Flue Shots and Melanoma
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Flue Shots and Melanoma

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Flue Shots and Melanoma

  • Post
    • September 27, 2011 at 1:45 am
    Charlie S
    Participant

    Though I have my own standard for flu shots, wondering what other peoples  oncs are telling those who are undergoing or who have underwnet  treatment  for melanoma.

    A nuance to be sure, but I am curious knowing that melanoma is the sum of all the parts and not singular.

    Cheers,

    Charlie S

    Though I have my own standard for flu shots, wondering what other peoples  oncs are telling those who are undergoing or who have underwnet  treatment  for melanoma.

    A nuance to be sure, but I am curious knowing that melanoma is the sum of all the parts and not singular.

    Cheers,

    Charlie S

Viewing 15 reply threads
  • Replies
      • September 27, 2011 at 2:03 am
      kikikg
      Participant

      Fears about what to wear with the boots have been allayed now that they are available in so many different cheap ugg boots colors – red, blue green, sky-blue pink! Really there are no limits to the shades you can buy. Add to this the crochet or knit-look boots, animal hide designs, stripes and buttons, and you can see that the number of choices has expanded hugely.

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:03 am
      kikikg
      Participant

      Fears about what to wear with the boots have been allayed now that they are available in so many different cheap ugg boots colors – red, blue green, sky-blue pink! Really there are no limits to the shades you can buy. Add to this the crochet or knit-look boots, animal hide designs, stripes and buttons, and you can see that the number of choices has expanded hugely.

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:20 am
      Karin L
      Participant

      So glad you asked this question Charlie!  I asked my Dr. when I was in for last scan results and he told me no problem getting a flu shot.  I am not currently in active treatment though….finished high dose IL2 in late June. ( I thought I had read somewhere to abstain from the flu shot within 3mos. of treatment.  )

      Karin

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:20 am
      Karin L
      Participant

      So glad you asked this question Charlie!  I asked my Dr. when I was in for last scan results and he told me no problem getting a flu shot.  I am not currently in active treatment though….finished high dose IL2 in late June. ( I thought I had read somewhere to abstain from the flu shot within 3mos. of treatment.  )

      Karin

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:37 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      Crap, I meant FLU,, not flue.

      I'm sure there are plenty of Chimney Sweep sites for THAT.

      Whoops.

      Charlie S

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:37 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      Crap, I meant FLU,, not flue.

      I'm sure there are plenty of Chimney Sweep sites for THAT.

      Whoops.

      Charlie S

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:38 am
      lhaley
      Participant

      When I went to MUSC they actually gave me a flu shot while in the oncs office. Another time they gave it to me while I was in recovery after surgery at CMC. 

      I went to get the shot the other day they gave me an immunization consent form. For the portion that said "For Live Vaccines only" it asked: "Do you have a weakened immune system because of ……or another disease that affects the immune system, long-term treatment with drugs such as high-dose steroids, or cancer treatment with radiation or drugs?"  It just got me thinking and I didn't get the shot.  Asking next week when I have appointment with Amin. 

      While I'm commenting a question I have is that my granddaughter's pediatrition said that I can't change a dirty diaper because she recently had her shots and could carry a live virus (this was during the radiation). My radiologist never warned me but I did find some info on the internet after the baby's Dr commented.  Has anyone else ever warned of that? She didn't comment on how long I have to wait. Anyone ever warned of this?

      Linda

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:38 am
      lhaley
      Participant

      When I went to MUSC they actually gave me a flu shot while in the oncs office. Another time they gave it to me while I was in recovery after surgery at CMC. 

      I went to get the shot the other day they gave me an immunization consent form. For the portion that said "For Live Vaccines only" it asked: "Do you have a weakened immune system because of ……or another disease that affects the immune system, long-term treatment with drugs such as high-dose steroids, or cancer treatment with radiation or drugs?"  It just got me thinking and I didn't get the shot.  Asking next week when I have appointment with Amin. 

      While I'm commenting a question I have is that my granddaughter's pediatrition said that I can't change a dirty diaper because she recently had her shots and could carry a live virus (this was during the radiation). My radiologist never warned me but I did find some info on the internet after the baby's Dr commented.  Has anyone else ever warned of that? She didn't comment on how long I have to wait. Anyone ever warned of this?

      Linda

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:46 am
      jag
      Participant

      Well, let's see, I got flu shots when I was leukopenic from biochemotherapy, after brain surgery on high dose steroids, and somewhere else in the mix.  Didn't really think about it really.  I was too used to being stuck with needles that "might have side effects" that I began not to think about it after a while.  Pretty sure that was during the swine flu days when men were men, and sheep were scared.  

