Immunocompromised...but for how long?

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Hi,

I have recently been through a BC diagnosis, chemo, surgery and Herceptin. I have now been left on Letrozole and Zoledronic acid.

My chemo finished in March 2021. Herceptin in January 2022.

I fully understood the need to be careful during and after treatment because of being immuno compromised.

I've had all Covid vaccines offered and have been very careful and fortunate not to pick it up.

But Ive taken my eye off the ball with regard to the common cold. I looked after my very young grandson a fortnight ago who had a snotty cold. I thought I might pick it up, but not really anything to worry too much about.

How wrong was I? The snotty cold I caught from him developed so quickly into Pneumonia. I have been so poorly. Fortunately Ive managed to stay out of hospital and the worst is over, but it's knocked me for six.

I just hadn't considered for one minute that I could be so vulnerable to a cold after a year has passed since chemo.

I obviously won't be able to go near any relatives or friends with colds for a while and will continue to wear a mask in public places but I can't help wondering how long might it be before my immune system is up and functioning again?

I know the immune system is complex but does anyone else have any experience on this that they could share? I'd be really grateful.

I'd hoped that life might be able to begin getting back to normal for me but this has shocked me.

Grateful thanks

JigJogx

Bobbiboo over 3 years ago

I wouldn't have thought you would be immunocompromised by now. It may have been coincidental that you got pneumonia after looking after your grandson. Young children get lots of viruses , pneumonia is a bacterial infection.

Hope you are okay now xx

JigJog over 3 years ago in reply to Bobbiboo

Hi Bobbiboo,

Thank you for this. Your words are very encouraging. I'm on the mend thanks.

Take care

JigJogx

Anna12345 over 3 years ago

Really sorry you’ve been so poorly. Herceptin affects your immune system too so having only finished in January you may still have some affect on your immune system. It can take up to a year for your immune system to recover after chemo but I’m not sure how long it is with herceptin x

JigJog over 3 years ago in reply to Anna12345

Hi Anna12345,

Thank you for this. I think you are right and Herceptin has probably affected my immune system more than I thought it would. It is still early days, as you say.

I've had a little browse about since receiving your message and I've seen suggestions that Herceptin can affect your immunity particularly with infections in th pulmonary area; fits with pneumonia.

Also suggestions that Herceptin can affect your immune system for up to 9 months.

Best just remain vigilant and remind myself that there are other infections out there apart from Covid.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. It's really helped.

JigJogx

Anna12345 over 3 years ago in reply to JigJog

Ah that’s good to know, I thought it was a good few months but couldn’t recall. I still have the red emergency card and I was told to behave, by and large, as if I was on chemo, so raised temperature, severe illness to call emergency line. I hope you’re feeling a lot better now x

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Immunocompromised...but for how long?