Shielding

[Sreeves]

Hi All

Hope you are all good? I have and still on shielding been getting food parcels. I am awaiting my scan, I am cancer free after Lobectomy last Nov. No Chemo since end of March. Letter from Oncology to shield until 30th June.

Am I still vulnerable and should I shield after 30th?

Thank you.

[IanM1957]

Hi Sreeves,

I'm in a similar situation to you - right lower lobe lobectomy in Nov 2019 followed by 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (Cisplatin & Vinorelbine) - the last cycle finished mid-March shortly before lockdown and shielding.

My last CT scan was early January and both the thoracic surgeon and oncologist were happy that the lobectomy had removed both tumours - my next CT scan is due in 10 days then I have an appointment with my oncologist mid-August.

I assume that I was put on the shielding list because of the recent chemo' - as for me I'm going to continue shielding until I've taken advice from my oncologist in August.

I would definitely recommend that you speak to your oncologist before deciding whether to stop shielding at the end of the month.

All the best for a future cancer-free life.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Sreeves,

The government has recently updated its guidance for people in England who are shielding, please visit nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir... to read what has changed. There is different guidance about shielding for people living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As IanM1957 has said it would be best to seek advice from the oncology team that are involved in your care.

Please feel free to contact us, you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[JanetteR57]

You should have received a letter or will receive one imminently about the revised shielding guidelines. the guidelines specifically stated about patients still on active chemotherapy and radiotherapy and immunotherapy - there were no specific notes at all about resected lung patients.... Many have received letters due to other conditions such as severe COPD or severe asthma. Some hospitals and GP practices have removed some people from the shielded list when their treatments have ended but as when the original letters were issued, this was done via several methods including some patients self registering for shielding, this may take a while to filter through. At some point, we all have to emerge into society but the pace and risks will differ - so read through the guidance and as with all advice, consider the different aspects for you, take advice from your clinician where possible and be sensible. good luck for your continued recovery - being outside in the fresh air and if possible as active as you can will help your physical and mental recovery so be sensible. good luck.