      • September 27, 2011 at 2:46 am
      jag
      Participant

      Well, let's see, I got flu shots when I was leukopenic from biochemotherapy, after brain surgery on high dose steroids, and somewhere else in the mix.  Didn't really think about it really.  I was too used to being stuck with needles that "might have side effects" that I began not to think about it after a while.  Pretty sure that was during the swine flu days when men were men, and sheep were scared.  

      • September 27, 2011 at 10:28 am
      MariaH
      Participant

      I took my son in for a check up last week, and the whole family (except Dave) is getting flu shots next Monday.  I do know that we have to have the "dead" virus via shot and not the live virus, which is a spray in your nose.  I'm not sure if Dave is getting one or not, as that would be scheduled through his oncologist.

      • September 27, 2011 at 10:28 am
      MariaH
      Participant

      I took my son in for a check up last week, and the whole family (except Dave) is getting flu shots next Monday.  I do know that we have to have the "dead" virus via shot and not the live virus, which is a spray in your nose.  I'm not sure if Dave is getting one or not, as that would be scheduled through his oncologist.

      • September 27, 2011 at 1:36 pm
      jcraigdawson
      Participant

      Last year, upon concluding a full year of interferion, I was walking away from the doctor when he asked in the hallway whether I'd had a flu shot… I was unimpressed about him getting this last shot in, though it was for the best.

      This year I'm saving monkeys, er I mean I'm on a Phase I trial at Mary Crowley research center in Dallas that does only I/II trials. Each trial has a specific protocol on when/whether you can get the flu shot. Personally, I have a one week window every month where they can and do want to give it to me.

      • September 27, 2011 at 1:36 pm
      jcraigdawson
      Participant

      Last year, upon concluding a full year of interferion, I was walking away from the doctor when he asked in the hallway whether I'd had a flu shot… I was unimpressed about him getting this last shot in, though it was for the best.

      This year I'm saving monkeys, er I mean I'm on a Phase I trial at Mary Crowley research center in Dallas that does only I/II trials. Each trial has a specific protocol on when/whether you can get the flu shot. Personally, I have a one week window every month where they can and do want to give it to me.

        • September 27, 2011 at 2:15 pm
        Lisa13
        Participant

        Hi Charlie,

        I've been getting the flu shot for the past 6 years and hope I'm able to have it again this year.

        I'm through my 3rd infusion of Yervoy and have been told no live vaccines, so I may be SOL. 

        Lisa

        • September 27, 2011 at 2:15 pm
        Lisa13
        Participant

        Hi Charlie,

        I've been getting the flu shot for the past 6 years and hope I'm able to have it again this year.

        I'm through my 3rd infusion of Yervoy and have been told no live vaccines, so I may be SOL. 

        Lisa

        • September 28, 2011 at 12:18 am
        Jerry from Cape Cod
        Participant

        Lisa,

        While I was actively on IPI BMS specifically addressed flu vaccines with a letter to all trial sites reminding them that the flu shot was not recommended. I would imagine that the same caution now applies, however as my doctor reminded me that my immune system was in "high gear" and they really did not have any concerns about skipping the flu shot.

        Jerry from Cape Cod

         

        • September 28, 2011 at 12:18 am
        Jerry from Cape Cod
        Participant

        Lisa,

        While I was actively on IPI BMS specifically addressed flu vaccines with a letter to all trial sites reminding them that the flu shot was not recommended. I would imagine that the same caution now applies, however as my doctor reminded me that my immune system was in "high gear" and they really did not have any concerns about skipping the flu shot.

        Jerry from Cape Cod

         

      • September 27, 2011 at 4:41 pm
      dian in spokane
      Participant

      I haven't seen my Onc yet this fall, but they have invariably recommended flu shots

      • September 27, 2011 at 4:41 pm
      dian in spokane
      Participant

      I haven't seen my Onc yet this fall, but they have invariably recommended flu shots

        • September 28, 2011 at 5:34 pm
        boot2aboot
        Participant

        i have been recommended to get one, but i never have and probably never will…i just don't want any more crap in my body 

        boots

        • September 28, 2011 at 5:34 pm
        boot2aboot
        Participant

        i have been recommended to get one, but i never have and probably never will…i just don't want any more crap in my body 

        boots

        • September 29, 2011 at 10:13 am
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant
        Hi,
        I had the ok for a flu shot as long as it was NOT a live virus. I finished Ip (yervoy) treatments 6 months ago. I had my flu shot this past Monday…no side effects!
        Vermont_Donna, stage 3a. NED
        ps I get a flu shot every year, just check with my oncologist first
        • September 29, 2011 at 10:13 am
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant
        Hi,
        I had the ok for a flu shot as long as it was NOT a live virus. I finished Ip (yervoy) treatments 6 months ago. I had my flu shot this past Monday…no side effects!
        Vermont_Donna, stage 3a. NED
        ps I get a flu shot every year, just check with my oncologist first
Viewing 15 reply threads
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
About the MRF Patient Forum

The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.