Here's the counsel I got when I was coming out of Tx: Avoid the public places and high risk situations where the flu gets passed. Your body is SO, SO vulnerable after tx, that a cold or the flu or a minor infection can become very serious, very quickly. Even when blood chemistry returns to 'normal' ranges, the body is still vulnerable. The flu shot may or may not be harmful in and of itself, but it may inspire a false sense of confidence about being vulnerable.

Get your oncologist's advice. Don't assume the vaccine is 'low risk'. Stay away from sick people. Treat your health with extreme care for a year or so (POST tx) - let your body heal. Being aware and a bit cautious will likely keep you clear of more germs than the vaccine anyway. Be strong. Tom J


SCC BOT, mets to neck, T4.
From 3/03: 10wks daily multi-drug chemo,
Then daily chemo with twice daily IMRT for 12 weeks - week on, week off. No surgery. New lung primary 12/07. Searching out tx options.