Getting my flu vaccine!
Today I received my flu vaccine. I have a reduced immune system due to my multiple myeloma and anemia and an infection can have dire consequences. It was just a year ago I was on chemo and right now I’m counting down to chemo 5, which I expect next year.
These are the 3 flu viruses that my vaccine will protect me from:
- A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus
My flu vaccine occurs annually (2013 blogpost) on the recommendation of my Hematologist. What is really helpful is that in British Columbia, anyone in a high risk group can get a free flu vaccine, such as:
- Seniors 65 years and older
- Children and adults with certain medical conditions, including:
- Heart or lung disorders that require regular medical care, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cystic fibrosis
- Kidney disease, chronic liver disease such as hepatitis, diabetes, cancer, anemia, or weakened immune system
The cost would have been $25 for me, which I could not afford. I’m happy that this task is over for another year. My arm is sore, but it is all good.
To recap: I have Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer. It is incurable, but treatable. From February to November 2013, I received Velcade chemo through weekly in-hospital injections as an outpatient. It was a challenging year.
I also love photography and use it for personal health and healing. You can view my photos on Pinterest.
Here is a photo from Coal Harbour in Vancouver.
February 2014: Vancouver Harbour Water Airport
Staying positive!
The post Countdown to chemo 5: Today I got my flu vaccine appeared first on Fade to Play.