Anyone with TNBC and multiple chronic illnesses?

Jacy737

Hello,

I'm new to this forum. Was diagnosed with TNBC, Stage 4 in breast and one (possibly two) lymph nodes about 10 days ago. My Oncologist wants me to start Chemo and radiation right away but I (and my family) are really concerned about a number of pre-existing conditions that I have including: lupus, CTD, Raynaud's, Lyme, and, two secondary skin conditions. I also have had terrible time with osteoporosis from long term prednisone resulting in 23 "spontaneous fractures" (including right hip, low back, right foot, and numerous ribs, etc.).

I have such thin and allergy sensitive skin (probably all from long term prednisone) and have a 'foreign body' reaction to almost anything they put in or on my body for very long. IV catheters or ports usually have to be removed within 4 to 8 hours due to extreme redness, irritation, swelling, etc., My Oncologist wants to put a port in my chest but We're so concerned it will have to come right back out and I only have one 'good' vein in right arm. Oh, also, I've had Angina bouts and several mild heart attacks (from the prednisone as well).

Has or is, anyone going through this diagnosis with other pre-existing chronic illnesses or autoimmune diseases, and if so, would you be willing to share about how you are doing? Are you having more flare-ups from the Chemo and/or radiation? Has your Doctor taken any steps toward keeping your other health conditions from getting worse?

Right now it feels as if we have no road maps or directions since being diagnosed with TNBC and how my other chronic health conditions will fare once I start the Chemo and/or radiation.

Thank you for any insights you might be able to share.

Lost and still in 'shock' in Texas.

Moderators

Dear Jacy, we're sorry you have to be here for this reason... but wanted to say welcome! You'll find BCO a wealth of support and knowledge.

Related to what you're asking, there is a forum that you may be interested to read/join. Is called Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity. There you'll meet others who have breast cancer but also have another health diagnosis.

Also recommend the Stage IV and Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY forum if you want to connect with members with the same stage of disease.

Hope this helps! Please, let us know who you're doing.

The Mods

dtad

Jacy737 Hi just to let you know there is a thread for bc with other diagnosis. Heres my story.... I was diagnosed with stage one bc in March of this year. I've been struggling with several chronic autoimmune diseases for the last 15 years. The worst being an autoimmune polyneuropathy which renders pain throughout my body. We are not the cookie cutter breast cancer patient. I find it really frustrating that most docs treat us just like any other person with great cancer. IMO quality of life is my most important concern. I also take prednisone which as you know has terrible side effects. Unfortunately I can't function without it. I have refused chemo and anti hormone treatment but did have a BMX. I would be happy to talk to you in more detail. Just private message me. Take care and good luck.....

Moderators

Bumping for more responses to Jacy's questions

Anonymous

Hi Jacey, Welcome to BCO. So very sorry for the reason you have to be here.

You mentioned you were diagnosed stage 4.That confused me just a bit because you also said it is in your breast and possibly a couple of nodes. Did they find cancer anywhere else?? Stage 4 means the cancer has spread to distant tissues or organs. An example would be liver or lungs. It is important to know so we can direct you to the appropriate thread.

I have RA and have a complicated past history of infections and surgeries. Luckily, I was able to find a MO that tailored my treatment plan around my past history. I think it's VERY important you find a MO that will do that, and also work with your current doctor that is treating your autoimmune disease. One good thing to keep in mind is that TN responds very well to chemo. I was originally supposed to have 6 rounds of chemo. Four before surgery and two after surgery. Unfortunately I have a fistula from past surgeries that filled with fluid during chemo, and my MO was worried it would get infected. Therefore, I only did four rounds. Those four rounds shrunk my TN tumor to almost nothing before surgery. My RA went into remission during chemo. I was hit pretty hard with flares after treatment, and I continue to deal with getting that under control, but it does get better every day. I also did four chemos and a year of Herceptin with NO PORT. Due to my past history of wound infections, we thought we would try it without a port for as long as possible. It was challenging but the best option for me. These are tough choices we have to make taking into account our past.

I won't go into my complicated history here, but if you'd like more information, please feel free to send me a PM. We do face special challenges after being treated with all of the steroids and other medications to keep our autoimmune disease in check. I'm living proof that we CAN go through treatment and come out the other side without any major infections. My MO kept a close watch on everything and studied my chart for hours on end. He was extremely nervous about the fistula. I hope you're able to find one that will take into account your WHOLE history.

I hope some of this helps. Best wishes and gentle hugs to you!!

belib3405

Hey I have TNBC recently diagnosed in August 2015. I also have Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, and high blood pressure. I have a port in my chest and it's the best thing to get my treatment and blood drawn through. I'm still going through chemo, and I have radiation therapy next. I do alot of praying. So look to the hills to wish your health come from. And no this is not our battle it's the lord. Stay strong. Belinda from Florida

Moderators

Hi Belinda,

Welcome to the BCO community!

We're glad to see that you've reached out to others to share your experience.

Here's a link to a couple of threads that you might like to join while you're here.

Calling all TN'S

Preparing for Radiation Therapy

We hope to see you back here again soon to let us know how you're getting on.

Best wishes to you,

The Mods.