mom with rheumatoid arthritis has been diagnosed

audry

I learned that my mother, 67, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I just don't get it.  I'm waiting for the really bad feelings to come but they're not.

My friends I think are trying to cheer me up by being goofy and non-chalant and it's making me upset.  Like their jolly attitude is going to make me feel distracted and happy?  I find it a little insulting.

Anyway, my mom has rheumatoid arthritis and her body has been severely weakened by the disease and I don't know how she is going to handle the chemo.

Has anyone gone through chemo with another disease?  Or even RA?

 Thanks. 

Roja1955

Audry:  I have RA for 25 years now.  I was dx with bc in 2003.  Chemo actually took my RA symptoms away!  I actually looked at the chemo as a blessing in kicking this ca to the curb, and helping my RA.  Of course, after treatment things do change, but I never really have had a severe case of RA.  Also, just to let you know, the aromatase inhibitors (if your mom is ER/PR+), may be recommended.  These just made my RA flare.  I'm wishing your mom does well with her chemo and RA.  Good luck.

concernedgd

hi audry,

my grandmother, 70 years old, was just diagnosed with breast cancer and also has RA.  she's fearful of chemo because of all the pain she's had.  i believe her cancer is stage 1, which helps her odds, however, i'm concerned about the same thing you are, how will it affect her immune system because of RA?  she's scheduled for a masectomy at the end of november.  any suggestions of where i could find additional info?