner.
Feeling relieved and especially since Dr. Henry seems to have locked us down a bit tighter. Even Whistler/Blackcomb closed.
Hope everyone gets poked soon.
-
glad you got yours already wrenn! I have an appointment for the vaccine for April 1 under the clinically vulnerable category. I booked online at midnight on the Fraser Health website as it said we could book 24/7 starting March 29.
-
Moth, so lucky you got appointment. I am calling from morning till now, cannot get in. I am from coastal health, our online booking will start from April 6. Just canceled community pass, cause group fitness was ordered to stop again.
Wrenn, thanks for getting back, and great it was smooth experience today!
-
I received my letter today and am thrilled to say I am booked but earliest I could get in was April 9th. Can’t happen fast enough particularly given the numbers. Eek!
-
So good at least you got the date, I got to keep dialing tomorrow.
-
I called in at seven this morning, and got April 9, I am in richmond.
-
I called in yesterday (only 15 minute wait on hold) and got a vaccine appointment for April 14 under the CEV invitation. Interior Health is running a bit later than the western health authorities but the date actually works perfect for me. Blood work, pamidronate infusion, and scans on April 6/7 so this will let me get over the pamidronate fatigue before I get the vaccine.
-
Great Ilowen. Timing is actually perfect for me as well if the scans indicate I will continue on Xeloda. I will just be starting my fourth cycle (one day in) so my blood should be in good shape.
-
I'm so glad to hear about people getting the vaccines! It feels like the promised roll-out might actually happen ...
-
Just got my Pfizer shot at UBC. So well organized!
I got the appointment with my “Clinically Extremely Vulnerable" letter (as well as my age). My younger friend got the same letter and was shocked to be included in the CEV group. We are both early stage breast cancers but are taking hormone therapy, finished all other treatment. I agree the language is upsetting. According to my research, hormone therapy doesn't affect the immune system so I don't see how we are extremely clinically vulnerable to COVID. But I am still glad we got a break.
Questions for other early stagers on hormone therapy:
- Were you upset to be described as “Clinically Extremely Vulnerable"?
- Do you think BC Cancer should have forewarned us or reworded the letter to avoid alarming those who are early stage on hormone therapy?
I am on the Vancouver Cancer Centre Patient Council and would like to give them some feedback at the next meeting if others found this distressing.Meanwhile, hurray for the jab!
❤️
Pearl -
Pearl,
I have the same thinking, I am lucky to accept this special care, I respect government's judge, no matter whether I am picked up for fast line, I will follow government's rules.
I got appointment at April 9, days to wait. I want to travel locally.
When is your second dose? Will you extend your activities two weeks after first dose?
Cathy
-
Pearl, I am also early stage and currently on Letrozole. I was surprised to get the letter, as my understanding was that my situation did not put me in the “vulnerable” category. However I was pleased, rather than upset, to learn that I would be getting the vaccination ahead of my age cohort (I amscheduled for April 5).
I think that it would have been a huge undertaking to review all patient records to see who would qualify as CEV - they likely decided to err on the side of caution. Since we will all be eligible for the vaccine eventually, it seems sensible to me that everyone currently in treatment (regardless of stage, grade, etc.) should be offered the vaccination now. It seems that this decision may have delayed vaccinations for the age 65 - 71 group. I am in that group myself so can understand that the delay may be frustrating! No easy answers - I feel for those having to make these decisions on the fly with constantly changing information.
Dale
-
Mid Vancouver Island seems to be so far behind in getting vaccinations. I called last week & have to travel a long way to get my shot within 2 ½ weeks, not til April 13th. It would have been 3 ½ weeks wait for Parksville or Nanaimo. I am clinically vulnerable as I get chemo weekly. Seems like all my much younger healthy friends were able to get shots this week in Vancouver. Feeling like I should have travelled to the mainland.
but glad all of you were able to get in, the more of us that get this vaccine, maybe the sooner we can get it somewhat under control
cheers, dee
-
Dee I am sorry you have to wait. You should have been in the first group. My friends on Galiano Island over 80 got their shots on March 23 along with other vulnerable people (people who had home care, though younger) but I don’t think the CEV letters had gone out then. They were slow to send the letters.
It looks like they are prioritizing the Lower Mainland.
Dale it’s true that things are moving fast it’s hard for government to keep up. And probably complex to sort the database of cancer patients. I know BC Cancer is instituting a new system and it is not fully operational.
But people on active chemo should have been first in line. This was my friend’s concern, that she was taking someone else’s place.
Cathy, the second shot is unknown. I will still be careful after two weeks. Meanwhile I am staying home watching the cherry blossoms open!
