Good news from the docs this week! Like everyone else in the U.S., I have been hearing that cancer patients should be getting a booster shot as soon as possible because of their compromised immunity. But even as an ET patient, you may not need to get a booster right away. I was happy to learn from my hematologist that I'm not as decrepit as I thought, and I can wait the full eight months before getting a booster, just like a "normal" person!
HOWEVER: Hydroxyurea can affect immunity, as the info sheet reminds you every time you get your prescription refilled. So don't assume that the advice I got will be the same for everyone. Let your hematologist make that call for you.
I emailed my doc about the booster. One thing the pandemic has made much easier is communication with the hematology office. I usually get an answer within 24 hours for a non-urgent question, and the hematology oncology office has laid on a new nurse practioner to deal with just this type of issue. So the same day I asked the question, the nurse looked up my last blood draw results and decided that I should wait for the booster based on several immunity markers, including white blood count.
My platelets swim around in the 400-450 range and none of my other blood counts are in the high or low range. I take a relatively low dose of hydroxyurea--500 mg per day plus an extra 500 mg on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Those taking higher doses of HU or with blood counts that run high or low may be at different immunity levels, so let the hematologist make the call about a booster for you. This isn't a decision you want to freelance.
Also, as my hematologist's office reminded me, wear a mask when you are indoors with people whose vaccination status you don't know whether you are vaccinated or not. I know it's a drag, but delta variants are up in my area, and there are more reports of vaccinated people getting sick.
And while we are on the general topic of wellness, seasons are turning, but there is still plenty of good outdoor weather in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Please remember that some ET medications, including HU, can increase your chances for skin cancer. So carry that sunscreen around with your mask! And remember to drink lots of water.
Be well!
Related: Vaccination roulette
Related: Thinking about skin and ET
