3/15/21: I Got My 1st Dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine

My hospital network has been sending me regular emails about the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They've been exceptional at communication, letting me know what groups are eligible when, and what to expect from the hospital. 

On February 23, I got an email saying that, based on my medical records, I am now eligible for the vaccine because I have two medical conditions that put me at increased risk for serious illness. I was a little surprised because I thought breast cancer was my only qualifiying medical condition. Looking at the CDC list of certain medical conditions, I think the hospital must be counting the loss of heart function that I experienced while on Herceptin as a "heart condition". The email said that once the hospital could confirm their vaccine supply, they would send another email with an invitation to make an appointment. 

Two days later, I got an email with a link to schedule an appointment. The link was specific to me, and I never had to enter my name or any personal information at all. Literally all I had to do was select a location (out of 11 possible sites), a date, and a time. Once my appointment was scheduled, I immediately got a confirmation email with a link for further information. The hospital's vaccination information site is clear and straightforward and includes maps, driving directions, parking information, basically everything I needed so I knew what to expect. The process was so smooth, it's really reprehensible that the state web site for public vaccination centers has been such a disaster. 

I took the earliest available date, which was 3 weeks away at the time.

So today I had my appointment! I went to my chosen site, which was actually the hospital's records building. The entire process from check-in to the 15-minute observation period was seamless. I got the Moderna vaccine, and made my appointment to get the 2nd dose in 4 weeks. 

The nurse who gave me my shot was super kind and helpful. I told her I had heard that a potential side effect - swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area - can be confused as a symptom of breast cancer, and I had seen an article recommending that patients who have had lymph nodes removed on both sides (as I have) should request to get the shot in a leg instead, which would help prevent lymphedema and also avert the potentially alarming side effect problem. The vaccines were being administered in curtained off areas, so there was enough privacy for me to pull down my pants if I needed to, but since I've had injections in my arm before (like the flu shot), how important is the leg recommendation really? She was very attentive and said she didn't know, so she went to ask the pharmacist. When she came back, she said she spoke with both the pharmacist and the physician assistant, and they said getting the shot in the leg wasn't necessary because I didn't have a lot or all of the underarm lymph nodes removed, and also because I don't have a history of injections in the arm being a problem. 

I got the shot in my left arm, since I had fewer lymph nodes removed on that side. The nurse told me not to worry if I get a rash at the injection site, a common side effect of the Moderna vaccine. She recommended drinking extra water to stay hydrated, and said I can use ice or a cold compress if the injection site hurts, or I can gently massage the area, if that helps.

So far my left arm is feeling very sore. I actually can't even raise my arm over my head because the injection site hurts so much. My arm is achy all the way down to my left hand, and I have this odd sensation like there is something cold running through my veins.