Vaccinating boys with Gardasil

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Kimba1505
Kimba1505 Member Posts: 557
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Just thought I'd let you all know, I took my two sons (13 and 16) in to be vaccinated for HPV. I had some interesting expereinces: first the nurse in reception was surpised to see boys on the schedule for Gardasil vaccines. She inquired as to why I was vaccinating my sons. I told her something she obviously did not know...males get HPV derrived cancers too!! Then, the doctor told me and my boys that they were the first two boys he had vaccinated. (He is not new in the field). My boys asked why they got to be the "lucky" ones to be first? And, I liked the doctor's response, he said, "Because your mother is very enlightened".

The info is still not out there for boys to be vaccinated. I feel very good about my decision to get my boys in.
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  • pascotty
    pascotty Member Posts: 174 Member
    #2
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    Well done
    Excellent decision. I'm wanting my three boys 20 21,22 to get vaccinated also and try put an end to this hiddeous disease and treatment. I applaud you xxxxo
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #3
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    Enlightened
    Now that is a great word, I wish more people can become enlightened about all cancers and how to prevent them. Great decision Kim, your boys may not understand it now but they will someday.

    Take Care
    Hondo
  • GraceLibby
    GraceLibby Member Posts: 88
    #4
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    Vaccination
    Once my son hits the right age, I fully intend to get him vaccinated against HPV. I'll be talking with his pediatrician at his next visit.
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #5
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    GraceLibby said:

    Vaccination
    Once my son hits the right age, I fully intend to get him vaccinated against HPV. I'll be talking with his pediatrician at his next visit.

    I think it's a good call to
    I think it's a good call to get both the boys and girls vaccinated. At Xmas I forget what why vaccines came up but I said something about that I thought young kids before they become sexually active should be vaccinated and including my niece. My step mom is raising her and she started to shake her head and look all disapproving and I tried to explain why and got an eye roll. Since we were in with a ton of company I couldn't push the issue but I'm not done with trying to explain the importance of it to my step mom for my niece.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #6
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    sweetblood22 said:

    I think it's a good call to
    I think it's a good call to get both the boys and girls vaccinated. At Xmas I forget what why vaccines came up but I said something about that I thought young kids before they become sexually active should be vaccinated and including my niece. My step mom is raising her and she started to shake her head and look all disapproving and I tried to explain why and got an eye roll. Since we were in with a ton of company I couldn't push the issue but I'm not done with trying to explain the importance of it to my step mom for my niece.

    Sometimes It's A Losing Battle
    Dawn, I have several neices that are in their very early teens...even something like birth control seems to be a taboo topic at times with their mothers.

    I think or it seems that the general public seems oblivious to the fact that very young teenagers are engaging in sexual activities these days, especially the younger girls.

    Sometimes I just think it's that old mind set, it won't happen to me or my children.

    KUDOS to you Kim on being informed and enlightened and also for taking the initative to do something about it.

    Best,
    John
  • delnative
    delnative Member Posts: 450
    #7
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    Skiffin16 said:

    Sometimes It's A Losing Battle
    Dawn, I have several neices that are in their very early teens...even something like birth control seems to be a taboo topic at times with their mothers.

    I think or it seems that the general public seems oblivious to the fact that very young teenagers are engaging in sexual activities these days, especially the younger girls.

    Sometimes I just think it's that old mind set, it won't happen to me or my children.

    KUDOS to you Kim on being informed and enlightened and also for taking the initative to do something about it.

    Best,
    John

    A wise move, Kimba
    I hope we'll soon see the day when Gardasil for boys is seen as routine as a tetanus shot or a polio vaccination.

    --Jim in Delaware
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #8
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    Skiffin16 said:

    Sometimes It's A Losing Battle
    Dawn, I have several neices that are in their very early teens...even something like birth control seems to be a taboo topic at times with their mothers.

    I think or it seems that the general public seems oblivious to the fact that very young teenagers are engaging in sexual activities these days, especially the younger girls.

    Sometimes I just think it's that old mind set, it won't happen to me or my children.

    KUDOS to you Kim on being informed and enlightened and also for taking the initative to do something about it.

