Corona Virus

[Sunny2020]

What has your Onc said about us on Ibrance ,being susceptible to the Corona Virus?

Are we able to fight off , or the ones it could be deadly for?

[Hidden]

I guess we are all in the high risk group because of our impaired immune system.

I have not heard from my oncologist per se, but did receive a genetic email advising about the dangers and to use the mail order pharmacy for meds, which I did (won't be possible for Ibrance, but my other meds are on the way).

We just need to use common sense and above all not panic. I did not hoard toilet paper😄

but bought extra dry goods and day food. Amazon delivers most items and friends and family will come to the rescue if needed, I'm sure.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I should proof read first. . I bought extra cat food

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Well you still need "day" food anyway LOL

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My cat is the sharing type, so I'm covered 😄

[Hidden]

Haven’t seen my Oncologist and won’t until May time so sorry I can’t help. It’s really made me not want to venture to far. I won’t use public transport now and have started using the car. I’m not looking forward to my next hospital visit for my jab and drug collection in two weeks time. I will ask the Cancer Nurse what the advice is when I go. As for stock piling it’s so ridiculous. I live in a City Centre North England and so far we haven’t had a problem and refuse to stock pile. I take 56 Paracetamol a week for pain control and idiots are stock piling them now. Just hope my Pharmacy has put some stock aside for folks like us. Hope you can get some positive answers on this one. Think everyone is worried. Best wishes

[Hidden]

Hi Sunny2020! I came onto the site tonight hoping to see exactly this discussion so thank you for raising the topic!

I have flights booked for Tuesday morning and am not sure what to do. It's a short flight (about 3 hours) to go to my beach house and see family and friends. I feel a bit of pressure because my bro arranged time off work to meet me there (my parents, another brother, my sister/BIL and nephews all live nearby). Also, I rent my beach house out so I need to get up there to prepare for the season. But I'm torn.

Part of me (the logical part, I think...) says that sooner is better than later because the virus will spread geometrically and so fewer people are infected now than will be in, say, a month from now. But I would be covered in bruises from kicking myself (!) if I exposed myself -- basically self-inflicted -- to this virus when my defenses are so low. I'd die filled with regret and shame for my stupidity! And life has taught me a harsh lesson: unlikely serious health issues really do happen...

What to do? I don't know. I'd love to get to the beach to see family/friends and breathe the great air out there. But I know I'm not immune...This might sound like hyperbole, but it's accurate...I feel a bit like a caged animal, thinking I can't hop on a plane to go somewhere else. Travel..anywhere...has always been an escape valve for me. Ugh. But to make matters worse, I've felt a bit "off", almost "under the weather" for a couple of/few weeks now. Maybe it's not the right time to travel but if my wings are clipped, I'm gonna be cranky...

Again, thanks for bringing up this topic. I'll decide tomorrow night whether or not to take the early flight on Tuesday...

Lynn

[Red71 in reply to Hidden]

I just came home yesterday (Phoenix to Portland, OR). I washed my seat belt, arm rest, and tray table down with wipes. I told the man next to me it felt funny doing so, but he grinned and said he had already done his scrubbing. I heard no coughing, hacking or sneezing on the plane. The stewards were wearing gloves only. When I got off the plane, there were people coming on and beginning to scrub the front seats before all of us in the back had even gotten off. This was Alaska Airlines. I felt quite safe. I would encourage you not to put your life on hold.

Elaine

[Hidden in reply to Red71]

Thanks, Elaine, for the good suggestions. I went in today for Faslo injections and the nurse said she had spoken with a flight attendant who had two additional valuable tips: 1) Also wipe the air vent overhead (maybe close it, too?) and 2) take a q-tip and put neosporine in your nose...like a good amount. She said it's vaseline-based and you just wipe it out after you land. She gave me a few packets of it so I will try it tomorrow (assuming I go!).

[MacroMom in reply to Red71]

Elaine, I just noticed that you live in Portland...me too! Actually near Carver but I'm in the city all the time. I get treatment at Providence Glisan, also have an ND oncologist. Message me if you'd like more contact from a local! Patty

[Timtam56 in reply to Hidden]

Make sure you don't touch your mouth or nose with your hands Lynn. And hand sanitiser and washing, and don't trust any surface while your out and about.

You know.... I reckon I'm healthier re: viruses and such since I've been in this treatment.

On Friday, I asked my oncologist bout flu shots and said to get a flu shot... (We down in Australia are heading into winter.)

But really. I don't know the absolute for anyone. So what do I know? I hate giving advice. But I guess I'm saying .... If you DO go, be really careful.

Chris

[Hidden in reply to Timtam56]

Have your flu jab Chris. I was fine on mine and my Oncologist did recommend it. He said if I were to get the flu it would be a lot worse if I didn’t have the jab.im in the UK. My son lives in Brisbane.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Go on the trip. I read the airlines have added precautionary measures. If they thought there was a real risk, they would not be flying any planes. Many people have weak immune systems for various reasons.

