How many of you have had, or will be getting flu shots this season? I asked my MO about it and he neither recommended one or said that I shouldn't have one. I have not ever had one before, but I can understand if I would need one now.

I was wondering the samething I go in 11-1 followup and 1st scan since treatment I was going to ask about it. seems like a good idea

Unless all of your bloodwork is on the numbers and you have a clearance from your MO don't do it!

Thanks Gary. My bloodwork was all very good 2 weeks ago at my visit when I asked my MO, which is why he said that I could do it. He just didn't say I had to, so I was trying to figure out what was best.

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

I had the same discussion with my RO and he encouraged getting the shot. I have a meeting with my team Oct 31 (not my choice of days) to review my first post tx Cat so I will seek their combined opinion. I'll let everyone know what they say at Moffitt cancer.

Never trust an RO for any kind of meds! See your MO.

Interesting how different Medical systems work. I live in the UK and I received a letter from my General Practitioner (Local Physician) this week asking me to come in for my FLU jab as I am in one of the risk categorys, due to being under treatment for Cancer. I did consult with my oncologist for advice he said yes have it before I start Radiations treatment. (Due to start 1st of Nov.) Needless to say I have now had it. Just interesting how the UK medical system picked me up as a potential at risk person due to my illness.

I finished tx in August '02 and got my regular flu vaccine in October -- didn't think to ask anyone. I lived. Didn't get sick. Was out and about in the community as usual.

Set soapbox = ON

If more people were vaccinated, there would be fewer sick people.

Set soapbox = OFF

I think if you're less than a year post-chemo you should ask your MO. Otherwise, if you're blood is back to normal (my WBC is on the low end of normal but my MO says that's still fine), a shot is probably a good idea. especially if, like me, you're likely to be exposed to sick students who love to come into my airless office and explain why they were too sick to come to class in the midst of flu season (why they don't see this as an appropriate occassion to use the phone or email is beyond me--it's as though they think I need to se them to believe them but I don't WANT to see them and don't want their germs in my office!)