Hello everyone - first post from me.
I'm undergoing chemotherapy for stage 4 Esophageal cancer. I had a flu jab at the start of the year ( prior to the start of my treatment) and have just had another jab.
As I had something of an immune system last time round it was all a bit of a non event - this time - as i'm mid chemo it's hit me really hard - feel quite ill.
Does anyone know if you SHOULD be having the flu jab if you have a compromised immune system ? it makes sense that it would make me feel rough.
Same goes for the Coronavirus vaccine I guess - you need a functioning immune system in order to develop antibodies - does anyone know the plan for protection of cnacer patients and he proposed timelines?
Many thanks.
Hi Merlins,
Thank you so much for posting here, I am sorry to read about your diagnosis, but really grateful that you have asked this question, because my Husband and I have been discussing this ourselves recently.
I don't know which type of OC you have, my husband is Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma with secondaries in lymph, lung and liver areas, being treated by FLOT and Immunotherapy. He too has recently been advised to have a flu jab, so on his last visit to hospital when having his bloods taken he discussed this with the chemo nurse... she said that he needed to have his bloods done and get the results, then have the jab before chemo! Blood tests are Tuesday, Chemo is Friday... results somewhere between...not sure how an appointment is booked for a flu jab in time, before chemo, and then....what if he feels really bad? what if he develops a cold..(cold = covid test = no chemo until results)
I am not sure of the answer to your question, but I am as curious to get the answer.
Dal has said that whilst he is feeling ok, he does not think that he will bother with a jab, but there is always a worry that we are doing something wrong.
Lowe'
Oh Merlin,
Sorry to hear that immuno didn't work for you. I hope that there is an alternative treatment that is working in your favour.
Thank you for sharing how the flu jab made you feel, I think Dal has decided to wait a while and see... there is so little time between blood tests and chemo...
I wish you well on your Journey, and if you feel like it, please keep us updated on how you are.
Best wishes
Lowe'
