Compromised Immune Systems

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dsub
dsub Member Posts: 37
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Does anyone else on these boards have a compromised immune system before haveing breast cancer? I am wondering how this will effect us on down the road, as I had all the complications of Chemo when I was told I would have none. Onc stated that the only reason I had the side effects in question was because of my immune system.

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  • cocojo
    cocojo Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2010

    I have Sjogren's Syndrome which is an auto-immune disease where the WBC's attack the musous producing glands of the body. My symptoms were primarily dry eyes and slightly dry mouth. However, after Chemo my eyes have gotten worse and my mouth became intolerably dry...enough so that my rheumatologist had to put me on medication (4 times a day) to stimulate my salivary glands. It has helped, but it is not great! I will have to take this medication the rest of my life! As if after breast cancer we don't have to take enough already... In short, in my case chemo has progressed my other disease.

    Good luck.

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  • dsub
    dsub Member Posts: 37
    edited March 2010

    I have "Sheehan"s Syndrome". I hemorrhaged when having my daughter in '88 and my pituitary glands stroked and died. In short, I have to take steroids, Predinisone in order to live along with synthroid and was on horomone therapy. The chemo, I had mouth sores, thrush, extreme pain with the neulasta shot and generally thought that it was worse than then the surgery. Has your Onc stated if your disease would effect your cancer coming back easier. My onc has not seen anyone with my case so he is straddling the fence so to speak. I know I do not feel anywhere near myself and find I am getting sicker quicker and longer than i normally would even with the immune disorder.

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  • cocojo
    cocojo Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2010

    My oncologist had seen only one other case with the same syndrome as I and that person had no progression of her disease because of the chemo. He didn't mention whether the risks of re-occurence of the cancer was more elevated, but I didn't think to ask him. Good question, though!

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  • olivia218
    olivia218 Member Posts: 257
    edited March 2010

    I have lupus and so far it has delayed some treatment options, right away radiation was not an option for me.  So then the discussion of chemo and how or if and Tamoxifen is out.  I think it makes the treatment options so complicated to figure out how to fit it all together and not make the autoimmune disorder worse - UGH!!

    Does anyone feel like you are just an odd case and have stumped the Dr's?

    Olivia 

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  • carol1949
    carol1949 Member Posts: 562
    edited March 2010

    I would like to suggest Patrick Quillin's Beating Cancer With Nutrition.  He does believe that cancer is a disease caused when the immune system is compromised and doesn't seek out the cancer cells in our bodies and destroy them! 

    The first thing my oncologist said to me, was she thought my bc was related to my thyroid (which regulates our immune systems).

    Do your research.  There are lots of supplements and enzymes that can help rebuild a compromised immune system!

    Dr. Christane Norhtrupt and also Susan Weed have joined forces in a group called the Wise Women Way to help women take control of their health!  Body, Minda and Spirit!

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  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2010

    I had a bout of shingles a few years before diagnosis and I wonder whether this was the first indication of an impaired immune system. Is there a test to measure how well the immune system is working?

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  • carol1949
    carol1949 Member Posts: 562
    edited March 2010

    I think any "dis" ease can be the result of a struggling immune system.  Also remember our bodies want to be healthy and when we are at "dis" ease from body, mind or spirit it can result in any sort of health problem.

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  • M360
    M360 Member Posts: 356
    edited April 2010

    I have blood Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, a connective tissue disease, IBS and colitis.  I have taken Enbrel injections for years.  Doctors were so concerned on how to treat, they said surgery, cutting out all that they could, so far I have had three procedures and my chest opened up twice.

    I did my own research and found that John Hopkins use a chemo for breast cancer to cure autoimmune diseases (also for Lupus) and has had amazing results.  I was told chemo was out of the question as well as radiation.  I would have to stop all medication for weeks to even begin anything.  After I presented the doctors with my findings.  They did some research themselves, and have agreed to a certain cocktail they said.  But I have to wait for another month to make sure all other medications are out of my system.  They told me no doctor ever even tried to treat with a patient taking both, they feel treat the cancer, then they will deal with the immune system and other problems after.  

    I must say it's harder.  I have had to be hospitalized with antibiotic drips for a week at a time, and am still on 1,000mg 3x a day because I can't fight any infection, and already had one big one at mastectomy site.  We all have to be so much more careful and have a ongoing communication with whomever is involved with our treatment and  our Oncologist and Rheumatology Doctors must be in contact and work together for a positive outcome. 

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