Swine flu and myeloma

I'm sure there isn't any real solution but, I'm taking revlimid and dex as part of my ongoing maintenence therapy following my SCT last October. I was told that I lost all my childhood immunity shota as a result of the chemo . Now, as my immune systen is compromised and am told I cannot take the flu shots, what am I to do ? Stay indoors and order my food delivered?  Anybody have any suggestions ?

Bill

Hi Bill,

 I saw my local onc this morning and she said they are advising all their cancer patients to have the regular flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine.

 :)Dotty in E. TX

From Anna,

Hi Bill, Unfortunately in your situation as with my Dad because you don't have a good immune system any more you have to be very careful not to get sick.  Dad's Stem Cell Transplants were about 10 years ago and he is still careful not to get sick.  During chemo he doesn't get around crowds and we make sure that anyone that comes to the house hasn't been sick recently or been exposed to anyone being real sick. For instantance, I, his daughter have a young lady that comes and helps me with my showers (I'm in a wheelchair).  She called me Thursday and said her youngest has the Swine Flu. I told her not to come Friday since she'd been exposed.  Don't know when she'll be back.  Another recent thing was one of our preachers came to see Dad Friday.  The other one wanted to come but he was sick so the one that did come told him he shouldn't come to cause he was sick.  So he didn't.  I know there was a time when Dad couldn't get a flu shot.  That was a long time ago.  Mom and I got the shot but he couldn't.  I don't know if he will get one this year.  He has in the past like I said except for that one time.  You could get something more harmful to you from what the other people that are sick have.  Just use common sense is my best advise.  Don't mean to scare you or anything but you asked so that's from what we've dealt with. 

Your friend,

Anna 

Bill,

Usually they want you to wait one year after the SCT before getting your immunizations.  At that time, many clinics recommend re-immunization with the whole childhood barrage -- others don't.  Until you reach that time, you will need to be careful.  Make sure your family and those frequently around you get the vaccine, that will help a lot.

Are they more concerned with the vaccine because of the SCT or because of your ongoing treatment?

I had my auto SCT in August 2007 and had the first batch of immunizations in July 2008 -- still need to get my final batch.  I don't remember for sure, but it seems like I did get the flu shot in the winter of 2007.  Since the flu shot is not a live vaccine, there are less concerns with getting it than some of the others.  You really shouldn't get any live vaccines.

Janet

PS - I live in a small college town and the students are back.  There have already been reports of numerous H1N1 virus infections and they're concerned it will get worse.  Sounds like I will be staying out of the main stream for a while. 

Hi Bill,

i've had the same question.  I'm smoldering, but my immunoglobulins are very low, Last fall my Onc said I should NOT get the flu vaccine.  The vaccine is ment to trigger a response in the immune system but mine is too weak to respone.  I plan to stay home, eat healthy and wash my hands often.  My husband is able to do the shopping and we wipe down everything he touches after he has been out.  I'm very interested to hear what others have to say on this situation.

Mariee

Dear Bill and others: Please look at natural ways to boost your immune system.  Unfortunately getting a 'flu shot does not always work in your favor and especially now with untested vaccines (By that I mean the people giving you the shots are not  sure of the result)

Please go to the search engine and put in "natural immune system boosters" Epicor caps are a marvellous source of building your immune system. AHCC is another natural supplement.  Cod liver oil, Vitamin C, coral Calcium to keep your ph in the alkaline range.  Look that up also as keeing the ph above 7 helps keep the body immune from attacks.

Eat less sugar, some fruit, lots of vegies, Stay away from red meat except as treat as it is hard to digest and the effort affects the immune system. The Curcumin is also great and Margret's corner is full of tips.

So instead of worrying about it be proactive as worry and stress also beat down the immune system.  All the best mms

On 8/31/2009 harleynightrider wrote:

I'm sure there isn't any real solution but, I'm taking revlimid and dex as part of my ongoing maintenence therapy following my SCT last October. I was told that I lost all my childhood immunity shota as a result of the chemo . Now, as my immune systen is compromised and am told I cannot take the flu shots, what am I to do ? Stay indoors and order my food delivered?  Anybody have any suggestions ?

Bill

 

Bill - I've had regular flu shots throughout my tandem transplant and maintenace program.  My do instructs his patients to get flu shots.  Flu shots are not a live virus.

MMS - Natural is a great idea and I'm planning on giving it a try now that I'm off all chemo and steroids.

Best to you all

Doug

Hi Bill,

I was given the same answer as Mariee.  My oncologist said my immunoglobulins are too low to react with flu vaccines.  So, his suggestion is for everyone in my family to get the shots and, as everyone else said, be careful.  Wash your hands often and don't touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth), unless you KNOW your hands are clean. 

I carry something like purell with me for when I can't wash my hands.  Be careful around crowds also.

I did ask my oncologist about childhood shots and he said I did not need them.  I had tandem transplants and chemo.

Take care,

Lois

Hi Bill, My husband was diagnosed in Feb with Multiple Myeloma and he just had a stem cell transplant at the end of June, following 3 mos. of chemo and the high dose chemos. We just had his 60 day check up with his bone marrow doc this week, who said that my husband can't get any immunizations for one year post transplant, and that he cannot get the H1N1 flu shot, but that in Jan. he can/should get the regular flu shot (because it is not a live vaccine). I'm already at the top of the list to get an H1N1 flu shot since I'm his caregiver and I am exposed to hundreds of students on a daily basis. I not only teach at a large university, but I work (i.e., my office and classrooms) in a dormitory with 1000 students, who all eat in the same cafeteria (which I will now avoid!). They are predicting that the swine flu will hit here in waves and that the first wave will hit as soon as students arrive (this week). It scares me to no end, but I have a few strategies in mind. I'm stocking up on a couple of weeks of food in the pantry, just in case I need to isolate myself from my husband. The oncologist and bone marrow docs say that he can go out in public and to restaurants as long as he goes at off hours and doesn't go to places frequented by kids (including college students). Unfortunately, that is every place around this city. We're planning on having people come to us. I have a small sign in the window of the door, asking people to wash or sanitize their hands as soon as they enter the house and to visit at another time if they have been exposed to a cold or flu virus. It seems to have made people more conscious about our situation. I think that there will be tons of information about the swine flu within weeks when it becomes a much bigger problem. Good luck to you! -J

Just like everything else about this disease and its treatment the information I receive about immunizations is mixed.  I had a SCT in February 2008 and currently am taking 100 mg Thalomid.  At my last mm specialist visit in August my doctor recommended that I get both the flu shot and the H1N1 shot.  He also said he does not see the need for me to be revaccinated with my childhood vaccines.

 Cindy