What to avoid when on Herceptin

When I was on A/C and Taxol my white count dropped as low as 300. I was told to avoid infants receiving polio vaccine for three days post immunization. Have any of you received a similar caution while on Herceptin? I have three small grandchildren and with the infant immunization schedules it seems that one is almost always post immunization.

Herceptin doesn't lower your white count to my knowledge, so I don't think you are under the same precautions. I'm around kids all the time with no problems. Kathy

Hi there, it is not so much the Herceptin it is the Chemo, I had my flue shot when on Herceptin and I was told it was a good thing I did because I couldn't have it once I commenced chemo, which is Her/taxol/carbo.

Hugs Lyn.

I'm a nurse and what we tell people is that the live viruses are the ones you have to watch. That would be polio, if given the oral not the injectable, mmr(measles, mumps, rubella), and the chicken pox shot. Herceptin doesn't usually cause white blood cells to be lowered. Thats why they tell you to watch.

If you have concerns about those beautiful grand babies,perhaps their parents can be extra vigilant about keeping your current about their vaccinations. This will offer you peace of mind and you can hug them extra tight when you see them.
el

Michele:

Thanks for the advice. Do you know if I can be around them as long as I am not in contact with body fluids? I could always have my husband change the diapers. If my white count is normal while on Herceptin is it still a problem? I finished my other chemos on May 26 and I am only on Herceptin now.

Would you like a true personal opinion?

Do whatever you want. I personally believe that stress and worry contribute a great deal to "sick" immune systems, as well as disease. Now's the time to put as much stress as possible behind you. You made it though a big battle. Reap the rewards.

Enjoy those babies any way you want!!

Love and light,

Lisa

Barbara,
There is no problem for them,it is you they are worrying about. They got the shot, not you. With any live virus shots, there is a slight chance for them to get the disease they are vaccinating for. Like if you get the chicken pox shot, you have a slight risk of getting chicken pox because it is a low dose of the live virus. So they are shedding a low dose of the virus and can give it to anyone with a suppressed immune system. If your white count is normal you should be ok, but there is that low risk we all have a not normal immune system after chemo. Like you said, if you stay a distance you should be ok, but even if they touch something and you touch it you would have a low risk of picking it up like a cold virus. Make sense?

Michele:

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions twice. Yes it does make sense.