    Best,
    John

    Losing battle
    Oh don't even get me started on the sex talk, John. I think it was last year? No. Year before. My niece was 15 and seeing a boy. Mu step mom kept saying that they were just friends. Wasn't like boy friend and girl friend. I'm thinkin hmmm I was 15 once. Now I was not sexually active until way, way later, but these days these kids are not waiting till 19 or later. Anyway I asked my step mom if she had the talk with my niece. She said no! Not necessary. Huh?! Well It bugged me for a week. I couldn't take it. I had just gotten out of the shower and literally threw on clothes quick wrapped my head in a towel and went marching up there. I asked her if she had the talk? She said no and tried to weasel out but I wouldn't let her. She said she was not doing anything and had no plans to do so. I told her that's fine but stuff could change and we talked about being safe and I told her that if she was ever to scared to go to my step mom that she could come to me and I would do my best to answer her and keep her confidence and if I didn't know something we would find out together. I told her that I hoped she would wait until older and wait for a committed relationship. My parents did not talk to me about this stuff and I went to catholic school and I was totally clueless about stuff and I didn't want her to be. Also her real father is an idiot. Which is why she lives with my parents. Her mom died of cancer when she was only 2 yrs old. Her father has been with 9 women in the 15 or so yrs that she died. He has been married 6 times?? I don't want my niece to think women are replacable dispensable objects. I worry about her lack of attachment to people at times. I know its her way of coping. But I worry it will lead to sexual promiscuity and or just not being able to bond with people. I just worry. I would like to see her prepared in every way possible. :)
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #9
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    sweetblood22 said:

    Losing battle
    Oh don't even get me started on the sex talk, John. I think it was last year? No. Year before. My niece was 15 and seeing a boy. Mu step mom kept saying that they were just friends. Wasn't like boy friend and girl friend. I'm thinkin hmmm I was 15 once. Now I was not sexually active until way, way later, but these days these kids are not waiting till 19 or later. Anyway I asked my step mom if she had the talk with my niece. She said no! Not necessary. Huh?! Well It bugged me for a week. I couldn't take it. I had just gotten out of the shower and literally threw on clothes quick wrapped my head in a towel and went marching up there. I asked her if she had the talk? She said no and tried to weasel out but I wouldn't let her. She said she was not doing anything and had no plans to do so. I told her that's fine but stuff could change and we talked about being safe and I told her that if she was ever to scared to go to my step mom that she could come to me and I would do my best to answer her and keep her confidence and if I didn't know something we would find out together. I told her that I hoped she would wait until older and wait for a committed relationship. My parents did not talk to me about this stuff and I went to catholic school and I was totally clueless about stuff and I didn't want her to be. Also her real father is an idiot. Which is why she lives with my parents. Her mom died of cancer when she was only 2 yrs old. Her father has been with 9 women in the 15 or so yrs that she died. He has been married 6 times?? I don't want my niece to think women are replacable dispensable objects. I worry about her lack of attachment to people at times. I know its her way of coping. But I worry it will lead to sexual promiscuity and or just not being able to bond with people. I just worry. I would like to see her prepared in every way possible. :)

    both daughter and son vaccinated
    Got my daughter vaccinated when it first became available several years ago. My son just got his second shot and will get the third on spring break. Sure wish insurance company's would think they were important.
  • buzz99
    buzz99 Member Posts: 404
    #10
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    ratface said:

    both daughter and son vaccinated
    Got my daughter vaccinated when it first became available several years ago. My son just got his second shot and will get the third on spring break. Sure wish insurance company's would think they were important.

    Vaccinating boys
    We have three grandsons and the oldest is 13. Our daughter is going to have the oldest vaccinated soon. She herself has had cervical dysplasia (precancer) and has been told she probably had HPV although she was not tested. These days a lot of young teens are having oral sex because, hey, it is not really sex (in the words of a former president).
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #11
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    sweetblood22 said:

    Losing battle
    Oh don't even get me started on the sex talk, John. I think it was last year? No. Year before. My niece was 15 and seeing a boy. Mu step mom kept saying that they were just friends. Wasn't like boy friend and girl friend. I'm thinkin hmmm I was 15 once. Now I was not sexually active until way, way later, but these days these kids are not waiting till 19 or later. Anyway I asked my step mom if she had the talk with my niece. She said no! Not necessary. Huh?! Well It bugged me for a week. I couldn't take it. I had just gotten out of the shower and literally threw on clothes quick wrapped my head in a towel and went marching up there. I asked her if she had the talk? She said no and tried to weasel out but I wouldn't let her. She said she was not doing anything and had no plans to do so. I told her that's fine but stuff could change and we talked about being safe and I told her that if she was ever to scared to go to my step mom that she could come to me and I would do my best to answer her and keep her confidence and if I didn't know something we would find out together. I told her that I hoped she would wait until older and wait for a committed relationship. My parents did not talk to me about this stuff and I went to catholic school and I was totally clueless about stuff and I didn't want her to be. Also her real father is an idiot. Which is why she lives with my parents. Her mom died of cancer when she was only 2 yrs old. Her father has been with 9 women in the 15 or so yrs that she died. He has been married 6 times?? I don't want my niece to think women are replacable dispensable objects. I worry about her lack of attachment to people at times. I know its her way of coping. But I worry it will lead to sexual promiscuity and or just not being able to bond with people. I just worry. I would like to see her prepared in every way possible. :)

