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COVID protocols are helping immunocompromised cancer patients (Article)

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Posted 11/15/2020 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Short but useful article on how the socially imposed anti-infection protocols of COVID response are benefiting immunocompromised cancer patients as well.

The point of the article is that all the preventative things we are now doing to keep the COVID virus at bay are also helping those especially susceptible to infection because of cancer-related immunodeficiencies. This is discussed.

But it is also noted that

" ... at some point, some of the recently imposed safety precautions will begin to ease. Therefore, it’s important that cancer patients maintain consistent communication with their doctors to make sure they’re up-to-date on current (anti-infection) recommendations.”

It also notes

"Many of us have become accustomed (because of COVID restrictions) to increased communication via phone and video chats, and we can provide needed emotional support for cancer patients by continuing to utilize these methods with similar frequency in the future.”

https://cancer.osu.edu/blog/lessons-for-cancer-patients-from-the-pandemic#!
Posted 11/15/2020 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
"Many of us have become accustomed (because of COVID restrictions) to increased communication via phone and video chats, and we can provide needed emotional support for cancer patients by continuing to utilize these methods with similar frequency in the future.”

#######

are we talking to older people here?

the world has been communicating differently for years with the advent of the internet and smart phone. at my age I have plenty of acquaintances who have been left behind....tho I do know covid restrictions are helping to bring some of them around.

we now have 12 step meetings only via zoom. there are obvious drawbacks especially for new people seeking help and old technophobes but i'd say it's been a success and I can attend a meeting anywhere in the world without leaving my home.
Posted 11/16/2020 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Let's hope that the severity of the flu will also be less this season.
Posted 11/16/2020 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think you will see the use of masks long after we get a handle on Covid-19. The flu will still remain as a significant killer. Because it's now socially acceptable to wear a face covering, thousands of lives may be saved.
Posted 11/17/2020 5:23 PM (GMT 0)

Teaching at school, I wonder if our school nurse is seeing fewer cases of the usual student cases of "sniffles, colds, fevers, flu, and strep throat" due to social distancing, mask wearing, no school assemblies, greater hygiene protocols, intense janitorial cleaning measures, at-home online students, and hybrid learning days --- with fewer students at school.

Typically, our school nurse is swamped, every school day --- maybe she can have a coffee break, once or twice this year!

C-Y-C-L-O-N-E ---- # Iowa State University
Posted 11/17/2020 10:39 PM (GMT 0)

Sr Sailor said...
Let's hope that the severity of the flu will also be less this season.

I was just going to say that, and, I believe, it will slow it dramatically, with so many wearing masks, washing their hands, maintaining distance, etc.
Posted 11/17/2020 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
If we work at it, maybe we can get to the point of no one ever having to go outside.
Posted 11/17/2020 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry. I promised myself I wouldn’t do this. I’ve been good for the most part! 😊
Posted 11/18/2020 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
I never really asked the oncologist, but when is our immune system compromised? Is it when we have Pca? When we are receiving chemo/radiation? When we are being treated with Lupron/Zytiga? Or all the above?
Posted 11/18/2020 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
mr bill -

Very good question. Just what exactly does "immunocompromised" really mean?

Going to the National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/

and searching the word yields:

"Having a weakened immune system. People who are immunocompromised have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant. Also called immunosuppressed."

A definition which, to my layman's ears, seems a bit unspecific (for example, what does "reduced ability" mean?), at least in terms of practical application to a particular situation.

But maybe the lack of specificity is intentional?
Posted 11/19/2020 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
I guess that when we are on a series of chemo treatments and we are hit with neutropenia we can say we have compromised immune system. However, was unsure about the other treatments. Intentional lack of specificity is definitely a problem.
Posted 11/19/2020 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Son in Law is a Nurse Practitioner in the local ER. He says the incidence of flu/strep infections is down. He credits masks/distancing. Unfortunately, the number of folks being hospitalized for covid have gone up dramatically in the last few days.
Posted 11/22/2020 1:56 PM (GMT 0)

Will echo comrade Mr. Bill's reference to compromised immunity for any of us who went through chemotherapy treatment.

After my first infusion, I developed neutropenia, signalling compromised immunity --- and then needed NEULASTA injections to help bolster immunity.

During those months of chemotherapy treatments, I remember my doctor saying that if I spiked a fever, he wanted to see me immediately.

A few years later, I pursued radiation, and my doctor watched over me during those treatments, as well.

I think that being an oncology patient, our doctors are always mindful of all aspects of our health and well-being.

I have ramped up my trail walks and have focused more on fresh fruits and vegetables, to maintain my health goals & maintain immunity.

Stay safe --- stay active -- stay strong!

C-Y-C-L-O-N-E ~~~ # Iowa State University
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