Comprimised immune system?

[AlaskaAngel]

I just had my flu and Pneumovax injections too and wondered whether I should or not. I worry about whether or not the inflammation response that occurs with vaccination is a problem of any significance. I don't understand well enough whether it is more important for a person who has had cancer to avoid the inflammation that comes with vaccines, or if the vaccine is more important. My thought was to take an anti-inflammatory (especially since my arm hurt from getting both shots in the same arm quite a lot). But then I wondered whether the inflammation response is necessary for some length of time for the vaccine to be fully effective?

Obviously what I don't know about this is greater than what I do know!

So.... I let the vaccine work its stuff until my arm felt so painful that I was awake at 2 AM unable to sleep before caving in and taking an 81-mg aspirin.... and then 2 hours later, another one.

Do any of those who are in the vaccine programs for HER2 know whether taking an anti-inflammatory is a better or worse thing to do when getting vaccinated for someone who has had cancer?

AlaskaAngel

P.S. Isn't it sad that something so universally important as the question that is being asked here about whether the immune system is permanently damaged by treatment is not clearly explained to us prior to treatment, after so many years of masses of humans going through the treatments?

[Hopeful]

A.A. wrote:

"Isn't it sad that something so universally important as the question that is being asked here about whether the immune system is permanently damaged by treatment is not clearly explained to us prior to treatment, after so many years of masses of humans going through the treatments?"

You have clearly elucidated the single overriding reason I declined chemotherapy for Stage 1 bc, after learning that, as a post-menopausal, strongly hormonally positive patient, I would see the lowest percentage of benefit of any group from the tx.

Hopeful

[Sheila]

If indeed we are immune system compromised for a long period during and after chemo, or possibly forever, that would seem to be all the more reason to get the pneumovax and influenza vaccines, the pneumovax must be repeated every 5 years, the flu shot yearly...and this doesn't look promising for all the cases of MRSA that are showing up...and hospitals are full of it! Kind of scary seeing as how we all go there to get better....I carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with me wherever I go now....I just read that the one child who died from MRSA in the past week was immune compromised due to cancer.....

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

This question of suppressed immune system potentially forever is why I take the immune boosting supplements I do. And I get the flu vaccine ea yr. I didn't have residual pain in my arm after this shot and though glad, wonder... Why??? I think we must protect ourselves as best as possible.

I prefer HUGS to handshakes. Really! Hugs are very therapeutic. Whereas handshakes... I flush toilets w/the bottom of my shoe. I push doors open w/elbow if possible. I try not to get crazy. I smile a lot. And laugh every day!

Andi

[Barbara H.]

I teach third grade and come in contact with of lot of colds, strep, etc. Since I am stage 4, I am always in treatment. I feel that my immune system is strengthened by the exposure I receive. It is similar to what happens to new parents with children who attend day care or preschool. The first year everyone is sick in the family, but eventually the parent's immune system is stronger. This also happens with first year teachers. They are often sick in during their first year of teaching.

I know we have to be careful, but I don't think it hurts to get out and live the lives we desire.

Best regards,
Barbara H.