Immunotherapy and the COVID vaccine

I had my first Pfizer shot one week before immunotherapy which I mostly had discussed. At the time I saw an appointment and jumped. My second was a week before  immunotherapy. No issues after. About three weeks later I add pretty complex outpatient surgery in the ear that was damaged by last brain surgery. The nerve damage in my face was pretty wild the first week but is back to its old self. Otherwise no real issues other than the fact that it took longer for me bounce back from surgery than I expected.

Hi Amanda,

My story is a little different but I’ll share anyways. My first COVID shot was while I was on Opdivo/Yervoy and the only side effect I had was COVID arm (swollen, red, and hot to the touch at the injection site) about a week after the shot. Second shot came around and I had moved on to targeted therapy (Braftovi+Mektovi) and I was already experiencing the symptoms you described but mine got much worse. A week after the shot I had to go see my oncologist and I was exhausted, running high fever, and felt awful. They had to give me 3 liters of fluid and put me on Prednisone…but they believe my reaction was a combination of the residual immunotherapy in my body, adding the targeted therapy, and then the shot. I ended up getting off the Braftovi+Mektovi because I just couldn’t tolerate it, so that was probably the biggest factor. I assume you have let your care team know how you are feeling? If not I would strongly suggest it and let them check you out. I hope things get better for you soon!

Jenn

Two weeks after second covid shot

Mesenteric Dissection,  Pancreatitis,  Colitis,  Vitiligo,  Hypothyroidism,  skin eruptions.

Coincidence?