Have some questions regarding vaccination Post BMT

Hi @tkidd51 I started my childhood/adolescent/adult vaccines around 1.5 years. But it’s customary to do so around the 1 year mark. So you’re right on schedule.
I was apprehensive too! Seemed like a lot going on at one time. There were 9 vaccinations the first session but some are consolidated so only 3 pokes in each arm. The reactions I had were the typical ‘swelling and redness’ at the site of injection. Quite honestly, by nightfall, both arms felt like I got whacked with a baseball bat for a day or so. I was going to tough it out but I remember my nurses throughout transplant saying, “there are no awards given for not taking pain meds and suffering!” LOL So, Advil to the rescue. But now I know why babies are so cranky afterwards! Make sure you ice right away. After the first session, I learned from my experience and bought disposable ice packs that I could snap/chill in the car as we road home.

The 2nd session was similar but the icing really minimized the swelling and discomfort and I feel the reaction around the injection site was a bit less. Round 3, there were fewer pokes and less tenderness. So all in all, considering the amount of vaccines given, it was really quite uneventful.

I know exactly how you feel when you start getting a longer leash with your follow up appointments! We’re so spoiled with the frequency of our post transplant visits at Mayo. It’s such a protective and all encompassing life line! However, the very fact that your doctor is extending your visits to once a month means they are quite comfortable with your progress! So look at it that way! It’s like a mini-graduation.
I’ve been there and each time that leash got longer I was a little apprehensive. But I trusted my doctor to know when it was time to let me wander off just a little bit longer, because I was ready. And now…just past my 5 years anniversary, I will be switching to once per year after my visit in October. 😬 I actually believe I’m ready for this! Last year at this time, I was so happy when he said, “see you in 6 months” and I’d love to hear that again. But practically speaking, I am perfectly healthy. The last of my GVHD issues seem to have disappeared and there’s really no reason for me to return as frequently, except I’ll miss everyone there! I’m sure you feel the same way. It’s our home away from home.

However, to help you feel a little more secure. I had been at every 3 months for a while and I did have an issue develop. I was immediately back to being seen monthly, then every 2 months, etc…. So just because you are being seen monthly now, doesn’t mean you can’t return sooner, ok? When we have our transplant at Mayo, “We’re married for life” and they mean it! Your security blankie is always there. ☺️

Let me know how you do with your vaccinations! And congrats on your big first year out of the way!! Hugs!

Thank you so so much!!!

My husband gets his third round tomorrow and yes just tenderness and swelling with all the rest. But we will try the ice tomorrow and see if that makes a difference. He did take Motrin right after and then next morning . The sad thing is we know what’s coming and those babies have no clue.

tkidd51 askes the questions and I get to hear what I will get to walk through sometime in May of this year!!!!! I try not to think too much about these things to not have anxiety. Therefore, how many vaccines never crossed my mind. As Lori said, My medical team gets to know their transplant patient, there is a new building almost done at the Coh and my team is one that is moving there. Infusions too. Till then, I keep doing what will keep me healthy and read and share as we all walk down this path. I look forward to my 6-month BMB!

Oh grasshopper, much awaits your future as a chimera! Tee hee. Remember Kung-fu with David Carradine? 😅

You have the perfect attitude to weather a SCT. We need to keep a sense of humor, sense of adventure and remain flexible to changes in our life. Don’t fear the future and don’t worry about ‘what ifs’.

Fear does not stop death. It stops life.
And worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles.
It takes away today’s peace. Peace out, my friend! ☮️

Every day is a blessing. Fear robs me of today. I love what you wrote.

I saw my breast surgeon who remembered me immediately. I suggested to her i go back to my oncologist who is down the hall from her. I said my plastic doctor suggested it. My DR Polverini here worked along with my plastics Dr Carrey. She also referred me to the oncologist who was with me during breast cancer. She made sure i got her card before I left. This team of three worked together and with me for my treatment. I met a lady in the waiting room who also had her surgery at COH. She loves this drs care too.
Seems my BRCA2 will keep me in Dr. Polvorini's sight for my life. I did not realize that.
For life at COH for my BMT and Cedars Sinai who is right alongside UCLA Keck Medicine as well. As my newlady i met walking out, Cedars helps her now with a heart problem and gave her a new knee. Blessed she said