Thread by @MarcusBlimi

I know this is purely anecdotal and observational but maybe it’ll help some folks feel better about getting vaccinated.

I care for several hundred cancer patients at my clinic and i got them all vaccinated with the help of some volunteers who secured them appointments.

Cancer patients know what’s up: they possess none of the arrogance and disregard for disease shown by so many others. They understand immune systems and susceptibility. And they have long, close relationships with me, which helped in forging trust and discussing the vaccine.

So, close to 99% of my cancer patients got vaccinated.

And, as happens in cancer care, they continued to see me - weekly, biweekly, monthly. Some come several times a week (for chemo and close follow up).

Many suffered the expected side effects. They felt sick, tired, achy.

None of them had any trouble after the first 2 days. I do full physical exams and ROS.

They did not develop adverse effects.

They did not die.

I lost a few to cancer - but it was a steady progression towards end of life, marked by pain, lack of eating, altered mental status.

I did, however, lose a few patients to COVID, and it was immediate. They didn’t stand a chance. They weren’t vaccinated - they never had time to get it.

I am comforted by having watched several hundred cancer patients get vaccinated through their treatment, and remain safe.

My early stage patients achieved cure as expected, my late stage patients hovered or progressed.

The vaccine did not injure them, and aside from clinical trials I have a hard time imagining such intense and close follow up in other settings.

The vaccines did allow them to see their loved ones, leave their homes, and remain alive.

So, as long as we’re all sharing observational experiences of the vaccine, here’s mine.

✌🏽