Advice on Coronavirus for people with cancer

[Mazcd]

A number of cancer charities under the ‘One Cancer Voice’ banner, have collaborated to develop a set of FAQs (frequently asked questions) regarding Coronavirus for people with cancer, please click the link to read.

mcusercontent.com/68b588bc5...

We would like to thank all the charities involved in developing this guidance and our particular thanks go to Cancer52 cancer52.org.uk/ for sharing this information with MPN Voice.

We continue to advise anyone with a MPN to follow the advice issued by the NHS

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

up-to-date information is also available on the Gov.UK website

gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus...

For those of you who do not live in the UK you are advised to check the advice being issued by your country’s Government and Public Health Authority.

[Aime]

Thank you Maz for all your hard work, keeping us informed and keeping the peace. Keep well, kindest regards Aime xx😻😻

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Aime]

Thank you Aime for all your kind words, they do mean a lot to me, you keep well x x x

[katiewalsh]

Thank you Maz for being here to help us with our concerns. You’re always here when we need you & I feel lucky to have found you & this forum. Take good care of yourself. Katie

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to katiewalsh]

Thank you Katie, very nice of you to say this, and please, you take care as well. Maz x x x

[MarkD6701]

Thanks Maz for providing the updates. Makes me a bit nervous when I have to travel by train whenever I see someone coughing nearby.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to MarkD6701]

Hi Mark, yes it is a worry when people cough and sneeze and don't use a tissue or even attempt to cover their nose and mouth.

[ksos]

Thanks so much, Maz. There is such a lot of inaccurate information out there, it's wonderful to have someone and a place to trust. Appreciate this very much, and all your hard work for this wonderful forum. Kim

[socrates_8]

Thanks Maz...

As per your usual...

Always on the ball...

Steve

ox

[Mwalimu]

Many thanks ……

[heathermc]

Thanks for all your help and keeping us all informed..ironic as I'm off for myb3 month check up and to get my medication today.. when someone described this journey as a roller coaster they were quite right..😊

[Ebot]

Hi Maz

Thank you for all your updates.

I saw the One Cancer Voice info yesterday. I assumed it didn’t really apply to anyone with ET or PV (unless of course you have been also diagnosed with another cancer and are undergoing treatment) - particularly given the advice that has been posted here from Guy’s.

Obviously the general advice about handwashing etc still applies to us as much as it does to the wider population but I’m a little concerned it might raise unnecessary anxieties here. Clearly some members of the Forum are - not surprisingly - feeling especially anxious and unsettled about the current situation and may be struggling to manage their anxieties.

Perhaps you could repost that advice from Prof Harrison’s team just clarifying that we are unlikely to be at any greater risk of infection from Covid19 than the general population (allowing for age and respiratory exceptions) and that even if you are taking Hydroxy it’s immunosuppressant effects are negligible compared with the Chemo being described in the One Cancer leaflet. (And perhaps again highlighting the caution for anyone on Ruxolitinib. )

As ever.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Ebot]

you can read the advice MPN Voice has posted for people with MPNs:

mpnvoice.org.uk/about-us/ne...

Maz

[Ebot in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks Maz. Hopefully that will help put people’s minds at rest.

[beetle]

Thank you for this, Maz. I wonder if you could ask Prof Harrison on my behalf if we should have any worries about blood products during this crisis as people seem to be infectious before they realise they are infected? I know I have to take the risk of getting up close and personal with the nurse who is administering my transfusion but I am a bit concerned about the blood itself too. Thanks in advance. Best wishes, Jan

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to beetle]

Hi Jan, Prof Harrison has said:

No current concerns about infectivity of blood components

Best wishes, Maz

[beetle in reply to Mazcd]

Thank you for your prompt response Maz. There is a notice on the blood transfusion website saying who is excluded from donating at present. That is reassuring as long as people know if they’ve been possibly at risk

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to beetle]

You are welcome, and I am sure there will be rigorous questioning when people are going to donate blood. Best wishes, Maz

[Jlah]

Thanks Maz. I did find the email yesterday a bit worrying when they listed those at most risk. Your message is timely and reassuring at this unsettling time. Take care all. Jacquie x

[Cassie11]

Thanks for this. Does MPN impact the immune system even if not on chemo yet?

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Cassie11]

HI Cassie11, I have posted advice today for everyone with a MPN

healthunlocked.com/mpnvoice...

and on our website

mpnvoice.org.uk/coronavirus...

[Hughley]

Thank you Maz for confirming what we all thought I have rang the gp today and they said it wasn’t them that dealt with the letter from nhs re shielding how can I get them to agree to informing the nhs that I am classified as extremely vulnerable thank you and bless you