Lisa Wiest explains how having blood cancer made her eager to get injected with COVID19 monoclonal antibodies.

Blood Cancer Uncensored is pleased to support the international #thisisbloodcancer campaign. Please consider sharing your story of what blood cancer means to you. This can be in text or video format. Email us on bloodcanceruncensored@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on our site.

We made plans to visit Florida a couple of months ago to see some relatives, but then the Delta variant of covid began to blossom there. Friends and relatives alike said, “Don’t come!”.

But then we heard about the governor’s pro-active stance on getting monoclonal antibodies to those who needed them.

In faith I made an appointment for an infusion for the clinic nearby where we are staying.

Then I contacted my hematologist to start the conversation about this, as, in my opinion, ALL states and countries should offer accessibility like Florida has! I was told by my doctor that Regeneron (the most preferred antibody cocktail currently) “is reserved for emergency use”. I sent him proof of the expanded use, with a side note, “if you do not advocate for those of us most vulnerable, who will?”.

He replied, “I sent this information to the infectious disease department”. Finally, I wrote asking for something I could use to get the infusion in Florida and attached a form that Florida was using at first for the referral. It was, in essence, a statement of vulnerability and reason for booster shot, but it was the form they were using. I was disappointed a third time when the response came back, “Lisa, this is a form for a booster shot”, with again nothing to support that he is in favor of this preventative measure.

I replied, “I did some new research and it appears that Florida has changed the requirements again! No referral needed so I will pursue this while I’m in Florida!”. He did not respond to that.

I had the appointment on the morning of September 6. They didn’t even question my out-of-state ID!

It took about two hours but that’s because they offered several 9am appointment slots. Four infusions, two in the stomach, two in the fattiest part of arm (back of arm). I felt the needle each time, the entire time (which did not help with my needle phobia!). During #3, my head got fuzzy, and sound was muffled, so we had to take a break while I guzzled juice and ate snacks. Fortunately, it passed, and the healthcare worker proceeded a bit slower with #4.

Then they moved me to the open one hour recovery area. This is where I realized that chairs placed six feet apart doesn’t seem safe when prospectively surrounded by covid-positive folks, who have their masks off for eating and drinking.

What in the world was I thinking? Actually, I was thinking of our Blood Cancer Uncensored group!!! It’s not like I am trying to be wild and crazy in my personality life, I just feel we need something that gives added protection if our spike antibodies from the vaccine are low!

So, how long is this infusion good? Not very long, apparently! About a month! But it might just help us to get through the Delta variant wave….and then perhaps (based on opportunity/availability) we could get another one when next variant occurs.

And a reminder that more antibody cocktails are in the works, some of which will last longer!

So! Except for me having to wait for a swim in the Gulf of Mexico due to the wounds caused by the infusion sites and some possible nausea in the early morning hours next day, I feel fine.

We might go out, but staying in today with the beach in front of us might be good too!

Join us for Blood Cancer Awareness Month activities!