Breast Cancer as a ‘Side Effect’

KeepingItReal2000

I'm curious if anyone else in the community has a similar situation and if so, how you've dealt with it.

At 19 I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and received massive doses of cobalt radiation to my neck and torso. I'm now 47 and have problems from thyroid to innumerable skin cancers to two diagnoses of ADH resulting in lumpectomies, my most recent just last week.

I know this is my path but it's beginning to wear on me. Anyone else out there dealing with breast cancer as a seemingly inevitable 'side effect'?

marijen

Hi, there’s not much discussion here about HL and BC so I looked it up for you. According to the American Cancer Society there is a possibility of other cancers including BC. One place I read that inflammation is the common denominator but that was with NHL and BC and a gene called ATM. There is also a thread here. Autoimmune and Breast Cancer.

Not good news, I’m sorry
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/aft...

vlnrph

Hi from a fellow WI resident! You are in a sadly overlooked group I’m afraid.

If a search is done on the word ‘Hodgkin’, you can see who has posted previously. The next step would be sending private messages to those individuals because they may not be real active on these boards and therefore might not see this topic. Have you found any national organizations addressing the issues?

It was certainly true that, decades ago, radiation was given in higher doses and the machines could not focus or aim with the precision available now. So, fallout was inevitable (pun intended, sorry). There was also an attitude that put the emphasis on treating the disease that was present with little regard for the future. The patient was supposed to be happy they were able to survive, never mind about long term impact...

KeepingItReal2000

Thank you for your input, ladies. I meet with my oncologist Monday and will try finding access to a support group. American Cancer Society has documented guidelines for adults treated for cancer as children and young adults. It's very comprehensive (and depressing). They recommend reviewing it with my oncologist so we'll start there too.

BrendaAnderson

Take proper health care treatments and consult a good doctor.