If you have a moment can you please share your vaccine experience if you've had it. And also your concerns if you decided not to, or wait. I'm up in the air! FYI I'm 5.5 yrs out, HER2 & Estrogen+...on AROMASIN and doing well so far. (Finger's crossed) Did your oncologist recommend which one? Did they leave it up to you? I was told that the clinical trials did not include cancer patients and the participants were healthy. Immune response isn't equal to everyone... I'm wondering where we fit in the mix? After all these drugs and treatments, I'm scarred to get my cells angry from being hit again...was on Perjeta and Herceptin and 2 other systemic chemos, radiation and lumpectomy. I've been through so much and feel like I'm still in the recovering stage...These vaccines scare me and I'm up in the air for now and being very safe in the mean time....
Please share your insights and thoughts. I've heard many doctors say that if we don't get the vaccines, we are at "greater risk." We have also a great risk of recurrence as well. I just don't want to get my cells angry...they are at peace for now....Your thoughts?? Thank you for those who are sharing your thoughts.
Hope you all stay safe regardless if you were vaccinated or not. It truly is a very personal decision...not an easy one for me....Hugs to all!
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5 years as well. Just had some of the expected side effects. Sore arm, tired. Every doctor, medical person said to me, better with it than without it . My oncologist did tell me to get it on my week off from Ibrance. I feel like I have more peace with it.
Tired from the first Pfizer shot, and tired and sore arm from the second. I've had 4 primary cancers and now lung. Oncologists strongly recommended Pfizer or Moderna, saying my immune system wouldn't be able to battle COVID. Strongly recommend you ask your oncologist.
Hi, I had same treatment regime as you did and had the Pfizer vaccine . I am 60 and manage a nursing home so was in a priority group. On the extremely clinically vulnerable list but worked throughout pandemic. Luckily we have had no COVID outbreaks at work. I had no problems after vaccine and my bloods have been fine. You can only do what you feel is right for you xx
Had AZ in UK. Side effects both times headache and shivery but nothing extreme and passed within a day after vaccine. I did get both on week off Ibrance which I thought was a good idea. Debra xxx
I got my first dose as soon as it came out in January (I’m a teacher so I was lucky to be on the first group), by February I was fully vaccinated. It was such a relief! I had been asking my regular doctor and my oncologist about the vaccines. Unfortunately around December when they became available they were only available to first responders.
My oncologist told me that I should get it because of my line of work. She said that my immune system is back to normal (finished chemo 10/19) and whatever side effects I would get from the vaccines it was better than getting Covid-19.
For me it was a no brainer, I live in NYC where I cannot socially distance even if I wanted to. I work with small children. I have an elderly mother and most of all I wanted to travel in the summer and go back to LIVING! Cancer took 2019 from me, COVID-19 took 2020 from me so I am thrilled that I have my health back 🙏🏽 And that I get to LIVE!!!
As for side effect, I got the Pfizer vaccine and for the first shot, i just had a sore arm. Second shot I got slight chills, slight body aches, slight fever but I took an aleve and it was gone in an hour! These side effects are nothing in comparison what my poor body has gone through because of my cancer treatments (chemo/hormone pill).
I totally hear you as far as your cancer cells waking up, perhaps you can bring this up to your oncologist?
As I mentioned my oncologist and I were on the same page as far as the vaccine. She even selected me to get the vaccine at the hospital I get treatment at but by then (March) I was already fully vaccinated but I appreciated her concern.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I get it...it's been non-stop pumping drugs into the system and finally I'm feeling somewhat ok...and now Covid... I hope you stay well and have a chance to celebrate! I haven't celebrated yet, covid cancelled my plans, but I'm grateful to be alive! 😘
I took the 2 Pfizer shots. No reaction - just a sore arm - very minor. It’s an mRNA so not a live virus. I hoped it would help jump start my immune system!!
I did the Pfizer and just had a sore arm, very sore for the first night with the first shot, then fine the next day. Not as sore with the 2nd shot but it lasted a couple of days. My oncologist told me to get it as soon as possible. I waited 2 months after finishing chemo to get the vaccine. Thought I should have an immune system for the vaccine to stimulate! I am participating in a study of the efficacy of the vaccine in cancer patients and patients with compromised immune systems. My thinking in getting the vaccine is that they know enough about other vaccines - flu, shingles, pneumonia - so I'm not worried that these were developed quickly. Side effects are minimal and I feel getting COVID would be worse.
Good luck with the trial for cancer patients! Please keep us posted! I was in the clinical trial TCHP and it was an amazing experience. They will take care of you very well! 😘
Your diagnosis replicates mine. Oncologist and primary doctor strongly suggested. So glad they did. Did not have a choice had to take what was available- Had Moderna shot, absolutely no side effects other then sore arm at vax site. Strangely I had a sore lower back for over a month but after shot the next day I noticed my back was find- probably coincidental but I’ll take it! Now I feel no stress when out in crowds. Good Luck!
Hi Jhnard, Your story is encouraging! Glad to hear your back is better. Maybe it was from worrying about the vaccine. Was wondering when were you diagnosed? What was your treatment? Are you on exemestene? It will be 6 years in July...I'm so happy to hear you're doing so well too! Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you for sharing your experience. 😘
Diagnosed Sept 2014 went in Anastrozole (one of the aromatase inhibitors-AI ) for 5 1/2 years. AI caused osteoporosis so went on Evista, bones got a little better after change. For me, the vaccine it was the right choice- it gives me the piece of mind to do everything I want.
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