Re-posting this ..from ERTHWLKR

wmc said:

I am a Laryngectomee Or Lary

When I had my larygectomy surgery I had the flu shot at Stanford Medical and it was a standard tri flu shot. I had the flu shot and pneumonia shot the year before due to severe emphysema I am told to get the flu shot every year and pneumonia every four years. This year I had the Fluzone Quadrivalent shot. From what I have read the High dose is for 65 and over to protect more and build up a better imune system. Now maybe if you had Chemo or Radiation that might be an option. I had neithor and only 63, but my risk for the flu is about 8 times more then someone else, due to being a neck breather and stage 3 emphysema.  I hope this helps, as a Lary I have never ben told to get the high dose even by Stanford who did the surgery.

Bill

Hi Bill:

Many thanks for your reply and also to Kritter for the reposting. This is the first time I heard of a higher potency flu shot and definitely the first about laryngectomy patients opting for it.. I thought it might be a susceptibility factor but found no backup online. Most likely the impact would also be greater on these patients considering the beathing changes - so some added protection would definitely be of benefit.

Appreciate the info - I'll certainly pass it along!

- Jeff

lornal said:

Hi Jeff

I didn't know you were a laryngectomy also.  I just had mine this past January.  It followed my tonsil cancer that was treated in 2007.  They say is was a different primary.  I'm healing okay - just really tired all the time.  But, I'm trying to get in shape, preparing for the next bout that will come (I don't know when - but I want to be in better shape).

Are you on WebWhispers also?

 

Lorna 2007 & 2014

 

Hi Lorna -

I'm not a laryngectomy patient - actually I'm a veteran of sphenoid sinus cancer, 7 years out next month. I was looking for the info for my fellow survivors/verterans in the head & neck cancer support group I co-facilitate. We haven't even discussed the flu vaccine yet but I'm going to raise the issue at our next meeting in November with the additional info about the hi-potency vaccine.

Yes, cancer is quite an exhausting disease on many levels. But all we can ask ourselves to do is adapt, stay flexible, and stay as healthy as possible. About as good advice can be given to anyone...

Wishing you continued good health with no further interruptions!

- Jeff