Coronavirus

Hi Everyone-Guess I am in need of a little reassurance.  My mother had her allogeneic transplant 2 years ago.  (Just by luck, the first part of her 2 year check up with her local doc is tomorrow).  We live in Virginia across the Pond where there are 6 (yes only 6) cases of confirmed coronavirus, 10 total in the D.C. Area.  Panic seems to be spreading.  Schools are shutting down, there is a run on supplies, people are starting to get nervous.  My mother's health the last year has been excellent.  She hasn't even sniffled.  She gets her monthly IGG top offs, because one level (when last checked) was just a tad below normal.  

My father, a physician himself, told her it's almost time for "house arrest."  His concern is she hasn't yet had her live vaccine shots.  I sincerely hope her hermatologist tests her tomorrow for corona, we know for sure she's negative, and then she can complete her vaccinations and hole up inside for a while.  

I know we're overreacting in the US, even if just a little bit.  But anyone else dealing with being a couple years out of SCT and feeling like you're in limbo?

Thanks!

Hi,

yes I remember that feeling for our lass, but she’s now 8+ years out and although she’s been ill often, had pneumonia a few times, she’s now regularly on igs through the winter and coping, unfortunately her level is clinically very low. 
I think we need to hope, take care, use a mask if needed (they aren’t that effective but do stop you touching your face so are a reminder) and wash hands far more often than normal, especially before meals and after any potential risks like door handles. 
Hugs xxx

Hi Kris , good to hear your mum is making good progress, the first few years post SCT can be hard work.

Just remember that the precautions she would normally be advised to take post Allo SCT are the same as for this virus, indeed my team basically told me to isolate for the first 6 months post my 2 Allos and I stretched this to more like 9 months.

The link below takes you to the UK Bloodwise Info Page on Coronavirus. 

bloodwise.org.uk/.../coronavirus-and-blood-cancer

Thank you!  

Thanks so much for the kind words.  Her doctor’s visit went well, and he claims he is mad at the press for so much hype...lol.  He is still more concerned about the flu over the corona and common sense will go a long way here.  She is very logical about avoiding large crowds and washing/disinfecting clothes and hands.  

You all take care, too! 

I had a message from another UK source (a fb group specific for relapsed/refractory HL) and he has been advised that ALL post allo patients should self isolate for 12 weeks, whatever their status. 

Hope that helps? Daughter has decided to do just that, her partner has decided she will work from home for that time too. Partners mother has got the virus already, but they haven’t seen her for a while. Daughter is due to be trained in self administering immunoglobulins but there’s a backlog and it might take a couple of months.  

Hugs xxx

I am talking to the immunology consultant tomorrow moomy so will get as much info as possible..

The information I have got from the CNS is that I would come into the vulnerable group but not at the highest risk. They recommend that I practise Social distancing instead of strict isolation..  That may be because I do my own immunoglobulins.. 

Will find out more tomorrow and let you know.