    Totally Agree Dawn
    And same with you Buzz...girls even younger than teens are engaging in oral sex. It just amazes me that some parents are unaware, uninterested, uneducated, or too trusting...not sure which.

    It's just plain scary that not more is being made public or attention given toward the dangers of HPV. Especially as we all know that it appears to have the ability to have a very long incubation period or ability to lie dormant for decades before rearing it's ugly head.

    Best,
    John
  • susan0803
    susan0803 Member Posts: 90
    #12
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    Skiffin16 said:

    Totally Agree Dawn
    And same with you Buzz...girls even younger than teens are engaging in oral sex. It just amazes me that some parents are unaware, uninterested, uneducated, or too trusting...not sure which.

    It's just plain scary that not more is being made public or attention given toward the dangers of HPV. Especially as we all know that it appears to have the ability to have a very long incubation period or ability to lie dormant for decades before rearing it's ugly head.

    Best,
    John

    thanks Kimba
    Hi Kim,
    Before my husband was diagnosed with HPV+16 related tonsil cancer, I was dead set against having my daughter (age 12) get vaccinated. I had joined a mailing list and read for years of all the reasons why the vacine was bad, etc, etc.

    Now my whole view of this has been turned upside down. What makes some people have HPV turn into cancer? Is it genetic? If it is, then my husband is one of them which means my kids may be too. Thus, since then have changed my tune on deciding to get my son (11) and daughter vaccinated. I am probably (100% certain) that I will be getting both of them vaccindated. In addition, I am also trying to educate others (from whatever I know) on HPV related cancers and how it affects men as well as women.

    So - thanks for taking the lead and getting your sons vaccinated!

    Suzanne
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #13
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    susan0803 said:

    thanks Kimba
    Hi Kim,
    Before my husband was diagnosed with HPV+16 related tonsil cancer, I was dead set against having my daughter (age 12) get vaccinated. I had joined a mailing list and read for years of all the reasons why the vacine was bad, etc, etc.

    Now my whole view of this has been turned upside down. What makes some people have HPV turn into cancer? Is it genetic? If it is, then my husband is one of them which means my kids may be too. Thus, since then have changed my tune on deciding to get my son (11) and daughter vaccinated. I am probably (100% certain) that I will be getting both of them vaccindated. In addition, I am also trying to educate others (from whatever I know) on HPV related cancers and how it affects men as well as women.

    So - thanks for taking the lead and getting your sons vaccinated!

    Suzanne

    Genetics
    Personally, I don't think it's genetic...I just think that we are all constantly exposed to these various and potentially deadly diseases, germs, cells, whatever they are.

    Usually we can fight them off, sometimes not. I'm sure that is still one of the great mysteries. As for cancer, yes there definitely seems to be evidense of genetic potential. Cancers especially like breast cancer within women, and prostate in men.

    Best,
    John
  • Joel4
    Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
    #14
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    Skiffin16 said:

    Genetics
    Personally, I don't think it's genetic...I just think that we are all constantly exposed to these various and potentially deadly diseases, germs, cells, whatever they are.

    Usually we can fight them off, sometimes not. I'm sure that is still one of the great mysteries. As for cancer, yes there definitely seems to be evidense of genetic potential. Cancers especially like breast cancer within women, and prostate in men.

    Best,
    John

    Food for Thought
    I have an 11 year old boy who will be turning 12 soon. I never really thought about the shot but you really have me thinking about it. Thanks for sharing this.
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #15
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    Joel4 said:

    Food for Thought
    I have an 11 year old boy who will be turning 12 soon. I never really thought about the shot but you really have me thinking about it. Thanks for sharing this.

