HER2/Neu Positive with Rheumatoid Arthritis

karla2011

I've been dealing with Rheumatoid arthritis and was on Enbrel for about a year.  I was getting to the point where it seemed as though nothing worked.  My doctor was going to switch me to another biologic medicine and took me off the Enbrel which is when I discovered the tumor in my breast.  It makes me wonder if the HER2/Neu part of my cancer is the result of the Enbrel since it showed up so quickly.  Does anyone else out there have a similar circumstance?

pinkpalette

Hi karla, I have RA and did not take Enbrel or other bio meds., in spite of my rheum. doc insistence due to fear of the big C.  I have been on Nsaids plus other meds for nearly 30 yrs.  I have wondered if my RA and treatment may have been the cause of BC.  I am also Her2+ er/pr-.  Had a lot of concern over Lymph nodes lighting up in pet scan.  My Rheumatologist said this is normal with RA.  Onc did not buy it.  I had 5 nodes removed all negative - but were lit as positive.  Did you have same issue? 

Sorry cannot answer about Enbrel.  I was afraid of it.  Now that I have BC, I guess that treatment is out for me.

Good luck with your RA and BC treatment.  It is a challenge for me with chemo drugs.

karla2011

Hi Pinkpalette,

Haven't had a pet scan. In fact due to start chemo in about a week and a half.  Had 4 nodes removed, all negative.  Very nervous about chemo as the RA was a challenge in itself with pain and fatigue.  I too didn't want to start the enbrel because of the big C and put it off for 2 years but felt I had no other option.  Now I wonder if the chemo drugs will settle the RA down or not.  I'm due to start a TCH regimen every third week for 18 weeks.  I hope all goes well with your treatment and recovery too. Thanks for responding.  

pinkpalette

Karla, my onc. says that RA will go into remission during chemo.  I was on Methotrexate prior to starting chemo and he took me off it.  I am only taking nsaid Naproxen for pain.  When I started chemo, I take steroids for side effects.  Odd to me that I took them for my RA in the past.  So far, I am feeling pretty good.  I feel a little puffy and swollen in my joints and I believe that might be because of the steroids. Otherwise, I am not in as much pain as I would expect. I've had 2 TCH chemo doses so far, along with Herceptin weekly. 

Wishing you well as you prepare to start chemo.  It isn't too bad!  I hope you also get some relief from your RA!