HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Breast cancer treatment, novel H1N1 2009 pandemic, and risk

Barbara2 · 09-25-2009, 08:33 PM

When I visited with my onc in early September, I asked if he was recommending both the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 flu shot, and he said "Yes." The conversation pretty much ended there. I asked if we knew enough about the safety of the H1N1 flu shot yet, and he said more on that will be forth coming, but as of now he was recommending both shots.

In regards to wearing the masks for prevention, I've heard the "experts" say that the masks are not recommended for prevention, but they should be worn by the population of people who are not feeling well or do have H1N1, as they will be less apt to contaminate those around them.

This is a very timely topic, AA. Just tonight I was visiting with someone about cancer patients and their reduced immunity. I have to admit I have not looked into this topic, but have wondered about it for quite a long time. I can't believe I have not discussed that issue with my onc, but I have not! Does having had chemo reduce your immunity for life? Or is the blood restored to "pre-chemo days" over time? Anyone know?

09-25-2009, 08:33 PM	#16
Barbara2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South Dakota. Posts: 621	Re: Breast cancer treatment, novel H1N1 2009 pandemic, and risk When I visited with my onc in early September, I asked if he was recommending both the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 flu shot, and he said "Yes." The conversation pretty much ended there. I asked if we knew enough about the safety of the H1N1 flu shot yet, and he said more on that will be forth coming, but as of now he was recommending both shots. In regards to wearing the masks for prevention, I've heard the "experts" say that the masks are not recommended for prevention, but they should be worn by the population of people who are not feeling well or do have H1N1, as they will be less apt to contaminate those around them. This is a very timely topic, AA. Just tonight I was visiting with someone about cancer patients and their reduced immunity. I have to admit I have not looked into this topic, but have wondered about it for quite a long time. I can't believe I have not discussed that issue with my onc, but I have not! Does having had chemo reduce your immunity for life? Or is the blood restored to "pre-chemo days" over time? Anyone know? __________________ Blessings and Peace, Barbara DX Oct 02 @ age 52 Stage 2B Grade 3 Mastectomy "at least" 4.5 cm IDC 1+node ER+61% /PR- Assiciated Intraductual component with Comedo Necrosis Her2+ FISH8.6 IHC 2+ 5 1/2 CEF Arimidex Celebrex 400mg daily for 13 months Prophylactic mastectomy Estradiol #: 13 PTEN positive, "late" Herceptin (26 months after chemo) Oct 05: Actonel for osteopenia from Arimidex. May 08: Replaced Actonel with Zometa . Taking every 6 months. Accepting the gift of life, I give thanks for it and live it in fullness.