    Thank you Kimba!
    I spoke to my daughter about my two grandson's who just turned 13 & 14. She is totally on board with having it done. I am very open with my kid's & they are the same with me. Sweet
    good for you! It is really too bad about your stepmother. You are correct about teenager's & sex. Sure is happening alot earlier these day's. My daughter talk's to her boy's & gives it to them straight. I wish my mother did the same with me back in the day.
  • Misty2011
    Misty2011 Member Posts: 15
    #16
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    My son is only 3, so don't
    My son is only 3, so don't have to think about it just yet, but for sure will vaccinate him when he is of age. My daughter is 13 and is finishing up her last shot in two weeks. I didn't know boys could be vaccinated, and didn't know that males were at risk of cancers due to HPV. My father was recently diagnosed with hypopharengeal cancer and we were shocked to learn HPV could be a factor. I immediately asked why on earth are we not vaccinating our boys if they can get cancer from this disease too?! The doctor said boys should and that it is in the process of being researched. I hope by the time my son is of age it will be well known as it is now for girls to be vaccinated. I'll tell you one thing, I will tell everyone I can that it needs to be done! Thank you for this valuable information!!!
  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    #17
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    Misty2011 said:

    My son is only 3, so don't
    My son is only 3, so don't have to think about it just yet, but for sure will vaccinate him when he is of age. My daughter is 13 and is finishing up her last shot in two weeks. I didn't know boys could be vaccinated, and didn't know that males were at risk of cancers due to HPV. My father was recently diagnosed with hypopharengeal cancer and we were shocked to learn HPV could be a factor. I immediately asked why on earth are we not vaccinating our boys if they can get cancer from this disease too?! The doctor said boys should and that it is in the process of being researched. I hope by the time my son is of age it will be well known as it is now for girls to be vaccinated. I'll tell you one thing, I will tell everyone I can that it needs to be done! Thank you for this valuable information!!!

    CBS Evening News
    The CBS Evening News on 2-28-11 had a very interesting news story on the connection of HPV and males with Head and Neck Cancer, mostly dealing with tongue and tonsil tumors. Might wanna google CBS Evening News with Katie Couric on that date in a few days when they have it posted. I was amazed at the statistics that were presented.

    Larry
  • Dragons7-7-2010
    Dragons7-7-2010 Member Posts: 79
    #18
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    CajunEagle said:

    CBS Evening News
    The CBS Evening News on 2-28-11 had a very interesting news story on the connection of HPV and males with Head and Neck Cancer, mostly dealing with tongue and tonsil tumors. Might wanna google CBS Evening News with Katie Couric on that date in a few days when they have it posted. I was amazed at the statistics that were presented.

    Larry

    thanks for the info on the news
    Thanks for the information on the CBS evening news I'll see if they show it here on late night or online.
  • iangelica
    iangelica Member Posts: 1
    #19
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    Kimba1505
    Have your two boys
    Kimba1505

    Have your two boys finished all three doses? If so would you share the experience. I have an 11 year old and I don't know if its a good idea because of his age. Did they have any side affects? If so would you share thank you! Will wait for yiur response
  • KareGiver
    KareGiver Member Posts: 301 Member
    #20
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    iangelica said:

    Kimba1505
    Have your two boys
    Kimba1505

    Have your two boys finished all three doses? If so would you share the experience. I have an 11 year old and I don't know if its a good idea because of his age. Did they have any side affects? If so would you share thank you! Will wait for yiur response

    Yes,
    Our daughter (now 20) had the Gardisil shots. Our son (21) should get them but...is it too late? (yes, read between the lines). If I may say, we were upfront with them about the cause of my husband's cancer. Even though we have always been (I think) very frank with them as they were growing up, when we told them about the HPV status of the cancer, they were grossed out but hopefully it made an impression on them. Really, it is our responsibility to AT LEAST inform those close to us. Honestly, I could do better with others. When you say HPV - they hear HIV. I think that is why I avoid it in general...anyway, thanks, Kimba, for bringing this up.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #21
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    I saw this on a news station the other day....

    So glad that the subject is getting more and more attention....hopefully people like Michele Bachmann saw it as well, but then again.


    CDC - MSNBC - Recommend Boys for HPV Vaccine

    And again, a reference that;

    An estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of men and women are infected with HPV in their lifestimes, although most clear the infection without developing symptoms or illness, according to the CDC.

    "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made the recommendation Tuesday in a unanimous vote. Federal health officials usually adopt what the panel says and asks doctors and patients to follow the recommendations."

    JG

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