Happy Easter everyone 🐣
Pearl
-
Hi Dee,
I share your frustration but it is pretty clear they were prioritizing the lower mainland as patients had their letters on the same day they were supposed to be mailed out. Canada Post is never going to be that efficient. It took several days before folks started getting them on the island.
With regards to early stagers, I agree that it was likely an issue of logistics. There are many of us stage IV individuals who are on hormone therapy but would still be considered quite vulnerable. I only shifted to chemo in January but have an issue with my lung due to pleural effusion. I know if I had COVID it would have been bad. And some hormone related treatments (for example Ibrance) have a significant impact on the immune system. Also, depending on how far out you are from chemo, you may still have a lowered immune system.
All to say, given that the hope is that everyone gets vaccinated by summer, the effort required to delve into patient situations to such a granular level would simply not be worth it. I wouldn’t read to much into it. All I know is I’m thrilled to be scheduled for my jab as time is precious these days.
-
I think I'm just frustrated with how the rollout doesn't seem to be going well for the island, yet we are being inundated with tourists who think nothing of coming here for a vacation during a pandemic. I'm not worried about those who may have gotten a letter when they think maybe they shouldn't have. It just seems like some areas of the province have been left behind.
I've never seen so many out of province plates even in the summer as I have lately. We are never going to get rid of this if people don't smarten up.
Two of my friends, 60's in the lower mainland walked into a pharmacy yesterday afternoon at 4:30pm, asked if they could get the vaccine & yup, walked out 15 mins later. Not even an option on the island.
anyways, thanks for listening to me b*tch. take care all! cheers, dee
-
Pots,
Thank you for sharing about your mother's passing, I'm sorry for your loss. marianelizabeth was kind to me also and I wanted to let you know. She was kind to so many and opened her heart and was so encouraging for all of us. She will be greatly missed.
-
Hi everyone, I've been gone for a long time and I deleted my old posts. But I'm back now. I'm sad to see that Marian passed but inspired that she lived such a good life.
Feeling rather lonely with my new Stage IV diagnosis. But doing quite well, considering.
Saw moth's post for new peoppe with Stage IV re: nausea. Thanks for posting that.
-
Hello BC sisters,
I got myCovid shot yesterday, Pfizer, at the Italian Culture Center in Vancouver. Process was smooth and very efficient. My arm is sore today and I’m curious to see how the SE unfold.
Welcome NewDay to the mets club, you aren’t alone.
-
Yeah Pots. My jab is on Friday. Who would have imagined I would be so looking forward to a vaccination!
-
Mine is also on Friday, I am waiting so anxiously.
-
To many this is not news as it's posted on other threads, but exactly 4 years after breast cancer it is now looking like I have uterine cancer. No biopsy yet, but ultrasound, to quote the ER doctor, 'is all bad news". Waiting to get appt with gyno. I am not holding it together at all and am falling apart.
Hope everyone who gets the jab has only minimal side effects.
-
Oh Runor. I am so sorry that you are now facing this new diagnosis. It’s so unfair and unimaginable. I wish there was more that I could say or do. Just know we are here and you are in our thoughts. Please let us know as soon as you know more.
-
So sorry to hear this Runor, my best thoughts are with you.
dee
-
Runor I am sorry you are going through this. The anxiety is so awful. I am sending you my best wishes for finding calm while you wait and results that are better than expected.
❤️
Pearl -
Runor, know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time. I’m wishing for good news and holding your hand when you stumble. You’re not alone.
-
Runor, I am so sorry you are going through this. It just isn't fair. Enough already. Having to deal with it during a pandemic is even shittier. I will be thinking of you and hoping it is dealt with quickly and smoothly. Take care.
-
Thank you everyone.
Ilowen, yes, the stumble. I have fallen. Flat on my face. Today when Hub had to go back to work I so badly wanted to beg him to stay with me. Being alone with these thoughts is awful. But he is suffering too. He is a man who needs routine and things to be the same. Work is his safe place. I have to keep in mind this is hard on so many people. But I have stumbled down the black hole and I fear I will never get out. I have been Googling the long term effects of pelvic radiation and I had to stop. I had to walk away from the computer. There was no good news. I hope this goes well but my feelings and the ultrasound say otherwise. Says right on it, suspected malignancy.
I hope all of you are supported in the trials that you face. Alone with it is an even heavier burden. Gratitude and hugs to all. -
runor, you aren't alone. Ilowen, I am sad to hear about your progression. We're here, we have all fallen flat at one time or another. A second cancer diagnosis shook my soul hard and filled me with despair, yup .....and then, all the tests, appointments, decisions...so exhausting. Take it one step, one appointment at a time, slow down the brain. Wrapping you in hugs
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team