Lung Cancer and Vaccines for Covid-19

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Nov 27, 2020

Good morning everyone. I don't know about you but I am anxiously anticipating COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs. I'm anxious because there really has been very little time for all of the kinks to be worked out, but yet, on the other hand they could save a lot of lives. They won't be an instant miracle. You will still need to be cautious and continue protocols. And masks will continue to be our best friends.

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-research-confirms-critical-role-of-masks-in-preventing-covid-19-infection/

Please be aware that news headlines can be misleading. Please rely on only reputable sources for your information.

– What are the side effects of Pfizer's, Moderna's vaccines? Your questions answered https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-faq-1.5795486
While some clarification is offered, there are not definitive answers. It's still too early and testing continues.

Right now Connect lists these as the only sites trustworthy, authoritative, and with the best current information: ideally from Mayo Clinic, CDC and FDA.

If you are unsure of what to do then take your time, be cautious, ask questions. Do not do anything that you are uncomfortable with until you have reached a firm decision.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/10801/

I have reached my decision to have the vaccine. Side effects will be similar to the virus. This scares me but they are supposed to be milder. So I've decided to get them.

Have you decided?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

Tom Anderson | @ta52 | Nov 28, 2020

Since I am still in treatment. I will rely solely on the advice of my oncology doctor.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 28, 2020

In reply to @ta52 "Since I am still in treatment. I will rely solely on the advice of my oncology..." + (show)

@ta52- Absolutely @ta52! How are you doing, feeling?

Tom Anderson | @ta52 | Nov 29, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@ta52- Absolutely @ta52! How are you doing, feeling?" + (show)

I feel a bit guilty since I am halfway through my course of immunotherapy and feel absolutely fine. My wife and I walked a 5K Thanksgiving morning and I've spent most of the weekend toting bins of Christmas decorations up from the basement with no side effects. I'm fully aware some people are nowhere near that lucky and I have been very thankful this Thanksgiving.

richcolleen | @richcolleen | Nov 29, 2020

Good for you! Remember to thank the Lord for blessings.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 29, 2020

In reply to @ta52 "I feel a bit guilty since I am halfway through my course of immunotherapy and feel..." + (show)

@ta52- You should never feel guilty for feeling great! There really is no useful purpose in comparing yourself to others because everyone is so different. You are so lucky. It offers hope that others will be as lucky! Continue to be thankful and continue to offer support on Connect. Survivors give hope to others no matter their experience with treatments.

Tom Anderson | @ta52 | Nov 30, 2020

In reply to @richcolleen "Good for you! Remember to thank the Lord for blessings." + (show)

... and the phenomenal Medical Oncology Department at Mayo. They are the best.

Tom Anderson | @ta52 | Nov 30, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@ta52- You should never feel guilty for feeling great! There really is no useful purpose in..." + (show)

This experience has showed me how much progress has been made in treating certain forms of cancer. We have made tremendous gains but still much more work to do.

bluelagoon | @bluelagoon | Dec 14, 2020

@merpreb Hi, Merry! Here are my two-cents. I heard one of the media doctors whom I felt was reputable (I was thinking it was Sanjay Gupta, but now I can't find it online) comment that most adverse reactions happen within 2 months. I believe it was 95%, but you'd want to see if you could find that. That struck me as a good waiting time, and most likely would correspond with the earliest I'd likely be able to get it, by the time they go through the priority list. I'm keeping my ears and eyes open each day, though, with this ever-changing environment!