RE: consideration of HPV vaccine.

I asked this question of our radiation oncologist this time last year, after the first all clear PET.

Remembering there are no data to suggest any benefits whatsoever once infected with HPV, I asked the RO what his thoughts were. His response was skeptical as to the value, but was ok for both Alex and I to take the course if we really wanted to.

He rightly pointed out that I had likely been exposed to HPV already and my body had reacted "normally" and was doing what it was supposed to by clearing the virus. The protective effect would likely be pointless as my body seemed capable of identifying and clearing the virus.

His attitude towards Alex having the shot was slightly different with his argument being that the vaccine was designed to be preventative and there was no evidence that it could assist in clearing the virus once infected. In Alex's case it was a bit like shutting the gate after the horse had bolted.

Having said all that, I have heard of anecdotal evidence that the vaccine is capable of assisting in erradication of the virus after a person has been infected. This is NOT proven, or even accepted in the scientific community.

I am lucky enough to be good friends with the person responsible for Gardasil in Australia. In Australia, the company responsible is not Merck and they have done a great job of educating and making the vaccine available. Uptake here has been extremely good, with none of the stigma and politics that appears to have limited access or use in the US. Alex and I have been offered the vaccine for free ($220 per shot otherwise). Whilst we seriously considered it, we have decided not to go ahead - mainly due to lack of data and possibly being too little, too late. That Alex could not face another round of any sort of treatment had its part to play as well.