lobectomy and flu shot..

sashamore · Guest

dear leo: i'm getting a little tense about the following: i will be having a
lobectomy within the next 2 weeks. i am 70 years old, and canot stand on
those damn lines flu shot lines forever. i am a little worried about possibly catching the flu while i am post-op. here are my questions: IF i am lucky enough to
get a shot, how much time between when (if) i get it, and when it takes
effect?....so far, my doc hasnt been able to get any for me----or even for himself......i am a little worried about the risk of my operation during the
flu season, but i am advised not to wait as long as 4 weeks for this operation.......what are your thoughts.....and is there any "emergency" vaccine available?
as always, thank you for your kind and patient response.

sasha

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Sasha,

Thanks for your post. There is one article stating that it usually takes 4-6 weeks to be protected. For sure you will not be protected in the next 2 weeks.

Considering your age alone, you should be eligible to get the vaccine. With your lung condition that makes it even more indicated. You could try to contact hospitals and clinics in your area... I don't know what else to do...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7719904&dopt=Abstract

regards,
Leo
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Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

sashamore · Guest

thanks leo....there just doesnt seem to be any around.....i've called the NIH, who tells me that the first available vaccine that i can get an appointment for is november 9th at lenox hill hosp in nyc....

o went to one of those senior places a week ago, and after waiting 2 hours they said they had no more vaccine available and everyone should
go home....

but i will start calling all the nyc hosps on the off-chance....if i cant get a flu shot do you think i should get a pneumonia shot ? or just forget the whole thing and hope for the best?

again my thanks.............

sash........

.

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello,

I think you should also get the pneumonia vaccine if you haven't had one in the last 5 years. Otherwise just the influenza vaccination should be enough.

lf
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

sashamore · Guest

dear leo.....

thank you so much. i did exactly that and feel more relaxed now about
my sojourn in the hospital........i am grateful.

AND GUESS WHAT!! after many weeks of worry and all manner of tests
and etcetera etcetera about whether my lung cancer had metatasized to
two other areas, the final results are in and I ONLY HAVE LUNG CANCER!
(can you believe that a person could be happy about having lung cancer??!!)

so monday i will have a lobectomy (upper left), and hopefully they wont
do a lobotomy instead......how lucky i am! i wish the same love and luck to all of you........with love, sasha.

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Sasha,

That is very good. HAving localized disease really has a huge impact.

best of luck
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

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