Why do patients accept chemotherapy, but not flu shots?

Fall brings school buses, a freshening breeze and an avalanche of meetings.  There are seasonal sales, myriad projects and the splendor of colored leaves.  The season is also announced, again and again, by a particular peculiar and perilous decision, which, no matter how much I try, I do not fully understand. Frankly, I just don’t get it. “Jane, it is time to start chemotherapy.” “What are the side effects?” “Well, this is powerful chemotherapy.  It is necessary to cure your cancer.  It will cause hair loss. It will cause a drop in your blood counts.  It might cause severe diarrhea.  There might be numbness of your hands and feet… that can be permanent.  It can damage the muscle of your heart.  You could be allergic.  You may require blood transfusions or be hospitalized.  When we finish the chemo, we will start radiation.  Do you want to hear about the radiation?” “No, that’s OK.  I think I have heard enough.  That is really scary, but thank you for telling me.  How soon can we begin?  I want to start right away.” “We can start in a couple days. First, there are a few things to do. You need blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy, an MRI of your brain with intravenous contrast, a MUGA scan, a PET scan with radioactive dye and the placement of a Mediport.” “A Mediport?” “That is a catheter surgically implanted under your skin, and the other end goes to the right side of your heart.  It is best way to give chemo.” “Oh, OK … can w...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Medications Source Type: blogs