I went on a public bus the other day (now that my back pain was addressed by giving me pain meds). I used common sense. I held the poles on the bus with the sleeve of my coat, I went into the store, bought what I needed (being mindful not to touch my face). and then bc I bought way too much (as usual), I called car service to bring me home. Once I got home and unpacked and repacked all the meats and put in freezer, I then went down to laundry room to do three loads. In between all these I would wish my hands out home. I had Purell on me when I went out to store, but never used it (LOL).

We cannot run and hide from this virus. I live in Brooklyn and woke up this morning to hear two new and the first two cases found in Brooklyn. I am not any more scared. I Have stage iv already...so what is the point.

I am going out today bc in Brooklyn it is going up to 70 degrees today. I DID cancel my two physical therapy appts. this week. Because there are too many people and not sure they wash down the tables and machines as well as they should so that seemed like common sense.

Getting away and seeing your loved ones is a good pick me up. Not to make you scared, but you could easily pick up the virus by staying home and stepping outside. Do not let t his rule you. It's just use common sense.

If you are not going to your beach house, let me know. I will purchase the ticket and introduce myself and hang out with YOUR family at YOUR beach house that you rented. I live in an apt., don't even have a backyard I can sit it.

I have a new luggage I have not used it. So let me know, bc I could be ready to go at a moment's notice.

You cannot NOT go bc of this virus. Just wash your hands or wear gloves and do not touch your face alot.

You will be upset with yourself for not going. This trip might just be the pick-me-up you need. Sometimes it is not always medication that will make us better.

Go and enjoying the beach house and getting to be with your family. I wish I had family to go meet up with.

That virus will still be here when you return. My friends who do not have cancer are more fearful than me but after months of being stuck inside, now with the pain medication, I can go out and walk without being in tears so even I just sit on the benches (with the old people) and people watch. I am getting out today to enjoy this beautiful weather here in Brooklyn.

Go and enjoy. You will be more angry with yourself if you do not.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Great advice and perspective! 99% chance I'm going to go...Mostly because, as you note, I should see my family/friends. It just warms my heart how much they want to see me! I'm really not very likeable, truly, I know this about myself (and am mostly okay with it), and yet my sis, who also has MBC, literally/seriously offered to drive >1,000 miles each way to get me out there to see my nephews! So I think I'll get on the plane and assume that the ensuing love-fest will cure all ills!

[Red1246 in reply to Hidden]

You answered my question. I was going to ask if you could make a fun road trip out of it. I now see it’s a 1000 mile journey so probably too far to drive on your own.

I too face this issue. My wbc count is typically very low in week 3 of Ibrance and it takes me at least 2 weeks off before they’re back to normal. Also have a paralyzed diaphragm as a result of 35 radiation sessions when I had cancer first time. I’m therefore a prime target according to my onco nurse.

Totally get it when you say you’d be really annoyed if you self inflicted the virus. I agree with others, though, not to let it or the cancer rule our lives.

As long as you take all the suggested precautions (and I like the idea of wiping down the air vent too and using the salve inside your nose), you should be ok.

How very lovely that your family are so excited to see you! Enjoy! Be well!

🌺🌸🌷K

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

LOL. I feel the same way about myself. Either you like me or you do not because I speak my mind and say what I think while trying to be mindful of others but if I disagree with somebody, I have no problem saying so. Please it really only matters to me if someone I value does not like me. Otherwise, if I do not know or care about you, than their opinion of me does not bother me in the least.

Wow your sister has MBC also. Sorry to hear that but she has a lot of love for you if she was willing to drive. You are blessed to have that kind of love in your life. Now go and brings back some family photos.

I bet you have the best time ever.

[The-artist in reply to Hidden]

Well that is a predicament. The thing is you can't live in fear of all things. Maybe sunshine and rest will do you a lot of good.

[Hidden in reply to The-artist]

I think you're right! And the ocean air always makes me feel great!

[hdhonda]

OK, I am going to be honest. I did hoard toilet paper because it is made in China and we may not readily be able to buy it, but didn't hoard paper towels. I just can't do without toilet paper. Blessings, Hannah

[Hidden in reply to hdhonda]

OMG...the other day on the news (I think people think this is the big Apocalypse) and they had a film footage of two women at a grocery story fighting each other (pulling the heck out of each other's hair) and I'm taking women in their 50s fighting over toilet paper.

This is what scares me more. The panic and how people react. This is when we should be sharing and comforting each other, not panicking and fist fighting over toilet paper.

They have agents in undercover going into stores to make sure that they are not price-gorging certain items such as toilet paper, water, soap, etc. and if so, they are being hit with very heavy fines. Unfortunately, there will always be people that will try to make money off of people's fears like this.

