Flu shot?

impactzone

My GP has suggested before I start chemo that I get a flu shot (this years) and pnenummia vaccine. I teach high school kids and am around lots of stuff. I will be starting chemo around the 28th of Sept. I am Stage 4 with 1 liver met. FOLfox + avastin is recommended.

I also have a conflict between my surgeon who suggests 3 months of chemo, look at PET and CT scan and if there is a change in size of the tumor operate to remove it then. Personally I like this for 2 reasons: 1) it makes sense to get a known tumor out 2) the effects of 3 months of chemo will be difficult leading into major surgery but not as severe as waiting 6 months and then going into surgery

My Onc says 4 - 6 months to get a baseline on chemo and then look into surgery. He likes this because he can see if anything else shows up in PET scan or CT scans and remove them at this time.

Does anyone know any studies that show which path is correct?
Thanks
Chip

KathiM

I had pre-surgical chemo/rads....just to shrink my 2 inch tumor...first visit with surgeon after treatment, flex sig...."Where WAS the tumor?" he asked...gone. Had the resection anyway...no guarantee that the beast was not 'lurking' in the scar tissue...

Flu shot sounds good...have him check your white count first...don't want to compromise anything...
Hugs to a strong soldier!
Kathi

CAMaura

I think I had a flu shot before I started chemo...Figured that it might help a compromised immune system. As for the differing opinions with your docs, how about getting a second opinion...A fresh perspective might be helpful for you and shed some light. All the best to you - Maura

spongebob

Chip -

I agree with my cohorts about the vaccinations - your immune system will be severely compromised during chemo and the better you can steele yourself against infection now, the better.

Regarding your 3 month/6month quandry, I agree with Maura. Get another opinion. Usually your docs brief your case to a tumor board, a collection of their colleagues, and take their input to develop a comprehensive plan. It stands to reason that the surgeon would want to cut - that's what they do. I agree with your logic, though. Asking another doc who is familiar with your case (since every case is different) would perhaps give some consensus and show you the path to follow. Remember, these folks are your consultants - YOU have the final decision/veto authority.

- SB

jana11

Chip,

yep, definately get the vaccines. They don't necessarily have to be before chemo starts. I don't think the flu shot comes out until Oct - but if it is available - get it! I am a doctor and have been practicing medicine through 4.5 years of cancer treatment... and haven't gotten sick. Just eat healthy and take of yourself - you should be fine. GET THE VACCINES.

As far as the difference of surgery dates - get a second opinion, perferably from a major GI cancer center.

Surgery is the way to cure..... I absolutely agree with surgery, but determining what is best for you is what you need to find out. Sounds like your docs are looking out for you. Just get more info.

Best of luck. jana

Patrusha

Dang! Wish somebody would have suggested a flu shot to me before I started chemo. Get it, by all means... As for the surgery, why not get the CT and PET scans in three months and then discuss the surgery options at that time? Perhaps you'll have a better sense of "where things are" and you'll make a better decision based on the facts. Heck, the results of the scans might make either or both docs change their current opinions, too.

carmen07

My husband was stage 4 with two liver mets. Appoximate size 2cm and 1 cm. He had 3 months of treatment prior to his liver resection in early June 2004. He had a pet scan and cat scan at the end of april which showed that the one lesion decrease to more than 1/2 the original size and the other could not be seen on the scans. His Surgery was the first week in June. He had to be off Chemo for a while. I believe with Avastin its at least 8 weeks. He did not have Avastin because it was not approved until mid year 2004. He went in on a Tuesday and was home by Sunday. He had an excellant recovery and his liver is still NED.
I don't know what your regime schedule will be with the Folfox + Avastin and if that would have an influence on 3 months versus six months. My husband had approximatley 8 treatments. Also we were told that they would not do the liver resection unless the scans showed that all other areas at the time were clear of cancer. I agree with you if the lesion decreases get it out!
As far as the flu shot he has had that both times by the recommendation of his oncologist. I think it's worth it. I hope this helps!