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
I know nothing about how to subscribe to blogs. How can I subscribe to your ET blog so that I know when you have posted in the future?
ReplyDeleteI always note on the Facebook page when I have added something to the blog. I am not sure that there is an RSS feed option on Blogspot any longer. If there is, I haven't figured it out ...
DeleteWhat are the immunity markers that we should looks out for on our blood draws to tell us how are we going
ReplyDeleteET patient. Platelets 750. Just started HU a week ago , and about to get first dose of vaccine in WA. A little worried that I have to take them while being on HU so wanting to know what to look out for. Many thanks
That is a good question for your doc, Madeeha. Everyone's blood counts and medical history are different, and recommendations may be different depending in the vaccines available in your area.
DeleteI did end up getting the booster six months, not eight months, after the last shot because the CDC recommendations changed.
I am have no history of clots, and platelets are well controlled on a fairly low dose of HU. But I am over 60, so I run a higher risk group getting a more serious case of covid. Hematologist said to follow the Moderna vaccine guidelines for a "normal" person in my age group.
But those might not be the same for everyone, so do check with your doctors office.