I live alone but in my building there are many elderly that have home aides. We are in a large number of people that have health issues.

Think about people that work on buses, trains or even the postal system where they have to handle large amounts of mail every day.

It was half funny/half sad that these two ladies got into a fist fight over toilet paper. Scary but it shows you how some people react.

Share with your neighbors. They may have extra toiletries that you need and you can all share. I have four toilet paper left but I have a whole thing of napkins if worse comes to worse.

I am going to order from peapod today (I am sure they are out of everything). I can't wait to go out in this beautiful weather we have today. I stayed in this small apt. for months on end and I am done with that.

I feel for the elderly who cannot go grocery shopping for themselves so maybe if someone needs, you can share a bit.

It's during times like this when people's real character comes out. It was sad (and comical) to see two ladies fighting about toilet paper. I would have said let's split it.

I guess bc I already have the stage iv, I am actually less worried than my friends who do not have cancer and are not leaving their homes although their areas are not quarantined.

I hope they charged you regular price.

It's also sad so so so many industries are losing money that they may not be able to recover from once they figure out how it is spreading. I read that some healthy people may have had the virus, but bc they are healthy, their bodies may have resolved itself on its own. Not everybody is dying from this but it is world-wide so the whole word has to be together on this to fight it.

And shame to people that are charging exorbitant prices for items like toilet paper and such. They also showed a man in his 60s trying to sell a four pack of toilet paper for $100. Disgusting behavior.

Many times in the world's history they have had epidemics. They will figure this one eventually also.

I feel lucky I live alone and dont have children or elderly to look after. It makes it so much harder.

I do have about 10 rolls of the double sized bounty, so even before the virus, I started using Bounty instead of dish towels to dry things off.

What toilet paper do you buy that is made in China? Don't we have any products left that are made in USA?

[hdhonda in reply to Hidden]

I buy the jumbo pack from Sam's Wholesale. My next door neighbor is not in good health and I will share with her if need be. I am sure I will have plenty of toilet paper after the virus is gone. I couldn't find any Purel hand sanitizers . The stores have been wiped out of supplies. This too will pass. Blessings, Hannah

[Hidden in reply to hdhonda]

I just went onto Peapod to place an order (not sure if you are in US). They are booked for all time slots (it's an online grocery store) but every time slot and they even have late at night time slots (I guess nobody wants to go grocery shopping in public anymore) so I placed my order but I have to wait until Thursday. But they have toilet papers and Lysol wipes for house and such. Surprised. I thought they would be out of stuff, but doesn't seem so.

[hdhonda in reply to Hidden]

Hopefully, warmer weather will kill this virus for this year. I am in Florida. Blessings, Hannah

[Hidden in reply to hdhonda]

You ladies clued me into the whole TP issue! I guess I'd glanced a headline, but did not put two and two together! And I'm nearly out at home (almost hitting up the tissues! ). I did just just order - no exaggeration - 360 rolls (!) for the beach house, for the guests (aka renters...), so apparently target.com has inventory!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

360 ROLLS OF TP? Thanks for the laugh. That is the biggest amount I ever heard of. How many family members are going to be there or did you get enough for the whole town. They are going to need their own room and I doubt they put money to have their own room. My mind cannot even fathom the size of that. Too funny.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

re: TP, target.com definitely has lots right now!

[GollyG]

Thanks for this - really helpful and reassuring

[Hidden]

Sandra this has made me feel better just from what you have written. We will all watch this space. Best wishes

Cheryl

[Mimigram]

One thing I can recommend is to make sure you have had your pneumonia shots. The virus starts as a cold and it can get worse and spread into your lungs which is what causes the real problem.

[Hidden in reply to Mimigram]

Oh, wow, very sound advice! I did not even know there was a pneumonia shot!

I should probably be embarrassed to admit this, but I don't even get a normal flu shot due to my needle phobia and "white coat syndrome"! But I urge everyone else to take your good advice!

[Mimigram in reply to Hidden]

Thought I would just mention it as I read about the virus causing pneumonia.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I have always gotten my flu shot for as long as I can remember. But when I was working (I worked in law), there were like four attorneys that never once got a flu shot and never got sick. I just do it as a precaution. I wanted to try as an experiment since the lawyers told me they had never gotten a flu shot (before cancer) so one year I decided NOT to get it to see if I got sick. I guess your body gets used to getting it.

OMG.....I got so so sick. I had to go to doctor, get major antibiotics, felt like death, laid in bed and could barely move and I thought you deserve it you idiot. I was out of work for a full week. Never again.

[diamags]

I have a trip to the UK scheduled. I'm to leave on the 18th. For the first half of the trip, I'm meeting up with old work colleagues and the second half is with 3 of my sisters to find our roots.

