I’m due to start chemo on Friday. Should I avoid people with colds and busy places to make sure I don’t catch anything? Or just carry on as normal?
I’m also booked in for a COVID vaccine on Monday which was booked before I got my chemo date. Should I go ahead with the vaccine?
Obviously I am not one of the nurses but thought I might jump in with a response in case they don’t see this in time. You could call the helpline on Monday when it opens.
Is your vaccine this coming Monday (28th October)? And chemo the Friday (1st November)? That is about the interval I had between having Covid and flu vaccines and starting chemo.
If the vaccine is for the Monday after your first chemo session then that might not work. There are times in the cycle when it would be better to have a vaccine. The nurses here or at the hospital will be able to tell you when that is.
You also asked about trying to avoid colds, etc. I am fairly sure I was told to isolate myself somewhat (avoid crowds and wear a mask, etc) for about a week before starting chemo. Having a cold won’t necessarily mean you can’t start, but being as healthy as you can will help.
I hope it all goes well for you.
If the covid vaccine is before chemo you’ll be fine. I had flu and covid 4 days before a chemo infusion. Apart from achey arm, no ill effects. Good luck with it all. Chemo is not too bad. Do try and avoid poorly people, even more so after chemo starts. I’ve gone about normal business, but avoided crowded indoor places. Xxx
I was told by my oncologist to have them the week before a cycle when I’m feeling at my best. As you haven’t started chemo yet you’re probably fine but I’d say call them on Monday to clarify how many days you need in-between if it’s less than a week.
I’ve just had my flu jab yesterday and my 4th cycle is on Wednesday and my oncologist said that was great.
I’m still weighing up if I want the COVID jab because the meds I’m on potentially cause clotting and it makes me nervy as some people (not me) have had clotting issue with various covid jabs, but my oncologist said it’s fine if it’s a week when you’re feeling well (in my case the week before treatment).
I might get it before my 5th cycle or maybe wait til I’ve finished chemo in mid-December.
Thanks everyone. I ended up calling the helpline on Saturday and they said go ahead the vaccine and try to avoid crowded places and poorly people. You all got it spot on!
Hi mumsy,
It’s understandable that you have questions ahead of starting your chemotherapy treatment and it’s good to hear that you spoke to our helpline over the weekend and received answers to these questions.
You may also find the monthly chemotherapy threads on our discussion forum helpful when you start your chemotherapy on Friday. The forums are message boards where people affected by breast cancer or with breast health concerns can learn about other people’s experiences and share their own if they wish to.
We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the links above.
Please do call our helpline again if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Katy
Breast Care Nurse
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