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7 Women with Breast Cancer Share Their COVID-19 Vaccination Experiences

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Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

by Elinor Hills

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Medically Reviewed by:

Megan Soliman, MD

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by Elinor Hills

•••••

Medically Reviewed by:

Megan Soliman, MD

•••••

•••••

Bezzy BC community members describe their experiences getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

For many people living with chronic health conditions, the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine can feel overwhelming.

If you’re immunocompromised, you may be nervous about the side effects of the vaccine.

However, being immunocompromised also comes with a greater risk of developing more severe COVID-19 complications and requiring hospitalization.

Whether you are currently undergoing treatment or have completed treatment for breast cancer, you likely have questions about how the vaccine may affect you.

Talking with your doctor is a great first step to figure out the best time to receive your vaccination. There are a few specific instances when a doctor may suggest adjusting the timing of your medication.

If your doctor has recommended that you get the vaccine, but you still feel anxious or confused, that is perfectly understandable, too.

It can be helpful to hear from others who understand the emotions you are feeling firsthand.

We asked Bezzy BC community members about how they felt receiving their COVID-19 vaccines. Here’s what they had to say.

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‘The side effects were minimal’

“I have had both shots of Moderna. I only experienced a sore arm with the first shot. After the second shot, I had no side effects. I am glad I got the vaccine.” — Anonymous

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‘I wanted peace of mind for my family’

“I have had both shots. Minimum side effects. I wanted to do it for my family. Everyone was so worried they would give the virus to me… so now no worries!” — Cynthia

‘I feel more protected during chemotherapy’

“I actually received my first shot of the Pfizer vaccine while I was still doing chemo. I only had two rounds left and my oncologist encouraged me to get it. He said it wouldn’t cause harm because of the chemo.

“Chemo may make the vaccine not quite as effective, but it will still offer a lot of protection. If you still contract COVID-19 after being vaccinated, it decreases the chances of death.

“My rationale is: I’m not going to endure all these treatments with awful side effects and changes to my body to survive cancer only to die from a virus!” — Jessica

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‘The process was safe and easy’

“I felt very safe. I showed up at my local hospital where they had parking spaces for the vaccine center only. I was given hand sanitizer and a fresh mask if I wanted it.

“Everything was spaced far apart. Everything was like a well-oiled machine. From parking to getting the actual shot was maybe 15 minutes, tops. Then I waited 30 minutes to monitor for a reaction and left.

“I came home, had lunch, and took a nap. I was feeling sleepy.” — Monica Haro, BC Healthline Community Guide

‘My 102-year-old grandmother and I both felt fine!’

“My doctors highly recommended getting vaccinated. I’ve already had both shots. I’m still on immunotherapy infusions with Herceptin and Perjeta. Plus, I was in radiation during my first shot.

“I had the Moderna shots and everything went just fine. I went to get vaccinated with my 102-year-old grandmother. She didn’t skip a beat and felt fine with both shots too!” — Montana35

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‘The side effects made me feel confident in my immune system’

“I had both shots of Pfizer. I experienced fever, headache, chills, and fatigue for about 24 hours. But I also heard that a reaction is good because it shows your immune system kicked in.” — Linda Lee

‘I’m not taking any chances!’

“I took the vaccine as soon as I could get an appointment. I haven’t gone through surgery and chemo and radiation in the hopes of getting rid of my cancer, only to die from COVID-19 if a vaccine can prevent it!” — June R.

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The takeaway

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine may feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t need to be scary.

If you’re looking for a community that understands what you’re going through as you navigate vaccines while living with cancer, the Bezzy BC community has your back.

Article originally appeared on Apirl 23, 2021 on Bezzy’s sister site, Healthline. Last medically reviewed on April 27, 2021.

Medically reviewed on April 23, 2021


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Connect with thousands of members and find support through daily live chats, curated resources, and one-to-one messaging.

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About the author

Elinor Hills

Elinor Hills has an MSc in Medical Anthropology and is passionate about the intersection of emotional well-being and physical health. Outside of work, she is an avid runner and enjoys yoga, photography, and drawing.

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