Starting to (Maybe) Get Back to “Normal”

Beginning in October, I have several advocacy events on my calendar that are scheduled to take place live! A few are local, such as a dinner and a talk at a golf outing for lung cancer research. I am planning to attend ASTRO (American Society for Radiation Oncology) 2021, which will take place near me in downtown Chicago.

However, I also currently have plans to travel by plane for a couple of upcoming events on the East Coast. It’s been a long time since I have been part of non-Zoom advocacy work and while I’m certainly excited, I have some mixed feelings as well, including a bit of anxiety.

Before I traveled all the time

I was “grounded” a little before Covid hit full force in March 2020 due to the lobectomy I had earlier in the year and the accompanying recovery. Prior to then, I traveled often, sometimes several times a month, attending conferences, giving presentations, and providing my patient perspective for research advocacy activities. I loved doing this, especially when it coincided with seeing other members of the lung cancer community. I also loved traveling to visit new locations both in the United States and in other countries with my family.

Still feel nervous about going out

Now things are different...and I no longer feel as confident about going places and being in public spaces. Yes, I have been to restaurants and even traveled a little by car (and once by plane) since Covid started. I have participated in these outings with extreme caution, however, armed with masks and hand sanitizer and fully vaccinated. Following my oncologist’s advice, I even recently got my third shot of the Moderna Covid vaccine to be as protected as possible since I am living with lung cancer.

Despite these three doses of the Moderna vaccine, I still feel a little nervous about attending these more public events. Not nervous enough to stay home, but nervous enough to somewhat reduce my anticipation and enjoyment. While I have been getting together in person with friends and family whom I know well, I have not yet participated in the public gatherings that are part and parcel of advocacy work. I keep reminding myself that one of the reasons why I got a Moderna booster is so that I can continue to live my life with less worry while also living with lung cancer. Rationally, I know that I have a low risk of getting Covid, and an even lower risk of serious side effects or hospitalization as a result of the vaccines.

Be prepared

I am also preparing in other respects for being out in the public again. I got my annual flu shot a couple of weeks ago and have an appointment for my first of a series of two shingles vaccines later this week. In case you are not aware, vaccination against shingles is recommended for all people over the age of 50. It’s a series of two inoculations, given two to six months apart. I know quite a few people who have actually contracted shingles and the pain and burning rash do not sound fun!

Pneumonia shots are also recommended at this time of the year, although only for those who are over 65 years old or those who are considered at higher risk. As a person living with lung cancer, I have already received both of my pneumonia vaccinations although I am younger than the recommended age range because I am considered to have a higher than normal risk. If you haven’t yet, you might want to check with your oncologist about vaccinations for the flu, shingles, and pneumonia as we draw near winter.

I plan to approach my upcoming live events knowing that I am as prepared as possible and that I have availed myself of all opportunities to reduce my chances of coming down with an illness. Please wish me luck!

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on June 23, 2024, Ivy Elkins passed away. Ivy’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.