Best Of

@threetree Forgot to respond to your questions… Yes, I experienced mild cramping on Xeloda but no noticeable fluid retention.

Thanks for all your responses to my post. Maybe I am not as social as I thought. Prior to cancer, and when I was younger, I did enjoy being in the buzz of activity. But now, with the cancer, and older, and my mobility issues with the arthritis, I don't really miss going to the "latest" activity. Maybe older and wiser? Who knows. I just do not see myself being in the large crowds that were posted in the pics on Facebook concerning that fundraiser dinner. I don't want to go to activities like that bad enough to put my health at risk. Not worth it. And I will get back to attending church when the illnesses abate. And I can call my friends and go to lunch with them when there is not as much sickness around. I will have a better time if I am not concerned as much about the person sitting at the next table. Oh, don't get me wrong, I do miss some social gatherings. But not enough to risk my health.

Hi Candy. Since I am on active chemo right now I give social interractions a miss, and am diligent with hand washing and masks at the hospital. I got the flu shot but as you said it is the wrong strain. I haven't had a Covid booster in a couple of years. My DD is an ER nurse at a children's hospital and she said the numbers of flu patients are very high. Unfortunately both she and my DGD are sick right now in spite of our best efforts so they will stay downstairs. They have a kitchen and plenty of room and light and access to outside so it is a good set-up for them. We run home air filters when one of them are sick and I think it helps. It is the most anyone can do. If I still get sick, I will deal with it.

Hi @candy-678 -so good to hear from you. While I have very low ANC (it was .5 on a recent test), I rarely get sick. I think low ANC on IV chemo is very dangerous but low ANC on targeted treatments is not based on my personal experience. I consider my mental health to be just as important if not more than my physical health. Part of the way I stay mentally healthy is by seeing people in person, particularly since I live alone. I would not dream of not going out to lunch with friends unless one of them was sick, then I would pass. On Friday and Saturday, I worked a large convention-8000 people. Some of my coworkers chose to mask, I did not. One coworker mentioned that her grandchildren had the flu on Friday-she was sitting right next to me at lunch, so that gave me pause but I don't expect to get anything. I am vigilant about handwashing and if someone is actively coughing, I move away but that is it. I think being around lots of people helps to keep my immune system strong by being exposed to various germs. I also am careful to get enough sleep and try to eat well. So far it works for me and I am much happier when I socialize in moderation. (I got the flu shot this year but haven't had Covid boosters in 5 years due to a bad reaction on my second booster).

Nice to hear from you @candy-678 . I personally would not go at the best of times. I have not had a flu shot yet myself and there is the fact I am a homebody.

@candy-678 - Nice to see a post from you. I get it about the social avoidance, but I have to say I'm not that careful and sometimes I think I should be. I too got the flu shot, but not the Covid booster. I hear the flu is pretty bad this year, and that the shot isn't a particularly good match this time around, so many who got the shot are still getting sick. Ever since the big Covid scare passed, I've slacked off on masking, etc. I just plain forget. I've been to my medical clinic a couple of times recently and when I get there I see a sign that say "masks required", and I think, "Oh darn, I forgot!" and take and use one of theirs, when I normally would have worn my own. I think we all have to do what we are individually comfortable with, and I think your current reaction makes a lot of sense, given the current environment. Again, really nice to see you post.