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Discouraged: Caught Covid after treatment for lung cancer

Posted by aprilradek @aprilradek, May 14 10:32pm

Ugh, I finally went back to work part-time after 12 months of treatment for stage 3 lung cancer, (chemo, lobectomy, radiation, targeted ALK therapy), and I got COVID after 2 weeks. I feel so discouraged. I feel like every time I make progress I have another setback and start at zero again. Any thoughts on how to stay positive? This one is hitting me hard. I am home and back on medical leave. And I am so weak again.

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vic83 | @vic83 | May 15 10:32pm

I relate! I caught Covid four weeks after my first VAT surgery. I have no idea how because I isolated myself knowing I was more vulnerable. It was 4 months from my last Covid vaccine. Fortunately, it was a mild case, and I only had a congested cough and the anti-viral took care of that.
I stay up to date on all vaccines and now avoid crowds and don't eat at in-door restaurants. And I always have my N95 mask with me. I went to a wedding, and never took my mask off.

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | May 16 6:24pm
In reply to @aprilradek "I just finished my 5th day of Paxlovid. I have reduced my alectinib since I have..." + (show)
@aprilradek

I just finished my 5th day of Paxlovid. I have reduced my alectinib since I have so many side effects from it I am on 600mg (2 pills twice a day). I am stage 3 not 4 so there is less research to guide the oncologist. You are on the full dose if I recall? I was so excited to get back to work part-time. Now I am so weak. Ugh. The thought of washing my hair is daunting.
I feel the added stress of needing to work for health care benefits. My husband is self-employed, with no benefits.

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@aprilradek , I hope you start feeling better soon. The Paxlovid should help you regain some energy. Fingers crossed!
I am still taking 1200mg per day of alectinib (four years now). There are many people on a reduced dose for many reasons. 600mg per day is not unusual at all. It's likely still very effective.

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tjarvis1 | @tjarvis1 | May 17 8:41am

have you attempted to file for disability? teresa

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