Recovery Tip #9, pneumonia, bronchitis, and kids

I think it is recovery tip #9. It could be 10 or it could be 8, but I’m pretty sure it is #9. Anyway, it’s one of those.

Those of us with Burkitt’s Lymphoma have discovered that there is a big immunodeficiency component in this flavor of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). It has been my experience that this immuno-thing is kind of chronic and seems to stay with you long after the last dose of chemo.

Since I finished chemo I have had to battle two really bad cases of bronchitis. One required extensive antibiotics and the other a top-off of Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). So it probably is a good idea to do a couple of things.

1.      Protect yourself from infected people and avoid kids. I think kids are germ machines sent to test us with their cuteness.

2.      Find out what the rules are from your insurance company for IVIG treatments. That IVIG stuff is a lifesaver.

3.      Get inoculations. Most insurance cover them and they could keep you alive.  

No kidding. This upper respiratory stuff is a big deal and you need to be cautious and leaning forward.

Guess that’s it!

Peace