Rheumatoid Arthritis - no chemo; only radiation - question

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NorthernCanuck
NorthernCanuck Member Posts: 44
edited August 2015 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I have seronegative RA and had my first radiation treatment today and my arthritis has gone nuts. I could not bring my right arm down to my side without helping it with my left arm. My right shoulder has always been bad and the pain starts there and radiates down to my hands until entire arm is numb with a deep ache. It's hours later and both of my wrists are sore, red and swollen. My knees are killing me and my back is acting up so my sciatica is also going down my right leg. I have a damaged disc from RA inflammation which has been giving me difficulty for the last few years. I'm a mess.

I did some reading here and found that most people with both RA and BC also had chemo. Most went off their RA meds and their RA went into remission due to the chemo. Makes sense since most RA DMARDS are based on chemo drugs. So when they went into radiation they were also in remission.

I'm wondering, since I'm not having chemo if radiation is going to be even possible for me. I've had one treatment (started today; a Friday) and I can't image going again tomorrow. Thankfully I have a weekend. I came out of there shaky and barely able to walk. My husband had driven me which was a good thing as I didn't feel capable of driving as my right arm was so dead. It's not feeling dead anymore but it's aching. I can't imagine what I'll feel like after doing this five days in a row.

It's a good thing I have my 1st week Onc appointment on Tuesday so I can share my concerns.

My question is: Anyone else with RA have only radiation without chemo first? Did it cause your arthritis to flare up? If so, what did you do? I think I'm in trouble here.

Thanks for any feedback! It will be appreciated.


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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2015

    Hi NorthernCanuck,

    I do have RA, but did chemo so I don't have an answer to your question. I just wanted to bump this up to the top of active threads with the hope that someone will come along and have an answer for you. Are you still taking your RA meds while doing radiation? Can your Rheumatologist give you a Depo Medrol shot to get your through radiation? I'm sorry you're going through so much. My RA did go into remission while on chemo, but it came back with a vengeance when I completed treatment. I'm still dealing with the aftermath. I hope they can get it figured out so you can finish your treatment. Gentle hugs to you!

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  • Dellanok
    Dellanok Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2015

    Hi NorthernCanuck

    I also have Seronegative RA but had chemo and no radiation because I chose to have a mastectomy. Like SlowDeepBreaths, the chemo did give me a welcome break from the RA. Once off chemo, it wasn't too long that the RA symptoms returned with a vengeance. It's been about a year and half since my last chemo and just in the last month my RA is finally subsiding to a tolerable level. I did have to go on prednisone to get this point and now on a minimal amount as maintenance. I am a nurse (not a doctor) and not sure why you didn't get chemo with stage 2b as there is so much that goes into a treatment plan, but just know either way chemo or rads or both, it all can play havoc with autoimmune disorders. Hang in there and use pain meds when you need to. Also, ask lots of questions, get a second opinion if needed and do what it takes to get through this season of life.

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  • NorthernCanuck
    NorthernCanuck Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2015

    Thanks for the replies. I am feeling better today, so we'll just have to see.

    The reason for not having chemo is because my oncotypeDX results were low, dropping my recurrence risk from intermediate to low. Thus, just radiation.

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