The Corona & Me

When I say corona and me. I mean us, as cancer fighters.

What is Coronavirus?

The coronavirus is a flu-like virus. It causes an illness called COVID-19 which can affect your lungs and airways. For most the virus won’t cause serious problems. But for some the virus can have serious complications.

People with cancer/undergoing chemotherapy or just finished having treatment are at risk. This is because some cancers and cancer treatment weakens immune systems. 

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

a cough

a high temperature

shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

Government 

The GOV guidelines set out on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults sum up what’s going on in my life right now. 

“We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are:

1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
3. Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to the employer guidance for more information
4. Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
6. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Me, myself & I.

My last bloods that were taken before surgery, my white blood count had a 40% improvement. That was 6 weeks post my last treatment. Would my body be able to fight this virus? Who knows? 

I am following NHS advice to reduce my risk of catching the coronavirus because I fall into the category of recently having cancer treatment. 

So I’m doing what I have been told. 

However I do have a hospital appointment on Thursday 19th March for my pathology results from the surgery. I also have a cardiologist appointment to get me back on the heart medication and an ultrasound of my heart. But the advice from the government is contact your GP/clinician to consider whether appointments can be postponed.

*Since writing this, I did get a phone all saying my cardiologist appointment has been cancelled. I phoned the breast department and they said as far as they are aware appointments will go ahead!*

I did ask if I could have consultation over the phone but they said as it is dressings too they would need to do those as well. 

But as far as social distancing goes, I haven’t yet killed my husband to be and I’m definitely taking the governments advice and being sensible, clean and avoiding mass gatherings. 

Does give me a bit of anxiety about our wedding. I know it’s the end of July and the venue has been amazing at keeping me in the loop with everything that the government are saying. At the moment it is still happening, but it is early days yet! Unfortunately one of my school friends wedding, which was suppose to be next week has been postponed. But as soon as we are told otherwise we will do what we have to! 

Anyway, back into my bubble and to wash my hands.