I've gone over this time and again and here's what I've come up with. When I asked my Onc, he referred me to the CDC website. That was not loaded with all the fear that the media is spewing. They said not to go to the "hot" sites for the disease, but for the low ones, traveling is safe if you follow the hand washing, not touching the face rules.

I then thought of one more thing: It's hard to coordinate so many people for a trip. There is no guarantee that I'll be able to do this trip in the future. With the CDC giving me a "low" likelihood of getting bat flu, my attitude is -- CARPE DIEM.

And I'll say a prayer and observe good hygiene.

[Hidden in reply to diamags]

Good for you. Sounds like a lot of fun. Go enjoy.

[Hidden]

Here in the UK certain areas have had the panic buying. We live in a City Centre in the North and haven’t had a single problem buying toilet rolls. I’m more concerned about obtaining my pain killer Paracetamol as China supplies India with some of the chemical compound and India completes the process and exports it. As China are on shut down I’m concerned. I still won’t stock pile it though. We have to consider others. Best wishes ladies

Cheryl.

[Epinto]

I’m glad this topic has been brought up. I must admit I am nervous and am using caution. I am treated in a hospital in New York City And I wish there was more guidance from the office. Personally, I don’t think I would travel now as the ibrance as we know lowers our white and red blood cell count and also Lowers the platelet count. I suppose each person has to make their own decision and it’s hard to totally protect yourself in any environment but I feel it’s better to be safe than sorry and run the risk of making anyone else around I’ll. Let’s all hope this subsided and a vaccine is in the making. Blessings to all .

[Hidden in reply to Epinto]

There are thousands of people in NY alone who have respiratory issues and or compromised immune systems. I am not going to curtain my life any more than the cancer has done. There are certain countries not to visit. That is common sense but as the CDC says: their constant information is Wash your hands and don't touch your face.

I have been out on the public bus and went food shopping and did my laundry. Life goes on. Just common sense. Wash your hands as much as you can and do not touch your face with your hands.

The hospital does not need to provide information because that is what the The Center for Disease Control ("CDC") does. They provide the information so I assume hospitals have loads of sick people, not just cancer, and they expect people to watch the news and listen to what is being said. At the most they may have brochures just restating what the CDC is stating.

[Eliactida1955]

My onc said go overseas not to worry as our trip is April 5th to Greece but I think we will change the date all together to August.. Ibrance killing my cancer so yeah I think it could get it but if immune system is low then no. I think same precautions everyone is sing will work. We have n cases in my town yet but I remeber I got pneumonia first few months of Ibrance use-only had been on it two months so I don’t think Ibrance was the reason.. ❤️🌹

[Hidden in reply to Eliactida1955]

Greece is not one the list of the countries NOT to visit. And the airlines have taken extra precautions. They would not put their pilots and staff in harm's way. Probably, if you feeling well, a good time to visit. Won't be packed but its still on the safe list.

[Eliactida1955 in reply to Hidden]

I agree but we have talked to family there and probably will put it off as there is not a reason to risk it. They have shut down the schools there and banned public gatherings . We haven’t changed our ticket yet. My husbands father is 93 and I would hate for something to happen . We will see..🙏

[Chico64]

Due to the fact everyone immune system is weaker with cancer, and ibrance..let's be safe eat well, get rest, stay safe..praying for everyone..much love❤❤❤

[Hidden]

I don't even go there. Why worry about something that may not even happen? We have enough to worry about with cancer. Anyone who has a compromised immune system is at risk and there are thousands that have other types of illnesses that have compromised immune systems that is NOT cancer so why add something else to the list to worry about that has not even happened yet?

[Hidden]

Common sense prevails. It is the people that get panicked and spread that fear that makes me go crazy. I just listen to our mayor and governor of NY and the Center for Disease Control.

My cancer center sent me an email that obviously if you are feeling sick and coughing, etc. to not come to the center (DUH).

Also they are not allowing any children under the age of 13 to come to the center. Sometimes women bring their children with them (maybe they don't have a baby sitter.)

I took the NY bus the other day. I held onto the pole with the sleeve of my coat. Went shopping and then took car service home and put all my food away, washed my hands, went down and did three loads of laundry and then cleaned for a while.

I am not going to hide myself in my apt. Just keep your hands clean and, more importantly, do not touch your face with your hands.

[Hidden]

FYI, I mentioned this in a response but figured I'd put it here, too, so it's more noticeable: My nurse said that in addition to hand sanitizer, sanitizing surfaces (including the air vent over your plane seat!), folks should take a q-tip and put Neosporine (sp?) or similar in their nostrils for the duration of the flight (or crowded event or whatever). She said it's vaseline-based and you can just wipe it out afterwards.

I have to admit that I did not do the neosporine on a flight I took yesterday...was running late, as usual. But I thought this additional info might be helpful..