Diag. with Ovarian cancer,(had to stop all previous meds, including MTX & Plq). Have had RA since yr 2000, fairly well in remission, BUT just started Chemotherapy, which has now started RA flares. Quite a quandry.. Has ANYONE had to deal with cancer treatments & RA?, If so any advice would be helpful. ThanksWaddles and Lennie have both had RA & BC - you might want to talk to them - I"m afraid they know the drill fairly well.
My mom just finished up treatment for breast cancer. Her RA/Fibro did
flare and now she is having a hard time with it. The radiation seemed to
be what triggered it. Dr. said that it is not unusual. They haven't started
her back on meds. as far as I know.
Sorry I can't be more help. I hope that your flares diminish-you have
enough on your plate!
BeckyNancy! I got no words. I am suffering from JRA myself from 7 years now and presently in a bad flareup state.
But knowing what you are going through makes me realise that we have to keep fighting on! I so hope you come out of this soon. And I have always believed that we will have a good life after a while.
Lots of regards to
Waddles and Lennie too!!
Nancy,
I had Ovarian / Uterine cancer 22 years ago, breast cancer 7 years ago. However, per my medical records my RA started 7 years ago after my treatments although it wasn't pursued or treated until 5 years ago. I do believe that my RA was brought on by a lot of this and I was treated and diagnosed with Addison's (an autoimmune disease of the adrenals) at the same time that they had done my mastectomy (from what I understand my body was under too much stress for my adrenals and endocrine system to keep up with).
I don't know if this helps answer any of your questions but, I thought I would at least let you know that you aren't / weren't alone !!!!
Hang in there and be sure to keep us all posted !!!!!
*hugs*
Olive
Hi Nancy,
I had skin cancer two and a half years ago. Two months after my fourth surgery on my face, I was diagnosed with RA. I am now on medication that makes me more sensitive to the sun so wear heavy duty sunscreen and a hat. I do think there is a connection between RA and cancers and I know that being on the biologics increases our risk of some cancers like lymphoma.
I have had Breast Cancer treated with a Bilateral Mastectomy, TAC chemo, Radiation and now on Arimidex............after a year of complaining about muscle and joint pain........The oncologist dx as "Severe Depression" The Neurologist did A blood test and found I had RA..........I don't know which came first..BC or RA..........Does any one know of a connection? Because I would like to be able to go back to the oncolgist and tell him a thing or two............