Re: RA & cancer

[Guest guest]

Doggone wrote -

> Ethel, one of the reasons I am so depressed is that I have been exposed to

> so much radiation this year, and radiation causes cancer.

Certainly radiation can be a problem but so can eating steaks grilled over

high heat. We are all being exposed to potentially carcinogenic substances

all of the time - most of them beyond our control. We need to do whatever

we can to limit that exposure, but allowing ourselves to be depressed over

the situation may only exacerbate the illness we are trying to overcome.

> with RA are often sent for x-rays and CAT scans. Could THAT be the

> connection?

That could be a connection but it isn't what I was referring to.

>

> Have the people you listed been exposed to a lot of x-rays, CAT scans or

> mammograms?

I'm sure they've had some of these diagnositic procedures but I don't know

to what extent.

Ethel

>

[Guest guest]

I so hope it is not RA. My story is the opposite. I was under treatment RA

with Remicade for 4 years when I got breast cancer. The chemo knocked out the

RA. But, I can't find out for how long. I am so concerned that the RA will

return. One thing in your favor, the RA treatments are so much better now. I

was actually to the point of being symptom free as long as I keep on schedule

with Remicade. Best of luck. Fern

>

> Hello

> glad I have found you here

> I had jra as a child and not too much trouble as a an adult just your

> typical joint pain nor and then last year I was dx with stage 3

> breast cancer and had to do chemo and surgery and radiation was

> starting to feel better and last week I had a bad flare up. First

> one in over 30 years, both knees could hadly walk get up off the

> toilet(i know tmi) and hands also

> Went to my oncologist and she thinks it is rheumatoid and chemo has

> caused me to come out remission or not sure what you call it

> I am a 38 year old female and just freaking out. I know immediately

> what was going on, I do not know why but knew something was not

> right. I had lots of pain thru cancer treatment but it wasnt like

> this. I am having a new pet can Tuesday to make sure it is not the

> cancer that has spread to the bones but I do not think it is. I am

> sure it is the rheumatoid. I have started predisone five day pack

> yesterday and noticed a slight difference today. Also woke with a

> killer headache

> How do they treat it, I had blood work done yesterday so will know

> more this week. I am very bummed, I just wanted to move on after

> breast cancer it has been so hard on my husband and son and now

> this. My oncologist said that the predisone pack would be a quick

> fix and I would start to get worse again soon but she just wanted to

> get me feeling a little better and I am grateful for that. Any adive

> would be helpful, I know alot about rheumatoid just do not know how

> they treat it now. Thank you so much

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Fern - As worrisome as it is to not know if your RA symptoms will return, try

not to worry. Stress is one of the biggest factors that can and will bring on a

flare. Breathe in... Breathe out... You are doing wonderfully! Don't look a gift

horse in the mouth!

I am glad you're here with us. Please feel free to share your experiences with

the RA prior to your breast cancer. I will continue to pray that nothing (RA or

cancer) returns. You've been through enough. Perhaps God is saying, " Ok, Fern.

Just live and be happy now. "

May God continue to Bless you.....Doreen

I so hope it is not RA. My story is the opposite. I was under treatment RA

with Remicade for 4 years when I got breast cancer. The chemo knocked out the

RA. But, I can't find out for how long. I am so concerned that the RA will

return. One thing in your favor, the RA treatments are so much better now. I

was actually to the point of being symptom free as long as I keep on schedule

with Remicade. Best of luck. Fern